Castlevania: It doesn't have to end this way (Castlevania: © Konami)
Gradually rising from the ground where I'd landed, withdrawing wings folding back into the fabric of my cloak. My distorted body again began to resemble a solid structure as I made my way forward on human feet towards the two standing figures in the distance. Approaching with caution, I studied them suspiciously- wondering why they were still present here; questioning their intentions as they stood observing from the far hill side. Even at this range, I could smell their scent, their anxious sweat. It was those hunters, my unanticipated allies… awaiting the news of my success?
Their sights were fixated upon the crumbling waste site that was my father's castle, shielding their eyes from the wind's rising fury; the same wind that blew back my lengthy hair from my face, and carried clouds of devastated rubble up into the clear evening sky.
"So, you made it." I exhaled warily, my statement attaining their immediate attention as I came to a halt behind them. The young woman turned suddenly, her startled expression changing to relief as she acknowledged my presence with a smile.
"Alucard! I'm so glad you're alright!"
"I- I'm sorry." Her male associate interrupted tensely, stepping forward and lowering his head with remorse. "It's my fault that you had to fight your own father."
Raising an eyebrow, I carefully searched his features, somewhat bemused by his repentant words. I could sense the sincerity in his tone, and the regret from his apologetic gesture. I know you are, Richter, but you needn't be. It wasn't your doing. They manipulated and enforced evil upon your soul, against your will, and they would have succeeded if it wasn't for Maria's mistrust. I would have taken your life without hesitation, if it… hadn't been for her. Removing my sight from him in remembrance and turning towards the shattered castle's remains, I dismissed his needless concern.
"Fear not. I had my own reasons for destroying him."
The Belmont lifted his head slightly, looking up with uncertainty and returning to his previous stance. "It must have been painful for you."
"Indeed." I stated bluntly, glancing back with narrowed eyes. "But you must always remember that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing."
"I understand." Richter motioned in agreement, his gloved fingers hovering over the coiled whip affixed to his hip and firmly taking hold. I nodded with approval to his action. It was men such as Richter of whom my mother spoke so highly of. Humans who'd do their utmost to protect their own kind from threat and vanquish those plagued by sin. These lands will truly be kept safe in his capable hands… and those of his forthcoming successors. My work here was finished.
"Alucard, what will you do now?" Maria apprehensively questioned, biting her lower lip as she waited for my reply. I didn't look at her when I did answer, instead staring down to my clenched fingers as they formed into fists, hanging rigidly by my sides. I closed my eyes and sighed.
"The blood that flows through my veins is cursed. It would be best for this world if I were to disappear. Forever."
"I-I see..." She stuttered slightly, hugging her arms closely to her chest and averting her gaze to the floor. The Belmont put a comforting hand on Maria's shoulder as we stood together in silence, abiding to the intensity of the strengthening squall surging through the trees. The awkward silence between us continued, but that was to be expected. Our purpose here had been realized. The impending evil had been thwarted and my time on this mortal plane had come to an end. There was nothing else left to say.
"Farewell then." I stated out of courtesy, turning my back to leave. "We'll not meet again."
They exchanged whispered words between themselves as I walked away, but I didn't pay them heed. Favouring the solitude as I left them both, determined on my goal. Segregation from their kind was what I was used to. There was no point in expressing sentiments. These insignificant feelings beginning to surface could easily be suppressed.
Treading the uneven trail down the rocky hillside, I kept my mind focused; preparing myself for the inevitable I was about to endure. A sombre slumber of eternal emptiness, a damnation of destined dark. My curse would stay my own. I wouldn't share the burden.
Reaching the base of the embankment and looking out across the tranquil landscape, I filled my lungs with the lakeside air, appreciating its natural purity. It would be my last night to savour this world's splendour, to take in the changing colours of the sky. For when the sun rises to mark the passing of night, I will again be…sound asleep. Tearing my sight away from the scene, I urged my ears to listen- concentrating on what sounded like the calling of…my name?
"Alucard!" Came the pleading appeal from behind me, causing me to pause mid stride.
Looking back over my shoulder, I could see Maria frantically running; desperate to catch me up as I turned to watch in confusion. Jumping down the hilly slope, the soles of her shoes slid unsteadily across the coarse terrain, making her lose her balance as she stumbled the rest of the way down. Dusting the grass from her grazed knees after unwillingly descending on the soil, I observed with unease as she staggered to her feet, sprinting the remaining breadth to greet me. Reaching out for my arm, she took hold of it, hunching over to try and catch her breath. Looking up to me through her dishevelled tresses, having fallen over her widening eyes. She wheezed her words out heavily, insisting on my attention.
"Alucard, you can't go. Not now. Not after everything that's happened!"
"Maria…" I exhaled softly, gently detaching her tightening fingers from the fabric of my sleeve and unconsciously retaining hold. "I've done what was asked of me. I've suspended my father's reign. Your generation has endured the last of his torment."
I could sense her grip getting firmer, feel her fingers weaving their way through mine. Realizing what was happening, I released her hand, turning from her; continuing to walk away.
"It's not about him. It's about you!" She protested, her eyes flickering with sadness as my fingers left her grasp, attempting in vain to take hold again. "Why should you have to suffer for the wrongs that he's done? It's not fair!"
I froze, frowning, reluctantly closing my eyes. My breathing had hitched, a strange sensation involuntarily stabbed at my chest as Maria's head lightly pressed against my back. Her slender arms slowly encircled around my waist, squeezing me tightly from behind. This gesture, this tender act of humanity. Was she showing me… compassion?
"Maria-" I stated sternly, harshening my words. I removed her hands, pushing her thoughtlessly aside. "This is the way it must be. Go now. Do not waste your efforts on an unworthy cause!"
"That's it. You're just going to throw your life away?" Maria demanded, angered by my dismissal, walking after me as I attempted to leave.
"I do not expect you to understand." I scowled, turning back to her; rejecting the escalating tension erupting inside when I looked into her eyes. "Please, respect my wishes and leave me be. I do not deserve your concern."
She opened her mouth to argue, but I was already in the air. The material of my cape had separated, granting me additional height as I leapt up high into the trees. Replicating the form of the bat when I was successfully out of view, I launched myself through the tangled branches, soaring off into the sky. In my transformed state she couldn't follow; shouting my name out from below, perusing my shadow on the ground.
I'm sorry, Maria. Trust me.
This is for the best…