Disclaimer: Check for it in chapter 1.

Castlevania: Sonnet of Legends

Chapter 10

The Dream World

Dream World: Village

During the time that Rachael had been at home, Alucard had gotten to know a bit more about Morgan, the mysterious woman who he encountered during a demon attack on the village. She was passing through, when the demons attacked. She said that she didn't expect the villagers to still be so superstitious of her strength. When he treated her wounds, he left towards his father's castle. However, Morgan rushed towards him while he was leaving.

"Wait!" she exclaimed. "Where are you going?"

He answered without looking back. "I'm going to the castle nearby."

"You mean Dracula's castle? Why there?"

"I'm going to kill him." Then he exited out the door.

Morgan quickly ran in front of him.

"Then I'll help you. It's the least I can do to repay you for helping me."

After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again.

"I can't guarantee your safety. You follow me at your own risk."

"I'm willing to take that risk. Besides, it looks like those villagers wouldn't like me around here, anyways."

Without saying another word, they left for the castle.

Later

After a long walk, they finally entered the castle. It was dark and quiet. For some reason, they weren't greeted by a horde of demons. The Dhampire felt certain uneasiness about the silence that filled the room. He looked around. The room seemed to have a monochromatic color to it. The walls, ceiling, and floor were all gray. The only color was the red carpet, and the lights that dimly illuminated the hallway.

"It's kind of creepy in here." Morgan said. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Alucard didn't respond. Instead, he proceeded to the door that led to the clock tower, which would eventually lead him to the throne room. Morgan quickly followed. Just as he was about to open the door, he sensed a presence enter the room. He turned directly behind him. To his surprise, it was Rachael Belmont, followed by a group of humans. Judging by their attire, they looked like vampire hunters.

"Who is she?" Morgan asked. "And who are they?"

Alucard took a few steps forward. "What are you doing here? Did the battle against my father not go so well?"

Rachael shook her head, grinning. "He got away. However, I know of a way to lure him out, so I found these hunters to help me do it."

Alucard looked at her narrowly. "What are you planning, Belmont?"

She then readied her whip. "To kill his son, of course. What better way to drag out the parent than to put their child in danger?"

Morgan looked at Alucard. "Wait a minute! You mean 'Dracula' is your father? And you're siding with someone who's going to use you as bait? Why?"

"Good question." He answered, his eyes never leaving the Belmont. "So tell me, Belmont. Do you plan to use me as live bait?"

"Well, I considered it, but then I realized that my clan plans to kill all related to the vampire anyways, so it'll be easier to just kill you. That way, the bloodline can end quicker."

The Dhampire held his hand on the hilt of his sword. Rachael raised her free hand, and the hunters quickly raised their guns.

"Not so fast, Dhampire. Aren't you forgetting your vow not kill humans? It's not as if we're working for your father, far from it. We just want to insure that he'll have no means of returning, and luring him out will be the key."

"You speak foolishly, human. Although the Belmont clan hunts the night, your methods are incorrect. Although part of me is a vampire, the other is still human."

Rachael laughed, as well as the group of hunters.

"Do you really believe that? No matter how much humanity you have in you, your blood is still cursed. That's reason enough to slay you."

This was a surprise the Alucard. When he first encountered Rachael in the castle, she was nothing like this. For some reason, his senses weren't telling him anything, either. Suddenly, one of the hunters shot at him. He quickly blocked the shell with his shield. Rachael motioned for him to look at the shield. When he did, he smelled something familiar.

"Silver."

"That's correct." Rachael said. "Now, prepare to die!"

That's when the hunters fired. He grabbed Morgan and jumped away, dodging the shells the headed in his direction.

"Just make it easier on yourself, Dhampire!" Rachael shouted at him. "The only other way is to kill us, and in doing so, you'll ruin any chances of humanity prospering!"

She was right. Killing the chosen Belmont descendent would bring the world into total darkness. At least, until another Belmont was of age. However, if he killed these people, he would be labeled as an ally of darkness, something that he was already having trouble with.

