Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing. – Sylvia Plath
Chapter 1
At the crack of dawn, the sun ascended the cloudless skies above the planes of Wallachia, and the early brisk breeze of autumn made the scent of dewy grass aromatize the air as it crossed over the lands. As the wind blew, the snow-melted grass swayed in a beautiful dance, making the dews glisten liked diamonds under the sunlight. The sound of crickets composing an orchestra echoed throughout the woods, accompanied by the humming of a few birds at the sight of the first light.
Finished with my mourning exercise, I took a break to admire the enchanting scenery and bath in the tranquility of mother nature which sieged me all around. The gentle wind whistled in my ears again, engulfing me in its cool embrace like a skilled dance leader. I closed my eyes and let my mind to reciprocate in the gentle moves and sways, breathing the earthy scent of wet grass and listening to the soothing sound of flowing river in the distance.
"It's beautiful here!" I extoled with a content sigh. So peaceful, so tranquil. It almost resembled a piece of heaven bestowed upon this Earth.
Everything looked relevant to on another, except for two distinct sights. Two constructions that stood in stark contrast to the elegant and enchanting scenery. One was the sight of the tall, sturdy, and gothic castle once resided by the fearsome King of all Vampires, Dracula. And the other, the old ruins of Earth's most reputational Vampire Hunters' mansion, the Belmont stronghold.
Dracula's castle was once equipped with a transitional mechanism that allowed the massive building to teleport from one location to another in less than a second. However, such mechanism was no more; destroyed by the hands of a mighty Speaker-Magician known as Sypha Belnades. And frankly, the current owner of the castle was glad the massive edifice could no longer move.
Adrian Fahrenheit Tepes, titled as Alucard, has been living in the castle for a month now – a month and a week to be precise – and guarded centuries of knowledge left by Dracula as well as the Belmont clan simultaneously. Now that two most invaluable bastions of both human and vampire communities resided close by, Adrian served as a conservator-restorer as well as an antiquarian, preserving the assets in both the castle and the hold while studying years of the Belmont's' vampire hunting history.
I was well informed of Dracula's ancient knowledge, since we both studied similar fields and competed on equal grounds. Moreover, during a certain period of our life, we earned the same education by the same tutors. However, the Belmonts' reservoir spoke of a different story. While Dracula's knowledge came from a man – always ahead of his time and peers –, educated on the secrets of the world, the Belmonts lived with an intellect that kept evolving throughout time.
Going through some records, I learned of their advancement in hunting, fighting, magic, alchemy, technology, and more as they constantly progressed with each passing generation. Their journals indicated, whenever they faced a new adversary immune to some prior methods, they innovated new weapons, developed enhanced techniques, and devised novel means to surpass the evil's powers. And by evil, I mean all sorts of demonic and nocturnal bestial; werewolves, night creatures, shadow bringers, incubi, succubi, sirens, lesser demons, and atop all, vampires. Their mission was to eradicate creatures of the night regardless of time, space, or any other obstacles. In fact, it was due to their resilience and strive for keeping mankind safe that led to their success and survival, proving that good always prevails regardless.
Furthermore, the Belmonts had the tendency to document and store their encounters and experiences in the form of organized archives for future generations, bequeathing their knowledge to their heirs, training and weaponizing stronger and wiser hunters. It was hard to believe their children would follow in their ancestor's footsteps, but the existence of the likes of Trevor Belmont was sufficient proof. The man - with his inebriated mind and witty jokes - had proven himself a worthy Belmont despite his odds. He showed great strength when fighting Dracula and his nerves of steel could break through any concrete wall without fail.
I learned the hard way not to judge his forlorn or lighthearted state since the man had lived in solitude and hated by his own kind for too long. Perhaps, all his life if not less.
A melancholy sigh escaped me at the thought of him and Sypha.
A month ago, the couple left Alucard on a carriage, wishing to explore the world on their own delight and pace. Trevor wanted to leave at first, when later Sypha proposed to join and adventure alongside him. I did not miss the numerous times the young magician's eyes gleamed with admiration whenever she gazed at the vampire hunter. Their quest to destroy Dracula had certainly managed to form a bond more intimate than friendship between the two, leading Sypha and Trevor to grow feelings for each other.
