Hey everyone, I'm back again to give you another update on the progress of the story. Sorry that this took so long; work has been tough lately. The last two chapters have brought some real big changes. As for the rest of the chapters, I won't write out the scenes as extensively because then we'd all be here for another nine. Instead It will be only important story related events and battles. A little idea popped into my head also that Ezra's story was more reminiscent of a Classicvania style, while Alice's is going for a Metroidvania style. Thank you all so much for reading thus far and I hope you will continue to read to the end. I'll see you all next time.
CHAPTER TEN
Fires consume the streets of Hakuba City as demons pour out from the walls of the unholy stronghold; Castlevania. The former home of Count Dracula once thought to be destroyed, has returned as well as Death. Alice and her allies' race through the streets with the intent of destroying the new dark lord who reigns over the castle. The night hordes throw everything they can at preventing the heroes from entering the dark fortress, but it is all in vain as they are struck down by the wrath of the newly forged Vampire Killer. The young Belmont's thoughts are wracked by sadness as she has lost everything, she once held dear. Accompanying her on her mission is Haru Belnades, a powerful young sorcerer with potent magic. Francisca Danasty; descendent of the freedom fighter Grant Danasty. And Adrian Tepes or Alucard, son of the former dark lord Dracula. Together they make the leap across the slowly rising drawbridge and land in the Castle Courtyard as the bridge slams shut; cutting them off from the rest of world. Alice stares up at the Castle Keep; high above the ground knowing well what lurks there and it is almost too hard for her to bear the thought. Pressing on into the courtyard, they encounter numerous monsters trying desperately to stop them. Haru uses his flames to incinerate the zombies rushing towards the, and Francisca slice through several vampire bats. At the end of the path before them, they open the doors and intense darkness can be felt radiating from within. It makes the heroes shudder as they walk inside. The doors slam shut as lighting crackles from the sky. The flash illuminates the Entrance Hall and appearing out of nowhere before them; Death arrives.
"Well, you all certainly arrived much sooner then expected. How are you enjoying your visit to the castle so far?" Death says.
"Enough talk, out of our way. Our business is with your master. If you stand in our way, we have no choice but to destroy you." Alucard says.
"Such bold words for an insect such as you. If were up to me, you'd all be dead, but my master wishes that this little game go on for a bit longer." Death says.
"Game? What do you mean?" Haru says.
"I have no obligation to tell you anything further. If you survive until the end, then you will understand everything. One final parting gift for you all, from me!" Death says.
The reaper raises his scythe and strikes the floor. The stone groans with an unholy scream and a fiery fissure opens up and grows. The heroes are swallowed by the crack and fall into the depths of the castle. Death knows this will not be the last time he will see them and flies off to prepare for the inevitable fight ahead. After a long fall, the heroes end up in the Underground Prison. A hellish landscape once used to house prisoners and disloyal servants. Inmates scream out in pain as their flesh and minds are consumed by creatures and the psychological effect of the castle. Rivers of lava flow everywhere making it more like Hell than a prison. Alice stares up at the shaft they fell through, and then down at the Vampire Killer. She doesn't say anything and starts walking forward into the area. No creature stand in the four heroes' way as they strike down multiple monsters and even face off with the fearsome Lava Golem whose flaming body could kill with a single touch. The four finally exit the prison to branch out into the rest of the castle. From the depths of the Blood Reservoir to extreme heights of the Ramparts, nothing is able stop them. Even mighty creatures like the Hydra Medusa and Grand Guard fall to pieces against the power of Alice and her allies. Upon reaching the Chapel of Silence however, things change. The aura is not like the rest of the castle. Alucard feels a familiar presence coming from deep within the area. Curious as to what is causing the anomaly, they head in. Reaching the sanctum of the area, they see a familiar face awaiting them. A grin crawls onto his face as he walks down the steps of the altar.
"Khronus, you're back? How is that possible?" Haru says.
"You can thank Death for that. Upon seeing my undying loyalty to the dark lord, he personally resurrected me to serve the master once again. Though Dracula he may not be, he is still a creature of pure darkness and chaos. And that is all I need to fulfill my life." Khronus says.
"So, you're Khronus. The one my brother fought against to rescue Soma and stop you from creating a new dark lord." Alice says.
"Your face, I don't recognize it. Who might you be?" Khronus says.
"I am Alice Belmont, daughter of Julius Belmont. Ezra was my brother, and I'm here to stop him." Alice says.
"So, the sister of Ezra. I should have known when I felt a strong presence of light. And to my surprise, is that the Vampire Killer hanging on your hip? It feels different than the last time I came into contact with it. It looks like this will be a battle for the ages then. Let's see if history shall repeat itself as I rip the life from your body!" Khronus says.
