Prologue:The calling
Disclaimer: Castlvania AOS Characters do not belong to me. But my characters Damien Chambers, Taro, Katsuro and Joey, including Bleu (an elf magican familier) are mine. Oh, and the songs 'Out Of My Head' & 'Drift and Die' belongs to the group, Puddle of MuDD. You'll find both songs in this chapter.
AN: Basically, I'm finding some corrections of my corrections before I start with next chapter. Its been starting to bug me sinced I seen it. Everything's still the same. ^_^
~* ~: (Scenes changing) ( ): Author's Notes ' ' : Character's Thoughts * * *: Change to morning or night
PROLOGUE REVISED! (alittle)
~*~
The moon shone brightly as its beautiful reflection glistened the waters of a big lake in the forest and the stars twinkled from the pitch black sky like diamonds. A mysterious figure emerges and looks at it's surroundings. The wind swirled silently as the figure unhooded it's head.
It was a female, though pale as ivory. Ruby eyes matched her features as she was dressed in a long black dress, which was covered halfly by a cape with the hood hunged from the back of her neck. A red eye brooch was buttoned on her cape as she continued to glance at the rivers, this time with a smirk on her face. 'For centuries, I have been imprisioned in the flames of hell waiting...for my lord to arise. Defeated by that Vampire hunter's apprentice who came to rescue him and brought his son back to normal; Count Dracula has been revived and sealed back into his long slumber by his enemies. But not this time...
Now that I have return and with this book, I shall revive my dark lord in order to continue his power of Chaos. But first, I must enter the realm to the castle and have everything prepared before midnight when the moon is full on Friday the 13th.'
With that, the mysterious woman vanished into thin air to begin her darkly deed at the castle.
~*~
Genya felt something aroused him as he stared out from the window at the moon. Twice, he felt that dark presence lurking about, then disappears. The first was in a dream he had recently which showed Soma, his father and Death. It was like a vision calling out to him, warning him of Dracula's return in his original form and out of Soma..
The dark man deleted that single thought from his head. For all he was a dhampire in the past, he was also human (in disguise) and how much he loathe fighting his father.
Though Dracula was pure evil, he was once the man who gone amiss after his human wife and Alucard's mother was burned alived by the villagers. The young dhampire would have follow his father's footsteps if it hadn't been for his mother's words to him.
~Flashback~
"Adrian..Do not loathe all humans as your father have, for there are others that are good in this world..Always have pureness in your heart."
~End of Flashback~
As he recalled that memory, Alucard turn his gaze upon a group shot of him and the others by the shrine, two days after that night at the castle. He gave a long stare at the white haired boy standing beside him with a smile on his lips and an arm around the caretaker's daughter's shoulder. He picked it up and traced a finger on the boy's jawline as he gazed into the ice blue depths. After a long silence, Arikado put the picture back on the table and then look back at the moon. If what he dreamt was true, then it meant that he would have to face the one he sworn to protect and never have out of his sight, even though the boy held the soul of the Count within him. The dhampire hope it doesn't happen and allow Soma to live peaceful life while getting use to his dark powers. But why was Death apart of his dreams? Could it be that he might return and plan to seek revenge on Soma? Possibly, that was the answer.
"It seems that I'll pay a visit to the Shrine as soon as I complete my investigation the next morning.." He said to himself before he was silent again. 'Who else could be planning to revive father and how are they going to pull this off?'
~*~
"Ah!" Cried a teenage boy who woke from his sleep, panting heavily as sweat came down his face. What a nightmare. He could have died at the instant he saw all those disturbing images: Skulls coated with blood, screams of pain and fear echoed from a torture room, half fleshed bodies hunged over him and lastly, a crescent blade weapon in his hands. Standing infront of him, was a beautiful, but evil looking man with long white hair and in an old century tunic, smirking through bloody eyes. He was enjoying this scene as a young girl beside him was pleading silently at the boy to be free..
He turns his head toward the alarm clock on a wooden desk: it was 2:30 a.m. in the morning. He took a deep breath and sighed. "The same dream...again."
The teen got up from his bed in his black boxers and into the bathroom, where he turns on the light and faucet, allowing the cleansing water to caress his face. As he gazed into the mirror, he notices his face was growing pale. His brown hair was loose and hunged on his back like a mammal's mane, thin and lifeless. Growling, he pushed some of it off his shoulders and shuts the light before exiting the bathroom. Before getting under the sheets, he took one last glance at the moon before covering himself and falling into an uncomfortable sleep.
'Damn nightmare.'
* * *
The next Morning...
The american was walking alone to school as soon as he finished his breakfast, got his shoes on and left. He had his dark blue uniform and black casual shoes on while a black bag pack hunged from his left shoulder. His back length hair was tied into a ponytail and a gothic silver cross he was given on his 15th birthday back at home, hunged from his neck. Expressing the essence of 13th century Gothic catedrals and fashioned in the shape of a mythical vampire, it brought strong protection against evil, or so had he heard. (AN:There's a Gothic Cross like this, seriously).
