Part 2: Legacy of Sorrow.

"For love is the fulfilment of the Law."
Romans 13:8-10

Intro 2: Echoes of Darkness.
Wizardry lab, castle Ondol. The 5th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The sun set. The room lay in shadow. Soon it would be nightfall. This was the last day in the celebration of Chrismus. The trio which sat around the table could almost feel it. The turning of the tide. Though this time they where prepared. Strange. Neither of them did trust the other. The priestess acknowledged this turn of event. He had been summoned. Though another took his place. Such it should be. Such was the way of their Master. She reached for her symbol. A torch lit the crystal. Blue flame flickered, illuminating their features. She smiled. "So it begin." One of the men said. The other was quiet. "Again." She made no answer. He was right. This was full circle. Though nothing was never the same. The wheel turn. The Dark Lord would rise anew. He would cover the land in a second great Darkness. Soon, very soon, that should happen. Beyond the torch, it was complete silence. She left her seat. They looked upon her. She pulled back the hood. Blue light reflected her blonde hair. They awaited her dessision. Her grey eyes gleemed like polished steel. All was as it should be. She knew what to expect. "Count Dracula is reborn." She stated. They did not answer.

Village of Ondol, warakiya. The 6th. of January 2099 A.D.
Snow covered the street. Christian Belmont huddled behind the corner of a nearby building. All seemed quiet. Moving carefully, he retreated. Christian didn't put the hand away from the whip before reaching the backyard. "We may continue." He said. The chest-plate felt like being forged by frost. It almost bit through the coat of his jacket. Koji just nodded. He, and Maria Hakuba, was still with him. They purchased other clothing when the Holiday was over. Something really stranged happened back then. Maria had run away from the sawmill. She had still called herself Luna Sarranow. She'd called him names. She even promised to tell about him. Then, she came back, just a few minutes later. Maria changed her attitude. She admitted to be a Hakuba clanswoman. "Let's go." Koji said. He was the oldest member of their group. Christian went out into the street. He still thought of that pendant she'd showed him. The three Hakuba sisters. Mina had believed she was a only child. She wasn't. Christian dismissed the matter. The group had splintered after Chrismus. While he and Koji went to search for his cousin, the others disappeared. Christian was worried about the matter. It hadn't been snowing since that day. Reading the tracks, it seemed like there had been a squabble. Snow cracked beneath their feet. The village of Ondol was abandoned. "Why should any of them come here?" Maria asked. She still had her main of black hair reaching down her back. Christian wished she could conceal it. His own army jacket made him less noticeable. Though his red heair, reaching his shoulders, might make things difficult. "I don't know!" Koji said. "But either way, the tracks led here." As a dragon relative, he might be able to track those bearing magic power. Bogh Genya Arikado and Noriko Cruz possessed the power of dominance. Zoe also was gifted with a mystic force. Christian wondered about that. She never really told them that much about it. Then Owen Hammer was a problem. He didn't have any magic force. They could only hope he was safe. "We got to find her." Christian stated. Koji made no comment. Though he looked unsure. Maria returned his gaze with her own dark pools. They where so deep that he sometime felt like drowning. Now though, they where serious. "You're sure?" She asked. "It must've been she who began the fight." Christian nodded. He toutched his crucifix. "Even so." He stated. "We have to find her." Noriko Cruz was the granddaughter of Soma Cruz. They got to find her before something terrible happened. Noriko didn't have the resolve that Soma had. So he'd seen. Koji also told him about what happened on Redrock. "I'm not sure of any of this." Koji then said. His breth was turning into smoke when talking. It was not because he was a dragon. But rather the result of the frost. "I doubt we might do anything." Christian made the sign of the cross. "We must have faight." Koji still looked doubtful. "Don't forget some of them stole your arsenal." Christian made a grimace. He should've known better then to leave them behind. Really when Germain came that morning, bringing him all the other real items. The saint said that John wanted it this way. "I think that Genya type took them." Maria stated. "Remember, he didn't want you to get involved." Christian nodded. Genya Arikado had stated that they split up. That he and Maria should head for the castle Dracula. "The creature of Chaos will only grow stronger as it stay in this world." He'd pointed out. "Although