*Chapter 7: Shadow's Castle*
A carriage takes Maria and Mighty to the woods to get to Shadow's castle for dinner. Maria held her hands, looking out the window to see the dark trees pass by. Mighty is looking out for anything. He was given a wooden stake and a cross. Maria gave him one of the Garlic Bombs to use, and Mighty also had a bottle of holy water.
"You could be a vampire hunter, Mighty." Maria said, breaking the silence. "Knuckles could let you in."
"I couldn't. I don't have much experience. I only protect you and your grandfather." Mighty said. "The vampires will fear our protection. I wonder how Count Shadow lives in the woods while the vampires roam in the woods? Then again, vampires must be invited inside a home first."
"Yes." Maria said. "That is a law."
Then, the carriage stopped as it arrived outside the gates of the castle. Mighty and Maria climbed out of the carriage and look up at the dark castle. Maria was in awe at the sight. The castle may be dark, but it is big. They walk up the gates. There is Rouge waiting for them with a smile.
"Good evening." She greeted. "Oh, where is Gerald? He couldn't make it?"
"I'm afraid not, my lady." Mighty replied. "He is ill, but he will recover in a day. I am here to escort Lady Maria. May we please come through?" Rouge got the gates open and let them inside. The carriage remains outside.
Maria looked around the front lawn to see the garden. It is dead. No water in a fountain. The trees are dead. Maria followed Rouge up the stone steps to get to the front doors.
"The count awaits inside." Rouge spoke. "He has been working hard to get the place ready, and the dinner. He hates to upset guests." Maria and Mighty exchange glances. Maria figured that Shadow made dinner for her and Mighty since he can't eat food like a normal mobian.
She opens the doors. Maria and Mighty look inside to see the large main hall. They walk inside. The place is clean. The candles are lit up. The windows show the view of the woods, and the moonlight is shining through. Mighty noticed that there are no mirrors around.
"How long have you worked for the count, my lady?" Mighty asked.
"Please, call me Rouge." The white bat said. "I don't really work for him. We just treat each other like...family. I was there for him. He has his moments. He likes privacy, and I help him get through depression and so forth. And now that he has come around and met Lady Maria, he becomes open." Maria blushed a bit.
"I see." Mighty said.
"Ah, Lady Maria." A voice spoke. They look up to see Shadow on the stairway. He is dressed in his evening suit. He walked down the stairs with a smile. Behind him are Blaze and Silver. "I am so glad you could make it." Shadow said. He took Maria's hand and kissed it. "It is a pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise." Maria said. "Are those your friends?" She looked behind Shadow to see Silver and Blaze.
"Oh. This is Silver and Blaze. They will be joining us this evening if you don't mind." Shadow said.
"Oh no. I don't mind at all." Maria said. She noticed that Blaze is staring at her like she is studying her. Silver cleared his throat, trying not to make things awkward. Shadow noticed that Gerald isn't with Maria. Just the armadillo.
"Where is your grandfather? I notice he is not here."
"Oh. He is sick." Maria said. "Mighty is here to take his place. You don't mind, do you?" Shadow looked at the armadillo in silent. He could tell that Maria is nervous about this.
"I don't mind at all. Welcome to my home, Mighty." Shadow said, taking out his hand. Mighty took it and they shook hands. "A friend of Maria's, is a friend of mine. Just don't wander without permission."
"Oh, I wouldn't explore without a tour guide." Mighty said with a chuckle. "I was hoping you can show us around after we eat."
"And we do have some other friends joining us. They are in my dining room." Shadow said. "Follow me." He got an elbow out for Maria to link in his. The yellow hedgehog slowly wrap her arm around his as he lead her down the hall. Silver and Blaze followed from behind. On the walls, there are paintings. Maria smiled a little as she notice a painting of a castle that is bright.
"How long have you been living here, Shadow?" Mighty asked.
"A long time." Shadow replied.
"I see. I never see you around town. I was told that you never come around or been seen by anyone. Yet, your name is big." Mighty said. "And do you feel safe living here while the vampires hide in the woods?"
"They can't come in here." Shadow told him. "They need to be invited in first."
"Don't worry, Mighty. We're all safe." Rouge spoke. "Now, how about you tell me about yourself..." Shadow turn to Maria while Rouge is talking to Mighty.
"I'm sorry that your grandfather couldn't make it tonight. But, we will see each other again one day." He said.
"Yes. He would like that." Maria said. "I'm just worried about him." Shadow frowned a bit. But he wanted to cheer up his mate. He must make a good conversation. They arrive in the dining room to see Sonic and Sally by the window.
"These are our friends, Sonic and Sally." Shadow introduced. The blue hedgehog and a chipmunk turn to see them. "This is my very special guest, Lady Maria. And her friend, Mighty."
"Hello, Lady Maria. Nice to meet you." Sally spoke with a smile.
