Okay, now I hope this chapter is as much fun to read as it was to
write. That being said, leave reviews, I may be writing this for my own
pleasure, but I'm taking the time to revise and post it for yours. Also,
is there any monster in particular anyone want to see? It's time to start
thinking about where this fic is headed.
Death looked on with a malicious grin, very pleased that Olrox was finally getting his ego chopped down to a more tolerable size. Ever since Stoladark took it upon himself to let Karasuman tag along when he was banished, Dracula had been exceptionally hostile. The matter was made more delicious because Olrox was receiving the majority of the blame, even though it wasn't entirely his fault.
"Now please," Dracula began to his formerly favorite assistant, "explain to me again how these two traitors managed to just walk out of my castle?" Olrox bowed, preparing to make what he hoped was a convincing appeal, "My Lord, you must recall that it is Slogra and Gaibon who are responsible for guarding the front of the castle." Death nearly snickered out loud, but caught himself to avoid drawing attention. Olrox's excuse was pitiable at best, something Dracula didn't hesitate to point out, "and pray tell, just who is supposed to prevent them from doing such things?" Olrox had no way to refute that reasoning.
Death strode forward, finally feeling comfortable enough to force his way into the conversation, "Master, if I may, I'd like to say a few words." Dracula motioned for him to continue, "Please."
"Well, perhaps this undesirable situation can be amended if the traitors could be captured. It would take little trouble to locate and bring them back here where they can be properly punished." Even though Death was thoroughly enjoying Olrox's lecture, if things continued as they had, it wouldn't be much longer before he was traced as playing a role. After all, it was Death who very forcefully suggested that Stoladark become overtly involved in the castle's affairs.
"That is indeed a brilliant idea, albeit obvious. It leads me to wonder why it was never thought of earlier." Dracula shot a cold glare at Olrox, "Perhaps the two of you can find a way to do that in an efficient fashion." he commanded. Death grimaced, that was a blow he most certainly did not expect-getting punished for Olrox's sin. He considered raising protest, but that would likely make matters worse. Dracula's other minion didn't appear pleased either. Regardless, Death wordlessly bowed and exited the Keep. Olrox followed suit soon afterward.
Death turned around when he heard the door creak open behind him, "I will say Olrox, you've certainly made a fine mess of things!" Death thought it might be a bit fun if he kept up Dracula's condescending tone toward Olrox. The vampire growled in disapproval, but otherwise never gave his new companion the satisfaction of a retort, "Perhaps we should just find a way to accomplish this task in a timely manner?" Death smiled, that was one thing he genuinely admired about Olrox, he was always very straightforward, "I agree."
"I hardly see how this is a big deal. Karasuman and Stoladark could hardly be considered important, or even helpful for that matter." Death and Olrox spun to face the eavesdropper. Olrox narrowed his eyes at her, "It's the principle of it, Succubus. If those two can get away with defying Dracula, others will think they can do the same." Death cleared his throat, preparing to add to his comrade's words, "Take Galamoth as an example, it would be devastating if he chose to overthrow Dracula."
Succubus smiled and prepared to depart, but was determined to leave a good impression on her two superiors "Is there is anything I can do to assist either of you?" Olrox moved to reply, but Death cut him off, "Nothing yet, I had plans to merely send out a bat to locate the traitors, but I may call on you later." Olrox glared at his coworker, not feeling terribly appreciative about being undermined, "Just what are you thinking?" he snapped. "I'm thinking it would be foolish to make any rash moves." "And sending a bat out is the best way to accomplish something?" the vampire sarcastically inquired.
"Do you prefer we search for them ourselves?" For once, Olrox was in complete agreement with his coworker. He had no wish to carry out such menial tasks if something else could be found to do them instead, "Very well then, shall we part ways until your spy returns?" Death concurred before vanishing.
The vampire stood in the empty hallway for a few moments longer, his lips upturned in a malevolent smile. Ever since the initial surprise of his new assignment had worn off, Olrox was beginning to imagine he might enjoy this game, especially once Karasuman and Stoldark were found.