no master sit upon the throne, the spirit of the Dark Lord might awaken." The argument had given Maria the chanse she'd been waiting for. He and Koji had went after her. Perhaps they shouldn't. Though she brought important information. Christian would have to think further about it later. Genya would have to know about it. "Don't worry about that." Maria toutched his cheek. Christian became as red like his hair. "The Belmonts always seem to regain their mystic arsenal when they have to fight." Christian smiled. That was right. Bogh Leon and Sonia had found what they needed. "Excuse me." Koji cleared his throat. Maria stepped away. Christian felt bogh hot and cold. She wasn't like that other Maria. The little girl who played with him while in the Vatican. She was an elf, Half-blood at least, and an experienced mistress. Luna claimed to have been the bride of Malus. How was that possible? Maria wasn't older then her appearance. "Either way." Maria said, trying to change the subject. "I think I know why Noriko left." Christian was grateful for the effort. "Of course." Koji stated. "She went to search for Iori Najima." The 14 year old boy shook his head, shaking the mess of brown hair. "I was an idiot who supported her dessision." Christian shook his head. "It wasn't your fault." It really wasn't. "Most of us woted to go with her." Although that had been the nightmare before Chrismuss. Koji shrugged. "It doesn't mean I'm without guilt. I gave her my dragonheart, remember." Maria crossed her arms. "You take to much of that ware." She said. "We're your friends." Christian said. "We stand together." For a moment, they all three held hands. The moment was over. Koji smirked. "Just remember." He said with more then a little glee. "It's because of my dream I really trust you." Christian nodded. He still had his hand close to the Vampire Killer. The Holiday had made it become the leather whip. No matter anyway. It still had the propencity of legend. Julius once thought it'd lost its power. But that had been a mistake. The Vampire Killer only had altered because of the castle's imprisonment. Maria sent Koji a look. "Did the ancient dragons really speak with you in your dream?" The boy shrugged. "They may do what they want." He admitted. "But this was different." Christian knew that Koji had received the golden glow. A rare sign of vallor among his species. "They made you appear you know." He stated. "They told me to trust in my friends." He made that trademark grin. "They even told me to trust that cold hearted son of a devil, Genya Arikado." Maria looked away. She still felt a little uncomfortable about all this. "It's alright." Christian said. It felt nice to have one on their side. His side anyway. When the warlock lord was riding a black dragon. His ancestors met the undead kind. "I guess." This time it was Maria shrugging. Christian thought it almost strange that this all happened only a day ago. He turned his attention back to where it belonged. Christian scoured the street. There where nobody there. Some monsters attacked in the forest. They'd been able to fend them off. Since then, nothing happened. "I still wander though." Koji said. "I do wander what Genya really was aiming for." Christian agreed. Though he didn't say so. Genya Arikado always had been hard to figure. They crossed another lane. This one just as snowy as the first. Pine trees stood to the side of the road. "Dragon's nose." Koji seemed to sniff the air. For a moment, he looked like the man-beast. Christian didn't care. Koji's features returned to normal. "This way." He said. Christian nodded. He again went in the front. Koji and Maria chose him as their leader. Strange, when they where more powerful then him, for the moment. Then again, power wasn't everything. He was a Belmont. Christian suddenly made them stop. "Look!" He pointed. A woman was standing in the street. There was nothing really about her. The weird thing, was that she hadn't been there before. Christian cracked the whip. Koji and Maria Hakuba spread out behind him. "Who are you?" Christian asked in a defensive manner. "Be careful." Maria almost hissed. At first he didn't figure. Then he noticed. Although the sun was low in the sky, she cast no shadow. The woman was clad in the same blue shroud as the wizard. Even the decorations in gold where the same. Christian made the sign of the cross. Although this woman didn't look like a monster, he had to be caushious. The strange blonde lady seemed strangely satisfied. "It is you." Grey eyes met grey eyes. "I knew about you." "Who are you?" This time it was Koji asking. A slight growl had entered his voice. "Do you not recognize me?" She smiled. Although adults might find her attractive, Christian felt suddenly uneasy. It was almost like this had happened before. The woman's eyes suddenly lit with flame. "Vampire!" Maria shouted. Christian saw her fangs exposed. "I am Celia