"Hello, Sally and Sonic." Maria said with a bow of her head. Shadow whispered in her ear, telling her that they are not vampires. Neither is Silver. Some mortals are here since they know about Shadow and his friends. Now she has more questions.
"Let us eat. Dinner is served." Shadow said. On the dinner table, there is food. There is a turkey, mashed potatoes, salad, ham, and bread. The food is for mortals. No way a vampire could eat this food. Can they?
Shadow sat across from Maria. Sonic and Sally sat next to each other on one side. Silver and Blaze sat on the other side with Rouge as Mighty sat next to her. Coming out from the kitchen is Honey with glasses and a bottle.
"Here you are, Count Shadow." Honey said with a smile. "A fresh drink for you and your friends." She gave him a wink. Maria caught that. The bottle isn't red wine. Shadow cleared his throat.
"Yes. Thank you, Honey. But, we have water. Leave the glass and bottle here." He said.
"I am making dessert now. Don't be too full." Honey said, trotting away from the table.
"Who is she?" Mighty asked. "Your cook?"
"Um, not really, but...she insists to make us dessert." Shadow said. "Don't mind her." Everyone went on to their dinner. Maria took a glance at Blaze who took a bite of the ham. Maybe vampires only eat meat? She took a glance at Shadow who slowly chews his piece of turkey meat. He didn't look disgusted.
The dinner has gone well, with small conversations with others. Maria felt comfortable around those who are not vampires. She could trust them. Honey brought out dessert. Which is a strawberry shortcake. Yet, it will be saved later since everyone is full. But, the cat is happy that she bakes for Shadow.
XX
Once Mighty is occupied with Silver and Blaze's company, Shadow and Maria finally have the time to talk. Shadow took Maria out of the dining room and lead her to the main hallway. Maria stood by the fireplace as Shadow held a glass of blood. He took a sip before turning to her.
"I hope you don't mind me drinking this in front of you." Shadow said.
"No. It's fine." Maria said. "You can't starve. Just make sure Mighty doesn't catch you for doing any vampire activities."
"Don't worry about him. He seems fine." Shadow said with a smirk. "Now, ask me all you want, my dear. What is your first question about vampires? I have all the answers."
"Oh wow. Where do I start?" Maria said with a nervous grin. "Well, how long have you been a vampire?"
"For many centuries. I've lost count. Felt like 600 or 700 years." Shadow said. "Rouge has been a vampire far longer than I have. Same with Blaze. Honey is 200 years old. One of the youngest we've met thus far. She's a little crazy, but harmless." Maria nodded.
"How do Silver, Sonic, and Sally met you since they know your secret? This must be an interesting story." Maria said, sitting on the chair. Shadow chuckled a bit.
"First off, Silver met Blaze three years ago. She was caught by Silver in town by drinking from a mobian who tried to attack her. But then, Blaze...well, she couldn't just kill Silver since he witnessed the scene. So, after he met us and we told him that we wouldn't harm him as long as he can't tell anyone. So, after a while, he and Blaze become a couple, but...Blaze refused to turn him." Shadow told Maria. "I saved Sonic and Sally from the wolves in the woods. They were shocked of course, but grateful. So, I knew I couldn't just kill them or turn them since they promise not to say a word. We become good friends."
"Since Silver lived here with you, you guys didn't drink his-"
"We did three years ago. But, only if we couldn't find prey from the woods. Blaze didn't like the idea of drinking Silver's blood. So, since they return home, we swore we wouldn't drink from Silver." Shadow said. "He means well, but...I couldn't let him lose too much blood for us. I don't want to upset Blaze."
"Oh." Maria said. "I see. And how do you walk in the sunlight the day we met? A vampire can't be out in the sun. They burn into crisp."
"We wear rings. Well, necklaces are another option." Shadow said, showing Maria his ring. "Have you heard of this witch name Nicole? She made us jewelry to be out in a sun."
"Nicole? Oh, I have heard of her." Maria said. "I don't see her often in town. I never thought she could help vampires."
"As long as they don't try to drain her blood in return." Shadow said. "It's nice to be out in a warm sun. I forgot how it feels without being burn marks." Maria smiled at him.
"So, it's true that vampires burn in sunlight. You guys hate garlic. You also burn by holy water. And you guys hate crosses." Maria said.
"Correct." Shadow said.
"You all sleep all day, but not anymore?"
"We can sleep all day. Yet, Rouge loves to be out in daylight. This is something we get used to go since we have jewelry. Vampires need sleep too. And yes, we do sleep in coffins. Except Silver. We do have beds in guest rooms. But for us vampires, it must be coffins to block the light." Shadow said.
"You hunt animals to feed?" Maria asked.
"Yes."
"You...never drink from a mobian?"
"Well...only if...necessary." Shadow said with a nervous look. "Maria, there are those who want to kill us. We don't have a choice but to defend ourselves. We kill them or...turn them."
"Oh. Well...I don't know what to say. But, those vampires from last night. You can kill vampires, right?"
"We can." Shadow said. "But, there are others out there. It'd be too risky to kill most of them. You haven't seen them out there, have you?"