The former leader of the Order jumps high into the air and draws his Shadow Saber and throws it at the group. The heroes scatter as the blade strikes the ground and causes a massive explosion of darkness. Alice retaliates by lashing out with the Vampire Killer and hits the sword causing it to fly back into Khronus' hand. Alucard transforms into a bat and grabs Haru by his shoulders and lifts him into the air. Khronus raises his hand as it crackles with purple lightning and prepares to strike them, but he is hit in the back with several daggers from Francisca. He decides to unleash the lightning on her and lets loose. Alice throws a vial of holy water onto the ground which attracts the volts and safely diverts it away from her friend. Alucard lets go of Haru and the young Belnades creates a large ball of flame before throwing it at Khronus. The holy flames burn the leader and causes him to recoil in pain. Alice then strikes at him with the Vampire Killer; its spiked end hits Khronus in the chest causing an explosion and forcing him into the ground. The leader had never felt such pain as this as he grabs his wound. He needed to end this quickly as the girl might prove a threat to his master. He dashes at the young Belmont with his shadow blade and swings at her. Alucard runs between them and blocks the attack with his blade. Haru creates several ice spears and launches them at the foe while Francisca grabs Khronus' legs and holds him in place. The ice spears strike him in the back, and he vanishes before reappearing at the altar.
"This is strange. He's not as strong as he was when he faced him before." Francisca says.
"The master had some reservations before deciding to have me resurrected. He took some of my power leaving me in this weakened state to make sure I could never oppose him again." Khronus says.
"Why would he do that and make a powerful ally less powerful. He does know that you would be less useful to him?" Francisca says.
"Due to my mental torture of him. I never did say what made him turn to darkness and face his destiny. It was because of me." Khronus says.
"What did you say?" Alice says.
"I said that it was me who made him realize who he truly was. In truth, he hated fighting and wanted nothing to do with it. The order forced him to fight which deeply hurt his soul and mind. As the fighting continued, his heart continued to fill with darkness, and I took advantage of that. I told him of Julius' attack on Soma after learning that he was the reincarnation of Dracula, despite knowing that Soma was good at heart. The destiny of the Belmont Clan shackled them to an eternal fate of fighting, and Ezra wanted to be free of that. When I told him this revelation, he became fearful that he would continue having to battle evil. He took Soma's power as a way to end all conflict, though even I am not sure of what he is going to do with it in the end." Khronus says.
After hearing her opponent's speech, Alice breaks down and falls to the floor. Her only brother is lost in darkness due to this lunatic's actions. Haru and Francisca run over to her and try to comfort their friend as she cries out in agony. Alucard becomes enraged and makes his sword vanish into thin air. The empty area in his hand begins to glow as a new blade emerges from nothing and is clutched by the vampire; the Crissaegrim. Alucard runs at Khronus and delivers strikes too fast for the eye. The leader is cut into ribbons and falls to the floor a bloody mess. In his last moments, Khronus smiles wickedly knowing his mission to create a new dark lord was a success. He lets out one last laugh as his body burns away into ash. Alucard runs over to Alice and places his hand on her shoulder.
"Why…why did this happen?" Alice says through her tears.
"It was destiny Alice. In order for God to be truly good, someone must always be present and stand at the opposite side of the spectrum. I told Soma many years ago that a dark lord is necessary for the world, but I didn't know that this is what was in store." Alucard says.
"My family is gone. My father sacrificed himself and my brother now reigns over darkness as its leader, and all you can say is that this was destined to happen?" Alice says.
"I know you don't want to hear it, but it is the truth. We must destroy the dark lord before the world is brought to ruin. And your brother is of holy blood, if we act fast enough, we might be able to save him from the darkness. But if we cannot, you can't hesitate to strike." Alucard says.
"Geez, you really know how to make someone feel better." Francisca says.
"Now, he's right. My blood tells me to fight on no matter what form darkness takes. I will still fight, but I pray to God that we will make it in time." Alice says.
Alice gets up and wraps the Vampire Killer up. She looks at each of her friends and gives them a reassuring nod. They leave the Chapel of Silence and begin exploring more of Castlevania. Eventually, the heroes make their way to the Clock Tower and the presence of darkness is growing stronger by the second. Alice knows that whatever happens next, she will fight. At the end of the ascent of the structure, they face off with Slogra and Gaibon; two of Death's most trusted lieutenants . Even the combined power of these two powerful demons are no match for the iron resolve of the heroes. Stepping out of the Clock Tower, they can see the Castle Keep at the top of the next tower. Only the Pinnacle stands in their way. The four prepare for a tough time ahead as the strongest of demons will be standing in their way to face off with the dark lord. With brave hearts they head inside. Immediately, they are attacked by legions of monsters who with razor sharp claws and teeth throw everything they got at the heroes. Alice strikes them down with a vengeance for taking her brother away. Alucard and Haru incinerate several monster with flames. Francisca fells multiple enemies by delivering swift slices at the monster's weak points. The rest of the Pinnacle is an endurance and no rest shall be given to the weary. Finally, they manage to break through the defenses and arrive at the top of the area. Large wooden doors separate them from the Castle Keep as candlesticks flicker leaving the walls painted in an eerie orange tint. Lighting is fierce and thunder booms from the sky. Outside the windows, they can see the still burning streets of Hakuba City. Their rest doesn't last long as the lighting flashes again and a cold wind extinguishes the candle flames. A sinister cackle echoes from everywhere and Death appears.