In the end, it was only Alucard who remained alone, bequeathed with the request to guard the Belmont ancient antiquary as well as his own father's valuable assets in the castle from intruders. But it was undeniable that the youth missed his friends dearly, though met them during a short amount of time. The trust and sincerity the pair demonstrated, built an unbreakable bond of friendship and brotherhood between the three. Those handmade dolls resting on top of the kitchen counter, whom I caught Alucard talking to, showed how much he felt their empty places in his life.
Since my arrival yesterday, the boy kindly showed me around the castle. It brought me delight to witness some major repairs conducted here and there. However, the castle was large, and the damage left after the battle was still grave to be fixed singlehandedly. Nevertheless, Alucard did a great job doing the repairs with the limited resources at hand. He was also kind enough to offer me a clean room to stay. In return, I proposed to help him with any task as needed.
When I saw him eating by himself, a knot formed in my heart, as of something clutched it in a vice grip. It grieved me to see him in such dreary state. His skin looked slightly paler and his eyes had lost their glint since the last time I saw them.
Since the moment I stepped into that hunted deserted castle, I hadn't left Adrian's side even for a second, seizing every opportunity to invite him to communicate, induced him to move, to exercise, anything that would help lift his gloomy spirits off of the grey clouds into the warm sunshine. Speaking of the sunshine, his gentle voice broke my train of thoughts.
"Good morning, nane Roxana!" There he was, standing tall and proud with a bright smile that showed his pearly white teeth.
An inadvertent beam painted over my lips. His smile widened in return, revealing his bare fangs, making warmth pool in the depths of my heart.
Between Adrian and his younger brother, D still resented teeth-revealing smiles, concerned over the presence of his slightly long fangs might exploit his vampire heritage. But not Alucard. He showed his smiles proudly and with tremendous happiness, making you forget your worries like how the sun warms and melts the snow at the break of spring.
"Good morning to you too, Goldilocks!" Adrian burst into fits of chuckles at my indication.
"Nane, don't you think you are getting old for… fairytale stories?" He quired a playful brow.
I laughed gleefully. "Well, aren't you old enough not to fawn over them when I narrate?"
Last night, the boy slept in my bed while I was telling him the story of little red-riding-hood – though the children's version. I was in the middle of the part where riding hood was helping the hunter defeat the big bad wolf when soft snores erupted from the sleeping prince, making me giggle.
The sound of his heartfelt laughers was music to my ears. "Fair enough!"
The brisk autumn breeze whistled between us, making us turn toward its invisible hands and allowing it to caress our features.
So refreshing!
I stole a glance at the tall youth, Adrian's eyes gleamed with happiness and his beautiful long hair shined in the bare light. For a moment there, I stood watching his youth, beauty and elegance with a maternal pride. The way his silhouette glowed under the sun gave him an otherworldly form.
I hope to see you always so happy, my precious sunflower.
Noticing my gaze, Adrian turned to look at me, a speck of pink dusted his cheeks. "Is s-something the matter?" He asked bashfully.
I shook my head with a smile. "Nothing to worry about, my morning star."
Adrian sucked in a breath. "I am starting to feel flattered by the many nicknames," those golden ambers held a smile of their own, "but by far, I liked this last one." An involuntary beam plucked at my lips, making my heart heat like a soft candlelight.
"Well, D is my evening star, so it would be reasonable that you are my morning astral."
The young man shied his eyes away with a hearty chuckle, finding the sight of a few strings of grass dancing in the wind suddenly more interesting. I closed my hands behind my back and pulled away a strand of loose hair behind my ear.
"Well," those flustered ambers glanced my way, "if you are finished flattering me, I like to prepare breakfast." He brought up the basket dangling on his left arm to my attention.
"All right," I walked past him toward the wide dark stairs of the castle, patting him maternally on the shoulder along the way. "Just be careful when you are roaming out there by yourself." Came my larky tone.
His eyes followed my hand, bemused. "Hahaha… Nane, I'm not a child, please!"