Karasuman stared out the window of the kitchen, half-wondering what his unofficial captors were discussing this time. The summer sun was ablaze in its full glory on the townspeople and pack animals that periodically wandered by. He yawned, with those few moments to himself, the demon realized just how drained he was. Never before had he been up so early, or so late, depending on how one looked at it, and his current predicament would likely prevent him from getting rest anytime soon. When Alucard turned his attention back to Karasuman, the demon shifted uneasily under his gaze, "Maria and I have someone we would like to introduce you to." He said bluntly.
The demon had the good sense not to protest, or ask further questions. His grasp on life was tentative at best, and he wanted to avoid irritating either of the hunters he was keeping company with, "I look forward to meeting him." he replied diffidently with a bow. Alucard silently applauded the demon and his self-discipline before exiting the back door, beckoning Maria and Karasuman to follow. Assuming an excursion into daylight could hurt no more than anything else he had experienced, the demon followed deferentially and showed little aversion beyond shielding his eyes. This time, Alucard took the effort to voice his approbation, "Well Demon, I will say that your willpower is commendable." Karasuman smiled, pleased to receive a compliment and feeling slightly more secure with his acquaintances. At least until after they completed their short stroll through the deserted back roads of the village and arrived at their destination- the same cathedral Karasuman has been trying so hard to avoid.
Thankfully, Alucard and Maria held no expectations of him going inside, so they left him perched in the shade of a tree located in the church's garden. The demon had long since abandoned any ideas of escape, if he attempted now, the villagers would certainly see he was executed if Alucard and Maria didn't first. He instead decided to focus his attention on the ubiquitous church. It seemed much more imposing in the sunlight than when he first noticed it before dawn. If for nothing else than to set his mind at ease, the demon flew from the tree and approached the cathedral's steps, "The Cathedral of St. Quirinus." he read off an engraving on the first step, "why does that name sound familiar?"
"St. Quirinus is the patron saint against evil spirits, which leads me to wonder what you're doing here." With the arrival of a potentially dangerous stranger, Karasuman temporarily forgot all his misgivings about the cathedral and jumped onto one of the many flying buttresses scattered across the outside of the building. "I know you," after recognizing just who the man was, the demon felt the majority of his fear melt away, "you're Richter Belmont!"
Richter held his head high, very flattered that even the lowliest of demons knew his name. But something was wrong, Karasuman spoke without the least hint of dread in his voice. Richter found this puzzling considering he was the latest member in the family line that had been Dracula's bane since the Crusades. The vampire hunter deeply regretted that he carried no weapon. To compensate, he returned to St. Quirinus to obtain a small vial of holy water. Once he returned, he was aghast to find his adversary still quite cheerful, and not intimidated in the least. Karasuman examined the Belmont once again, "You were the one that was possessed by Shaft, right?"
"Need you remind me?" Richter snapped, throwing the holy water at the demon. He ducked, narrowly avoiding a painful and potentially fatal wound, dearly wishing he hadn't struck such a raw nerve. By luck and coincidence alone, Karasuman spotted a raven preening itself on a gargoyle and ordered it to attack while he took refuge on the cathedral's roof.
"Dare I ask what's going on?" an unrecognized voice meekly inquired. Karasuman immediately called off his winged ally and peered down at the newcomer while the bird alighted next to him. Richter was too stunned to speak, but obviously happy to be free of his avian assailant. The unidentified man turned his head toward the flustered demon, "Hmmm.my church appears to have acquired a new gargoyle, a sentient one too."
"Father Aurel, that's a demon." Richter eventually managed. The priest glared at him and whispered, "I know that, but unlike you, I'm not going to provoke him into attacking me because of a bruised ego." The vampire hunter blushed and hung his head, embarrassed that the local pastor had witnessed the somewhat ridiculous display. "And besides, have you spoken to Alucard or Maria recently?"
"Should I have?" Richter rejoined. Father Aurel ignored him, "So demon, perhaps it would be easier for us to talk if you chose to get off the roof? I promise not to hurt you." He said gently. Richter threw his hand in the air in resignation and walked away, confident the priest had sealed his own fate. Karasuman kept his eyes intently trained on the vampire hunter until he was out of sight, and then began stroking the back of his raven ally, "You're a priest, why should I trust you?" he halfheartedly replied, once again feeling the effects of the morning's stress and fatigue. Father Aurel spread his hands disarmingly, "Just have faith."
