Castlevania Darkness Never Dies23B

Disclaimer: I do not own any part in Castlevania, neither characters nor games. These are trademarks of Konami and Nintendo.

Part 2: Legacy of Sorrow.

""Go home, your faight has saved you.""
Luke: 17. 19.

Lost village: Beginnings.
Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The shuttles landed through the shade of nightfall. The hatch of the leftmost ship had opened. Dark troopers, armed and armoured in full battle-suit, disembarged. They knew the drill. Corpral Miles Lewlin, together with his two watch guards, spread out to form a protective circle. "Area detained, sir!" The officer reported. "Sargent! Get the SWAT-troopers ready!" The lieutenant shouted. Sargent Rex Herbert Romney gave his salute across the chest. "You heard him men!" He encouraged. "Go go go!!!" The SWATS, recognised through their alternate uniform, sped up. The sergeant had already climbed his bike. Andrej Kreshtin knew the group-sargent, abourd the right shuttle, was sending out his detail squad. HE gave his superior, the lieutenant-commander, the signal that they where ready. She held her hand up. Kreshtin kept his survailence busy. The com-droid had decended from within. The spider-like machine released the chopters. Thus they might keep in contact. The officer acknowledged. Then the royal knights approached. The twelve foxes surrounded their captain and his group. Alfdahn Namiyrah removed his helmet. "Carry on." He instructed. "I want all to be ready to move out." "Sir! Yes, sir!" They gave their salute. The mission had begun.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
It had became colder after sundown. Christian really wasn't all that concearned. What really made him worry, where the silence. The street lay empty. Nobody was to be seen. "It's to quiet." He muttered, toutching his crucifix. "I don't like it." Christian was alone. He shed the feeling. Although he was only 12 years old, the Belmont knew how to fight. Christian had his leather whip ready. He continued walking down the lane. Pine trees and country houses was all he could see. Perhaps he should go back to Hammer's shop. The salesman could have a map of the region. The squeeking and flapping of multiple bats made him drop that idea. Christian flailed his leather whip. The Soul wind made them scatter. He made the sign of the cross. Christian was gifted with the Soul powers of Sonia Belmont. He'd showed it to no one, in fear of deproach. This power could be magical. The church never made their position on this matter clear to him, or his bloodline. "Let it be." Christian said. He would trust the poltergeist king. The Lord would judge his actions, at the end of days. The mammals where returning. Christian withdrew back into the alley. The ape-skeletons crushed through the doors and windows. "Be Your will!" Christian shouted. His red hair blew about while he dashed. The Soul bat made a blast to erupt from the tip of the Vampire Killer. He whipped the candles. Some where about the place. HE claimed the crystals within. Christian also found some money. He put the gold pieces into the purse upon his belt. The ape-skeletons had gathered. They sent barrels along the street. The snow made it more difficult. Christian knelt to whip them away. He then used his Soul flame to settle matters. He whipped the last apes into ashes. Christian inhaled. Strange though, the place from which they came, looked like the undertaker. Bats came from the street. Christian struck the whip. He made it burn bright with flame. That power was the resource of his bloodline. HE brandished the weapon. The flame-whip burned most of the mammals. Christian didn't press his luck. He continued down the alleyway. The distant sound of leathery wings told him it was no use going back. The next street was empty of any monsters. Christian was careful when moving into the lane. He whipped some candles. He wondered where Genya Arikado might keep his arsenal. Richter Belmont told Maria Renard how to use his mystic items in 1792. That was because she possessed her own powers. Maria had in turn learned Alucard about them, some five years later. Christian put the matter aside. At the end of the street, he reached a crossroad. A small grove had been planted at the heart. Still other trees, heavy with snow, stood about. Christian went into the road. HE had to reach the castle. The haunt was still visible, as the moon shone down upon it. Although the great nightlight was on an early stage. Something moved. Christian was at attention. Then he relaxed. The sound was that of a bird, fluttering its wings. Then Christian threw himself behind a tree. The sound had somehow been to loud. A bird that big would have to be on his own size to make such a sound. A harpy landed upon the crossroad. "Bless me." Christian whispered. The harpy looked like a woman. She was all naked for him to see. There where feathers upon her legs. The huge wings ended in a sort of tail, above her backside. Christian blushed. He couldn't help it. He had been trained for this sort of things. But it was of little help against the real thing. Though Christian saved himself when being a prisoner aboard the ghost ship. He beheld the harpy carefully. Should he make an attack? The sound of howling wolves cut through his speculations. The pack came throtting down the street. Christian knew they already had picked up his scent. "Be my guide and my refuge." He prayed while making the sign of the cross. Then Christian dashed, whip in hand. The weapon had become the thorn-whip. The wargs didn't like it. Nor did he. To poison the living had long been considered a sin. But they where not really wild beasts, searching for food in the wilderness. They where creatures of the enemy. They still tried to tear him while dying. The harpy came swooping in. She threw her dagger towards him. Christian barely dodged. She somehow retrived the item. Other harpies had heard the call. Christian withdrew. Other wolves where abroad. Christian could hear their approach. He went further backward. The whip might repel their knives. He made flames burn about. The Soul flame granted such power. There was an old stable behind his back. Christian closed the door. Then he noticed that there where other people within. The Une plants just suddenly sprout. Christian knew that the fumes could very much poison him. He whipped them away. While he'd been busy, the dead farmers opened their bags. Christian stood tall, against the door, while they bent to plow other plantlife.

Noriko Cruz was cleaning off her knife. She had grown strong with her power of dominance. The tiny little figure smiled behind her black hair and downpulled hood. She had accepted her destiny. But not yet. She had promised to save him. Noriko would find Iori Najima before anything else. Only then would she go to the castle. Noriko already had collected some enemy souls. They came in handy. She lifted the fingers on her only hand. A flicker of flame lit as the feathers got released. The bats got struck down. Noriko harvested the soul. She would grow even more potent upon their might. Something had changed. Noriko still was unsure of the consequences. But she could feel it within. Noriko kept walking down the lane. She would find those responsible for his abduction. She could feel his presence. Iori was calling for her. Noriko would put them to justice. At the end of the street lay the ruins of a small church, surrounded by a graveyard. Noriko pulled the gates aside. The castle was not very far ahead. She would get there. The church was not inhabited. She would investigate it anyway. Then the serenity of the snow-scape got smashed, like glass on rock. The monsters approached. They'd hid among the headstones. Noriko would use her power.

Maiden's house, Dora wood. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
They all went silent when she entered the room. Gilian noticed that some even put their food down. The witch was clad in a black dress of the finest cloght. The tightfitting body-armour of leather and plate was painted in an angry yellow, red and pitch black. The wide brimmed pointed hat was also black, almost concealing her long dark hair. Flaming brown eyes looked out from behind the leather mask. Only her rounded chin and voluptious mouthful of teeth where left to be seen. The hand which held her long pointed staff was clad in a black metal glove. As she moved towards them, the sound of high heels, clanking against the wooden floor, was the only sound. Gilian had a feeling the entire figure was clad in metal beneath her skirts. "I am Lillith." The undead woman said in the swoothest tone. "You will do as I say." It was no spell. "You better not forget it." The wicked smile made her blood turn cold with dread. They got up when the witch began her chanting. Gilian saw the smoke erupt from her lips. She saw it rise and spread out. Lillith ended the inchantation abruptly. The maidens all began to scream when Chaos fell upon them. All the while, Lillith was laughing.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian used his Soul ice to heal himself. The dead farmers had risen from their graves in search of flesh. They had obtained. Or at least tried to do so. HE whipped them to pieces. The Unes which they sowed, was the greatest threat. He should've purchased some antidotes when in Hammer's shop. He used the Soul saint to cause explosions. Then he ran through the stable. He didn't stop for nothing. He got back out into the backyard. Christian closed the door. He whipped the candles. The items where of help. He was breathing heavily. Christian got no map of this location. "The village which disappeared from the map." He muttered. Mina Hakuba had said that. She hadn't been mistaken. Some cars still where parked in here. Christian had a look into one of them. The harpy smiled to him. She was laying on the back porch of this van. Christian pulled back. Had she no moral? The way she was laid, with her legs spread, and reaching arms… Christian felt even colder then the winter around. He shook his head. The Greek creature then smashed the window out. She really was stronger then she looked like. Christian licked his lips. Before he could react, the harpy stabbed for his chest. The armoured plate stopped the approach. Christian stamped with his crucifix. The harpy shrieked. She tore at his neck. The chain on which it hung got torn over. "You don't dare." He said. The harpy gloated of his effort. She spread her wings. Christian flailed the leather whip. It was to late. The monster lifted off with his only remaining family hairloom. Christian didn't have time to grieve. Other harpies came flapping from the rooftop of nearby buildings. Christian made the sign of the cross. They might think he would be easy picking? That would never happen. He whipped at them. He used the Soul wind to slow them down. The harpies shrieked with frustration. Christian felt no victory. He burned them with the Soul flame. They fell dead from the sky. Christian whipped some other candles. Then he went back into the street. The wolves howled in the distance. Christian shuddered. HE got into motion.

The cards lay on the table. They where plain ordinary cards. Christian had noticed her because of the oil lamp which burned at the window. "You carry a great sorrow." The old woman said. "I can tell." She smiled. "I see it in the cards." Her house was the only inhabited upon this lane. The roaring chimney kept the winter outside. "My daughter once met someone like you." The white cat at her feet, opened a single blue eye to look upon him. "He never returned." She looked sad. "Although she waited for him." Christian sat down at the other end of her table. "Tell me more, you old one." HE pleaded. Could she have known his father? "His name was… " She bent over to whisper in his ear. Christian blinked. That was John's father! "They came at last." The old woman leaned back into her armchair. "But those who came, where not those which she had waited for." A look of loss and grief where upon her features. Christian wished he could say something to comfort her. He was silent while the old woman pulled the blanket over her feet. She had a cop of tee. "Who are you?" He asked in a low voice. The flames cracked in the fireplace. "My first name Is Sybile." She said while pouring some milk into her steaming liquid. "But you may know my family name so much better." She smiled while picking some sugar. "That name, is Aulin." Christian nodded. He did understand. Sybile looked upon the mantle-piece above her fireplace. The clock was about to strike the hour. "Can I do something to help you?" Christian asked politely. "Those people won't bother me." She said. "Watch." She opened a tiny round box upon her table. It was made of silver. As was the spoon she used to turn round in her tee. Within the box, was a sort of glimmering black powder. She put some quality upon her palm. She spoke a word. Then Sybile snapped her fingers. Christian made the sign of the cross. A small green flame lit on her command. "You got Coglein's powder." He exclaimed. The old woman let it burn out. "My cousin's family left this land long ago." She again looked old and weary. "Now though, when my brother is dead, and his daughter have gone missing, I am all who is left." She looked into the fire. "My power is weakening." She beheld him. "My time is almost over." The old woman looked so sad. "The black riders killed my only child." She had another sip of her tee. Christian noticed it was of that strange green quality. "My grandchild, they brought away." Sybile Aulin looked down into her lap. She pulled the red woollen shawl closer together around her shoulders. "When I saw her again, she had changed." She opened her eyes to look upon him. "She is your responcebility." She said in a low voice. Christian nodded. The only sound was that of the clock, and of burning wood. "She was baphtized as with the name of Belmont." Sybile said. Christian was sure he heard the cat pur. He looked her in the face. Whoever she might be, she still was a nice old woman. "I understand." He said. Somewhere in the world, Julius Belmont had a half-sister. "Bring her back to me, if you ever see her." Sybile requested. "Although folks, renegade spirits, come to visit me." She pulled her glasses tighter upon the nose. "I am so alone." Christian took her hand. "I will." He promised. Her hand was old. But it still possessed its strength. "I believe you will." Sybile said. She smiled. "May He bless and keep you." The symbol was that of the star. But it was the good sign. "I will leave you." He said. "And I will keep your blessing." He left the living room. The hall was cold. Christian was certain to close the door tight when he left. He wasn't all that worried. Like Charlotte Aulin, Sybile certantly had spirit helpers or trusty familiars to might aid her. He went into another snowy street. The enemies where there. Christian twirled his leather whip. The bats got defeated. So be it. HE ran as the wargs reappeared. They where silent now. They could see the pray. Christian found another car. He would stand tall. The mythological wolf creatures slowly circled about. There had been plenty of candles about. Christian decided to get the party started. The Soul flame burned their fur. The wolf monsters where more resilient. Christian knew that. He whipped those closest. The poor beast fell into a heap and burned. He made a twist. He felt the evil might within. HE could see beyond the obvious. The charging warg got struck down. There still where others of them. A pack consisted of six creatures. Christian knew why. That was a remembrance of his number. The number of the beast. Some scholars had argued it was the number of Nero the emperor. Christian struck the whip. The Soul bat made a heavy blast become shot forward. The monster got engulfd. Christian didn't accept that theory. He thought that John might have used the Roman emperor as a symbol on how Lucifer might appear. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord!" Christian summoned the name of God. The light shone through his bloodline. The holy whip ended the conflict. Those wargs which could, escaped wailing into the night. Christian didn't presue. HE had no grudge against them. He whipped some candles before he kept wandering. At least he could use the castle as a landmark. From his guesses, it was standing east of town. Wasn't that the bad part of it? Christian put the matter aside. To the side of the lane, was what appeared to be the remains of a greenhouse. He went to have a closer look. Something moved behind the vine-grown ruins. Christian stopped. The Une plants sprouted from within the ancient flowerpots. The foul stench filled the street. Christian pulled back while causing flames. The hazardous plantlife got killed in an instance. The dead farmers bent to plow other flowers. Christian didn't wait for them to reach him. He caused other explosions before fleeing the field. If only he could regain his items. The shrieking harpies had discovered his flight. Christian stopped. He would have to stay and fight. The Greek figures circled around. With their blonde hair and fear skin, they really looked classical. Like Greek women of ancient time. Christian made the sign of the cross. He was worried. Then they came. There was something different about them this time. Then Christian realized. Like in old time, when Simon Belmont faught against Dracula in 1688, the harpies would carry gremlins or even humpbacks. The harpies released their freaks of nature. The little green humpbacks jumped forward. Christian whipped them. The weapon had become a tool of frost. The outcast people got frozen over. HE felt no victory. They never should've been thrown out of society. The villagers should've taken care of them. The last humpback was disposed. Christian got ready to challenge the monsters. A breth of hot stinking air came down the street. The harpies attacked. Christian burned them to ashes. The dead farmers had reached his location. Some of them where wielding pitchforks, sickles, torches or axes. He felt like in the middle of a medival witch hunt. Although it was all twisted. The formest pesent knelt to pull out another type of plant. Christian recognised the flower. He ran before Mandragora might scream. The retched green might kill him. He went over the crossroad. He was back before the garden house. Christian turned. The dead farmers where approaching. Christian was unsure if he'd just taken the wrong road, or if there was some magic at work. Whatever the case, he turned to face the enemies. The rotting corpses came closer while wielding their tools. Christian didn't let them come one step further. The Soul wind slowed their progress. Then the vampire hunter was among them. He whipped them all down. The storm whip was quicker then they could react. Christian stopped. Although it was cold, he was sweathing. The farmers where defeated. Only the distant cries of hunting wolves could be heard. Christian whipped a few candles before leaving the area behind. The army jacket and iron plate where to light for the weather. Christian tried not to worry. Hammer might've some other clothings within the shop. Christian was about to decide to go back, when he noticed the great warg was approaching. He made the sign of the cross.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Genya Arikado was not pleased by this development. "So it has become." Lillith sat beneath the tree. She was quite decorative. No matter. Her extravagance had no relevance to him. "Still, you did take them from him." The witch cooed. "Your harpy took his symbol." The agent remarked. Lillith smiled with her mouthful of fangs. "Indeed." She said. "It was our finest hour." She winked at him. "Do you not agree?" Arikado arched an eyebrow. "I am not impressed." He merely let go of this conversation. "Neither of this explain your position." He cared to remind. "To take from thieves, is not approved." HE put his hands on his back. "The vampire hunter will need them, for his quest." The witch blew him a kiss. "I am not convinced of that matter." She said. "Brother dear." She waved for him with her fingers. "Why do not let him prove it?" Her eyes blazed. Genya Arikado stepped back. "That is none of your business." HE coldly deproached. "I cannot stop you though." His own affair needed his full attention. "He has proved quite potent." Lillith explained. "I will have to see if that are enough to deal with the Dark Lord." She laughed. Arikado bowed. "Prove it, then." HE said. "If you can." The witch got up from her position. "I may." She then said. "And I will."

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian hid behind the corner. He'd managed to escape from the wolves. Though they where still chasing him. So be it. Christian would rather fight the wargs then those black riders. The lone shrouded figure, upon his horse, made even the night sky seem bright with comparison. Christian felt a certain cold within while the wraith passed. Only the heavy boots where visible below the hooded cloack. Christian wondered how any beast might able to carry such a rider. He remained silent until the dark wanderer had disappeared from sight. The forsaken order had been chasing him all since before Chrismuss. He feared them more then anything else. Something made Christian turn around. The wolf which was there, where greater and more fierce then any he'd seen before. "Hound of Satan." Christian said through clenched teeth. He made the sign of the cross. If any, this was the chieftain of the wild pack. The massive warg gave no sound. Christian knew he got to fight or perish where he stood. "Get back to Hell." Christian said. "I am a vampire hunter." HE tightened the grip on his whip. "I serve the kingdom." That he could say without shame. He had swore an oat to hunt the night. But he would do so in the name of the Lord. The great wolf suddenly approached. It dashed forth with all its might. Christian could see the shadow put over it. HE sidestepped the fierce assault. The beast turned with inhuman speed. Not even a real wolf might move with such haste. Christian struck with the whip. The wolf growled. Then it came. This may have been how poor little red riding hood had felt. That tale never had been a bedtime story. Christian had to keep moving if he where to survive. Gabriel Belmont challenged such a monster way back in 1047. Again he sidestepped the opponent. The whip marked the fur with blood. Christian didn't have that certain mastery over the ancient weapon, like his ancestors. He only knew how to survive. Christian made a sudden move. The warg didn't become thrown off the scent. It came forward with a terrible snarl. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer. The Soul bat made a solid blast to strike home. The monster whinched with pain. But then it kept dashing. Christian made the sign of the cross. This monster had been bestowed with Chaos. He held the whip in bogh hands while channelling bloodline mystics. The great warg collided against the flame whip. The beast snarled and growled. But it where unable to reach his throat. Christian kept the leather whip in place for as long he could. HE hated to have to do things like this. The warg was a living creature. Though they had been twisted by the great enemy. The beast finally let him go. It beheld him while breathing heavily. The huge red thung hung out from its mouth. Christian used the opportunity to whip candles. The monster advanced. Christian gathered. The Soul saint caused several explosions about. The great warg whinched with pain. Then it burst into fire. Christian leaned against the wall. He hoped this would make the wargs less aggressive. Not that it was such a great hope. "I must hope for the best." Christian said. He had to get out from the village. That much was obvious. Christian had a feeling like he where a rat in a labyrinth. He made the sign of the cross. Christian prayed the Lord would guide him. He went out into the street. Thank the Lord. There where no other monsters out here. The black rider hadn't returned either. Christian made the sign of the cross. He seemed to have reached a more prosperous part of town. Here, the houses where better, and the properties where larger. Christian began walking. He was unsure if this was the right direction. A layer of clouds had shrouded the night-scape. He went down the street. Then Christian stopped. A flock of mammals came flying in. They should be out by night. Even so, he just knew the undead where at work. The Soul flame removed them as a threat. Then came a gang of dead farmers running. They wielded and waved with their farming tools and torches. The forrunner knelt to pull the Mandragora. Christian didn't dare to stay. HE ran down the lane with all his speed. He turned round the corner. All this place was nice like a Chrismus card. Or it should have. Christian felt nothing but fear about the decent lane and its houses. The estates where old fashion. Like those built during the 1990s. Christian had even been studying architecture. That to might learn something about the castle's structure. Not that his teatchers ever expected he would journey to that place. Some large buildings, which looked like country mansions, lay at the end of the street. Christian wondered if they may be haunted. He didn't have to figure for long. Ape-skeletons had hid among the bushes. They sent barrels rolling. Christian whipped them. They burst into flame on contact. He wondered if there might be oil or something within. Slow but decisive, the skeleton apes came forward. Some still had barrels in hand. While other kept captured bats. Christian made the sign of the cross. They released their mammals. They came flapping. Christian used the Soul flame to clear them away. He jumped over the barrels. The foul stench told him the farmers where approaching. He went into the garden of that very same house. At the far other side he caught glimpses of the churchyard. The group of enemies where hot in presuit. From the rooftop, harpies lifted. They kept humpbacks in their claws. HE would have to stand tall. Christian whipped all the candles. Then he turned. The ape-skeletons released the mammals. Other threw barrels. The dead farmers where plowing Unes. The humpbacks came down. The Soul saint disposed of the battlefield. Those at the rear seemed to waver. Christian held together. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord." Flame made the Vampire Killer burn even in the faint moonlight. They turned to leave. Christian couldn't afford it. He where among them. The flame whip struck the monsters to pieces. Soon, only the humpbacks where left. Some bats circled about. Christian used the Soul ice to might heal himself. The little green freaks tried to trap him between themselves. Christian brandished the whip. Thus he might take them out when coming. The Soul flame dealt with the mammals. Christian was free. The harpies came darting in from a difficult angle. Christian almost got stabbed down in the process. The battle continued. Christian held the Vampire Killer in bogh hands. His back was turned to the graveyard. The female monsters gathered for another assault. Christian was ready.