"You survived, I can't say that I'm astonished. This is where this little game ends. I will not allow you to procced further. My master will not be interrupted by you vermin." Death says.
"Talk all you want Death, but you won't stop us. This is your last chance to stand aside and avoid your demise." Alice says.
"Look who has learned to stand up for herself. Such a big and brave girl you have become. So, how was it learning of his fate? I'm sure Khronus has told you all the details." Death says.
"He has, and it was one of the most painful moments of my life. I'll never forgive the darkness for taking him away. But I am a Belmont, and it is my duty to destroy the night no matter what form it takes. As hard as it will be for me, I will do it." Alice says.
"That's what I like to hear. Noe I can go into this knowing that I can destroy a true warrior of light. Now then…for the master…I SHALL FEAST ON YOUR SOULS!" Death screams.
The reaper lifts his hands to his side and summons countless sickles. He hurls them through the air and they home in on the heroes. They scatter in all directions and try to destroy as many as they can. Alice finds an opening and throws her cross boomerang at Death. The reaper draws his sinister scythe and slashes it in half before rushing as the young Belmont. She grabs the Vampire Killer and blocks the attack; seeing the bloody edge only inches away from her face. Death's burning eyes stare at her and he backs away. He throws his scythe through the air towards Haru who tries to block it by summoning a wall of ice between him and the blade. It crashes through the defense and slices the young Belnades across the side. He grabs his wound in pain as Francisca jumps onto a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Death notices this and angles the spinning scythe towards her. Alucard throws the Crissaegrim at it and brings the chandelier down. It falls in front of the reaper as his scythe returns to him. Francisca jumps down and slices Death with her daggers. She looks at him and sees him smile. The reaper vanishes and she drops to the ground. Death them summons another storm of sickles and then sends them all at Francisca. Alice runs between her and the sickles and spins the Vampire Killer rapidly; destroying the sickles. Alucard then decides to unleash Hellfire on Death and sees it countered by a single slash on his scythe. Haru cauterizes his wound and then raises his rod which sends lightning bolts at the reaper. Death is able to dodge all of them with perfect efficiency. The reaper is then struck in the back by the Vampire Killer which sends him flying into the wall. He gets up and vanishes before reappearing behind Alice and strikes her with his scythe. She grabs her bleeding wound and squeezes it; trying to stop it. Haru races over to her and uses his flames to seal it up. Francisca and Alucard stand back to back as multiple sickles fly towards them. They block all of them before Death appears and opens his robes. Giant lasers of darkness fire out forcing the two to scatter. Francisca is caught by one of the lasers and it severely injures her left leg. Death sees the opportunity and gets ready to bring his scythe down on the young Danasty. Alucard blocks it and tries to push back against his foe as Alice throws a vial of holy water onto Death. Haru summons lightning from his rod which is attracted to the soaked reaper. Death is electrocuted and burned at the same time and lets up for only a moment. Alucard only needs a moment as he knocks the scythe away and slashes multiple times at his opponent. Death becomes enraged and them summons giant skeletal hands from the ground. The hands grab Alice and throw her into the air. Alucard tries to reach her time by transforming into a bat, but witnesses Death strike her into the ground with his scythe, and then he himself is struck by a sickle and forces him to land. Haru and Francisca are immobilized by the hands. The reapers lets out a piercing laugh and floats over to Alucard.
"You have no chance of winning boy. Now, admit defeat now and all of your deaths will be quick if not painless!" Death says.
"Never. As long as we still breathe, we shall not give up!" Alucard says.
"Then breathe no more!" Death says as he lifts his scythe overhead.
He tries to bring it down but can't. Death looks above to see his scythe wrapped up by the Vampire Killer. Alice yanks on it and tears the weapon away from her opponent. Using all of her might, she spins around and turns the Vampire Killer into a whirlwind of blades with the scythe at the end of it. She stops and has the whip let go of the weapon. The scythe hurls at Death at an unbelievable speed. It crashes into Death's head and splits his skull down the middle and lands into the wall. The fiery pupils in his eyes burn out and he erupts into flames. The reaper is burned until not even ash remains. The hands crumble letting Haru and Francisca go as Alucard gets up and walks over to Alice.
"Alice, that was amazing!" Haru says.
"We can celebrate later Haru, we have no time to waste. Death was only just the beginning." Alice says.
"She's right. Our next opponent will be the dark lord himself, and he'll be even more tough to deal with. Let's take the time to rest and make sure we have everything we need." Alucard says.
The heroes turn to face the giant wooden doors. They know what lurks beyond the infernal gate and Alice's heart can barely take it anymore. She closes her eyes and speaks silently to herself; praying that she can make it in time. "Hold on brother, I'm coming.".