"Suit yourself, little-riding-hood. Don't talk to strangers, little one!" I gave him a stern look. "There are wolves lurking in the woods."
He scoffs merrily before turning his back. "I will, nane… And besides, there is no other wolf around here except me." With one final playful wink, he strolled toward the woods, his silhouette soon vanishing among the stout leafless trees.
Has he truly not noticed?!
The boy is either too aroga – eh, confident in his ability or is genuinely oblivious of his surroundings.
And quite frankly, I did not want to know which one he was.
"I better put on some tea since we'll be having guests soon."
It was delightful to find the kitchen and the cooking facilities ornamenting the place had remained intact. The battle inside the castle had left the private library, a few rooms, the grand valley leading to the throne room, and the engine room – where the mechanical parts responsible for moving the castle – severely damaged. Although Adrian had put effort and cleaned the place to the best of his ability, I assumed he had spent the past month taking care of the Belmonts' residency since I found electric lamps installed and fully functioning all over the place.
It would appear the boy had stalled repairing the castle at some time, possibly preferring to be away from old memories which hunted him like vengeful specters. Nevertheless, I did not blame him for doing things that gave him peace at heart. For someone who had never experienced such sudden solitary, losing his parents and watching his friends depart the next day he killed his father, had left the poor youth not only dreary but also quite… empty.
The kettle whistled on the stove, indicating the water had boiled. I stopped grinding the herbs using the granite mortar and pestle set and brought forth a small jade teapot from the counter. I gently knocked the head of the pestle at the edge of the bowl, making sure no speck of herb remained attached. Then, I emptied the content of the mortar into the teapot and went to fetch the kettle. I poured some boiling water and secured the lid to allow the self-made tea blend to brew for a while. A blend which consisted of mint, basil and rosemary.
The small egg timer rang behind me and I hurried to collect the breads from the oven before they turned rock hard. The outside was crisp but luckily not burned.
"Phew! One minute later and they were no longer edible."
I put the silver tray on the table, followed by a pair of cups, dishes, and eating utensils. The air began to brim with the scent of tea brewing nicely in the small jade pot. The shadow of two flying storks on the tea pot made me glance up. The beaming rays of the sun poured through the large window, basking everything in hues of gold and yellow.
Looking out at the woods where Adrian had vanished, I spotted the boy returning with…
I frowned. "Who the hell are those two?" Two other individuals were walking alongside Adrian toward the castle.
So, he finally detected them.
Or, perhaps they got bored of him not noticing them.
Regardless, it was about time they showed up anyway!
With a heavy sigh, I made my way toward the stairs, almost teleporting to the entrance of the castle. Adrian, noticing me first, welcomed me with a warm beam. The two visitors, one man and the other, a woman stopped in their tracks and stood conservatively behind the taller male.
The sight of the boy's bow and arrows, and the girl's sword made me frown skeptically.
"We're back, nane!" I glanced at the young prince, almost glaring at him accusingly for no heeding my warning and instead, bringing those two along with him.
The boy went to collect food, instead he brought two more freeloaders to eat out our scant supplies.
Let's not judge so soon, so hold your tongue.
"Greetings," the young boy raised a hand in greetings, "you must be," he glanced between me and the large castle that stood like a large vengeful Hell guard, "…the mistress of the house." He gave a sheepish smile.
Mistress?!
I crossed my arms over my chest, scrutinizing the youth's every move with narrowed eyes.
The young girl, noticing my involuntary hostility, shook her palms in front of her chest and glared at the boy. "I-I'm sorry! Forgive him! Taka meant…" she put a taut hand on her chest, "y-you must be the kind lady of the house… n-not the mistress."
The boy, Taka bowed his head apologetically and grimaced, as if waiting for my scolds to fly at them like slaps. Instead, my eyes transfixed on their garments. They were certainly foreign yet looked familiar.
Those clothes… are they Japanese?
The boy scratched the back of his head flustered. "Yeah, sorry… I meant miss-eh hostess."
Are they siblings?
Adrian chuckled lightly and joined to stand by my side. "It's all right. She is harmless," I did not miss his playful yet stern gaze.
We'll see about that, boy.
