Disclaimer: Check for it in chapter 1.

CastleVania: Sonnet of Legends

Chapter 4

Deadly temptations

Catacombs

Rachael wasn't sure what to do next. She was still injured from the battle against the knights, and was not in the best of shape at the moment to be fighting unknown forces. All that magnified with each shot of pain created from the cuts and bruises on her legs from the axe and the three headed beasts attacks. She was barely able to walk on her own. How much more was she able to protect her brother, who hid behind her, fearing what was about to happen.

As the ground continued to quake with each approaching step, Rachael's heart beat faster and faster. All she could focus on was the quaking of the steps, the slight whimpering of her brother, and the vile laughter of the old man.

Suddenly, the quakes stopped, and the whole room illuminated with an eerie white glow. Rachael looked upwards, and her eyes widened at the gigantic size of this creature. It had to be at least 30 feet tall, with drab green skin, and a light breastplate made of gold. It stood on two legs, and had arms like that of a man, only with claws of a beast.

Looking upwards, she could see its face. It resembled a lizards. At least that's what she could make out over the golden face mask it was wearing. Asides from very sharp looking teeth, it had a single horn growing from its forehead, and little horns on the sides of its head, like a Styraccasaurous Think "Triceratops heads plate", only with slight spikes on the sides. She turned towards the weapon it was holding, which was responsible for the rooms glow. It appeared to be a scepter, but the tip was illuminating with bolts of electricity.

"This, is Galamoth!" shouted the old man. "He is the ruler of these Catacombs! You two will make wondrous sacrifices for him!" Then he laughed, only with a much more sinister sound to it, like he was confident of their deaths.

Galamoth made a roar that was loud enough to shake the Catacombs. It pointed the already charging scepter at the small humans. It then shot electricity at them. Rachael quickly used herself as a shield to protect her brother, letting the impact hit 'her' instead. She could feel the electricity flowing through her body. She wanted to scream in pain, but the shocks prevented her from doing so. After a few seconds, Galamoth pulled back his staff, allowing the young woman to finally collapse. She wasn't dead, but she was no longer able to defend herself against whatever attack Galamoth might've made.

The giant lizard beast picked her practically lifeless body up from the ground. He examined his meal to be, for a bit, wondering if it was edible. Her brother was yelling at him, begging and pleading to let his sister go.

Fortunately, the cries and pleads from her brother caused Rachael to awaken from her painful slumber. She then noticed the situation she was in. Galamoth noticed this, and quickly popped her in his mouth as if she was a pill. After that, he swallowed.

However, he began to choke. She seemed to be stuck inside his esophagus, although she was using her whip to hold her ground, which was wrapped around one of his fangs. Wasting no opportunities, she quickly took out the cross that Deborah had given her, and slashed it across the beasts throat. Her ears were in pain as Galamoth was roaring. But she kept at it, and kept slashing and slashing. Finally, she looked down, and noticed strange fluids coming her way. Rachael gasped in horror at the realization of it.

"( Oh no! Stomach acid!)"

Suddenly, she heard Renons voice as if he were inside his head.

"You are a Belmont! Use that weapon for protection!"

"R-Renon? How are you doing this?"

"Telepathy, but now is not the time for this! Hurry!"

So with no further hesitation, she clutched the cross to her heart, and prayed.

"God, if you can hear me, please let me use this weapon to its full potential."

Then, the acids covered her, and caused her to fly out of Galamoths mouth, and back unto the surface around him. Her prayers were answered, for the cross was glowing, and a transparent barrier was surrounding her. The stomach acids just trailed to the ground, leaving her unharmed.

This angered the old man very much. "Fool! You should've chewed her first, that you should've! Go! Finish the job!"

Rachael quickly stood up. She could still feel a lot of pain, but that wouldn't stop her. Galamoth kicked her, but his foot caught on fire, due to the barrier still being up. It roared in great pain as the fire consumed his foot. After quickly putting it out, it shot electricity out of his scepter again, only this time, each blast was a giant electric ball. Each one hit the barrier until it finally disappeared. Galamoth grinned evilly at this, and shot a stream of electricity.