Wizardry lab, castle ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
"Yes, controller. What is it." Emille Fondore stopped behind his post. The fox shook his head. "I am not quite sure, sir. It looks like one of the security zones have been breatched." He aimed for his screen. "It's here in sector SR-338." The localisation shone blue upon the map's layout. "It could be a mere fluxe." He reflected. "But It doesn't response upon any of our echo signals, sir." The officer considered the situation. Niro was fresh on this installation. But he had a rumour of being responcible. "Activate the security-team." He instructed. The lieutenant-commander toutched his clean-shaven chin, under witch where the bukle of his helmet. If they had become discovered. He would have to take responcibility. "Send out a pickup squad for assistance." He said. "I don't wish any loose ends." Niro nodded. "Yes sir." He said. "It shall be done." Fondore left the post as the fox relaied his instructions. The lieutenant-commander stopped for a while to inspect the main view-screen. It was large as an entire wall. The images portrayed different locations within the castle. Although this was the command-center, the marshal-staff was localized to another area. He lit his own signal. HE better report this to his supperiour. They would have to know.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The harpies where about. Christian had gathered his bloodline mystics. This battle cost him dearly in crystals. That wasn't really important. Christian had to stay alive if he where to fulfil his vampire hunting destiny. The vile women twirled with their daggers. Christian made the sign of the cross. "Your move." HE muttered. The harpies dashed. Christian whipped the monster into oblivion. "Yeah!!" He screamed as the harpy's knife stabbed him through the back. Was this how Trevor felt? Christian got no armour to protect his body. He staggered forward. The trio beamed with triumph. Christian summoned the Soul ice. That power might heal him. "Jesus." He whispered. The enemies had approached. "Help me." He prayed. They stabbed. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer. The leather whip caught frost. The monster shattered into a million pieces. Christian ducked under the assault. The frost whip ended her misery. He made the sign of the cross. The last harpy flapped above. Christian wished he still got his crucifix. That was impossible. One of them stole it from him. The Greek being flew downward. Christian struck his whip. The Soul bat made a heavy blast of energy strike forward. The harpy broke into pieces. Christian inhaled. The fight was over. He whipped the remaining candles to gather some equipment. Then he jumped over the fence. Christian had reached the churchyard. Although the village wasn't all that big, the cemetery was larger still. He crossed himself. Christian wondered how many, of those resting within this place, had heard Dracula's call. Christian hoped their souls where free. Even so, all who had risen, had been someone's dearest in living life. The Dark Lord had no right to foil with their graves. Christian went upon a small snowy path which led toward the ruined church. He stopped. He then relaxed. It was simply the wind. The gust had rackled with one of the ancient tombstones. Christian was about to move when he realized. There was no wind at all. The item lifted up from the ground. It elevated in the air. Christian made the sign of the cross. Other headstones followed suit. The possessed icons elevated about. Richter Belmont, who fought against Dracula in 1792, believed that the demon tombstones had been possessed by the spirits of the dead. Nathan Graves, who challenged the forces of evil almost 40 years later, thought the coffins where fused with demon forces. Whatever the case, the icons came swooping in. Christian struck with the leather whip. The first got shattered. Christian almost got surprised. Then again, Simon Belmont had brandished the Vampire Killer against bogh rock-creatures and monsters. The others attacked. Christian's thoughts where cut short. He knew they could inflict a cursed state. He got nothing of which might remove such status. Christian whipped the menace away. "Such great power." The armoured boar seemed to have appeared from nowhere. "But you don't use it. Why?" He unsheated his blade. "You could have used it." The sword was short, but with a broadened blade. "To rise the demon king." Christian made the sign of the cross. "Slaughterer." He said. "Your mind is twisted with malice." Christian knew these beasts would rampage, slaughter and rape all within sight. If the count Dracula would release them upon the countryside. That they did, in Spain, the year 2036. Christian cracked the whip. "We got a challenge, boys." The beast man chuckled. Two more beasts showed themselves. Then even another pair came from behind. Christian tightened the grip. The power of their master where upon them. Christian could see as much. Although their real might was that of brute force. Christian prepared himself. Perhaps he would be forced to retreat. He couldn't meet all five at the same time. The other slaughterers ripped out their weapons. "Your quest is over." The leader moacked. "That rest with the Lord." Christian said. Then he let them have the Soul saint. The explosive power ripped the place to shreds. Snow and pieces of stone and branches got hurled all over. Christian spun round. The frost whip struck once, twice and then a third time. The slaughterer froze and shattered. Christian then ran. He hid behind the tombstone of a certain grave. The four remaining boars where nowhere to be seen. Christian made the sign of the cross. HE got up. One slaughterer came running down the path. Christian slowed him down. The soul wind worked perfectly. The whip struck home. The butcher roared. Christian moved around. The beast man slashed with his blade. Christian struck his whip. The Soul bat made a solid blast hammer into his body. The slaughterer fell into a heap. Christian made the sign of the cross. He didn't stay to watch his enemy burn. He felt no such desire. Christian almost felt pitty on them. The Dark Lord put his power on them in the early days of the world's history. They where not themselves guilty in what they had become. Christian thought he heard the sound of heavy boots. He hid behind a tree. There burned some candles. Christian waited until the boar beast was close enough. The Soul flame bathed him with power. Christian lept onto the path. The butcher got taken by surprise. Christian whipped it into submission. When the work was done, he went back to take the candles. There should still be two more of them out there. Christian went back on the path. The wild beast attacked without sound. Christian almost got ran over by the bulky beast. Not only was he an adult. But he also where heavier then Christian would when growing up. The slaughterer turned. He came running in for another time. Christian struck with the Vampire Killer whip. The monster wasn't deterred. The leather version wasn't strong enough to uphold his progress. Christian withdrew while whipping. He drew blood. The beast man didn't slow down. Never the less, as he kept striking, his enemy just caught flame. Christian made the sign of the cross. Such was the might of this whip. "It have the power to vanquish even the most devine beings." Christian said in a low voice. He repeated the words of old Rinaldo Gandolfi. The alchemist and knighthood founder had aided Leon Belmont in 1094. The final beast came springing in an ambush. Christian barely had time to use the Soul saint. The explosion made the boar man stagger. Christian was unsure if this was the man who challenged him or not. It wasn't important. Christian flailed with his flame whip. The slaughterer staggered even further. Christian whipped it away. The boar collapsed while in flame. Christian went to search for other candles. While he did, some tombstones swooped in. Christian whipped them to pieces. He had no interest in getting ambushed again. That was not possible. Christian got closer to the real gate of the graveyard. "Freeze!" The combat-robot instructed. "Stand where you are." The group of six battle-droids spread outward. Christian hadn't met them before. The robots looked like a slightly armoured Slogra. At least he thought so. "Roger, roger." They chirped while the beaked heads went up and down. Christian found them somewhat funny. Their guns and rifles looked serious enough. He reminded himself of the saying of his family. "His power grows stronger and stronger, every one hundred years." He made the sign of the cross. "Shoot him!" The robots simply grew frenzy upon his gesture. The corporal, Christian recognised the markings upon his chest and shoulders, gave his command. Christian ran. He got no other choise. The ruins of the local church was ahead. Christian went inside. The door he shut behind. A swarm of bats came his way. Christian whipped them to dust. He drew sweth of his brow. That was close. Robots was nothing what he'd expected. Though the priest had said something. Christian shook his head. HE didn't remember. He went to whip the candles. The room was very large. The church benches where rotting. Everything had been ravaged or destroyed. Christian was certain the slaughterers where to blame. Though he felt safe now. There still was a small sculpture of St. Mary. "The mother of God." Christian said with deepfelt reverence. He knelt before the alter. This was a save spot. He was certain. "Oh dear Maria, the virgin." Christian reached forth with his hands. "Please, grant me the blessing You have from our Father in Heaven." He made the sign of the cross. Because Christian had lost his symbol. "Leed me and guide me into Heaven, where the almighty Lord sits in throne." He ended the prayer with the sign of the cross. The candles had been giving other crystals. The door which led out of here, was blocked by rubble. Christian looked for another exit. There was a door. Christian walked toward the leftmost side of the choir. Behind the remains of the Sacrestie, there was a short corridor. Christian whipped the bats. There wasn't much light. Christian let the candles burn. This exit was locked. Christian could hear the robots hammer the entrance. Christian picked together. He wasn't going to perish without a fight. He could utilize the power of One. He went into one of the small offices. Although the church was ruined, they hadn't searched these rooms very well. There still where molding papers about. Upon the desk stood a computer. Christian wished he might activate. It was a relic of elder days. When Europe was prosperous. That had been long ago. Before the ice. Christian checked the drawers. No keys in there. He came to make a bascket to tumble over. Christian blinked. The owner of the room must've left them in there. HE quickly went back to the locked door. It had become silent again. Christian didn't trust it for a second. Perhaps they where just charging up. Finally he got the right. Christian pulled the the door aside. He was certain to turn the lock before throwing the bundle away. Then he had a look about. The spiral staircase, which likely led up to the clock tower, was blocked by fallen rocks or garbage. Then there was only one choise left. Christian would have to climb down into the crypt. He didn't liked that idea. He feared the undead might be lurking. A roaring boom shook the place. Christian made the sign of the cross. They must've built up a cannon. He quickly went down. As he got deeper, a gruesome stench filled his nosedrills. Christian felt like throwing up. That he couldn't do. He would only loose preshious time and energy. Easier said then done. Christian pulled together as best he could. He reached the bottom floor. Christian looked around. The place was waisted. Tombs and coffins where all broken or crushed. The scent of rotting flesh or dusty bones filled the air. The stench itself came from that of dug earth. Christian made the sign of the cross. The walking dead had been about. The Une flower blossomed underneath. Christian whipped the foul plant away. Legends told the walking corpse would feed upon the flesh of both living and dead. Christian swallowed. HE went into the crypt. Some bats fluttered about. Christian slowed them down while using his Soul wind. That made it possible to whip the Unes. A coffin fell down. Christian pulled back in horror. The dead body appeared from within. HE knelt to plove Mandragora. Christian ran back out. Even from out here, the sound was terrible. Strange though, the bats didn't seem affected. They came like a swarm. Christian struck his whip. The Soul bat sent forth a blast of energy. The flock got defeated. Christian ran back inside. The dead farmer came staggering forward. The dead thing was horrible to smell and behold. Christian almost ran from the place. They'd been bad enough when fighting under the open night sky. Christian struck with the whip. The corpse kept walking. Christian almost felt like fear would choke him. The whip ended its misery. Joy lept in his heart. Christian bent to whip the Unes which he'd left. He had to be careful. They might poison him. He went past the farmer's coffin. Should he destroy it? Christian put the matter aside. Better to leave it in peace. Another coffin fell down. Christian stopped. He made the sign of the cross. The dead fought its way out. Pieces of wood, and other things, which he didn't wish to think of, was scattered about. Christian was on the offense. The dead moved. It was truly grotesque. Christian licked his lips. The rotting body knelt to pull up flowers. Christian burned with his Soul flame. The Une got removed. No way. Christian kept whipping. Flames burned. He whipped the monster away before it might plow another plant. Christian drew sweth of his brow. He couldn't help but feel weary. No time for that now. Christian cracked the whip. He went deeper in. Something sturred. He hoped it where not another farmer. Then again, he might rethink his statement. The humpbacks seemed to come from all directions. Christian was forced back. The Soul flame cleared the area. Christian was breathing heavily. The monsters had tried to overwhelm him through sheer numbers. Folklore told that even the freaks of nature fed on human flesh. His blood chilled by the mere thought. Christian struggled to pick together. The battle-droids where on their way. HE wondered if they might take their gun inside. He went for the other end of the area. Dim moonlight barely illuminated this place. Christian whipped the Unes. The huge rock figure moved. Christian stopped, dead in his track. The golem hammered the floor. Rocks fell down. Christian was awestruck. Even though he fought these beings before, he forgot about their magnitude. The creature made of stone didn't waste time. The deliverd uppercut made the rubble wave forward. Christian knew the only way to might defeat this monster, was to locate the power source. That would not be easy. Although the moulded figure remained in place. His speculations where cut short. The golem picked up rocks which it hurled. Christian ran round to might locate the source. Then the figure made a sudden dash forward. Christian managed to sidestep the assault. He really wished the holy water where in hand. The golem hammered the floor. Christian got in close. He whipped the rock figure all over. The demon lifted its left arm to might defend itself. underneath the armpit, was a sort of mechanical instrument. Christian struck it hard. The golem staggered. Then it swung its mighty fist. Christian ducked. The monster made a sudden uppercut. Christian got out of reach. The rubble waved forward. Christian caused ceveral explosions. The golem's left arm fell off. Christian flailed with the frost whip. The mechanism got damaged. The figure picked up the stones. Christian made the sign of the cross. The arm got reformed. Simon Belmont's journal, from 1688, had been damaged during the second great war. Only fragments remained. One of which told of a giant rock figure who could knock down and reform its arm for an attack. The golem came dashing forth. For all its might, the monster wasn't really that quick. Christian sidestepped. He struck with the whip. The golem threw rocks. Christian ducked under the onslaught. The Soul wind slowed down the opponent. Then he kept hammering with the whip. Perhaps he should try to strike the eye? The golem rised its arm in defence. Christian struck the mechanism. The golem stumbled backward. Christian caused flames to burn the monster. The arm fell off. Christian dealt the magical mechanism another strike. The uppercut made the rubble wave. Christian got struck. He was thrown backward. Although not really hurt, the golem had gotten time to might gather. Christian got back on foot. The bats had come back. Christian flailed the whip. He hoped to keep them at bay long enough for him to defeat the golem. The molded figure threw other stones. Christian made a glide beneath. The army boots got the ability to enchant his natural abilities. Strange though, that only went for the sliding. Christian put the matter aside. They'd been a Chrismus gift from Genya Arikado. Christian got up into an upright position. HE struck with the leather whip. The golem tried to smash him. That it might do. The stone idol was so large. Christian brandished the storm whip. The constant onslaught made the monster rise its arm in defence. Christian struck. The mechanism was damaged. That was obvious. It was not over. The golem struck the floor. Rocks fell about the place. It would be an easy track for those battle-droids. Christian tried to put the matter aside. The reanimated figure dashed. Christian sidestepped. He used the Soul bat. The golem got struck by the heavy burst of energy. It staggered to one side. Christian continued the attack until the arm collapsed. The flame whip struck the source of power. The golem reformed its mighty limb. The uppercut made the rubble wave forward. Christian barely managed to jump above. The monster kept dashing. The Soul saint made it to stagger. Christian attacked with the holy whip. The Vampire Killer shone with a bright light. The idol lifted it arms in protection. Christian almost felt pitty when striking. Although the golem was in itself, some sort of magical machine. It didn't feel anything. Only his power. Christian stepped back as the golem gathered. He went round as the golem made rocks to fall down. Christian struck it repeatedly. The mechanism was revealed. Christian used the Soul wind to slow it down before whipping. He struck it twise before the monster swung its strong arms. Christian ducked underneath. The golem shook its monstrous head. There where no features at all. Christian made the sign of the cross. The golem made an uppercut. That made the rubble wave forward. Christian was on the offensive. He got across while the golem was still wide open. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord!" The leather whip shot the mechanism to pieces. Christian watched the golem crumble into a heap of rock. It was all over. Christian felt no victory. He'd wasted much of his crystals. The robots where banging upon the door. Christian wished he could've investigated the crypt. This had been the church of his ancestors. Perhaps they where still here. No matter, that would have to wait. Christian went for the other side. There was an exit, like he'd hoped. Christian climbed the staircase. Some bats flew about. Christian whipped them away. He even knocked some of the candles. The crystals would come in handy. Christian went out another door. He'd reached the backside of this church. Here, the entire East wall had collapsed. Rock and wood lay in shamble. Some bats fluttered above. He whipped them into oblivion. Christian went out into the graveyard. Here, the row of graves made a sort of square. At the center, was something which appeared like a shrine. Christian had a closer look. There where other candles. Christian whipped them. "Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost." He praized when nothing happened. The forest was ahead. He went forward when something made him stop. A large, shaggy beast came over the fence. Christian made the sign of the cross. "I can smell you." The deep growl voice went from the chest of the great warg. "I hunger." The thung hung out from its mouth. "I shall feed on man flesh." Christian cracked the Vampire Killer whip. The beast howled. Christian thought of the woman which Jonathan Harker had spotted from the window in 1897. The huge wolf dashed for him. Christian threw himself flat. The great warg went over his body. Christian brandished the Soul flame. He didn't have time to pinpoint the location. The harpies which dwelled atop the church ruin noticed about the battle. With wide open wings, they came flapping down. Christian tightened the grip on his weapon. He had to be very careful this time. The robots could be approaching. Christian got into action. The warg came dashing for his location.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The forest lay in silence. Zoe Belnades sat upon the root of an enormous tree. Her ruff green and brown cotton clothings made her blend in perfectly. So far, she'd met little resistance. Zoe looked down upon the soft shoes. She kept her hands folded. Zoe again poundered what had happened after Crismus. Not about Noriko, but about herself. Germain had come to her after their group was splintered. His words where enigmatic to her. What destiny where coming so swiftly upon her now? He had given her a certain stone, with strange carvings upon. Zoe knew by now that they where glyph symbols. Germain had cast it into the air and told her to "channel". Zoe was still unshure about that part. But somehow, she seemed to have a natural glyph channeling ability. Not just any glyph. They where those representation symbols which the order of Eclesia had discovered. Zoe was playing with her star symbol. She was concearned. No Belnades descendant ever had such a power. Only Shanoah, who fought against count Dracula in 1810. When channelling those glyphs, she'd gained the spells of which Yoko had been mastering. Fire, ice and lightning. Germain had vanished before she might ask any questions. Zoe got up. She brandished her staff. She still got to find her friends.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
He whipped the tombstone down. Christian made the sign of the cross. HE dodged the great warg when it dashed. The Soul wind kept the harpies busy. Christian pulled back. The wolf went for his throat. Christian whipped it repeatedly. The beast snarled. The harpies threw their daggers. Christian ducked. The tombstones rattled. That was the sign of their power. Christian knew he where in trouble. The Soul flame cleared the matter. Not really. The great warg got back up. Some of the tombstones had crumbled. Christian sidestepped the warg's attack. The harpy's knife dug into his shoulder. He pulled it out. The Soul ice healed him. Christian cracked with the flame whip. The great warg caught fire. Christian had no time to celebrate its death. Not that he ever would have. The tombstones had began to rattle. They lifted into the air. Christian whipped them down. The harpies had gathered. Christian prepared to fight them when a duo of robots appeared through the broken church wall. They looked bulkier then those he met before. Their heads where shaped like domes. Christian held the leather whip in bogh hands. The super battle-droids carried blasters upon bogh wrists and shoulders. They immedietly began blasting away. Christian used the Soul wind. That actually worked. The robots got slowed down. That was no comfort when the remaining group joined up with their forrunners. Christian jumped over the hedge. He used the Soul saint a final time before escaping into the forest. Nobody did follow. Christian thanked the Lord in his heart. It didn't seem all that cold in here. Christian ran for quite some time. The castle was ahead. The howling of wolves made him stop. Christian was breathing heavily. Where might he be? He reached into a clearing. The bats flapped about. Christian almost got taken by surprise. The dead farmers where armed with clubs, sickles, pitchforks and axes. Simple farmlive tools which had been forged into arm. The sick yellow glow of their corpse light torches smelled almost as bad as their own rotting flesh. Christian wished he could just turn aside. That was no option. The leaders already bent to plow up Une flowers. Christian went into battle. He cracked and brandished the whip. The Unes could kill him. The Soul flame hammered into their band. Christian thought they looked like throlles, which had run away from their master to become bandits in the wild. That happened when such still was the customn of life. No further speculations. Christian whipped the Unes into oblivion. He distaste those plants. They trived in the blood of mudered men. Christian ducked. They brandished their tools. Though the gravest threat was the torch light. They might scorch his soul. Christian tried not to think about it. The farmers where strangely resilient to his whip. No matter. Soon, the corpses lay burning. The fight wasn't over. The bats had gathered. Christian utilized the Soul wind to might slow their progress. He whipped some into oblivion. Christian then went deeper into the wood. He hoped that would make the robots loose his track. It didn't stop the wolves. Some three or four appeared in front. Christian pressed his back against the nearest tree. He knew there where more of them then who might be sighted. So be it. HE got other things to worry about. One thing first. The charging beast got whipped into a heap. The wolf did winch. Christian did as well. Though he knew they where not real wolves at all. The Soul flame made them to backtrack. Christian held the leather whip in bogh hands. They came round without a sound. Christian could feel their villainy. It was like a breth of bad air. Christian spun to challenge the monsters. "Jesus Christ!" He summoned the Lord while the whip blazed. The duo got defeated. The flame whip reduced them to ashes. Four wargs beheld him with red eyes. Their jolling thungs hanging out of their red maws. Christian crossed himself. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord!" They charged. Christian whipped the first in line. It howled while burning. Christian brandished the Soul flame. The wolves got hammered against the snow. Those which survived, disappeared whinning among the trees. Christian shook his head. He collected the money which they left behind. His purse seemed bottomless. Christian shrugged. He continued walking. Christian still got the Vampire Killer whip handy. Here was another medow. Christian considered. It seemed like he'd reached a crossroad. Though the lane was barely noticeable. Covered with snow and ice as they where. Christian looked for the castle. He made the sign of the cross. Christian had lost sight of the haunt. The clouds obscured his view. Christian tried to shake the matter. His faight would guide him. He knocked the candles. The crystals would come of use. Christian continued down the road. At least, he thought it led eastward. Some of the mammals where still around. Christian was sure to keep an eye out. The bats where of notice. They could drink his blood. Christian was unsure if he might get rid of them. The undead had the power to conjure and master their species. Christian didn't wish to think of the vampires. Though he wondered how Graham, Dario and Dimitri believed they could be Dracula incarnate. Neither of them had endured the crimson baphtize. The thought of the transfusion right made him shudder. He kept whipping the candles. The trees where standing about. Christian rised a hand. The white on his elbow. That was snow falling. Christian looked skyward. The stars had been entirely concealed by heavy clouds. Only the snow made it possible to see in the night. Christian bent to pick up the dagger. There was something about it which made him recognize the weapon. This really was his family's heirloom. Why was it kept within a candle? Just when his fingers toutched it, the sub-weapon vanished. Christian looked about. Suddenly he was unsure. Someone was standing upon the lane. Christian sharply inhaled. At first he thought it was one of the wanderers. That wasn't true. He slowly went closer. The figure didn't move. Made no sign. Christian began to feel somewhat uneasy. The staff in hand was marked with multiple ancient rune incarvings. "You know it." The figure then said in a low voice. "Don't you?" Christian tightened the grip on his leather whip. "The dagger is ancient." The stranger reached out with the other hand. In which where his item. "This is the last item kept from Hawkon Belmont." "You're a girl!" Christian burst out. She pulled back the hood enough for him to see. The black cloack was made of heavy wool. Couted with the fur of many animals. As where the knee-long brown sark. "You cannot be that old." Christian exclaimed. "Can I not?" She went closer. Her boots making the snow to crack. "I am Ingrid." She said. Toutching one of the twin black braids framing her face. Christian recognised that she wasn't much older then himself. "The goddess Eir is my mistress." She said, reaching for the talisman around her neck. "I have learned much about mythology." Christian whispered. Why where they speaking in low voices? ""You are from Norway." It was no question. Ingrid made a short nod. "I am of Wiking heritage." She breathed. "That is why I know about your ancestry." Christian frowned. There was something else about her too. The colour of her hair. The shape of her features. "Are you shure?" He asked. "You look more like an Indian to mee." For a brief moment, an angered look crossed her face. "My mother was of that blood." Ingrid then confessed. "She where an Indian throlve who became the frile of my father." She smiled. "But he was a Norwegian earl, a man of great power and significance." Christian shook his head. The matters of which she spoke, happened for more then 1 thousand years ago. "I might give it to you." Ingrid reached him the weapon. "But I also request something from you." She kept smiling. "What is that?" He asked. She really was quite cute when doing that. "A kiss." She breathed, leaning her head forward. "For luck." Christian was about to do so when something hit him. This was not right. Christian knew he shouldn't do this. "I can't." He said. "I don't know you. It wouldn't be proper." Again her expression changed into that of anger. "You speak like an imbecile." She snarled. "But no." She clearly struggled to regain her cander. "We don't have to act like that." She smiled again. "We might do whatever we wish." Christian pulled back. He also struggled to retain his composure. For some reason, he thought of Maria. "This is not right." He said. "So be it then." Ingrid said. Throwing the dagger aside. "I could have been your frile for ever and ever." She stamped with her little foot when reaching for the purse, which hung on her belt. "Witch child." Christian said. "Vampire." Suddenly, the wail got lifted. HE could see the truth. "Good Lord in Heaven." She hadn't changed much. No. no, not much at all. But it was so subtile. The flaming eyes, the mouthful of fangs. Christian should've known the very minute they met. "You're the Devil's concubine!" Though she had been able to blind him of the reality. "Ravn!" She said in a strange thung. "Kill him!" A black bird, which had been sitting in one of the nearby trees, came flying in. Christian whipped at it. Though it got repeled, the raven survived. "Ravn is a mystical bird." Ingrid said. "I found him while I was young." She smiled, exposing her fangs. "He learned me many things." She had preduced a small vial from within. "This though." She said. "I learned from one of the throlves which came from France." Christian didn't answer. He was busy whipping the bird. The raven shrieked as it was hit. Though black feathers rained down, it refused to die. The witch child threw her bottle. The potion resulted into a flaming explosion. Christian staggered backward. This was terrible. Ingrid danced a sort of strange pattern while speaking ancient words of the magic and mystic. She toutched one of the runes carved upon her staff. "Death." The ice bolt which struck down might've frozen his soul. Christian, who knew something about wizardry, backed away. His bloodline also was gifted with mystic powers. The Soul wind slowed the attacking bird. The witch child released a sort of black cat. Christian held the whip in both hands when he made flames burn about. Ingrid shrieked. It was like she tried to hide herself within the hooded robe. Christian flailed with the whip. The frozen weapon made the raven withdraw. The black cat suddenly leached itself onto him. Christian almost got taken aback. The claws scratched his face. Blood stained his features. Though nothing really, he didn't like it. The Soul saint saved him from any other trouble. Explosions cleared the cat away. Christian hoped it wasn't one of those which might inflict a cursed state. Ingrid, who had been knocked down by the onslaught, muttered something he didn't understand. Christian blinked. The cat's corpse had moved. It got back up, shaking its fur. "There is a saying." She teased. "The cat got nine lifes." She leaned upon her wand. "You're sure you don't want to be with me?" Ingrid cooed. She'd moved into a quite challenging posture. It was all wrong. Christian knew that. He was to young. As was she. Christian beheld her more carefully. Not because he was attracted though. Christian looked for the signs which would mark a vampire of this age. "They all boust of my abilities." Ingrid stated. She was still trying to seduce him. Ingrid did a good job at that. "So may the Lord make mercy upon your soul!" Christian made the sign of the cross. His family's creed it was to hunt the night. Christian had been trained in the art to hunt and destroy vampires. The holy whip struck her head. He tried to cradle it around. The head and heart always had been their weak spot. Ingrid screamed. Her eyes where burning. The witch child managed to avoid getting hanged. She spoke ancient words of rune power. She toutched another of the symbols. "Pain!" She shouted. Christian got hit by an electrical force. The sparkling rune power sent him flying far back. "Kill him!" Ingrid told her bird and cat. Wasn't they mortal enemies? Christian wondered. No, that was hound and cat. Christian shook his head. That was all nonsence. Shaking, he managed to face the attack. He whipped the cat and used his Soul wind power to slow things down. He prayed the crystals would last. Ingrid came forth while hurling magic potions. Some made flames to rise up. Other froze and spread icicles about. Christian stepped back. Ingrid smiled. It still made her to look cute. Christian then mounted his own assault. The Soul wind slowed down matters. He then whipped with the storm weapon. Ingrid moaned. The storm whip struck her to the ground. Christian inhaled through clenched teeth. Some power had reached the mark. Though not with full strength. That would have killed him. The clouds where breaking up. Had she conjured the snowfall? Only the most powerful of her kind might do that. The cat jumped onto him. The bird flew into his face. Christian really wished he got the crucifix. That might've hold them at bay. Ingrid was chanting on her Norwegian spells. She toutched two of her rune symbols. "Holmgang." She giggled as dual circling orbs of plasma began to rotate outward. Christian got some tricks of his own. The Soul flame removed the cat and bird. He wondered how many lifes it may have forfit. Not important. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord." Christian said while crossing himself. The flame whip struck her potions to dusts. The impact sent her flying away. Ingrid fell limp on the snow. She lay like a pile. Christian slowly got closer. The animals had ran away. Ingrid didn't move. Not all was what it seemed. "Help me." She pleaded. "Set me free." Christian kept at a distance. Finally he might get a look on the matter. Christian could see beyond the obvious. That was the ability of his family. The sight made him to shiver. This couldn't be true. Christian cracked the whip. "Not you." He said. "Chaos." The nasty green-yellowish horned aura, which where about her location, buzzed like an angry wasp. "I'll release you from the spell." His own blood shone in answer. His ancestry was that of Leon, Sonia and Julius Belmont. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Christian was no priest. But his bloodline gave him this right. "I cast you out into darkness." He said. "She isn't yours, though I feel her despair." Upon his words, all went dark. Ingrid screamed when the evil presence left her body. It seemed to gather into a sort of black hole at the center. Christian got a swift vision of a room in which nine escorts where seated around their dinner table. A witch had gathered Chaos. "I will not submit!" Christian shouted. Through the grace of God, he broke loose. Christian inhaled. He still was himself. Then it made manifest. "Fomor." Christian wished he never had come to this place. "May it be a light for you, where all other lights, go out." The words of the pope rang in his ears. "But I don't have it!" Christian screamed. "I don't have the crystal!" Then he realized it didn't matter. He would fight the devil or die while trying. There was something he could do. Christian picked the dagger from the snow. The goat humanoid beheld him. The whool was shining white. Christian didn't have to turn around. He knew the black brother was there. Shanoah had told everything to Nikolai. He, the man of Graves linage, who was the husband of Richter Belmont's sister. Christian had not met them anyway. Though he knew they where representative of evil's power. "What do you thing, bro?" The white Fomor said. "Shall we kill him now?" The Black beast chuckled. "Yeah. But why don't have some fun?" Christian pulled back. "Master said." The black waved a finger. "Go and have fun." The white smiled like a maniac, exposing all his teeth. "Fun!" He exclaimed. Christian summoned more power. The brothers had changed places. He blinked. How could they do that? The question was left to linger. The white and black Fomor chanted their own type of magic spell. Flames exploded to burn outward. The electric force sparkled about. Christian didn't try to block either. Instead, he began running. The goat creatures laughed their evil chuckles. They came after him, teleporting, while chanting. Christian threw his dagger forward. The mystic weapon split into three frozen daggers. The white Fomor stopped. He'd got impaled. Black blood stained upon the snow. The two daggers which stabbed the black brother, seemed to have little effect. "I'll get you for that!" He made a nasty gesture with one of his hands. Christian didn't waist time. HE dashed forward. He knew that frost wasn't very effective against thunder. The duo changed places. The thorn whip struck through the flame spell. Earth was very useful when fighting the burning. He threw himself flat. The static force missed the mark. The Soul bat made the black Fomor rethink its statement. The burning and static spells collided. Christian had sidestepped the onslaught. The dagger wasn't the best when fighting demons. No matter. It was what he got. Christian hurled tripled daggers forward. The black Fomor got impaled. This time it worked. Perhaps it was because of the silver? Christian dismissed the matter. He was a vampire hunter. Not a philosopher. The flame spell hit him hard. The Soul ice saved his life. Christian got on his feet. He repaied the white brother with his own goods. The Soul flame burned his flesh. Christian spun around. The white Fomor was even there. Christian cracked the whip. The spell exploded right into his own face. Christian couldn't afford to feel happy. The black Fomor reappeared. The electric spell shocked him. Christian felt like being blasted to pieces. Though he managed to nail with five silver daggers. HE then used the Soul ice for a second time. The representatives where bleeding roaring madmen. The burning and static spells could chop down the trees themselves. Though powerful, they where not very accurate. Christian knocked the few remaining candles. He praied for wind power to throw five daggers. Whirlwinds roared across the medow. The black Fomor howled. Then it exploded. Leaving only a black pyre to mark its death. "Brother!" White Fomor screamed. HE came teleporting forth while hurling flaming spells. Christian was forced backward. The Soul wind had no effect on this monster. The goat demon kept chasing without mercy. Christian made explosions in answer. White Fomor got struck hard. While it still staggered, Christian threw three frost daggers. His enemy burst. He didn't care about the gold. Christian just cast the knife away. He then ran to where the girl had fallen. "Will you lit a light for me?" Ingrid asked while Christian knelt. Though she was fleeting. "I will." Christian said. "I won't let you down." The raven girl pointed to where he'd dropped the dagger. "Take it." Ingrid struggled to speak. "It is yours." She lifted a hand to toutch the blood on his cheek. "Blood of the hunter." She smiled. "No one deserve my faight." She closed her eyes. "Use the dagger like your ancestors did." She said. "Hunt the night. For me, and for everybody." Christian tightened the hold on her hand. "That I swar." He said. Ingrid smiled. "Do you know where my friends are?" He asked. But Ingrid spoke no more. A look of eternal piece was upon her face, while the Norwegian vampire desolved into ashes. Christian felt tears down his cheeks. He angrily dried them away. He never expect he should grive a vampire's death. Christian wished he could've done more. He picked the sub-weapon and put it into the empty sheet. He really would use it like she'd requested. A gust of fresh air had spread the ashes. He made the sign of the cross. "May He forgive you of your sins." He whispered. Then, somewhat reluctantly, he claimed the money. It might get in use. Hammer wouldn't let him take goods for free. Christian cracked the whip. It still was that problem concearning the bats. Then again, other enemies lurked. The battle-droids came running. The robots pressed through the trees. "Stop!" They shouted. The robots had noticed his location. "Stand where you are!" They got arms ready. "Hand over your weapons." The corporal instructed. The super battle-droids where not among this time. Perhaps his soul powers might have destroyed them? He would have to solve the puzzle another time. When Christian didn't react upon their request, the robots opened fire. The Soul flame protected from the initial round. Christian praied more wind mystics. The whirlwinds struck them down on impact. Though they got back up. Some of them did. Christian ran forward. The storm whip really made them to explode. "In the name of Jesus Christ!" Christian threw tripled daggers. The corporal then began hurling grenades. The super battle-droids hadn't been defeated. The duo emerged while blasting about. The Soul wind slowed their progress. Christian brandished the whip. He might actually whip the grenades away. The Vampire Killer was a weapon which might defeat even the most devine beings. The robots where plain enough. Though tainted by the hate and greed of those which had preduced their numbers. Christian ducked. Then he threw daggers about the place. The remaining robots fell into heaps of scrap. He inhaled. For a moment, all was silent. Only the few remaining bats still fluttered and circled the area. Christian made the sign of the cross. The sky had been cleared. The stars shone down at him. Christian smiled. He'd gone slightly back south. Christian renewed his mighter. He had to reach the castle.

Wizardry lab, castle Ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Celia Fortner had returned to their lair. It was cold outside. No matter. As a vampire, no heat nor cold might toutch her. She could trive in war or in illnesses which killed entire people. Such was the price which she had achieved. The Dark Lord had taken her into his arms. The abyss had somehow been connected to the demon castle. They thought to have vanquished his spirit forever. Fools they where. The spirit of count Dracula lived on, within the walls of his castle. The removal of the Vampire Killer had made him awake. Though still unable to take any physical form, the sensitive where drawn to his power. Celia folded her hands within the blue sleeves of her garb. His soul had become reborn. That had happen on twise occations. In 1844. And in 1999. He may never truly be defeated. Celia smiled. Her eyes where glowing with flame. Count Dracula really was the perfect great evil. God was perfect. The balance restored. The shadow priestess laughed when making a gesture. No lock or bond might keep her out, when someone invited. The door was moved aside. Celia Fortner went in. They still sat around the table. "It has begun." She said. Then Celia noticed the third person in here.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Noriko scoured the land. The castle was near. She could feel his presence. Iori was somewhere within. She pulled the cloack tighter. The green dress she'd got from Hammer. Noriko was not afraid. Already she had absorbed some useful souls. The slaughterer's soul, an enchanted one, gave the bloodthirst ability. She licked her lips. She might drain any living creature to might regain her health. Why should she worry? The Dark Lord would have to be a vampire. Ape-skeletons approached. Noriko had the skeleton blaze soul equipped. She made a slide right among. Her knife, or Soma's combat-knife, was worth an early going. She would find other weapons eventually. She released multiple feathers. She followed up with bats. Noriko laughed. These pesky bones where no match. She absorbed their souls. Noriko didn't use Soma's spectacles. Genya gave them to her. Thus she might track the different types of souls. She didn't have to use neither the stakes, nor the garlic or roses. The ape souls would at least add up to her might. She didn't have the strength of twenty men. Not yet. Noriko didn't mind the candles. Though she retrived the gold. That was all Hammer requested. Speaking of which, a dragon landed before her, upon the snowy lane. Then it morphed into another form.