What happened last night and recently, had caused him to wonder what could it meant; who was that guy he imagined in his dreams? The first dream was different from the second he had twice which he envisioned a battle between a robed skeleton and a white haired youth same age as him. He wasn't sure who was winning but watched as the reaper threw his scythe at the boy who dodged it and--
"Damien!" Called a voice from a distance as Damien turn around to see who it was. A red haired youth with the same uniform like his came running toward him and catched his breath as he looked up at the american. "Damn, Damien! What the hell's your problem, man?! I called your house earlier, telling you I was coming over to pick you up, but when I got there, that boy's mom said you already left. You could've waited!"
"Alright! I'm sorry Taro! I'm not in the mood to argue." Snapped Damien as they walked beside eachother. Taro glanced at his best friend who hadn't said another word and broke the silence, "Sorry, D. Didn't mean to yell at ya. But if you were leaving early, you could have called back and tell me to meet you somewheres."
"I know, I just had to leave the house so I could think."
"Is everything alright with your exchange family? Are they-?"
"No, they're very nice to me. Infact, reminds me alot like my family back in America. Its just that...I've been having these bad dreams everynight and I can't sleep at all when I have aftershocks." He said. Taro looked amused. "Having dreams about the boogie man or the gym teacher? Cause I've been having nightmares of the gym teacher forcing us to do these obstacles all day without even a shower or water. About half of our class dropped dead at the instant they came to the starting line again and I think you were one of them--"
"No, stupid! It wasn't that or the boogieman. Isn't that baby stuff?"
"Okay, was it some hot chick who got the hots for you and will do anything to make you hers? Like killing other chicks?"
"No, but I did dreamed of something like that, a month ago--Shit! Can I finish without you interrupting?!"
"Alright, man! Sheesh! Just figuring out what's wrong."
"I been having dreams of hell." Said Damien. That stopped Taro from going further as he looked straight at Damien. "Holy crap, you serious?"
"Yeah, but not that Hell. One in a weird castle."
"..........?"
The american told his japanese friend about the dreams he had, the intense battle and the man in the black tunic laughing as Damien was force to kill a girl for no reason. Taro was shocked at what his best friend said as he replied," Man, you got some issues."
"Its true, Taro. I'm not lying."
"I know, but man, that's freaky. Maybe its just coincidence or maybe just your imagination??"
"I don't know, but its something that has to do with what I've encountered before."
"Like what?"
"Like a past I never had when I was a child. I might have been something else before I was human..." He went silent again until the red head patted his shoulder and Damien looked at him. "Come on, Damien! Don't tell me you growing superstitious or something, whatever it was, prolly just a dream. It'll go away. Don't forget, afterschool, we have to get the band together and get ready for tonight's concert. Joey and Katsuro said they're gonna meet us at 4:30 p.m. so we have enough time to practice. The Night Angels are gonna rock!"
"You're happy."
"Yeah, cuz its on the 13th of Friday and at night..! Now, stop thinking about anything bad and remember the concert."
"All right. Thanks, man."
"Whatever." Both smiled as they crossed the streets and made a turn toward the lane to school.
* * *
That afternoon, Arikado and Yoko just completed their mission as they left headqaurters. Neither have said a word until Alucard made a slight hiss which Yoko heard as she asked, "Is everything alright?" 'Usaully, it would be to me for annoyance. But if its my driving he's hissing at, then he should get his own car!'
Alucard was quiet for a moment until he asked, "Yoko, could you drop me off at the Hakuba Shrine?"
"Sure, but what for?"
"My senses indicated an evil presence was lurking about in the forest the other night and I felt it at the shrine just now. Does that answer your question?"
"Looks like I wasn't the only one. I felt it too. Well let's get going! Say, Arikado?"
"Hm?"
"Don't you ever get the feeling its like another day at the castle?"
"Believe me, you don't know how in all hell I get that feeling everyday."
"I see your point."
Yoko made a turn to her right as she drove both her and Arikado toward the Hakuba shrine, hoping it was only a false alarm.
* * *
5:55 p.m...
Soma Cruz walked through the quiet block as he head toward Mina's house to pick her up for the concert tonight. He checked his wallet to see if he had the tickets before he left. The exchange student still wore his trademark white leather coat with the fur on the collar and he was still in the black turtleneck; but had on gray flares without the studs. His double toned boots hit the pavement like marble as he made it to the front door of the Hakuba residences. The spaniard knocked on the door twice and it was answered by Mrs. Hakuba who smiled warmly at Soma. "Hello, Soma. Mina will be downstairs shortly, come inside."
Soma came in and sat in the living room as Mrs. Hakuba closed the door, then went into the kicthen to get something when she asked, "Would you like anything to drink before you two leave?"
"No thank you, Mrs. Hakuba. I'll be fine."
"Okay."