"No." Maria said, shaking her head. "That's why I brought some...stuff. Mighty brought the stakes and holy water."
"I see." Shadow said. "Any other questions?" Maria opened her mouth, but closed it. "Another time then. Now, shall I show you around my castle?" Maria nodded. Shadow took her by the hand.
They walk inside the study. Shadow hardly comes in here, but it is where the letters are placed. He then showed her the library. Maria was amazed by it. There are shelves of books. Must be thousands of books to read.
Shadow showed her the music room where the piano is seen. There is a violin, a guitar, and a flute. Maria walked in the room to touch the piano keys. She presses some keys.
"Do you play, Shadow?" Maria asked.
"Once in a while." Shadow replied. "I just don't have a partner. To sing."
"Oh." Maria said. "Well, when I was a little girl, I sing. But, I don't think I'm good anymore. It's been a while." She said. Shadow stared at her. "After my parents died, I...stopped doing what I love because...what I do reminds me of their happiness."
"Maria, who says you need to stop doing what you love?" Shadow asked. "Your parents would want you to continue what you do. And I would love to hear you sing someday. I'm sure you have a great voice." Maria blushed a little as Shadow took her hand. "Never give up." Shadow said. "Believe me, I've been living like this for so long. I have friends who guide me and I never give up on them or my life. I keep going."
"But, you're a vampire. I'm a mortal." Maria said. "Vampires can do anything."
"Maybe so, but...mortals do more. They have so much to live for." Shadow said. "They follow their dreams and find what they are looking for." Maria looked at his red eyes with her blue ones. The red eyes have honesty. Maria smiled a little at him.
"Thank you, Shadow." She said. Shadow smiled back at her. His free hand runs up to her side of the face. She is soft to touch. Shadow's eyes trail down to her neck. His mind is telling him to bite her and make her his bride. But, he couldn't do that. Not now. It's too soon. Shadow turned away from her. Maria looked at him with concern. "Are you alright?"
"I'm...I'm fine." Shadow said. "Forgive me." He picked up a glass and drank the blood to relax himself.
"Shadow, you wouldn't try to-" Maria was cut off when Honey barged in the music room with blood all over her mouth. Maria gasped a bit.
"Boy, was I thirsty." Honey said, wiping her mouth with her bloodstain glove. She looks at Maria. "Hi there! I'm Honey! We didn't even properly introduce back in the dining room!"
"Uh, yes." Maria said. "I'm Maria Robotnik. Um, pardon me, Honey, but...you got something on your-"
"Oh! Right! Excuse me!" Honey said, wiping her mouth. Shadow groaned a bit.
"Would you please wash your face in the bathroom?" He asked. "It is rude of you coming in with blood."
"Oh, Lady Maria doesn't mind. She might have to get used to it someday." Honey said. "She is your soulmate after all."
"Honey!" Shadow yelled. Maria turned to the black hedgehog in shock. Soulmate. Is that why Maria is here?
"Oops. I'm not supposed to say anything." Honey said, covering her mouth. Shadow turned to Maria who stared back at him.
"Shadow, what does she mean?" She asked.
"Maria, this isn't what you think!" Shadow said. "Honey didn't mean anything!"
"Shadow, am I here for a real reason?" Maria asked. "Am I...going to be your next victim?"
"No! I would never do that to you!" Shadow said. "Listen to me, I would never hurt you! Honey doesn't know what she's saying. I invite you here so we can get along and-"
"Wait." Maria spoke. "I just remembered. Vampires fall in love at first sight." She stared at Shadow as if she saw him for a first time. She backed away. "You see me as your bride." She whispered. Shadow tried to explain, but couldn't. Now Maria has discovered the truth. Honey opened her big mouth. Should Shadow tell her about the mating laws? "You...fell in love with me that day we met. Didn't you?" Maria asked.
"...Yes." Shadow replied. "It's...how it works. A vampire found a mate by love at first sight." He looked at her with a frown. "For a first time, I fell in love. My heart was beating and felt warm. But, I can't just turn you into a vampire right away, Maria. We hardly know each other. And I understand that you are not ready to know about the mating laws. Because you aren't in love with me yet."
"Shadow..." Maria spoke.
"Shadow!" Sonic's voice cried out. Everyone turned to see Sonic coming in the music room with panic. "Shadow! You have to come down the main hall!"
"Why?" Shadow asked.
"What's happening?" Honey asked.
"Rouge has gone crazy! She's trying to drink from Mighty!" Sonic said. Maria let out a gasp. She ran out of the room to get down the main hall. Shadow and Honey followed quickly.
Maria came down to see Mighty pinned on the floor, using the stake to prevent the white bat from biting him. Rouge's eyes have turned red. Silver and Blaze watched in horror. Sally turned to see Maria standing there in horror.
"No!" Maria cried out. Rouge looked up to see Maria there. She grinned.
"You will be next, darling. I'm thirsty!"