Christian Belmont beheld the castle gate. The huge drawbridge and fence where in place. Nothing he did might make it go down. This was not the demon castle Dracula. Christian toutched the whip while thinking. There must be something he could do. Though it seemed unlikely. The moat was deep and cold. To swim in the midst of winter would only kill him. Not that Christian ever considered such actions. Perhaps there was another entrance. Christian backtracked into the forest. There might be archers upon the wall. Christian should stay within the woods. That way, he might not be spotted. Christian made the sign of the cross. Bowstrings where sining. Christian cracked his whip. The arrows came from the forest. Christian tightened the grip on his whip. Only elf-rangers where so precise. Then again, he could be mistaken. The fox-archers preduced other arrows. The red knights had finally kept up with him. Christian had faced them before. The swordsmen where living humans. That was a problem. Though he didn't hesitate. The renegades had pledged fealty to the memory of count Dracula. The flame whip protected him against their first assault. The foxes shot arrows. Christian dodged. He made a slide. The knights came running. Christian threw daggers at them. "They should've sent more then just one pickup squad." Christian heard one of them mutter. He didn't know what that ment. Nor was he interested. One of the men where dead. The archers drew into the forest. A flash of green light kept Christian from follow. The surviving man had dropped a sort of black pearl on the snow. When the flash subsided, Christian learned he was clad in a green armour. He laughed. The laugh sounded strangely hollow. "Forest knight." Christian said. He was a great admirer of Nathan Graves. He faught against Dracula in 1830. The former human came clanking forward. Christian whipped the armoured foe. He stumbled. But then grew wines from his gauntlets. Christian didn't want to be drained. He threw daggers forward. The knives went home. But even this time, the enemy just stumbled. The armoured knight kept its death march. The Soul bat made it fall back. The wines grew longer. Christian hurled his flaming daggers. The three knives burned on impact. The forest knight got brought to its knees. Christian made a slide for its location. He cracked and flailed the whip while moving. The armoured enemy then just exploded. The boom made him fall back. Christian got back up. He collected the gold which it left behind. He went into the forest. Christian whipped the candles while moving along. He still got to defeat those foxes. Upon the clearing was the witch's cottage. A small pond lay open. Christian made the sign of the cross. Mist filled the area. It drifted like breth or hot air from within the water. As he watched, a figure came dashing forth, diving into the pond. Christian drew back as the water got splashed about. It immediately froze in the cold. Christian shook his head. He knew some individuals had a habit of ice bathing. This person was not a Russian. "Come!" She encouraged. "Come and bath with me." She rised a slender arm above the water. "I am Chee Yagami." She smiled. Twin braids of black hair fell around her face. Both closed with a golden pin. "You don't need to be afraid." She laughed. The sound made chills down his spine. Though not an unplesent feeling. Christian then mentally kicked himself. The oldest trick in the book, and he fell for it. The archers fired. They had hid atop the roof. Christian dodged their arrows. The foxes preduced other projectiles. Christian was not stupid what so ever. HE ran forward. He went into the house before they might fire again. The cottage consisted of only one room. With a coner each for kitchen and bed. The toilet most likely somewhere outside. Christian had no mind for architecture. At least not now. He quickly climbed up the ladder. The fox-archers where ready for battle. They both fired when his head came up. Christian protected with fire. The Soul flame got in handy at some ocations. The daggers then ended their misery. At least one got thrown down. Christian ducked as the partner struck with his weapon. The heavy bow might've crushed his skull. Christian whipped the item away. The fox drew back. Christian cracked the whip. The mythological figure caught fire. Christian pushed him down. He didn't want the building to burn. He went down. There where some candles in this chamber. Christian whipped them down. The crystals he picked. The food he put in his backpack. A money bag lay about. He retrived it. Christian opened the door. Chee had gotten out of the pool. Somehow she had gotten redressed. Christian by now recognized the uniform. The brown, grey and red outfit. She too was one of those red knights. But she where a vampire. Christian ducked. The sword got stuck in the wooden door. Christian made the sign of the cross. That forced her backward. The half-Chinese vampire blocked with her shield. Christian made a glide straight beneath her mighter. She turned in anger. A sonic ring got cried forward. Christian avoided the blast. He threw his dagger in turn. She blocked. The round shield proved its worth. Christian stood his ground. He whipped with successive strokes. The shield held together. The high kick sent him sprawling. The undead laughed. She'd taken him off guard. She let forth her hand. She muttered something in Japanese, which he didn't quite figure. The result left no doubt. She'd summoned the mammals. That was an art of her none-dead status. Christian threw three flaming daggers. The bats got defeated. Chee snarled. Christian used the Soul wind to slow her down. This time, his whip struck home. Then he withdrew. The vampire cried a sonic ring. Christian sidestepped the assault. The weapon broke through her concentration. The Vampire Killer had chosen him. Though he didn't know why. The holy whip was indeed a mystery. He guessed nobody would ever reveal all its secrets. Christian put the myths aside. Chee struck with her shield. Christian ducked. He flailed the whip. The Soul bat made her stagger. The high kick would've knocked his head off. Christian was certain. He pulled even further backward. The Soul wind was the only way to slow her. He wished to hold the family's ancient stopwatch. That relic was Sonia's attribution to his bloodline's arsenal. The whirlwinds shook the vampire. She cried a sonic ring. He managed to glide underneath. She summoned bats. Christian whipped them into oblivion. The red knight soon followed as the Soul saint blasted her to pieces. He inhaled. That had not been easy. Though his quest continued. Christian left the clearing behind. Though he took another path when going to the forest's outskirts. There might still be monsters abroad. Christian slowly walked around the castle. He beheld the many high towers. He wondered which of them might be built by his ancestors. There seemed to be no alternate entrances. Christian was getting back round to the gate again. Then raised voices could be heard. Christian slowly drew closer. He was careful though. This way would lead him close to the moat again. Christian felt a sudden relief when he recognised his friends. Koji stood before Noriko Cruz. The empty sleeve was a reminder of her loss. Then he began to pay attention to what they where actually speaking. Their arguing killed his joy. This could be fatal.

Wizardry lab, castle Ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Zoe had managed to enter the castle. No matter. What should she do? This was nnot the demon castle. Zoe had charged her flame spell. The glyphs came in handy. She didn't expect that would happen. But they where none the less. Zoe suddenly released outward with repeated flaming blasts. The ravens all got defeated. She picked the gold. Zoe had reached the top of the steps. She stood upon the roof. The sky walkway led onward. Zoe considered which way to go. She didn't have that map-reading ability which some of her ancestors possessed. She changed grip on her staff. Better to get going then to remain in place. Her goal was to find her friends. Nothing might change that matter. Zoe played with the strings of red hair. The dangers would only grew. She knew that. Shadow was rising. She kept a grip on her star symbol. Although Zoe could not use any of the five glyph elements; fire, ice, lightning, shadow or light, to charge her other weapons. But she got other mystics up the sleeve of her heavy cotton garb. Zoe threw five homing snowballs. The Valkyrie got frozen over.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Koji Hakuba felt suddenly uneasy. This was not what he expected. Noriko stood upon the snowy forest lane, viewing his progress. She seemed to have been getting more experienced since he last saw her. Christian Belmont might be right about his worry. Her words made it all the more certain. "So." She said. "You have come to me after all." Her eyes didn't look the least friendly. Not to him. Koji might've felt a shudder, had he not been who he was. "Look." He said, lifting both hands. "I wasn't involved in that quarrel." Noriko smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. "It doesn't matter anymore." She said. Koji licked his lips nervously. "Everything have changed." He'd been afraid Celia might drag him into the shadow. Noriko lifted her one hand, clad in a black leather glove, to pull down the hood. "I do not need you." She said. Koji now only saw the lower sections of her face. Together with the long strings of black hair. "That is untrue." He said. "We share the dragonheart." Noriko held up her hand. "That doesn't matter anymore." She repeated. A smile had appeared upon her lips. "Not as long as I have, this!" Her hands was a ball of flame. Though she didn't seem toutched. A strange crest of hard metal, cruelled and stained with ash, appeared to flout in front. Koji staggered. "Great one's death." He didn't curse very often. But now, Koji was mad. "Anger!" HE growled. Koji felt the containt in evry bone. "Nobody, with our relation, should never even toutch such villainy." "But I paied for it with great pain." She held up the hand, who was still aflamed. The glove was removed. How he didn't know. Koji gasped. Her hand had become dark, like a burned claw. "The Devil's purchase." He muttered. "Quite right." The leather glove concealed the monstrosity. "And this is my destiny." Noriko whispered. "No one else are to be mixed up in this." She grasped the item. Koji hid his face. Then he looked on her. "Sister." He said. "I cannot accept this." He looked down. Though Koji knew this was his responcebility. He'd known since he gave her his heart. "But I will come with you." Noriko seemed to shiver. "Brother, no. I can't risk your life." Although her expression didn't change, Koji thought she was concearned. Or perhaps even torn. "Koji." Noriko said. "I give it back to you." Before Koji's eyes, Noriko became concealed with black. "No!" He pleaded. "Don't do this." HE tried to close himself in a stone will. "You'll die!" The force of their connection broken, struck him to the ground. Koji screamed. His blood was acid. The heart beated like it would strike it way out past his ribs. Each pulse sent pain through his body. Koji screamed and screamed. HE couldn't help it. Finally, after a period of a thousand years, the pain subsided. Koji lay gasping. In his mouth was the taste of blood. His heart was whole once more. It gave no pleasure. "Here." Someone said. "I'll try to help you up." Christian was back. After the period of another thousand years, or so it felt, he managed to move. With muscles like Tanjellies, Koji was able to get back up. Although he supported himself upon the vampire hunter. This was the worst which might happen. Koji had heard about the legends. Noriko was the last of her bloodline. It took some time before he even dared, or could, look to her position. Koji almost fell back down with surprise. Noriko was still standing. She held the crest of Anger in hand. "As I said." Noriko stated. "I gave it back to you, by my own free will." She turned her head. Perhaps looking toward the castle. "Neither of you are to get in my way again." She reached out with her cape, like that of great wings. Koji tried to reach out to her. Nothing he did could stop her. "This is my own destiny." She repeated while morphing into the shape of a bat. "And no one are to be involved." The little bat then flapped off, into the estate above. Strangely, Koji felt the desire to cry. Though he fought it back. "Genya warned me to not get involved." Christian said. Though more to himself then to any other. "I hope she'll be alright." Then he turned to look upon him. "We must go after her." Koji insisted. "You don't know what she've done." Christian shook his head. "There is no way in." He said. "And beside." HE added. "You are in no fit for a fight." Koji denied the statement. Though he knew it was right. There would be some time until he might summon his dragon side. Koji had hoped he might fly them inside. But now, not even his wings would appear. HE sat down into the snow. Christian bit his lip. "Listen to me now." He said. "I'll escort you back to the village." Koji just nodded. He was to tired for anything else. Christian helped him to stand. "Come on now." Christian said. "I can't carry you." He smiled encouraging. "Perhaps Hammer have something which might heal you." Koji made no answer. He never should've approached her on sight. This was his fault.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Sybile Aulin stood within the street. The land was shrouded with a heavy steam or smoke of frost. This was not natural. Sybil could tell as much. The cards had warned for certain. The old woman put some of the powder upon a stone. Sybile spoke a word of power. The flame roared abright. She nodded. That might lead those lost in the forest. She had seen it in the cards. That boy would need her help. Her small cat came to lay by the furness. She bent on her stiff knees to pet her. The cat purred. This familiar had been summoned by the great Maria Renard herself. She had left it to them when leaving the countryside. That was after her sister, Anette, had passed. She got up as an owl gave forth its soft cry. The seer rised a hand. The nocturnal bird landed to sit on it. Sybile smiled. The owl had been her friend for a very long time. Though nobody knew to which it belonged. Rumours whispered that it was a gift of Adrian Fearheight. The truth may now only lay in the letter she sent to Richter Belmont. But he had given it back to the family, unopened, upon his death bed. Sybile rang the bell. The sound might help them. No one else ever had dared to break the seal. Though heavy spells where laied on it to prevent decay. She tried to stare into the night.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian hid behind the trees. "What is that?" Koji whispered. He shook his head. The enormous cracking shape was passing from sight. "Best not to know." Christian muttered. Koji nodded. Now, he could at least walk on his own. Although his power hadn't returned. Christian worried about that. He also was concearned about the heavy fogg. Not that it where any real mist. Rather, the shroud was the result of the cold. He made the sign of the cross. "Perhaps." Koji suggested. "We should've taken the road after all." Christian shook his head. "No way." HE said. "They might be there." The mere thought of the riders filled him with fear. "You never told me about them." Koji said. Christian made no answer. He got out from their hiding. The sound of the bell was all which led them. Christian hoped it was not just a Jack-o'lantern. "Who are they?" Koji kept asking. "Why are you so afraid of them? These wanderers or riders sound like simple wraiths to me." Christian made a gesture. The sound of flapping wings approaching. Christian barely spotted the mammals through the gloom. He whipped at them, brandishing his weapon. They hadn't met much resistance since the shroud came. Christian didn't like that either. "Wraiths are never "simple" you know." He said, trying to listen if there where any more bats. None came. Koji nodded. "The frights never should've been created." Christian kept the Vampire Killer ready. "I didn't think of the missfall of your species." HE remarked. "Though I don't know who's worst." This matter was of the most secret lore of his family. No one who was not of the house, or of the ancient race of the dragon, where supposed to know. They never even told the church about this. Not because of distrust, but because it was the law of their tradition. "I smell them." Koji said. For a moment, Christian was afraid the wanderers might be here. Then he smelled it too. The scent of rotting flesh. The dead farmer rised without a sound. Christian burned with the Soul flame. The corpse did stagger. Christian made a glide while twirling the whip. The walking dead fell into a heap. "Here." Koji said. "You might need it." Christian put away the cold pieces of gold. He really didn't know their value. "There must be something fishy about this." Koji muttered. Christian shot him a look. The elder boy was stearing into the mist. "Tell me about it." HE said. Koji gave no replay. Christian shook it off. It wasn't funny anyway. Then he frowned. "I'm not quite sure." Christian confessed. "But I think this is a portion of the forest unknown to me." Koji shrugged. Somehow the gesture became more noticeable because of his fur-coated flight jacket. "Then we'll just hope the bell is not leading us astray." Koji said. "I guess." Christian acknowledged. He wished he got a coat like that. The raw air was making him feel colder still. Christian decided he would get something from Hammer's shop. If he indeed purchased any clothings. He stopped. "I hear them too." Koji said. That was the faraway sound of growling wargs. Christian stood in place while the sound grew more distant. Christian wondered if the bitter atmosphere made it difficult tracking. He dismissed the matter. Perhaps Thomas or Patrick Lecarde knew the answer. The bell got closer. Christian hoped this was the right direction. They had been wandering lost for quite some time now. Christian made the sign of the cross. "Weather have been real strange tonight." He said. Just to say something. Koji merely nodded. "Things are strange." He added. Christian was to answer when other bats approached. He whipped them to pieces. He let be the money. He couldn't carry as much along. There where a few candles. Though their lights where burning low. He whipped them never the less. For a moment, all was silent. They kept to follow the ringing bell. Christian stopped. Was that the sound of…? Christian picked together. Four or five dinosaurs, Raptors by the looks of it, came through the bitter smoke. "Fire!" The leader shouted. "He's the one who killed the pickups!" The fox-archers fired their bows. Christian and Koji went to either side. A miracle, or a curse, the bowstrings survived the weather. No time for that. Magic or no magic at all. The red knights kicked their steeds, coming towards him. Christian threw three flaming daggers. The first Raptor fell to the ground. Though it was very swift. So where the comrades. Christian caused explosions about. The leader got free of his fallen animal. With sword and shield in hand, he sped to his allies. Christian was pushed backward. Koji was wrestling with one of the archers. Christian used his Soul bat. The elf fell dead on the ground. Christian recognized his features. Although the black-elves had fallen to darkness long ago, they still where among the oldest people in the world. A pitty that the Dark Lord had renewed their allegiance to him. Christian had no time to grieve this loss. The beast-riders kept pressing from multiple directions. Koji at least had regained his fighting spirit. He'd seemingly killed the archer. But Christian had no opportunity to keep his track. He swung the frost whip. The shield got shattered. The blue-fured she-fox screamed upon her moment of death. Christian was grim. HE'd seen to many die since the quest began. A 12 year old should not have to do this. Christian was no ordinary child. He would keep the promise of his bloodline. "In the name of the Lord!" HE shouted. The holy whip kept the reanimated dinosaur at bay. Koji then came. "We aren't related." HE growled, returning their gaze. "We may be ancient." Koji morphed into his true form. Christian knelt with awe and rejoice. The great golden dragon was truly glorious to behold. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord." HE whispered. Christian made the sign of the cross. Although made for destruction, the ancient species long since had repented. Though their line had split. Like most other races. The Raptor didn't stand a chanse. Koji then regained his human form. Where after he fell into a heap. Christian ran to help him up. "I'm not well." Koji said. "But I had to help you." Christian shook his head. "Speak nothing of it." HE said. "Come on now." Christian tried to encourage. "We're not far from the village." Koji muttered something he didn't capture. Either way, they bogh kept moving. Christian really hoped he didn't speak a lie. Though the sound of the bell was getting closer. There was something about that which concearned him. Then Christian remembered. "Oh my God." He gasped. Koji sent him a look. "I really think something terrible is to happen." Christian whispered. "The ringing might be for good or ill." He looked about. Where something moving? "But that is also the way in which wicked humans practise to rise all the evil within the suburbs." Koji threw up. Christian didn't blame him at all.

Wizardry lab, castle Ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Noriko had retained her true form. How had she done that? Noriko had gained souls before the holiday. She gave them all up when fetching the crest of Anger. That was the only way to stop herself from burning. Back then, she hadn't even reached the village. Noriko had been so proud. Now she was left with nothing. No potion or spell might heal her hand. It was burned. The leather glove hid the wickedness from her sight. Iori would understand. He always had. He had been so kind to her. He would not reproach her. Like Christian and Koji did. There lay a sort of Tarot card. Noriko took it up. Then came a flash of light. "My mistress." Noriko smiled. "Thank you." She said. "You will be my harpy familiar." The familiar indeed looked as one of those. Though there where one significant diference. This winged female had the features of her own people. "You are Japanese." Noriko said. "If that is what you wish." The harpy said. "I will serve you." Noriko acknowledged. Somehow this felt so fitting. She put the card away. "I shall summon you." She deemed. "Disappear for a while." The harpy familiar did obay. She would be useful. Noriko would keep on going.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The sign above the door, was squeeking while the wind played with it. Koji got the glimpse of three girls, seemingly dancing upon a rose. "Three pretty petals." Christian was reading aloud. Koji sniffed the air. He made a grimace. "It smells like sulphur." He muttered. Christian made the sign of the cross. "This place." HE said. "I have a bad feeling about this." The inn seemed like a whirwind might have struck it. Clothings, furniture and wreckage lay all over the place. The bench which had been on the front side, had been cleaved in half. Then Koji forgot all about that. A high pinched cry seem to tear the silence apart. "What was that?" Koji asked. His lips where trembling. Christian didn't answer. Another, more distant cry, seemed to pierce through his ears. The Belmont's face was pale like wax. "There is two of them." He whispered. More to himself then as a replay. Koji knew he shouldn't be afraid. HE was a gold dragon. Still. That cry had made his blood chill. The cold smoke still lay thick around. "I wonder if this may be a result of that ringing." Koji muttered. Though it should be no wind. Before he might comment, a black bird lifted away from the rooftop. Koji didn't like that either. The bird was to him like a bad omen.

Christian watched the bird lift into the air. The mist made it impossible to track. Koji might have. But he still was somewhat shaky. Christian didn't really knew much about his species. But he knew that Noriko shouldn't have done this to him. Koji was a good friend. He'd given up so much already. Christian knew that it wasn't so easy. "I have to investigate this place." He told Koji. "But why?" Koji asked. "You saw that bird." HE exclaimed. ""They" might be here any minute now." Christian agreed. "Still." He said. "This I must do." He gave him a shorten tale of his battle with Ingrid. Koji seemed to dislike it what so ever. "I have to." Christian said in a softer tone. "If someone is releasing Chaos upon the countryside, then that's my responcebility." Koji shook his head. "Then lead the way." HE said. "But remember about the riders." Christian smiled. Though it never reached his eyes. "Believe me." He said. "I won't forget." Even if he tried, Christian thought he never would. In an effort to might shed the feelings, he went for the entrance. He blinked. The hall looked even nastier then the outside. "A wonder they didn't burn the place." Koji muttered. Christian closed his eyes. He felt disgusted. Though he already had seen to many die. Some corpses lay here. Blood stained the wall. The wood seemed to be penetrated. Here and there, where markings of the dragon or other vile symbols. Christian swallowed. This, they had done. A huge muscled man, still holding a club, lay before the door. "I don't think this was an inn at all." Koji said. Christian gave him a swift glance. "To many women for this to be that." Christian frowned. He thought of that vision he'd got before Fomor showed up. "It's… "Christian struggled to remember. Then he got it. "It's what's called a maiden's house." Such was the medival name. "Whatever you call it." Koji said. "It's a nasty place." He gave the scene one last look. "Let's get out of here." Christian shook his head. He still hadn't figured out what he came here for. Why had he entered here, really? Christian cracked the whip. "You can remain if you want to." He said. Koji didn't seem like it. He went after when Christian continued deeper in. There was a stair leading upward. "Only a basement here." Koji said as he'd gone to check the closest door. Christian had a peek inside the second opening. The sight of the ravaged kitchen made him feel sick. There was another door leading out to some other small houses. "A food store." Christian said. "And a toilet. I think." They went back into the maiden's house. Christian had a last look behind the bar. "Just another dead man." He muttered. "Wait." Koji said. "I feel cold." Christian turned to look upon him. Koji seemed like messmorized. "Death." He breathed. "This place." Koji licked his lips. "I feel the presence of the dark side." Christian snapped his whip out just as the farmer rised from the floor. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord!" Christian shouted. The trio of daggers nailed the one standing at the door. He staggered. Then he knelt to pull the Une up. Christian burned him with the Soul flame. Koji suddenly threw him to the floor, shielding his ears. "Dragon's force." He shielded both from the Mandragora. Christian got up. The farmers still where walking dead. Christian whipped the Unes to oblivion. Then he made a glide. Christian whipped the farmer to ashes. The flame whip got such power. There still was that other corpse to think about. The skull bartender was still hiding behind the bar. He was hurling those ill cocktails which Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin told about in their chronicles. Koji was dodging as best he could. At least this proved the Hakuba was regaining his abileties. "Watch out!" Christian cried. Koji fell flat as he threw tripled daggers. The farmer fell back. Christian made a slide for the bar. He jumped over while striking the whip. The farmer at last fell into a heap. Christian collected the money. "Are you satisfied now?" Koji asked. Christian went to look out the window. The cold mist made it difficult to see long distances. "I don't think so." He then said. Koji rolled his eyes. Christian pretended not to have seen that. The dragon relative was perhaps two years older. But still, Christian was the vampire hunter. He went down to the basement. "It seems like an old cave." Koji had decided to come along. Christian nodded. The place was filled with different goods and wares of all sorties. Christian noticed a bottle which he put into his kbackpack. Then he realized about that chewing sound. Koji muttered something he didn't quite figure. No matter. "Show yourself!" HE demanded. "In the name of Christ, I demand you." The whip he held in both hands. The light made it shine holy. His blood was the purest since Julius. Or perhaps even since Richter Belmont. They heard a sort of whining sound. Like that of puppies, having bad dreams. Then the trio came forth.

Koji stepped back. The scent of rotting flesh filled the air. The undead came toward the Belmont boy, down on all four. He never expected him to have such a powerful personality. The whip shone with a light to strong to look upon. Christian really was the hunter of his generation. "What do you want with us?" They asked with frightened voices. "Have you come to slay us!?" The blonde, who looked to be around 21 years old, was clad only in a sort of torn white nightgown,, asked. Her head was low. "No." Christian said. "I only wish to know what happened here." The brunette, who only had a cloth tied around her waist, drew back from his light. Koji thought the great might've given the golden glow to him. He was more worthy. Or so it seemed. "Please!" The third said. "We where only spellbound." The redhead was clad in a plain black corset. Koji was shocked as she told how a wicked man used magic to keep them in the house, until their hope and dreams got taken away. "We tried to escape." The blonde whispered. "But pain kept us from going far." The redhead licked her lips. She was perhaps 17 years. "Then the witch came." She said. "She went up to the luxery area." The brunette looked down. "Maddness then took us." She couldn't wheep. "When the destruction was complete, most of us went away." Christian nodded. Though he looked sad.

Wizardry lab, castle Ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Zoe Belnades twirled her Warakiyan staff. The monster was forced backward. She smiled. Though it never reached her eyes. Zoe turned. The sword went out in one motion. The mothman never got the chanse to escape. The head fell on the floor. She took the money. The mammals flapped abroad. Zoe hurled five snowballs. That made them to freeze over. Zoe nodded. She picked the gold from the floor. She also knocked some candles. Zoe picked the stopwatch. She put it upon her wrist. It might be useful. She had a slight shudder. This place was cold. So very cold. She tried not to let it show. But this place was really strange. Where should she go. This way, which she still believed to branch into the castle hall, had reached a dead end. Zoe charged her flame spell glyph. The flaming blast collided against the wall and exploded. She dusted off of herself. But when it cleared, the rubble was still standing. She played with her star symbol. Should she try another spell? Zoe poundered the question. She never reached a solution. The bats came from above. Just as arrows flew down the corridor. Zoe caused a whirlwind to might slow down the enemies. Then she unsheated her blade.

Maiden's house, Dora wood. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian got his answers. Heturned to leave. Koji stood for a moment. Their eyes still where fixed on the hunter. Koji couldn't help to get closer. They where adult. Not to mention the state. Koji felt attracted. HE was safe. His dragon blood couldn't be infected. Koji really liked the brunette. He wonder what might be her name. He went closer, to get a better view on her bossom. She was the youngest. Some 15 or 16 years old. He wished she could remove the waistcloth. That was all the encouragement she needed. She exposed her fangs. She lept ontop. Koji got struck down. The ground was cold against his back. She opened his jacket in no time. "I knew your desire." The blonde said while licking his ear. "Stay with us." The redhead said. "You want us." She removed the corset. Koji struggled to get free. He never expected that these three would be his first. "I am Violet." The brunette licked her lips. "Toutch me." She removed her cloth. Just like he wanted. She was delishious. Dragons grew adult faster then the humans. Even half-bloods where more developed then their years might tell. "I am Trina." The blonde sat down to pull the nightgown over her head. "Behold me." Koji did. She was addoreable. "I am Nina." The third said while bending down. Koji gasped.

Christian wondered why his friend took so long. He had another look out the window. He still couldn't see very far. The frost smoke concealed everything. Still, the coldness of their presence was not on him. He made the sign of the cross. Perhaps the bird had been just that. Christian didn't believe it for a second. Though he was grateful those three women where so young as undead. The name of Christ still held sway over their state. If he'd gotten the crucifix, he could've tried to stamp the evil out. Christian had felt no malice. Only a great sorrow. Like his own. He toutched the whip. Christian so wished his family was there. Even Maria might've soothed his lonesomeness. Christian inhaled. Perhaps Koji might follow him along. Then he would at least have some company. Then no. Although his mind and body was beginning to heal, his soul was still wounded. A sudden fealing of dread caught his heart in an iron grip. They where approaching. Suddenly there where a knock on the door. Though soft, it was heavy. "Open." A thin but cold voice demanded. "In the name of count Dracula." The door was solid. But it wouldn't last. Christian picked some wooden pieces, placing improvised crosses before the door and windows. That would not stop them long. Christian ran down into the basement. Then he stopped. Koji was busy making out with the three undead women. His lust would make them strong. He still had some wood. "Be gone in the name of the Lord!" HE shouted. The two pieces worked as a makeshift sign of the cross. Koji had his climax. That would be enough. Christian got closer. "Get up!" HE shouted. This was all his fault. He never should've come here. "Get on your clothings." He sent the girls a strick look. "Get working, yyou wannabe Venus." That made them giggle. Though they did as he told. The trio drew further back by the improvised cross. Koji was finished. His cheeks where all red. "I'm sorry." He apologized. "I didn't meen this to happen." Christian cut him short. "Your fear turned out to be real." HE said. "The wanderers are here." Koji got all green. "I don't know how many." Christian confessed. "One is to many for my liking anyhow." Koji agreed. Christian smiled. It didn't come from the heart. "let's get going." He held the toy cross in front until they got up the stair. Then Christian put it down. That would keep the vampires. Although there where other ways out from that cellar. He ran toward the kitchen. The knocks kept sounding. Christian felt chills down his spine. HE hoped nobody was guarding this back door. They ran over the field. None was there. None beside the ravens. Christian burned about with his Soul flame. That might make it less easy to track. Then he and Koji ran into the forest. The bell still rang some distance ahead. There was no sign of presuit. Christian praised the Lord in his heart. Soon, the fog got slightly thinner. They where back inside the village. Christian was still concearned. He wondered at which crossroad they would meet the next time. He put it away. The bats came like a swarm. The Soul bat blasted them into oblivion. "Koji!" He shouted. "Where are you!" Christian couldn't see him anywhere. "Here." A voice said. It was somehow deep and cold. "I wait for you." Christian shivered. Though it was not that voice. This got a slight growling tone. Christian cracked the whip. The great warg appeared upon the street. Its thung hung out of its red maw. "I am hunger." He growled. "I may drink a river of blood without bursting." The warg licked its lips. "I may lay on the ice for a hundred years without freezing." It growled. "Where I bite, I keep to it. Even if I die, you must cut it out with me." "In the name of all good Saints." Christian said. "No." He stepped forward. The chieftain howled. It was like a signal for gathering. Soon, a whole pack had appeared. But even Koji had arrived. Without delay, he charged for the nearest of the wolves. Christian was focused upon the great warg. The battle would continue. Christian went forward. The wolves howled.