Mina just finished putting on her necklace as she checked herself twice and made sure the earrings weren't loose. Like Soma, she had on blue flares while wearing a pink turtleneck with a red flower in the center and on her feet, were Bohemian Oxfords. (AN: suede shoes with rubber heels, thank goodness, I kept that catalogue)
As Mina came downstairs, she finds her childhood friend sitting on the couch waiting and she steps into the livingroom. "Soma!" Soma turned around as he heard his name and smiled at Mina who went toward him. "Hey, Mina."
"I'm glad that you arrived, Soma. I hope I didn't take long.."
"Not at all, I'm like that too. Anyway, are you ready, Mina? I got the tickets with me."
"Yeah, mother? We're leaving now!"
"Okay, dear. You two have a good time!" Called her mom from the kicthen. Soma and Mina said their goodbyes to Mrs. Hakuba as they left Mina's house and went toward the place where the concert was going to begin.
~*~
At the Entrance of the Hakuba Shrine...
Yoko and Arikado went up the long stairway toward the top as both made it to the shrine's gate. Before entering, the blonde glanced at the dark man and asked, "Are you sure you don't want to contact Soma or Julius to come along for the ride?"
"No, Soma and Mina have gone to a concert, so its best to let him be where he is. As for the Belmont, he is not needed. A fully revived Dracula is his only concern." Said Arikado lastly. "I see."
"But are you sure you want to come along?" Asked Arikado.
"You bet I am. I ain't letting you have all the fun, now would I?" She asked.
"This isn't fun and games, Yoko. This is involving a crisis that must be taken care of or all hell break lose, even by midnight." He said coldly. The blonde stand back alittle, pretending to be startled by his words. "Alright, come down, Aluca--I mean, Arikado! Be careful, though. That hot temper of yours will cause you to lose some that raven hair on your head." She said while laughing. Arikado growled at the cruel joke Yoko made as he exclaimed, "Enough! We must go now before we waste any more time."
"Right."
~*~
At the Concert, 6:20 p.m..
In the backstage, the group were getting ready for the show as all four of them were dressed-up: Taro wore a dark red vest, with a black shirt and jeans, along with an earring on his left ear. On his feet, he wore bikerbooks as the dark haired bass player named Katsuro, was in a grey sleeveless shirt with black khakis and white sneakers. Joey was the drummer of the band and he had on a black shirt with a skull on the back and grey jeans as he too, wore sneakers. Lastly, Damien wore a short, blue shirt jacket with two breast pockets while exposing his white t-shirt. Double buckled black pants with the bottom part all bunched up by combat boots and fingerless gloves. On his neck, he wore the gothic cross as he tunes up his electric blue guitar with the white pick.
As they nearly finished up, Taro asked, "So which song are we gonna sing, Damien?" He asked. Damien finished what he was doing and replied, "We'll start with 'Out of my Head' and then afterwards, sing 'Drift and Die'. Those will be our first two songs then we'll get to the rest."
"Alright. We're with ya, buddy."
Just then, the manager came in their room and said, "Hey you guys, its time! Everyone's waiting!"
"Yeah, we're coming!"
The whole group came together, praying, while hands were on top of the other, then Katsuro, Taro, and Damien got their gutiars as Joey got his drumsticks. The group came out and went to their places as they waited.
Soma and Mina were in the center as they were surrounded by millions of people shouting, 'We want the show!' Over and over again until the curtains where drawn up and everyone were cheering when they saw the group. There was a silence on the stage then the sound of guitars began to play, followed by the bass and lastly, the drummer. Soon it came to Damien's voice as he sang;
"What is wrong with all my friends
I know that I am unlike them
just another situation
don't hold me back
I don't look good to them
They always act so dirty
they keep themselves so clean
why can't they find the answers
to the questions that are right in front of me I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, never letting go Let it GO!"
The crowd starts to go crazy and some were bobbing their heads as Damien kept his rythme while following the beat of Joey's drums.
"No ones ever listening
the lines are crossed somewhere between
my head is spinning like a top
I don't know when this shit is going to stop!
They always act so dirty
they keep themselves so clean
why can't they find the answers
to the questions that are right in front of me
I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, and I'm never letting go
You fill my cup, I'm good to go
so shake me up, I'm ready to ROLL!
go...go...go..."
Taro was surprised at Damien, he was so fired up by the way he played the guitar. Claps and loud voices rosed high as the song contniued its last part,
"What is wrong with all my friends
I know that I am unlike them
They hold me back
They'll never will I'm telling you, these people are not my FRIENDS!
I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, and I'm never letting go
You fill my cup, I'm good to go
so shake me up, I'm ready to ROLL!
I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, and I'm never letting go
go...go...go...go...go...go...go...go...go
go...go...go...go...go..go...go...go...go
go...go...go...go...go...go...go...go...GO!
