Disclaimer: Check for it in chapter 1.

Castlevania: Sonnet of Legends.

Chapter 3

Deep within the castle

Dracula's Castle: Evening

Rachael and Kim were wandering around the quiet hallway of the castle. They were wondering why it was so empty. Rachael grandfather has always told of the castle being infested with demons.

"I wonder where everything is?" Rachael asked aloud. "Not that I'm complaining."

"Probably behind those doors." Kim answered, pointing to the multitude of doors that was set before them, all in rows, each to their left and right sides, eight to be exact, complete with a huge door all the way to the end of the hallway. Each door had a faint marking of some sort. Most likely a label to where each one lead, but the writing on it was quite illegible. "So is this the way the castle is supposed to be built?"

"No. I remember grandpa telling me that the castle always changes in appearance."

"Huh? Why?"

"Probably to confuse travelers. He said that Leon Belmont, the first Belmont to explore this place, written that this is like a game to Walter, the previous owner of this castle. Sort of like cat and mouse."

"Ah, I see. Still, that's pretty sadistic."

"Yeah, I know, but that's not important right now. We need to find the correct door to my brother."

After a few seconds of thinking, Kim responded. "Hey, I know! We should ask Renon for help! After all, 'we're' not the ones paying the tab!"

"Yes, I guess we should."

So she took out the contract, and summoned Renon, who promptly appeared.

"Yes. How may I help you?"

"Renon," Rachael started, "there are a lot of doors, but we don't know which ones lead to where. Can you help us out?"

"I'll see what I can do." Answered Renon.

First, he looked at every door, and finally stopped at the big door. He noticed strange keyholes on the door., each with a strange design built around each hole. The first keyhole had a vertical shape that resembled a rib bone. The second one had a circular shape that resembled a heart. Not the kinds of hearts one would see on Valentines day, but the kind of heart found in the human body. The third resembled a vampires tooth. Finally, the last keyhole resembled a fine piece of jewelry, a ring to be precise. It wasn't a fancy ring, but a plain ring. At least, that's what it looked like if it were placed horizontally. After figuring out what the keys might look like, he approached the two females.

"Ah, now I see. Apparently, there are four keys in the shape of a rib, a heart, a fang, and a ring. At least that is what I'm assuming. Find those keys, and you'll find the way to the Count."

This statement kind of shocked Rachael. Her only intention was to rescue her brother. She didn't even want to get involved in any of this. "But wait a minute! I just want to save my brother! I don't want to fight anyone!"

"That's a good idea." Kim added. "No use in fighting unnecessary battles." She was starting to regret tagging along with her friend. Boredom convinced her to come along, but this was a bit much.

"I understand." Renon said. "However, you needn't worry too much about that. Your brother is held in the catacombs of this place." Then he reached into his briefcase, and pulled out a map. "Here, use this. You'll be able to find your way around the castle. I have also made it easier to comprehend, since the last map I gave you failed to be of use." Then he took out an electronic device. It looked sort of like a cross between a miniature television and a radio, complete with a metal coating, and a red light that blinked every few seconds. "Also, this might come in handy. Anytime you get lost, just activate it by pressing the green button in front of it, and you will be teleported back to this hallway."

"So, how much will all of this assistance cost Rachael's grandpa?" Kim asked.

"Quite a lot, I assure you." He answered. "Still, it is nothing that he cannot pay back." Then he turned to Rachael. "Good luck, friend."

"Thank you, friend." Answered Rachael.

Then he tipped his hat, and vanished. Rachael picked up the contract, and put it back in her backpack. She then looked at the map, which was surprisingly much easier to read.

"Hmm...According to this, the first door to our left leads to the dungeon, which is right next to the catacombs."

So they went to that door. As they were about to enter, the fourth door to their right suddenly burst open. To their surprise, it was Nate, who quickly shut the door behind them. The panic in him was obvious by the look of his face. He breathed heavily as he held the door shut behind him. When he calmed down, he then looked at the girls, and laughed nervously.

"Oh, hello girls."

"H-hello Nate." Said Rachael, her face flushed once again. "What just happened?"

