Part 2: Legacy of Sorrow.

"I say to you, the tax collector went home, juste to God, the other was not."
Luke: 18. 14.

Chapter 8: Toothed wheel.
Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Joseph Vincent was at war. The vampires dwelt atop the clock tower. There was a long hall, filled with the row of decorated coffins. Joseph held his crucifix ready. The stench of rotting flesh was omnipresent. A gloom and mist where upon him. The antique dealer wasn't afraid. Why should he? Joseph Vincent had been picked to destroy count Dracula. The lid was thrown open. A lady fear, with red hair, arised. Joseph didn't retreat. The undead girl was clad only in a sort of torn white nightgown. Joseph doused her in holy water. She screamed. Flames lit her flesh. Joseph stamped with the cross. The vampire was banished into Hell. He made the sign of the cross. The hatred and anger which he felt for the undead made him grow even stronger. He was invincible. The Lord was with him. Joseph had no doubt. Already the floor was stained with their blood. One of them actually scratched him. The dealer had no fear. The sign was lit with fire. Another devil had fallen from the ceiling. Joseph showed no mercy. He would wipe them all out. He would cleance the world of this evil once and forever. Joseph went forth on his crusade. This was his finest hour. Joseph really was the true heir to the house of Belmont. Not by blood. But by action.

Torah had a look about. Was it her imagination, or was somebody talking? She shook her head. It had to be all those tall grandfather clocks working. Beside, there was something else. The sound of the enormous clock above. Torah toutched the silver crush. Some bats where about. For the moment, they kept their distance. Torah didn't trust it would stay that way. Other doors led from this chamber. Torah was heading for the closest, when someone actually spoke. "Torah!" Torah felt like hit with lightning. That was Saria's voice. "Torah?" Her sister asked. "Can you hear me?" This was telepatic. It had to be. "I am here." Torah tried to reach out with her feelings. This wasn't something she'd learned to do. Although Yoko Belnades had been using this art when talking with Soma Cruz in 2035. "I am here." Saria told. It was like she hadn't heard. "The Dark Lord is within these castle walls." Torah felt a shudder. She knew that already. "I am being held captive." Her voice was fading. "The prince of Darkness is lusting for my power." Torah felt tears down her cheeks. "Help me." Saria whispered. "The forest is at stake." She could hear her voice. But then it faded to nothing. Torah had gained the warning. She would save her sister. Torah opened the door.

Patrick had reached the clock tower. Nobody was there to meet him. No matter. He'd pulled out the sidearm. Patrick reloaded the weapon. Some bats where about. He kept a sharp eye out. Just in case though. This room was actually rather strange. Although he could hear the clock, it sounded far off. Then the many grandfather clocks where more present. Patrick had a closer look. Why had he a feeling to have been here before? Patrick shed the emotion. He would have to remain calm if he where to fight Dracula. A hot head would only get him into trouble. There where other doors leading from this place. Patrick frowned. He didn't like that. He sniffed the air. Where had he smelt that scent before? Many people had gone by. Whatever the case, the strongest was very familiar. Patrick knew he should've recognised that scent. Suddenly he smiled. "Saria." He almost shouted. "I'll find you." He went for the leftmost opening. There had been made an insignia upon this door. Patrick didn't mind. Why should he care about the Roman numeral for 1 anyway? Patrick put the matter aside. Before he continued, there was one other thing he should do. He reached into his backpack. Patrick unfolded the contract. "How may I be of service to you today?" Renon said while tipping his hat. Patrick toutched the cross. He still was unsure if he should trust this trader. "I need some antidoetes." He explained. "And some potions as well." Patrick added. "Of course." Renon said. He preduced the wares from within his briefcase. "I have two of each to your collection, sir." He stated. Patrick beheld the green and red medicine. "How much?" He asked. "8000 pieces of gold." Patrick arched an eyebrow. "Other are wanting for my goods." The salesman admitted. "Excuse me. But so it is. The prices are going up." Patrick muttered. He didn't really care. HE got more then enough of money. He paied the price. "Thank you, sir." Renon again tipped his hat. "Remember to unfold my contract if you wish to summon me." Then the stranger was gone. Patrick put the sheet of paper away. When he'd placed the medicine, he went through that door. The chamber inside was clad with plates of metal. Patrick wondered about that. This wasn't anything Jacob would've built. He got cut short. Bats attacked. Patrick shot them all down. He was still using silver bullets. It somehow felt appropriate. The floor began rising. Patrick figured he was inside an elevator. Was this like the tower of science? Patrick wouldn't think about that. It only reminded of poor little Amy. The Dark Lord slaughtered her for having aided his quest. Patrick bit together. He would make him pay. The ceiling above had opened. Patrick was carried out upon the castle ceiling. The elevator haulted. Patrick stepped upon the rooftop. The ceiling closed. Patrick frowned. The area seemed to be made of solid rock. He shook his head. Patrick went forward. Where was he? Never mind that now. The moon shone down upon him. It seemed this was the top of the clock. Although he didn't spot the face. Patrick almost tripped. The snow and ice gave little support. He made the sign of the cross. Patrick knew he got to be careful. "What the… " Suddenly, he felt a presence. Somebody appeared from behind. Although that was inpossible. Nobody had been with him when he'd arrived. "To late, Patrick." Aaron bloated. "Why? You have lost. Even before the fight began." Patrick reholstered his shotgun. Somehow he just knew it had no place here. ""Where is she?" He asked. "Where is Saria?" Patrick altered his appearance. "Aaron smiled. "Still." He said. His voice like iron. "You have always kept your promises." He made a dismissing gesture. The moonlight seemed to reflect in his black shirt and tunic. "I knew you would come." The smile reappeared upon his lips. "Now we may settle our little business once and for all." Patrick unsheated his blade. His former friend wouldn't answer. Patrick didn't understand much of this man's motivation. But he knew he held a scurge against him and his family. Aaron withdrew. Not far though. Not as his body seemed to surge with red energy. Patrick toutched the crucifix. This wasn't good. "Ah." Aaron moaned. "I feel the power. I have achieved control." Patrick watched as the traitor began changing form. This really was strange. So far, Aaron hadn't revealed his man-beast form. "Aaron." Patrick gasped. His body seemed to waver. Patrick didn't believe what happened. Aaron shouldn't been able to summon this much power. He wasn't the chosen. ""Yes." Aaron decleared. "You used to be a step ahead of me." That flickering, wavering glow was about to consume him. Patrick stepped back. "You who share the bloodline with him!" Aaron accused. "The only man-beast of his generation who could manipulate with the seal." Aaron pointed toward the sky. "That night, four years ago." He explained. "Your eyes where like the moon." Aaron snarled. "They where the eyes of someone who held me as a weaker opponent." His hands became fists. "But that has changed. I have changed. Changed from that time." Patrick made no remark. He felt evil was upon this place. He could smell it like a foul scent in the air. ""Changed I say!" Aaron was panting. Then he seemed to gather. Aaron looked upon him with glowing eyes. Patrick shuddered. The red light cast no reflection or shadow. "Patrick. Do you really care so much about Saria's wellbeing?" Patrick blinked. "What?" Aaron should've known. Patrick knew the truth. Heinrich told him everything. "Then why do you go to such length?" Aaron asked. "You and Saria are not blood relatives." Silver almost howled. "That's none of your business." He shouted. Aaron laughed. "The sacrificial rite should already have begun by now." Patrick felt his blood turn cold. "What did you say?" This couldn't be true. It just couldn't. Aaron was glowing more brighter then ever before as he was rising into the air. "If you plan to save her." He scolded. "You better hurry." Patrick tightened the grip upon his blade. "However. First we have a score to settle between ourselves." Patrick got into a defensive posture. "You're worthless." He said through clenched teeth. "I won't let you get away with this." He really ment every word. The forest was at stake. While this madman waisted time while playing games. Aaron was pleased. "Finally you show your true colours." The glow made it impossible to look upon him. "But do you think this is all I got!" Aaron laughed. Patrick stood his ground. The other man-beast was transforming. But this time into something which wasn't human. "What a wonderful being." His voice had changed. "Now I am ready for battle." The roar grew even louder. "Are you ready, Silver?!" Patrick felt like the end was upon him. The great Chimera attacked. Patrick knew he wasn't Cornell. This actually could be his final battle. Patrick ran off the assault. Whatever the case, he would fight until the bitter end. That may be about now. The Chimera was emitting. Patrick dodged the magic rings. He really didn't wished an impact. The huge monster was on the approach. He could hear the man-beast laughing. Patrick growled. He'd learned quite a bit. The elders told about the anomaly transfusions. Patrick would have to defeat the heads. Expeshially since the monster might change the position of the heart. Patrick sidestepped as his enemy emitted another round of those rings. While he ran, Patrick released a flurry of flames. The Chimera passed right through. The monster roared. Patrick made the sign of the cross. He lept above the counterstrike. The lion had been releasing its own type of flaming assault. Patrick ducked. He made a glide. The snake-tails tried to bite with a combined attack. Patrick swung his blade. The snakes got cut off. Aaron roared. But not in pain. That was the sound of inhuman fury. Patrick knew he hadn't inflicted any real damage. As he watched, the Chimera grew new tails. Patrick dodged the onslaught of magic rings. He got to figure out something quickly. The lion head was spewing heavy flames. Patrick made another jump. The Chimera was upon him. With fierce determination, Patrick threw garlic right into the monster's face. Fused with plasma, they exploded. The Chimera was shaken. Not enough. Not by far. Patrick was able to back-flip. The enemy was flying in the air. Then Aaron began flapping his wings more hastily. The gust of winds blew him backward. Patrick fought to not get thrown off of the rooftop. The storm suddenly halted. Heavy flames burned the area. Snow was melted. Making the ceiling even less supportive. Patrick clenched his hand around his crucifix. The enemy was releasing magic rings. Patrick released a cross-shaped blast of pure energy. Aaron was struck hard. The tails whipped him far away. Patrick felt like his mind was fleeting. The snakes must've bit him. Patrick preduced an antidote. The liquid cured his status. Although he got plenty left, Patrick was unsure if it would be enough. The Chimera was flapping its wings. Patrick struggled to keep in place. The enemy released a heavy flame-blast. Patrick was able to dodge. He heard the distant screams of the darkside. "Just perfect." Patrick muttered. The party would be complete with some of those monsters joining in the fun. That really wasn't funny after all. Patrick was in trouble. He got hit by those magic rings. The impact made him feel numb. He couldn't move. The Chimera came for him. Patrick tried to brake free. He didn't have the strength of his brother. But Thomas might also have been captured with such blind hatred. The lion head opened its jaws. Patrick inhaled. The beast roared. Red flames burned him. Patrick knew only one tactic which might save him. He channelled out with all his man-beast energy. His body was suddenly blazing with plasma. Although struck hard, his counterstrike saved him from what may be worse. Patrick managed to get back up. The Chimera was flying toward him. Patrick ran. The huge monster was chasing him about. Aaron was laughing. "So sure of victory." Patrick muttered. He also got some few tricks. He shot plasma into the air. The Chimera got hit beneath. Although the massive horse-like body didn't burn, the onslaught slowed the objective. Patrick threw stakes at at him. They pierced the chest. The monster roared. Perhaps he'd struck some vital organs after all. The monster breathed with flames. Patrick made two large spinning books to protect him. The attack lasted until he could gather. The Chimera knew how to react. Patrick got pushed backward by the heavy winds. This wasn't like fighting Rouge. She hadn't been by far a match to the power of this being. The moment he was thrown off balance, the books vanished. The Chimera roared its triumph. The horse was emitting other rings. Patrick was able to dodge this time. He answered with a row of plasma. Although that would only serve to slow it down. Patrick made a sudden leap. This might be catastrophic. If it didn't work. The flowers left his grasp. Patrick fused with all his strength. Bogh heads got consumed with the impact. Somehow the beast was able coletct itself. The enemy turned. Patrick got hit above the chest. The snakes bit deep into him. They came about for another turn. Patrick was forced backward. He was shaking like with feaber. Patrick managed to intake another doze of his green medicine. The tails came whipping. Patrick cut them off. The Chimera grew other tails. It was like the Hydra. Patrick was forced to run in circles. The Chimera was chasing him. It might force him off of the battlefield. Patrick threw garlic at it. The enemy turned its heads away. Thus shielding from the impact. Patrick swung with his blade. Forced with plasma, he managed to repel the magic rings. He made a glide underneath the enemy, releasing plasma while getting along. When having passed, he made a sudden back-flip. The tails missed. The Chimera moved with surprising speed. The lion released other flames. Patrick knelt. He got the shining sword in front. He prayed it would be enough. Patrick slammed the book into the ground. Arching waves of plasma got released all over the place. The enemy got hit. Patrick watched Chimera-Aaron burn. Then the monster began to flap its wings. The fight wasn't over. Patrick had to struggle to simply stay ontop. He released forward with another cross-shaped beam of energy. The Chimera got struck. Patrick had no time for celebration. As he ran around the enemy, trying to might get an angle, the tails struck him down. Patrick snarled as he felt them bite him. Although they had not the power to tear him down. They inflected his blood with a poisoned state. Patrick rolled aside. He had another medicine. By now, there only was one doze left in that bottle. Patrick got back on foot. The Chimera released another onslaught of magic rings. He got struck far back. Unable to move, he could just watch as the enemy advanced. Patrick got an idea. Which might keep the monster busy while he gathered himself for battle. While the devil was still some distance away, Patrick fired plasma into the beast. The Chimera roared in anger. Patrick bit together. HE had to stay put. The monster was still getting closer. "Christ!" Patrick pleaded for guidance. "Please! Help me!" But suddenly he could move. Patrick got back up. He ran for his blade. The Chimera flapped its wings. The heavy winds caught him. Patrick was forced backward. The monster wouldn't let him escape this time. Patrick snarled with frustration. Soon it would be to late. HE threw a single wild rose toward his enemy. The flower exploded. The Chimera got struck hard. Patrick released a flurry of flames. The Chimera came flying through. It'd been wounded. Patrick hadn't won. He knew that already. He made a glide. The tails got him. Patrick snarled. The snakes held him in place. Patrick retained his man-beast form. He clawed them to shreds. Then he let go. They'd inflicted another poisoned state. Patrick drank the remains of the green medicine. He put away the bottle. He stil had to retain his blade. The enemy was chasing him about. Although he shot with plasma, it wasn't enough. Patrick was panthing when he finally retrived the blade. He'd already faught the werewolf to get it. He held it out while Chimera-Aaron breathed heavy flames. Patrick was able to stand tall. Although he couldn't use his momentum. The beast was almost immune to flame. He couldn't use its own weapon against it. Patrick bit together. Aaron wasn't going to get away with this. He should pay for having given Saria up as a sacrifice. This was no competition. Although Aaron might see it that way. He'd wanted a rematch. But also a chanse to kill the brother of the man which he despiced the most. Patrick bit together. He wouldn't give in. Suddenly the Chimera was flapping its wings. Patrick almost got taken aback. HE didn't expect that move. The storm sent him flying backward. He was able to keep the blade this time. He got a hold of the rooftop and managed to climb back on. The monster emitted magic rings. Patrick struck them aside. He threw stakes forward. The Chimera burned them ashes. Patrick was able to sidestep this time. Then the monster turned. Patrick got struck by the tail-snakes. He cut them off. But they poisoned him while biting. This wasn't fair. Then again, the old saying told that all was in love and war. Patrick preduced the second bottle. He was grateful for having purchased a double doze. The medicine healed his status. The Chimera was attacking. Patrick jumped. He released flowers while leaping. Some roses went home. Silver howled in triumph. Patrick made the sign of the cross. The flames hit him head on. Burned, Patrick felt like dying. A good thing he'd bought so many potions. He got the red medicine. The quality healed him of damage. Even so, his body was left aching. Patrick knew it would. The monster had been playing with him, tossing him about like a puppet. Patrick blocked yet another round of magic rings. This was getting out of hand. Patrick reached across another heavy onslaught. The flames waves abroad. They melted the ice and snow. Patrick made a near desperate back-flip. He managed to repel the rings. The Chimera was chasing him about. Patrick shot with plasma. Nothing seemed to stop his former friend. The Chimera began flapping its wings. Patrick struggled to remain on top. He made a wild leap. The sword was shining bright. Patrick plunged it deep into the monster's flesh. Blood splashed on the battlefield. He'd scored between the two heads. As the Chimera was still in the air, Patrick managed to glide underneath. The wipers bit him. Patrick cut them off. He had another sip of the antidote. Things wasn't going his way. He'd already taken half the bottle. Chimera-Aaron had gathered. He came flying in. Patrick blocked the magic rings. "Be Your will!" Patrick shouted. He presented the cross. Holding the shining item in front, he stood tall against the wave of flames. Although knocked far back, he didn't become burned. "Thank You Lord." Patrick breathed. He struggled to get up. The armour was slowing him down. The Chimera didn't give him the time. The beast flapped its wings. Patrick was thrown away. He held onto the end of the rooftop. Patrick reached into his bag. Holding on with only one hand, he slammed the book into the ground. He gave loose with all his force. Arching beams of plasma became spread outward. Patrick climbed back up. The Chimera had been struck to the ground. Patrick ran forward. He still got the book in hand. Aaron was lifting back up. Patrick lept. He threw the roses into his face. The explosion sent him sprawling. Patrick was able to stay on the rooftop. He gathered the items. Patrick looked up. That final attack had severed the horse head from the body. The lion beheld him with a hateful stare. Then he breathed more flame. Patrick was able to sidestep the onslaught. That was close. The battle continued. Patrick ran while throwing plasma. He got to slow down that accursed being. The Chimera breathed heavy flames. Patrick managed to jump across. He came from the side. He swung his sword. The blazing plasma might crush its ribs. Blood stained the roof. Patrick was hit in the side. Unlike any natural horses, Aaron might kick in any directions. Patrick didn't know if any real Chimera might do that. Whatever the case, he actually felt pretty crushed. He had a sip of his healing potion. Still slightly shaken, he got back on foot. Chimera-Aaron flapped his wings. Patrick struggled to remain in place. Although he knew it was a useless gesture, he released a flurry of flames. He gapped. Patrick didn't expect it would work. Perhaps the loss of the horse head really had made some damage. The sudden dash took him by surprise. Although Patrick managed to glide beneath. Of course the worms where ready. They bit into his flesh. Patrick groaned. That dizzy feeling made him sick. Patrick threw up on the floor. He got the antidote. That healed his status. Patrick made the sign of the cross. He only got a sample left. The heavy flames knocked him square across the rooftop. Patrick lay bleeding on the floor. Patrick barely reached into his bag. The potion healed his damages. The Chimera was dashing. Patrick lifted up. He threw a flurry of flowers in an attempt to shield himself. Although he got knocked even further backward, the explosion shook his enemy. Patrick made a swing with his claws. He'd lost his sword somewhere in the fight. He would have to search for it later. The monster turned. The snakes whirled through the air. Patrick slashed them off. Their blood toutched his fingers. He felt weary. Patrick didn't believe this was true. Aaron got him just where he wanted. Although he took the last sip of the antidote, his opponent grew other worms. It was like a small Hydra. He bit together. The enemy flapped his wings. Patrick was forced backward. He made a sudden backflip. The enemy couldn't follow. He threw stakes before running. The target was to large. Aaron couldn't blok. The pales burst on impact. Silver howled. He'd retrived his blade. Patrick retained his human form. The Chimera was about to move its wings. "Not this time." Patrick muttered. He released forward with a cross-shaped beam of pure energy. The impact was awesome. Patrick made the sign of the cross. He was running forward. Patrick had to behead him. The Chimera breathed flames. This time he couldn't block. Patrick was coming in to fast. The flames burned him. Patrick wasn't defeated. He still got some potion left in his backpack. Healed of his wounds, Patrick was back in action. The Chimera didn't stop. The monster released other flames. Patrick was careful. The worms was the greatest threat. He could no longer heal himself of their poison. If only he'd purchased more medicine. The Chimera chased him. There was nothing he could do. The crystals wouldn't last forever. Patrick bit together. HE never wished to fight his former friend. Aaron had forced a fight. Such was his anger. His defeat would prove nothing. Patrick swung with the cross. He made a complete turn. The Chimera was to close. The presence of God's power within this symbol made the monster burn. The lion bit him. Patrick howled with pain. He couldn't be cursed. Not in this way anyhow. The pain was almost enough to bring him down. Aaron laughed. Patrick stepped back. He held together. The Chimera came in for the kill. "In the name of Jesus Christ!" Patrick almost snarled. "Our Lord!" He released the flames. The flurry burned the flesh of his opponent. Patrick was thrown on the floor. He rolled aside. He got the time to heal himself. Aaron-Chimera somehow gathered. Patrick dodged the flames it sent him. He should've taken the head when he'd gotten the chanse. He still got his blade. The monster was on the offensive. It flailed with the worm-tails. Patrick cut them off. He didn't get to close this time. Thus he didn't become poisoned. His enemy made others replace them. Patrick presented the cross. He got a breather. But then the Chimera breathed other flames. Patrick was forced backward. He threw some garlic to cover up his retreat. The monster chased him. Patrick shot with plasma. The other man-beast was still powerful enough to absorb the offence. Patrick made two large spinning books to protect his location. The Chimera was blasting for them. The flame didn't make them burn. His enemy roared with frustration. Patrick made a sudden dash. He had used what crystals he got left. Now, he would have to use his items. Patrick stamped the cross. His faight should deliver him. The Chimera didn't like that. The flames it lit, made the monster retreat. The snakes came from underneath. Patrick expected that move. He slashed them to pieces. The flames threw him on the floor. Patrick reached into his backpack. He drank the last sip of potion. Then Patrick felt like screaming. The other bottle had been crushed in the battle. The preshious red medicine had been splashed all over. The Chimera didn't give him time to mourn. Aaron breathed flames all over the place. Patrick dodged as best he could. He summoned his power. Or tried to. He paled. Patrick wasn't the chosen of his tribe. Neither did he possess the power of Dracula. Without the crystals, he couldn't shape-shift. Patrick felt chills down his spine. He would die. Aaron got him now. Or perhaps not? He'd promised to save the children. He wouldn't let the forest die. The Chimera was still breathing flames. Patrick might dodge. He bit together. He wasn't going to give in without a fight. Patrick threw garlic and roses into the air. That would empty the stock. No matter. That gave him what time he needed. Beside, he already may have got it his way. The Chimera got engulfed by the explosion. Patrick knew this could be his final chanse. He ran forward while he held the cross high. "Be Your will!" He shouted. This would be for his family. And for the forest as well. He made a powerful slash. The sword went deep into the neck. Blood stained the ground. Aaron was on the floor. Then The Chimera suddenly just dwindled. Patrick was on his knees, gasping for breth. This was a miracle. "Thank You Lord." He said. Patrick got back on foot. Aaron might still be planning something. He resheated the blade. Patrick had the pistol ready. His opponent hung his head. "Hah, it seems like I'm still no match for you." Aaron clutched his head with bogh hands. As if he where in pain. "I thought I could use Dracula's magic to surpass your abilities." Patrick stepped closer. "Aaron." He said, suddenly remembering about their good times together. The man-beast was on his knees. "Though I still hate you." Aaron looked upon him with a certain tiredness. Patrick toutched the crucifix. Beyond such feelings, there still was a smoldering hate in his eyes. "Saria is here." Aaron revealed. "She has not been sacrifised yet." Patrick almost dropped his gun. "Are you sure, Aaron?" If it was true, then that would be incredible. "You aren't lying?" Aaron smiled. Though it never reached his eyes. "I wanted to settle this score, even if it ment to disobey lord Dracula. So I have no regrets, now that I have fought the true you." For a moment, he actually looked sad. "I only regret what I did to those children. But it is to late for that now." Patrick shook his head, reholstering his shotgun. "You don't need to go on, Aaron." He said, and ment it. His former friend pushed his gesture aside. "At least you've saved that girl Saria." "Of course." Patrick muttered. Although there still was no sight of her. Electricity cracked around Aaron's body. He stumbled backward. "Your fool!" He shouted. "You cut me off from my source of power!" His eyes where afire. "Get away from me!" The surge grew more violent. "You are not the person who shall kill me." Patrick mournfully watched him walk away. "Aaron." He called. "Don't go. It doesn't have to end like this." The sudden explosion made him look away. "Aaron." He whispered. But it was to late. His friend was gone. Patrick was unsure if he was dead or what. Then something else caught his attention. Saria was Saria was laying upon the rooftop. "Oh no!" Patrick couldn't help the outburst. The dryad was naked. She looked torn and tired. Patrick knelt by her. How could he ever have beheld her as dangerous? Saria didn't move. "Saria!" He shouted while shaking her. The activity at least had some result. Saria was slowly wakening. Then her eyes grew wide. "Patrick!" She sobbed. "The forest is afire. All the people will… " Patrick put his arms around her. "It's alright." He tried to comfort. Although he was unsure of what she was speaking. Before he could ask, a flurry of sickles came flying in from afar. The onslaught made him loose the girl. "Saria!" He shouted. "Watch out!" Something happened. Suddenly she was encapsulated within a crimson jewel. "Patrick!" She was banging on the crystal. "Help me!" "I have found her at last." Patrick looked about. That strange voice was merely a whisper in his mind. "To think the sacrifice was hidden here." Upon a bleak horse, there sat a man, wielding a scythe. "Death." Patrick breathed. He reached for his weapon. "Searching for the devine sacrifice almost upset the timing of our ritual." The skeletal face beheld the scenery of the battlefield. "And the Dark Lord thought the lycanthrope would prove to be useful." Disobeying the command of the count and to throw away his own power." It almost was like the grim reaper was speaking to himself. Patrick had an aim upon him. Then, suddenly, without a sign, Death and Saria simply faded away. "No!" Patrick shouted. "Don't go away!" This couldn't be happening. "Saria! Hang on!" He screamed, although she was already gone. "I'll save you." He swore. "I promise." The only answer, was the distant screaming of the darkside demons. Patrick put his sidearm away. He went back to the elevator. He thanked the Lord when it worked. Without trouble, he reached the clock room. He knocked some candles. The crystals where really handy right now. The area seemed like there had been a battle going on. Patrick didn't care. He got to continue. But first, he had to purchase new medicines. Patrick reached for the contract. HE would have to make this quick.