Trina, Violet and Nina lay prone on the floor. The black rider was without mercy. "You have failed." The lost knight had been so close to discover the whip bearer. That he had told them. Even the undead might fear his presence. Their hypnotism had no effect on his kind. Although the trio of lust had afforded him their services. His mear toutch could empty them of their crimson force. Though he got other use for them. "Get up." He said. "Thou shallst obey thee Dark Lord." Slowly, the three women got up from where he had hurled them. These may have the strength of 20 men. That was of no matter to him. His grip was more then their hold. "Thee shalst chase mine purchase." The mind trap might served him better. The Dark Lord Dracula was the only who afforded such gifts. "Thy must serve for the Belmont clan." They where like worms to show their fealty. "Enough." His coldness made them to stop. The wanderer felt disgust by their appeal. He was not count Dracula. He would have made them run naked and in chains to do their plight. That was not to his disposial. He did not wait for them. He returned outside, to his black steed. The ravens where spread out.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The giant wolf charged for him. Christian threw tripled daggers. They barely made it stagger. He sidestepped while whipping. The monster howled. Christian felt his blood chill. He burned with the Soul flame. His enemy got back upon its feet. Then it charged. Christian got struck to the ground. He still got hold of the Vampire Killer whip. He fused with frost. It didn't make much diference. Though it kept the warg from ripping out his throat. "Jesus!" The cry made the monster release him. Shaking, Christian got up on one knee. The warg made another charge. It just had to take him once for this to be over. He used the Soul wind to slow it down a bit. That was all he got. The great warg came forward. Christian managed to pick up his whip. He held it in both hands while the wolf dashed. The impact sent him flying. Even so, Christian threw three burning knives into his enemy. The wolf fell into a heap. Christian fought his way back up, only to watch it burn. "Here. Now it's my time." Koji came to help him to stand. "Thanks." Christian said. Koji smirked. "What about the others?" Christian asked. Koji shrugged. "I killed two of them before it was over." The mist shrouded the area. "The others ran away when you killed the big one." Christian made the sign of the cross. "So be the will of the Lord." Koji gave him a look. Though they'd spoke about this before. When fighting the wargs they met on their journey to the village. Christian went to whip the candles. The crystals really got in handy right now. "You know." He told Koji as they kept on walking. "You shouldn't have been with them." Koji made a dismissing gesture. "They are to old for you." Christian continued. "And you still are to young." Koji shook his head. "My way isn't your way." He then added, sounding serious. "To be a minor is even relative among your people." Christian didn't agree. "If I'd been a Spaniard, or indeed, from any Saouth American country, it would've been alright." Christian shook his head. "The law of Moses forbids conections with children." He insisted. Not forgetting he was a child himself. "Even though you are old enough by your own species, do not forget." Christian threw a look over his shoulder. "The Devil might use your own emotions against you." He made the sign of the cross. "Pleasure or desire might be just as dangerous as anger, fear or hatred. When walking in the shadow of castle Dracula." Koji met his gaze. Although he didn't say anything. He seemed to be more interested in something which where ahead. Christian looked in that direction. A light might be seen through the layers of frost. Christian cracked his whip. He didn't like that. "What do you think of it?" Koji asked. "It might be a searchlight lit for us." Christian considered it. "But it might be Elmo or Jack, trying to fool us astray." Koji nodded. "The ringing is coming from there too." He said. Christian knew his earsight wasn't as good when considered against a dragon. "Wake not the dead." He muttered. "Then we should perhaps pay a look." HE said. "We might keep the Dark Lord's followers from rising the countryside." Koji nodded. Christian noticed, through his ability to see beyond the obvious, that he fought to gather his power. Christian tightened the grip on his weapon. If the order was over there, then he would have to fight them alone. As they got closer, he felt that something evil really was abroad. The fire, which they now could see was a roaring heart, illuminated the area. Christian noticed they had reached the village square. He also noticed other things. Sybile Aulin had left her cottage. She had put cards into a circle. They clearly kept the evil outside. The old woman had to be behind the ringing bell. Then his mind froze. The flying armour came swooping down. Koji was forced back. Christian made a glide underneath. HE got back up as the enemy made his swords to attack. Christian dodged the darting blades. He made an effort to whip the armour. Christian wondered if the bell might have awaken this monster. Like when they played the melody upon Bodley. No time to consider that now. The caped armour made the blades twirl and spin in the air. Christian had no mind for playing tag. He wished the stopwatch was in hand. The armour swooped with the blades like a giant clipper. Christian really didn't want to get caught in that trap. The armour then rised high. The cold smoke grew thicker. Then Christian realized it was the armour causing the mist. It had to be. He did his best to see beyond the obvious. "There he is!" Koji shouted. "Shoot him!" Christian noticed the aim. The armour was high above his head. The blades made a zigzag attack. Christian ducked the first. He jumped the second and dodged the third. Where did he get all those swords? He didn't care. The armour had been possessed by evil powers. Christian faught to stay focused. He wondered what Koji was up to. Why didn't he help him? He would have to solve the puzzle later. The swords came for another pass. Christian dodged the first. He whipped the second and used the Soul wind to slow the third. The flying armour then came swooping in. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer whip. The Soul bat blasted from his weapon. The armour got struck. The shoulderblock sent him stumbling. Christian made a slide to get away from the darting swords. He got up just as the enemy disappeared within clouds of cold smoke. The darting swords came his way. Christian sidestepped. Though they came three in succession. No training had prepared him for this moment. Either way, he slowed the swords down. The caped armour was back. It came swooping with the swords like cissers. Christian praied for wind while throwing daggers. The armour got caught by whirlwinds. The blades went in a zigzag attack. Christian ducked beneath the first. HE dodged the second and whipped the third. HE then utilized the soul flame. The armour, who was twirling its swords to might put him into a corner, got caught off guard. Christian had no time to celebrate his offensive. The caped villain disappeared from sight. Christian tried to track its mobility. That wasn't easy. He got hit in the sholder by a darting blade. The pain made him cry. The Soul ice healed his damages. Christian dodged the next swords. They spun and came twirling back. Christian whipped them away. The armour was close to behead him. Christian noticed in time. The brandishing ability struck it back. Christian tried to follow around. But the armour had withdraw. Christian almost fell on his back. That made the knight miss its momentum. The blade whisped past his location. Christian nailed with five silver daggers. That caused explosions on impact. The armour sturred. Then the tripled swords came flying in a zigzag attack. The flame whip made him repel all three weapons. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost!" Christian shouted. He knew he was to young. Christian was only 12 years old. Either way, although he'd been able to bind with the ancient Vampire Killer, he had not unlocked its true incarnation. Only Thomas or Patrick Lecarde might help him with that matter. Christian dodged another set of swords. They came back. Why couldn't the whip destroy them? He ducked under the onslaught. The armour was back. It came swooping in with a clipper attack. Christian was able to sidestep. The Soul bat flew from the tip of his weapon. The flying armour blocked with twirling blades. Christian ducked. Then threw tripled daggers. The enemy got struck. Somehow he must've nailed the evil spirit within. "Take him!" Koji encouraged. Christian got confused. The armour used the opportunity to slash him down. The Soul ice barely saved his life. "Jesus Christ!" Christian summoned. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord!" The holy whip repelled the darting blades. Christian brandished the shining weapon. The armour got struck repeatedly. Then the blades came darting in. Christian was forced to run. He whipped the items repeatedly. They kept coming in. The armour had disappeared within cold smoke. Christian made the sign of the cross. He had to regain momentum to might defeat the flying armour. His enemy reappeared. This time he made another zigzag approach. Christian whipped the first blade. HE ducked beneath the second and nearly got nailed by the third. This was no holiday. Christian pulled back. The flying armour swooped in with its cissers attack. Christian threw himself upon the snow. It was all so very cold. No time for complaining. When the caped figure had passed, he jumped back up. The flying knight came back. Christian had no choise. Other swords came darting forth. The Soul saint caused explosions. Christian whipped with the weapon on fire. The knight then burst into pieces. Christian inhaled. The enemy left behind the mystic orb. Christian gathered enough to go and get it up. The flash of light made him feel all that better. Koji was coming for him. Although Christian had noticed the flying armour left something else. "Boots?" Christian asked. He picked them up. "I think they look like the hunter boots." Koji said. Christian opened his mouth to speak when another flash almost blinded their sight. He looked down. His army boots had altered. Christian tried a slide. That was alright. His ability still got that enchanted boust. Then he jumped. "Good Lord in Heaven!" Christian exclaimed. His jumping had gottten another adaptation. He might reach the rooftop with some incredible jumps. Christian made the sign of the cross. That ability wasn't the least of this mystery. Christian landed just as safe. "That is a double jump." Koji said with more then a little glee. Christian felt his cheeks turn red. Then he noticed something else. "The smoke is clearing!" He almost cheered. Koji shrugged. "I guess." He just said. Then Sybile and her pets came for their location. No sooner did three vampires attack. Christian recognised them upon the moment. Their grace and acrobatic might throw him off balance. "I told you it was a mistake!" He told his friend. Koji looked all sheepish. They would have to figure it out. But not now. The blonde sent him a flying kick. Christian ducked. He jumped over her head to whip the brunette. She screamed upon impact. The undead was clad in a waist and breastcloth. Christian wasn't toutched by her appeal. His enemy only got a pair of plain sandals to go with. Christian brandished the whip. He'd already used most of his crystals. The leather whip struck the redhead who'd tried an ambush. The sharp claws might tear him to shreds. The blonde got hold of him. She was clad like all the others. Christian felt her cold grip tighten. She got the strength of 20 men. Christian used his left hand to make a sign of the cross upon her brow. The mere gesture lit flames upon her unholy flesh. "I cast you out into shadow!" Christian shrieked. "You are the bitch of the Devil!" He ducked under the series of high kicks. The whip caught her by the ancle. The blonde lady screamed with pain and fury. The brunette came dashing in. She attacked with a series of hard punches. They laughed while he grunted. Three daggers dug into her flesh. The brunette vampire staggered. Christian made a glide to might avoid the kicking. She even got claws extended. Christian sent her three burning knives. Where had the redhead gone to? She landed before him. Christian ducked while she punched his location. From a croutched position, he whipped her repeatedly. The blonde was back. Christian jumped. The brunette approached. Christian was ready. The Soul bat put her out of misery. Not really. Not before Christian impaled her heart with a dagger. Only then she fell into a heap. He had no time to watch the pyre. The blonde came from a difficult angle. She released three mammals forward. Christian slowed with the Soul bat. The leather whip removed the threat. While the blonde was still struggling, Christian whipped her down. He then removed her head. The redhead vampire prevented him from any ease he might've felt. "Koji!" Christian shouted. "Help me!" The enemy laughed. "HE cannot help you now." She blew him a kiss. "Why don't you give in too?" Sybile then walked in. "Because he is the vampire hunter." She said. Cogline's powder hit her hard. The descendant of Charlotte Aulin spoke a word of power. The undead was on fire. Although she was not dead. Christian stepped forward. "May the Lord make mercy upon your soul." HE said with grim determination. Then the dagger ended her nightmare. They all watched her burn. Christian wondered if she might be released from Dracula's curse. The green colour of the flame gave little hope. "I'm sorry." Koji said. "But I just couldn't attack." Christian put a hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to be." He said. "I also have been toutched by the siren's power." That he had. Christian didn't want to remember. But it was true. "Although I refused them their price." A smile crossed his features. "Yeah." Koji said. "I'll just have to learn." Christian shrugged. "I promised to guide you to Hammer." He reminded. Koji muttered. Sybile smiled. "I hope you children don't mind that I come with you?" Christian got serious. "Of course not." He said. "I'll be happy to." Sybile nodded. "Then his house would be in that direction." She informed. Christian acknowledged. He was sure to find the way back. "Let's go then." HE said. They joined up on either side. Christian was sure to stop and whip candles. He would need the crystals. The strange glass bubble, which Sybile called a mana prism, might restored Koji's mystic force. Christian was more then ready when they entered the next street. The bats where there. The scent of rotting flesh filled the air. The dead farmers brandished their tools. Christian cracked the whip. He whipped the Une away. The farmers came lumbering forward. Christian pulled back. Sybile was hurling black powder abroad. "Dragon's breth!" Koji spew flames from his mouth. Christian crossed himself.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The black rider was leading his horse by the rains. "I know thy." He hissed. "Thee does nay follow count Dracula." The witch stood on the lane. "Do not think to intimidate me." She said. "I have the power of dominance." The dark wanderer was not dounted. He knew the threat was hollow. "Thee nay seek to surpass thy place, witch." He said. Any person who tried to absorb his soul, would find nothing but oblivion. He would live and she would become consumed by Chaos. "The count is dead." She said through clenched fangs. "Nobody have come to inherit his power." The wraith lifted a hand clad in a simple black leather glove. "Thee art hiding the truth to thy self." He proclaimed. "The spirit of the Dark Lord Dracula survived." He offered her his hand. "Come with mine." He invited. "To Castlevania I will take thee." The vampire who called herself Lillith, stepped back. "Let thyself open to the power of the count." He deemed. "Let lord Dracula bind to thine soul." She became a bat and vanished. He watched her flight. What a fool! Did she not realize? Although his soul had become reincarnated. Vlad Tepes Dracula could never really die.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian Belmont peeked around the corner. "It seems okay." He told his comrades. Koji nodded. "So I told you." Sybile Aulin interjected. Christian nodded. "This is Hammer's street." He recognised the line of pine trees along the road. "Then we are here." The old woman said. Christian agreed. He went out on the street. He hoped no dead farmers where here. They'd put up quite a fight. Some mammals where circling and flapping. Christian got his whip ready. "Give me strength." He whispered. He would need all which the Lord might provide. The harpies had noticed. They came flying down from the rooftop. Then Christian noticed the men standing in the street. The slaughterers unsheated their blades. "This is my battle." He said. "Get him through." He told Sybile before dashing forward. The harpies threw their daggers. Christian brandished his leather whip. He repelled their objective. His own knives then struck their naked bodies. They screamed when hit. The slaughterer slashed with his blade. Christian ducked. The Soul flame gave him something to consider. The other two came to might tear him with their bare hands. Coglein's Powder exploded. The cat dashed along the floor. The owl made a bolt of lightning strike. Sybile was powerful. No questions asked. Christian got attacked by harpies. He threw daggers at them. The Soul wind might slow them down. Christian attacked with the whip all frozen. The chilling attack made them keep some distance. Sybile was seated upon the large wild cat while it attacked the boar men. Christian caused explosions. That removed the final mammals. The harpy slashed him over the chest. Christian hoped he might gain some other jacket. The leather whip sealed her destiny. Christian shook his head. HE was breathing heavily. Though the battle was over. Together they had been able to fight back against the monsters. Though it had cost much. Koji was waiting outside of Hammer's shop. Sybile was weary. The high age getting the best of her. Christian made the sign of the cross. The Lord would guide them. He went forth to enter the store. Sybile gave him the money. Christian smiled. He then opened the door.

Hammer's shop, lost village. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Someone giggled. "I got you." Just when Christian entered the house, a figure clad in robes grasped him from behind. That made him fall backward. Christian yelped. "Long time, no see, honey." Christian blushed. "Stop playing around you two." Hammer said. Though a grim was on his face. Maria let go of him. But not after having kissed his cheek. "I'm no plaything." Christian said. "No, you are not." Maria giggled. Christian muttered. Then he threw it aside. "I see the medicine is working." He instead said. Hammer nodded. "You should've heard her." He gloated. "Your fiancée there wished to go along." This time it was Maria blushing. Christian cleared his throat. Something where best kept unsaid. "I have another patient for you." He then told, to might change the subject. "I'm not really ill." Koji said. "It's just that Noriko broke our dragonheart connection." Maria muttered something which Christian pretended not to have heard. "Noriko is my friend." He said. "No matter what." Maria looked down. Then she shook her head. "I'll take care of him." She said while smiling. "While you take care of me, cousin." This time it was Koji muttering. "We could open a magic shop just over the street." She suggested. Before Koji might protest, she dragged him along. Out of the door. Sybile put a hand on his shoulder. "It will be alright." She said. "They'll work just fine." Hammer added. "She have been purchasing leaves, roots and all kinds of magic stuff while being here." Christian made the sign of the cross. "I'll go there." He said. Sybile smiled. "I think I'll leave it to you." She told. "Come by my house. I might tell your fortune." She pointed at his purse. "Not without a price though." She adapted a grim expression. "So it must be, if we are to be left alone." Christian nodded. Vincent Dorrin had been attacked when he gave some items for free. That had been in 1944. The Belmont clan knew it had to be. Christian watched as the old woman and her familiars left the shop behind. "What may I do for you today?" Hammer asked. Christian turned around to look upon him. "I really wish for another jacket." He said while toutching the torn cloth of his army jacket. Hammer shook his head. "This is not that kind of store." He said. "Nor am I a tailor." Christian nodded. This wasn't really good. "I have another type of arm for you." Hammer interjected upon his line of thoughts. "Though it'll cost you some pieces of gold." Hammer noted toward a chest-plate made from steel. Christian beheld it. "Wait a moment." He said. Christian counted his money. "How much?" He asked. Christian couldn't colect an endless ammaunt of money. What really happened with Simon Belmont's silk bag? That he discovered in 1692. It made his great ancestor to carry an unlimited supply of items. "130 pieces of gold." The merchant informed. Christian again counted his money. In total, he got 200 gold coins. "Here." HE said. Hammer took the pieces. He put them away before handing him the good. "I'll give you 70 coins for that iron plate you're wearing." He then said. Christian smiled. "Of course." He opened the raims before giving it away. Hammer helped him to fit on the steel plate. "What about some food?" Hammer asked. "There is 15 coins for a chicken leg. And 35 for a pot roust." The soldier of fortune gave forth with one of his trademark shrugs. "I'm no bad chef, I tell you." Christian laughed. It felt like so long ago. "Here." HE said. "I take one drumstick right here." Hammer gave it to him. The rousted chicken, served with good rice and vegetables, felt real good after the cold. "Water is for free." Hammer said, sending him the glass. Like if he'd been some bartender. Christian shook his head. Hammer knew how to lit his mood. Though his eyes told he'd seen to much. Christian remembered about what he told of during Chrismus. He drank the water eagerly. "I'll take a pot roust along." He said while handing out the money. "Here you go." Hammer said. Christian put it into his backpack. "Thanks." He said. "For everything." Hammer waved it away. "It's nothing." He said while moving back to the counter. "What are those items?" He pointed toward a more remote corner of the room. Hammer gave him a look. "I tell you something." He said. "You better don't ask." Christian made the sign of the cross. "Some people." The salesman whispered. "Come here to merchandise upon a special treat." He almost seemed afraid by his own statement. "So don't ask." Christian agreed. Hammer seemed to cheer up. "Anyway." The soldier of fortune exclaimed. "Come back." He said. "And I'll give you a nice fear." Christian nodded. HE went back out into the village. He hoped Hammer would remember about his promise.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian frowned. The candles had been lit anew. How was that possible? Though Christian knew the answer. The presence of the Dark Lord's influence and power. Christian made the sign of the cross. He whipped some of them before crossing the street. HE gathered the crystals and the gold coins. He would need them. Across from Hammer's, The Hakuba duo had indeed opened their own shop. Christian shook his head. Strange things happened. He knew that. Christian looked up into the sky. The stars shone down on him. If it hadn't been for the bats which circled and fluttered about, this would've been quite the Holiday card. Christian defeated the mammals. They also left coins behind. The leather whip was easy to handle. Even so, it was not at its full potential. Not by a long shot. Christian went for the door. He could gather as many whip symbols or morning-stars as he wished. And even so, the potence of the Vampire Killer whip would still lay sleeping. He would have to do something about the matter eventually. Christian knew that was no choise. He inhaled. Christian then went inside. He was prepared for another ambush.

Magic shop, lost village. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
They really had changed the old cabin into a shop. Christian was glad that he didn't become "backstabbed" this time. Both Koji and Maria Hakuba sat behind their individual desk. Christian went closer. "I bet you expected to find Zoe." Koji teased. Christian smiled. He then shook his head. He'd told them tales about his ancestry while during Chrismus. "How may I serve you today?" Maria asked. Her smile had the ability to light his mood. Though Maria was more then a prity face. The poltergeist king said she where his future bride. Was that true? "How may I serve you today, vampire hunter?" Koji repeated the question. His voice reminded him of today's business. He put his personal issue aside. "I hope that you may provide me with some clothings." Christian said. Koji nodded. He went over to a series of cloth hangers. "What about this pilot's jacket?" He asked. Christion thought of it. The fur-couted article looked warm enough. "How much do you take for it?" He asked. Koji thought of it for a moment. "80 pieces of gold." He then answered. "And I say it's a fear price." Christian agreed. He put his hand into his purse. When paying for this, he would only have twenty coins left. But so be it. "Thanks." Koji said. Christian put on his new jacket. It felt much better already. This should keep him warm while fighting the night. That thought silenced his joy. "Dracul." He breathed. "Dark force rising." He knew that was true. He had seen it himself. "Christian?" Maria put a hand on his shoulder. "Is everything alright?" Christian blinked. For a moment, he had been so consumed by his thoughts. "I'm sorry." He said. "I just… " HE drifted off. Then he grew firm. "You cannot help me." He said. "Not with this." He had to tell them. "Someone has released Chaos upon the land." Koji kept his gaze. Maria tightened her grip. "That doesn't matter." She said. "She is right." Koji said. "I am a gold dragon now." "We are your friends." Maria insisted. "We might help you." She held hands. "You don't have to do it all alone." Christian was unshure. What could they do? Against that. Maria seemed to have red his mind. "We got powers of our own." She said. Koji nodded. "Remember about the legends." They looked upon him. "We might be able to do something." Koji was determined. Maria passionate. Christian smiled. Their admiration gave him hope. "But what can you do?" HE asked. "I shall show you." Maria had no doubt. "Unsheat your dagger." She told. Christian hoped she wasn't about to pull off some sort of black magic. However, he did as she told."Koji." Maria said. "I'm going to need your help." "What are you going to do?" The dragon relative asked. "Trust me." Maria said. "Just give me some of your blood." Christian made the sign of the cross. This didn't sound good. Koji gave her a look. "Dragon's claw." He then removed his jacket and opened a wain near the heart. Christian hadn't believe he might actually do that. Dragon blood stained the floor. Maria was busy. She made strange gestures in the air. Christian tightened the grip on his weapon. A golden glow was rising up. Koji's blood seemed to shine like the sun. "Quick." Maria said through clenched teeth. "Open a wound and stain on your item." Christian wavered. "Believe in me." Maria said. "Only believe." He did. He had to. "So be the will of the Lord." Christian did as she told. "Bate it." Maria kept making gestures. "Bate it in the gold, before it's to late." Christian knelt. The dagger of his ancestors was red with his own blood. The weapon shone. Christian could feel it. Their hearts beated in unison. Maria cried. Then she almost fell. Koji was at her side. He put an arm around his cousin in an effort of support. While he was still bleeding, Koji helped Maria to sit. "That was blood mystics!" Christian exclaimed. The blood on the floor seemed to have been extracted into his dagger. He got up. Maria put a hand upon Koji's chest. He gasped as the wound got healed. Christian made the sign of the cross. "Give me your hand." Maria murmered. Christian felt cold as the magic worked. His palm was healed. "Thanks." He said, kissing her hand. Maria blushed. "We could help you after all." She said. Christian still wasn't sure what had happened. "Your golden glow made it all possible." She squeezed Koji's arm. "Whatever." Koji shrugged. "Though I really should like to know how you came to learn this stuff." Maria leaned back. "A man named Roger Dorrin told me." She said. Christian nodded. That made sence. "I know that Vincent Dorrin was there in 1944." Maria pointed at his knife. "The blood act should've bousted your crush." She closed her eyes. Maria really was weary. "At least a little." She added. Christian felt his cheeks turn red. He shortly resheated his weapon. Maria opened her eyes to look upon him. "Though." Luna's former conviction spoke when she added. "It would've been much simpler, you know, with a Malacrux." Christian took her by the shoulders. "Do not speak that way." He said. The sign of the cross protected from evil. "Such things are forbidden." Maria looked like she wished to disappear through the floor. "Forgive me." She said. Koji cleared his voice. "Is there anything else we may help you with today?" He asked. Christian snorted. "Not really." He said. " Not with only some 20 pieces of gold left." Their joking helped to ease the tention. "Then come back later." Maria encouraged. She had gotten up. Christian watched her return to the desk. "That I shall." He returned. Koji hadn't retaken his seat. "Christian." He said, suddenly sounding very grim. Christian wondered what it might be about. "There is something which I have to tell you." "Go ahead." He said. "You can tell me." Christian assured. "What is it?" He asked. Suddenly he got that bad feelings about this. "Noriko still has my brother's pendant." The dragon relative explained. The statement made Maria gasp. Christian licked his lips. "What did you say?" Koji didn't waver. "Noriko Cruz holds Kochi's black dragon medallion." Christian felt his blood turn cold. "I thought she gave it back after Redrock." Maria said in a weak voice. Christian still held Koji's gaze. His brother had perished aboard the ghost ship. "Well?" Christian asked. "Didn't she?" Koji shrugged. "Not that it matters." He said, rather dryly. "But she didn't. Genya Arikado told me not to ask for it." Christian reached for the whip. Sometime he just didn't understand his behaviour. Genya Arikado was a mystery. He was not the first in his family to notice. Christian left the matter. "I'll bring it back." He offered. Koji shook his head. "You don't understand." He said. "But I don't think you can." Christian blinked. "That pendant might be all which keeps her alive." Koji explained. "I see." Christian said. He did figure it out. This really was dangerous. More dangerous then he'd thought. "So it might be." Christian sighed. Only now he began to realize the burden of his plight. The Lord would guide him. Christian picked together. "I may come back." He said. This time, it was no joke. "Do." Koji said. "We might still help you." Maria said. Christian nodded. He didn't argue. He got work to do. They gave a last goodbye, before he left the building. Christian had to clear the matter. Only then he might get to the heart of the problem. That would have to wait. The night's air was so very cold. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer whip. The journey would continue.

The pinnacle, castle Ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The door moved aside. Emille Fondore went through. He passed the chamber reserved for their central control-computer. The armoury was behind. The lieutenant-commander marched toward the general's quarters. The commandoes didn't even seem to notice his approach. Fondore was not an idiot. He knew of their reputation. The area beyond was lit only through a faint glow which seemed to originate from the very depths of the underworld. The lobby also was guarded. And not only by the visible. He did not speculate. A huge view screen, shaped like an eye, occupied the far end of the area. Emille Fondore moved into a ready position. "Hail the count!" He saluted. "Hail the count." The answer came like a sort of bubbling boiling hiss. Black Infernus was not an ordinary man. Nor an ordinary being. Not by far. The huge fiend suddenly appeared. "Why do you choose to show yourself before me?" The demon cyborg remarked. The lieutenant-commander shrunk in his presence. He quickly answered the request. The warlock beheld him through the metal mask. It was shaped like that of a horned demon, painted in an angry red and black colour. The mouth and gaze where like endless casms of flame. "This." Black Infernus remarked. "You shall do."