There were loud screams and cheers as a few people were jumping around like rabbits. It was incredible, seeing so many surrounding the stage. Damien smiled at Taro who smiled back as they resumed their playing,
"You've forgotten thoughts of yesterday
through my eyes I see the past
Well I don't know I don't know I don't know why
I Believe I Believe I Believe in the truth, from inside
go away go away go away from me
leave me alone
Ignorance spreads lies
how much will money bye
Well I'll take my time...
As I drift and die,
As I drift and die,
As I drift and die..."
~*~
"Whoo! Yeah! We rock!" Cried Taro as he placed an arm around Damien's neck while holding a bottle and laughing hysterically. Katsuro and Joey were enjoying themselves with a couple of beers they got from the backstage and threw one at the american who catches it and drank. It was already 9:45 and they all went toward the vacant lot to celebrate.
"Man! We got them all right there at the instant we start playing and then..bang! Everyone went crazy...When do we do that again?"
"Probably, next month! Our manager said we might be performing in...America!" Exclaimed Katsuro. "America? Hell yeah, right at Damien's hometown! Isn't that cool?!"
Then Damien got up, fastens his blue guitar onto his back and began to walk away. Taro got up and asked, "Hey, where ya going? Aren't you gonna celebrate with us??"
"I'm taking a walk around the city."
"Well we won't stop ya, just be careful, man. Wouldn't want anything to happen to you." Said Taro. Damien smiled, "Thanks, guys. Take care as well. Later."
The american left the vacant lot and went toward his right as he crosses the street.
~*~
Damien had been walking for quite sometime, as he put his hands in his pockets and took the next block. His ponytail blew from the wind as his boots hit the pavement. Soon, he found himself at the entrance of a shrine, leading to the top where the gates were lead by stairs. Damien felt an odd feeling coming to him as he steps closer to the entrance. 'That's weird, why I do feel so eagered to get into this place??' He thought. Without hesitation, the american walked toward the stairways and climbs up to the top. While he was walking up the stairs, he notice the path was getting more longer and higher than before as he stop to turn his head. To his surprise, the cars and the block were getting smaller as he realized he was moving farther away. It made him dizzy but Damien shook his head and continued. It was probably the alcohol he had, but then again, he doesn't get drunk that fast as his friends and more likely, they'll find themselves sleeping at the park or somewheres. Clutching on the cross he wore, Damien made it to the gates which surprisingly opened for him as he entered. 'I don't like this..'
He was amazed at his surroundings: Light tablets with inscriptions were placed on small fences while yellow papers with black japanese writing hunged by strings on the shrine's sacred tree. The shrine itself was small, but a sanctuary for those who pray for hopes. Then he remembers Taro telling him about this shrine when they were walking home from school, a week ago:
~Flashback~
"Many people would pray to eclipses, because they are said to confine anger and evil intentions; and the Hakuba Shrine was meant to have ceremonies for this purpose."
"You been here before?"
"No, but my parents told me about this shrine. They used to come here to pray to the eclipse once a year it comes out."
"What happen? Why did your parents stop coming here?"
"Cuz a few, including my parents heard about the ritual made in Europe, in 1999 and it was connected to the eclipse."
"Are you serious?"
"Yep, ain't no lie. Detectives managed to get this occult that started it, including a man who was knocked out. He was taken to the hospital along with the victims they managed to find alive and nothing suspicious about him, except that he lost his memory. As for the occult, they were taken straight to court for sentence, though they manage to find half of them."
"......?"
"The other rest somewhat scramed and went somewhere else. That somewhat explains about the kidnappings and the bodies they found in different areas. Bodies of both male and female, including many that were hard to identify. "
"That's terrible. Almost like a KKK in Europe."
"Nope. More like a group that uses humans for a ritual than animals to get contact with their gods. But that's old news. I consider this shrine as one of my favorite spots. There's no need to worry, Damien. No bad things like that would ever happen again, even in Japan."
"I see."
~End Of Flashback~
Recalling what Taro said, Damien continued to look around when he came across a pedestal with a stone sphere. It was strange, yet dark grayish as an eclipse and had inscriptions on the stone block. He couldn't read the words as he looked up again at the sphere. He placed a hand on it and was suprised to find it..warm. Damien closed his eyes and smiled as he felt the warmness enveloped him...
Suddenly, there was a strong wind and the american opened his eyes as surges of electricity appeared from the sphere. It touches his palm as the the shrine began to flicker and the crescent moon started to twirl voilently. ".........!"
Not far from the shrine, Soma was about to walk back to his dorm after he dropped off Mina to her house when he saw lightening appeared from an area which he recognized. "It's coming from the shrine! Someone's trying to enter the realm!" Seeing noone was around, Soma transforms into a white bat and flew as fast as his wings could go.
Back at the shrine, Damien tried to remove his hand from the sphere but couldn't, as the lightening touched his body and the boy cried out. "Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!"
Within moments, the lightening vanished and the wind blew softly as normal. The moon stopped. Everything was back as it was except for one thing: Damien. He was nowhere to seen.
End of prologue: The Calling.
AN: Fixed all errors.