Heinrich was careful when entering this chamber. He held the great whip at the ready. The mammals came swarming down. Heinrich flailed with the whip. He used the stopwatch. The bats got whipped into oblivion. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. He picked the crystals. There was something particular about this place. Heinrich beheld the tall grandfather clocks and iron-bound doors. Each was marked with a Roman numeral. The only source of light was afforded by the lit candles. Heinrich thought of whipping them down. He went forward. He was about to cross the area when he noticed. At the center of the room was a circle where the earth lay bare. The pavement was gone. Heinrich toutched the cross. This was the clock tower. He could tell as mouch from the sounds above. The earth shouldn't be beneath this place. He stepped further. The soil was rich and dark in colour. Heinrich frowned. This was good land. Bogh the farmer and the gardener would agree. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. Was this the soil in which the curse lay sleeping? He never got the answer. Something made him turn. There was movement beneath the earth. Heinrich tightened the grip on his weapon. "Who is there?" He asked. "Show yourself." He would forever regret those words. The undermole was black as the very night around them. Heinrich made a step backward. The mole was the size of an European rabit. The beast came for him. Heinrich whipped it away. But then all the soil was moving. The huge black undermoles came from every direction. Heinrich felt like he should've got eyes in the back. They came quicker then he could whip. Strange really. Heinrich always laughed when hearing about Christopher Belmont who faught these monsters in 1577. Now, it wasn't funny anymore. They reached for him with their claws and tentacles. They where like hungry leeches. They would eat him alive. Finally Heinrich got an idea. He doused the place with holy water. The undermoles burned. The soil got turned. Heinrich was breathing. He didn't stop until the earth was purified. He collected the crystals. That hadn't been easy. He picked together. The place looked like a mess. Heinrich drew sweath of his brow. He hoped Torah wouldn't be angry with him. If she was still alive. Heinrich smiled. He trusted she was. Torah was a vampire hunter in her own rights. He hung up the whip. Then Heinrich went for the nearest door.

Castle keep, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The throne room lay in shadow. It was silent. A boy was seated upon the coffin of lord Dracula. "So it is." The voice was a mere whisper. "You have become." The boy made no answer. Instead, he began to play on his little flute. The music was sweet and somehow soothing. The angel of Death made no notice. The two vampires, standing guard, seemed uneased. Death could tell. He could feel everyone within this place. Even those which where hidden. He released the sacrifice from within his skeletal arms. She was laid upon the alter. Chained with raims not even she could remove. It was very close now. The Necromonicon book would open on its own accord. Death acknowledged. He was pleased. Although not for what the young master might expect. The Dark Lord would rise. Even now, the forces of Darkness where gathering for such purposes. He noticed his presence. He turned to look upon him. "I see you have gathered." He remarked. The tall figure slightly lowered his head. "Actrise is still waiting." The dark angel decleared. "I know what will happen." The caped figure whispered. "I shall join her, my lord." Death said while fading.

Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Actrise had been standing in place. She looked up upon the clock's face. There still was an hour and a quarter to the time would be right. Actrise was not deterred. She knew many things. Many things indeed. She had been waiting for such a long time. It had not been in wain. He had returned to her. The grim reaper was seated upon his horse. "I have found her." Death whispered. Actrise merely acknowledged. She had no hand in that affair. Not really. "Has he got away?" Death asked. Though not in an effort to change subject. Actrise smiled. She knew her fangs where extended. "Indeed." She said. "Good." The grim reaper breathed. It where indeed. He would not be to meddle in their business. Neither of them would be allowed. "He went with the bounty-hunters." She added. "They should be half the way to Greymark by now." This time the angel merely nodded. Though it was good. "He will continue to serve our cause." Death said. "Such is his destiny." Actrise nodded. She did not mind about his matters. She was far more interested in other things. Actrise smiled even broader. Her very being was humming. Torah Fernandez was approaching.

Patrick had a look around. He made the sign of the cross. Although he'd heard the clock for quite some time. But this was altogether different. He threw it aside. Patrick thought this place looked like a madman's dream. Even though he'd heard the legends about Dracula's clock tower. The huge chamber was disappearing up among the shadows. Although ladders and stairways where leading this way or that, it didn't make any sence. Patrick muttered. Though it was no way around. He just would have to start climbing. As he made that decision, something moved. Patrick had his shotgun. It'd been to quick for any mere human. He made the sign of the cross. The skeleton made a sudden punch. Patrick ducked. "Take this, your devil!" Patrick shouted. The bullet went through the enemy. The skeleton collapsed into a heap of bones. Patrick picked the crystal. He had to get out of here. Then the bats suddenly seemed to go crazy. They came like a swarm. Patrick made his body blaze with plasma. That made them all burn. Patrick got quite some jewels. It didn't matter. The skeleton punched him. Patrick shot it away. He retrived the stakes. Patrick then went for the nearest ladder.

Castle keep, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Benjamin was toutching his little golden crucifix. Olivia was in the cell beside him. She was talking in her sleep, again. Benjamin wondered what it might be about. She was the only one of them who had not been detained with gold or silver chains. Somehow that made it impossible to use any magic force. "Don't be afraid." She told him. "I am here." Benjamin didn't wish to look. But his head got forced around. How that was possible, he didn't knew. She had spoken to him before. But now she was no ghost. She was here, talking to him. "I am Hirotaka Yori." She said. Yori smiled. She was perhaps a year younger then him. "I am here to set you free." The tiny Japanese girl stepped closer. Benjamin thought she was beautiful. With large velvet eyes and braids of black hair, hanging down her shoulders. She was like the image of what he desired. Though he was only twelve years old. Benjamin had already felt what adults spoke of. Yori smile even broadened. "I'll help you." She let go of her silk Kimono. The torchlight shone upon her perfect pale body. Yori reached her arms for him. Then he gasped. "You cast no shadow!" The words simply erupted from his lips. Her fangs where exposed. "Bubble boom!" Benjamin blinked. Olivia was shooting.

Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Heinrich beheld the enormous chamber. The sound of the clock was omnipresent. He made the sign of the cross. At least, there was no earth on the floor. Heinrich put the matter aside. The bats where circling above. Heinrich began to climb the ladder. The skeleton threw bones at him. Heinrich quickened his steps. There was little he could do in this position. Though he used the stopwatch to stop the enemy in place. That didn't last. The bats attacked. Heinrich reached the top while throwing the axe. That made them keep some distance. Heinrich had gotten upon the platform. The skeleton threw more bones. Heinrich whipped them away. The dagger removed even the bone-man. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. He knocked the candle. There was crystals within. He took that which the skeleton left behind. He flailed with the whip. The mammals scattered. Heinrich nodded. He picked the crystals. There was no ladder leading from this place. If he where to get above, he would have to jump. Heinrich frowned. He made an effort to see beyond the obvious. It was a sort of ring up there. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. Then he leached out with the great whip. The weapon got hold. "Yeah!" Heinrich shouted while swinging across. He landed upon one of the cogwheels. The gear was turning slow. Heinrich felt slightly dizzy. Although he wasn't scared of hights. The Medusa head made him dismiss the matter. The snake creature attacked from a wavy pattern. Heinrich threw the dagger. He missed. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. The cog made things even more difficult. He used the stopwatch. Heinrich was able to whip the monster into oblivion. The crystal fell into his grasp. There where more of them. Heinrich threw the boomerang-cross. He focused. The homing cross cut them to shreds. The pillar of bones wasn't impressed. The pillar was somewhat above his position. The stacked dragon skulls where breathing heavy flames. Heinrich threw his axe before making another jump. He reached the platform. The clock shaft felt rather cramped. Heinrich made no mind about it. The pillar of bones shot fireballs. Heinrich climbed the short stairway while twirling the whip. The platform above only had led some distance of the way. Heinrich wasn't high enough to fight the bone pillar. The bats also made things difficult. Heinrich used the stopwatch to slow down matters. The skeleton threw bones. Heinrich got hit. "Damn!" The bones felt like sharp nails drilled into his body. The steel plate gave no protection. Heinrich whipped the skeleton away. The mammals attacked. Heinrich threw holy water. The pillar of bones breathed heavy flames. Heinrich ran. He reached the end of the platform. The moving gear would be the only way. Heinrich went for it. This time the gear was going vertical. It was no perfect habitat. Heinrich toutched the cross. The pillar of bones made things even more difficult. He made another jump. Heinrich barely reached the platform. He got away from it immediately. The rotating platform almost sent him to his death. Heinrich got hold of another ring. He swung over to another ladder. The bats attacked. Heinrich brandished the stopwatch. He got up as they began moving. Heinrich threw the axe. There where some other candles up here. Heinrich left them behind. They where the only source of light. He went for another cog. Some bats where flying around. Heinrich had no time. He made for another jump. This time to face the pillar of bones. The stacked dragon skulls where breathing heavy flames. Heinrich flailed with the whip. He was determined to defeat this monster. Heinrich was able to block the flames. He made a back-dash move to suddenly attack with his sword. The blade was blue with water force. The skull was shattered. Heinrich went above. The lower head was still active. Heinrich whipped the fireballs. Then he fused with power. The vial of holy water got crushed as an blue flame engulfed the enemy. Heinrich relaxed. He resheated the blade before picking crystals. He left the platform. The bats where about. Heinrich used the metal ring to move abroad. This platform was guarded by the axe knight. Heinrich almost got cut down. He got very little space. He stopped the armour in time. The bats came swarming. Heinrich presented the crucifix. He really didn't have time for this. The axe knight got back in action. Heinrich still got the crucifix. He got risen into the air. The flaming attack struck the axe knight backward. Heinrich landed upon the platform. He whipped the axes away. The armour protected with its shield. Heinrich was unsure if those in the center had been equipped with such messures. No mind about that now. Heinrich threw holy water. The mammals approached. The axe knight burned into ashes. Heinrich felt no victory. He was to busy. The bats circled about. He took the crystals. Heinrich made a jump for it. The gear was to narrow. Still, he held on for dare life. The cog was moving in a vertical layer. Heinrich climbed up before it might crush him against the wall. He drew sweath of his brow. Heinrich toutched the crucifix. That had been rather close. He shook it off. He knew he had to. The gear was still moving. Medusa heads attacked. Heinrich flailed with the whip. He used bloodline mystics to keep it on fire. The flame whip made them burn to ashes. He took the crystals. Heinrich made another jump. He got a look downward. The floor was already shrouded with shadow. He made the sign of the cross. A fall would be fatal. Then the bats attacked. Heinrich brandished the stopwatch. That made them stop in time. Heinrich didn't bother to whip them. He instead climbed the ladder. Where had he gotten to? Heinrich jumped. He landed upon the gear. Another was just in place. They might grine him between themselves. Heinrich didn't stay around until it happen. He got hold of another metal ring. Heinrich swung across. The blood skeleton made a punch at him. Heinrich dodged. He whipped it to pieces. He knew it wasn't the end. The soaked bag of bones would rebuild in time. He got upon a sort of moving platform. Along its pattern, the thing was going up and down. Above where some steps which appeared and reappeared from within the wall. That didn't look good. Heinrich tightened the grip upon his weapon. Heinrich whipped the mammals away. He got to time this correctly. Heinrich jumped. But he missed. He fell back down upon those cogwheels. HE got away before they might crush him. He got upon the next platform. The crimson-bone was back in action. Heinrich got hit. He groaned with pain. The thing was stronger then it looked. He stamped with his crucifix. If only he'd gotten the power of ice. That was Torah's alright. Heinrich threw the matter aside. He got upon the moving platform. This time he really managed to climb that strange staircase. Although the rotating platform almost sent him back down. The pillar of bones didn't make things less difficult. Heinrich bit together. He landed before the stacked dragon skulls. The whip was fused with electricity. Heinrich whipped the flames away. Then he doused the enemy in holy water. The pillar of bones began burning. It wasn't ready to give in just yet. It breathed heavy flames. Heinrich was forced backward. The bats where chasing him. Heinrich used the stopwatch. He held the crucifix to his heart. Heinrich got risen into the air. The flaming cross cleared the area. He gratefully collected the gemstones. They would surely get in handy later. Heinrich looked around. Although he felt like having climbed forever, he really wasn't that high up. Heinrich acknowledged. He climbed the short staircase. He stopped a moment to defeat the skeleton. The bone-man was throwing fragments into the air. Heinrich dodged. Then he whipped the skeleton into oblivion. Other Medusa heads attacked. Heinrich threw axes at them. Flames burned on impact. There where some candles here. Heinrich couldn't afford to knock them. He jumped upon the nearest platform. Instead of moving up and down, this was going back and forth. That was no comfort. Appearing and reappearing steps where ahead. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. "Be the will of the Lord." He exclaimed. The platform was on its way back when he lept. He landed in time. Heinrich gave it no mind. He ran up and then jumped upon the gear. Although vertical, the cog was turning round. Heinrich bit together. He got to get away. The bats didn't agree. Nor did the pillar of bones. Heinrich threw his dagger at the bones. That made them relax. At least for a while. The bats where coming in. Heinrich twirled the great whip. The mammals got defeated. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. The gear was still turning round. Heinrich found no other way to go then to hang onto the chains themselves. This was almost worse then hanging from the web. Heinrich threw the matter aside. He wasn't ready to go. The wild leap settled him upon another of those rotating platforms. Heinrich jumped. He landed upon another of those stairway platforms. The axe knight wouldn't let him pass. Heinrich stopped it in time. The stopwatch was not as useless as some would have you believe. Heinrich cracked a smile. Though it didn't come from the heart. Heinrich doused the armour in holy water. He still got plenty of trouble. The Medusa heads was still interested. Heinrich whipped them away. The axe knight was hurling. Heinrich dodged. He sidestepped the onslaught. He threw his own weapon. The axe made lightning strike. The armour was defeated. Heinrich still wondered what might be inside. Other Medusa heads arrived. He threw daggers at them. He climbed the stairs. The shaft was going up. Heinrich watched the spikes pertrude from within the wall. That track wouldn't be easy. He lept just as they withdrew. The bricks broke beneath his feet. Heinrich got hold of one of those rings. He hung there, breathing. He used the stopwatch. The bats where haulted. He swung across. Heinrich got behind the spike-trap. The red skeleton tried to punch him. Heinrich whipped the thing into submission. Although he knew the victory would be short. The blood skeleton would soon get back together. He presented the crucifix. The mammals kept their distance. The crimson-bone was active. Heinrich dodged the attack. HE swung with the whip. The skeleton collapsed. Heinrich went for another platform. This thing was going up and down. Heinrich was busy whipping the Medusa heads away. The enemies left some crystals behind. Heinrich made another wild leap. He climbed upon the cogwheel. It was slightly turning around. Heinrich wondered what machine this might belong to. No time to wonder about that now. The bats had reached him. Heinrich spun the whip about. Legends told that Leon Belmont, who faught against the undead while in 1094, had invented that blow. Heinrich claimed the jewels. He had no choise but to continue. He jumped over to the platform. This was of that rotating kind. Heinrich was able to save himself. He defeated the skeleton before climbing the ladder. Something gleemed in the light of lit candles. Heinrich bent to inspect it more closely. The iron key was decorated with pieces of red gold. That was what made it shine. It lay there. Like someone might have dropped it. Heinrich put it into his purse. He wondered if this may be a sign. That someone of his friends where still alive. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. The Lord would guide them. Though the Dark Lord stood poised for the final battle. He wouldn't turn back. Heinrich whipped the mammals. He wasn't there just yet. Heinrich jumped upon the closest gear. This one was working horizontal. It could throw him off balance. Heinrich lept over. Spikes pertruded from within the metal. Heinrich lept before they might kill him. He got on one of those platforms going back and forth. The Medusa heads didn't waist the opportunity. Heinrich was using the stopwatch. Thus he might whip them away. That wasn't enough. The bats, not to mention the pillar of bones, was making things difficult. Heinrich threw the boomerang-cross. He channelled with power. The weapon split into multiple homing crosses. The bats where destroyed. Heinrich got the crystals. There still was that bone pillar to consider. The skulls where breathing heavy flames or fireballs. Heinrich wished he got something to protect himself. That was no option. Or was it? Heinrich still got the cross in hand. He summoned water before hurling. The throwing-cross twirled overhead while water pillars protected from damage. Heinrich advanced. Water was still in his blood. The jewel whip struck the highest skull to pieces. There still where two heads left. Other mammals approached. Heinrich twirled the whip around. He threw daggers toward the pillar of bones. Water was raining down. Heinrich grasped the crystals. He threw axes into the air. The bone pillar got defeated. Heinrich used the stopwatch. He finally got rid of the mammals. Not really. There where still more of them. Heinrich whipped at the flock. Hector, who fought against the Dark Lord in 1499, might've created some powerful tool or item from their demise. Heinrich couldn't. HE was no damn devil forgermaster. No matter. He at last could leave that crazy moving platform. He got upon the rocks on which the pillar had been situated. Heinrich began to climb the staircase. But then the steps broke. Heinrich jumped. He landed upon the platform above just as the skeleton hit him. Heinrich stamped with the cross. He picked the gem. Another skeleton, stationed somewhat to the left, hit knocked him with bones. Heinrich bit together. He threw a knife. The dagger made the bag of bones to collapse. Heinrich lept. The rotating platform made things more difficult. Heinrich lept. The steps which went from the wall, withdrew backward. Heinrich fell down. Heinrich barely got hold of that moving platform. The Medusa heads came flying in. Heinrich got struck. "Lord!" Heinrich summoned the name of God. He knew what those monsters might do. Water poured through him. Heinrich felt like something shattered. The stoned state had become removed. "Stronger we are in the name of the Lord!" Heinrich shouted. The heads thus got whipped into oblivion. Heinrich went back upon the platform. The stairs where still shattered. Heinrich managed to get hold of the upper platform. He went for the edge when the mammals attacked. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. Suddenly, he felt very tired. What was there when new would always arrive? He straightened up. Heinrich knew he would have to keep his faight. That was all standing between his soul and Satan. Heinrich whipped the bats away. He got upon the turning wheel. He got to be careful now. The stairs where going back into the rock. Heinrich made a sort of back-flip. The head missed. Heinrich whipped the successor. The steps where on their way out. Heinrich jumped. He ran upward before they might stop him. The mammals came in close presuit. Heinrich didn't care. This time he should make it home. The steps retreated. Heinrich got upon another moving platform. This going up and down. Heinrich utilized the stopwatch. That froze them in time. Heinrich timed it carefully. Then he lept. The spikes where about to rise from the platform. Heinrich made another jump. HE wasn't going to get stabbed. They might be poisoned anyway. The gear didn't give much comfort. The skeleton was throwing bones. Heinrich dodged. He used the stopwatch. The mammals got stoped. Heinrich landed in front of the bone-man. The whip ended its misery. Heinrich drew sweath of his brow. This surely wasn't easy. He got up the ladder. The sound of moving gears was really getting on his nerves. Could that be a part of Dracula's curse? No time to figure that out. The mammals had arrived. Heinrich threw axes at them. Lightning struck on impact. Heinrich tried to get hold of the crystals. They could replenish his mystical energy. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. Time to get going. Before he could go anywhere, the Medusa heads attacked. Heinrich threw daggers at them. He whipped them in turn. They might inflict a stoned state. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. HE picked some crystals. Then Heinrich lept. He landed upon something which looked like a large spinning pendulum. This was madness. "Tell them about it." Heinrich muttered. Nothing was to be ordinary within the shadow of Castlevania. That Barlove told Shanoah in 1810. It was all so true. Heinrich whipped for the mammals. The axe knight was throwing its weapon forward. Heinrich whipped that too. He threw the cross. Heinrich hoped that might distract it. At least for a while. This might be fatal. Heinrich gathered as the pendulum came swinging back. He lept upon the platform. The axe knight attacked. Heinrich sidestepped. He doused the armour with holy water. Heinrich felt like having a shower for himself. That wasn't optional. The axe knight was still around. So where the bats. Heinrich used the stopwatch. He was able to trap the mammals within a burning field. That wouldn't last forever. Heinrich threw daggers forward. He whipped the axe away. The knives made the armour stagger. Heinrich advanced. He whipped the possessed suit of armour to pieces. He gratefully took the crystals they left. There was another pendulum ahead. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. When it came back, he jumped upon. The pendulum was so large he could actually stand upon it. There where no other platforms. Only some gears where ahead. Heinrich knew this was bad news. HE got to be careful. When the pendulum pulled back, he whipped the bats away. Upon the return, the Medusa heads came flying in. Heinrich muttered. He threw axes at them. The snake creatures burned on impact. Heinrich lept. He got some crystals while moving along. That wasn't important. He got ontop of the initial gear. They might squeeze him between. Heinrich got upon the next. There was something strange about that spike-trap. It didn't go all the way down. Heinrich could possibly get beneath. He made the sign of the cross. Then he was at it. Heinrich waited until it was far up before landing. Either way, he got to sneek-crawl beneath the spikes. That really didn't feel comfortable. Heinrich had a feeling it was going to smash. He held the whip in front. The bat got defeated. Heinrich was past. He made a glide behind the breakable platforms. The crimson-bone was there to meet him. "Stronger we are in the name of the Lord!" Heinrich shouted. He whipped the red skeleton to pieces. He didn't waist time for it to pick together. He climbed the ladder. Atop the platform he was met by another onslaught of Medusa heads. Heinrich threw daggers at them. He missed. The stopwatch gave time to defeat the monsters. Heinrich got some crystals. He didn't dare to knock the candles. Here, there where no platforms. Instead, a set of moving rings was going abroad upon a sort of chained conveyor belt. Heinrich thugged his beard. This didn't look good. He would have to do it. This was the only way. Heinrich closed his eyes. He inhaled. The mammals returned. Heinrich threw holy water. Then he hooked onto one of the moving rings. Heinrich got some of the crystals. For some distance, there where no other platforms. There was a viewpoint. Heinrich swung over to where he might stand upon it. The Medusa heads had been chasing him. Heinrich fused the whip with flame. The snake-creatures got blasted. He got another problem. That was what had made him go for this place. Across from him, there was another axe knight. The armour might've made him loose hold. Heinrich knew that a fall would be fatal. He whipped the axe away. The enemy kept hurling other weapons. Heinrich dodged. He threw daggers in turn. The axe knight got struck. It wasn't the end. The armour gathered. Heinrich jumped across the spinning weapon. He answered with his throwing-cross. The onslaught of homing crosses should've been enough. That it wasn't. Heinrich got hit in the shoulder. HE healed himself when utilizing the laurels. That didn't end the battle. Heinrich smashed a vial of holy water. The armour got engulfed. The axe knight shuddered. Then it collapsed into a heap of gold pieces. Heinrich would like to get over and perhaps have a look. He didn't have time. Heinrich whipped the Medusa heads away. He collected the crystals. When that was over with, he re-hooked onto the metal ring. The path was still going upward. Something made him look up. He swung upon the moving platform. This was going back and forth. That made the battlefield rather unstabile. He got no choise. The bone dragon kept him in place. The long white dragon was swinging about while breathing fireballs. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. This was the last he needed. He brandished the whip to block the attack. Then he threw a flurry of homing crosses. The skeledragon got hit repeatedly. The bone dragon waved about while breathing heavy flames. Heinrich bit together. He'd met such foes before. Though that'd been the king. This demon at least wasn't released from its chains. Heinrich made crosses rise in front. HE should've used other bloodline mystics. But he was afraid that might crush the platform. The item sped backward. That made the monster miss. Heinrich somehow managed to retain his cross. Then he threw axes into the air. He fused with fire. Some missed. No matter, he managed to score hits. Flames burned on impact. Heinrich felt no victory. The fight continued. Heinrich was able to dodge most attacks. The demon suddenly stretched its neck over a wide area to smash against the platform. Heinrich jumped. He hooked onto the rings before dropping back down. HE'd timed it perfectly. Just as the skeledragon withdrew, Heinrich struck with the great whip. The white dragon screamed. Although he could hear no sound. Heinrich knew it was all mental. No way, it didn't make it less painstalking. Heinrich shook his head. The bone dragon kept shooting fireballs. Heinrich blocked with crosses. He managed to nail when throwing daggers. "Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost!" He shouted. The very mentioning seemed to pain the opponent. Heinrich made the crystal explode. This time it couldn't dodge the effect. The huge skeleton got struck downward. Heinrich whipped it into oblivion. The multiple big crystals where the real price. Heinrich collected as much as possible. Then he went to continue the ride. The journey kept going upward. The sound of a turning wheel made his blood turn cold. The machine directing the rings might kill him. There where other platforms over there. Heinrich swung across. The skeleton tried to knock him off. Heinrich threw the dagger. The bone-man collapsed. Heinrich grasped the crystal. He went up the stairs. The roof was above. Here was the door. Heinrich almost laughed with joy. Finally he where to escape from this nightmare. He used the key which he'd found earlier to open the door. He stepped inside. The bats attacked. HE threw holy water into the air. That made the mammals burn. Heinrich picked all the gemstones. Atop the steps was another door. This one wasn't locked. Heinrich went inside. The sound of moving gears met his progress. Heinrich shook his head. He'd just entered another huge section of the clock tower.

Patrick was reloading his pistol. He'd made quite some progress. Though it didn't seem to lead him anywhere. The Medusa heads still where the greatest threat. He shot the trio to pieces. They left rounds of ammunition behind. Patrick picked them up. The wall was opened. A group of six battle-droids got released. Patrick toutched the cross. Before they could open fire, he released a flurry of garlic. That stopped their progress. Patrick smirked. Not that there where really any reason for such sentiments. He still got plenty of other problems. He lept upon the cogwheel. Those mechanics could crush him. Patrick muttered. He'd purchased other medicines from Renon's warehouse. He could need them about now. He went for the platform. He barely could sneak beneath the spike-trap. It was of the same kind as those in the dual tower. At least there where no other pendulums. Patrick went above the breakable platforms. So far he hadn't met his friends. Though he could sniff their scent. Bogh Heinrich and Torah had been within this part of the clock. Patrick blocked the blood skeleton. He struck it down. Though nothing he had could banish that monster. Patrick climbed the ladder. HE shot plasma at them. Patrick took the gems. He got to continue.