However, Rachael jumped out of the way, crying out in pain as she did, for her legs and body were still injured. She quickly slashed her whip at the lizard beasts arm, making him drop the scepter. He cried out in pain as his arm had a huge open wound caused by the whip.

"No! No it can't be!" cried out the old man. "The Belmont whip still has power?!" Then he turned to Galamoth. "Destroy her! Take this whole place down if you have to!"

And that's exactly what he did. Instead of attacking Rachael, he destroyed every column that held the place together, rocks falling at every smash.

Seeing this, Rachael's brother, Phillip, ran up to her.

"Sis! We have to get out of here!"

Rachael shook her head.

"No! Not yet! Kim is still around here!"

"But what about Galamoth?"

"We have to find her first!"

And with that said, she quickly slashed Galamoths leg with the whip, causing him to have her full attention. He turned towards her with rage in his eyes.

"You!" she shouted. "We'll finish this now! Understand?!"

Seeing that her barrier wasn't up, Galamoth just kicked her out of the way, and continued destroying the place. Phillip rushed over to her side.

"Sis! He's not going to listen! We have to leave now!"

"But Kim, she's-"

"If we don't get out of here now, none of us will live!"

A tear rolled across her cheek. He was right. If they were going to survive, they would have to leave immediately.

"Kim...I'll never forget you.."

She took out the device that Renon had given her earlier. She wished that she could summon him right now, but knowing what he said before, he wouldn't appear whenever there were demons around. More tears flowing from her eyes, she grabbed her brother by the hand, took a deep breath, and activated it. Within seconds, they were teleported to the main hallway.

After they were gone, Galamoth stopped destroying the place. He grinned in satisfaction, knowing that he had just caused her great trauma. As the Catacombs were crumbling, the old man spoke some final words.

"Master... Everything is as you said. May you shroud this world in eternal darkness."

Main Hallway

Phillip looked around in amazement. He wondered how such a technology even existed. It was just like in a science fiction movie, only with gothic type surroundings. He looked at Rachael, who was on her knees, softly crying. He thought it would be best to leave her alone at the moment, so he didn't say a word.

The feeling of betrayal ate at her mind. Wasn't there another way? The same thoughts continued to torment her. Why did this have to happen?

As she was feeling deep depression, Renon appeared before her.

"Congratulations on rescuing your brother." He said, but then noticed her face, which was covered in sorrow and tears. "Do not feel sorrow for your best friend. She wouldn't want it that way. Besides, her death was not in vain, for you have rescued your brother, as you originally came to do."

Rachael slowly and painfully got up. She faced Renon, and wiped away the tears, a glint of slight anger in her eyes.

"Renon, please take Phillip home. I have some things to take care of."

Renon nodded. "I see. So you plan to fight the Count."

Rachael nodded. "I'll try, at least. He led me here, and leaving now will only lead to the capture, or worse, of those I care about."

"But do you have a plan of some sort? You can't just survive by luck, you know."

"Yes, I know. I don't need one, though." Then she slightly chuckled. "I'm not much of a tactician anyways. All I need now are these weapons, and Gods protection."

Renon mentally cringed at the name, but nodded anyways. "Then may you have a safe journey. Remember to use the contract whenever necessary." Then he turned towards Phillip. "Come. It is time to go."

Phillip shook his head. "I want to stay with sis!"

Renon walked up to him, and whispered in his ear. "It was because of you, that she had to come here in the first place, thus losing her friend."

It was a mean thing to say, but it had worked. All he could do was nod.

"Good. Now, your mother awaits your arrival."

He turned again towards Rachael, and tipped his hat. Then they were teleported from her sight.

When they were gone, Rachael thought to herself. "(Now that I don't have any more loved ones to worry about, I can now continue this search)." She told herself that, but deep down inside, she was doing this for vengeance. She then looked at the door, which seemed to have one of the locks open. "(Nate seems to be moving rather quickly)." It was more of a sarcastic statement than anything else.