Fortner." Christian tightened the grip on the Vampire Killer. "That's not possible." He said. "Dimitri Blinov killed you, before he himself got destroyed." The woman made a dismissing gesture. "The abyss was somehow connected to the castle." The shadow priestess folded her arms. "Although not a member of the circle of blood, I was afforded new life upon the castle's resurrection." Christian went slightly closer. "Then I'll redeem your soul." Celia lifted a hand. "Not yet." A sudden storm seemed to obscure the village street. "I have to do this." She said. "I have to rise the spirit of Dracula." Christian felt chills down his spine when hearing those words. "For God to be perfectly good, there must be a Dark Lord of perfect evil." The aura grew even darker. "You are not to interfear with our intentions." Christian didn't understand. He knew the story told about his great grandfather, Julius Belmont, and his struggle in 2036. He dismissed the matter. The earth shook. Beasts and demons where released. Christian was struck to the ground. Koji and Maria came dashing forward. Rycuda made a lightning bolt to strike the ground. Koji answered with striking his tail. The bird got smashed. There where more of them. Maria was facing the witch. Where had they come from? No matter. Christian got back up. The girl's eyes lit with darkness. Christian shivered by the mere sight. She shot flaming blasts from within her hands. Christian got other things to worry about. Malachi spat a globe at him, which it followed. Christian struck the energy ball. The whip made it backfire upon the demon. Malachi roared. The grotesque monster came flying forth. Another bolt of lightning struck. Where was his friends? Koji was nowhere to be seen. Maria was still fighting the witches. They countered her energy with homing balls or some strange explosive potion. Christian held the crucifix high in defience. That was the only mystic weapon he got left. Legends told Julius crafted the original cross and boomerang. He wasn't interested. A witch reached out with her slender arm. She really was beautiful. With long black hair and shining green eyes. The cat tore the rosary. The crucifix fell on the ground. Christian twirled the whip. The black cat was burning. He even struck the evil witch. Her gloved hand reached out from within her cloack, throwing another potion. A scream echoed through the cold air. Maria staggered. Blood went from a deep gash across her chest. "Enough." Christian knew that voice. A man clad in a black leather coat came walking down the street. "Hellfire!" He released tripled fireballs. Malachi got struck from the air. "Crimson lightning." Although aged and withered, Genya Arikado still was a man of notice. The witches which had been attacking Maria, came running while throwing potion. "Shield of bats." The coldness surrounding this handsome man was almost toutchable. Christian was glad for his arrival anyway. Genya threw a strange sort of ash upon the ground. Those caught, burned on impact. Christian renewed his attack against the witch and Malachi. The whip became a tool of ice. The cat was frozen. "Kill him!" Celia demanded. Rycuda made lightning strike. Christian pushed forward. He struck the bird to pieces. He ducked beneath the witches spell. The whip, though no longer frozen, struck her knees. She was tall and lean. Christian had a feeling she liked to show her abilities. He struck repeatedly. The ancient weapon then made the evil power within to react. She was burned into ashes. Christian still couldn't find his crucifix. The demon slashed its claws. Christian struck with the whip. The nails caught fire. The entire Malachi then became consumed. The priestess smiled. Christian didn't expect her to do that. "You really are quite resourceful." She said. Genya had finished off the demons. Some Rycuda birds stil fluttered about. "But that is not enough to save you." A darkened barrier then rised around their location. Genya said something, making fireballs strike the shadow. They didn't break through. Celia laughed. "There is nobody to save you now." Then Genya went back. He threw to him a shining envelope. Celia frowned. Christian waisted no time. He knew what where inside. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost!" He knelt, placing the Host upon the ground. "No!" Celia shouted. "Not him!" But it was to late. The holy Wafer exploded into a shining pyre. The demons got weporized. Only Celia Fortner remained. She then nodded. "So it is." The shadow priestess didn't seem all that frightened, or even disappointed. "This is only the beginning." Then she was gone. Genya inspected the situation. "She wished to kill you." He then stated. Christian looked up at him. "How did you know?" He asked. Genya's expression didn't alter. "It is the result of an inteligence investigation." Christian shook his head. He seldom understood what he was speaking about. No matter. He ran to check on Maria. She was still unconshious. "This isn't your battle." Genya Arikado stated. "Then who's it?" Christian said in a somewhat aggressive matter. He didn't liked the state of his friend's condition. "She will live." The agent stated. He tended to the wound with some potion and clean bandages. "Here." Genya said, giving him another sample. "Give this to her three times aday. Then she will survive." He rised. "Do not get involved. You still need survailance." Christian shook his head. He knew this was his destiny. "Your time will come. When you have become properly trained." That wasn't fair. St. Germain trusted him. He was after all the poltergeist king of the family. Arikado didn't seem to notice. "Stay here. You will be safe." Then he just left. Christian wished to run after him. But he just remained in place. Christian was about to lift her. Maria was heavier then he thought. The grey, green and brown clothing gave no respect to her features. "Is she okay?" Christian turned, still holding Maria in his arms. Her hair was ticling his cheek. Hammer stood leaning against the trunk of one tree. Christian felt relaxed by the mere sight. Owen always had been a trustworthy companion. "What're you doing here?" He asked as Hammer helped him to lift the unconshious girl. "I came here to search for Zoe Belnades." The soldier confessed. Christian made no comment. Yoko Belnades told Julius Belmont about the interest of this man's relative. "Do you know somewhere to take her?" He instead asked. Hammer smirked. "Of course." He said. "I secured a house some distance from here." He had a look around. "I'll take you there." He toutched the pistol. The weapon, and his uniform, had been purchased from that strange wandering salesman. "It'll bee a pleasure to welcome you inside." Christian just nodded. He hoped Genya was right. That Maria would live.

From the rooftop, Sibella Von Szleklys had watched the events. The wind was playing with her brown hair. The talismans would focuse and concentrate her power. Sibella thought about the event. She claimed to be lord Dracula's daughter. Her mother was a maid, one of his many brides after he gained control of a supernatural power. Nobody knew about her. She remained in the shadow while the count waisted his power upon the war against the Belmont clan. Sibella did wait. She would be the Dark Lady eventually. But then Genya Arikado had set his plot in motion. Soma Cruz was dead. The field was quite open by now. Then there was that other girl. Noriko Cruz. Sibella Von Szleklys knew about what had transpired. Although her appearance was that of a 30 year old woman, she was nothing of the sort. She knew. She would reach the castle, The real castle. And she would inherit all of Dracula's powers. Sibella smiled. The prince of Darkness called her by the name of Lillith. She would show her "dear" father how much she loved him. But that would have to wait. To the next circle of the moon. That was more then a weak ahead. Until then, she would rid herself of those who ploted to take the place, which was rightfully hers, by blood.

Hammer's shop, lost village. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Owen led the way to a chamber behind the shop area. Somehow Christian wasn't surprised that he'd opened this store. He almost was like the incarnation of his ancestor. "I'll give her the medicine." Hammer promised. The room was warm, thanks to an oven which seemed like radiating heat. There where two beds within this room. Hammer helped him to take off her clouthing. Christian hoped she wouldn't awaken when that happened. Not that he hadn't seen her before. Christian blushed. He knew he was still to young. Hammer seemed to notice. He made no comment. Christian was truly grateful he didn't. "She'll be alright." The soldier assured. Christian nodded. There was nothing else he could do. Hammer had placed a circle of the Host around this cabin. None of the castle's inhabitants might pass the border. They went back into the other room. The small house had another small room. People here seemed to like an old country style when building things. The thought almost made him smile. The village wasn't like the Vatican. He dismissed the matter. Christian was unsure what to do next. Genya Arikado would've told him to stay inside the shop. There he would be safe. Christian knew it was true. But that he couldn't do. Celia Fortner was a threat to him and his friends. She plotted to resurrect the evil count. He never had to be restored to this world. The Dark Lord would have to rest within his unearthly resting-place until the end of the world. Hammer had placed himself behind the desk. There was a twist. Those who wished to trade, could enter. No matter their state or species. Christian knew that might be a problem. Not really. The wicked would be banished if they ever made aggressive actions. "Do you know