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian tried to figure out what to do. He'd done as Sybile suggested. He had returned to her cottage to get his fortune told. She might tell him how to reach beyond the maut. The cards said he would have to get educated. Such magic wasn't very accurate. Sybile hadn't understood it either. But she had pointed him in the direction of this place. Christian continued the investigation. The way back was blocked. The building had collapsed just after that he'd passed. Then there was no way out. Beyond the schoolyard, the fence was standing high. The wall was made of stone. Not even when utilizing his double jump, he might get above. Christian moved slightly closer. The Soul saint might break through. The whip might also be of help. Legends told that Simon Belmont used the whip to break through walls while fighting against count Dracula in 1691. Christian made the sign of the cross. He was not like his ancestors. They had been of pure blood. The past members of his bloodline would naturally inheritte the whip and its power. Desmond Belmont, who fought against the prince of Darkness in 1666, had realized this importance. Christian inhaled. He praied for light. The holy whip had only been summoned by some very few individuals. That where dependent upon their souls. Not upon a fluxe in the whip. Christian inhaled. Then he struck with all his force. The wall didn't move. Christian stepped back. He didn't want to waste preshus crystals. Not when there where so few candles about. His plight was to hunt the night. That Christian accepted. Gabriel Belmont, the grandfather of the great Leon, who battled evil in 1047, never figured it out. Fate and destiny had led their steps since that time. Christian made the sign of the cross. This place was huge. Perhaps there still might be a way? Christian hadn't hung up the whip. He might need it. He kept the Vampire Killer close to him. Christian beheld the plain leather. Nathan Graves had challenged the Dark Lord in 1830, without ever collecting any morning-star symbols. Legends told that Sonia Belmont, or perhaps her son Trevor, had started that trend. Christian dismissed the matter. Whatever the case, he would place it into the hands of the Lord. Christian crossed himself another time. Wind was playing with the snow. Christian wished he still got his crucifix. He wondered what Dracula's henchmen might have done with it. Suddenly he stopped dead in his track. There was no wind about. No wind at all. Christian tightened the grip on his family's whip. Had it been a forshadowing that Gabriel handled a weapon which he dubbed "Vampire Kiler"? Christian shook his head. Why think of that now? Christian got a hold on himself. The snow packed together. Figures without faces rised out from the pile. Christian had heard of bogh mud and moss men. They where restless spirits of the dead. Captured forever within the closed space of this world, they made manifest through different elements. Christian thought about that while whipping the snowmen. The walking snowman was a favorite character for children. He appeared like a monster in some tales. While he in others, where the helper of father Chrismus. Christian continued to whip the snowman monsters into oblivion. His strokes made them shatter. Other kept appearing. Evil was upon the school. Christian would not permit them to corner him against that wall. He instead pressed forward. He fought through their line while using the Soul wind, to slow down their progress. Some of the snow monsters spat snowballs at him. Christian repeled them while striking the whip. He would not give in. He had to reach the school's front door. Some other snowmen blocked his way. Christian burned with the Soul flame. The heat made them keep some distance. Christian smirked. That he should've guessed. The Lord also granted the family with intelligence and sence. HE reached the stairs. Upon a step sat a black cat. Christian beheld the animal while going up. The cat beheld him with only one green eye. Christian shuddered. The other eye was not inside the socket. He almost threw up. He closed the doors behind. Christian leaned upon the door. He really disliked that beast. He hoped to never see it again. Christian had a look around. He was within the hall of Vincent Dorrin's private school for girls. Christian red as much upon the notes. They hung from the blackboard. Although dull with age, they told of the ordinary life. Christian felt sad. He never went to such academies. His childhood, if he ever had such a period, was spent training. So it had to be. There even was a map. Christian took it with him. He would have to find the way around. Christian still wondered what the forsight might mean. He would have to figure it out. Christian knew his place was
within the castle. He only hoped he might get there. Christian knocked the candles. Vincent Dorrin had supported Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin during their quest in 1944. There seemed to be only three senseable exits. One of which he'd entered. The second only led to the parking lot. Christian frowned. He would not walk through the sewers. Not if he had anything to say about it. But he may have no choise. If there might be a drainer down there. Starlight shone through the oval stain-glass window above. Christian looked up. That gave a slight clergical aura to this place. Christian dropped the map. In seconds, the whip was in hand. The bats came like a swarm. The sound of multiple leathery wings had barely warned him in time. The Soul wind slowed their assault. Christian fused the Vampire Killer with more wind. He brandished the whip in hope of defeating as many he could. Pieces of gold and coins fell on the floor. Christian didn't bother. He didn't stop until all where banished. Christian was breathing heavily. HE didn't realized he could do that. He bent to pick the map. And the gold. Just as he finished, the oval window above was shattered. Pieces of glass rained all down. Christian staggered backward. The harpy came flying in. She shot for him with a sort of blue flaming blast which he hadn't seen before. The whip was barely able to repel the onslaught. The half-woman/part bird didn't waist any time. She came dashing for him with her claws extended. Christian performed a double jump over her red hair. She immediately spun round. Christian ducked. Her talons went through where his head had been seconds ago. The pitch black feathers reminded of the imaginary picture which he'd drawn of the crow witch Malphas. That monster Gabriel encountered more then a thousand years ago. The harpy flapped her wings. Christian was pushed backward. "Jesus Christ!" Christian shouted. The Soul bat shot from his whip. The harpy screamed when the energy blast scortched her. Christian hit beneath her spectacular bossom. He forced himself not to look. She couldn't steal his soul through seduction. Never the less, he wouldn't risc anything. Then again, that was his least worry. The harpy caused a spreading of tiny whirlwinds. Christian had no idea if the whip might work. So instead, he ran to might dodge the onslaught. The redhead creature laughed by his misfortune. While he was still dizzy, She released pointed feathers. Christian was unsure of their numbers. Either way, he felt impaled. They where just feathers. The steel plate offered some protection. It wasn't enough. The harpy took to the air. Christian inhaled. The feathers hadn't really hurt that mutch. Though their multiple tiny scratches where painfull. The harpy came flying in. Christian hurled his daggers. Maria's ritual really had done something to him. The three daggers hommed onto her. This time she got impaled. Christian felt no victory. Her blood stained the floor. She spat that blue flaming projectile. Then Christian made a glide underneath. She spun around. She came for another time. Christian jumped. The whip struck her down. The double jump had made him to get high enough. She got her revenge. The tiny whirlwinds spun him hard against the wall. The bricks gave way. Christian shook his head. This had been a concealed area. He toutched the black item. That made his belt alter colour. Christian didn't know if a black belt would do anything. He felt like being broken anyhow. The Soul ice made him stand. The enemy flapped her wings. Christian almost lost his breth while struggling forward. This really was no ordinary harpy. Perhaps she was the ring-leader of her kind? He dropped the matter. The being lifted into the air. Christian ran. Somehow he felt like having gotten slightly more agile. But was that possible? Perhaps the black belt could be of use after all. He would have to figure it out another time. The harpy shot her flaming projectiles. Christian whipped. The blast exploded. She struck him hard against the wall. Christian struggled. Her soft body held him in place. Her left foot was moving for him. Christian knew the talons exposed might slash him to shreds. Christian focused. "May He make mercy upon your soul!" He screamed. The Soul flame then burned her body. The harpy shrieked. But she didn't let go. Christian couldn't keep it up forever. Although burned, she still tried to tear him. Christian had no choise. The Soul saint ended her misery. The harpy got tore apart. Christian closed his eyes. He didn't want to watch. He could still hear how she burned. He opened his eyes. Strange though, he wasn't burned himself. Neither was he stained with her blood. Beside the gold, and the broken window, nothing was left, beside some drops of blood. There was a pile of ash. Christian made the sign of the cross. He would have to continue. Christian quickly retrived the pieces. He looked upon the map. There was another exit. He could go downstairs. Then he might escape through the gymnastic area. Christian nodded. He put the map into the backpack. Christian knew he might need it later. The school was really a modernized mansion. Christian smiled. Perhaps this had been the baron's city estate. His smile died. Gabriel's son, who repended upon his father's crimes, had been the first to hold such a position of power. Christian inhaled. He felt refuge in remembering the deeds of his ancestors. Although Leon's father had been left with only a memoranda, he was able to retrive the mask. He had cast it into a fiery pit. So that none may never use it again. Although he kept Gabriel's gauntlets, he woved to only fight in God's name. Christian made the sign of the cross. That man had then pledged fealty to the Roman Catholic church. He forged the knighthood, of which Leon would later lead. He took the way into the leftmost wing of the building. There where no enemies. He wondered about that. Christian cracked the whip. The Lord would guide him. He made the sign of the cross. The hall was empty. He wondered where all the pupils might be. Christian toutched his ear. Strange though, he could still hear them, like distant voices. He shook his head. Both Leon and Sonia Belmont had used those accursed items. Then the gauntlets had been lost. The last person to wield them in battle had been Desmond Belmont. Christian dismissed the matter. He had reached another door. They most likely opened to rooms of education. The voices grew nearer still. But why, by the name of the Lord, couldn't he see anything? Christian noticed that the voices seemed to come through the openings. He didn't want to look inside. Even so, he soon found himself with the hand on the handle. Christian prayed it to be closed. It wasn't. Within was a classroom, like he'd expected. Upon the row of desks, sat girls clad in school uniforms of another time, another age. The teatcher stood before the class. The only source of light came from that of gaslight. Although Christian could see. He could see everything. One of the pupils got up from her seat. She held a pistol in hand. The teatcher fell. A lamp exploded. He could hear nothing. Christian blinked. Everything was gone. All voices where silenced. The room looked just ordinary. Or was it? He made the sign of the cross. The academy was old. He remembered the warning which the count gave to Jonathan HArker way back in 1897. "It is filled with bad memories." Christian had spoken those words aloud. He hoped there was nothing worse then that. Christian closed the door. He didn't wish to see more. Not even if they might show him what to do? Christian felt chills down his spine. He quickly removed himself from that area. Christian went swiftly forward. He came to a halt. The corridor was reaching a crossroad. Christian looked on his map. Should he'd gone upstairs instead? No. This should be the correct spot. Christian turned right, as he kept moving. Some bats where about. Christian brandished the whip in hope of that they might keep some distance. He put the gold into his purse. Christian struck some candles. The crystals would always come in handy. A humpback jumped through a hole in the roof. Christian tried to strike. The little freak was to agile. The monster reached ground before he might whip it. The humpback jumped. Christian impaled with a dagger. He watched the poor creature burn. HE didn't take the pieces it left. Christian kept on his course. The bats where circling or fluttering around. Christian whipped as many he could. They might inflict a cursed state. Christian hadn't been able to find any pieces of the holy Wafer. Though Maria might merchandise such items. Christian quickened his pace. Another humpback got down. Christian was able to whip it this time. The wolf then smashed the window. Coldness blew into the corridor. Christian wasn't all that excited. He dodged the charging monster. The wolf came back. This was not one of the great wargs. Either way, it might tear his neck open. Christian used his Soul bat power. How had he inherited such abilities? Christian was not of pure blood. The wolf got blasted. Though it managed to get back up. Christian made a glide. The warg was whipped into oblivion. Christian leaned against the wall. That had been real close. Perhaps the gauntlets had an effect upon the bloodline as well. Christian was able to ease his breth. He went on. There where the huge doors. Christian moved them aside. The gym lay before him. To the left and right, where the wordrobe areas. Christian toutched the whip. The entire room was heavy with dust. Though the place looked like an annex to the mansion. Christian went inside. He was concearned. "Dust to dust." He muttered. That had been Shanoah's comment upon the final approach. Christian shook his head. He was not here to speak funny slogans. He went out on the floor. Christian felt chills down his spine. The seats where empty. Though he felt like invicible spectators where about. There where nothing here but some mammals. They fluttered from where they'd hung, upside down, upon his entering. Christian had the whip ready. A sound made him turn around. The huge doors had been slammed shut. Christian crossed himself. Twelve dead farmers had appeared. Although… Christian tightened the grip. They where not farmers. They where to short. Not to mention, clad in gym clothings. He dropped the matter. For even though unarmed, The scouts bent to plow Une flowers. Christian threw daggers at them. The knives made them stagger. Christian struck with his frost whip. The Soul flame ended their campaign. Then he ran. Another farmer had pulled a Mandragora. The scream echoed throughout the entire gym. Though he'd gotten enough distance to not get hurt. The farmers where slowly advancing. Christian whipped a few candles. There still where 10 more of them. There also was the Unes to consider. Christian had found a liquid within the candle. There was no time to classify. The Soul saint gave him a slight upper hand. He jumped over the enemies. Christian whipped the flowers away. Even Mandragora got defeated. Praying for wind, he threw series of daggers abroad. He made a glide forward. The flame whip was in his grasp. He whipped them to ashes. Soon only three where left. They smelt terrible. The decay and rotten flesh almost made him to throw up. Though he had to whip the Mandragora. Another farmer got banished. The Soul bat made his ally to stagger. Christian whipped the Unes away. The knives hommed onto their locations. Christian ducked underneath the punches. The leather whip sealed its destiny. The fight was over. Christian slowly got back up. They left plenty of gold. Christian couldn't carry more of it. He put some pieces away. Then he had a look into the bottle. It seemed like a potion of sorts. He wondered what it could do. Renon at least told about the effects of his goods. Mostly anyway. Christian put the liquid back into his bag. He still felt like being watched. He wondered who that could be. He looked back. Slowly, though steadfast, a pack of ape-skeletons approached. They came from the teatcher's wordrobe. They noticed he'd discovered. They threw barrels at him. Christian bent to whip them away. Just then, he got attacked by mammals. Christian jumped over the flock. He was lacking in crystals. He better get out from here. He whipped away the mammals which managed to follow. Christian didn't mind the gold. It was to no use. Some apes suddenly grabbed hold of the dangling ropes. Christian blinked. That nobody had told of before. Well, there was John Morris. He had fought against the so-called "swingers" within a French garden way back in 1917. Christian swung the whip up in a 45 degree angle. That at least handled some monsters. The barrels exploded. Christian barely avoided the blast. Coins of gold lay everywhere. Christian kicked it aside. It was of no value to him. He whipped a nearby candle. Christian crossed himself when taking the large crystal. It still wasn't enough. Though he threw the dagger forward. Another skeleton got knocked to pieces. Christian made a glide. He dodged the flock of mammals. From some distance, he threw another knife. The dagger was made of plain steel. The bats got caught within the cluster of their own evil might. Christian got knocked by the ape-skeleton. He fell backward. The mean right hook got plenty of strength behind. The enemy moved for another punch. From his position, Christian dealed it a knife. The dagger made it to collapse. He got back up. Christian retrived his items. He hoped their would be no more monsters. He checked the map. He was close to the stairway leading down. Christian wondered why it was here, rather then within the main hall. Then again, the basement could be a part of the annex. The manour should've got its own cellar. His thoughts got interrupted. Christian blinked. This was pure madness. "Go Dracul! Go Dracul! Go Dracul, Dracul, Dracul! Go Dracul!" The slogan almost sounded like a cheer. Christian made the sign of the cross. This couldn't be happening. There where nobody here. Was he going crazy? A sudden shreek ended his speculations. Ceveral harpies had released themselves from against the ceiling. Christian really had a bad feeling about this. They chased him while hurling their daggers. Christian opened another door. He hoped it was the right one. There was a short hall, before reaching the staircase. Christian knocked the candles. "Glory be You, our Father in Heaven." Christian worshipped while claiming crystals. Bats circled about. Christian brandished the whip. The harpies came flying in. Christian burned with the Soul flame. One creature fell dead upon the floor. Another harpy came flying up the staircase. Christian kept brandishing. That was all he could do to keep the mammals away. The harpies came swooping in. Christian jumped above. While they where still turning, he hurled homming knives. The harpies got stabbed. Christian didn't waiste time. He climbed down the stairway. Just as he reached the depo, three humpback freaks lept through a hole in the ceiling. They came gliding down. Christian barely had time to dodge. He used Soul wind to might slow their progress. Christian used the Soul bat. That at least blasted one of them away. He ran down the second flight of stairs before they could gather. Beneath was another short hallway. Ceveral lit candles hung upon the wall. The bats came from set positions. Christian brandished the whip. He jumped to avoid the roling barrel. The ape-skeleton came slowly lumbering forward. The humpback hit him between the shoulders. Christian staggered forward. The ape threw him a mean right hook. Christian managed to whip it away before it might strike. He threw five freezing daggers. The mammals dodged. Christian got time to gather. He'd defeated another humpback. The door in front got banged open. Some dead farmers came running through. The closest bent to plow up the Mandragora. Christian whipped the last humpback into ashes. Then he ran up the stairs. The mammals went flying. Christian barely avoided the terrible scream, dispatched by that mythological plant. He kept whipping bats. They left some gold behind. Christian turned as another humpback came through the hole. Christian stepped backward. The freak of nature landed in front. Christian struck with the Vampire Killer. The monster screamed. He almost felt pitty on him. The whip crashed through the wall. Within he found another item. There was a money bag within. Christian would have to leave it behind. He went back down. The dead farmers had been busy picking Unes. Christian threw a series of daggers. The plants got defeated. Christian made a glide. The frost whip defeated the farmer. Other bats circled his position. Christian let loose with the Soul saint. That burned them to ashes. Christian didn't mind the gold. HE whipped the last of the corpses into a heap. Christian knew he couldn't rest. He continued to whip the candles. He knocked as many he could. Some had to remain. So that they might illuminate the area. The crystals really got in handy. He even found some food. HE ate the chicken to might replenish his energy. Then he continued through the doors. They led into another corridor. Christian bit his lips. This wasn't like the map fortold. He should've reached the pool by now. "There he is!" Someone shouted. "Take him! Take him now!" The group of slaughterers advanced. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord!" Christian shouted, making the sign of the cross. Two of them had pulled out their broad blades. They where rather short. But long enough to pine him if so be it. Christian couldn't help but feel a shudder. He bit together. He praied for more wind power. Christian threw a wave of daggers throughout the hall. The boar creatures staggered. Christian made a glide. His whip was burning. He brandished the weapon to inflict multiple damage. The ring-leader spat a huge fireball. Christian barely was able to whip it back. The savage beasts approached. Although bleading, they where bent on the kill. Christian released the Soul saint. The explosions made them to stagger. Although their brute strenght was enough to survive. Christian jumped over the nearest monster. He whipped one of them until it collapsed into a heap of ashes. The beast lay hand on him. Christian knew it would tear him apart. He swung the whip. The Soul bat shot him into oblivion. Christian knocked the candles down. He hoped to fetch the rosary. That was not here. Another huge fireball came his way. Christian ducked. HE picked the crystals. The brute came with the sword between its teeth. Christian hurled three homing daggers. They didn't penetrate the armour. Christian used his double jump to get above. The partner, who was wounded, came lumbering forward. The five freezing daggers ended his career. "Human scum." The boar man grunted. "I shall make dinner on you tonight." Christian licked his lips. Some legends told the slaughterers, and other monsters which came from Dracula's castle, fed on man's flesh. Just because he liked boar meat, that was no reason to… His enemy spat another fireball. He'd removed the blade to not hurt the weapon. Christian whipped the fireball away. Only the Vampire Killer got such might in its basic form. It wasn't everything he could block though. Christian wouldn't dare to try repel the Hell boar. The ring-leader threw his blade. Christian got hit in the shoulder. May it not be poisoned. Christian knew the beasts tend to do that. At least, the lizards did. Christian used the Soul ice. The monster dashed. The hands where ready to grasp him. While he went, the slaughterer kept spitting those huge fireballs. Christian answered with more of the Soul flame. The enemy staggered. But then kept advancing. Christian couldn't avoid him forever. The holy whip shone in his hands. Christian stood tall. He whipped the fireballs and then the monster, when he arrived. Christian had not the power to make it shine forever. Trevor Belmont had found a holy whip symbol when searching for the source of the count's curse of darkness in 1499. Christian didn't have such items. He kept whipping the enemy. The monster then ripped it from his grasp. "Dinner is served." He gloated. "That rests with the Lord." Christian answered. He would not summon the power of One. That would cost him his life. He instead illuminated with the Soul saint. The slaughterer roared. He got demolished right before his eyes. Christian had not the strenght to look aside. He swallowed. They left behind piles of gold coins. Christian didn't mind. He retrived the whip before he went to knock other candles. He needed the crystals. There where mostly gold anyway. Christian shook his head. He would get what he found. He went to open the door at the far end of the corridor. There was a sign above. Though so torn with age that it was difficult to read. Christian didn't mind. He got other problems. The map was gone. It have to be somewhere. Christian disliked this place. He made the sign of the cross before going inside. The room was one large box. Or so it felt. To either side, where other wardrobe areas. The dank air smelled of chemicals. Strange though. The floor was laied with dust. But there where no webs in the corners. That had been outside. He would have to solve that later. A swarm of bats flew from set positions. Christian swung his hand to release the Soul flame. The heavy fire got released from within his palm. The mammals got burned. That was the least of his problems. The huge rock figure had been brought to life. Christian cracked the whip. He had to be very careful.