Disclaimer: Castlvania AOS Characters do not belong to me. But my characters Damien Chambers, Taro, Katsuro and Joey, including Bleu (an elf magican familier) are mine. Oh, and the songs 'Out Of My Head' & 'Drift and Die' belongs to the group, Puddle of MuDD. You'll find both songs in this chapter.
AN: Basically, I'm finding some corrections of my corrections before I start with next chapter. Its been starting to bug me sinced I seen it. Everything's still the same. ^_^
~* ~: (Scenes changing) ( ): Author's Notes ' ' : Character's Thoughts * * *: Change to morning or night
PROLOGUE REVISED! (alittle)
~*~
The moon shone brightly as its beautiful reflection glistened the waters of a big lake in the forest and the stars twinkled from the pitch black sky like diamonds. A mysterious figure emerges and looks at it's surroundings. The wind swirled silently as the figure unhooded it's head.
It was a female, though pale as ivory. Ruby eyes matched her features as she was dressed in a long black dress, which was covered halfly by a cape with the hood hunged from the back of her neck. A red eye brooch was buttoned on her cape as she continued to glance at the rivers, this time with a smirk on her face. 'For centuries, I have been imprisioned in the flames of hell waiting...for my lord to arise. Defeated by that Vampire hunter's apprentice who came to rescue him and brought his son back to normal; Count Dracula has been revived and sealed back into his long slumber by his enemies. But not this time...
Now that I have return and with this book, I shall revive my dark lord in order to continue his power of Chaos. But first, I must enter the realm to the castle and have everything prepared before midnight when the moon is full on Friday the 13th.'
With that, the mysterious woman vanished into thin air to begin her darkly deed at the castle.
~*~
Genya felt something aroused him as he stared out from the window at the moon. Twice, he felt that dark presence lurking about, then disappears. The first was in a dream he had recently which showed Soma, his father and Death. It was like a vision calling out to him, warning him of Dracula's return in his original form and out of Soma..
The dark man deleted that single thought from his head. For all he was a dhampire in the past, he was also human (in disguise) and how much he loathe fighting his father.
Though Dracula was pure evil, he was once the man who gone amiss after his human wife and Alucard's mother was burned alived by the villagers. The young dhampire would have follow his father's footsteps if it hadn't been for his mother's words to him.
~Flashback~
"Adrian..Do not loathe all humans as your father have, for there are others that are good in this world..Always have pureness in your heart."
~End of Flashback~
As he recalled that memory, Alucard turn his gaze upon a group shot of him and the others by the shrine, two days after that night at the castle. He gave a long stare at the white haired boy standing beside him with a smile on his lips and an arm around the caretaker's daughter's shoulder. He picked it up and traced a finger on the boy's jawline as he gazed into the ice blue depths. After a long silence, Arikado put the picture back on the table and then look back at the moon. If what he dreamt was true, then it meant that he would have to face the one he sworn to protect and never have out of his sight, even though the boy held the soul of the Count within him. The dhampire hope it doesn't happen and allow Soma to live peaceful life while getting use to his dark powers. But why was Death apart of his dreams? Could it be that he might return and plan to seek revenge on Soma? Possibly, that was the answer.
"It seems that I'll pay a visit to the Shrine as soon as I complete my investigation the next morning.." He said to himself before he was silent again. 'Who else could be planning to revive father and how are they going to pull this off?'
~*~
"Ah!" Cried a teenage boy who woke from his sleep, panting heavily as sweat came down his face. What a nightmare. He could have died at the instant he saw all those disturbing images: Skulls coated with blood, screams of pain and fear echoed from a torture room, half fleshed bodies hunged over him and lastly, a crescent blade weapon in his hands. Standing infront of him, was a beautiful, but evil looking man with long white hair and in an old century tunic, smirking through bloody eyes. He was enjoying this scene as a young girl beside him was pleading silently at the boy to be free..
He turns his head toward the alarm clock on a wooden desk: it was 2:30 a.m. in the morning. He took a deep breath and sighed. "The same dream...again."
The teen got up from his bed in his black boxers and into the bathroom, where he turns on the light and faucet, allowing the cleansing water to caress his face. As he gazed into the mirror, he notices his face was growing pale. His brown hair was loose and hunged on his back like a mammal's mane, thin and lifeless. Growling, he pushed some of it off his shoulders and shuts the light before exiting the bathroom. Before getting under the sheets, he took one last glance at the moon before covering himself and falling into an uncomfortable sleep.
'Damn nightmare.'
* * *
The next Morning...
The american was walking alone to school as soon as he finished his breakfast, got his shoes on and left. He had his dark blue uniform and black casual shoes on while a black bag pack hunged from his left shoulder. His back length hair was tied into a ponytail and a gothic silver cross he was given on his 15th birthday back at home, hunged from his neck. Expressing the essence of 13th century Gothic catedrals and fashioned in the shape of a mythical vampire, it brought strong protection against evil, or so had he heard. (AN:There's a Gothic Cross like this, seriously).