anything about this matter?" He asked the trader. Hammer shrugged. "You know that I'm not really into the business." He smirked. "But I remember when you and that dragon went to retrive your girlfriend." Christian tried not to notice. "Noriko went on having to look for that Iori person." Christian nodded. "Zoe and I wished to wait for your return." Hammer shook his head. "But Arikado wanted to make her go to this place." Christian frowned. That didn't make any sence. Or did it? He'd also felt a dark aura originating from this place. "Genya spoke of the castle Ondol." The salesman continued. "When we argued, your little Dracula wannabe just made havoc." Christian made the sign of the cross. "She and Genya bogh disappeared." Hammer looked down at the table. " I went after Zoe." Then he looked back up to stare him in the eye. "I knew I should've staied. But I just had to find her." Christian nodded. He might've done the same. "You're sure about Genya speaking about the castle?" He instead asked. "Sure enough." Hammer said while nodding. "He really wanted that girl to come here." Hammer grew serious. "He spoke about some sort of trial." Christian toutched the whip. "Then I'll go there to." He stated. "I knew you would." Hammer stated. "Don't worry." He smiled. "I'll stay here. With the girl and shop and all." Christian smiled. "You're a good friend." He said. Hammer shrugged. "I have to make a living you know. Might as well make it here." Then he too went serious. "Take care." He said. "That whip of yours is our hope." His voice lowered. "Your blood, is our hope." Christian felt proud by his statement. "I am a Belmont." HE stated. "I won't let you down." "Good bye then." Hammer said. "Until you return." He added with a little glee. "I'll give you a nice fair." Christian smiled. Though he didn't really mean it. This might be dangerous. He didn't have any of his weapons. Then again. Julius Belmont made it for 36 years without them. His great grandfather relaied upon his mystic powers and the grace of the Lord. Christian would as well. He went out the door, giving Hammer a final wave. He returned the gesture. Then Christian was off.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian Belmont had returned into the snowy streets of the lost village. This area of town was even more barren then the rest. The quarter consisted only of such old country houses. Christian felt slightly alone. He wondered what might have happened with Koji. Christian would've been grateful to have him at his side. That was no option. The dragon was nowhere to be seen. The sun was about to set. Soon there would be nightfall. Then those followers of the Dark Lord would come out. Christian was certain. There was something about this place which made him think like that. If only he knew what Noriko was up to. She'd went out alone to find her lost friend. Genya seemed to know the truth. But he wouldn't tell. Things never was that easy. Christian looked ahead. The last rays of sunlight illuminated the top of the castle Ondol. There was something about that place. Christian knew of course that it was built upon the ruins of his family's estate. Bogh Gabriel and Leon Belmont lived their lives in there. Centuries later, even Sonia and Trevor made residence within the tower of Ondol. Christian put the matter aside. He had to prepare for what was to come.

Koji Hakuba was scouring the cityscape below. He was high up in the sky. He used his ancient power to mask his appearance. Enyone who saw a gold dragon would immediately brought out their lance and armour. Koji smirked. Not all would do that of course. It was part of the joke. But he knew many of those darksiders would view him as valuable. He never said so, but he knew part of the warlock's test had been for him. Dracula could use his power. That was what frightened him more then anything else. He didn't want to let them down. That was why he left the group. He'd often encouraged Christian to tell the legends about his family. That have been nice during Chrismuss. That was why he fled when spotting Celia. He knew she could open the vortex into the darkness. Kochi Hakuba, his brother, had been black. Koji didn't knew if that was enough to draw him into shadow. HE didn't dare to take the risc. So Koji had instead left his friends behind. He was so ashamed of himself. Something caught his attention. There where someone below him. Koji knew that person. It was Noriko Cruz. He went in for landing. She might tell him what to do.

(A.N: This is the intro to the second quest of this tale. I hope you liked it. I want to see if I may get something out of the "Julius mode" of DoS. I hope we'll return to the future someday. It's such an interesting plot. Will Vlad Tepes Dracula ever be reborn? The character of Lillith is of course based upon the person of the 1984 Dracula magazine. Though I'll recreate her as my own individual. Have a nice time.)