Hammer's shop, lost village. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Owen counted his money. He never expected this business to give as much. Hammer got no magic to worry about. He just would lay those items out for sale. All sorts of people, and some who where not, came to visit. Speaking of which. There where someone at the door. Hammer shut the drawer close. "What may I do for you today?" He asked. They at least got taste enough to leave their bikes outside. "We are looking for someone." Their leader said. Hammer beheld them closely. The SWATS bousted black body armour over their uniforms. "Who may they be?" He asked. He didn't like the looks of them. Anyway, he was a merchant. Not an oracle or intelligence collector. "This is one." The man, at least he looked human enough, reached out with his armour-clad hand. The holo-plate within became alive. "I don't know him." Owen lied. "It's a her." The SWAT explained. Hammer knew that. He'd of course recognized Noriko Cruz on sight. Though the huge black shroud camouflaged her features. "This is the other." The image changed. "Do you know this man?" Owen couldn't help but frown. "Genya Arikado." He said. They bristled with their guns and pistols. Hammer wasn't that afraid. Though he told them what they wished to know.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The golem made an uppercut. Rocks fell from the ceiling. That of course made humpbacks to approach. Christian wondered what really was up there. He already knew that. He'd been there before. Christian dismissed the matter. He used Soul wind to slow their progress. The golem dashed. Christian managed to sidestep. The golem wasn't really all that quick. Christian jumped to eye level. He swung the whip. The eye got struck. That was in reality nothing but a polished ball of crystal. The alchemists which preduced these creatures, or so the legends told, had to use some sort of power source. Magic was really all which kept them animated. The golem attacked. The idol figure slammed against the floor. Rocks fell down. Christian ran to might avoid the onslaught. He whipped the humpbacks while moving. They where to quick. Christian hurled homing daggers. He wished he got Simon's gold knife. That wasn't in the cards. The golem made another uppercut. The rubble waved forward. Christian felt like being buried alive. Though he got back up. A swarm of bats came his way. Christian cracked the whip. The Soul bat made them burst into nothingness. He knocked the candle. Christian gratefully picked the crystals within. That might help him to stay alive. He hurled other knives. The humpbacks kept coming. The golem dashed. Christian managed to jump above. That amazed even himself. Christian knew the double jump was an asset. The monster hurled stones for his location. Christian was able to whip them aside. He made a glide forward. Christian caused explosions. The Soul saint was powerful. Christian hamered with repeated slashes. The golem rised its arms in protection. Thus the mechanism got revealed. Christian whipped. He summoned flame to aid him. The golem's arm fell off. Christian got taken by the humpbacks. They crawled all over him. Christian struggled to get free. He knew they could tear him to pieces. The Soul flame burned them to ashes. Christian gasped. The gold coins rained down. The golem made its uppercut. The rubble waved forward. Christian was crushed. He felt like all bones where broken. The Soul ice saved his life. Christian lept from the ground. The Vampire Killer struck the monster's lone eye. The golem roared without a sound. Christian got back down just as the stone idol made a dash. The bats where a constant threat. He threw more daggers. That at least made them to scatter about. He got to focuse on the golem. If not, he was dead. The idol figure slammed against the ground. Christian hurried to get enough distance. The golem dashed. Christian jumped. The five frost daggers got shattered upon impact. But it made the monster lift both of its arms. Christian still had ice to his disposial. The frost whip struck the mechanism hard. He barely dodged the rocks when the massive arm fell off. The golem punched with its remaining arm. Then it struck against the ground. Rock fell all over the place. Even some humpbacks got crushed. Christian whipped for the mammals. He wondered why the entire school didn't collapse. The monster dashed. Christian jumped. He got high enough to whip the eye. The fists hit where he'd just been. That was close. Just when he landed, the enemy made its uppercut. The rubble waved. Christian was sent flying. He felt almost like being buried alive. He got free. The monster was busy striking the floor. Some tiles gave way while pounding. Christian knew that the shards might be deadly. The humpback jumped for him with its fingers spread. Christian impaled the poor being. The golem was moving steadily closer. Christian decided to turn the table. He made ceveral jumps over the battlefield. Then he sent the eye his Soul bat. The golem staggered. Christian wasn't finished. "Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost!" He shouted. He struck the golem all until the arm shattered. The holy whip struck the mechanism away. The golem moaned. It was the only way to describe what happened. The monster then collapsed into a pile of rock. "You are the road, the truth and the life." Christian whispered. Pieces of gold lay everywhere. Christian would have to leave it all behind. He whipped a few candles. He had to be quick about it. The bats where still around. There might also be other humpbacks. Christian looked for the ceiling. No one seemed to be there. He frowned. Christian thought he heard voices. He carefully open the door enough for him to see. The girl which she had "seen" upstairs, was quarreling with her teatcher. He was clad in that same clerical robes as before. Though she was clad only in one of those bathsuits girls used during the late 1940s. Christian shook his head. Why bother about that anyway? He still heard nothing but mothered words. She suddenly turned to look over her shoulder. Then they both vanished. Christian made the sign of the cross. This had been just another "sight". The power of the Dark Lord disturbed many souls. Christian would continue. This place looked even larger than the gym above. Christian cracked the whip. The air wasn't good. The stench of chemicals made it slightly more difficult to breathe. Christian went forward. He was careful not to fall into the pool. Not after he'd noticed it was empty. There was no water at all. Christian frowned. Was this then, the solution? He shook his head. Christian cracked the whip. Though the area seemed silent. Then something else cracked. Christian jumped. A section of the floor had given way. The shards and pieces of rock fell into the abyss. Christian shuddered. Something else then caught his attention. A pack of rats had appeared out from the hole. Christian knew they really only lived in pair. The flock must've been toutched by Dracula's curse. Christian burned them all to ashes. The breather didn't last. The flapping of heavy wings told of her approach. The harpy dived down on him. Christian managed to glide out of reach. The female shrieked. She stabbed with her dagger. Christian whipped it aside. She threw back strings of dark blonde hair. Christian was ready. He had the whip in both hands. When she dived, Christian held his palm out. The Soul flame burned her to ashes. The harpy's scream never seem to end. Christian made the sign of the cross. He hoped the Lord might still make mercy upon her soul. HE tried not to think of the alternative. He moved forward. The bats attacked. He was able to whip them aside. Another portion of the floor gave way. He managed to get above. The rats could eat him alive. The series of knives removed the treath. Christian whipped some candles while moving along. He really needed those crystals. Another harpy released herself from against the ceiling. She came like falling down. Christian whipped above. The harpy shrieked wheile struck. The side-scrawling took him by surprise. She threw the dagger. Christian hung the whip down in front. Thus creating a shield. His abilities had been amplified. He forgot one thing though. This was not the fully evolved Vampire Killer. The steel plate was all which saved him. The female laughed. She came in for the kill. Christian used the Soul wind to slow her down. He threw his own knife. The harpy had no armour. The brown hair fell back as she screamed. Christian whipped her into oblivion. He got to continue. The bats slowed his progress. He brandished the whip in hope of keeping them at bay. Some got defeated. There was a door. Upon it was the sign of "exit". Christian tried to open. When he did, the dead farmers began to move. Christian banged the door shut right into their rotten faces. That was not the right way. Christian figured he couldn't leave the place yet. He kept moving for the far end of the pool. The floor gave way. Christian staggered backward. That was real close. The rats soon gave him other to think about. Christian knelt to whip them away. The animals wasn't really that strong. Dr. Seward had been right about that. But there where so many. Christian's blood turned cold when his memory clicked. The rats could inflict a plauged state. If they got the chanse. Christian bit together. He wouldn't permit that to happen. He would not give in to the rider wearing the mask of the red dead. The animals burned to ashes. Christian gathered to get across. There where another door. Christian went to have a closer look. Although it still was some distance ahead. The harpy stabbed with her knife. Christian went down on one knee. She really looked like the idol of her species. Blonde, fair and Greece to the toenails. Christian held up his left hand. The Soul flame burned her. Or it should have. The half-woman/part bird threw herself backward through inhuman speed. She flapped her wings. Christian changed grip on his whip. This was not an ordinary harpy. Suddenly the child murderer shot fireballs. "Christ's blood!" Christian cried. The harpy used the momentum to slash with her talons. Christian drew backward. He'd been able to at least redirect the flames. The harpy flapped her wings. Multiple pointed feathers nailed his skin. Christian didn't like that. He whipped her before she might try something else. She shrieked with pain and fury. Christian would've prayed for a crucifix. Though he was to busy. The wicked prostitute, or so they where portrayed in legends, caused multiple tiny whirlwinds. Christian turned. He managed to jump over the pit. The harpy came in hot presuit. "In the name of Jesus from Nazareth!" Christian shouted, summoning the name of the Lord. The Soul bat was released from the whip's tip. The harpy got struck. She fell into the pool. Christian leaned against the wall. The chronicles told that Sonia and Christopher Belmont both could spew fireballs from the Vampire Killer. Christian was glad this battle was over. His relief was brief. Like a fallen angel, the harpy emerged from the dried pool. Christian got the whip in hand. The harpy caused whirlwinds. Christian got smashed against the wall. He faught to keep conshious. He got to, if the Soul ice was to work. Christian gasped when he felt his bones being restored. That was a miracle. The harpy wouldn't leave him to wonder. She shot a glowing blast for his location. Christian threw his knife forward. The blast exploded. The enemy came dashing. She struck the ground with such force that Christian was sure she was broken. That wasn't the case. She spread her wings wide open. Feathers got released like a spread-shot. Christian sidestepped. Never the less, ceveral feathers hit home. The whip stroke made her to stagger. Christian stabbed her with his own pointed weapon. The dagger pierced her flesh. Christian felt like going deaf while she was shreaking. This had to end. He kept whipping until she burst into flame. Christian looked away. He didn't want to behold her demise. He left the gold for others to claim. Christian wondered if perhaps some of his friends where investigating this area right now. Then he would like to meet them. Zoe still was missing. He praied she might be alright. Few things where ever sure when walking through the shadows of castle Dracula. Christian made the sign of the cross. He had hope. This was not his abode. Christian got over the pit. He kept walking. Although he kept the Vampire Killer handy. Some bats where about. He struck whenever he could. What vampire was in control? Another portion gave way. Christian got above. He turned around to whip the rats. He watched them burn. The air stenched. Christian praied their would be no reaction. Though nothing of the sort had happened so far. He struck the candles. There really wasn't much of interest. Christian was grateful for finding crystals. There was a crack in the wall. A humpback managed to squeeze through. Christian whipped the fleaman away. He screamed while burning. The sound was terrible. Christian couldn't block his ears. Other humpbacks followed their comrade. Christian withdrew while throwing daggers. They hommed onto the enemies. The fight didn't last for long. Soon he'd defeated their numbers. Christian didn't waist time to wait for others to arrive. If he'd only got a piece of the Host. Then he would've placed it before the crack. The bats gave no opportunity to rest. They kept flying in from seemingly set positions. Christian whipped or threw knives at them. Some left gold behind. Christian jumped another opening. The rats haltered his mobility. Christian was just finished when the door, to which he was heading, got opened. Christian made the sign of the cross. The slaughterer snarled. The brutish boar man pulled out its sword. Christian ran forward when he spat a huge fireball. Christian was able to glide underneath. The knife didn't pierce the heavy armour. The orc figure laughed by his misery. Trevor Belmont, who faced the slaughterers back in 1499, had named them so. Although that wicked species had been wiped out eons ago. So said the myths. Christian had no doubt about that. Though the boars, or their goat associates, might have inherited their savage nature. The monster slashed his short-bladed sword for his head. Christian blocked with the flame whip. Although the slaughterer's weapon didn't become destroyed. Christian licked his lips. "It's forged with fire." The foe bousted. "And I'm going to slash you up for the oven." The huge teeth made it so more disgustive. Christian jumped over. "What the.. !" The boar man was big and bulky. He moved with greater speed then Christian expected. "Just let me get my hands on you! Your little… !" He scrambled. Christian threw five ice daggers. They froze the beast in question. The slaughterer broke free. "You don't even try it." He muttered. "I've got magical too!" The heavy fireball burst when striking. Christian had ducked just in time. While the beast was still laughing, he whipped the boar repeatedly. Then the slaughterer got hold of the whip. "Got you! Little pest!" He gloated. Christian kept together. He knew these folks wher enot exactly the brightest among Dracula's followers. That was why he didn't answer. Not in words anyway. The Soul saint should've torn the beast apart. Although that didn't happen, the boar man looked rather fried. "I'll kill you for that!" The slaughterer threatened. Christian drew back. Some of the many talismans it kept around the neck, got to be mystical. Christian made a glide. Thus he got under the fireball. The beast kept spatting. He brandished the swords while screaming threats. Some of which made his belly winch. This had to end. Christian whipped and used his reflexes to keep out of reach. But it couldn't last. The Soul wind slowed him down. "Stronger we are in the name of the Lord!" Christian suddenly came gliding in. He had been trained for situations like this. However, this was no simulated conflict. The boar man struck with his blade. It made cracks in the floor. Christian lept up while firing the Soul flame. He grasped the talismans while the hand was on fire. The slaughterer howled. Christian struck with the leather whip. The chains snapped. The boar got consumed with fire. Christian was upon his knees. He felt waisted. Then he gathered. There where no candles around. This really was a dark corner of the pool. There was another sign upon this door. The dim illumination made it impossible to read. Christian pulled it open. He almost expected to encounter other monsters. The room was empty. Christian made a grimace. The corpse of a girl still lay on the floor. Before doing anything else, he whipped some of the multiple chandeliers. This really was a treasury. To him anyway. The crystals where a gift of God. He then had a closer look upon the interiour. It was a control room. Christian believed it had to be the one to manufacture the pool. Though most of the stuff looked either rusty or waisted altogether. Either way, this place might be the one he'd been searching for. Christian praied it would be like that. There was an instruction manual. The big one he didn't figure. After all, he was a vampire hunter. Not a technician. The small, which seemed to be made for the pupils, was easier to read. Though most of it didn't make sence. How to activate cleaners and all that stuff. It didn't mean much to him. Beside, those machines seemed to be the waisted. Finally he figured out how to activate the thing. He pushed the buttons. Christian toutched the whip. Nothing seemed to have happened. He tightened the grip upon the whip. There was no other way out. The only alternative had rusted close. He inhaled. The air stenched. Christian made the sign of the cross. This ment he would have to challenge the farmers. Perhaps they'd all mixed up. He would have to cross the moat somehow. Christian accepted this situation. Then the body moved. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer whip. The walking dead didn't seem to notice. She instead just walked away. Christian blinked. Where had she gotten to? Then she reappeared. The corpse lay where he'd first seen it. He made the sign of the cross. "You aren't really here." He said. "Your're just a sight." "Are you sure?" A distant voice seemed to wisper in his ear. Christian felt chills down his spine. He made the sign of the cross. The distant voice seemed to giggle. Christian cracked his whip. Though the voice had faded. Christian exhaled. He really wished to be out and away from this accursed place. Even so, Christian knocked some other candles before leaving. When he came out, the pool had been filled anew. Christian made the sign of the cross. Even though the liquid didn't look healthy. The quality was familiar. It was the water from the moat. Christian didn't know how it was possible. He shook his head. It wasn't important anyway. "He walks the mysterious ways." Christian reminded himself. The Lord would guide him. Christian hoped this might make it possible to get into the castle. He was about to move around the area, when a weth, luminous and slimy tentacle rised out from the water. "Good Lord in Heaven!" Christian shouted. The ugly snake grasped him by the ancle. Christian felt tears down his cheeks as he fought to release himself. The training hadn't prepared him for this. He got dragged closer and closer to the ugly surface. He was in trouble. Really big trouble. Christian made another attempt to get loose. The Vampire Killer made it to release. The tentacle then struck the wall behind him. Christian threw himself sideways. Rocks fell down. Christian was not prepared to fight this thing. He ran as fast he could. But now there came some other twenty serpents reaching for him. Christian dodged. He knew that this time, the winner took it all. Other tentacles slammed the building. Christian felt other tears on his face. Rocks was falling all over the place. The surface splashed like the water was boiling. The stench was even more terrible. Christian didn't waist more time. He whipped his way through the debrie. While the serpents where making havoc, he reached the exit. he closed the door behind. Christian whipped for the farmers. Then he just ran.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The lone streetlight was glowing. That was strange. The lonely lantern hadn't been lit for a very long time. The weather was cold. The only sound came from the cracking of snow beneath his feet. Vivian Krause was not used to travel on foot. But so be it. He was a desiple. He went where the Master told him. Vivian was not a vampire. Not all who served the Dark Lord where of the undead. He kept his hands by his sides. The stars where reflected off from the jewels on the pin, which kept the cloack together. That was all the jewlery in his possession. The wind blew his hood back. For a moment, his greying hair and mustache got revealed. He pulled it back with an angry gesture. Vivian Krause might conjure his own climate. They had told him not to use his power. Not under any cercumstances. He would obay. Even though he was not supposed to know, he had learned that others also had been dispatched. Some, without even knowing it. Knowledge was power. He always had lusted for that quality. The count had promised he would give it to him. Vivian, and his brother, would rule forever. Those who cast them out, would pay the price for their lack of vision.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian came out upon a small parking lot. Not far ahead, was the way out. Although the sky was clear, he couldn't see very far. Buldings and abandoned cars blocked the view. The schoolbus seemed to block his progress. Christian went to see how it might have gotten into such a position. Something rattled. Christian looked back over his shoulder. There was nothing to be seen. Had the snowmen reappeared? Somehow he didn't believe that to be the case. Not only because there was very little snow here. But also because he didn't have that same bad feeling about this. Anyhow, the sound had come from somewhere above. Christian lifted his gaze. Atop the wing, there where ceveral sculptures. Some of cats, holding large round stones. Other where like a naked woman, seated upon a pedestal. Christian crossed himself. There was something about them which made him feel uneasy. Like there was something he should remember. Those female types shouldn't really had been upon a Catholic school building anyway. Without warning, they broke loose. Christian ran to might save himself from the falling debrie. By now, even the cat sculptures began to collapse. The rolling stones wasn't easy to dodge. They even crashed against some of the cars. Though the female statues where worse. They got bags of bones hidden within. The ape-skeleton soon picked themselves together. Although they didn't carry barrels, it was not an easy challenge. Not this time. The rolling stone where mentioned in Simon Belmont's pages. Christian threw homing daggers. That made them collapse. He had no use for money. He got over the lot. Christian whipped another skeleton. The ape fell into a heap. He ducked beneath the mean right hook. From his croutched position, he threw the dagger forward. The bag of bones crumbled together. Christian got back up. He was careful not to look into the wagons. He didn't wish to awake more trouble. Some bats came from within the bus. Christian used his Soul bat to defeat the mammals. The bus got the driver's side turned his way. Christian slowly went inside. The bus was dimly litt. Christian made the sign of the cross. The door in front wouldn't move. He cracked the whip. Perhaps the front door was still open? If not, he got a problem. This was the only way back out to the village. There might be a hatch atop the bus. But that he wouldn't use. Not if matters didn't become desperate. The breth of cold air suggested something was ajar. As he moved, the breth grew even colder. Someone suddenly rised. Christian stopped. There where two of them. Two of the school girls, it seemed. A shot boomed through the bus. The one girl fell down. She was bleeding. She grinned. And then went through the wall. Christian exhaled. The bus! It, whatever that was, begun within the bus. Christian was certain. "Did you like it?" The girl had again risen from her seat. Something was different this time. He could both see and hear her more clearly. "I made it all by myself." She smiled. Christian noticed that she too got gunmarks on her. Blood ran down her face. Christian swallowed. She must've shot herself. "I was expelled." Her very aura flickered with hate. "I only wished to give back the bullies what they deserve." Christian stepped back. He would not permit her to even toutch him. "They always teased me." She muttered. "Only because I was short. Because I was poor." She pointed outside. "Most of those vans outside belong to pupils." Christian nodded. He wouldn't irate her. That she handled perfectly by herself. "The last night." She licked her lips. "His celebration was coming up." She closed her eyes. "They raped me within the wardrobe." "May He make mercy upon your soul." Christian whispered. "My class was there." She bit her teeth together. "No one would help me." She opened her eyes. "She said she was my friend. And then she didn't do anything." She suddenly got a pistol in her hand. "I stole it. From my father's desk." She looked down on the weapon. "He was the policeman." She smiled. "Lydie told me she'd spoken to the headmaster." She giggled. "That was how I got removed." The smile became a grimace. "I shot her for that." She repeated her giggle. The sound wasn't plesent. "I shot Sara too. Before I went to class." She blinked an eye at him. "Vincent Dorrin spoke to me. He thought I was down to tempt them to sin." Christian tightened his grip on the leather whip. All this must've happened in 1947. "He was a coward." The girl kept on. "I would make him to." She played with the arm. Like that cowboys used to, in old movies. "But he wouldn't." She was beaming. "I shot my class. But he would not give in for me." She lifted the pistol for the head. "I tried to kill him." Her face got horrid, rotten. "I tried to shoot him. But he always dodge." Christian got into a ready position. "I used the last bullet on myself." She breathed. "I wouldn't let my family to be hurt." Again she giggled. The dead thung almost didn't manage to preduce the sound. Christian was disgusted. He knew it shouldn't. But it did. "I still wish to shoot him." The ghost before him chuckled. "I won't stop until I get him." She was stuck in her story. Vincent Dorrin had survived. He had died by age. All those which she'd killed, may be in Heaven. Before he could do anything, the girl did fade. "Wait!" Christian shouted. "Wait! What's your name?!" It was to late. She had already faded away. He shook his head. Christian crossed himself. "They showed me how I may kill him." Was all the answer he got. The presence then had vanished. Christian exhaled. He hoped she might find peace, someday. He went out of the schoolbus. The frontmost door had been open. As he left, those two girls again rised from their seat. Christian didn't stay to watch. As he got into the street, bats swooped down. Christian brandished the whip. That at least made them to keep some distance. He walked down the way. He thought the church may lay in that direction. The old stores where each and every abandoned. Another bus blocked the end of the street. Before he could reach it, a part of the wall got thrown down. Harpies came pouring out. Christian used the Soul flame. He'd knocked some candles while going. The crystals came in handy. One of them got defeated. The others threw their daggers. Christian cast himself flat. He hurled a stream of knives at the one in front. She screamed while burning. Christian didn't have time. There still where more of them. Some five or six ape-skeletons also had appeared. Boar men came with them. Christian made the sign of the cross. Then he went into battle. They didn't wait for him. The picked bones advanced with barrels in hand. The apes made him think of old horror movies. The storm whip made the boars to stagger. Christian was grateful these slaughterers didn't spit fireballs. Then a short, broad figure, clad in a black hood and cloack, appeared from the rubble. From the great muscular arms, he threw burning flame. Christian dodged. There was no point in trying to block this attack. The Soul ice healed him. Christian ducked beneath their mean hooks. The whip made the ape-skeleton collapse. He threw five flaming daggers. Then he brandished the weapon. The mammals had gotten awefully close. Christian could see beyond the obvious. The battle-mage, or warlock, had shielded his soldiers. Not that he could defend against him. Christian knocked other candles. He drank the invicibility potion. Then, before it might wore off, he made a glide. He could almost feel the enemy's dismay. Christian redirected his fireballs. Other frost daggers pierced the harpy. She burned into ashes. The potion lost its effect. Christian still refused to retreat. Everything was hot. He was sweathing like during his earliest training. The Soul saint cleared the area. Christian struck with the Vampire Killer. The skeleton ape fell down. Christian was breathing heavily. He couldn't stop. The flame whip tore through the boar man's armour. Christian ducked when he tried to stab him. The dagger went straight through the throat. He was dead before he even fell. The Hell boar was moving. All he could see beneath the hood, was a pair of red burning eyes. He made the sign of the cross. "Do not think to challenge me!" The boar battle-mage hissed. "I am armed with gold power." Christian didn't understand. He didn't care it anyway. "Die!" The evil beast screamed. "And be damned!" His enemy had opened his mouth. Heavy flames burned from within his hood. Though it wasn't the pure flame of a real sage. The red ugly colour released a foul black smoke. "Witchlight." Christian said it like a curse. The Soul flame gave him the power to block. "You cannot strike me!" The heavy flames got replaced with fireballs. Christian dodged. He threw seven silver daggers. The Hell boar roared when they buried into his flesh. "You do know my secret?" His hands became fists. He spat series of fireballs forward. They where just as ugly as the last attack. Christian jumped across. The battle-mage was furious. "Curse you to death and darkness!" He shot ugly flames from within his black hood. Christian used his double jump ability to get over. The boar man was quicker then he expected. He turned around. Christian dodged the huge fireballs. The holy whip struck his enemy. The dark being roared. The hood fell slightly backward. The short brute had the face of a wild boar. His eyes and mouth burned like Hell's fire. "My power is greater then yours!" Flames and fireballs shot for his location. Christian released his daggers. The explosions shrouded the lane completely. Christian made a glide. seven silver daggers drilled him before the boar could move. A fireball shot just past. Never the less, he got scorched. The Soul ice healed his damages. The evil butcher gathered his power. He spat heavy flames in arches. The enemy then breathed some five or eight large fireballs. Christian had the wind whip. He managed to whip each and every one. He held up his left hand. The Soul flame blocked against the evil might. Christian ducked. The Hell boar kept up his assault. Was this how Christopher Belmont fought the warlock in 1577? He hurled three homing daggers. Christian couldn't release fireballs from his whip. The Soul bat gave the force he needed. The slaughterer then grasped him in his powerful arms. "I shall crush you!" He grunted. "I shall break each and every bone." Christian made no answer. Instead he cracked the whip. The enemy got ripped. He hurled Christian over the area. The beast then spat fireballs. Christian landed hard against the window. The glass was broken. He got thrown into the store. Christian was fleeting. He used his remaining crystals to heal himself. Although feeling like his bones where really smashed, Christian got up. The Hell boar was approaching. Christian waisted no time. He knocked the candles which where within the shop. It seemed like an abandoned bakery, or something. The boar was a clear target against the window. Christian barely had time to counterstrike. He instead hid himself beneath the table. The entire wall then got cleared away. The butcher went inside. Christian, who'd survived the downcast, got back on foot. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost!" He shouted. The slaughterer lifted his arms. The flame whip burned his skin. His own magic gave him a slight protection. Christian had to dodge the onslaught of fireballs. He countered with the Soul saint. The enemy got burned. HE roared with pain and hatred. Blood stained his garb with a crimson colour. Christian struggled to move his momentum. The Hell boar spat heavy flames. Christian was burned. Without the Soul ice, he would've been dead. The whip struck the wizard. He whipped again and again. The evil being then yanked the Vampire Killer from his grasp. "Your time is over!" HE roared with triumph. Christian was forced back. The Hellish
Beast reached for him. Eyes and mouth both shone with his evil might. Heavy flames was burning. Christian held up his left hand. "Help me!" He shouted. The Soul flame couldn't defeat the boar man. Not this time. But the soul force repeled the flames backward. The battle-mage tried to break free. It was to late. The spell was building up energy. He couldn't stop. Slowly, the Hell boar got dissolved by his own magic. Christian couldn't look away. He got to continue the prayer. His enemy struggled to his last breth, to redirect the flow of power. Then it was finally over. Christian knelt. He felt so tired. The castle seemed to be on his back. At last, he managed to stand up. He retrived his items. Christian left the gold. He knocked some few candles before leaving. Some items he kept. Christian hoped he might escape from this maze. First though, he got to get past the bus. Some boulders had blocked the way in. Christian looked up. Where there others which could fall? Although the buildings seemed ruined, it was no emmedial danger. Christian prayed it really was that way. He began climbing. Christian still wondered what had made the buildings collapse. Then he heard voices from within. Christian looked through the open hatch. A thin mist shrouded his gaze. Christian slipped down. He knew this was not a good desission. Although fog shrouded the interior, he could still see. Ceveral people actually sat on the seats. Though they didn't move. At first he thought they might be dead. Then Christian realized they where all fast asleep. He frowned. How was this possible? This was no "sight". What did it mean anyway? His head felt dizzy. "Jesus Christ!" Christian was barely able to utter the name. But even as the words formed on his lips, Christian could shake the drowsiness feeling. "You resist me?" At first he believed it was another boar. But as the figure got closer, he noticed it wasn't like that. Pale hands reached out from the large dark sleeves to pull back the hood. "Good eavening." As they went, Christian noticed he had a ring, with a jet black gem upon it. "I am Ulrich Friedrich Von Westler." Grey eyes beheld him. "Christian of the Belmont clan." Voluptious crimson lips pulled back from sharp teeth. Shining white like pearls with contrast. "Good Lord in heaven." Christian made the sign of the cross. "How did you know my name?" He was careful not to return the gaze. Green fire, like that of Hell, suddenly lit behind. "They tell me many things." Ulrich spread his black arms. Making a gesture for the sleeping people. "I gained power over them when drinking their blood." Another smile crossed his aged features. "They tell me all which they know." He waved like the master of the orchestra. "Creditcard numbers and bank accounts." He laughed. The sound was like that of rotten cloth being torn. "Sexual fantasies and little white lies." He spread his fingers in a moaked magical gesture. "I know it all." Christian swallowd. "You're cracked." He muttered. "Like old bread." Ulrich acknowledged. He laughed. This time it sounded like the scratching of old bones. Those which belonged to murdered men. Christian shook his head. "I will release them." HE said, uncoiling the whip. The vampire didn't seem impressed. "So you will." He went back and forth while opening and closing his fingers. The sharp nails should've pierced his skin. "Let us see." He giggled like a mainiac. "It might be fun." Ulrich didn't look like he cared much about his status. Christian stood his ground. He would not underestimate the undead. No matter what folly he made of himself. The bus door was moved aside. "Leave me." Ulrich whispered. He made it sound rather theatrical. "I may have more of your fine "wine" later." He danced about as the victims left. Though walking in sleep, the villagers stayed outside. "Let's see. Let's see." Von Westler muttered. "Let's see what we have in here." He reached into his cloack. Christian stepped forward. This madness had to stop, here and now. Before he might reach, a fireball got released from between his lips. "For three years, I have been a vampire." The ball exploded. "I hunger." Christian ducked. "For human blood." Ulrich threw tripled icicles. "Take a little swing, down at the icy wing." Ulrich laughed as Christian dodged the projectiles. The undead blew him a kiss. "Isn't this fun?!!" He gloated. He caused sonic waves. Christian didn't even try to block. He shielded his ears. "And this is just the starter!" Freezing icicles got blasted away. It made Christian to shiver. "Let's walking, in the winter wonderland!" Ulrich was all mad. He threw a single bat from within his grasp. Christian tried to whip it. "Oh no! Chill down!" The vampire kept his giggle. The bat, shrouded within a strange blue glow, just wouldn't burst. The impact made his body freeze. Or so it felt. "Do the ice cream free!" Ulrich breathed. A fireball waved forward. Christian was able to jump. He whipped down in a 45 degree angle. Ulrich vanished like bats. He reappeared somewhere else. "Do you want to play with me in the snow?" This was worse when fighting the Hell boar. Von Westler laughed. He sent tripled icicles in high arches. Christian whipped them away. The three homing daggers pierced his body. "Good work." Ulrich admitted. Christian knew he'd missed the heart. The blue bat shot from his palm. Christian threw himself flat. The undead made other bats to scatter. Then he vanished like tiny snowflakes. Christian stood his ground. Ulrich Von Westler soon reappeared. "White winter spring into favorite things." He laughed. Christian dodged the series of fireballs. The undead tiptoed about as he hurled repeated icicles. The Soul bat shot both him and his projectiles. "Oh. You really are good!" Ulrich exclaimed. Although Christian had hurt him, he didn't look all that worried. Christian made the sign of the cross. Then Ulrich leached his sonic waves. Christian dodged. HE would have to keep doing so. Ulrich kept up shooting. "Yes." He smiled. "Dance for me." He giggled. Though this time, there was a certain malice in his manners. "Be a good little boy." The fireballs kept coming. "You are so cute." Christian had his own intentions. The bus was not the ideal battleground. But it would do. "Stronger we are in the name of the Lord!" He shouted while causing explosions. The Soul saint crippled his pattern. He still tried to gather while Christian hurled his daggers. They hommed onto him. "Dracul!" Ulrich shouted. He let forth another cloud of spreading mammals. Though it was all for nothing. The three homing knives pierced his heart. The undead fell back into a heap of ashes. A blue bat went home. Christian got hurled away. The frost fed on his soul. Or so it felt. Christian pulled off his backpack. He hoped the potion might help him with this. The liquid removed the frozen state. Though it felt like a whirlwind had approach within him. Christian still shook when getting on foot. Some of the bats where around. He whipped for them. The mammals kept their distance. Christian noticed the mist within, had cleared. He exited the old bus. The villagers had all disappeared. Christian hoped they had been released from the spell. For all his show, Ulrich had not been bestowed with the Dark Lord's power. That was at least something to be thankful for. Christian inspected this other street. Like the others, it was laid with snow. Though this lane was not as narrow. There was even the remains of a Chrismus tree. Although lanterns hung on high poles, neither of them where active. Except for one red. It shone over the window of another store. Christian decided he might just as well have a look. A bell rung as he came inside. The place looked alright. The fire was lit. There where some lamps too. If he didn't know better, Christian would say this place was still open. But of course it was. Christian closed the door while stepping forward. They seemed to be selling movies, films and all that stuff. Christian had seen such things. But it hadn't been a part of his life. "Aren't you a little young to come here?" Christian immediately drew back. A girl came out from the backroom. She yawned while walking up to stand at the counter. "I'm sorry to disturb you." Christian said in a low voice. "But who are you?" She smiled. Her teeth at least wasn't sharp. "Why, I'm Lucy, of course." She said. "And, if we might get back to start. What are you doing here?" Christian was unshure what he should say. Lucy could be like Sybile. Then again, with that T-shirt… "Extecy film" was typed over the bossom. Christian felt like he would blush. "I'm just having a look around." He said. That was true enough. Lucy smiled. She really had a lot of makeup in her face. It certantly was to much for someone her age. Never mind that. When he did have a look around, Christian truly blushed. Of course he should've expect to find a store like this within the domains of the Dark Lord. "I think those are a little hard for you." Lucy said. She'd dusted off an old television screen. Unlike the hologram of these days, this thing was a hard square box. Christian had an interest for antiques. "I think I've got something for you." She put in something which, by the looks of it, seemed like an old video film. Christian was careful not to step into the pond while getting a little closer. The movie began. Then he froze. The sight was horrible. Christian couldn't bare to watch. Still, he did. Christian found himself screaming at the top of his lungs.