What happened last night and recently, had caused him to wonder what could it meant; who was that guy he imagined in his dreams? The first dream was different from the second he had twice which he envisioned a battle between a robed skeleton and a white haired youth same age as him. He wasn't sure who was winning but watched as the reaper threw his scythe at the boy who dodged it and--
"Damien!" Called a voice from a distance as Damien turn around to see who it was. A red haired youth with the same uniform like his came running toward him and catched his breath as he looked up at the american. "Damn, Damien! What the hell's your problem, man?! I called your house earlier, telling you I was coming over to pick you up, but when I got there, that boy's mom said you already left. You could've waited!"
"Alright! I'm sorry Taro! I'm not in the mood to argue." Snapped Damien as they walked beside eachother. Taro glanced at his best friend who hadn't said another word and broke the silence, "Sorry, D. Didn't mean to yell at ya. But if you were leaving early, you could have called back and tell me to meet you somewheres."
"I know, I just had to leave the house so I could think."
"Is everything alright with your exchange family? Are they-?"
"No, they're very nice to me. Infact, reminds me alot like my family back in America. Its just that...I've been having these bad dreams everynight and I can't sleep at all when I have aftershocks." He said. Taro looked amused. "Having dreams about the boogie man or the gym teacher? Cause I've been having nightmares of the gym teacher forcing us to do these obstacles all day without even a shower or water. About half of our class dropped dead at the instant they came to the starting line again and I think you were one of them--"
"No, stupid! It wasn't that or the boogieman. Isn't that baby stuff?"
"Okay, was it some hot chick who got the hots for you and will do anything to make you hers? Like killing other chicks?"
"No, but I did dreamed of something like that, a month ago--Shit! Can I finish without you interrupting?!"
"Alright, man! Sheesh! Just figuring out what's wrong."
"I been having dreams of hell." Said Damien. That stopped Taro from going further as he looked straight at Damien. "Holy crap, you serious?"
"Yeah, but not that Hell. One in a weird castle."
"..........?"
The american told his japanese friend about the dreams he had, the intense battle and the man in the black tunic laughing as Damien was force to kill a girl for no reason. Taro was shocked at what his best friend said as he replied," Man, you got some issues."
"Its true, Taro. I'm not lying."
"I know, but man, that's freaky. Maybe its just coincidence or maybe just your imagination??"
"I don't know, but its something that has to do with what I've encountered before."
"Like what?"
"Like a past I never had when I was a child. I might have been something else before I was human..." He went silent again until the red head patted his shoulder and Damien looked at him. "Come on, Damien! Don't tell me you growing superstitious or something, whatever it was, prolly just a dream. It'll go away. Don't forget, afterschool, we have to get the band together and get ready for tonight's concert. Joey and Katsuro said they're gonna meet us at 4:30 p.m. so we have enough time to practice. The Night Angels are gonna rock!"
"You're happy."
"Yeah, cuz its on the 13th of Friday and at night..! Now, stop thinking about anything bad and remember the concert."
"All right. Thanks, man."
"Whatever." Both smiled as they crossed the streets and made a turn toward the lane to school.
* * *
That afternoon, Arikado and Yoko just completed their mission as they left headqaurters. Neither have said a word until Alucard made a slight hiss which Yoko heard as she asked, "Is everything alright?" 'Usaully, it would be to me for annoyance. But if its my driving he's hissing at, then he should get his own car!'
Alucard was quiet for a moment until he asked, "Yoko, could you drop me off at the Hakuba Shrine?"
"Sure, but what for?"
"My senses indicated an evil presence was lurking about in the forest the other night and I felt it at the shrine just now. Does that answer your question?"
"Looks like I wasn't the only one. I felt it too. Well let's get going! Say, Arikado?"
"Hm?"
"Don't you ever get the feeling its like another day at the castle?"
"Believe me, you don't know how in all hell I get that feeling everyday."
"I see your point."
Yoko made a turn to her right as she drove both her and Arikado toward the Hakuba shrine, hoping it was only a false alarm.
* * *
5:55 p.m...
Soma Cruz walked through the quiet block as he head toward Mina's house to pick her up for the concert tonight. He checked his wallet to see if he had the tickets before he left. The exchange student still wore his trademark white leather coat with the fur on the collar and he was still in the black turtleneck; but had on gray flares without the studs. His double toned boots hit the pavement like marble as he made it to the front door of the Hakuba residences. The spaniard knocked on the door twice and it was answered by Mrs. Hakuba who smiled warmly at Soma. "Hello, Soma. Mina will be downstairs shortly, come inside."
Soma came in and sat in the living room as Mrs. Hakuba closed the door, then went into the kicthen to get something when she asked, "Would you like anything to drink before you two leave?"
"No thank you, Mrs. Hakuba. I'll be fine."
"Okay."