Her thoughts were immediately cut short by one of the doors opening and closing. She quickly turned around, readying her whip as she did so. She calmed down when she saw who the figure was.

"So we meet again, Alucard." She said.

"Not that it is any of my business, but have you found your brother?" he asked.

"Well, yes..but.."

Alucard could see the sadness in her eyes as tears were beginning to form again.

"I see. So his safety was not without a price."

"...Look, this is something I have to do! Please let me be!"

Alucard didn't say a word, but noticed the cuts and bruises on her legs. Rachael noticed this. After all, it wasn't easy to hide the fact that she'd been injured.

"Yeah, I know." She said. "But I don't see any first aid kits."

"The door I just exited." He started. "The door to its left are the bedchambers. There should be plenty of healing items, as well as food and a place to rest."

"Assuming I don't get killed in my sleep, right?"

"Just make sure you clear the area first." Then he walked up to the large door, and inserted the key into the second slot. It made a clicking sound, confirming that it worked. Then he faced Rachael.

"You seem too inexperienced for this. I will handle him on my own." And without saying another word, he left, and entered a random door.

She just stood there for a moment, looking at the giant door. There were only two keys left to find. She pondered at Alucards words. She knew he was right, but she couldn't stop now. Not after what happened. She looked at the door that Alucard had spoken of, and walked towards it, her footsteps lightly pounding against the ground, allowing an echo for every step. She was also wincing for each stroke of pain caused by every movement of her legs. When she reached the door, she placed her hand on the handle, and took a deep breath. She was already feeling nervous.

She took another deep breath, and slowly opened the door.

Meanwhile: Garden

Nate had entered the garden one more time in hopes of finishing off the chainsaw freak that he ran from earlier. He was successful, as he stared at the lifeless body of the creature, its arm severed and can be viewed across from the body. Without the metallic dogs to help it, Nate was able to kill it.

He looked at his combat knife, which has been covered in blood since the battle. This was what he used to kill the creature. He was covered in sweat and dirt, but wasn't bleeding, save for the dog bite he got earlier. And with a freak wielding a chainsaw, it either had to be a flawless victory, or beef jerky.

Sitting down, he admired his surroundings. Outside of the labyrinth hedge maze, the garden was actually a very beautiful place. The grass was green and well trimmed, there were exotic flowers of many varieties surrounding the area, there were bright red roses, each bundled in their respectful thorn bushes, and willow trees as far as the eyes can see. He also looked towards the sky. It was strange how there could be so much green, especially given the fact that everywhere around the castle was trapped in eternal darkness.

He began to think about what he had read in history books. He remembered reading about an ebony stone that was responsible for it. If he could actually find this stone, he would be filthy rich! There wouldn't be a single jewel collector that wouldn't want to get their hands on it.

The only problem, was that it resided somewhere in this castle. Anyone who tried before him either couldn't find the place, or never returned. In fact, ever since rumors of the castle showing up have been spreading, many people mysteriously started disappearing, including his sister, whose disappearance was the most mysterious of them all. Like himself, she was also a treasure hunter.

A few months ago, when she had heard of the Ebony stone being found in a strange castle, she quickly set out to find it. He would've accompanied her along the way, but he was busy with his own treasure hunt at the time. Her disappearance led to another, and then another. Each clue always led to this castle.

Perhaps treasure wasn't the only reason he decided to embark on this quest. Sure, he liked the idea of being rich, but solving the mystery to his sisters, as well as many others, disappearances would be a better bonus. Whatever the reasons, he was here, and he wasn't planning on leaving until he either solved the mystery, and/or he found the Ebony stone, which is why he decided to come alone. He wouldn't risk the lives of any other hunter but himself.

So he packed his things, and was ready to explore the garden some more. Perhaps the Ebony stone was here? If not, there were always bound to be other sorts of treasures.