"Well, this door led to the gardens. While I was exploring it, some big muscular freak with a chainsaw sees me, and starts to chase after me! I was doing an alright job holding him off, but then these two mechanical dogs just come outta nowhere! Seeing as how no damage was being done to them, I took off like a bat outta hell! I suggest you two gals do the same!"

Then he looked at the door again, as if he were expecting the creature to burst out of there any second. "Still, he had something of value around his neck. I think it was one of those keys I need in order to get into that large door."

Realizing what was going through his mind, Rachael quickly spoke up.

"Wait! Why are you even bothering?!"

Kim looked at her in bewilderment. She knew from her first reaction that Rachael had a thing for him, but she wondered why should she try to talk him out of doing this? If he were able to successfully get those keys, 'he' could take care of the Count for them. However, she decided to keep quiet about this.

Nate scratched his head, a bit stumped at her question. He never really thought as to why he was doing this. Sure, there were rumors about the castle having many hordes of treasures just waiting to be grabbed, but was exploring the throne room 'really' worth the battle? After noticing that he was taking too long to answer, he ended his train of thought.

"Well, I never really thought about it. Just the thrill of the treasure hunt, I guess."

Rachael raised an eyebrow.

"Treasure? That's what you're risking your life for?!"

"Well, yeah. It's pretty much my job, you know."

"I can't believe you would actually risk your life for wealth!"

"Why not?" Kim suddenly intervened. The thought of being rich beyond her dreams seemed strangely fascinating. "After all, isn't that how most treasure hunters in movies have all these great adventures?" She thought it best to use the term 'adventure', as not to add fuel to the fire.

This statement suddenly made Rachael remember what she said on the net about wishing for adventure. Her stare suddenly became vacant, and she turned around, muttering.

"So this is why this happened. I'm having my wish granted."

Nate looked at her with concern.

"You okay?" he asked.

Rachael didn't say a word. She was still shocked that something like this could actually happen in such a short time. Kim, seeing as how Rachael was unable to speak at the moment, decided to speak for her.

"She'll be alright. It's just that so much has happened in so little time."

"Okay then."

"Um, Nate?"

"Yeah?"

"After I help Rachael rescue her brother, would it be alright if I help you? Treasure hunting sounds pretty fun."

"Well, if you're up to it. But you need to hold your ground, though." Then he sighed, finally ready to go back in the garden. "Well, wish me luck." And with that, he re-entered the garden.

Kim was a bit excited about actually going on a treasure hunt. Even though the monsters were a threat, an adventurer like Nate would be able to keep her safe.

Seconds later, Rachael was calm again. Her determination to rescue her brother brought her back from the state of shock.

"Well, let's go." She said.

Kim smiled. "Finally back, eh?"

Rachael smiled. "Yeah. All I needed was time to think."

So the two went to the door, opened it, peeked around to make sure the coast was clear, and then entered, shutting it behind them.

Dungeon

It was just as they imagined it to be. It was dark, dirty, and full of dust. The floors and walls were made of stone, each one cracked with age. In the crevices of the stone, were piles of dust, and parts of the floor and wall were covered in dried blood stains. The area itself was pretty dim, with lowly lit lights keeping things from shrouding in complete darkness.

"(Well, at least he keeps up with the times.)" Kim thought, seeing as how there was electricity in an ancient castle.

What was even stranger was the rows of coffins leaning against the walls. These might've been homes for vampires, but it wasn't even guarded. Perhaps they were just tombs for the servants?

After taking a few steps, skeletons emerged from the coffins, and started attacking them. Rachael quickly tried to find a way around them, but to no avail. They were pretty much surrounded. Kim tried to shoot them with her gun, but it had no effect. She had trouble making any decent shots on creatures that were full of holes.

"I think you gotta use your whip this time!" said Kim. "And this time, try 'not' randomly swinging it everywhere!"

So she took a deep breath, and exhaled. She slashed the whip at some, which disintegrated them upon impact. Kim was shooting incoming bats that were trying to dive bomb them. She wasn't sure as to where they were coming from, but they were a problem nonetheless.

After a path was cleared, they ran away as fast as they could. Eventually, they reached a door. Judging by the map, it led to the catacombs. However, a large axe wielding knight was guarding the entrance. It had golden armor, each with fine details of ridges that supported its body. The armor also seemed to shine with the dim lights. It wielded a double bladed axe, but was definitely not golden. In another hand, it held a large shield which was able to protect its upper appendages. It might've looked human, if not for the fact that it was almost ten feet tall. It saw them, and walked towards them, readying its axe.