Magic shop, lost village. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Maria Hakuba sat before the desk. Koji had only just returned. He had purchased clothings for some of those villagers. It surprised her that some would live even under the shadow of count Dracula. "You shouldn't have done that." Koji suddenly said. Maria hung her head. She didn't wish to think about it. "They where not just any servants." She tried to defend herself. Koji muttered. "This is closed space." He then said. "They could not have arrested us here." Maria played with her pendant. She still got respect for the Dark Lord's elite core order. That wasn't the whole part. "I just can't like her." Maria confessed. "When the dark troopers asked, I couldn't resist telling." Koji exhaled. "I don't like her either." He toutched his medallion. "Noriko even frightens me." Maria had a slight shudder. Although they both carried great magical power, Noriko might dominate. "There is only one Dark Lord." She recalled. "Only one who might master Chaos. And he does not share his power." For a moment, they where silent. Only the cracking of burning wood was left to be heard. Maria cleared her voice. Koji went back and forth. Neither of them was quite sure what to do. "We have to tell him." Maria finally said. Koji agreed. But how was they going to do that.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian tried to tear his eyes away from the sight. It was to terrible. The dead girl seemed to reach for him right out of the television. The image then wavered and went out. Christian worshipped the Lord in his heart. "Then we remove the wail." Lucy whispered. Christian turned to look upon her. What did she mean? "Remove the masks." She smiled for him. Then Lucy's face cracked. Christian moaned. She was the dead person of the film. "The ring." Somehow she seemed to have gotten over the counter. "Those who do not ask for service, is mine to take." The words seemed to come right out from the air. The dead thung couldn't possibly serve her anymore. This was worse then anything he'd seen at school. The dead kept moving closer. He felt like turning crazy. If those dead arms where to even toutch him… He better drown himself in the fish pond. Christian pulled back until he stood with his back against the wall. His hand moved franticly for something which to defend himself. Then he toutched the whip. Christian had almost forgotten. The Vampire Killer seemed to restore his composure. He was who he was. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost!" He shouted while cracking the weapon, brandished long ago, by his great ancestor. The girl got whipped. She staggered backward. Christian threw seven silver daggers. "Stronger are we in the name of the Lord!" She fell back and then collapsed into a heap. "May all good Saints hold me and keep me up to serve the Lord in Heaven!" Christian had created the flame whip. The fight was not over until the corpse had burned to ashes. Christian was sure to throw the film into the pond before leaving. He even destroyed the T.V. set. This hadn't gotten him anywhere. Though he may had saved a soul. As well as other unknown future victims of that evil. He went back out upon the street. Christian whipped some candles while he moved along. Things seemed rather quiet. But so it had seemed before. Christian kept close watch with the mammals. The bats always seemed to be out. He whipped those which got to close. He stopped. Was that the sound of engines? Christian moved into a defensive posture. He'd heard about the motorcycle-skeletons. The group soon arrived. There where three of them. "SWATS." Christian made the sign of the cross. John Morris, who together with Eric Lecarde, had fought the prince of Darkness in 1917, had told of speed demons. This was nothing of the sort. They where not dead soldiers either. "Stop there." The leader shouted. Christian didn't move. It was not because of the tiny cannons, mounted upon their bikes. Although Christian knew he couldn't repel such arm. Not with the whip in this incarnation anyway. Neither Hector, nor Trevor Belmont, had been able to strike back the gunshots of St. Germain. "Have you seen any of these individuals?" The biker asked while presenting holograms. Christian did. Though he wouldn't tell. Didn't they recognize his linage? Never mind. "I haven't seen them." That was true. Christian hadn't seen Genya Arikado or Noriko Cruz for quite some time now. "Sir." One of the other troopers had realized. "That's a Belmont warrior." Christian made the sign of the cross. He made a double jump right over his spiked helmet. The SWAT moved around. His pistol was already drawn and ready. Christian glided beneath the bullet. The explosion which sounded upon the impact, shocked him slightly. He got up to whip before the fox might fire anew. His uniform was dull gray in contrast to the pitch black armour. The dragon, upon his heart, was in gold and crimson. Christian knew that mark. It was the insignia which his ancestry had sworn to defeat. So it had been since Sonia Belmont faught against the count in 1476. The leader had his rifle out. They didn't boust any heavy equipment. No matter. They could still kill him. The fox wasn't dead. The elf had warmed up his bike. He advanced while firing electrical charges. Christian was surprised they didn't carry any laser weapons. The leader was of his species. He fired. The bullets would explode upon impact. "Surrender." He demanded. "Not even you may stand up to the dark troopers." Christian held back. He knew his only hope of victory was to be precise. Now he stopped. The pope had told of these folks. At least, the holy man spoke of the count's elite core order from the demon castle war of 1999. He stood his ground. His faight was with the Lord. He would have to decide what weather man should have. Christian would do his best. He circled the bikers while they fired. He was quicker then they. Swifter then the bullets anyway. The troopers would have to reload eventually. The elf came back. Christian made the sign of the cross. The shocks was nothing of which he might take lightly. He got on the offensive. Christian was able to get across. Then the three homing daggers stabbed him through the back. Christian dodged. The others kept up their fire. He'd forgotten one other thing. Nobody could backstab a person wearing armour. Not in that fashion anyway. Christian mentally kicked himself for such forgetfulness. The fox also came in presuit. The scout leader was reloading his gun. Christian used this momentum to strike with the Soul bat. The man got cast off his mount. The bike struck against the snowy pavement. His armour should prevented any shattered bones. Though he was out of the fight for the time being. Christian got his own problems. The elf and fox came with their shockers sparkling. That accursed fox also had began to fire sonic waves. The ripple might very well blast him apart. Christian caused explosions about. The elf, who was at the leed, got struck hard by the Soul saint. Being of immortal race, he managed to stay put. Christian held the whip in both hands. The scouts fired. The Soul bat shot from the tip of the whip. Though not as effective as Sonia or Christopher might've done it, the impact blasted the rider and his bike. The fox almost managed to ride him down. He brandished the whip. The fox gave him the finger. Christian felt rather upset. That was not a nice thing to do. Not at all. Christian made the sign of the cross. The leader had gotten back up. He got his pistol ready. Christian dodged the bullets. The bats flew from set positions. Christian slowed them with the Soul wind. The force seemed to be directed by his own will. The fox SWAT also got slowed. Christian threw five flaming daggers. The brute force sent him off of the bike. "How could you?" His enemy asked. "I'm a woman." Christian blinked. The fox looked up at him from a croutched position. Then she removed her helmet. "I'm sorry." Christian began. "I didn't mean to… " He was cut short. Although bleeding, the female had preduced her own stabbing weapon. The claws sprung out from the wrist of the armoured gauntlet. She slashed for him. Christian threw himself sideways. He should've known not to trust her. Not after that gesture. The fox snarled. Then she fell. The dodging, had made the bullet ment for him, to go through her body. The explosion ripped her to pieces. Christian turned away. The whip struck him before making another shot. The man dropped his weapon. He drew backward while pulling out a small holdout blaster. Christian made the sign of the cross. The leader had it concealed somewhere within his boot. The shock waves forced him to retreat. He kept firing. Christian threw his homing daggers. The human fighter curled together. "Good Lord!" Christian exclaimed. That motion had made it impossible to get through the armour. "They learn us some tricks." The man unfolded. He had the holdout ready. Christian was unprepared for this kind of battle. He couldn't perry projectiles made of sound. The Dark Lord must've noticed that flux during the battle in 1852. The mammals where back. Christian used the Soul wind before they might land. Then he noticed that had an effect upon the human as well. That shouldn't have been the case. Humans where immune to mystics. At least that kind ment to defeat the night. Christian glided forward. The whip struck home before he might gather. Christian hurled his daggers. The bats got defeated. At least those closest to him. Christian stamped upon the holdout. The enemy slashed his metal nails. Christian ducked. He knew the advantage was his smaller size. The scout missed his head. The Belmont warriors didn't use helmets. Strange though. They might need it. Christian could. The leader was clever. That was perhaps why he got his rank. He backflipped when Christian tried to burn him. The flame whip then rammed his body. The leather whip was longer then he believed. The impact was hard enough to strike through his suit. The second hit sent him sprawling. Christian made the sign of the cross. This man must've sold his soul. That was how the Vampire Killer could strike him down. "Why?" The man asked. "Why did you do this?" Christian didn't understand. He'd hung up the whip. "You attacked me." He explained. "We… " The human struggled for breth. "You was not wanted." Christian looked around. The bodies hadn't burned. "You could've… " The man stopped breathing. His eyes glased over. Christian then realized he'd killed a man. The leader had been no monster or undead. He'd joined Dracula by his own free will. That didn't make him a demon. Christian noticed he was shaking. From this dark, there was no Eclipse which might purify. Was he becoming like Gabriel? His ancestor had used his power without care. "Your light is what make you vulnerable." Christian looked back. He struggled to might gather himself. The cat, with only one eye, sat upon one of their motorbikes. "It is a unique gift." The black cat did purr. Was she speaking? "One which man might never truly realize." Christian made the sign of the cross. Although there was a fairy tale about a cat wearing boots, he didn't like it. "They never warned you." She looked upon him with one blazing green eye. "Did they?" Christian didn't know what to say. He knew his training was incomplete. Although his power was growing rapidly. That didn't mean anything. Power alone, would never suffice. Not when fighting the Dark Lord. "You have not learned everything yet." The cat got down from the bike. "Not before I learn it to you." She got closer and closer. Christian felt a chill down his spine. Was it his imagination? Or was she getting larger? She was changing. Christian felt a sudden fear. "Good eavening, little boy." Her features really had altered. "Let me tell you a bedtime story." Long dark hair fell down her back. "Tell me your secrets." She no longer had fur. "Tell me your fantasies." Some of them got the power to turn both cloth or metal, even jewels, into flesh and blood. "Tell me your desires." Round arms, with brown skin, reached for him. "Tell me, your deepest, darkest fear." Her hair was gathered and drawn back by a golden headpiece. "I will make it come true." Christian felt like being turned to stone. Helpless, he was forced to watch her dance. Another neclase was tied tight around her neck. He tried to close his eyes. She smiled. Christian swallowed. "Watch me." She teased. "Watch me." Christian had no choise. Although she couldn't be less then 25 years old, Christian couldn't resist. He still struggled to look away. Her grey shoes where made of leather and tied together with golden shoelaces. They almost reached half the way up to the knee. The waves of brown hair got taken by the wind. "Let me please you." The woman whispered. "Let me entertain you." Christian would have none of it. The woman laughed. The sound tickled his nerves. His heart was beating fast. The red top was made from silk, with treads of gold. Christian licked his lips. There was something he got to remember. There where more gold framing her waists. The bright scarlet skirt almost reached to the snow. "Who are you?" His voice was a mere whisper. Like in a dream. "You may call me anything you want." Her smile grew even wider. Her features sent chills through his blood. "Come to me." She breathed. "Come to me, now." He really wished to do as she told. Christian didn't realized he had moved closer. The lady was dancing. Something still held him back. "You will have me." She teased. "You cannot resist me." But he could. The image of Maria Hakuba, And the memory of the time which they spent together, made him strong. The spell was broken. He was free. "I may teatch you matters which they never thought of." She sat down, in a lotus pose, spreading her arms wide open. "Enchantress." Christian said. "Leave me alone." He made the sign of the cross. "You have no power here." Not upon one who was in love. Not that he'd ever thought of it that way. Maria was a nice person. She was wise and fun. Pluss; Maria got her own power, through which to defend herself. She also was his future bride. He didn't mind about that now. Beside, the church had its say in the matter. Marige was a holy sacrament. On which they had the right to preserve. "You cannot resist!" The woman was back on foot. Her lone eye shining. "No one can." Christian didn't meet the gaze. He was almost sure that she was not a vampire. But even so, the law was the same. "You are not the one ment for me." He said in a stearn voice. "Am I to old for you?" She asked. Christian had learned that other children his age, normally didn't think much about this matter. "I can be anything you like." The enchantress beconed. "I can be." An eerie green light dimmed her for a while. "Away from me Satan!" Christian exclaimed, making the sign of the cross. She had become his age. That was incredible. She wore the same outfit. Though it, and the jewleries, where still her size. She giggled. "Do you like me better now?" Even her voice had changed. Christian bit his lip. Through the grace of the Lord, he was able to stand his ground. She was the perfect honey trap. But he would be no butterfly. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Christian decleared, making the sign of the cross. "I will not be the plaything of wicked beings." The enchantress smiled. "I am not wicked." She said. "Who do you think schooled me?" Christian didn't want to know. He wasn't like that. "I don't know." He said. "And I don't care." A near sad expression went over her features. Christian understood. For the first time, he almost felt pitty on her. "May He forgive you of your sins." He said. "I have no grudge against you." He crossed himself. Christian then turned away. He had already waisted much time. An unseen force sent him sprawling. "You shall watch me." She said. Her voice soft as silk. Though with concealed iron. "You shall watch me, and despair." She had become adult. Christian tried to get back up. She put a foot upon his chest. "What do you like?" Her leg was soft and smooth. Like the rest of her body. Christian knew, that if he wished, she really could be all she promised. He refused. Christian kept stearing at her foot. He was not one of those who had a fetish. That was idolatry anyway. "Why you don't want me?" She bent down. The woman had become a child. "I am no vampire or demon." She bent even further. "My lips are not poison." Her face was just above his own. "Leave me alone." Christian said. "I don't trust you." "Are you sure?" She asked. "Poor little me." She smiled. "I couldn't harm anyone." Christian wasn't that sure. He remembered about the force which struck him. Her lips almost toutched his. Cold snow pressed against his back. This wasn't right. Christian was 12 years old. That was his shield and his refuge. He was not old enough. Although the other Maria had played with him in the Vatican, Christian was still a virgin. "I cannot be with you." Hee repeated, trying to push her away. Her hands held him captive. "You don't need to be afraid. With you." She said. "I search only pleasure." Christian had no more time for this. The Soul flame blazed between his fingers. That made her to release him. "I will not let you do it." He made the sign of the cross. The enchantress held her hands up in front. Though she didn't leave. Christian inhaled. He finally got time to gather his thoughts. "You are not to stain my inocense." Christian cracked the whip. She'd been right about one matter. The light could reveal him to those most devoted to the dark side. Such was the laws of nature. Even so, his ability was a gift granted by the Lord. He wouldn't throw it away for an hour spent with this bride of Satan. He didn't condemn the sex workers of this world. Such, may be, was their destiny. Christian didn't know what He had in mind for them. "You may try." The enchantress said. "But no one ever refuses me." Christian had made his mind. She might be a human. Though she was among Shaft's followers. They the vampire hunters might still challenge. Though not with a light heart. The enchantress woman hadn't moved. She held her arms crossed beneath the bossom. "I won't let you shroud it for me." She made a moacking gesture with her hands, then lifting it to her mouth. "I will rather do something else." She smiled. Christian blushed. He really did. He wasn't used to such things. Her lone eye seemed to shine in the moonlight. Christian tightened the grip on his weapon. "You really are so handsome." She breathed. "Come." She reached her hand. "Your childhood is over." She had regained her child form. "Not yet." Christian shook his head. "Choose." Youth was a dangerous time, He knew. Christian would be tempted by the dark side. "Give me a kiss." The enchantress was playing around with him. She sat in her lotus pose while changing form. One moment, she could be fear and blonde. The next, she was dark as could be, with a huge raven mane. Christian held on to the Vampire Killer. The woman had become all cream and redhead. A green mist shrouded her features. Christian tried not to look. She had become herself. "I told the truth." Her lips where smiling. "Come now. Choose me." Christian wouldn't. "My light ability may make me more open." He said while pulling back. "All the same, it is by His will, that the holy is the mean to hunt evil." She had become Asian for a time. Then she changed anew. Christian inhaled. This had to end. Christian suddenly struck with combo blows. Though not as effective as a direct strike. But this way, he might keep up to her. She danced. Her steps graceful and devoted. Christian prayed she was not one of the ancient death dancers. "I only wished to entertain you." She told him. "Why do you have to be so stubborn." She made hot winds of incense blow in his face.
Christian struggled to keep his ground. The gust smelled so sweet. The enchantress suddenly hurled herself towards him. It almost caught him off guard. Christian held the leather whip up like a shield. "In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord!" The holy whip shone bright when she made her impact. They both got thrown to the ground. Christian felt something small and curly upon his brest. He shushed the cat away before rising. When he did, an Oriental girl sat by his side. Then she became of South American stock. Christian felt taken aback. She was absolutely adorable. "You like me now?" She asked. Christian shook his head. The sorceress became French instead. Christian cracked the whip. This time he struck her. "Have mercy." She pleaded. The enchantress was down on her knees. Christian blinked. She was her original brunette self again. "Do not kill me." She hung her head. "I'll do everything for you." Christian almost felt self disgust. He was not cruel. "I'm not a villain." The woman assured. "I'll do whatever you ask of me." Christian then figured she tried to seduce him again. He would have none of it. He stepped back, preparing for battle. "Stand where you are!" The voice instructed. "Hand over your weapons." The robots came from inside the buildings. The battle-droids made an immediate circle. The woman clearly didn't expect this turn. Christian knew by her expression. The corporal made a demanding gesture. "Surrender." The mechanic voice instructed. Concealed openings within the walls where moved aside. Metal wheels appeared. "And your life will be spared." The strange wheels unfolded. Eight metal legs reached the ground while their upper body got revealed. Christian was trapped. "Listen to him." The enchantress whispered. "Those are the destroyer-droids." Christian didn't answer. The robots advanced. A sudden explosion then threw them backward. The destroyers fired their heavy cannons. Ceveral of the combat robots also got shot to pieces. The corporal shouted to might regain control. When he did, Christian was nowhere to be seen.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
The report was alarming. Captain Namiyrah had lost his sergeant. The SWATS where an important part of his commando. Romney had been an experienced fighter. Though he should have known better. "Regroup." He told the lieutenant-commander. "Yes sir." Ruto Hernandez gave her salute. She passed the order to their communication unit. The robot would contact the other scouts through their individual network. Lieutenant Kreshtin stepped closer. "Any instructions, sir?" The Russhian officer asked. Namiyrah considered it. "Tell the group leaders to stay on standby alert." He then said. "Hail the count." The man gave his salute. The Japanese commando returned the favour. He at least got information considering the task at hand. He where unshure to include the royal knights. Though they where the best fighters available. Their souls didn't have the protection of his species. That was why he had asked for no vampires to be included. The mission was to important. He had been released from the demon castle to perform this task. So it had to be. Namiyrah fought in the demon castle war. He knew his loyalty. The chase would commence as soon they returned.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian lit his lamp. That was the only source of light. The sewers where wet uncomfortable places. And they stenched. Though that was nothing compared with getting blasted by robots. Christian worshipped the Lord in his heart. It was through His grace he'd noticed the manhole cover. Christian brandished the whip. The mammals where down here as well. And not only the flying kind. He stopped. Christian used the Soul flame to fry those rats which got to close. The pitch blackness was his own fault. He'd whipped all the candles in here. Speaking of which. Some sort of dimmed light shone through that opening. Christian climbed down the ladder, to might reach the exit. Even this area had been drained. Christian believed the drainage operation within the school building was of oregin. Perhaps he would have to go back to refill the sewers one day. He reached the bottom. The ground was made of dank earth. Dead vegetation was still vicible. As where other things. Christian felt sick about it. He moved into the next part of the pipeline. It was all so huge. At least there was other candles in here. Christian looked upward. There where some opening above. It was to no help. He no longer knew where he was. Christian was lost. That might throw the troopers off his chase. He made the sign of the cross. There was no help in that if he was to wander underground for the rest of his life. The stench grew worse. Christian was careful not to look. The Undermoles eagerly grasped the opportunity. The beasts where twisted through the castle's influence. Christian got back. He should've got eyes in his back. Those monsters came through multiple potholes. Not to mention, that they also dug up from the very earth. Christian used the Soul wind to might slow them down. The whip made them burst into flame. Christian had no use for the gold. He shuddered while he passed them by. Christian ducked. The boomerang might've cut his throat. The rat man appeared through one of the many openings. He was clad in ruff clothings. His weapons where all made of bronze. Christian was unsure of what development they could've have gone through. This was not one of their priests. Christian knew many things about the enemies. That was no reason for getting careless. The boomerang came on the return. Myths told the rats survived by hiding in the deep places which his species created beneath their great cities. Christian whipped the stone which it threw. The Vampire Killer was still able to repel such items. The rat threw his boomerang. The edge may not be made of iron. But it never the less looked sharp enough. Perhaps the Australian natives once had been their teatchers. Christian didn't believe that. He jumped the wood as it came spinning back. He knew there where skeletons who where even better trained then the rats. The coward would always retreat when he tried to get closer. That was to be seen. The Garoya monster was hurling stones. Christian flipped with the whip. The monster then dashed. He'd drawn a short blade. Even that was made of bronze. Though not as tall as an adult human, he still was taller then himself. Christian staggered back. The rat's body was coated with a ruff brown skin. The bulging muscles told of great strenght. The small red eyes shone with malice. Christian didn't doubt. He threw his three homing daggers. The rat was dead before reaching the floor. Christian struck the candle beside him. He picked the gem. The bats came swarming. Christian brandished the whip. He better get out from here. He climbed some steps. The walls where made of bricks here. Not metal. Christian wondered the reason why. There was a crack in the floor. The humpback came climbing up. Christian whipped it away. There where more of them. The freaks even appeared from other openings. The rats noticed. They began crawling. He whipped all who got close. The Undermoles got free. They where on his back. Christian jumped. That made them loose hold. Otherwise, they might've eaten him alive. He really, really didn't like them. Christian had reached another of those larger chambers. That gave more room for combat. Or perhaps not. The golem struck the ground. A spreading of splinters shot abroad. Christian made the sign of the cross. He was able to dodge the onslaught. More so thanks to the Soul flame. Whatever granted the golem its life, it didn't like his mystics. Christian made another jump. He almost knocked himself against the spiked ceiling. However, he managed to strike the lone eyeball. It was made of crystal. The golem still tried to knock him. Christian made a glide. That way he didn't got slammed flat against the ground. The humpbacks didn't like it either. They shrieked. The golem didn't seem to worry who it killed. Even some Undermoles got crushed. Christian swallowed. This was the reason why it was unwise to dabble in the use of magic. Nothing might ever be certain in those arts. Wizardry was far to dangerous for any one to use. Not with the most serious mind. His ancestors had learned that lession well. Though it had been to late for Gabriel. Christian swung his whip. The bats got defeated. There where more of them abroad. The knives removed the Undermole. The golem threw rocks. Christian didn't even try to block. He was forced to run. The humpback jumped while screaming. The frantic expression told about its frenzy. Christian could share that feeling. He was able to glide underneath the high jumping flea man. The golem made shards and splinters spread outward. The rubble waved. Christian whipped the monster. At last it lifted the arms to protect itself. Christian struck the mechanism hard. The rock figure shuddered. The arm fell off and crumbled. Christian felt no victory. The golem picked the rocks and threw them his way. He jumped. The bats where flying in. He used the Soul wind against them. The golem made an uppercut which made rocks fall down. Christian threw himself backward. The humpback missed. Christian brandished the whip. The Vampire Kiler made it crumble. That was strange. The humpbacks where living humans. Dracula's power must've twisted both body and soul. Those who studied the dark arts, favoured them as helpers and assistants. Christian dodged another boulder. He whipped the pack of crawling rats. They could feed on his flesh. The undead where to blame. Most normal rats didn't live in colonies. Though urban legends might be of some aid. To count Dracula that was. Christian brandished the whip. He wished again for Christopher's ability to spew fireballs abroad. That was not in the cards. He wondered what had happened with the DSs-system. He'd given them to John Kishine while they journeyd toward the ruins of castle Dracula. He could've use them right now. Christian caused explosions. HE was running low on crystals. He jumped as the golem made the rubble wave. He got high enough to whip the eye. The golem flailed its fists about. It'd recreated the lost arm. Christian was able to avoid the attack. He struck ceveral times. It lifted both hands. The mammals attacked like a swarm. Christian had no choise. He had to defend himself or become drained. The bats could inflict a cursed state. He was sure. He was alone. The suriving beasts and mutants had left the area. Only the mammals where around. They could not refuse the call of their master. Christian withdrew while fighting rats. Though small, he was afraid of their progress. He made the sign of the cross. Christian had the dagger in hand. He slashed all those bats who got to close. The rock figure was hurling stones. That was the favorite offence for trolls. Christian made a glide underneath. He jumped to throw the dagger into the idol's eye. The uppercut sent him sprawling backward. Dazed, like when a hangover, he was able to get up. The rocks landed ontop of the rats. Christian struggled not to throw up by the sight. He inhaled. The air was bad. The Soul ice was his resource. The healing cost the rest of his crystals. That wasn't good. The stone figure was still smashing about. Christian made a glide. He disliked having to fight these magic creatures. To some Jews, the golem was a heroic figure. Though the Dark Lord used them against the people. The golem made another uppercut. Rocks fell down as Christian whipped the bats away. Gold shone upon the floor. Christian didn't mind. He was busy avoiding the boulders. If he'd just had the time. Then he would've knocked the candles. The lamp still spread its soft yellow glow. That was another treasure which had been hidden within the candles. The monster approached. Christian whipped it until the idol lifted its arms. Christian whipped the mechanism. The arm fell off. Christian had to make another glide to not get hit. The undermoles climbed through the ground. They reached for him with their nasty tentacles. Christian dubble jumped. The golem dashed forward. Christian made a glide beneath its feet. He was close to being crashed against the wall. The golem itself got its hand stuck. Christian whipped the idol hard. The arm fell off. He had to dodge the falling stones. The monster got loose. Christian was able to damage the mechanism. The monster answered with a sudden uppercut. Rocks fell down. He picked up the lantern. Christian used the confusion to get out of the chamber. He hoped the corridor beyond would be to narrow for its liking. That wasn't the case. The giant brute just crashed through the wall as it came in presuit. Christian knocked some candles for himself. How did it pull off that stunt? The last time, it got trapped. Christian had no time to figure it out. The idol kept dashing. The undermoles and mammals also had followed suit. Christian caused explosions. He jumped into the air. He didn't get high enough to hit the eye. But he at least rammed with the whip. The repeated onslaught made the monster lift its arms. Christian threw a dagger into the mechanism. Steam got released from the source of power. The arm fell on the floor. The rocks waved onward. Christian was able to dodge. The golem stopped to recreate its lost limb. Then it kept the presuit. Christian used the time to battle the mammals. The rats burned to ashes. Christian brandished the whip. The bats circled about. The golem was closing in. Christian wondered if this was how Simon Belmont felt when being chased by the monster in 1688. That had been somewhere beneath the catacombs. Christian jumped over a pit still filled with murky water. The golem stumbled. Christian jumped. This time he whipped the eye. The monster was thrown even further backward. It made an uppercut. Christian was able to glide underneath. He got over another pool of water. The undermoles attacked. Christian knelt to whip them. The stone idol smashed the spot in which he'd been. Christian threw three homing daggers. They only got broken against the heavy rock. That wasn't the point. The golem reached for his projectiles. Christian used the opportunity to whip the mechanism. The heavy steam might inflict a stoned state. So the legends said. Christian was busy whipping the bats. They, he knew, could drink of his blood. The tunnel seemed to continue on forever. Christian got over the pools of water. They didn't look healthy. The golem still chased him. Christian barely got time to whip some candles. He threw five freezing daggers. The monster actually got frozen over. Christian jumped. He got high enough to strike with the flame whip. The monster was brought down on one knee. Christian ducked underneath the barrage of stones. The arm had fallen off. The Soul flame burned the mechanism. The golem reered. Then it crumbled into pieces. Christian made the sign of the cross. The monster had left plenty of gold behind. He got no use for it. Christian rather wished it'd given him some large crystals. He shook his head. He used the golem's body as a bridge when crossing the pools. The giant monster had crumbled into multiple pieces. Christian cracked the whip. The battle would continue. Sooner then he expected! A trio of rat men had noticed. They threw boomerangs at him. Christian ducked. The ancient creatures had come through one of the many side openings. He jumped over the pool. The twisted wood came in return. He whipped them away. The enemies threw rocks at him. Christian threw a series of daggers. The closest monster got slaughtered. Their ruff clothing didn't grant much protection. Christian got knocked by a stone. He staggered backward. There came a sudden sound. At first he didn't recognize. Then Christian made the sign of the cross. That was an earthquake. The sewers might cave in. The Garoyan rat men renewed their efforts. Somewhere, they'd fetched other boomerangs. Christian held the whip in both hands. The effort worked like a sort of makeshift shield. Simon Belmont had used that move against the archers in 1688. Even in this form, the Vampire Killer managed to destroy their items. His body ached where the stone hit him. The rats withdrew. They where real cowards. The bats had gathered. They came like a wave. Christian was forced backward. He used the Soul wind to slow their onslaught. The dagger managed to defeat them. The mammals where still abroad. The rats came for him. Those tiny beasts crawled about. Christian really wished he got some holy water. He managed to jump across. He almost splashed into the water. The liquid didn't look healthy. Rocks fell from above. Was this the doing of the golem's ravage? No matter. Christian whipped the rat man. He muttered something in a speech which Christian didn't understand. The only mark of identity, was the red eye pendant around his neck. The bronzium knife was ment for his heart. He groaned. The steel plate held through. Though it felt like his ribs got struck real hard. The knife broke. The blacksmith had to be a rockie in his craft. Christian dug with his own blade. He stepped back as blood pored from the wound. Christian ducked. The last of their group was still hurling rocks. Christian managed to dodge. The boomerang caused a rip in his jacket. Christian didn't mind. He lept forward. The rat man was taken by surprise. Though he wasn't much taller, the muscles bulged beneath his skin. Then he got taken. Christian got held in a grip of iron. He winched in pain. The rat muttered something while reaching for another boomerang. Christian got a nasty image in which his throat got cut. The Soul flame burned the man to his death. Christian staggered. He dusted off himself. That hadn't been nice. The rat man hadn't been either. Christian whipped for the rats. They came crawling along the surface. Christian figured he better get out from here. He whipped a few candles. Christian kept in the main corridor. HE didn't want to run head first into the rat's nest. He wondered what became of their women. Never mind that now. Christian reached a dead end. The way onward was blocked by a metal gate. Christian went up the ladder. From there he might get a better view of the situation. The ceiling was about to crumble. Christian made the sign of the cross. The force was incredible. Awe wouldn't get him anywhere. There was another ladder. He waisted no time. Christian began climbing. Atop was a small hatch. Christian moved it aside. HE got into a cramped dusty pathway. He would have to crawl along. Christian was glad he wasn't all that large. If he'd been a grownup, he might not have pulled this off. Even here, there where other openings. Huge webs closed the way onward. Christian hoped he would get out of here. The air wasn't all that good. He thanked the Lord for not being afraid of narrow places. Even so, he didn't liked this. This new passage at least seemed to lead somewhere. Christian pushed himself beyond some ancient rusty bars before getting out. The place looked ancient. Dust covered the stone floor. Old crates and boxes took up some space. Christian brandished the whip. The bats had noticed his progress. Although some of them survived, they at least kept at a distance. Christian kept watch while moving. There where a few coffins here. Christian stopped. Some boxes looked like being scortched by fire. This had to be the undead home for the vampires which haunted the village. Christian made the sign of the cross. What so ever, the circle couldn't be all that powerful. The leader didn't even know how to place the boxes for working occult functions. Christian went closer. There was a wooden door ahead. The old hag seemed to rise straight up from the ground. Christian pulled back. "Crypt keeper." He said. They always left one behind to guard the resting-place. "Let me taste you, boy." She cracked in a shrewed voice. Christian felt disgust. The hag looked like something being dead a hundred years and then dug up by evil's forces. "I smell it." The hag's eyes became red as blood. "The scent of power." She leaned forth upon her wooden cane. "Get away." Christian said. He cracked the whip. She didn't look impressed. "Your blood will make me young again." She seemed to be talking to herself. Christian sidestepped when three mammals got released in quick succession. The hag laughed. The sound was terrible to hear. She became mist. Christian saw beyond the obvious. She was here somewhere. The hag vampire reached out with her yellow claws. Though ancient, her lips where full and the fangs shining like pearls. Christian whipped her hard. Flames erupted. The hag knelt. A pentagram of evil blocked her off from his efforts. Christian sidestepped when the trio of flaming bats shot from her grasp. Perhaps the circle wasn't that careless after all. He threw three homing daggers. The hag struck with her cane. Sparks flew when the knives got deflected. She smiled at him. Dry grey hair hung out from strange places upon her skull. The green cloack wavered as she vanished like bats. She reappeared before him. She struck with the cane. A single bat flew for him. Christian whipped it away. The heavy explosion forced him down. The vampire knelt over him. The Soul flame was not of her liking. Christian got up. The undead had vanished from view. Christian retrived the Vampire Killer. The leather whip made the mammals crumble. The hag deflected the frost whip. Christian used the Soul wind to slow her down. She made the evil pentagram to protect her. The magic sphere shot a beam down. Christian hid behind his whip. Other bats waved for his location. The Soul bat made them to explode. The elderly vampire fell from the ceiling. She slashed with her claws. Christian struck with the whip. Hissing like an angry cat, the hag withdrew. Christian hurled his dagger. The vampire gurgled. He'd pierced the heart. Her blood stained the area. "May the Lord forgive you of your sins." Christian made the sign of the cross. The hag struggled to breathe. The flame whip ended her misery. She staggered backward. She then burst into ashes. Christian made the sign of the cross. He'd seen the look of relief upon her face before the final decay. He was happy. It hadn't been in wain. The fifth coffin then began burning. Christian watched until it was over. Still seven of them where out there. He toutched the whip. The power of count Dracula had toutched this land. It was cursed earth. He better get away before the circle returned at the brink of day. They wouldn't burn in the sunlight. All that was myths and legends. But they would have to rest in the soil of their homeland, in effort to regain their supernatural power. Christian whipped some other candles before heading onward. He was close to the door, when it got moved aside. The monk and the woman somehow made him feel uneasy. "Those who wander in darkness, shall see a great light." Christian said. "Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost. For the love which is stronger then Death." He crossed himself. "You are not one of us." The woman said. "I am Christian of the Belmont clan." Christian proclaimed. In the presence of his God, He wasn't afraid to reveal himself. "Then." The monk said. "You hold a great power." He made a grave nod. "I am Basarab of the order." Beneath his cloack, the man got the body of a boxer. Compact, and hard with muscles. "My name is Isegenia." The lady spoke with a soft feminine voice. The long blonde hair hung loose around her shoulders. "You shouldn't be here." Christian said. "The undead might return." Isegenia didn't look concearned. "You do not have to worry." Basarab stated. "We are here." Christian withdrew. He got the whip in hand. "You are not humans." He whispered. Isegenia smiled. "Not really." The outfit should've told as much. Her eyes went hard. "He will not save you." The monk held up his hand. "Your blood belong to us now." Christian crossed himself. He'd heard those words before. "We men of little faight." Christian was ready. "You should not have disturbed this place." ISegenia stated. "Not our grave. We have a might of our own." Christian had no doubt. The monk's face became a grimace. HE vanished like a bat. Then the monk reappeared somewhere else to release heavy steam. "You really will be our main dish tonight." Isegenia licked her full red mouth. Then she released the black cape. Underneath, she was clad in a plain white nightgown, which promoted her features. Christian tightened the grip on his whip. The white cloth was stained with crimson. He'd dodged the wave of steam. Basarab knew how to counter. He tossed fireballs. Three homing daggers, and the whip, made them to explode. Basarab kept up his attack. He released more steam. Christian managed to sidestep. Bats scattered abroad. Was this the ring-leader? Christian didn't know. HE was able to whip the mammals into oblivion. Isegenia arrived. She had been sneeking up on him. She slashed with her claws. Christian jumped above. He let the whip hang down. The female vampire got struck. She howled in pain. Basarab was furious. Three homing balls came over the basement. That might've ended the fight. Christian was able to whip them away. He worshipped the Lord. Isegenia was back. The Greek woman slashed and stabbed with her nails. Christian was quick and agile. He dodged or whipped for defence. "Die! Belmont scum!" Basarab boomed with anger. From his hands shot waves of heavy steam. Christian didn't even try to block. The steam just passed his location. Christian made the sign of the cross. That was none of his likings. Isegenia showed up. She conjured bats. Christian whipped them away. Fireballs was unleashed by the monk. Christian threw a knife into the undead's body. Isegenia winched with pain. Christian knew he'd missed the heart. Three homing balls kept chasing him around. Christian managed to dodge until he might clear them away. Basarab reappeared in front. He blasted about with heavy steam. Christian held the whip in both hands. The holy whip withstood the evil might. The Soul flame bathed the anti-holy man with fire. He screamed while burning. "Master!" Isegenia came like a coil of mist. She rammed him with her claws. Christian had the whip in hand. He struck her repeatedly. Basarab released a second wave of bats. Christian shuddered. It wasn't because of the cold. The mammals could've infected him with the vampire curse. Fireballs shot from his hands. They made even the stone walls to crack. Christian jumped over. He rammped the villain with five flaming daggers. Christian shielded his eyes. The effort made Basarab to burst into a pyre of ugly yellow flames. Then he just exploded. Dark force blew like foul winds about the area. Isegenia then turned him around. Her hands got the strength of twenty men. "Christian." She said. "Look me in the face." Christian, who felt dizzy already, tried to resist. Isegenia laughed. It had the irate sound of water glasses, played on by a cunning hand. Christian felt chills down his spine. Isegenia bent forward. An evil smile twisted her features. "You are to be my groom." The undead decleared. "First, you will give me your blood. Then you will hunt for me." Evil desire lit in her eyes. "You will hunt those which you have loved the most." She licked her lips. Her fangs where exposed. She was bleeding. "No!" Christian shouted. "I will never be one of yours." HE used all the crystals he got left to brandish the Soul bat. Then he noticed the whip was still in hand. The female vampire got thrown away. She conjured her beloved bats. They obaied her every wim. Christian whipped the mammals aside. Isegenia snarled. She picked up cranes and boxes, which she threw his way. Christian dodged. The mammals came directly forward. Christian brandished the whip. The constant onslaught forced him backward. Isegenia then reappeared. HE jumped over her location. She attacked with her nails outstreatched. Christian got away. Isegenia vanished. Christian licked his lips. Where had she gone to? She appeared like the coil of mist. ISegenia made the bats to scatter. Christian struck with the whip. He managed to capture the flock. They exploded right into her face. Christian had no choise. He'd used all his crystals. Isegenia extended her claws. Christian recoiled the whip before he hurled it straight for the vampire's position. She reached forth with her hands. The whip struck her all over. The torso burst open. Christian ran for her location. Green flames was burning upright. Her eyes where not hard anymore. Her features had softened. "I wish this never happened." Isegenia struggled to speak. "I wish I could go back being a tailor again." Christian made the sign of the cross. The woman smiled. "May He bless you." Christian said. "Let it be." Isegenia answered. She then vanished into the final decay. Christian watched her become spirit and ashes. He hoped she would be free. For all their bousting of power, this community was young. They had not the experience nor the insight which marked the circle of blood. Christian shook his head. He also was far from reaching his peak. Christian knew he had not the ability to fight against the five members all at hand. He better get away from here before they arrived. The door was still open. Christian collected his items. He then went inside. There was another corridor. Christian whipped for the mammals. The small rats scattered. He kept track of their movement. They could drink his blood. Christian brought out his lamp. He was going to knock down each and every candle he came across. Because he had to. That last battle really had tested his efforts. The journey would continue. This area was not a part of the sewers. Christian speculated if this might be a part of the railway system. Not likely though. There was nothing of the sort. Either way, the walls where made of solid stone. Unlike the bricks within the evil nest. Although Christian kept whipping candles, or bats, he was ready. The undead might track his scent. Some rats appeared in one of the cracked holes. They beheld him. Christian could almost feel their ill intention. They didn't attack. Christian left them alone. Then he turned. The mammals had disappeared. Christian mentally kicked himself. The vampire got the might to control some of the lesser forms of life. Those sorts which where cruel killers, fed of the dead or brought illness upon the people. Christian made the sign of the cross. The bats came in from set positions. Christian was able to brandish the whip about. That made them burst into ashes. Christian didn't mind about the money. He knew the gold had its own danger. The coins might inspire or awaken the greed which where in the nature of mankind. Christian closed his eyes. He worshipped the Lord that he always had been contempt with what he got. The Catholic church always had looked after him. As had John Kishine. The man which Christian still considered as his brother. He opened his eyes. Christian couldn't afford to get tired or lapse. The bats attacked. They got company. Ape-skeletons came lumbering through the shadow. Christian was grateful they carried no barrels. He threw homing daggers. The Soul wind slowed the mammals. Christian was able to fight past their defences. Then he stopped. He'd reached a fork in the road. Christian wondered where they led. There hung an unlit lantern above the middlemost opening. Could this be an alternate route into the castle? Whatever the case, the leftmost tunnel had been blocked by great boulders. Christian leaned against the wall. He had to go somewhere. He really wished to get out from here. The bats cut short his speculations. The enemies where back. Christian got the Vampire Killer in hand. He would do this. Christian knocked the candles. He left the money behind. The crystals got in use. The Soul wind slowed their progress. Christian was on the offence. They where not going to dine upon his blood. Christian chosed the rightmost opening. The ape-skeletons appeared. This time they got barrels with them. Christian jumped above. He almost crushed himself against the low ceiling. He had to be careful. The bats where up there. Christian was glad he hadn't waisted his lamp. What force or fuel was keeping it alight? He got no answer. Christian whipped the barrel away. The thing exploded. The dagger removed the ape in front. He brandished the whip. The mammals where getting real close. "Jesus Christ!" Christian summoned the Lord before going into battle. The ape-skeleton threw another barrel. It came rolling forth.