Torah slowly opened her eyes. What had happened? She toutched her head. That felt like a bump. Torah used the laurels to heal herself. Her memory where returning. She'd fallen down when trying to climb the second half of this giant clock. There was a miracle no bones where broken. She smiled. Then Torah thought of the words which reached her during Chrismus. Some of her sister's folks had dared to enter the village. They had come to visit. They brought words of her family. That those who lived among them, where dead. Torah felt tears down her cheeks. She drew them away. Only Leslie where somewhere in the world. Perhaps they would never meet. She bit together. That Zoe killed her cousin. That was almost unforgivable. Although Germain had told somewhat about it. The truth became more real when the dryads told about. She toutched the cross. Why think of it now? Torah had other business to attend to. She still would have to climb the shaft of the clock tower. Something caught her attention. Far above, almost shrouded with gloom, she watched a figure climb. "Heinrich." She whispered. Torah recognised the army jacket with metal plates upon it. As she watched, he disappeared from sight. Either way, it was good to know he was there. Even though it was ahead. He must've taken the left path upon entering this place. She shook her head. Torah preduced the silver crush. There was work to be done. The staircase had somehow been repeared. Was that possible? Torah toutched the cross. She still kept it tied around her wrist. She inhaled. Then Torah climbed back up. The steps would still break when walking on them. Torah jumped. She got upon the platform. The skeleton punched. Torah withdrew. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing balls of purplish plasma shot the bag of bones to pieces. Torah took the crystal. The pendulum was ahead. Torah waited for its return. She then lept upon it. The large object was swinging back and forth. The pillar of bones shot fireballs. Torah blocked with her crush. She threw stakes at it. The impact wasn't enough. All three of the stacked skulls had turned in her direction. Heavy flames got released. Though the pendulum was going back. Torah almost smiled. The clock tower was a trap. But sometime it worked to her advantage. When she got in reach, Torah threw garlic at them. She fused with frost. From what she'd heard that, Sypha Belnades, who faught against the Dark Lord in 1496, could use that quality to defeat all types of skeletons. The topmost portion of the bone pillar exploded. "Frozen flash!" Torah protected against the flurry of fireballs. The pendulum was still turning about. Torah threw more stakes as the instrument turned back. The wood got scorched by heavy flames. Torah remained put. She answered with wild roses. She fused the white flowers with spirit power. The second skull got shattered. The third rammed her with a fireball. Torah struggled to stand in place. The blue ring would protect her from flaming attacks. Though not entirely. Torah felt like being struck with sun. She knelt. The battle had to end. "Pearls of heat!" The series of boubles shot the thing into oblivion. Torah went abroad. She got the crystals. They replenished her magic. Some of the flowers must've blown a hole in the wall. Torah had a look inside. She gasped. Then she smiled. "You didn't abandon me!" She exclaimed. Upon the stone pillar, there was a small metal cage. Within was Rose the fairy. Though there was something about her. Rose sat huddled together. Torah stepped beside the cage. It looked like one of those used to capture birds. "Rose." She asked. "What's the matter? It's everything alright?" The fairy had been weeping. Torah saw the fragment of crystallized tears on the cage's bottom. She tried to open the door. It was to no avail. "You can't open it." Rose said in a weak voice. "Nobody may open it. The prince of Darkness cast his will upon this cage." Torah struggled. She tried to channel her magic into the lock. Nothing could help. Torah just wasn't powerful enough. She almost began weeping herself. Torah could never hold the power of Dracula. Not if she didn't surrender to his rule. No! Not even to rescue her friend. "I'm so sorry." Torah stated. She really had began crying. "I just wish you where free from Dracula's curse." Torah was suddenly thrown back against the wall. The cage, on which she'd been leaning, just suddenly broke into pieces. Torah got back up. She was convinced something terrible had happened. Instead, Rose was blazing, flouting in the air. "Torah." She said. "You gave a wish to save me." The light was to bright for her to see. The little fairy threw her tiny arms around her neck. "Thank you." She just repeated. "Thank you for having found me." She beamed. "Thank you for having saved me." Torah was so awestruck she nearly didn't figure out what happened. She only knew this was one of the reasons why to find and save her sister. When she finally had settled down, the fay told about what happened. Torah shook her head. That was almost incredible. "So, you're the mother now?" Torah asked. Rose flickered a shy pink. "I think so." Her glow went brighter. "But don't try to make your wishes come true." Torah smiled. Her fairy got serious. "You already have used one you know." Torah shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about." She confessed. Rose glittered somewhat confused. "Don't tell me you haven't heard what might be done with a fairy mirror?" Torah blinked. Then she reached into her backpack. She'd taken it along all the way from the castle wall. "I knew it was miraculous." She explained. She held the oval mirror in her hand. "Then it's true?" Torah asked. "I still have two wishes left?" Rose settled upon her shoulder. "That's right." She said. "But beware of what you wish." The fay reminded. Torah nodded. She knew that. "I can't lift the curse either." Her glow turned slightly dull. "Only the chosen have that kind of power." Torah cleaned the tears away. "Then I wish you could give me something to defeat Dracula." Torah requested. Rose lifted to flutter before her face. "Only you can decide to do that." Torah couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed. "But I may give some help." Rose slightly withdrew. "Reach your hand out." She said. Torah did so. "There." The fairy beamed. "That should be of some aid." Torah beheld the items. "What are they?" She asked. "They are beautiful." She somehow recognised the three polished green gemstones. "They are connection stones." Rose explained. "Connection stones?" Torah asked while still stearing into the three preshious jewels. "They connect with the magic which is most prominent within their keeper." The fairy fluttered before her face. "You have elder blood." Torah blushed. "They should permit you to use them." Rose shone a proud orange. "Like all elf stones, they are an incredible powerful weapon against black magic." Torah nodded. She'd heard the legends of such treasures. But they may be dangerous as well. Torah put them into her purse. Without proper usage, they might lead to abuse. The elders always made thieves pay a terrible price for those who misused their property. Torah knew this as well. "You don't have a third wish?" Rose asked. Torah smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. "Not really." She said. Torah thought of asking for her grandmother to become alive again. That was Satan speaking. Nobody should try to resurrect a dead person. The undead was a clear warning of that matter. Torah put the mirror away. "We have to go back into the clock." She told. Rose acknowledged. She fluttered about while Torah went back into the mechanical tower.

Barnsdall forest, Warakiya. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Robin sat at the controls. Vitani served as his co-pilot. "Robin." Nalla came into the cockpit. "We have a passenger." She informed. Robin didn't look back. The ressistance movement was known to have gun-posts about. "This is no flightcruise." Vitani said. She was checking the long-range transmitter. Robin smiled. Although it was concealed by his helmet. "I may pay you, for your services, bounty-hunter." A strange voice decleared. It contained the distaste the order of shadow held against his way of living death. Robin only waited long enough for Vitani to take over the controls. Then he turned. They where all three armed to the teeth with weapons and related invent technology. The elderly vampire looked like a kind man. His clothing was those of the hight of the Victorian era. "Who are you?" Robin asked. He and Molly Graham had an understanding. He disliked this form of surprises. "I came aboard to ask for transport." The Englishman said. "I am dr. Henry Jeckyle." His features slightly transformed. "I am Mr. Edward Hyde." He threw a purse containing gold pieces upon the ground. "I ask for transport to the castle Dracula." He again become that polite English doctor. Robin wasn't that sure. But he knew enough not to ask questions.

Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah's hands where blazing with magic. With the aid of her fairy, Torah had been able to climb back down. She had found no exit. Although she'd found the rusty key. Torah wondered if perhaps Heinrich was searching for it now. As much she'd learned. Nobody could exit the shaft without the proper key. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged her magic. The homing balls shot the mammals away. Why had the keys been laying around? There was like someone just carelessly threw them away after usage. The sound of flapping wings brought her back to present reality. The bats where still about. Torah threw garlic at them. The explosion made her withdrew. Torah then picked the crystals. "Watch out!" Rose screamed. Her glow had become a desperate yellow. Torah preduced the silver smash the moment the darkside landed. Torah could feel its frenzy and rage. She toutched the cross. "You are not ment to be here." The demon rasped. Its eyes where of red flame. Torah felt like fear was about to crush her. She didn't wish to fight him. There was no choise. "Matters which are of great importance to the undead is about to happen." The darkside spread his wings. "You are not to interfear." Torah pulled together. Nobody could save her now. She was alone. No, not alone. Rose suddenly darted toward the enemy. "I won't let you do it!" She screamed. "As the mother of my fountain, I'll protect her." Torah didn't understand. It wasn't time. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah charged before dashing forward. The darkside, which had been discouraged by the fairy, turned its eyes on her. The magic got blocked with beams of red flame. The devil opened its jaws. A boiling fireball got released. Torah ducked. She threw stakes. Having fused with frost, they made him disappear. Torah searched for the crystal. "Here!" Rose exclaimed. Torah smashed the crush into the crystal. The mystic entity shattered. The darkside reappeared. Torah was hit by black lightning. She screamed with pain when being thrown to the floor. The darkside approached. Torah reached into her purse. Time to test the elf-stones. Torah cast all her dryad might into their focuse. She felt like a hot wind was breathing through her soul. The green stones became alive. The darkside attempted to dodge the magic wave. But the flaming power just collided into his body. The wicked demon screamed. Torah felt like the sound was piercing her skull. The darkside vanished. "There it is!" Rose shouted. Torah was on the move. She threw garlic at the flouting diamond. When it shattered, the demon reappeared. Torah used the laurels to heal herself of damage. They got in handy. The devil shot its boiling ball of flame. Torah made a glide underneath. She got up right in front of the monster. He slashed with his menacing claws. Torah pulled back. She held the cross in front. The being howled as the silver made contact. "Thank You God." Torah breathed. The darkside was gone. Torah threw roses toward the crystal. The wicked demon resurfaced just in front. He slashed her. This time she couldn't block. She felt like being torn to shreds. Torah fell on the floor. Blood oozed from her bossom. Her head fell back. Torah knew she had to use the laurels. She didn't have the strength. "I will not let it happen." Rose fluttered above. "By my power, I heal you." Rose beamed with a golden light. Torah was restored. Then it was true. The fairy really could restore a person to their full health. Even her clothing looked to be repared. Torah had no time for speculation. The darkside got eyes of flame. HE shot parallel beams. "Zapphire shield!" Torah shouted. The shield was shattered. Never the less, she got enough time to get on her feet. Torah ran as the devil shot other projectiles. She held up the elf-stones. A magic wave got shot forward. The darkside was struck down. Then he simply disappeared. "There he is!" Rose warned. Torah smashed through the object. The dark being reformed. Black smoke radiated from his presence. The rasped breth was the only sound beside the moving clock. Then he leached. The darkside spread its monstrous wings. He took to the air while making evil bolts strike down. Torah ran to not get struck. She hurled wild flowers into the air. She fused them with spirit. The shining explosion should've tore it apart. The darkside fell down. Torah threw stakes at him. The villain vanished. "Quick!" Rose encouraged. "Strike him! Before he reforms!" Torah had no doubt. "Orbs of sorcery!" The magic made the crystal shatter. The darkside attacked with its evil wings. The claws upon them could easily kill her. Torah knew that. She was no idiot. The darkside struggled for breth. Torah was able to stamp with the cross. The devil staggered. Torah threw a garlic right into him. The red flames struck her before he vanished. Torah was able to heal herself. Though the beams had almost fried her flesh. Torah knew the blue ring had something to do about the matter. She brushed away some strings of dark blonde hair. She had to locate that flouting gem. "Over here!" Rose shouted. She was flouting near the middle of the room. Torah ran. She made a full swing of the silver crush. The crystal got smashed to pieces. The wicked being reappeared. For a moment the darkside beheld her. "Do not celebrate victory." He hissed. "You will join the Dark Lord eventually." Torah reached forth. "I don't think so." She then channelled magic through the gauntlets. The power of the darkside was terrible to endure. Such a smoldering anger! Nothing which she'd experienced had prepared for this moment. Bogh Torah and the darkside screamed in unison. She couldn't hold it. No longer. The pressure was to great. She pushed back. The darkside approached. Torah gathered. She stamped with the cross. Frost blazed from within the symbol. The darkside withdrew. Then he disappeared. "He is growing weaker!" Rose explained. "This is your moment." Torah felt so tired. She gathered. Rose was right. She couldn't give in. Torah located the crystal. Without hesitation she smashed the thing away. Then she got on her knees. Torah dropped the smash. Although the darkside was burning into ashes. She didn't feel happy for it. "I just wished I had something to eat." She muttered. Something which could refresh me. "Thus is your wish." Rose shone a gentle blue. Then the wish came true. Torah was presented the meal of her life. "This is just fantastic!" She exclaimed. "Just everything for you." Rose teased. Torah giggled while eating. The fairy had some nuts. Beside, she was watching her. Torah really had a nice supper. There even was something to drink. "Thank God." She said. "And thank you to, Rose." The fay shone a blushing pink. Then they bogh gathered. She put away the remaining food. Torah knew she might need it later. Rose settled upon her shoulder. Torah went to climb another ladder. She got to hang up the silver smash while climbing. They reached the platform. Rose lifted into the air as the skeleton punched. Torah screamed. She just couldn't help it. Then the bag of bones was smashed down. Torah picked the crystal. There was nothing but some moving gears in front. Torah had to jump. She landed ontop. But then the mammals came flying in. To climb this tower wasn't easy. Torah hurled a few flowers at them. The crystals rained down. Some became items when toutching. Torah almost got grained between the cogwheels. She lept for another platform. This was of the rotating kind. Torah knew that already. She'd traversed it before. Torah jumped forward. This gear went vertical. "Medusa heads coming in!" Rose warned. Torah threw stakes at them. This was like the fight of the mine. She upon an unstable platform while the heads attacked. Her skills held through. Torah was able to nail them. She picked the gems. The platform was returning. It was going up and down on a sort of vonveyor. Torah got upon. The pillar of bones was placed slightly above. She blinked. That she'd defeated before. Or had she? There was something strange about this clock. Torah struck the fireballs away. The silver smash was ordmented to block even some forms of magic. Though it couldn't match such items as the master sword for instance. Torah shook her head. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged the magic, granting it a homing propencity. The lowermost of the trio got shot. The remaining stacked skulls answered with an onslaught of heavy flames. "Frozen flash!" Torah made a complete circle. The force was strong enough to shield against the onslaught. The platform was going down. Torah threw garlic at them. The attack didn't make them break. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah got to remove the bats. They still where circling about. Some gems fell down. Torah threw more garlic at the bone pillar. This time, she fused with flame. They got defeated. Torah was careful when jumping. She got where she needed to be. The skulls left behind some crystals. Torah knocked the candles. Rose could lit her path. That was something to be grateful for. Without, she likely would've get lost again. Torah then climbed the ladder instead of continuing forward. The skeleton guarded the approach. He threw bones at her. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing balls shot even some mammals away. Torah picked the crystals. She then got upon the platform. "No way." Torah really didn't like this. The ropes hung from some sort of metal web above. The three platforms which led back to the wall got spikes on their sides. "I can't carry you across." Rose said. "I didn't ask you to do that." Torah muttered. Although she'd had a slight hope. Rose had become more powerful. Although she was not an ID. That made Torah smirk. She was no devil forgermaster either. Nor did she wish to be. Torah pulled together. She lept for the nearest rope. How lucky it was that she'd been that clever in gym class. Torah could climb the rope. Things may be difficult. The web above was lined with spikes. She threw stakes at the Medusa head. There was a skeleton climbing down. The rope-bone was hurling at her. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah clinched onto the rope while delivering one hand. She didn't want to burn it. The platform was going down. Torah let go. She landed ontop. The spikes didn't hurt her. Torah threw a garlic toward the rope-skeleton. The enemy got defeated. "The mammals!" Rose got cut short. The bats came like a wave. "Rainbow flame!" Torah made them all burn on impact. Crystals rained down. Torah climbed upon the second rope. Further ahead there was a second enemy. The bones flew forward. Torah held onto the rope. She wasn't Sonia Belmont or anything. The platform was going up. She would have to wait. Torah threw stakes at them. The rope-skeleton got defeated. She dodged the Medusa head. At last it came down. Torah made a swing. She got upon the moving platform. She ducked as it sped back up. Luckily it didn't smash her against the spikes. There came other Medusa heads. Torah slashed the first in line. The cross made the successor burst into flame. Torah picked some crystals. Then she went for the third rope. The platform was just going down. Torah was able to get ontop. "Get away!" Rose shouted. This thing was going back up at the spikes. Torah made a glide. Through some miracle, she managed to land upon the safe ground. Not really. The axe knight hurled its weapons forward. "Opal flash!" The spell burned the axe. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah followed up the assault. The armour got struck. Then it came dashing forward. Torah sidestepped. She then made a turn while hurling garlic. The onion exploded. Torah toutched the cross. The axe knight was turning back. He threw other axes, one high, one low. Torah licked her lips. She answered with stakes. The tripled assault blocked the objective. Torah pulled out the mystic book. She song a mystic tune. The armour fell on its knees. Torah giggled. She couldn't stop herself. Torah felt like Maria Renard. She, who faught against Dracula in 1792, also had a significant singing-voice. "Watch out!" The axe knight sturred. That brought her back to reality. Torah struck with her silver smash. The cross went along. She must've charged with magic. The flames made the armour collapse into a heap of golden pieces. Torah picked the crystals. "They are here!" Rose warned. The mechanics almost blocked out the sound of flapping wings. The bats attacked. They came so swift to land on her body. Torah made them burn when stamping with the cross. Breathing heavily, she picked the gems. Some became altered into objects. "Thank you." She told her fairy. "That was to close." Rose shone a proud bright. Torah smiled. She climbed the steps. They broke when climbing. Torah hurried up the staircase. Atop, the platform didn't reach all the way to that metal web. "Wait a moment." She told her companion. Torah threw a garlic upon the fabric. It reminded to much about that burning fences of the mine. Nothing happened. She toutched the cross. Then Torah lept. The walkway looked like a giant spider had been making a net of metal. Heinrich told about the spider woman queen. Torah looked about. Though there was nothing to be seen. She went forward. The pillar of bone shot fireballs. Torah blocked with her silver smash. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah answered with her own bullets. The stacked skulls breathed heavy flames. Torah was able to run in circles. She came around the enemy. The pillar turned. Torah knew they might do that. She got the elf-stones. In a mental sort of way, Torah threw herself into the stream of mystic blood. A massive green wave struck against the pillar of bones. The skulls shattered into pieces. Torah almost got brought to her knees. The stones where not easily controlled. Torah put them away. She got back on foot. Rose fluttered somewhat anxiously about her location. When Torah got back in motion, she settled upon her shoulder. Torah smiled. Then she got into serious business. The spike-trap which came smashing down, nearly took her along. Torah was able to glide beneath. The Medusa head was waiting. Torah was able to shred the opponent. The web came to a halt. There was another platform. This was going up and down. Torah was glad there where no spikes this time. She waited until she might get ontop. When settled, the bats attacked. Rose tried to warn, but Torah already had spotted. "Frozen flash!" The enemies got frozen over. Torah got quite some gems. Though they had made her stay in place. Torah had to wait until the platform returned upstairs. Then she lept. This other platform was of the rotating type. Torah was able to leap. She landed upon the top of the spike-bed. Torah had a look around. This entire area was one giant death-trap. Torah inhaled. She had to find the way. Though she was only 13 years old. Torah straightened her miter. When Heinrich could make it, she could to. Torah went upon the cogwheel. The gear was horizontal and could make her drop down. Torah didn't waist time. She managed to jump. The platform was going back and forth. "Orbs of sorcery!" She shot the Medusa heads. Rose was able to fetch the gems. "Thanks." Torah said when the fay gave them to her. "My pleasure." Rose teased. Torah smiled. That was the best part with having a companion. They might encourage each other. The blood skeleton made her think of other things. Torah waited until the platform went forward again. The stake nailed the enemy. Torah jumped. She'd just landed when the crimson-bone got back in action. "Take this!" Torah shouted. She grasped forth with her gauntlets blazing with frost. The red skeleton burst into pieces. Torah watched it burn. Then it was true. Sypha Belnades really could defeat the blood skeletons. Torah smiled. Somehow, that felt comforting. Torah shook her head. She got to continue. Torah climbed the ladder. She almost expected another axe knight to wait for her. It was none of the sort. The platform overlooked the clock tower. "Not again." She muttered. The giant pendulum was swinging slowly back and forth. Thus where the huge spiked balls. Torah inhaled. "This doesn't look good." Rose chirped. "I know." Torah admitted. "I hope you'll heal me if something happen." Rose beamed. "I'll always help you." She said. "Oh Torah, I've missed you so much." Torah didn't know what to say. Rose told her story while they where climbing down. The prince of Darkness had taken her. He would force her into making his wish come true. Torah shuddered. She didn't want to know what Dracula might be requesting. Torah put the matter aside. She waited until the pendulum returned. She got upon. Some bats fluttered about. Torah got other problems. She managed to croutch beneath the initial spiked ball. She wished to blast it away. Unlikly. Torah didn't have such might. Grandmother Yoko might've known a method. She never told her much about such matters anyway. Torah made a wild leap. Or so it felt. She somehow managed to get back on the pendulum. A gear was ahead. Torah jumped. The cog was of the vertical sort. Torah was shaking. This was some of the worst stuff she'd ever performed. Not even the lake of lava might be more terrible. "The Medusa heads!" Rose's warning brought her back to reality. She struck the snake-creature down. She even slashed the successor. The stake impaled the third in line. Torah stamped with the cross. Those mammals which had landed, got burned. Torah picked the crystals. Rose was fluttering about. "It's alright." She told. Torah toutched the cross. She made another leap. Torah would have to climb the rope upward. "Just perfect." She muttered. Placed upon a platform to the left, was another pillar of bones. The stacked skulls where shooting fireballs. Torah held onto the rope. They couldn't nail her. What should she do? The bats or Medusa heads could be here any minute. Torah went up to face the foe. It was breathing heavy flames. Torah presented the cross. She fused with frost. The force was enough to block out the projectiles. Torah inhaled. Before any of the two skulls could react, she cast her spell. "Hand of fate!" The massive blast of golden light shot the pillar to pieces. Torah began climbing. "Bats are coming in!" Rose warned. "Just what I needed." Torah muttered. She got a hand free. "Orbs of sorcery!" She charged. The homing balls made them scatter. At least for a while. Torah kept climbing. Rose's glow made it clear she might've come this way if she'd used the platforms and cogwheels further away. Things where as they where however. A skeleton was throwing bones. Torah threw the stake. The bone-man collapsed. There was a platform. The only problem was that it was some distance away. There was one thing she might do. Placing it into the hands of God, Torah jumped. She managed to hold onto the moving ring. Though it felt like her arms would've torn loose. That was no comforting thought. At last she reached. Torah released the hold before she might be brought back. Then she might relax for a while. Torah presented the cross. That kept the mammals away. She got up. Torah jumped upon the moving gear. The thing was horizontal. Torah didn't care. She got upon the platform. This was made of breakable bricks. Torah could hear them creak. She went for the moving platform. It sped toward the wall. Torah made one other jump. At last she'd reached solid ground. The blood skeleton stripped her of that joy. Torah ducked beneath his fist. She struck with the silver smash. The red skeleton collapsed. Torah reached with her gauntlets. The frost magic made her to break the curse. She picked the crystals. "Orbs of sorcery!" Torah shot toward the mammals. Crystals rained down upon their defeat. Torah climbed the staircase. Even this time the steps collapsed. Torah was able to reach in time. There was a platform going back and forth. Torah got upon. The axe knight threw his weapon like a boomerang. "Star flash!" Torah blocked the attack. She threw stakes in turn. Although she nailed him repeatedly, the armour didn't collapse. Torah jumped when the axe came spinning. She then grasped the weapon with flaming gauntlets. "Winter's heart!" She shot with pulsating frost. The axe knight got frozen in place. Torah got the opportunity to land in front. The wild roses ended his misery. Torah picked the gemstones. "They are here!" Rose shouted. Torah slashed the Medusa head. She was careful not to return the gaze. The successor got impaled. Torah stamped the cross upon the third in line. Medusa herself had been like that, once upon a time. When Walter Bernhardt used the decapitated head for black magic. He had been able to give her new life under his servitude. Torah threw the matter aside. Here there was another pendulum. But the spinning balls where the greater problem. Torah licked her lips. "I'll help you." Rose said. She was fluttering before her face. "I rather give my own life to save you." Torah blushed. Rose had been reluctant when Edward gave the card to her. But then they'd forged a bond of their own. Torah smiled. "You don't have to." She said. "We'll make it across." With renewed determination, she waited for the pendulum to return. When it did, she got ontop. Torah jumped the first spiked ball. She threw garlic toward the bats. Torah didn't mind about the jewels. She lay flat while the pendulum passed a second spiked ball. The third ball passed straight above. Torah was able to reach the gears. They might grine her between. Torah went upon the second. She threw stakes toward the Medusa head. There was a rope ahead. Torah managed to get hold. Another of those spike-lined platforms where going up and down. Torah threw another stake toward the skeleton. She missed when he climbed below reach. Torah had to climb up to dodge the bones thrown at her. She waited. Then Torah threw wild roses into the air. The rope-skeleton got blasted. Torah still had to wait. This platform was of the type which could smash her against the spiked web. She jumped upon when it was still going down. Torah got hold of the next rope. There was another of those platforms. At the far end, was a skeleton, who was hurling bones. Torah toutched the cross. She waited, moving only when bones came her way. Finally she could move. Torah dropped upon the platform. The stake finished off the bone-man. Before the platform might pine her against the spikes, she lept for the platform. "Medusa heads!" Rose warned her of the approaching enemies. "Opal flash!" Torah burned the snake-creature to dust. She picked the crystal. Before other might arrive, Torah climbed the ladder. She threw a garlic toward the web. Just to be certain. It was safe. Safe enough at least. Torah remained in place until the spike-trap was going up. She jumped and then made a glide. Through God's permission, she survived. The massive trap slammed down behind her. Torah closed her eyes. She felt her blood being drained from her cheeks. Torah inhaled. She gathered. This was the clock tower of untimely death. No questions asked. "Torah?" Rose sounded concearned. "Is anything the matter?" Torah shook her head. "It's nothing." She said. "It's just that I don't like this place." Bogh side of her bloodline disliked this place. "We'll make it through." Rose promised. Like Torah had, when upon the pendulum. Torah smiled. "You always have the answer." She muttered. "Though I don't mean it that way." She gathered. There still where other traps ahead. Torah remained in place until the second had come down. Then she climbed ontop. "Get away from there!" Rose shouted. "It'll crush you against the ceiling!" Torah blinked. That she hadn't thought about. She lept from the trap before it might be to late. "You're right." Rose said when she was safely back down. "This is a death trap." Torah shook her head. Sometime she wondered if the fairy might read her thoughts. She laughed somewhat. That wasn't true. Torah jumped upon the vertical cogwheel. She defeated the Medusa heads when they attacked. Rose was at her side. Her light was a guiding torch. Torah got upon the platform. This at least was solid ground. She had a look around. The bone dragon made her retreat. The giant skeledragon was chained to the castle structure. The series of fireballs came roaring her way. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah cast the spell. The projectiles shattered against her shield. Torah was forced backward. She struggled to remain in place. The white dragon came whailing for her. "Rainbow flame!" Torah shouted. She burned the bone dragon with all her force. But it got free. The monster answered with heavy flames. Torah ducked beneath. She hadn't experienced such roth since the salamanders. The wild roses struck the skeledragon. She'd fused with frost. The monster didn't seem to care. "Zapphire curtain!" Torah had to block another wave of fireballs. Torah had to struggle to just stay in place. The impact itself might've struck her off of the platform. Torah hadn't met this monster when climbing the initial shaft. No matter. "Help me God!" Torah shouted while hurling stakes. One scored hit. Torah felt no victory. The white dragon came tumbling down. It would destroy the platform. She jumped while gathering force. "Hand of fate!" Torah screamed with horror. She got to protect the platform. The flow of shining gold struck the bone dragon while it still was some distance above. The skeledragon shook. That was the only way to describe what happened. Torah curled together. She was certain it would come down on her. The white dragon instead leached forward. The demon would take her. Torah stumbled backward. Still she was able to strike with the smash. The white dragon withdrew. Torah cracked a somewhat shaky smile. That was a miracle. She quickly gathered. The battle was far from over. The skeledragon breathed heavy flames. Torah was forced even further backward. Torah fused with more frost. The rose she hurled struck the head. Then she gapped. The entire bone dragon froze over. Then it shattered. Torah went above. The pile of huge crystals replenished bogh her force and her stocks. Torah pressed the cross to her heart. "Thank You God." She said. That was the least she could do. Torah stepped forward. She got to find the ladder. There was none. Instead there was the door. Torah almost wept with joy. At last, she should escape. Torah used the rusty key to open the lock. She went inside. The mammals came like a wave. Torah presented the cross. The mammals scattered. Torah laughed. She couldn't help it. The rockie sorceress climbed before they could gather. The steps wasn't that high. Torah opened the door. She closed it behind. She almost whept instead. Torah had reached a third shaft within the clock tower. She shook her head. Was she never to escape? Torah bit together. She was to get out of here. No matter what. "This way." Rose told. Torah nodded. "I'm coming." She said. "I'm coming at last." But she didn't speak to her fairy this time. Torah was telling Saria. She was coming to save her sister.