Meanwhile: Guest area

Rachael was very surprised at her surroundings. Everything from the red carpet floor, the Catholic type church windows, the renaissance style furniture and art, to the way everything looked so clean, was so beautiful. On the walls, where candles would normally be, were lights that resembled Victorian candle stands. And from the ceiling hung a very exquisite chandelier, each with its own lights, and diamonds around every edge. Dracula definitely had very rich tastes.

Unfortunately, a rose wasn't without its thorns. Flying about were ghosts. They were dressed in tuxedos and cleaning garments, like that of butlers and maids. She assumed that they must've been the servants of the castle. She kept her guard up, but for some reason, the ghosts continued their wandering as if she wasn't there. Finally noticing this, she thought it best to not disturb them. Right now, she needed to find some kind of infirmary. But most of this castle is undead, so what were the chances of finding one?

Suddenly, all of the ghosts quickly disappeared. She looked around nervously. Something was definitely going on. She kept her hand near her whip, ready to strike at anything that charges at her. She quickly turned to her side to see one of the doors opening. Then a figure stepped out of it. It ran as fast as it could around the corridor. It finally stopped when it was in the same corridor as her, and walked towards her.

She clutched her whip tightly. Whatever it was, she was apparently going to have to fight it. When the figure was finally into view, her guard immediately dropped. She could not believe who it was.

"Nate?" she asked, still not quite sure.

"Yes, I am." He answered. "I'm glad to see that you're safe. I just ran into a spot of trouble myself."

She looked at his clothing, and then his face. He seemed to have been 'cleaned up' for someone who ran into any kind of trouble in 'this' castle.

"You don't look like you were in any trouble!" she quickly said, having her guard up again.

He looked at his clothes, and chuckled.

"Oh, this?" he said. "I just had myself a cleanup and a bath in their bathrooms. They're pretty large, with first aid kits and everything.'" Then he scanned the injured woman. "You look like you could use it. It looks like you struggled against a horde of demons or something." He joked. Seeing the sudden change in her expression, he stopped smiling. "Oh, I see. Sorry about that. Come. Let's get you cleaned up."

Finally trusting him, she accepted his help, and he carried her to the bathrooms.

Bathrooms

Rachael blushed profusely as she had to remove her pants in front of Nate. He saw the cuts and bruises that were surrounding most of her flesh.

"Man, they really did a number on ya." He said as he grabbed some rubbing alcohol from one of the drawers. He applied some to a clean rag. "Now, brace yourself. This might hurt a little."

She winced in pain as the alcohol was taking effect. Every time he gently rubbed one of her wounds, she would wince, sometimes even groan. When he was finished, he put the kit away.

"There, all better." He said.

"Thank you." She said.

"No problem." Then he went over and turned on the shower. "You could use one, you know."

Rachael blushed. He noticed this, and laughed a little.

"Don't worry. I won't peek. In fact, I'll stand outside if you want."

She quickly shook her head. "No! Don't! Something might happen to you!"

"Okay then." He said. "I don't know why you're so nervous all of a sudden, but I'll just turn around."

"Thank you." She said.

So he turned around as she was removing her clothes. After that, she entered the shower. The warm water felt so soothing on her aching bones. As she scrubbed her body, she could feel the tension going away as she basked in the water. She could feel all the dirt, grime, and blood from her hair wash away as the water hit it. When she was done scrubbing, she washed her hair next. Having long hair had a downside when washing, as it took time, and often tired her arms.

When she was finished with her shower, she turned off the water.

"Um, Nate? Where do I find the towels?"

"I found 'em in the third drawer." He said.

"Oh. Thanks."

So she removed one, and dried herself off. Then she wrapped it around herself, being sure to cover any areas that shouldn't be seen in public. She picked up her clothes, which were very dirty from battle.

"It's too bad I have to wear these after such a soothing shower."

Nate turned around. "Well then. Why don't you wash them first?" he offered as he was pointing to a washing machine. "I just saw them there. They did quite a bit of good for my clothes."