Death looked on with a malicious grin, very pleased that Olrox was finally getting his ego chopped down to a more tolerable size. Ever since Stoladark took it upon himself to let Karasuman tag along when he was banished, Dracula had been exceptionally hostile. The matter was made more delicious because Olrox was receiving the majority of the blame, even though it wasn't entirely his fault.
"Now please," Dracula began to his formerly favorite assistant, "explain to me again how these two traitors managed to just walk out of my castle?" Olrox bowed, preparing to make what he hoped was a convincing appeal, "My Lord, you must recall that it is Slogra and Gaibon who are responsible for guarding the front of the castle." Death nearly snickered out loud, but caught himself to avoid drawing attention. Olrox's excuse was pitiable at best, something Dracula didn't hesitate to point out, "and pray tell, just who is supposed to prevent them from doing such things?" Olrox had no way to refute that reasoning.
Death strode forward, finally feeling comfortable enough to force his way into the conversation, "Master, if I may, I'd like to say a few words." Dracula motioned for him to continue, "Please."
"Well, perhaps this undesirable situation can be amended if the traitors could be captured. It would take little trouble to locate and bring them back here where they can be properly punished." Even though Death was thoroughly enjoying Olrox's lecture, if things continued as they had, it wouldn't be much longer before he was traced as playing a role. After all, it was Death who very forcefully suggested that Stoladark become overtly involved in the castle's affairs.
"That is indeed a brilliant idea, albeit obvious. It leads me to wonder why it was never thought of earlier." Dracula shot a cold glare at Olrox, "Perhaps the two of you can find a way to do that in an efficient fashion." he commanded. Death grimaced, that was a blow he most certainly did not expect-getting punished for Olrox's sin. He considered raising protest, but that would likely make matters worse. Dracula's other minion didn't appear pleased either. Regardless, Death wordlessly bowed and exited the Keep. Olrox followed suit soon afterward.
Death turned around when he heard the door creak open behind him, "I will say Olrox, you've certainly made a fine mess of things!" Death thought it might be a bit fun if he kept up Dracula's condescending tone toward Olrox. The vampire growled in disapproval, but otherwise never gave his new companion the satisfaction of a retort, "Perhaps we should just find a way to accomplish this task in a timely manner?" Death smiled, that was one thing he genuinely admired about Olrox, he was always very straightforward, "I agree."
"I hardly see how this is a big deal. Karasuman and Stoladark could hardly be considered important, or even helpful for that matter." Death and Olrox spun to face the eavesdropper. Olrox narrowed his eyes at her, "It's the principle of it, Succubus. If those two can get away with defying Dracula, others will think they can do the same." Death cleared his throat, preparing to add to his comrade's words, "Take Galamoth as an example, it would be devastating if he chose to overthrow Dracula."
Succubus smiled and prepared to depart, but was determined to leave a good impression on her two superiors "Is there is anything I can do to assist either of you?" Olrox moved to reply, but Death cut him off, "Nothing yet, I had plans to merely send out a bat to locate the traitors, but I may call on you later." Olrox glared at his coworker, not feeling terribly appreciative about being undermined, "Just what are you thinking?" he snapped. "I'm thinking it would be foolish to make any rash moves." "And sending a bat out is the best way to accomplish something?" the vampire sarcastically inquired.
"Do you prefer we search for them ourselves?" For once, Olrox was in complete agreement with his coworker. He had no wish to carry out such menial tasks if something else could be found to do them instead, "Very well then, shall we part ways until your spy returns?" Death concurred before vanishing.
The vampire stood in the empty hallway for a few moments longer, his lips upturned in a malevolent smile. Ever since the initial surprise of his new assignment had worn off, Olrox was beginning to imagine he might enjoy this game, especially once Karasuman and Stoldark were found.