"Her name is Roxana, and she is my beloved nane…" a battle worn hand came to rest on my shoulder, "And as you said," he gazed at me with a warm smile, "she is the lady of the castle."
Lady of the castle?! Seems like your silver tongue has rubbed off on him, lass.
Shut up!
I bit back a scoff. Adrian withdrew his hand and stood between me and the visitors.
"Nane, these two are going to be my pupils from today onward." I gave Adrian a startled look. As response, the boy fixed me a with a look before I could open my mouth to protest. "This is Sumi," he gestured toward the adolescent girl who nodded her head curtly. "And this is Taka."
Sumi bowed her head. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, lady Roxana!"
Adrian waved a hand. "They have traveled long from Northern Japan to find their vampire progeny Chō, one of my father's generals."
"Yes," Sumi formally cut in. "Chō has enslaved us and our people for long, bringing death and bloodshed upon us every day."
Taka straightened himself to regard me solemnly. "We saved our people when she left to join Dracula's army. But we knew she would come back anytime. So, we left our lands to find and kill her to put an end into her evil existence."
Sumi continued, "we decided to travel to find someone. A powerful vampire hunter to help us, to train us become stronger, and learn the arts of fighting and hunting night creatures."
"We already explained to Alucard," Taka looked intently at the youth, admiration danced in those pools of dark eyes, "we heard during our journeys that there is a strong vampire hunter -"
"An anti-vampire," Sumi corrected him.
"Yes, Alucard is our last hope to help us fight for the freedom of our people, to ensure the likes of Chō would never come about again." I watched as the pair linked their hands together in unity.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I noticed Adrian glancing at their hands with an unreadable look.
I sized the pair up the whole time they were explaining their predicament. Determination, resilience and courage dripped from them; their enthusiastic speech was evident of that. Despite many challenges they surely have encountered during their travel, not once did they get cold feet. Their sincerity in learning the art of vampire hunting was sincere. I could not detect any sense of animosity, malice, or ill-intentions.
However,
If so, then what is the meaning behind the gnaw in the pit of your stomach?
If only I knew too. I sighed with a heavy heart.
"Nane, Sumi and Taka will remain as my responsibilities. I wish to help them fight to free their people from the merciless fangs of my kind." A reassuring hand came to rest on my shoulder, making me lose some tension. "I am certain both my mother and Trevor would have approved to pass on their knowledge to future generations."
I cast Adrian a celebratory look. You are so kind… too kind for this mad, cruel world, my precious sunflower.
It was fruitless to protest or word my concerns anymore. When Adrian set his mind to do something, nothing could stop him from fulfilling his duty. Opening my eyes, I sauntered toward the pair. They flinched, not expecting my sudden approach. Keeping my arms straight by my sides, I bowed my back thirty degrees.
"Yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Taki-kun, Sumi-chan!" The couple gasped in surprise.
Regarding them from beneath my bangs, the shocked pair glanced at each other baffled. They quickly regained their focus and showed their returned courtesy with an equally deep bow.
"Yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Roxana – Sama!" Their enthusiastic reply came in unison.
Straightening ourselves, I observed each individual, beaming at their bright faces. "The guests of my son are my guests in return. I welcome you to our humbled residence. Please, make yourselves at home."
Sumi and Taka's smiles widened, soon accompanied by their warm laughers. They glanced at each other and us happily.
"We are very grateful for your hospitality." Sumi clasped her hands together in appreciation.
"Alucard may be of great help, and work as a remarkable teacher, no doubt," I put a hand on my chest, "but rest assured that I will also offer my knowledge when needed to help you achieve your goal." Their dark eyes gleamed with anew joy.
The pair bowed sharply again. "Dōmo arigatō gozaimashita, Roxana – sama!"
I chuckled at their devotion and raised a hand toward the castle, inviting them in. "Dou-itashimashite! Come now, let's have brunch together. I am sure that your long travel has left you famished."
As if on cue, the boy's stomach growled angrily, drawing our attentions. The youth's cheeks reddened in embarrassment and Sumi pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Y-yeah, we are," Taka muttered tautly, "and thank you for preparing us food." I gave him a confirmed nod.