She looked at the machines strangely. Sure enough, it was a washing machine, and next to it was a drying machine. She would've thought of it as silly if not for the fact that it 'was' modern times, and Dracula's castle shouldn't be any different. Besides, I'm sure even vampires appreciated clean clothes.

So she shrugged the thought off, and put them in the washing machine. She set it to warm, and it turned on automatically. The timer said 30 minutes.

She walked up to Nate, who was bringing out food from his backpack. They were mostly rations, but they would do.

"So, you hungry?" he asked as he offered her a sandwich. "It may not be fresh, but it's not past its expiration date."

She gratefully accepted it. The shower made her kind of hungry, so she quickly ate it. Nate gave her a bottle of water as well, which she quickly accepted and drank. Nate laughed.

"And I thought 'I' was hungry."

"Sorry." She said. "I've just been through a lot lately."

"No kidding. This place is a nightmare on every corner!" then he walked closer to her. "So, what about you? What happened since we last met?"

She stood silent for a moment. Her depression was returning again. Tears began to well up in her eyes again.

"That bad?" he asked. "Please, tell me about it."

So she did. She explained every detail since they first entered the Catacombs. How she lost Kim in the darkness, how there was a creepy old man, how she was attacked by hordes of knights, a three headed dog, and a giant demon. She even told about how she nearly got swallowed by one. When she was done explaining everything that happened, Nate held her close as she was crying again.

"There-there, it's alright." He said. "I'll do whatever it takes to help you, even if it means losing my own life."

She held him closer. "No. Just leave this place. Let me deal with Dracula on my own."

"But I'm a treasure hunter. I can't back out now."

She pulled back. "No! Leave this place! I lost my father and best friend to this place! I even nearly lost my brother! I can't bear to lose another friend! So leave! Just go and---"

She was interrupted by a kiss from Nate. A very quick and slightly passionate one. She moaned a little, but quickly pulled away.

"What did you do that for?!"

"I've been wanting to do that for a long time."

Rachael blushed. "Huh? W-what do you mean?"

"I mean that ever since I laid eyes on you, I couldn't remove you from my mind." Then he held her hand. "Losing you would mean just the same as losing my life anyways."

"B-but isn't this s-so sudden?"

"Yes, but as far as we know, we might die today. That's why I needed to let you know right now."

"I-I see."

And with that, he kissed her again, but this time, the kiss was more passionate as his tongue began to explore her mouth. She accepted this, not realizing that her hormones had taken over. He slowly removed her towel, and let it hit the floor. He broke the kiss, and began to kiss her neck, and gently caressed her breasts with her hands. Rachael was unaware of her impulses, but was in total bliss. She moaned again at every touch.

Suddenly, the timer on the washing machine went off, snapping her back to her senses. She quickly parted from him, and put back on her towel.

"I'm sorry." She said. "I don't know what came over me, but I'm not ready for this."

"But," Nate started, "but don't you want this?"

"Not yet." She said. "Besides, the last thing I need to do right now is sin. I'm sorry, but please understand."

Nate sighed. "So, there's no way I can talk you out of it?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

Suddenly, he started laughing. Not a normal laugh, but an evil, sadistic, and vile laughter that got pretty loud. Rachael quickly picked up her whip.

"What's going on?!" she exclaimed. "Answer me!"

After laughing, he looked at her, and grinned evilly.

"Your luck strikes again, I see." He answered, but his voice dual sounding. "I applaud you."

Her eyes widened. "W-what are you?!"

He laughed again as his form changed shape into something else. When it was complete, he was a tall man with long brown hair, pale skin, and wore nothing but black leather jeans. He grinned again as wings protruded from his back. Wings that resembled a giant bat.

"Allow me to introduce myself." He said, still in a dual voice. "I am Kaseem, an Incubus. I'm sure your Nate is somewhere around, but that doesn't matter. Since you didn't fall into my trap, I'll just have to kill you the hard way."

End of chapter 4.