Karasuman stared out the window of the kitchen, half-wondering what his unofficial captors were discussing this time. The summer sun was ablaze in its full glory on the townspeople and pack animals that periodically wandered by. He yawned, with those few moments to himself, the demon realized just how drained he was. Never before had he been up so early, or so late, depending on how one looked at it, and his current predicament would likely prevent him from getting rest anytime soon. When Alucard turned his attention back to Karasuman, the demon shifted uneasily under his gaze, "Maria and I have someone we would like to introduce you to." He said bluntly.
The demon had the good sense not to protest, or ask further questions. His grasp on life was tentative at best, and he wanted to avoid irritating either of the hunters he was keeping company with, "I look forward to meeting him." he replied diffidently with a bow. Alucard silently applauded the demon and his self-discipline before exiting the back door, beckoning Maria and Karasuman to follow. Assuming an excursion into daylight could hurt no more than anything else he had experienced, the demon followed deferentially and showed little aversion beyond shielding his eyes. This time, Alucard took the effort to voice his approbation, "Well Demon, I will say that your willpower is commendable." Karasuman smiled, pleased to receive a compliment and feeling slightly more secure with his acquaintances. At least until after they completed their short stroll through the deserted back roads of the village and arrived at their destination- the same cathedral Karasuman has been trying so hard to avoid.
Thankfully, Alucard and Maria held no expectations of him going inside, so they left him perched in the shade of a tree located in the church's garden. The demon had long since abandoned any ideas of escape, if he attempted now, the villagers would certainly see he was executed if Alucard and Maria didn't first. He instead decided to focus his attention on the ubiquitous church. It seemed much more imposing in the sunlight than when he first noticed it before dawn. If for nothing else than to set his mind at ease, the demon flew from the tree and approached the cathedral's steps, "The Cathedral of St. Quirinus." he read off an engraving on the first step, "why does that name sound familiar?"
"St. Quirinus is the patron saint against evil spirits, which leads me to wonder what you're doing here." With the arrival of a potentially dangerous stranger, Karasuman temporarily forgot all his misgivings about the cathedral and jumped onto one of the many flying buttresses scattered across the outside of the building. "I know you," after recognizing just who the man was, the demon felt the majority of his fear melt away, "you're Richter Belmont!"
Richter held his head high, very flattered that even the lowliest of demons knew his name. But something was wrong, Karasuman spoke without the least hint of dread in his voice. Richter found this puzzling considering he was the latest member in the family line that had been Dracula's bane since the Crusades. The vampire hunter deeply regretted that he carried no weapon. To compensate, he returned to St. Quirinus to obtain a small vial of holy water. Once he returned, he was aghast to find his adversary still quite cheerful, and not intimidated in the least. Karasuman examined the Belmont once again, "You were the one that was possessed by Shaft, right?"
"Need you remind me?" Richter snapped, throwing the holy water at the demon. He ducked, narrowly avoiding a painful and potentially fatal wound, dearly wishing he hadn't struck such a raw nerve. By luck and coincidence alone, Karasuman spotted a raven preening itself on a gargoyle and ordered it to attack while he took refuge on the cathedral's roof.
"Dare I ask what's going on?" an unrecognized voice meekly inquired. Karasuman immediately called off his winged ally and peered down at the newcomer while the bird alighted next to him. Richter was too stunned to speak, but obviously happy to be free of his avian assailant. The unidentified man turned his head toward the flustered demon, "Hmmm.my church appears to have acquired a new gargoyle, a sentient one too."
"Father Aurel, that's a demon." Richter eventually managed. The priest glared at him and whispered, "I know that, but unlike you, I'm not going to provoke him into attacking me because of a bruised ego." The vampire hunter blushed and hung his head, embarrassed that the local pastor had witnessed the somewhat ridiculous display. "And besides, have you spoken to Alucard or Maria recently?"
"Should I have?" Richter rejoined. Father Aurel ignored him, "So demon, perhaps it would be easier for us to talk if you chose to get off the roof? I promise not to hurt you." He said gently. Richter threw his hand in the air in resignation and walked away, confident the priest had sealed his own fate. Karasuman kept his eyes intently trained on the vampire hunter until he was out of sight, and then began stroking the back of his raven ally, "You're a priest, why should I trust you?" he halfheartedly replied, once again feeling the effects of the morning's stress and fatigue. Father Aurel spread his hands disarmingly, "Just have faith."