As the pair made their way toward the tall edifice, Adrian put a hand on my shoulder, gently nudging me to a halt. "I did not know you knew Japanese."
I smiled up at him. "A privilege gained for having multicultural family members." His chuckle echoed gently through the double doors.
"Father knew many languages too, but I lacked the privilege of time to learn from him."
His beautiful face contorted into a forlorn expression. Lips casted downward, brows knitted softly, and amber eyes glistened with fresh tears.
I put a hand on his arm, moving it up and down his muscle reassuringly.
I knew no words could bring him any comfort. Even my presence at this time served as a temporary filler; conversing with him and keeping him company enough to prevent Adrian from being sucked back into his haunted thoughts. The boy had not overcome his trauma, and it was understandable. Alucard killed his own father with his bare hands, watched as he dissolved into ashes and burnt away in his childhood bedroom.
And the more tragic part was, Dracula could have still been saved if he had not given up hope.
Perhaps, he did belatedly acknowledge his mistake, how rage blinded him of the truth. Lisa was still alive.
…In Alucard.
She may have no longer lived in this world, but her legacy lived on. If Vlad had perceived it, seen Lisa's remaining memory, he would have never befallen into such tragic fate. How many times did I warn him to think sensibly before rushing into any reckless decision? Punched his heart to cause him gain some conscious and see Adrian? Screamed at his face that the price to kill all humans would mean killing his own flesh and blood as well? slapped the fact into his heart that his suicidal thoughts would parish the last remaining memory of his beloved wife?
But to no avail.
And when he did realize, when the gravity of my words finally sunk in so stingily, it was already too late.
The King of all vampires - a man once devoted to his Lord and family, a loving father and a much loving husband - left the world without saying goodbye or sorry to his son, leaving with nothing but a hunted castle and phantasms for his remaining kin; memories which kept snaking around Adrian's pure and broken heart like serpents and poisoned his mind whenever they resurfaced.
My grip on his arm tightened slightly, hoping that my care and kindness would channel into his soul through my touch, banishing his inner demons.
But not anymore! You shall never be hurt, never be alone, never left to confront your demons by yourself, my morning star.
I walked into his personal space, our chests nearly touching. My hand came up to cup his left cheek, caressing the soft skin under his eye lovingly. Those golden eyes widen slightly before softening into gentle burning ambers. A warm beam, warmer than the sun that blanketed us, graced his lips.
I watched as Adrian closed his eyes with a content sigh. He brought up his own hand to rest on mine and nuzzled tenderly into my palm. He inhaled deeply.
How painful it was for you to kill your father to save the ones who killed your mother.
Fate was too cruel to allow that to happen, yet, it was time for him to enjoy his new life, starting with small pleasures.
"Adrian," I whispered his name and saw his beautiful long lashes flutter open to reveal his gleaming honey colored orbs. "You may not have time to learn from your father, but I am here." I crooned. His lips formed into a sullen beam. "I will teach you everything to the best of my knowledge. We may be unrelated by blood, but we are still family, my bright morning star."
He scoffed in joy and disbelief. "Vielen dank, nane!"
"Anytime, my beautiful prince." Taking a shaky deep breath, I mustered my courage and poured my heart and soul into the next two words I breathed to him. "Oğlumu seviyorum!"
His eyes gradually widened.
That calm sullen face morphed into an appalled expression. Those wide golden eyes searched my face frantically for something I could not apprehend. The same hand which still gripped mine tightened around my wrist, fearing I would disappear if he were to let go. His strong chest heaved with deep inhales, making my stomach churn at his panicked expression. Out of instinct, I stepped in and wrapped my arm around his strong waist, causing Adrian to lean unto me for support. I sensed his tall form trembling involuntarily.
For a moment there, I almost regretted saying those words.
"Adrian?" I breathed his name when I saw his eyes moistened, stroking his cheek in hope to elicit a response.
He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing back the fresh tears which threatened to escape his eyes. I saw how they stopped and rested on his lashes like dews. Worry started to gnaw at my heart as I almost felt it leap into my throat. His shaky warm breaths kept fanning my face due to our proximity. I ran a hand into his long mane, brushing away those beautiful locks to regard him better. He opened his mouth but only a helpless sob escaped.