Hammer's shop, lost village. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
He beheld the clock as it struck the hour. It had been some time since the last customer had been around. Hammer had put new wood on the heart. The flames roared up the chimney. He wished to know what those SWATS might be doing. The door was silently moved aside. The woman stood there. Hammer got up from his seat. "How may I serve you today?" He began. "I am Judith." Her brown hair was gathered and drawn back by a golden tiara. "I am here to see you." A blue eye sparkled when she smiled. She was beautiful. The rounded bossom was promoted by the gold and scarlet bra. Owen wondered how she might dress like this, and still not be toutched by the cold. The scarlet skirts almost reached down to the floor. It left the long legs to be seen. The jewels might hold the answer. The red gem on the tiara would shield against subzero temperatures. The blue stone upon the neclase protected against the opposite. He looked down upon the fine leather shoes. Tied with golden laces, they reached half-way up the knee. "What do you want?" He repeated. "This." She said, pointing her finger. Hammer shook his head. "Listen, girly." He told. "If you wish to grant me the service of a prostitute, so be it." Her smile vanished. ""If not, or if you don't have anything else to purchase, get out." She lowered her eyelashes. "I have something." She then said.

Lost village, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian was careful while climbing the ladder. The thing was rusted due to long disuse. Some steps already had given way. He toutched the manhole cover. Somehow Christian expected it would be frozen shut. He looked down into the sewers. Not far off, the tunnel had collapsed. He made the sign of the cross. The rat men had been throwing stones for him. If ever he got back to Hammer's shop, Christian would ask for some explosive. He reached the cover. Christian put one arm ahead. Strange, the cover gave way without trouble. Christian got out into the village. No robots where there to meet him. Christian beheld the sceene. He was out upon some sort of stadion. Christian toutched the whip. He'd hung up the Vampire Killer while climbing. There had been no bats. He looked abroad. This place most likely had been use by those ice hockey players. The Walachian citizens had played that game. To the right, was some huge buildings, which encircled most of the area. The seats for the spectators where empty. Christian had a feeling like a trap was closing in about him. He made the sign of the cross. The sheet was to quiet. He didn't believe this place to be abandoned. The stage was to well kept. There was a sound of moving metal. Christian stopped dead in his track. The door to the player's launge was removed. Christian waited as he expected the enemies to pour out. Nothing of the sort did happen. Christian was about to heng up the whip when one figure stood out on the ice. The spotlights where turned on. The stadion was illuminated. Christian remained in place. He watched the man clad in full hockey gear. He would wait and see who this person might be. His shadow lay heavy and dark before him. "I greet you a good eavening." The hockey man said. He at least sounded reasonable enough. "Upon this date of Friday the 13th." Christian pulled back. Was this another trick? The great enemy got many strings to his bow. Christian made an effort to see beyond the obvious. The man had the aura of a human. But still, there was something amiss. He reached up with his lone free hand to remove his mask. "Good Lord in Heaven!" Christian exclaimed. "May He save us from evil." The hockey person's face cracked like a paper mask. "Time to unvail." He said. Christian tightened the grip on the leather whip. The face really was removed like a vail of cloth. "Give me strength." Christian whispered. Underneath the mask, the person had no face. It was merely a black nothingness beneath. Like a great shadow lay over the features. Only the blood-shot red eyes still gleamed with malice. "Let's play." Blackmore said while replacing his ice hockey mask. Christian was actually grateful he did that. The mask at least was something real. Something he could see and toutch. Christian knew he should've shed such centiments long ago. Sence would have a piece to play even when fighting the undead. Though the fight would be against the unknown. Christian knew this was not a vampire. The hockey man suddenly reached out with his arms. The shade upon the ice moved in turn. Christian was able to get aside. He knew about Shanoah's efforts. The open claw punch might've consumated his soul. Such was the power of this demon. Though the shadow puppeteer which the order member met in 1810, had not appeared in this form. The open claw strike shot up from the ice sheet. Christian was able to dodge the attack. Blackmore shot three projectiles. Christian felt taken aback. The shards looked like sharpened ice hockey sticks. Christian whipped them away. Blackmore came gliding forth. The sudden wave of shadoe grasp attack forced him even further backward. Christian made the sign of the cross. The outer boundaries of the stadion was marked by a sudden abyss. Pointed icicles rised like cruel spikes. The hockey man shot a shadow beam right along the ground. Christian threw himself sideways. Blackmore continued with his play. Christian burned him with the Soul flame. That somehow made him dwindle. A sort of shadow shield protected him from damage. Christian had gotten on the offensive. HE threw seven silver daggers which made the aura shatter. Blackmore screamed like a forsaken soul. Christian held the whip in both of his hands. The open claw punch was followed up by the strike. Christian was able to track his mobility. That way he might keep alive. This wasn't about his life. Christian knew that Blackmore consumed upon the souls of his victims. The successive grab attack almost made him loose track of things. Christian had not Shanoah's power. He could not find and harness the glyph, which was said to be the source of energy. "May You grant the power of Michael the Archangel!" Christian shouted. The trio of hockey sticks flew through the air. Christian whipped them away. The black beam exploded on contact. Christian was sent flying. It was like a vampire had bit him. The Soul ice only partly gave back his health. Christian knew he got to defeat the puppeteer if he was to regain his lost power. In that way, Blackmore was like the Succubus. The four step grab was to take him. Christian had another trick up his sleeve. He got the power of Sonia Belmont. The ability of light. He performed the task without hesitation. The poltergeist king had told him what to do. Christian might become enlightened for a short period of time. Shining light made Blackmore pull back. Christian saw that flames burned his real open hands. Christian jumped the distance. The whip struck the puppeteer twice. The barrier was broken. Christian's own light subsided. Then the ice hocky man struck with his stick. Christian stumbled backward. He held his whip in front. The contact with the leather whip made the hockey stick break. "In the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost!" Christian summoned. Blackmore screamed. His body was on fire. Christian just barely noticed the claw and punch attack. His enemy lifted a hand for his mouth. Christian was unsure of how he did it, but there came a whistle. "Freeze!" From the player's exit, the combat-robots appeared. "Hand over your weapons." The leader demanded. "That rests with the Lord!" Christian said in a low voice. He made the sign of the cross. The puppeteer gave him no time for contemplation. He shot six twirling projectiles. Christian was able to whip aside. Just then, the robots opened fire. Christian made a glide under the blasts. The battle had attracted attention. A pack of harpies flew from atop of the stadion. Christian whipped his ice weapon. The battle-droid got shattered. While the item was still frozen, he blocked the lasers out. He then ran. Candles stood aside from the abyss. Christian whipped while running. The ice sheet was no nice pavement. It made him to sometime slip or slide. Blackmore fired his shadow laser. Christian jumped over the attack. He avoided the thrown daggers. Blackmore got whipped. That didn't seem to bother the monster. He struck and punched with his shadow movements. There still where some robots left. The machines also got grenades in their arsenal. The impact made the sheet to explode. Ice shards got thrown everywhere. Christian threw three homing daggers. The harpy got nailed before she might lift him off of the ground. The Soul bat then removed another robot. Blackmore threw six projectiles. Christian was busy. He got to be very careful. The half-women/part birds of Greek mythology where gathering about. One of them screamed when taken by the puppeteer. Christian licked his lips. He had to defeat the monster before he might make better upon his soul. The Soul wind slowed down the harpies. Christian made a glide. Blackmore reached for him. The Soul power even had slowed the combat machines. Christian threw multiple daggers. The ice hockey man got slammed to the ground by the impact. Christian completed his task. The holy whip made the vile demon to explode. Christian waisted no time. While the Vampire Killer still shone, he brandished against the mythological. The robots shot with their gun. Christian ducked. He threw five flaming knives. That removed their numbers. The harpies where closing in again. Christian ran. He whipped some other candles before he jumped over the fence. Christian shuddered. He landed within the piles of deep snow. He quickly got up again and began moving. Behind him, the harpies where shrieking with frustration. Christian didn't stop. He followed the lonely lanterns. They where the only markings of the road. He reached the forest. Christian had no more doubt. He went in among the trees. He had to find the way to the castle. Christian just hoped the dark wanderers where not here. He stopped. Christian was breathing heavily. He knew this place. The house and the den where like he remembered. This was the abandoned maiden's house. Was it still inhabited? He dismissed the matter. The ravens where nowhere to be seen. Christian crossed himself. He continued into the forest. This place was dangerous. That he knew. The woods seemed to continue on forever. He came across his own track. Christian noticed. This path should lead him back to the castle. His joy didn't last. Christian hadn't gone far when he realized. The scent of decay filled his nosedrills with an ugly smell. The dead farmers rised out from the snow. He pulled away. The corpse ahead of the group, bent to plow up the Une plant. Christian whipped the plant into oblivion. They could inflict a poisoned state. Something he couldn't afford right about now. The farmers would then feed on his flesh. They preduced other flowers. Christian blasted them through his Soul saint ability. The farmer got defeated. Christian had no reason for victory. There still where more of those walking corpses. He threw five freezing daggers. The dead got frozen in place. Christian got the holy whip. Another farmer knelt to pull up Mandragora. Christian was able to whip it away before it might scream. The farmer where among the most resilient members of Dracula's army. The Soul bat ended his misery. Another Mandragora got plowed. Christian ran from the place. Forest and cold went past while moving. Here, there where no more lamppposts to show the road. The moon was his only source of light. Christian still tried to follow his old track. He went for quite some distance. There where no more enemies. Not beside the bats. Christian brandished the whip. He knocked the few candles while he passed along. The crystals where a relief. He soon come upon that cottage and pond where he'd fought the red knights. Then there would only be a short passage toward the haunt. "No lord. Not that way." Arms held him from behind. "You are strong." Another voice decleared. "But not enough to fight them head on." One of his captors took the whip from him. Christian was carried back into the forest. He tried to get a look at who where responsible. "We have to be quick." They where naiads. Christian felt nothing but dumpfounded. He didn't expect this to happen.

Wizardry lab, castle Ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Noriko beamed. Her lone gloved hand shone bright with red flame. How dared that insolent oppose her? She had failed. She knew she had. Noriko Cruz would never admit such to happen. But it had. It had! Not even the harpy familiar had been of use. Noriko wished she could cause havoc. That would be to no use. It was only a waste of power. Noriko would need it eventually. And although she had been sent running, she had managed to absorb something. Bats came from above. Noriko snarled. She would not let them get away. The Gaia globules shot from within her cape. Noriko was careful when aiming. They shot for where she wished them to go. The mammals got burned to ashes. Noriko absorbed the souls. She had to relax. Anger was a powerful weapon. But only when controlled by will. Noriko had at last learned that lession. Koji might've been right. She so wished he was here right now. Noriko felt a shudder. She got Kochi's medallion. That would have to suffice for the lost dragonheart relation. She inhaled. Noriko knew what she must do. She kept walking.

Dora wood, Warakiya. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Christian looked out from beneath the hilltop. The naiads where abroad. That wasn't really the problem. Christian was pale. Like a vampire had bit him. He gazed down upon the army. Dracula's forces where pouring out from the castle's gate. Row upon row of dead warriors, bone knights and other monsters where marching forth. It didn't matter they where moving away. "The war has begun." Juno said in a low voice. Christian made no comment. Ahead of the army, he noticed a great cavalry of dread lords. "That isn't the red knights." Christian said. It where incredible, that the castle could hold such hordes. Bow and spearmen kept passing the gates while he watched. "Who is the enemy here?" He wondered. The naiads had no answers. The sky was black with harpies, crows and bats. Christian made the sign of the cross. Not even in the dreams of Dracula, he'd seen such horrors. "The war has begun at last." He finally acknowledged. "Many of our sisters are down there as well." Helena breathed. "You are not alone." The entrance then closed with a bang of finality. The Hellspawn soon vanished down the road. Christian would like to know their destination. Demons and deviants of all sorts had been passing by. "There is still someone inside." Christian was sure. His ability to see beyond the obvious, made him certain. "Someone who is waiting." He shook it off. Christian turned to look upon those which saved his life. "I agree." He told. "That is no longer a place for your tribe." Juno nodded. Helena looked sad. Only Uinen returned his gaze. "We must keep our faight." Christian encouraged. "In life or death, the Lord will be our good Shepard." Christian knew it was true. "Thanks." Helena said. A faint smile appeareing upon her lips. "We are not of your species." Uinen said. Though it was not to blame. "When the Lord come." Christian assured. "He will deliver all of creation." They exchanged glances. "We will continue our search." Juno said. Christian nodded. "If He will, you should find what you seek." He swiftly embrazed the trio. "You will find another spring." The gesture was the proper way to say fearwell among the naiads. Their conversation was ended abruptly. From a hole in the hilltop, there came other bats. The naiads gave him the whip back. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer. Juno, Helena and Uinen threw their boomerangs. The ape-skeletons came from the forest. The group was splintered. Christian threw three homing daggers. He had to get away from here. If these monsters served the army… Then he would be finished. The apes spread to catch up with the flying naiads. Christian hoped they would escape. He whipped the barrel away. The ape-skeleton threw a mean right hook. Christian dodged. The dagger made it collapse. He made an effort to backtrack his own path. He reached the ruins. Perhaps this was all which remained of a much older cemetery. Whatever the case, the gravestones sturred. Christian made the sign of the cross. HE almost had forgotten about them. The headstones lifted into the air. Christian held the whip in both hands. The tombstones swooped down. Christian used the Soul wind to might slow their progress. He then whipped them to rubble. Dead spirits might have possessed their own tombs. Christian dismissed the matter. He got to get out. Other headstones rattled. Christian didn't like that. He threw some daggers at them. He felt chills down his spine. Christian gathered. He slided down the hillside. Christian almost collided against the trunk. He shook his head. That had been to close. The bats had followed. Christian brandished the whip. He didn't stop to retrive the money. The warg attacked without a sound. Christian was able to jump over the wolf. He didn't wish to fight. He left the warg behind. He could hear it howl. Finally he was down from the hill. This place was located north of the castle. The harpy stabbed with its dagger. Christian threw himself on the snowy ground. The harpy passed over his location. Christian burned her with the Soul flame. The Greek monster screamed while burning. Christian swallowed. That was no fair sight. He gathered. Other ape-skeletons appeared. Christian jumped over the barrels. Some apes released bats his way. Christian made the sign of the cross. The gesture made the mammals keep some distance. Christian whipped the apes down. They where not among the most powerful beings ever spawned through Dracula's curse. Never mind. The bats where coming back. Christian threw homing daggers. He got time to whip some candles. He picked the crystals. Within one of them, he also found another liquid. This had not the colour of a potion. He put it into his backpack. Then Christian left the sceene. He whipped some other Une flowers. The farmers had been plowing up. He, and the naiads, had faught against them, before the army left the castle. One of the farmers still where among the living dead. Christian threw freezing daggers. The rotting brute had been pulling up Mandragora. The farmer managed to get up. Christian was on the offence. He struck the whip. At last the farmer fell into a heap. Wolves howled in the distance. Christian made the sign of the cross. He climbed up the ridge. Another harpy appeared from among the trees. She looked surprised to meet him. Christian pulled back. A sort of smile appeared upon her features. Her knife was aimed for his heart. Christian struck hard. The leather whip repeled her stab. The harpy snarled. Christian struck with the whip. The Soul bat ended her misery. He leaned against the tree. Christian picked himself together. He hoped that Juno, Helena and Uinen had managed to escape. Christian moved. He climbed back down into the forest. It had become quiet. He didn't trust this silence. Christian had the whip ready. He only stopped to whip candles. He had to be prepared. When reaching the cottage, things began heating up. The slaughterer spat one arching fireball. Christian made a glide underneath. A humpback came from behind. Christian was able to jump. He whipped the freak into ashes. The boar creature kept shooting. Other humpbacks came jumping abroad. Christian hurled homing daggers. "Curse you!" The boar pulled the knife from its side. The slaughterer then ripped out its own blade. Christian whipped another of the humpbacks. The warg ran out from the forest. Christian struck with the frost whip. The humpback kept jumping forward. Christian used the Soul saint to cause explosions. That removed the freaks of nature. The slaughterer staggered. He was wounded. Only the wolf had managed to get outside. It dashed. Christian barely managed to rise his whip in time. The wolf threw him to the ground. The warg howled when feeling the whip. It tried to tear his neck. Christian felt its hot stinking breth upon his face. Finally, the monster let go. Christian managed to get up just as the boar shot another fireball. He jumped straight up. The boar met him with sword in hand. Christian burned with his Soul flame. The roaring heat came through the palm of his left hand. The slaughterer dropped its blade. Christian stood tall. He whipped the boar until it dissolved. The warg used the opportunity to dash for him. Christian threw himself upon the ground. The wolf came for another path. The homing daggers ended the battle. Christian shook his head. The journey continued. He was careful while moving. Soon the road lay ahead. Christian hid behind a tree. There was no one upon the lane. Christian waited. He got a bad feeling about this. It was like someone invicible was moving abroad. The sensation soon faded. Christian got upon the road. He went toward the castle. The entrance had been closed. Christian wasn't surprised. The mouth had been dried up. However, the ditch was to deep for him to climb. He would have to find a better spot. Christian cracked the whip before he began moving. He would have to use it. Some bats flapped about. They still kept their distance. Christian looked up at the looming building. This was the castle Ondol. Where his friends inside? Christian would have to find the answer for himself. He made the sign of the cross. The mammals didn't like that. Christian moved around the haunt. He wondered what sealife might had occupied the trench before. At the leftmost tower, he discovered that rocks had been piled up. Why hadn't he seen them before? They must've been covered by the water. Christian reached for the whip. He hoped that Dracula's minions didn't have any catapult or balistas inside. He jumped ontop of the stones. Christian bit his lip. This wasn't easy. Perhaps he would slide into the abyss. Then he would be trapped. Christian got other problems. The bats attacked. The Soul wind slowed their assault. Not that it mattered. Further up, the rat men had appeared. They came from within the castle. Christian brandished the whip. The rats hurled rocks at him. That might explain the piles on which he went. Christian almost prefured that stone knights. They at least didn't gloat at him. He struck with his whip. At least the Vampire Killer could block the rock. Although, there was a drawback. One he hadn't noticed before. The stones got repeled. But they shatterd into rubble, which might cut him up. Christian crossed himself. The mammals gathered for a second attack. Christian jumped upon another pile of rock. The enemies atop the tower almost hit him. Christian threw homing daggers. The bats burned into ashes. Gold coins rained down. Christian had no use for them. There still where other bats abroad. Christian brandished the whip. The rats still where a greater problem. If only he could get against the wall. Then it might be more difficult to mark his position. If they didn`t let them drop straight down that was.
The stones came flying in. Christian made a glide. He almost missed the third platform. The enemies where to far away for his offensive. Christian kept jumping. The moat hadn't seen all that wide. Christian knocked the candles. Some of them where just flouting in the air. That was impossible. The conclution didn't make them disappear. Christian dismissed the matter. He had to stay put. The bats swooped from set positions. Christian used the Soul saint. The explosions covered up his location. "Glory be the Father, the Son and to the Holy Ghost!" Christian shouted. He reached another rock platform. The shore was ahead. The monsters kept hurling stones. Christian knelt to hold up his whip. That worked like a sort of makeshift shield. The mammals where almost in range. Christian had no choise. He used his remaining crystals to pull off another round of Soul saint explosions. The bats got shot to pieces. Christian would've given away all the money for some big gems. He whipped the candle. Within where a piece of the holy wafer. "Glory be our Father in Heaven." Christian made the sign of the cross. He knelt to pick it up. Christian lept over the moat. The bats kept away. He worshipped the Lord in his heart. He whipped the mammals. Christian made it over some other three platforms while the Garoyan kept their throwing. Christian dodged another rock. The projectile struck the Host from within his grasp. Christian watched it fall into the abyss. He cracked the whip. Christian wasn't going to give in. Then the rats suddenly stopped hurling. Christian got into a defensive posture. The harpies where flying in. Three came in succession. The double jump ability kept him alive. He was able to jump over all of them. The trio of Greek women screemed with disappointed malice. Christian landed upon another platform. The harpy with dark blonde hair dashed for him. Her knife was ready to pierce his heart. Christian was swifter. His own dagger made her fall into the pit. He knew that wasn't the end. Her sisters where in close pursuit. Christian ducked beneath the first in line. He then whipped the third harpy. She landed in front to stab with her knife. Christian made a glide. He held the leather whip in hand. The brunette woman shrieked. Her skin was on fire. Christian ended her misery with successive whip combos. There still where two more left of their group. Christian jumped to yet another platform. The dark harpy stabbed him. The steel plate protected from damage. Never the less, it almost struck him down. Christian threw another dagger. She got nailed through her belly. Christian finished her off before she might move. Then the third harpy took him into her arms. "Time to die." She whispered in his ear, while lifting away. This had to work. "In the name of Jesus from Nazareth!" The mentioning of God's name made her let go. Christian made a glide. He'd reached over the moat. He stood on solid ground. Though it was coated with snow. She came dashing forward. Christian jumped straight over her head. He whipped the woman while going down. The impact made her bleed. Christian couldn't help but feel pity with her. "May the Lord forgive you of your sins." He said when delivering the final blow. He didn't watch her burn. The rats still where within their holes. Christian looked around. He felt somewhat claustrophobic between the tall frowning walls. There was no backdoor here. Christian hung up his whip. There where only the wall. Pink Floyd wouldn't help him with this one. That was just rubbish. Christian knew he had a problem. He crossed himself. The bats attacked. They had followed him all the way. Christian got the leather whip. He got upon the offensive. Then something unexpected happened. The mammals made manifest. Christian felt like his blood chilled. The men were clad in ruff peasant's clothing'. Black capes got toutched in the wind. The vampires stood to either side. Their eyes shone red in the moonlight. "You have disturbed our resting-place." One of them said in a rasped voice. "Your blood is forfit." Christian was afraid. Though he didn't let it show. He knew this was the price he would have to pay. Such was the law of the nocturnal. No matter that he'd fought to save himself. Plus, the souls of who knew how many future victims. They would've hunted him anyway. Suddenly, with in human speed, the leftmost nosferatu dived with dual claw-swipes. Christian sidestepped. The other Upiri, as they were called in Russia, sent him conjured rats. That was a surprising turn of events. They could inflict a plagued state. Christian brandished the whip. The enemy reatched for him. Christian ducked. The duo attacked with repeated swipes. Christian struck with the whip. The undead jumped high into the air. "Oh my God!" Christian exclaimed. The vampire came climbing down, head first, upon the wall. The other enemy laughed by his surprise. Christian threw his dagger. The laugh was cut short. Although he didn't impale the heart. Rats attacked. The other undead had reached the ground. Christian cracked the Vampire Killer. He brandished the weapon. The mammals only asset where their numbers. Christian got hit hard. The knock came with supernatural force. Christian fell backward. The two bent down with their fangs exposed. Their red lips and bat-like features where disgustive. Their eyes where shining. Christian struggled not to get hypnotized. He still got some crystals left. The Soul flame burned their faces. The vampires roared in anger. They staggered away, still bathed in flames. Christian got up. The vampires burned like oiled paper. Then they became bats. Christian retrived the whip. The undead pair soon arrived. The claw-swipe ached like acid. Christian winched. The undead laughed. The second vampire licked his lips. Christian struck with repeated combos. The rats came crawling. They didn't look friendly. Christian threw daggers at them. He reached into his backpack. Christian found something in the sewers. Something which he'd handled with great care. The first vampire conjured bats. The second had become mist. He then came crawling down the building. Christian whipped the bats away. The undead traded him with repeated punches. Christian jumped over him. He met the other enemy. Christian buried the oak stake into his heart. The undead staggered. A fountain of blood splashed up from the pierced organ. Christian barely avoided getting stained. He knew their liquid might have some real nasty effects. Christian had no time to watch the final pyre. The other vampire conjured mammals while delivering claw-swipes. The eyes where afire. Christian brandished the whip. He got to get rid of the enemies. He retreated while whipping rats or bats. They attacked from set positions. The undead made a sudden summersault. HE landed before the vampire hunter. Christian threw the dagger forward. The enemy snarled. Christian knew he'd missed the heart. Christian dodged the punches. The claw-swipes ached. A swarm of bats came flying. Christian managed to make them explode. The enemy bent with his fangs extended. This time it was Christian jumping. He landed behind the back. He whipped the vampire's head. That was another weak spot. The vampire spun round. Christian delt him another knife. This time, he nailed the heart. The undead fiend howled. Christian shielded his ears. The cry was terrible. The vampire burst into yellow flame. Christian watched him burn. He hoped the man might receive forgiveness. Christian gathered. He'd gotten over the moat. But he still was outside the castle. Christian began to move. There had to be some way inside. He cracked the whip. The enemies could still be around. He looked skyward. The Garoyan where still not vicible. Christian made the sign of the cross. The snowy slope wasn't that large. They never where ment for transport. Christian was careful when putting his feets down. He moved around the castle. Some distance ahead he noticed the castle entrance. As Christian watched, the drawbridge was lowered. He hid behind a corner. Christian praied it was not the black riders. The doors got opened. Christian could hear how the fence was risen. A figure appeared from the forest. Christian made the sign of the cross. That was a witch. There was something about her. Christian just couldn't put the finger on it. It was like he'd seen her somewhere before. The evil spellcaster crossed the dryed moat. She went into the castle. Christian noticed that, even though the doors got closed, the drawbridge was still down. He went to have a closer look. He hoped there would be no nasty surprises. There where none. Although the harpies had noticed. They also came flying from the forest. Christian cracked the whip. Two of the Greek women landed right in front. Christian was forced away from the wall. He went out upon the drawbridge. The Garoyan noticed the events. Three rats appeared atop the leftmost tower to hurl rocks at him. Christian sidestepped the assault. The harpy stabbed with her knife. Christian made a glide. "Help me!" HE exclaimed. Christian had went to far. The slide brought him off of the drawbridge. Although he was right beside it, there would be no way up. The harpies laughed of him. Christian crept underneath the bridge. He hoped they wouldn't draw it back again. The ditch wasn't as deep like he expected. There was a slope which he might use to climb back up. Christian was about to do so, when he noticed about the tunnel. It went right into the ground upon which the castle stood. Christian made the sign of the cross. The hidden entrance had been just above the water when the moat wasn't dried. Christian had the whip ready. The passage was big enough for an adult. Christian heard the harpies where moving. Without further hesitation, he went into the tunnel. Perhaps this way had been used by his friends. Christian whipped a few bats. It was rather dreary in here. Vegitation and plantlife hung from the walls and ceiling. The ground was rather sunk too. Christian sometime had to struggle to might get further in. This passage had to leave away from the entrance. Christian hoped he wouldn't get lost. Some ponds or pools of water still stained this area. Christian got his lamp. That was the greatest source of light. Although there where some candles. Even some plants might be luminous. Christian had no mind about the matter. Was it his imagination, or was it really getting colder? He kept on walking. The bats where abroad.

Wizardry lab, castle Ondol. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Zoe felt like she was being framed. The lab was a place of peril. There was no way out. All the exits where frozen. She should not have come to this place. Such sentiments were to late now. She touched the symbol once more. She used her elemental power to cause a thunderstorm within the hallway. That should slow down the enemies. She shot some other snowballs before rushing forward. She could easily regain her magic force. But that was of less concern. Zoe had realized she had to get back to the lost village. She never should've thought to encounter the haunt alone. She slammed the door shut. It had seemed like a good idea. At least back then. She instead should've searched for her friends. Only together they might prevail against the Dark Lord. She again reached for her symbol. Zoe wasn't all that defenceless. But she lacked the skills of a true vampire hunter. Zoe had been on the run all since her brother drowned. He chased her as the man with the hook. Koji and his brother changed all that. Owen had remained with her all the time. She got good friends. All she had to do, was to find them. The moth men had arrived. Zoe got her staff ready.

Magic shop, lost village. The 6th. Of January 2099 A.D.
Koji stood at the window. For a moment, he actually wished he could be like his old red self again. At least, then he could've just eaten the hore. He shrugged. Wishful thinking. It wouldn't get him anywhere. Judith had come in, like she owned the place, making inquests. He shook his head doubtfully. Koji disliked the enchantress. Though he couldn't help but feel attracted. He would rather dream of the pixies. They at least had been friendly enough. Although Flame and Topaz nearly had killed Noriko. To them, it had been proper. "You're so quiet." Maria stated. "Is anything the matter?" He made a sigh. "Just remembering good old days." Koji said. Though they hadn't been all that nice. Maria took his hand. "You don't have to be ashamed." She said. "That woman disturbed me as well." Koji turned back to look upon her. "You didn't become enchanted." He remarked. Maria blushed. "Judith didn't mind about me." She dismissed the matter. "I hope she doesn't come back." Koji agreed. "She traded with such weird items." Koji gazed toward the table. Maria didn't answer. Her eyes had adapted a distant look. Koji let go of her grip. He went back to his chair. Koji sat down. Perhaps he should return to that isle one day. But that would have to be when the hunt was over.

(A.N: Good eavening everyone. I quite agree that the different RPG-systems might be a little overkill. Though I never have played the games nor indeed seen the sprites due to my lack of eyesight. But I do use different weapons, abilities, mystics or magic picked from CV titles because of their interesting finish. I hope that they won't be mistaken. I try not to make the hunters stronger then they are. Though they may grow powerful through "gaining levels" or by filling up different categories or types of arm, mystics and weapons alike. The bosses are those bestowed with Dracula's power, if they come from his haunt. Or have gained strength through their schooling, abilities, personalities or emotions. I'll have to use plenty of healing/alteration statistics due to my naturalistic approach to my story. What would kill a Belmont would kill any other human. Their presence is also due to my lack of extra lives or 1up items. My characters must survive on their own. A person who dies is dead. A person who live, is alive. Another point which I try to mark out, is the different groups or orders of enemies. The order of shadow/dark wanderers are those still loyal to the memory of Dracula as the Dark Lord. The red knights and others are recruited from their species members which came from the castle. Although they eventually follow those who might sit on his throne. A word about the timeline. I do not difer from the elder placements. Like having CVa in 1577, CV in 1688 and so forth. This is to include both a personal timeline (Which contain CVLegends as the true first meeting between Vlad Tepes Dracula and the Belmont clan.) but also to might repair the gaps, which I see it, between each and every title to construct one whole and solid story. This is only my personal speculations and plain sence though. Have a nice time.

Some points about Ingrid might be in place here. She is based off of the noaide (shaman/druid) or volve (healer/witch and seer) of the ancient Scandinavian society. She is created in honour of those who died on the 22nd. Of July this very year. The word "Ravn" is Norwegian for a raven. The "Rune" are more then an ancient alphabet. They are marks of secret power. More like the glyphs then anything else which have appeared in this series. When picturing the sark, do not think of the medial+ area sleaping or nightgown. It's more or less the forrunner of the tunic, for men, and the dress, for women. Again, have a nice time indeed, as the story continue.)