Patrick really had no lucky day. The hights where nothing of which he liked. Not to talk about the aliens. They had been there after he'd climbed up the second shaft of this iron Hell. Though the spiral staircase wasn't that high. It still left plenty of space for the monsters. Through the grace of the Lord he'd been able to defeat the first in line. It'd left plenty of ammunition behind. The ray battery shots might penetrate their skin. The duo had then attacked. Patrick finished reloading. The one he'd wounded, looked upon him with hatred scribed all over its face. Patrick dashed. The other alien was to slow. Patrick shot plasma. The monster snarled. He threw garlic into the air. They exploded. The wounded monster was forced even further backward. Patrick howled. He'd retained his true form. The alien shot acid. Patrick sidestepped. Then he fired. The laser beams shot the monster to pieces. Patrick spun. He slashed with his claws. The alien's blood was like acid. He'd held the envelope. The Host made the monster to explode. The body of Christ protected him from evil. Patrick put the envelope away. Then he put the gloves on. There was no need getting careless. That strange bubbling told him there where still more of them. Patrick got into a defensive posture.

Heinrich ended his prayer with the sign of the cross. Then he cracked the whip. The mammals which had been about, scattered. Heinrich smiled, though it never reached his eyes. He had climbed another section of the clock tower. That was no victory. Heinrich had reached this place, the third shaft. The prince of Darkness was still waiting. Heinrich could feel his presence. That was part of his ability. To see beyond the obvious. HE felt when great evil was abroad. Heinrich inhaled. The clock was so cold. He went for the ladder. At least, this time, there was only one of them. Heinrich climbed. The bats where gathering. Heinrich quickened his steps. He just got up when they attacked. Heinrich used the stopwatch. They stopped in place. Heinrich doused them with holy water. That was the least of his problems. Although crystals fell down, the skeleton punched him. Heinrich was thrown backward. Though he whipped it to pieces, he felt a little weary. Heinrich picked together. He jumped for the nearest platform. It remained in place. Strange. That other shaft had been one giant trap. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. "Be grateful for the little things." He reminded himself. He also should worry about small matters. The Medusa heads where approaching. Heinrich threw daggers. Then he whipped the survivers away. He retrived the item and their gems. He went upon the gear. This was turning round. Heinrich jumped before it might send him back down. The next platform was about to rotate. Heinrich went upon another cog. Other heads approached. Heinrich threw axes into the air. He whipped the remaining head to pieces. This gear also was horizontal. He left before something might happen. The platform was breaking beneath his feet. Heinrich went forward. The bats came from above. Heinrich landed upon the floor. He made the crystal explode. That removed the mammals. Heinrich took the crystals. He would need them later. Heinrich whipped the candles. Why waste the opportunity? This area was far better lit then any other. There where some other crystals inside. Heinrich even found some money bags. He put the gold into his purse. Then Heinrich retrived the icon. The image was that of Jesus Christ. The resurrected Lord was surrounded by a shining glory, while he held the scroll and the book. "Jesus, the word." Heinrich said while lowering his head in respect. "In the beginning was the word." He stated. "And the word was with God. The word was God." Heinrich smiled. For a moment he could forget about the evil which awaited at the end. He put the small icon into his purse. He might use it to present his faight and thus defend against the dark. He again made the sign of the cross. He jumped upon the next platform. Even this was of that rotating kind. Heinrich got across. The red skeleton awaited. Heinrich whipped it away. The skeleton collapsed into a heap. Heinrich climbed the staircase while it was still inactive. Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost they couldn't throw bones. Heinrich toutched his crucifix. Up here there where a platform going back and forth. Although it wasn't like the pendulum, the spiked balls where spinning. Heinrich inhaled. He knew this could be difficult. He remained in place until the platform came back. Then he went upon it. He waited until he almost reached the initial spike ball. He threw holy water toward the mechanism. The blessed liquid melted the instruments. This he'd discovered downstairs. The spiked ball fell down. Heinrich knew the repair-droids would fix it in time. He instead threw more holy water toward the second and third trap. He thus got behind. Heinrich got upon the next platform. The rocks where creaking beneath his feet. Heinrich lept. He got upon the cogwheel. He threw the dagger toward the Medusa head. Before other might approach, he was in the air. Although going up and down, this platform at least was stabile. Heinrich was hit by the Medusa head. He brandished the laurels. Through the power within, he was able to lift the stoned state. What else could he do? Heinrich put the matter aside. That the Lord would show him in time. He was no magician testing his mettle. Drolta Tsuentez had dabbled in witchcraft and had thus resurrected Elizabeth Bathory from her grave. Heinrich shuddered. Although that had been her wish, as some said. She had paied a terrible price for her insolence. Heinrich jumped. The axe knight came dashing forth. Heinrich was able to sidestep. He threw his own axes. The great whip was become a weapon of shining gold. Heinrich whipped his enemy. He pressed against the wall as the armour was coming back. HE threw boomerang-like axes, one high, one low. Heinrich summoned more power. He presented the icon. A wal of gold protected his position. The armour ran straight into his blockade. The axe knight shattered into a heap of shining pieces. Heinrich was breathing heavily. He didn't expect such power. He smiled. Heinrich picked the crystals. He whipped for the mammals. They scattered all about. Heinrich climbed the staircase. They didn't break this time. Heinrich put the matter aside. Strange things really happened. He ran across the breakable bricks. The spike-trap smashed down in front. Heinrich got ontop of that mechanic. He went for the gear. The two cogwheels could grine him to pieces if he got caught. Heinrich went for the nearest platform. There barely was enough space to avoid the spike-trap. Heinrich waited until it was going upward. Then he made a glide underneath. At the other side there was no further support. Heinrich was able to hook onto the metal ring. He went above, holding tight. The ring was going along some sort of conveyor belt. Heinrich dropped himself upon the platform. The bats attacked. Heinrich summoned his bloodline power. He was risen into the air while the flaming cross burned the mammals. He fell back down. Heinrich collected the gemstones. He really wondered if he might be strong enough to defeat the Dark Lord. He got more equipment then Reinhardt. But his ancestor had Carrie Fernandez, and Henry Oldrey, to aid him. Heinrich hoped his friends where alright. Though he hadn't seen them for quite a while. The count had splintered the group. Heinrich went upon another wheel. With all these traps and monsters, he almost expected the gears themselves to have teeth. This gear was going vertical. Heinrich whipped some Medusa heads before going onward. He landed upon the floor just as the skeleton threw bones. Heinrich ducked. The great whip removed the enemy. Heinrich climbed the ladder. Atop there was another bag of bones. Heinrich got hit. The skeleton grined with its paled skull. Heinrich whipped him away. He took the crystal. Though they possessed no magic, the skeletons still felt so hot when hitting. "The fires of Hell." Heinrich whispered. He shuddered while making the sign of the cross. His ancestors would've been dismayed. But Heinrich couldn't help it. He never got used to fight against the Hellspawn. The huge pendulum was swinging slowly back and forth. Heinrich remained stationary until he might get ontop. He used holy water against the bats.
The pillar of bones was shooting. Heinrich held the icon in defence. The heavy flames couldn't toutch him. "Great is the Lord!" Heinrich shouted while throwing the cross. The skulls got struck. But it wasn't enough. The pillar answered with more fireballs. Heinrich whipped them away. The pendulum was swinging back. That made him dodge the flames. Heinrich used the stopwatch. That at least stopped the mammals for some time. That was all he needed. Heinrich threw the axe. He summoned ancient power. His faight made the axe to split. Lightning struck the pillar. The skulls burst into oblivion. Heinrich had to wait. While the pendulum was in motion, the mammals attacked. Heinrich brandished the whip. He collected the crystals. He even got those which the pillar of bones left behind. Beyond the platform was another of those ropes. "Damn." Heinrich muttered. There was another possebility. Heinrich could ride the platform. This was what people might call a splitpath. Heinrich got upon. When he'd reached the hights, he went for the cogwheel. He got off of the horizontal mechanic. He lept toward the platform. This was about to rotate. Heinrich was able to make another leap. This simply wasn't easy. He managed to hook onto another ring. He swung over to another floor. The skeleton was there to meet him.

Castle keep, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Joseph Vincent checked his watch. There was half an hour to midnight. He smiled. The antique-dealer's white hair shone in the moonlight. Joseph made the sign of the cross. Though mist shrouded everything, he'd reached the Devil's lair. Joseph Vincent climbed the steps. He would've been surprised if the Belmont would appear. Or even that werewolf and his witch. He made the sign of the cross. Joseph Vincent got the power. The strength given to him by the Lord Himself. HE would become victorious. The night itself was waiting for this climax. He would make battle with count Dracula. The prince of Darkness would fall. Joseph Vincent was sure of his victory. Nothing could stop him now. He was to be the greatest vampire hunter of all time. The mist grew even thicker. Joseph Vincent wasn't concearned. Why should he be afraid? Joseph almost laughed. He would show them. He would show everyone. He held a vial of holy water in his left hand. The right one clasped the cross. He went forward. Another stair lay in front. The keep was ahead.

Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Heinrich whipped the skeleton to pieces. He claimed the crystal. The Medusa heads came from behind. Heinrich hurled axes into the air. Flames burned on impact. The icon kept the mammals away. He made the sign of the cross. Heinrich claimed the crystals. The steps didn't break. There was no enemies up here. He smiled. Though it never reached his eyes. Heinrich cracked the whip. He was ready. Heinrich jumped upon the cogwheel. The blood skeleton awaited upon the next platform. Heinrich threw the dagger. He doused the bones with holy water. He landed ontop. Heinrich had no sort of frost power. He quickly got upon the moving platform. There was one of those low-set metal webs above. Heinrich knelt. That was the only way to get beneath the spikes. Then he got up and jumped. The whip held onto the hook. Heinrich swung across. Here was another of the crimson-bones. While he was still swinging, he threw the cross. The red skeleton got shattered. Heinrich went for another gear. This one was going vertical. He stopped the mammals in time. Heinrich hoped he wasn't playing the role of Chronomage. He dismissed that thought. Heinrich knew it was to no awail anyway. The holy water ended their stalking. Heinrich got upon the moving platform. This was going up and down. He wondered which way he should go. Finally he decided for the left. The spike-trap was in place. Heinrich had to time it perfectly. He prepared as the platform was going up again. The spike-bed crashed into place. Heinrich got ontop. Although the crate above could crush him in turn. Heinrich lept. This platform was of the rotating manner. Heinrich lept. There was no reason to stay back. This platform at least was solid enough. He felt no certainty. The pillar of bones was breathing heavy flames. Heinrich held the icon in place. Water was in his blood. The wall of water protected from damage. Heinrich threw daggers forward. Although they rained while going, they didn't smash the evil tower. Heinrich withdrew while the enemy shot fireballs. The bat attacked. He whipped them away before throwing the crystal. The skulls where damaged. Heinrich noticed when seeing beyond the obvious. HE gathered. As did the mammals. They came in a sudden wave. Heinrich summoned more fire. HE reached for the crucifix. He was risen into the air. The flaming cross burst and burned his enemies. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. "Glory be our Father in Heaven!" He exclaimed. There only was one skull left in place. The enemy breathed flames. Heinrich got scorched. He used his laurels. Although that didn't feel nice. He'd picked the crystals which the bats left in place. Heinrich felt re-energized. He threw tripled daggers toward the pillar. This time it got crushed. Heinrich left the platform. He came upon that on which his enemy had occupied. Heinrich took the crystals. The Medusa heads where on the move. Heinrich whipped the first in line. He dodged the successor. Then he stamped the third with his crucifix. Heinrich fetched the gems. There was no need to waist them. He had a look abroad. The shaft still loomed high above his head. Though the moonlight seemed a little brighter. Heinrich frowned. HE wondered how that might be. The bats attacked. Heinrich used the stopwatch. The holy water ended their misery. HE got other jewels. Heinrich swung his great whip. He hooked onto the ring. Even these items where fastened to another conveyor. Heinrich had to hand on until he might swing upon a solid floor. The rocks was cracking beneath his feet. Heinrich was forced to take another wild leap. The platform remained in place. Heinrich whipped the heads before he might consider the next step. The platform was going back and forth. He would have to bid his time. Heinrich got attacked by more heads. He whipped at them. He got stoned. The laurels removed the unatural state. Heinrich was on his knees. He worshipped the Lord which saved him. Heinrich ended his prayer with the sign of the cross. He, and his family, belonged to the Orthodox church. Heinrich got on foot. He wondered if the laurels might've removed the status inflicted by the Cyclops. No matter. The bats where approaching. Heinrich threw axes at them. He summoned his bloodline resource. Lightning struck on impact. He claimed their crystals. The platform was here. Heinrich got ontop. He'd moved around the entire shaft. Heinrich didn't worry. He would find the way out. If there indeed where any exit at all. He jumped upon the moving gear. He lept for the rotating platform. He knew it would. Those platforms where made of wood. He got away before he might be thrown to his death. He felt like being trapped in a wheel. Where ever he went, he would end up at the same location. This floor at least was solid ground. The floors and platforms all extended from the wall of the clock. Heinrich tightened the grip on his whip. He would continue. The pendulum swung across the distance. Heinrich remained standing until it returned. Then he jumped. There where spinning spike-balls. Heinrich threw holy water. That made them tumble down. He made the sign of the cross. Although they could be repaired. Heinrich jumped over to the platform. The axe knight threw its weapons. Heinrich whipped them away. That didn't stop the approach. The armoured soldier dashed forward with the axe ready. Heinrich made the sign of the cross while the enemy came chopping. Then he knelt and crashed the vial of holy water. The holy flame engulfed on impact. Heinrich put the vial away. The fight wasn't over. The axe hit him hard. The laurels and chest-plate saved his life. Though Heinrich felt the pain dearly. He threw the cross. Water pillars rised about. The axe knight was crushed. Heinrich picked the crystals. He was still breathing heavily. The bats seized the opportunity. They came in a swarm from above. Heinrich clutched the crucifix. They came in to fast for him to use the stopwatch. He made crosses rise in protection. That kept them at some distance. At least for a while. Heinrich made the huge crystal fall. Lightning bathed the enemies with destruction. "Great is our Father in Heaven." Heinrich breathed. Crystals rained down upon him. His strength was renewed. He picked bogh them and his weapon. Then Heinrich climbed the ladder. The red skeleton had pulled itself together. Heinrich whipped it to pieces. The rest wouldn't last long. Heinrich got upon the closest gear. He landed upon the platform. The skeletons where hurling bones. Heinrich threw daggers at them. The Medusa heads arrived. Heinrich used the stopwatch. He then lept up the stair. It didn't break. The skeleton punched him. Heinrich ducked. The whip finished the matter. Heinrich climbed down the other steps. The Medusa heads had broken free of his time stop. Heinrich whipped them into flame. That was all he could do. He picked the crystals left. Ahead where another of those moving gears. Heinrich went atop. Though the low-set spike-trap nearly knocked him down. Heinrich went upon his knees. This really wasn't easy. When he got past, Heinrich swung the whip for the metal ring. The conveyor brought him across the abyss. Heinrich let himself fall upon the platform. The skeleton threw bones. Heinrich whipped them bogh down. He picked the crystals. The platform was going up and down. There was another spike-trap above. Heinrich viewed the situation carefully. Then the mammals came swooping down. Heinrich threw axes at them. The crystals rained down upon him. Though they didn't possess any unatural abilities, they might drain his blood. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. The platform came back down. Heinrich got upon. The spike-trap was ahead. Heinrich wondered if the lift might smash him flat. He swung the whip. He got hold of the hook. He swung over to the viewpoint. The crimson-bone hit him. Heinrich stamped with the cross. The red skeleton fell into a heap. Heinrich climbed the steps. This time they got shattered. Heinrich managed to reach the top. Cogwheels and gears where all about. The only way forward was the huge pendulum. Heinrich had to wait until it returned. The Medusa heads attacked. Heinrich presented the icon. The snake-creatures exploded on impact. Heinrich made the sign of the cross while picking crystals. He went upon the pendulum. The spinning spike-balls could kill him. Heinrich used holy water to dislodge them. They tumbled into the abyss. Heinrich jumped for the gear. Heinrich then got upon the next platform. It only where some meter in length. The spinning gear was laied in a vertical position. Over there was another small platform. Heinrich went upon the cog to might get a better outlook. The source of the moonlight was someplace above. Even so, Heinrich was unsure how to get there. There was another pendulum. Heinrich was unsure if he might go that way. There was nothing beyond that point. Nothing which he could see at least. Then there was only one solution left. Heinrich swung his whip. He managed to hook onto the metal ring. This conveyor was going upward. Heinrich thought of the challenge within the first shaft. He dismissed the matter. He threw a dagger toward the skeleton. It exploded. Heinrich thought of might settle upon that platform. But then again, that would lead him nowhere. Heinrich continued to hang on. He defeated another skeleton. Then he swung over to the ladder. Though the ladder led nowhere but up and down a short distance, he might use this position to defeat the pillar of bones. The skulls shot fireballs. Heinrich was able to climb underneath the onslaught. He got very few items which might cross the distance. Heinrich toutched the crucifix. He climbed above the heavy flames. He would have to be careful. No performance, or show today. Heinrich threw the vial of holy water into the air. That wasn't enough. Although he hit home. "Help me, Allmighty Lord in Heaven!" He prayed. The pillar of bones shot other fireballs. Heinrich climbed all the way down. While going up, he threw the cross. The topmost skull got shattered. There still where two more of them. Heinrich got scorched. Though he managed to hold on. The laurels saved him from falling. Heinrich threw the dagger. The impact kknocked pieces of their skull. He used the stopwatch to slow the fireballs. The axe flew in an arch. The crystals made the items return to him. Heinrich threw his own diamond. The crystal shattered another of the skulls. The last he doused in holy water. The flames got awefully close. Heinrich was able to avoid it this time. He cast another vial of holy water. This time the enemy got defeated. The bats attacked. Heinrich presented the icon. "Glory be Jesus the word, our crucified and resurrected Lord!" They burned. Crystals rained down. Heinrich smiled. That was such wonder. He flailed the whip. Then he hooked onto the moving rings. For a moment he didn't realize his mistake. But when learning that he was going back down, Heinrich swung back upon another of the platforms. The skeleton had been defeated. Heinrich waited until they moved back up. Then he hooked back on. The rings kept going upward. He presented the icon or crucifix to might keep the mammals away. The skeletons where of greater concearn. Heinrich threw daggers or the cross at them. The icon might protect even against their hurled bones. Heinrich's progress got haulted when the bone dragon came smashing down. He barely managed to swing over to another platform. The white dragon seemed to smile at him. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. The skeledragon answered with a barrage of fireballs. Heinrich whipped most of them away. He made the crystal explode. The bone dragon got struck backward. Then it breathed heavy flames. Heinrich made a wall of water to shield his position. When the dragon spine came swinging down, he whipped with the great whip. Tiny flames got lit on impact. It wasn't enough to lift the curse. Heinrich made a circle of crosses appear when the white dragon breathed heavy flames. Although not as powerful as the bone dragon king, this monster might also kill him. Heinrich threw axes into the air. The skeledragon reached forth. The skull came crashing down. The platform shook. Heinrich whipped the skull. The bone dragon breathed flames all across the floor. Heinrich was able to jump. That was all to close. As the skeledragon moved, Heinrich crashed the vial of holy water. The rush engulfed on impact. The white dragon sturred. That was the only reaction. Then it began spitting fireballs. Heinrich whipped them away. Mostly anyway. The mammals came like a wave. Heinrich used the stopwatch. That even stopped the skeledragon. Heinrich used the opportunity to throw his boomerang. The tripled onslaught shot the bone dragon to pieces. Heinrich got hold of some big gems. The mammals attacked. Heinrich twirled the whip around. The survivers still fluttered about. Heinrich picked the remaining crystals. Then he waited for the rings to return upstairs. When they did, he hooked onto. He threw some daggers toward the mammals while moving. The gear was close at hand. Heinrich swung over to the platform. He whipped some candles. Then he went for the gear. This cog was working horizontal. Heinrich went before it might drop him down. He landed upon solid ground. He was in the furthest end of the tower. At the other end was the backside for the clock's face. Heinrich toutched the cross. This would be it. The ceiling was above. There was no way going up there. The exit must be here somewhere. Heinrich began moving along the walkway. The monsters had been expecting him. The skeletons, and their soaked companions, seemed to appear out from nowhere. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. Then he dashed forward. Sword drawn and ready. The The first two bones got beheaded. Though the battlefield wasn't very large. He got knocked ceveral times. The icon made some retreat. Heinrich stabbed his blade into the ground. A ring of flame was rising abroad as Heinrich summoned his bloodline power. The bone-men where defeated. Heinrich picked some gems. The blood skeletons was able to pull together. The trio circled about, searching for an opening. That they got when the mammals arrived. Heinrich felt slightly dizzy. Then he made the crystal explode. Gemstones rained down. Heinrich gathered. He ran past the pile of bones. Then he stopped. The axe knight had no expression. No matter. Heinrich tightened the grip on his blade. From behind he heard how the red skeletons where building together. Heinrich heard a story from Arabian nights, where a litch kept a harem of skeleton concubines. He wondered who these bones might have belonged to. No matter. Over the sound of moving gears, flapping wings could be heard. Heinrich really was in trouble this time. He made crosses rise to defend against the crimson-bones. They broke into pieces. The stopwatch kept the mammals in place. Heinrich knelt. He crashed a vial of holy water. The holy flame engulfed the armour. The knight stumbled. Heinrich ran forward. This was his opportunity. The blade, blazing with electricity, hammered against the armoured head. Heinrich let it have all his force. When stamping with the crucifix, the enemy fell into a heap. He claimed the crystals. Heinrich would need them later. The mammals came like a swarm from the ceiling. Heinrich threw the axe at them. The cluster came so close it slashed them all. Heinrich claimed the crystals. The defeat of the vampire was even in their interest. That way, the mammals would be released. Free to be ordinary beast once more. Heinrich noticed the blood skeleton had rebuilt. That was another problem to consider. He didn't have the power to eliminate them once and for all. Heinrich had another plan in mind. HE threw daggers at them. When they collapsed, he doused them with holy water. While they where still soaked with that holy liquid, he threw them off of the walkway. No matter though. Heinrich felt like if he'd burned his foot. The laurels removed that trouble. He knocked some candles. It worried him to have no key. Heinrich didn't wish to go back downstairs. Perhaps he would have to. His choises where limited. The axe knight made the escape seem even narrower. Heinrich gathered. HE'd resheated his weapon. Heinrich cracked the great whip. The armour threw boomerang-like axes high and low. Heinrich was able to sidestep. Then they where coming back. Heinrich whipped them away. The armour came dashing forth while swinging another axe. Heinrich met it, face-to-face. He whipped it repeatedly. The shield withstood his blows. Then Heinrich suddenly moved aside. HE doused the enemy in holy water. The axe knight shuddered. Heinrich moved even further away. Distance was to his advantage. Heinrich threw the cross. HE made it split into dual blue boomerangs. The axe knight was coming back. Axes where spinning. Heinrich whipped them into oblivion. He began to wonder if this could be one of those red axe knightss which Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin encountered in 1944. The armour was laid with gold. Heinrich summoned his strength. HE was lifted into the air. The spinning cross brought the armour to its knees. Heinrich ran forward while whipping. He couldn't afford to let it gather. Soon the enemy where no more. Although the bats made some diference. Heinrich brandished the whip. There where to many of them. HE pressed the icon against his brest. The Lord protected his body. The mammals where defeated. Heinrich was sure to gather all the crystals. He even knocked the candles to colect more of them. He felt like something evil was close. Heinrich shuddered. Suddenly he felt so cold. The walkway stopped. There was an open area before the backside of the clock face. Heinrich had a look around. Beside some bats, there was nothing to see. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. He thought he saw someone. All across the tower, there was another walkway. Heinrich had thought to catch a glimpse of a moving figure. Whatever the case, the person was gone now. Heinrich toutched the crucifix. He jumped across. Somehow the moonlight shone through the fabric of the clock. Many huge bells hung above this location. Though there where no hunchbacks about. Heinrich made a grimace. That really wasn't funny. HE went upon the area. His feet let clear footprints among the dust. Suddenly he felt like someone was watching him. A flurry of sickles went his way.

Patrick was busy reloading his pistol. The robots had withdrawn. Though only to gather. He'd reached the top of the clock tower from one of the northern ropes. The walkway wasn't large. Patrick knew something was happening abroad. Though the gloom obscured his view, Patrick might smell it. He'd been about to investigate when a band of those blasted ordmented machines had appeared from bogh wall and platform. That wasn't fair. Nothing ever was within the castle of Hell. Although this wasn't Dracula's haunt. Patrick knew that. His father would never had settled in such a place. The destroyer-droids unfolded. Patrick could feel their progress. They came from bogh sides. So, they'd decided to join in the fun. Patrick smirked. Though it never reached his eyes. They where shining like polished gold. The Host was in his hand. He put some of the holy wafer in front of the super battle-droids. The cross-shaped burst of pure energy got deflected by their shielding. "Whatever." Patrick muttered. HE got his opportunity to dash forward. The blade was shining hot with plasma. He deflected their heavy fire back into their energy-shields. That wouldn't make them falter. He knew that already. Patrick hammered his own body against the trio. Behind, the other robots opened fire.

Torah jumped from the gear. She landed upon another short platform. The moving rings would be of no help this time. "Watch out!" Rose shouted. Torah ducked. "Pearls of heat!" The magic shot the Medusa heads. Torah drew sweath of her brow. She really disliked those creatures. "Thanks." She greated her fairy. Rose beamed. "No thanks is needed." She however explained. Torah smiled. Then she inhaled. They still hadn't reached the top. The third shaft had been just as challenging like she expected. Torah toutched the cross. She had it tied around her right wrist. "Let's go." She said. Rose settled upon her shoulder. Torah inspected the way ahead. A platform, having smaller spikes on either side, went back and forth between this floor and the rope. Torah beheld it carefully. She looked down on the floor. Then she decided. "Stay put." Torah told the fairy. Rose held tight when Torah lept upon the platform. This time, no crushing spike-balls came tumbling from above. Torah wondered what that had been all about. She dismissed the matter. She was in place. Torah noticed the skeleton just in time. The bone-man was standing upon the floor across from the rope. Torah had the silver crush in hand. She smashed the bones thrown at her to pieces. She was to far away to might attack in turn. The platform was speeding back. Torah lept above. She let be the rope. At least in this turn. She landed before the enemy. Torah ducked. The skeleton punched for her location. Torah cut its legs from underneath. The bag of bones collapsed. Torah watched it burn. The moonlight, which came through the multiple smaller windows above, shone upon her. Torah reached into her purse. Pale gold shone in her hand as Torah beheld the gold key. She'd found it within a barrel downstairs. How it got there, was an enigma. If Heinrich was ahead of her, and that she believed, he must be trapped somewhere ahead. Torah put the key away. "We shall help him." Rose assured. Torah nodded. "He has better trust in you now." She said. Rose fluttered before her face. "I hope that." She told. "Heinrich is a Belmont." Her glow dimmed slightly. "He is our only hope to defeat the curse." Torah nodded. She had come to the same conclution. "Their plight is to hunt for the greater evil. And to destroy them whenever they arises." The little fay toutched her cheek. "You are to help him." She said. Torah smiled. "I will." She promised. Torah jumped and fetched the rope. She would have to climb upstairs. Torah presented the cross to might make the bats to scatter. It wasn't really that many. Then the rope-skeletons where of greater concearn. They came climbing down the other ropes. Torah got a feeling of being within a sort of giant web. Luckily, the spider was absent. Rose flew about to might confuse them. That wasn't enough. Torah held on with one hand. "Fountain of fire!" The fireballs got shot out from between her fingertips. That burned bogh mammals and skeletons. Torah fetched some gemstones. "Let's get going before other arrive." Rose suggested. Torah was already moving. She climbed the rope as quickly she could. But it wasn't easy. She threw stakes at the Medusa heads. Though she impaled their progress, it didn't get less difficult. "Pot of gold!" Torah shouted while hurling her magic. "Destiny's gaze!" Her eyes turned from brown into bright gold. Parallel beams of shining energy shot from within her gaze. Suddenly all seemed so quiet. Some crystals hit her. Some gems became items. Torah knew her eyes had retained their natural brown colour. Torah realized she'd reached the end. "Be mindful." Rose whispered in her ear. "Be sure." Torah acknowledged. She then went upon the walkway. "Oh my God." She said while looking into the abyss. Torah had come such a long way. The moonlight shone through all those tiny windows placed around the face of the clock. Torah preduced the silver crush. "There they come!" Rose warned. The bats really had arrived. Torah slashed and twirled with the razors and cross. The crystals fell on the floor. Torah was eager to pick them all. She felt like they would be of help. Torah shook her head. She didn't have the Belmont ability. To see beyond the obvious. Still, Torah closed her eyes. She fell into a slight trance. "No!" Torah screamed. She snapped out of it. "What happened?" Rose asked, shining a worried blue. "I saw." Torah said. She licked her lips. "I saw the evil gather." Although that wasn't quite describing. "It was like a great shadow was going to have an eruption." She toutched the cross. "We might already be to late." Rose fluttered before her. "No. That cannot be true." Rose stated. "We would've felt that." Torah inhaled. Rose was right. "Still." She said. "We have very little time." Rose didn't speak against that statement. "Let's hurry." The fay instead encouraged. Torah nodded. She went over the distance. At the far end she discovered the exit. Torah used the gold key to open the door. She left the key within the lock. Where was Heinrich? Or Patrick, for that matter. Torah would've felt much better if they'd been here. She toutched the cross for a second time. "Saria." She muttered. "Here I come." Torah went out into the cold winter night. She where in front of the clock. It was close to midnight.