Rachael looked behind them, and saw that more skeletons were approaching them.

"What do we do now?!" exclaimed Kim. "This wasn't how I pictured dying!"

Thinking fast, Rachael took out her holy water, and splashed it on the skeletons, burning them into ashes. She quickly turned around, just in time to dodge an attack by the axe knight. They could feel the swift breeze that swooshed with the axe's swing. Rachael tried whipping it, but it kept blocking her attacks with its shield. Kim tried to shoot it, but its armor protected it from damage. They backed away as they did so, taking out more skeletons in the process. Eventually, they were backed into a corner.

When it got close enough, it swung its axe, barely missing the girls by inches. By now, more skeletons have re-appeared, and were now circling the two.

Trying her last option, she splashed some more holy water on the axe knight, which seemed to do some damage. However, most of the attack was blocked by its shield.

"(Now what)?!" She thought to herself.

Garden

Nate was hopping over bushes and shrubs, trying to get away from the chainsaw maniac and his robotic dogs, which just cut through them with ease. The garden was practically a labyrinth, with the shrubbery providing as a proverbial wall. While he was running, he bumped into a corner. He quickly turned around to see that he was trapped. So he then tried to throw holy water at it. It stunned the creature, but did nothing to the dogs, which were his biggest problem at the moment. He tried shooting them using his twin pistols, but they were too fast, as they dodged each bullet with ease.

"This is really bad." Nate said to himself. "I tried everything I have except for my lighter!"

However, now the dogs have cornered him again, and were now trying to bite him. One of them tried to pounce on him, but it was met with a shot from his shotgun. Unfortunately, it only succeeded in making a hole in it. The other one tried to bite his leg, but he quickly got out of its way. To make things worse, the creature was now mobile again, and restarted its chainsaw. The two mechanical dogs pounced on him at the same time, knocking him on the ground. The only thing that kept him from getting bit was his shotgun, which he used as a divider between them. As the creature was about to slice him up, he quickly managed to hide himself from the blade by putting his head under the dogs neck. He was also praying that he wouldn't get bit in the process. To Nates surprise, not only didn't he get bit, but the creature ended up cutting the mechanical dogs in half by mistake, and was now trying to restart his chainsaw.

"Thank God for this sudden burst of luck...and faulty mechanics!" he exclaimed as he knocked the dog pieces off and grabbed the key from around its neck, and ran off in a hurry. He had managed to get back into the main hallway and shut the door just seconds before the creature had restarted his chainsaw. He was a faster runner than he thought, especially during times of fear.

Nate approached the giant door, and inserted the key into place. It made a clicking sound. "Well, one down, and three more to go." After admiring his success for a few seconds, he began to worry about the girls. After all, they were new to the adventurous world. Perhaps they needed a bit of assistance from a veteran. "Let me go see what the girls are up to." He took a guess, and chose the door that the girls entered.

Dungeon

Minutes after entering, he already noticed that it was unusually empty, except for the monster roars and girlish screams in the distance.

"Wait a minute! Girlish screams?!" He then realized that it was no coincidence, and rushed over to where Rachael and Kim were.

The two were trying to hold off the numerous skeletons, while doing what they could to dodge the axe knight. While shooting a few bats down, he quickly made his way through the crowd.

"Nate?!" Exclaimed Kim. "Boy, are we glad to see you!"

"I couldn't be happier myself." Nate said, once again readying his weapons. "This big fella bothering you two?"

Rachael didn't answer. She was too busy trying to whip at the axe knight, who only kept blocking her attacks.

"I'll take that as a yes." So he reached in his backpack, and pulled out a bomb. He also mentally slapped himself for just now remembering he had these. "This'll do the trick." So he quickly maneuvered around the axe knight, while Rachael distracted it, and strapped it on its back. Two seconds later, he was knocked far away by its iron fist. However, within seconds, it exploded, leaving pieces of armor scattered across the room. The impact also destroyed the skeletons, who of course, lacking flesh, broke apart when hitting the wall. Rachael, Kim, and Nate had just gotten out of the way in time.