His breath smells like the warm morning breeze!
"Adrian? Please, talk to me." I bleated in worry, a frown plastered on my face.
The trembling youth opened his eyes to regard me woefully. "F-forgive me, nane!" I tightened my arms around his form. His arms snaked behind my shoulders, cradling my head. "Father used to," he sobbed brokenly, "he used to say the same thing."
I ran a hand up and down his back to sooth his shaking, giving him a crestfallen yet encouraging smile. "And I am sure he meant it when he said it." I crooned.
"I… I…" His brows quivered as he tried desperately to restrain himself from crying, and I clutched unto him in hope to prevent him from breaking as he so desired. But I knew the feelings dueling inside him were growing stronger the more he fought them back. "Nane… I…"
"Shh… It's all right, Adrian. Everything will be all right, you'll see." My palms ran up and down his spine, messaging his stiff shoulders. Each stroke almost matched the rhythm of his breathing.
Bending his head to rest his forehead on mine, I felt his satin soft hair cascade down like waterfalls and framed his handsome face, hiding us from the invisible peering eyes within the castle walls. I could feel the end of his locks tickling my cheeks and shoulders. His wounded arms around my shoulders tightened, making me arch into him, pressing us flush against each other. I could feel his sadness pour like rain on a dark twilight. His heart raced against his ribcage. I gazed up into his eyes as they stared distantly at the necklace resting on my collarbones.
Those sad wet eyes seemed to carry all the loneliness in the world. At that instant, I truly wished I could tear off his pain and agony and redress him with a new dress made with nothing but strings of happiness and joy. But nothing could ease his bleeding heart at the moment. The loss of parents was no ordinary pain to overcome easily. The truth of it overcame me with melancholy, and the nasty churn in my stomach coursed through my body, burning like acid. I could almost taste its bitter aftermath in the back of my tongue.
"He used to say it a million times," Adrian forced his voice through a whisper.
I don't know why but his handsome complexion started to blur before my own wet eyes.
But what? Tell me my sunflower. My grip tightened around him fisting a handful of his cotton-soft milky shirt.
"But now, after all these years, I finally realized what they meant."
Closing his eyelids gently, I watched as Adrian finally allowed for his tears to freely drop. Those diamonds rolled down and made new wet trails over my cheeks.
At that moment, a warm breeze, despite the presence of the frosty autumn, blew and engulfed us in its embrace.
As if something or someone wanted to share their sympathy and offer comfort.
Author's Note: Here is the first chapter of my fanfic which is based on the first and second episode, and specifically within the timeline that focuses on Adrian and how he meets Sumi and Taka. I know... What happened to Trevor and Sypha appearing on Lindenfeld? I am sure you have noticed; the timelines of events occurring in each episode overlaps or happens hours after or before another event. For instance, when Isaac visits the antiquary and gets the magic mirror, the mirror shows Carmilla busy discussing her plan for conquering Europe till Braila, however, the scene is shown afterwards in detail. This said, my character can only appear at one place and time, despite myself seeing everything simultaneously. Hence, I will try to write Roxana's encounters plausible especially given the slight fragmented times.
The reason for the different use of languages is... well just wanted to add spice; similar to how Castlevania uses real locations and events to develop the plot and make the storyline. For instance, The year which Dracula dies by the hands Alucard, Sypha and Trevor is the same year that in history, Vlad Dracula Tepes gets killed by the hands of his men in war who betrayed him. Or Lindenfeld is actually a real village in Romania which is now a deserted place, known as the "Phantom Village". As for the Turkish sentence, Dracula was known to speak Trukish fluently since he was raised in Sultan Mehmed II's palace and used it toward his advantage to infiltrate the army during war against the Ottomans. I thought he might have said a few things to Lisa or Adrian in Turkish like a secret message which I found nice.
Translations:
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! – nice to meet you!
Dou-itashimashite! – You are welcome!
Vielen dank! – thank you very much!
Oğlumu seviyorum! – I love you my son!