Mina just finished putting on her necklace as she checked herself twice and made sure the earrings weren't loose. Like Soma, she had on blue flares while wearing a pink turtleneck with a red flower in the center and on her feet, were Bohemian Oxfords. (AN: suede shoes with rubber heels, thank goodness, I kept that catalogue)
As Mina came downstairs, she finds her childhood friend sitting on the couch waiting and she steps into the livingroom. "Soma!" Soma turned around as he heard his name and smiled at Mina who went toward him. "Hey, Mina."
"I'm glad that you arrived, Soma. I hope I didn't take long.."
"Not at all, I'm like that too. Anyway, are you ready, Mina? I got the tickets with me."
"Yeah, mother? We're leaving now!"
"Okay, dear. You two have a good time!" Called her mom from the kicthen. Soma and Mina said their goodbyes to Mrs. Hakuba as they left Mina's house and went toward the place where the concert was going to begin.
~*~
At the Entrance of the Hakuba Shrine...
Yoko and Arikado went up the long stairway toward the top as both made it to the shrine's gate. Before entering, the blonde glanced at the dark man and asked, "Are you sure you don't want to contact Soma or Julius to come along for the ride?"
"No, Soma and Mina have gone to a concert, so its best to let him be where he is. As for the Belmont, he is not needed. A fully revived Dracula is his only concern." Said Arikado lastly. "I see."
"But are you sure you want to come along?" Asked Arikado.
"You bet I am. I ain't letting you have all the fun, now would I?" She asked.
"This isn't fun and games, Yoko. This is involving a crisis that must be taken care of or all hell break lose, even by midnight." He said coldly. The blonde stand back alittle, pretending to be startled by his words. "Alright, come down, Aluca--I mean, Arikado! Be careful, though. That hot temper of yours will cause you to lose some that raven hair on your head." She said while laughing. Arikado growled at the cruel joke Yoko made as he exclaimed, "Enough! We must go now before we waste any more time."
"Right."
~*~
At the Concert, 6:20 p.m..
In the backstage, the group were getting ready for the show as all four of them were dressed-up: Taro wore a dark red vest, with a black shirt and jeans, along with an earring on his left ear. On his feet, he wore bikerbooks as the dark haired bass player named Katsuro, was in a grey sleeveless shirt with black khakis and white sneakers. Joey was the drummer of the band and he had on a black shirt with a skull on the back and grey jeans as he too, wore sneakers. Lastly, Damien wore a short, blue shirt jacket with two breast pockets while exposing his white t-shirt. Double buckled black pants with the bottom part all bunched up by combat boots and fingerless gloves. On his neck, he wore the gothic cross as he tunes up his electric blue guitar with the white pick.
As they nearly finished up, Taro asked, "So which song are we gonna sing, Damien?" He asked. Damien finished what he was doing and replied, "We'll start with 'Out of my Head' and then afterwards, sing 'Drift and Die'. Those will be our first two songs then we'll get to the rest."
"Alright. We're with ya, buddy."
Just then, the manager came in their room and said, "Hey you guys, its time! Everyone's waiting!"
"Yeah, we're coming!"
The whole group came together, praying, while hands were on top of the other, then Katsuro, Taro, and Damien got their gutiars as Joey got his drumsticks. The group came out and went to their places as they waited.
Soma and Mina were in the center as they were surrounded by millions of people shouting, 'We want the show!' Over and over again until the curtains where drawn up and everyone were cheering when they saw the group. There was a silence on the stage then the sound of guitars began to play, followed by the bass and lastly, the drummer. Soon it came to Damien's voice as he sang;
"What is wrong with all my friends
I know that I am unlike them
just another situation
don't hold me back
I don't look good to them
They always act so dirty
they keep themselves so clean
why can't they find the answers
to the questions that are right in front of me I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, never letting go Let it GO!"
The crowd starts to go crazy and some were bobbing their heads as Damien kept his rythme while following the beat of Joey's drums.
"No ones ever listening
the lines are crossed somewhere between
my head is spinning like a top
I don't know when this shit is going to stop!
They always act so dirty
they keep themselves so clean
why can't they find the answers
to the questions that are right in front of me
I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, and I'm never letting go
You fill my cup, I'm good to go
so shake me up, I'm ready to ROLL!
go...go...go..."
Taro was surprised at Damien, he was so fired up by the way he played the guitar. Claps and loud voices rosed high as the song contniued its last part,
"What is wrong with all my friends
I know that I am unlike them
They hold me back
They'll never will I'm telling you, these people are not my FRIENDS!
I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, and I'm never letting go
You fill my cup, I'm good to go
so shake me up, I'm ready to ROLL!
I'm so high, I'm never low
I'll hold the sky, and I'm never letting go
go...go...go...go...go...go...go...go...go
go...go...go...go...go..go...go...go...go
go...go...go...go...go...go...go...go...GO!