"It's a good thing I came around when I did." Said Nate.

Rachael smiled. "Yes, you did. Thank you so much for helping us."

Nate laughed a little. "Aw, just doing my job." Then he looked at his watch. "Cripes! I'm behind schedule! I better find the rest of those keys quickly!"

Just as he was about to leave, he turned back around. "If you ever see any keys to that big door, just keep it for me. That way, I can use it." Then he left.

"What a strange person." Said Kim.

"Yes. Strange, but a very nice person..." she didn't realize her cheeks were slightly colored. Kim just motioned for them to continue. For the sooner they found her brother, the sooner they could leave.

So the two entered the catacombs.

Meanwhile: Cathedral

Alucard had been searching throughout the Cathedral, destroying monsters as he traveled. He wasn't about to let his fathers evil reign of terror continue. Upon searching, he found a young woman. She appeared to be in her early twenties. She had raven black hair, extremely pale skin, and a sky blue dress that represented a 16th century woman of nobility. She was praying in front of a cross. Not wanting to interrupt her just yet, he decided to listen to what she was saying.

"Forgive me, for I have sinned. I gave into my vampiric urges, and took another innocent life. I wish to leave this castle, but here is where I can do the least harm to civilians. I didn't ask to be a vampire. I just wish to live a normal human life. A life I used to live many, many years ago. It is only by your blessing that I have been able to retain what little humanity I have left. Please, grant me relief! If I cannot live again as a human, I do not wish to live at all!" Then she heard the sound of breathing, and stood up. "Who are you?" She turned around. Her eyes were a faded blue, and had smooth features, a pretty face, and a well developed chest. Her ravishing looks were to be expected of a vampire.

Alucard didn't answer.

"Are you a hunter?"

"Sort of. I'm here to find my father, and destroy him."

"Your father? Forgive me if I sound foolish, but who is your father?"

Alucard didn't answer her question. "You are a vampire, yet you pray by a cross unaffected and full of sorrow. How is that possible?"

She then put her head down, recollecting her past memories, and feeling even more sorrow for doing so. "I am cursed by the Count. He found my gift in making medicines to be very useful, and abducted me from my parents countless years ago. He turned me into a vampire so that I can make potions for him for eternity. I pray every night in order to keep my humanity. If not for that, I would be a heartless creature, just like the rest of the castles inhabitants."

"....I see."

"This is why I am not affected by any of the creatures in the castle."

"Tell me. Have you seen any keys leading to the throne room?"

"Yes. I have one of them, and I will give it to you under one condition."

He didn't answer.

"I want you to kill me."

Alucard shook his head. "Death is not the answer to your dilemma. I share a very similar problem, yet I am burdened to deal with it for all eternity."

This surprised her. "Really. What is your name?"

"Alucard."

"The son of whom the Count speaks of? I knew you looked familiar."

Once again, he didn't respond.

"My name is Cecilia."

"I feel sympathetic for your burden. However, I need the key."

"You already know the condition. Besides, if I gave it to you without a fight, the Count may rob me of whatever humanity I have left. So I say again! If you want the key, then kill me!"

Alucard unsheathed his sword. "I still do not wish to do this, but you leave me no choice."

A glint of hope sparkled in Cecilia's eyes as she readied herself for combat. She leapt into the air with blinding speed. She fired bursts of energy down on Alucard, who blocked them with his shield. He jumped towards her, and swung his sword, nearly missing her. They both landed.

Cecilia frowned. "You're not giving it everything you have! Grant me relief from this hell!"

She pulled out a dagger, and lunged at him, successfully stabbing him in the gut. The trickle of blood that trailed down the blade excited her vampire instincts, as she was now trying to claw him, which he responded to with blocking and counterattacking. Alucard swung at her, sending her flying across the room. She then looked at the scar that the sword had made. She also looked at the dagger she was still holding. It resonated with new blood, which made her vampire urges even more tempting. She licked her lips, wanting to taste the crimson colored liquid.

Quickly regaining her self control, she threw away the blade, and flew up into the air again. This time, Alucard met her with another strike from his sword, knocking her back on the ground.