(A.N: So we reach the climax. I have worked long to describe this first quest. I have never really played the N64 games. Though they are among my favorites. Thus to tell the story, is for me like to play. Salutations from a deaf-blind man; have a nice time, as the story continue.)

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil."
Psalms: 23. 4.

Boss fight: "Death's track" First battle.
Clock tower, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Heinrich dodged the flurry of sickles. "Damn!" Heinrich cried. "I Wretched cur, I I will slash you to pieces!" Another array of sickles came his way. One of the sickles hit him in the back. The chilling force felled him to the floor. "This is the end." The voice was a mere whisper in his mind. Heinrich struggled to lift his head. There, mounted upon his bleak steed, sat the angel of Death. As he watched, the grim reaper conjured another volley of sickles. Heinrich still fought. He would get on his feet. He would meet Death with a straight back. He could do nothing. The flurry was shot forward. In that exact same moment, Heinrich felt slender arms embrazing him. "Reinhardt!" Julia whinched in pain. All the sickles had struck her. Heinrich felt tears down his cheeks. Only then did he realize he was crying. He wasn't Reinhardt. Heinrich didn't care. He knew why she'd used that name. There was no need for questions or answers as he cradled her within his arms. "Have you forgotten your blood, girl!?" The grim reaper rasped his acusation. "You would give your life for him?" The fallen angel pointed his finger at her. "Get up!" He demanded. "You will kill your friend if I demands it." His hand became a fist. "You know I can give you the power to break him." Julia didn't seem to consider either of this. Heinrich kept her tighter. "Sorry Heinrich." She said. "But I couldn't make a wish for myself." Heinrich drew away her tears. HE didn't care about his own. "Julia." He asked. "Why… ?" She put a finger upon his lips. "Because your heart is strong and pure." She said with a weak smile. "Because you might do what I couldn't." She looked upon him with eyes of sadness. "You can defeat Dracula." She closed her eyes. "As long as he lives, my horror continues." Julia opened her eyes. No redness where in them. "No one deserve my fate." Heinrich knew his hands where stained with her blood. Somehow that didn't concearn him. "Have no fear." He promised. "I will defeat the count." There was nothing he wouldn't do to might ease her pain. "Good." Julia smiled. She looked upon him. And yet, she beheld something beyond. "I fear Death." She whispered. "Father, may my simple soul ever hope for forgiveness?" Heinrich made the sign of the cross as he placed his crucifix into her hand. God is compassion." He said. "Forgive her, Father. Forgive us our sins. Lead us into eternal joy. The Lord has forgiven all. Julia." Patrick's sister pressed the crucifix to her bossom. Then, as he watched, Julia went limp and faded. Heinrich held the symbol in his hands. He kissed it. "Let her be free." HE prayed. Heinrich got upon his feet. There was time to face this fallen angel, who had inflicted him with so much pain. Heinrich cracked the whip. "The Lord forgive me." HE said through clenched teeth. "But you I cannot forgive." The grim reaper never moved. "Vampire hunter." He breathed. "Do you mourn an undead's death?" Heinrich hung the item back around his neck. "A true man should always pitty the innocent, who dies without guilt." Heinrich was angry. But this time it was the justified rage of the vampire hunter. No, it was more then that. This was the rage of all who had lost and suffered during this long war. "This isn't the anger of a vampire hunter." He told his enemy. "This is the rage of all humanity!" Death threw his sickles. Heinrich was able to dodge. HE doused the onslaught with holy water. Death attacked with the scythe at the ready. Heinrich sidestepped. He whipped the second array of sickles into oblivion. He ducked under the scythe. He knew that might be his final hour. The angel of Death opened the pages of his Necromonicon book. Heinrich once heard it was the bible of the dark side. "I command the deep to awaken." The grim reaper decleared. "Arise, you who dwell in the dark ocean. I summon thee into this realm." As if they had been conjured, four evil star symbols appeared at each corner of the room. Death turned his scythe against him. The ugly Baracuda-like monsters came swimming like a quick arrow of silver, green or blue. "In the name of Jesus from Nazareth!" Heinrich decleared. He held the crucifix in his left hand while flailing his whip. The weapon got enforced with shining gold. The monsters where defeated. Heinrich pushed forward before the dark angel might summon more of them. The horse breathed a heavy steam. The quality froze upon contact. Heinrich avoided the onslaught. "You are Dracula's right-hand man and guardian of choise." He muttered, echoing the words of his ancestors. The grim reaper answered when hurling the scythe like a giant boomerang. Even the weapon itself made the air to crack and smolder with frost. Heinrich was able to jump the deathly weapon. He even dodged upon the return. Before the angel might retain his weapon, Heinrich threw a flurry of homing crosses. The sickles shielded against the onslaught. Heinrich fused with fire. Bogh the horse and its rider got trapped within a flaming field. While the angel was thus occupied, Heinrich whipped the Scubas away. Their sharp teeth left bite-marks upon his body. Heinrich picked the crystals they left. The laurels, combined with earth, removed the poisoned state. Although having been trapped, the grim reaper hadn't really been damaged. They soon got loose from his hold. The horse breathed more steam. Heinrich held the icon in front. The wall of flame slowed its progress. But soon, the unearthly steed went straight through the flames. Heinrich almost expected that to happen. His whip shone blue with aquamarine jewels. He whipped the horse square between its eyes. It mearred. The sound was terrible to hear. Heinrich withdrew. The grim reaper threw other sickles. HE even swung his scythe for his chest. Heinrich threw himself backward. HE threw axes at the evil star symbol. He didn't dare to with it in fear of possible outbursts of dark energy. Sure enough, the lightning made the symbol to explode. Heinrich gratefully picked the crystals. Such was the result of their own beloved chaos. The next array of sickles sent him flying. Heinrich was able to use the laurels. The flame power removed the frozen state. Though the impact pained him. Blood dripped on the ground. He was forced to use the medicine. He still got some of it left from when they found the med-kip. The angel came galloping forward. Heinrich threw dual blue daggers. They went in a waving pattern. The horse reared when stabbed. The angel of Death threw his scythe like a giant boomerang. Frost was spread in its wake. Heinrich ran to might avoid getting slashed. The Baracuda-like Scubas still swam about the place. He whipped some into oblivion. If only he could send Death to join them. Heinrich knelt. He crashed a vial of holy water. The wave went forward. The evil star exploded in a pyre of darkness. Heinrich dodged the scythe upon its return. He picked all the crystals before they could disappear. Other Scubas swamed for him. Heinrich twirled with the great whip. The move even blocked some of the sickles. Heinrich withdrew. The moonlight came through numerous smaller windows sat around the clock's face. Heinrich used the laurels to might remove the poisoned state. The horse flapped with its huge bat-like wings. The grim reaper hurled other sickles. Heinrich made crosses rise in front. The horse screamed when the symbols toutched its bleak skin. Death used his scythe to block the whip-slashes. Heinrich drew backward. The horse breathed heavy steam. Frost gleamed where it went. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. He wouldn't fail. He would keep his promises. Heinrich threw the boomerang at the third evil-star symbol. The explosion forced him to his knees. He made a side-roll. HE got plenty of crystals. The horse passed above. Heinrich stamped with his crucifix. Although his hand felt numb with frost upon toutching. Flames where lit. The horse meared in anguish and missery. Heinrich realized it was a living demon. Death twirled his scythe. Heinrich back-dashed the objective. He whipped the reaper's skull. Death grunted. Heinrich doused the sickles with holy water. That made them shatter. Heinrich used his stopwatch to might stop the Scubas. He was forced to have another medicine. The green potion might remove the poisoned state. The whip removed the creatures of the dark ocean world. They left crystals behind. Heinrich made a dive to might fetch them. HE threw daggers while leaping. Death lifted his horse higher into the air. Even so, the steed got nailed. "Merciful Father in Heaven!" Heinrich exclaimed. The pale mount didn't bleed. No blood! No blood at all! Heinrich made the sign of the cross. That was impossible. He gathered. Death was hurling other sickles. Heinrich ducked underneath. The Scubas where about. Heinrich brandished the whip. Then he summoned his bloodline power. Heinrich was risen into the air. The circling electrified crucifixes circled his position. The monsters got wiped out. Heinrich claimed all their crystals. HE still got lightning in his blood. Heinrich threw the cross. Beams of electricity boxed in the remaining symbol. The eradication was impressive. Death hit him with sickles. Heinrich was forced to use more power. The laurels removed the frozen state. The red medicine healed his damages. The crystals where just in place. Heinrich collected those he could. The grim reaper conjured another array of sickles. Heinrich made the crystal explode. The horse screamed. Death leapt from his steed. "May He forgive us all." Heinrich whispered as he watched the horse burn. The fallen angel of Death ended his prayer. The naked skull beheld him without notion. The coldness of the void made him shiver. Heinrich gathered. He made the sign of the cross. Death threw the weapon like a giant boomerang. While Heinrich dodged, the grim reaper conjured other of his evil star gates. The Scuba monsters reappeared. "Damn." Heinrich couldn't help it. He really didn't like those demons. The enemy retained his scythe. Then the flurry of sickles came his way. Heinrich blocked with crosses. He then crashed the vial of holy water. The holy wave bathed the reaper's very presence. Cold and dark put out the light. Death where in place. He spread his own black wings like that of the raven. "Nevermore." Heinrich whispered. Then he gathered. The laurles, fused with earth, healed him of the poisoned state. Heinrich wished he got the ability to make it rain. That might've removed the Scubas. There was something else he might do. When having collected the crystals, and avoided the spinning scycle, Heinrich threw a circle of axes. Ceveral demons got cut to pieces. The grim reaper was to far away. Heinrich whipped the flurry away. HE also threw multiple daggers straight into the nearest symbol. The outburst threw him backward. That might be best. The scythe missed him. Heinrich dodged when the weapon came back. HE went to pick the crystals. The enemy swooped with the weapon ready. Heinrich made a glide beneath his opponent. "This is for Julia!" Heinrich shouted. The great whip was on fire. The flame whip burned the ash-grey cloack of the Dark Lord's bodyguard. The dark angel stumbled forward. The demons kept him from advancing. Heinrich brandished his whip to might burn them instead. He picked the crystals. Then he got struck by the angel's sickles. Frost and pain surged through his body. Heinrich used the laurels. Not only to lift the frozen state. But also to heal his bruishes. Though he got back up, Heinrich was breathing heavily. Death came from above, flapping his wings. The scythe aimed for his brest. Heinrich held the icon in hand. "Glory be Jesus the word, our Lord!" A wall of water protected against the blow. Heinrich wasn't that lucky with the Scubas. They came swaming about. Heinrich struck them before they could feed on his body. Death unleashed other sickles. Heinrich ducked. They all disappeared. Death swung his scythe. Heinrich stamped with his crucifix. Death screamed when the holy flame burned his skeleton. Heinrich staggered backward. The sound was almost more then he could handle. Death then reached out with his left hand to punch him. Heinrich fell on the floor. The frost chilled him. HE still held the crucifix tight in his grasp. Death couldn't pass the symbol. Not here, not now. Not when he was Dracula's servant. "Death come to us all." Heinrich admitted. He used the laurels to refresh himself. The Scubas arrived. They where even more devastating then the bats could ever be. Heinrich used his stopwatch. That gave him time to whip them away. The crystals came in handy. Death threw the scythe at him. Heinrich rolled aside. He wondered if the bottles might shatter. No time to think further about it now. The item was coming back. Heinrich jumped. Death reached for his item. Heinrich, who was still in the air, threw the crystal. The shining object struck death beneath the skull. The angel staggered. Though in this undead state, he might feel pain. Heinrich ran forward. HE made the item to explode. But Death had already taken to the air. The blast only made the evil star to explode. Heinrich went to retrive all items. From his elevated position, Death threw bogh his weapon and a flurry of sickles. Heinrich made crosses rise in front. That took the brunt of the onslaught. Though the scythe was still going forth. Heinrich sidestepped with mere inches. HE got under when the item returned. How had Soma Cruz even been able to brandish that item? Heinrich dismissed the matter. Although he got a hunch. Death made sickles to fly his way. Heinrich got other problems. He used the laurels to heal himself of the Scubas poisoning. The stopwatch made the demons slow down enough for him to defeat them. He dodged the array when picking crystals. Death swung his scythe. Heinrich watched him approach from a 45-degree angle. "Stay on target." HE muttered. "Just a little closer." Then he made the sign of the cross before kneeling. The grim reaper got engulfed when Heinrich crashed the vial into the floor. Death staggered. HE groaned like God's fist had struck him. Whatever the case, his chilling presence forced Heinrich to his knees. The Scubas gathered about. Heinrich blocked them out with crosses. HE used his stopwatch to trap Death within an electrified field. Then he whipped all the enemies into oblivion. Death easily broke free of his simple imprisonment. He struck with his weapon. Heinrich whipped. Bogh weapons made contact. Death fell back as flame burned him. But even Heinrich fell back, consumed with frost. Not even the laurels might remove the state completely. Heinrich shook it off. Death had gathered. Heinrich dodged the flurry of sickles. He claimed some crystals. The Scubas bit him. Heinrich had no choise but to remove the poisoned state before it might kill him. He threw his own array of crosses to might shield himself. Death lifted above the onslaught. The crosses instead homed onto one of the last remaining evil stars. The Baracuda-like monsters where even longer then him. Though they where much sleaker. They didn't at all look like those frog demons which Heinrich thought of when picturing the deep. No more time for such speculation. Death threw his scythe like a giant boomerang. Heinrich had learned that weapon might kill him in one shot if it ever got home. Heinrich dodged as best he could. He jumped the weapon upon its return. The Scubas where coming in again. Heinrich made a crystal fall. The purple gemstone made electricity to shield his position. Not even the angel of Death could protect himself from this roth. Lightning struck him from the air. But he to soon got back up. Heinrich was collecting crystals when the enemy threw his weapon. Multiple sickles also came his way. Heinrich made the crystal to explode. The outburst took care of the sickles. But nothing he got could halter or hinder Uriel's scythe. He made a glide beneath the weapon. Although not hit, the frost chilled him to the bone. Heinrich lay on the floor. When utilizing the laurels, the state was removed. The scythe was coming back. Heinrich jumped. Before Death might retake his weapon, Heinrich nailed him with several daggers. The grim reaper groaned with pain. He couldn't be sure. But when seeing beyond the obvious, it was like the angel's aura grew even more furious. The bitter frost was radiating from the very being. Heinrich made the sign of the cross. HE was unsure what this all ment. Could the chain-whip even harm such a devine being? Although dubbed the "Undead Killer", this weapon wasn't the Vampire Killer. Sure, it was connected with strong mystical powers. The Belmont's holy whip was unique in all creation. Heinrich lowered his head. He would accept the will of the Lord. Death came sweeping in with his scythe rised for the kill. Scubas where about. Heinrich sidestepped the angel's approach. He used his stopwatch to might slow their progress. The laurels healed him of their ill poisonous attack. The fallen angel released an array of sickles. Heinrich brandished the great whip. The Scuba demons burned into ashes. They left only crystals behind. Heinrich used his stopwatch once more to even slow the sickles. When having obtained the crystals, he ran to save his own life. Uriel shouted after him. Heinrich paied no attention. The grim reaper came darting down from a 45-degree angle, scythe at the ready. Heinrich was able to move around his opponent. He drew sweath from his brow. The evil star released other Baracuda-like demons. Heinrich threw axes into the air. Flames burned upon impact. The evil star symbol then burst. The explosion was breathtaking. Heinrich ran to fetch the crystals. He really was breathing heavily. Heinrich felt so tired. He got the crystals. Even so, Heinrich didn't knew how much longer he might keep this dance going. His justified rage for Julia's demise would not give him victory. No one deserved her fate. She had said so herself. His emotions blossomed within his heart like sunfire. The flame to clean for the dark to stain it with vengeance. Death came for him. Croutched, with the scythe outstretched, he looked like a darting orb. Heinrich threw the cross into the air. The holy item spun overhead as water pillars rised about. Death got struck hard. Either way, the flurry of sickles dug into his chest. Heinrich staggered. Blood stained the dusted floor. Chilling, health-stealing frost was his universe. Even as the laurels healed him, Heinrich struck with the gold whip. The repeated slashes went through. The skeleton snapped. "ARgh!" Death grunted when staggering backward. "Scum of a Belmont!" He howled. "How dare you oppose me!?" Heinrich picked together. He toutched the crucifix. Through the grace of God, the fight was over. Heinrich gathered new strength in that revelation. "Back to your dark realm." He said with determination. "I will send Dracula to join you." Death's skeleton was falling apart. Still, the grim reaper laughed by his effort. "Ignorant youth." He whispered. "Death is each man's destiny." A pentagram appeared beneath his location. "Be sure that I will keep a warm place for you." Heinrich made the sign of the cross. "That rests with the Lord." He said. The pentagram sucked Death into oblivion. Then it was no more. Heinrich then let go of his pride. He droped his whip as Heinrich wept. He mourned for Julia and for all who'd perished because of Dracula. "I know." A hand was on his shoulder. "She was my sister as well." Heinrich looked up. Patrick was there. The sight of the armoured man-beast made the tears to run even heavier. Patrick knelt to embrace him. Together they wept for those who they'd lost.

