He walked past the lush greenery, the twigs snapping from the trees with every step that he took. His strength was obviously in full showing. He didn't make a sound as he moved in deeper into the woods and closer to the castle's grounds. He made his way to a clearing where a small stream could be heard. "This sensation, what is this? Ah now I see, how long did it take you to notice me, old friend?" A strong gust of air blew through and Valkenhayn appeared behind him.

"Quite some time has passed since we last faced each other. I hope you've been training as hard as I." Hakumen turned around to face his old comrade. Valkenhayn simply bowed to him, "It sure has Lord Hakumen, I trust your slumber was a peaceful one?" Hakumen clenched his fist at the mockery, "Slumber? Haa! You know far too well I do not slumber, that witch may have delayed his ineviatble death at my hands, but the time has come for him to meet the king of the neatherworld."

Valkenhayn looked straight at Hakumen, "I see, well then why are you here? Ragna the Bloodedge is in Kagutsuchi, your destination is there not here, so please depart."

"Valkenhayn, don't take me for a fool, I can feel his presence behind those walls, I can hear his heart pumping that poison through his veins. If you are worried about your vampire then don't, I have no business with that witch. I've only come to destroy the Dark One."

Inside Castle Alucard

Mariela laid in her bed with a stuffed Gii in her hands, stretching him side ways the way her mother always does. Her room was covered from corner to corner with stuffed animals, all gifts from her parents and Valkenhayn. "I wonder what Dad's up to right now." She took a peek outside the window where a tall oak tree could be seen in the distance. A week ago she, Ragna, and Rachel took an outing to that tree to sit around a camp fire and talk about her favorite subject, old adventures of her parents. She would giggle at the behaviour of her parents before she was born, "although they still act that way now." She giggled again.

Suddenly she remembered, "Oh no! My Flashlight! I left it over there by the tree!" This flashlight was special, it was a treasured momento from her Aunt Noel. When Mariela was little she was afraid of the dark, she couldn't escape it living at Castle Alucard. Noel brought her a pink flashlight with rabbit stickers all over. She was her role model, she was strong, kind, and a defiant woman. She hoped to be like her someday. "I have to go and get it!"

She creeped down stairs, her mother was sleeping in her chambers. "Ok, I've made it half way already, now I just have to hope Valkenhayn is somewhere on the other side of the manor." She used an ars magus that Jubei had taught her when she was young. It was to protect her in case any intruders ever tried to storm the castle. Its effect was meant to hide and mask her presence. "Thank you grandpa Jubei, this ars will do the trick." She made her way out the mansion and headed towards the tree.

The Woods

"Your just as fast as I remember Valkenhayn, but you will tire before you can even land a hit on me." Valkenhayn had transformed into his wolf form to give him the speed advantage he would need to counter Hakumen's strengh. Hakumen just stood there motionless. The wolf made it to Hakumen's blindside and lunged foward to try and deliver a blow with his sharp claws. Without any effort, Hakumen extended his arm with his hand opened and caught Valkenhayn by the throat, squeezing it roughly. "Enough of this, do you truly intend to stand in my way for his sake?" Valkenhayn transformed back into his elderly self and delievered a hard kick to Hakumen's face, releasing him from his hold.

"I have no intention of protecting that mouthy runt, my concern is for her ladyship!" Hakumen reached for his sword and unsheathed his Ookami, he grasped it with both hands. "My only concern is for the beast, anything else matters not. I see I cannot convince you otherwise my friend, very well." Strong preassure started building around Valkenhayn, Hakumen's power was unforgiving. Pools of water started to tremble with the barrage of energy in the air. He extended his arms straight up, his sword almost as tall as he was. "It was a pleasure old friend..." Valkenhayn dropped to one knee unable to stand from the white demon's energy. "Empty Sky Form..." a girl appeared in front of Valkenhayn, a blond girl, "Stoooooop!"