Cecilia got up, and then let her wounds heal. She then hissed at Alucard. "You're still holding back!" Then she disappeared, and re-appeared directly on the side of Alucard, kicking him against a statue. "Kill me before I kill you!"

Alucard knew that all he needed for a quick victory was to decapitate her. However, there was a strong part of her that was still human. And since it existed, he couldn't bring himself to kill her. He wasn't about to kill anything but vampires and demons, at least, not unless he really had to.

His train of thought was interrupted by a barrage of blasts that hit him. He quickly got up, and charged at her with blinding speed, holding up his shield in the process. Cecilia tried to shoot him down, but the shield blocked the attacks. She laughed until she was hit by the shield, knocking her out cold.

Alucard looked down at her. "I am sorry, but I cannot kill you." Then he took the key from within her pocket. "Before I leave this castle, I will come back for you, if possible. Perhaps I will find a way for you to curb your urges."

Suddenly, a cloud of black smoke covered the area. When the smoke cleared, a very familiar skeletal creature stood in front of the unconscious vampire. He had on a very dark robe, and held a very large scythe.

"So we meet again, Alucard." Death said. "We really weren't expecting you to arrive. We had our plans set on the Belmont female."

"Tell father that I will stop his plans, no matter what!"

Death looked at him in frustration. "Why is it that you befriend humans and get in the way of our master? Our victory is inevitable. Almost all of the Belmont descendants have stopped believing in demons. They are slowly forgetting their roots, thus allowing the darkness to slowly invade. This specific Belmont still had a descendant who believed in the old ways. We will deal with him eventually. However, he has planted seeds in the minds of his grandchildren, thus needing to be eliminated."

"Are you done talking?! Get out of my way or I shall defeat you again!"

Death laughed evilly. "Still as foolish as ever, I see. Your will meet your doom. However, now is not the time. I will have some fun with you before I kill you." Then he picked up Cecilia. "She shall be ready for you the next time you see her. Although the master wishes her alive, she'll prove most useful when killing you."

"Your battle is with me! Now fight me!"

"You'll get your chance, Alucard. You'll get your chance." Then he laughed again, and vanished.

Alucard looked at the key, knowing that he still had quite a ways to go.

Meanwhile: Catacombs

The Catacombs were a very dark and eerie place. Unlike the dungeon, this place had no light. They couldn't even see their hands in front of their faces. a faint moan was also heard in the darkness, which creeped them out even further. After a while of exploring, and sometimes bumping into things, there was a light in the distance. Rachael quickly followed it. However, the light was being controlled by this short looking man that looked like the keeper of the place. When she approached the old man, she quickly talked to him. Although the darkness was so strong, she could only see his face and his dirt brown over-coat.

"Um, excuse me?" Rachael asked. "But, do you know where a human is being kept?"

The decrepit old man chuckled as he circled her. "You are wishing to know where we keep captive humans?"

"Y-yes." The taunting movements he was making was really making her uncomfortable.

"Ah, yes. A small boy you are looking for, yes?"

"Y-yes."

"And you came alone? You are a brave girl."

"Alone? What are you-"She quickly turned around to see that Kim wasn't there. "Kim?! Kim!!"

"Ah, so you lost a friend now, that you did." The old man was waving his lantern around now. "Separated in the darkness, is that right?"

"Please! Can you direct me to my brother? I need to find Kim, quickly!" She quickly shut her mouth at what she just said.

"Ah, so you 'are' human, that you are. Humans are usually food for the master. Humans are usually food for the monsters. Humans are usually food for me! What is a human doing out of its cage?"

Rachael was getting more and more nervous as the old mans circling and lantern waving became faster and faster. "Please, help me! I just want to know where he is!"

"You give me your name, and I give you the location."

"R-Rachael B-Belmont."

The creature automatically stopped his movements. "Eh?! Belmont you say?! Belmont's are bad for the monsters health! Belmont's are bad for the masters well being!" Then he faced her eye to eye. "Your brother is in the next room. However, let us see if you make it to him in one piece."

Suddenly, the lights all shut on, and Rachael found herself surrounded by Axe knights, Sword knights, and Spear knights. Gremlins were also everywhere while holding fire sticks, watching the blood fest that was about to occur. Rachael readied her whip and holy water. The old man just laughed at this.