Patrick helped his friend to stand. The robots almost got the best of him. That was why he couldn't come to the rescue. Not that he'd noticed until it was already over. He'd been to broken then to even move. He'd used several of his medicines. He'd been forced to summon Renon even a third time. The trader had been so happy to aid him. Patrick didn't mind. "We meet again before the end." Heinrich said when he'd retrived all his items. "You deserve it." Patrick said, meaning the mystic orb. Heinrich smiled. Although it help little joy. He picked the item. The flash of light made Patrick blink. Heinrich seemed like he'd picked together. Patrick was glad he did. He was the Belmont. Patrick had come to realize that Heinrich was their only hope to defeat the Dark Lord. At least when seeing him in action. "He took Saria, you know." He said. Heinrich beheld him while Patrick told his story. Slowly he nodded. "Then there is no time to spare." Heinrich concluded. Patrick agreed. "We've waisted to much time already." Heinrich nodded. Together they went to investigate the area. There was an opening at the far side. Patrick still didn't like hights. But he got across. There was a door. Heinrich turned the gold key within the lock. The cold wind blew against their faces.

Castle keep, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Simon and Benjamin fought back to back. The battle-droids came marching in. "Horn torpedo! Vulcano hammer!" The boy let loose his water magic. "Spike crush!" Benjamin also had become strong with wizardry. Olivia had been able to save them from the vampires when discovering her dream abilities. "Sting laser!" The other child shot the corporal to pieces before he might throw another grenade. "Angel's rod!" Heinz kept himself in the background. Lucy was at his side. "Poison Ivy! Hard punch!" The strawberry blonde girl had her own power. No questions asked. Olivia, who'd taken up the blade of a warrior, was at the leed. "Desperado blaster!" Benjamin was able to tear the destroyer-droid apart. "Marching fishes!" Although ordmented, the robots where not used to his liquid. They didn't fight alone. The bats also had attacked. "Bubble boom!" Olivia released her storm of heart-shaped projectiles. They seemed to have a homing propencity. "God is good!" Benjamin shouted. The wave got shot to pieces. But then the super battle-droids began to arrive. Benjamin grew silent. Simon pulled his glasses closer. "Vulcano hammer!" He would win or die while fighting for his freedom.

A.N: This is the battle with Death. I've been looking forward to tell this story. Uriel is among the best villains ever in the CV history. I try not to make a complete replica. Death upon his horse is by the way a CV Resurrection theme. Have a nice time.

"Even if we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Rome: 14. 8.

Boss fight: "Actrise's track" Second battle.
Clock tower, Castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Torah knew who she was. "Actrise." Rose whispered. "I know." Torah said. She had the silver smash in hand when stepping forward. The walkway before the clock's face was covered with a sheet of snow. The witch didn't seem to notice her approach. Torah had time to behold her enemy. She still where clad in those pitch black garment. Burning red fur almost hid the hands and the slender neck. Torah was still marvelled at her beauty. Isabella was fear. As fear as could be. With a heavy mass of golden hair down her back. Though atop ther brow, the hair was shaped into that of horns. Actrise beheld her with eyes like pale zapphire. She really was as attractive like Jonathan Harker described. Actrise then began to speak. Her words made Tora's blood chill in her vains. "You surprise me." She smiled, exposing her fangs. "To defeat the Fernandez warrior." Torah stepped back. "Come." The undead whispered. "It is still not to late." Another faint smile appeared upon her full crimson lips. "Give your soul to the Dark Lord." Torah shook her head. She was shaken. Though she'd been given this offer before. It wasn't easier to bare. "You know it is a simple matter." Actrise pointed with her magic wand. "You said it yourself." Torah blushed. "You are to sacrifice the blood of 100 children." Again that wicked smile. "I slew my own child." The words was like an echo of the text in Carrie's journal. They made her shiver with fear. "Such I attain this price of eternal life." Torah shook her head. She felt like her own blood had been driven from her face. She didn't knew where she got the strength to defay this woman. She thought of her grandmother, of Gwendolyn's suffering. "She was really only my grandmother." The statement of her ancestor gave Torah the ability to see behind her lies of deception. Torah knew this witch. She'd known her since their first meeting within Dabi's path. "My grandmother gave her own life to save mine." Torah held to that truth. "She really loved me." She got into a defensive posture. "Yoko showed me happiness." Torah inhaled. "Your child received no love from her mother." Torah tightened the grip on her razor rings when summoning her power. "You." She licked her lips. "You're pathetic." Actrise lowered her face. "Oh dear. That make me so sad." Torah felt taken aback. "You look upon me like my child once did." Did she actually mean that? Could her soul still be saved? Torah then wheeled back when Actrise showed her face. "How pitiful." She mochered. "I love no one in this world then myself!" Her eyes blazed with such a malishious hate, it made Torah shield her eyes. "I will gouge out your heart as a sacrifice to my prince of Darkness!" The witch vanished like a coil of mist. Torah moved. "Watch out!" Rose shouted. "She is here!" A trio of homing balls came her way. Torah struck with the silver smash. Actrise reappeared. Her wand was blazing. "A wall of icicles shall be your grave." Actrise hissed as the blocade of crystals appeared around her. Torah was on the offensive. She attacked the frost with the razor rings in hand. They crushed the ice without difficulty. Actrise laughed. "You shall die." She decleared. "Watch out!" Rose shouted. "She's going to… !" The fay got cut short. The vampire released a flouting blue sphere from within her wand. The ball came circling outward. "Golden globe!" Torah shot the magic to pieces. She moved while casting. Thus she avoided the crystals which came through the floor. Torah shuddered. They could trap her within their center. She wouldn't last eternity as this witch's slave. The smash crushed through the final icicles. Actrise had already teleported. She appeared somewhere else. Torah turned. Actrise held her at the shoulders. "First I will drink of your blood." Actrise stated while bending her head. Her hands where like a grip of cold steel. "Let her go!" Rose flew directly for her face. Startled, the witch let her go. Torah stamped with the cross. Actrise shrieked. The wand hit her in the head. Torah fell on her back. Actrise was gone. She struggled back up. The witch hurled tripled homing balls. Torah made them explode when nailing with stakes. She made a circle of crystals to reappear. Torah went to work. The cross burned with fire. Actrise released one of her spinning blue orbs from within the wand. Torah ducked. Actrise made crystals rise through the floor. Torah was already beyond. "Orbs of sorcery!" She ran in circles while throwing her balls of homing plasma. The witch exposed her fangs. Torah dashed, silver smash at the ready. The impact made the remaining crystals to shatter. "Opal shot!" The fireball struck her in the face. Actrise screamed. Though Torah heard it was in anger and hate. Not in pain. The witch vanished like a coil of mist. "There she is!" Rose shouted. Torah was running in circles around the crystals to might dodge the trio of homing balls. Then she crashed the crystals. Actrise smiled. Torah threw herself sideways. The icicles ment to trap her, missed their objective. "Pearls of heat!" The magic shattered the magic ball which Actrise released. Then the witch was gone. Shattered pieces of ice and crystal lay all over the place. "Watch out!" Rose warned. Torah managed to get past the homing balls. The witch made other crystals to appear. "Rainbow flame!" The power melted the ice. Torah threw wild roses about. The vampire became silent. A branch of the wild rose upon the lid of their coffin, would imprison them. While she was still amazed, Torah threw a stake at her. "Curse you, Belnades scum!" Blood stained the snow with crimson. Never the less, Torah knew she'd missed the heart. The blue orb hit her in the chest. Torah staggered. She felt like the malishious chill froze her soul. "Then it is your heart." The undead witch loomed over her. Then Rose came darting in. "Rise!" She shouted. "I heal you of her state." Torah felt new strength well up in her upon the fairy's words. The frozen state was removed. She still got the silver smash. Actrise held her staff to block. The cross was more then she could handle. "God!" Torah shouted. "Help me!" Flames blazed with the symbol. Actrise moaned. But then she disappeared. Torah gathered. "Thank you." She said. Meaning bogh the Lord and her companion. The witch was back. The crystals rised on her command. Torah had other businesses to attend to. The homing balls was homing her location. The garlic made them explode. Actrise had already disappeared. Then she came like a coil of mist. "Thy blood ist mine!" Her anger made her to retain the Walachian speech. Yoko and Mathilda had given her lessions in that language. That didn't matter. The vampire took her by the shoulder. "I shalst have mine avenge!" Torah never knew what argument Sypha Belnades ever had with this woman. Not that she where interested. She struggled to get free. In her peril, she sung. The music hammered against her enemy. Actrise grunted. Blood painted her black robes. "So ist est." Isabella's eyes shone with ugly blue flame. Then, she said in English. "I forgot your bloodline, girl." Homing balls shot from her fingertips. "I shall not forget it again." Torah tried to block. The third ball struck her head on. The blue ring gave some protection. Even so, she got thrown far backward. Somehow Torah managed to keep her weapons. "Is everything alright?" Rose asked, shining a concearned green. "Nothing." Torah assured. "I may arrange that." Actrise moched. She shot other homing balls. This time Torah was able to block. Actrise was secure within her circle of crystals. Or perhaps not? "Hand of Fate! Destiny's gaze!" The onslaught of power crushed the icicles to pieces. "Nay!" Actrise released her spinning orb. Torah threw stakes. She impaled bogh witch and her magic spell. Actrise staggered. Torah ran forward. The witch made other crystals to stab through the floor. Torah was to quick. Then, before she might smash her, the vampire disappeared. Torah looked about. Where could she be? "Over here!" Rose shouted. "She is here." "Quiet, thy little pest!" This time Actrise shot for the fairy. "No! I won't let you do it!" Torah reached out her hands. "Orbs of sorcery!" The homing balls of purplish plasma collided against the witch's spell. Actrise snarled. "I shalst defeat thee!" She no longer seemed to care if Torah figured her words. Torah knew. That wasn't the matter. She ran to not get captured among the rising crystals. Actrise laughed when she viewed the chase. The garlic took her aback. Although there was only one. The onion blasted her upon impact. Torah was breathing heavily. She might get a break. Or perhaps not. Actrise was releasing her magic. The spinning ball almost shot her. Torah ducked beneath. The witch was gone. She teleported like a coil of mist. Three homing balls came through the air. Torah struck them aside. She'd began to get quite good at that. Actrise made crystals rise in a circle. Three balls of shining purple came sweeping forth. Torah got shot. "Torah!" Rose sped for her location. The vampire laughed. Sure with victory. The fairy healed her a second time. "Behind blue eyes!" Her eyes changed from brown into piercing blue. The coldness made the crystals shatter. Torah ran forward while Actrise made other crystals to stab through the floor. They might trap her. Torah knew that. She dashed toward the enemy's position. Isabella Von Krohnquist released the spinning ball from within her staff. "Opal flash!" The silver crush made the crystals collapse. Torah held the elf-stones in her open palm. Shining green energy engulfed the vampire. Actrise fell back. She pined herself upon her own crystals. Torah held the crystal aimed for her while releasing more magic. Then she tripped upon the shattered ice. Torah lost her momentum. The homing balls shot her while the witch left the location. The blue ring partly protected from the burning plasma. Torah reached into her purse. She used the laurels. Rose where not to be her constant healer. The witch appeared while shooting other orbs. "Frozen flash!" Torah was running in circles to not get trapped within the crystals. Actrise made other icicles to rise around. Torah knelt. She put the garlic in place. The flaming blast took Actrise by surprise. Still with a flaming spirit, Torah used her gauntlets to melt her way through the barrier. The witch gathered. "Thou arth nay to take mine!" Actrise hissed. She threw the magic orb forward. The spinning projectile made Torah threw herself flat on the floor. Never the less, while the witch was still laughing, Torah reached beneath her poncho. Then Actrise bent to pick her. In her hands where the strength of 20 men. Torah had picked something as well. She song. The mystic book had opened on its own accord. Actrise lifted bogh hands. The staff blazed with a sick red light. Torah stamped with her cross. Actrise screamed. Torah tried to fetch the flowers. But it was to late. Actrise was gone with the wind. Though it blew no storm. Torah blinked. Then she recognized the power of the vampire. Actrise was standing ahead while making the wind picking up. Snow began to whaile upon her request. "This ist thise final hour." The witch said in her Walachian thoung. Torah inhaled. She was getting low on crystals. No matter, she would fight to the bitter end. "Hand of fate!" The shining blast of powerful magic collided against the perfect storm. Actrise shrieked in her anger. Torah dodged the onslaught of homing balls. The witch had vanished. Another trio of homing plasma came shooting her way. Torah struck with her silver smash. The third got repeled by the cross. That ability she just acknowledged. Isabella had arrived. She'd conjured a circle of icicles. Torah ran around to might dodge the stabbing crystals. While moving, she hurled garlic to might remove the obstacle. Actrise released her spinning orb. Torah used her music to melt through another portion of the crystals. Her gauntlets where shining bright with gold when toutching Actrise. Bogh of them howled. Torah felt how the ancient malice, which was the heart of this being, was channelled through her. At the same time, the witch got scorched by the spirit within. The faight in God she couldn't withstand. Flames flickered the vampire's body. But Torah couldn't hold on. The shadow of Isabella, who was the blood descendant of Mathias Krohnquist, loomed to dark and forboding. She had to let go. She fell to her knees. Even Actrise staggered in place. Her eyes where blazing with the flames of Hell. Torah shivered. She knew she wasn't strong enough. Her power would never do. Carrie Fernandez had been a trained hunter. Torah was only at the beginning of her studies. The witch vanished like mist. Rose fluttered in circles about her. "You must continue." She encouraged. "Saria believe in you to rescue her." That was true. The responsibility for the survival of the forest where in her hands. Torah was determined. Actrise was not a lord of shadow. Like all of the undead, she could be striken down. Torah would not let her down. The witch threw homing balls. Torah stood her ground. The silver smash and cross deflected the onslaught. Actrise made crystals shield her position. Torah was forced to run. The crystals stabbed through the floor. Torah only stopped to hurl wild roses. They caused explosions on impact. Actrise was busy saving her own location. She summoned her might. Torah threw herself into her other bloodline. The elf-stones flashed into life. Flame where in her soul. Torah screamed while releasing the wave. The magic flame crashed against the crystals. Torah couldn't keep it up. Actrise smiled. She threw her spinning orb. Rose did something. Torah wasn't quite sure what. But it was enough. Torah made a glide. The garlic rammed the witch. The evil within made a reaction. The garlic burst on contact. Torah didn't summon her might. She instead impaled the vampire. Actrise screamed. The sound which Dr. Seward had described in his diary. "It cannot be!" Actrise fell back. "You have defeated me!" Torah held onto the stake for dare life. "Through the law, I was able to conquer you." The witch staggered. She froze into a crystal which then shattered. "Through the law of Moses, I have the power to subdue even Dracula himself." She watched the still smoldering pyre. The remains of the witch burned to ashes with a nasty blue flame. "You had no chanse." Torah inhaled. Her faight made her strong. "The prince of Darkness knows this already." Torah was certain. "He used you HE used you only to delay me." The hour was near. Torah didn't doubt it for a second. "Saria." She said. "I'm coming." Rose settled upon her shoulder. She didn't looked on her. Rather, the gaze was turned to the forest beneath. Torah followed her glance. She too beheld the snowy landscape. The thought of him destroying it was unbearable. "Dracula, prince of evil, only you I can never forgive." Just when speaking those words, Torah knew it was wrong. "Forgive me." She whispered. "Forgive me of everything." Torah felt no victory. Nothing had been gained through the witch's downfall. Torah closed her eyes. She inhaled the fresh cold air into her lungs. Rose moved. "The witch's ghost will return within the walls of the demon castle." Torah exhaled. The cold made smoke to lift from her lips. It really was cold. But it was fresh as well. Torah went to pick up the mystic orb. The crystal ball restored her completely. Torah laughed with pure joy. "Let's go." She told her fairy. Rose was flying forth when the door was opened. Torah got into a defensive posture. Heinrich and Patrick appeared. "You are here!" Torah exclaimed. Although the men looked wary, she ran to embrace them. Dracula had done all to defeat them. Now, it was their turn.

Heinrich bent to her level. Patrick watched his joy when reuniting with the girl. He just felt so relaxed. The count had failed in his attempt. They where together again. "We shall save her." The Belmont said, scratching his short blonde beard. Patrick toutched his own crucifix. Torah's story was just incredible. To think they'd been so close to each other without knowing it. He smiled. Heinrich told the little sorceress about their own adventures. Rose was fluttering about. It was nice to see her back. Torah had somehow seemed lost without her fairy companion. "There is still 20 minutes left until midnight." Torah said. "That's when the ritual is going to commence." Patrick nodded. That seemed likely. "Then we might still be there in time." Heinrich said. Patrick had another question in mine. "Sorry to ask." HE said. "But where is the keep anyway?" The clock tower was the highest point of the castle. At least as far as he knew. "There." Heinrich said. Patrick shook his head. He could see nothing but a compact mass of mist. It was located at the far side of the clock. He must've seen something beyond the obvious. He led the way. Patrick really didn't got surprised when reaching the steps. They began climbing. Patrick made the sign of the cross. The gloom closed about.

Throne room, castle in Barnsdall. The 7th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The vampire warriors lay in ashes. That didn't serve his honour. Joseph Vincent had been walking to slay the daughter of Satan. The oh so fear creature had been within the coffin. Then the Dark Lord had arrived. He made him fight. The memory couldn't sooth the dread of this moment. "Thou hast failed." The count held him prone. The antique-dealer struggled to get free. "Come on!" He shouted. "Go on and kill me, your bastard, and be damned!" The prince of Darkness made no notion of his words. "All who oppose the power of the Dark Lord must die." His eyes burned red with fire. "I shalst make thy soul suffer in Hell." Then at first he seemed to consider. "So much anger. So much hatred." Joseph kept screaming and shouting his threats and curses. The Dark Lord smiled. His fangs where exposed. "Thy might shalst be to mine advantage." The Dark Lord pulled him closer while spreading his cape. "Thy blood is mine resource." Joseph cursed him with every breth in his lungs. Count Dracula laughed his evil laugher. Joseph hated him! "I hate you forever!" The great undead lay hand upon him. "This arest accursed earth." He said. "Thou arth mine."

(A.N: As people may have noticed, I had to make up a story about Actrise. She is the blonde vampire which Jonathan Harker saw in that room. In the movie based upon Bram Stoker's Dracula, these three "sisters" are presented as Turks. They are not. In the novel they are as Walachian as the count himself. Have a nice time.)