Fortunately, a pause came when they ran out of shells, and were reloading. He put Morgan down, rushed at one of them, and knocked him out with his shield. When he rushed at another, Rachael struck him with her whip, causing him to back off in pain. He unsheathed his sword.

"I do not wish to fight with you. If it's my father you want, I'll be glad to help. However, I won't just sit here and die!"

"Fine by me, just as long as you're dead." She tried to whip him, but he dodged.

Unfortunately, a silver shell hit him in the back. He staggered, but managed to regain his posture. Another hunter shot him in the leg, causing him to fall to his knees. Rachael readied her whip.

"Now that's the way I like seeing you filthy creatures! You're lucky that your human side is keeping those shells from instantly killing you. I suppose you have your father's powerful genes to help with that as well. Too bad it won't mean anything in the end. So, any last words?"

"Yes. By doing this, you have become just like the humans that father hates. You Belmont's should've known better than that."

"What can I say? Time's have changed." She then raised her whip, and was about to strike.

However, Morgan ran in between them.

"Stop! Don't do this!"

Rachael lowered her whip. "Why not? You don't look like a vampire to me."

"Please reconsider doing this. Although I've only known this man for a short time, he's proven himself to be a kind person. He even saved me when the villagers attacked me for having special power. You of all people should know how that feels."

Rachael nodded. "Sadly, I do. Humans fear what they don't understand, and what they don't understand, they kill." Then she raised her whip again. "That is why I must put an end to their fear! Even if he 'is' a benevolent person, his bloodline will eventually consume him, and I can't take that risk!"

"So are you saying that all humans should only accept humans, no matter what the circumstances? I know that vampires are evil, but Alucard is not just a vampire! He has a human side, one that he apparently fights to keep with each passing day! Do you see a vampire killing their own kind just because they associate with humans? Do you see a vampire killing when it isn't necessary? No! Humans do 'all' of these things, yet scold those who don't! And still, you keep preaching about how to do good for others. You hypocrites! 'You' should be the ones hunted down and killed!"

Rachael shook her head, and then swung her whip in Morgan's direction, causing her to back away. "I should've known that you were one of those vampire lovers. Don't you realize that you side with those who hunt us for food?! Yes, I know that humans can be hypocritical at times. However, we do what we can in order to protect our species, much like your vampire acquaintances do what 'they' have to do in order to protect 'their' species! So you see, the vampire and human can never get along. One's like that Dhampire are just mere accidents, whose daily struggles in life are a constant reminder of that. So in a sense, killing him will bring his human side much needed relief, as well as bring an end to his destructive vampire nature."

Morgan helped the slowly healing Dhampire to his feet. "If that's the case, then go ahead and label me as a traitor! Like I said before, this man has proven himself to be human enough, and if humans can't accept that, then maybe he shouldn't bother with you!"

Now angry, Rachael whipped her, causing her to stumble.

"If that's your decision, then you'll die with him! Hunters, attack!"

Morgan tried to fight them off, but they eventually subdued her. She still refused to kill them, though. Alucard swung his sword at the hunter that was holding her, but he stopped mid range when he pointed the gun at her chest. Rachael walked over to him, pulled the sword away from him, and then held the sword up to Morgan's throat.

"You see, this is what I mean. You Dhampire's are confused creatures. Neither a human nor a vampire would've given in so easily to a hostage situation unless they were a weakling. Allow me to show you the error of your ways." She then pierced Morgan through her chest. The hunter let her go, as not to be stabbed along with her. She fell to the ground. Alucard rushed up to her, and kneeled down.

"Why did you stick up for me like that?"

"Because these humans were wrong about you." Then she coughed, blood spilling from her mouth. "Please, do me this one favor, though."

Alucard nodded.

"A-avenge me. B-break your o-oath ju-st th-this once." A second later, her life left her body.

Alucard stood up, and glared at the humans. "Your ignorance has caused yet another innocent life to be taken. Although I still won't fight you, I'll take my leave." Then he turned around and went towards the door.

He quickly dodged the whip that was headed in his direction. He rushed back at them, grabbed his sword, and took a battle stance. Anger was in his eyes, and his fangs were bearing.