There were loud screams and cheers as a few people were jumping around like rabbits. It was incredible, seeing so many surrounding the stage. Damien smiled at Taro who smiled back as they resumed their playing,
"You've forgotten thoughts of yesterday
through my eyes I see the past
Well I don't know I don't know I don't know why
I Believe I Believe I Believe in the truth, from inside
go away go away go away from me
leave me alone
Ignorance spreads lies
how much will money bye
Well I'll take my time...
As I drift and die,
As I drift and die,
As I drift and die..."
~*~
"Whoo! Yeah! We rock!" Cried Taro as he placed an arm around Damien's neck while holding a bottle and laughing hysterically. Katsuro and Joey were enjoying themselves with a couple of beers they got from the backstage and threw one at the american who catches it and drank. It was already 9:45 and they all went toward the vacant lot to celebrate.
"Man! We got them all right there at the instant we start playing and then..bang! Everyone went crazy...When do we do that again?"
"Probably, next month! Our manager said we might be performing in...America!" Exclaimed Katsuro. "America? Hell yeah, right at Damien's hometown! Isn't that cool?!"
Then Damien got up, fastens his blue guitar onto his back and began to walk away. Taro got up and asked, "Hey, where ya going? Aren't you gonna celebrate with us??"
"I'm taking a walk around the city."
"Well we won't stop ya, just be careful, man. Wouldn't want anything to happen to you." Said Taro. Damien smiled, "Thanks, guys. Take care as well. Later."
The american left the vacant lot and went toward his right as he crosses the street.
~*~
Damien had been walking for quite sometime, as he put his hands in his pockets and took the next block. His ponytail blew from the wind as his boots hit the pavement. Soon, he found himself at the entrance of a shrine, leading to the top where the gates were lead by stairs. Damien felt an odd feeling coming to him as he steps closer to the entrance. 'That's weird, why I do feel so eagered to get into this place??' He thought. Without hesitation, the american walked toward the stairways and climbs up to the top. While he was walking up the stairs, he notice the path was getting more longer and higher than before as he stop to turn his head. To his surprise, the cars and the block were getting smaller as he realized he was moving farther away. It made him dizzy but Damien shook his head and continued. It was probably the alcohol he had, but then again, he doesn't get drunk that fast as his friends and more likely, they'll find themselves sleeping at the park or somewheres. Clutching on the cross he wore, Damien made it to the gates which surprisingly opened for him as he entered. 'I don't like this..'
He was amazed at his surroundings: Light tablets with inscriptions were placed on small fences while yellow papers with black japanese writing hunged by strings on the shrine's sacred tree. The shrine itself was small, but a sanctuary for those who pray for hopes. Then he remembers Taro telling him about this shrine when they were walking home from school, a week ago:
~Flashback~
"Many people would pray to eclipses, because they are said to confine anger and evil intentions; and the Hakuba Shrine was meant to have ceremonies for this purpose."
"You been here before?"
"No, but my parents told me about this shrine. They used to come here to pray to the eclipse once a year it comes out."
"What happen? Why did your parents stop coming here?"
"Cuz a few, including my parents heard about the ritual made in Europe, in 1999 and it was connected to the eclipse."
"Are you serious?"
"Yep, ain't no lie. Detectives managed to get this occult that started it, including a man who was knocked out. He was taken to the hospital along with the victims they managed to find alive and nothing suspicious about him, except that he lost his memory. As for the occult, they were taken straight to court for sentence, though they manage to find half of them."
"......?"
"The other rest somewhat scramed and went somewhere else. That somewhat explains about the kidnappings and the bodies they found in different areas. Bodies of both male and female, including many that were hard to identify. "
"That's terrible. Almost like a KKK in Europe."
"Nope. More like a group that uses humans for a ritual than animals to get contact with their gods. But that's old news. I consider this shrine as one of my favorite spots. There's no need to worry, Damien. No bad things like that would ever happen again, even in Japan."
"I see."
~End Of Flashback~
Recalling what Taro said, Damien continued to look around when he came across a pedestal with a stone sphere. It was strange, yet dark grayish as an eclipse and had inscriptions on the stone block. He couldn't read the words as he looked up again at the sphere. He placed a hand on it and was suprised to find it..warm. Damien closed his eyes and smiled as he felt the warmness enveloped him...
Suddenly, there was a strong wind and the american opened his eyes as surges of electricity appeared from the sphere. It touches his palm as the the shrine began to flicker and the crescent moon started to twirl voilently. ".........!"
Not far from the shrine, Soma was about to walk back to his dorm after he dropped off Mina to her house when he saw lightening appeared from an area which he recognized. "It's coming from the shrine! Someone's trying to enter the realm!" Seeing noone was around, Soma transforms into a white bat and flew as fast as his wings could go.
Back at the shrine, Damien tried to remove his hand from the sphere but couldn't, as the lightening touched his body and the boy cried out. "Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!"
Within moments, the lightening vanished and the wind blew softly as normal. The moon stopped. Everything was back as it was except for one thing: Damien. He was nowhere to seen.
End of prologue: The Calling.
AN: Fixed all errors.