"Are you really that confident? Then this should be a sight to behold!" Then he turned towards the monsters. "Kill her!"

The sword knights, axe knights, and spear knights all charged her at once. Rachael ran in between their legs, and made a mad dash toward the next room. The knights quickly followed. Just as she was about to open the door, one of the axe knights threw its weapon at her. She dodged it, but it sliced the side of her leg. She then screamed. She had never felt pain like this before.

Just as the spear knight was about to throw its spear, she quickly went inside the door, and shut it. She limped towards nearby barrels, and was rolling them in front of the door to block the way in. Suddenly, the old man spoke through the door.

"You can't hide in there forever! We'll break this door down if we have to! But first, say hello to the dungeon guard in there! I'm sure he'll be very happy to see some fresh meat!" Then he laughed some more.

That was when she heard the biggest growl of her life. In fact, it sounded like three growls. She turned around, and nearly screamed at what she saw. It was a three headed dog, about twice her size, and it looked like it was ready to kill.

She tried to reach for her whip, but it barked, causing her to hesitate. After a few seconds, it lunged towards her. She quickly threw some holy water at it, causing it to yelp in pain.

While it was recovering, she quickly pulled out the contract, and summoned Renon, who appeared.

Renon looked at the hellhound, and then back at Rachael. "I told you. I am not allowed to interfere as far as fighting your battles for you."

"I know, but I need some kind of weapon that'll help me against big creatures like those knights and...that thing!"

The creature just now recovered, and was ready to lunge at her again.

"Quick!" She yelled as she was now trying to hold it back with her whip.

Renon looked through his briefcase, and pulled out a crystal. He walked past the three headed beast, and put it in her pocket.

"It is an enchanted crystal. Just throw it at an enemy to generate a bomb like explosion. You needn't worry about it running out, just as long as you keep it in your pocket."

The creature now jumped at her, which she quickly deflected with her backpack. She was now on the floor, and her backpack was the only thing separating her from the jaws of all three mouths. She quickly threw holy water at it, causing it to jump back a few paces. "So, how do I use it?!"

"Your combat skill is improving." Renon said with impression in his tone. "Anyways, to activate it, just think of it, and it should appear in your hand. Throw it afterwards."

"Thanks." She said as she generated one. "Also, can you help me find Kim later?"

"But of course. Now if you'll excuse me, I must be going right now." So he tipped his hat, and vanished.

The creature now recovered from the attack, and shot a blast at her, which hit her on impact.

Feeling large amounts of pain throughout her body, she struggled to get up. The beast now lunged at her again. However, it was met with a large crystal form, which hit it on impact, causing an explosion. When the smoke cleared, pieces of flesh and bone were all around the room, including some on herself. She looked around, and saw her brother in a cell. She could tell it was him because, much like herself, he had blond hair. He was also short and had brown eyes. He was still wearing his flannel pajamas from when he was abducted.

"Rachael? Is that you?" he asked.

Tears of joy flowing in her eyes, she limped as quickly as she could towards the cage. She broke the lock using a small generated crystal. After that, her brother went and hugged her. She was in pain, but she was so happy to see him.

"Rachael! Thank you for saving me!"

"Of course, Phil. You didn't really think I was going to let you stay here."

"Nope. Of course not!"

"Good. Now let's get out of this castle."

So they left the cell, and then the knights broke in. Rachael quickly generated a large crystal, and threw it at them, causing a great explosion. Her and her brother hid back in the cells. When the smoke cleared, more were trying to enter. She picked them off using her whip. And for the axe knights, she used the crystal. Finally, when all of the knights were destroyed, she limped towards the old man.

"You're next!" she exclaimed. "After seeing my brother in that cell, and for hurting me like that, you really managed to piss me off!"

The old man just laughed. "So, you think you're going to kill me? You Belmont's are quite the jesters, that you are. Fortunately, you'll never destroy the 'true' leader of the catacombs." Then he made a loud whistle. "Galamoth! Dinners ready!"

Suddenly, tremors were now being felt from the floor. Rachael readied her whip, and Phillip quickly got behind her. Whatever this thing was, she had to get past it, with both her brother and herself intact. Hopefully, Kim was still alive, so that was also on her mind.

End of chapter 3.

Once again, my email address is

I hope to hear from you all.