"Don't make me kill you!"

"Go ahead and try it, if you can."

The hunters shot at him, but he quickly dodged. In a mad rage, he transformed into a cloud of mist. They still shot at him, but to no avail. Suddenly, he reformed behind one of them, and ran his sword through one of the hunter's chest. Then he threw his lifeless body at another hunter, and shot a trail of fireballs from his cloak, burning both bodies.

Laboratory

Meanwhile, the Succubus, now recognized as Morgan, remained straddled against him, continuing to deceive him through his dreams. The scientist was now back from his errand with Dracula, and was watching the event, all the while taking notes. He didn't speak with Morgan, for he knew that she needed full concentration on her task, since the son of their master had a strong spirit to break.

While he was watching, Cecilia stepped inside the lab. She had her hands behind her back. The scientist looked in her direction.

"Please don't come in here, miss." He said. "We are very busy with our master's project, and we can't have any distractions."

"I apologize, sir." She said. "However, I bring the most urgent news. The master wishes to see you. He wanted me to escort you."

"Really? Then why didn't he come himself?"

"You dare to question the master's orders?"

The scientists quickly shook his head. "No, of course not! Lead the way."

So she backed away into the hallway. When they were both out of earshot, the scientist noticed something strange about her.

"What is that you have behind your back?"

"Oh, this?" She then pulled out a wooden stake. "I found it this morning. I fear that the Belmont has returned."

The scientist eyed her narrowly. "So you say." He was about to back away, but then she extended it to him.

"If you do not trust me, then take it."

Slowly, he approached her. Just as he was about to grab it, she lunged forward, piercing him in the heart. She made herself fall forward in order to put more foundation into his heart. She also held his lips shut, so his cries of pain would be reduced. When he finally died, she got up, and quietly walked into the laboratory. She looked at the scientist's notes, and skimmed through them, being as quiet as she could, as not to disturb the Succubus. She then sat down on the corner of the floor, and began to meditate. She planned to free Alucard from his mental prison, so he could finally destroy the Count, and bring an end to her suffering.

Dream World

Meanwhile, Alucard had successfully killed all the hunters. Only the Belmont remained. Surprisingly, she put up quite a fight. Every time he tried to stab her, she was able to dodge, and counter with her whip. Fortunately, every time 'she' tried to whip him, he was also able to counter. After a while, they both backed away from each other, panting. When they caught their breath, Rachael was the first to speak.

"Wow. You're just as strong as the stories that were written about you!"

"I must also give you credit. You didn't appear to be this strong."

"Well, that's what you get for underestimating me. However, you have yet to see my 'true' power! Prepare to die, monster!"

Alucard tried to rush at her, but he was pushed back by a surge of blue fire. Sure enough, Rachael had somehow learned to harness her bottle of Holy water, and make it into a powerful weapon. He then jumped over the flames, and managed to strike her on her chest. Holding back the pain, she backed away.

"Hydro storm!"

Suddenly, the room was now raining of the dangerous water. The pain was intense, so he quickly turned into mist form, when the rain cleared, he rushed at her again. She used her whip to strike him, but he used his arm to wrap it around him. Since he was only half vampire, it didn't sting him as much. With all of his might, he swung the whip away from the Belmont's grasp. He then threw the whip behind him, raised his sword again, and knocked her on the ground with its hilt. He then held his sword to her throat. Every urge inside him was telling him to kill her, but he was trying to resist.

However, Rachael egged him on. "What's the matter, freak? Too weak-minded to finish me off? Just a bit of warning; if you don't kill me, I'll not only kill you, but everyone you know!"

"Then you leave me no choice!"

Just as he was about to kill her, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Stop!"

Alucard quickly turned around. To his surprise was Cecilia.

"Don't kill her! It's a trap created by your father to destroy your humanity!"

He looked at Rachael, and then at Cecilia. He began to calm down. Somehow, he got a look at his reflection from his mother's sword. He was shocked to see his vampiric self shining ever so brightly, eyes glowing and fangs bearing. Cecilia was right. He 'was' losing his humanity! He got off of Rachael, sheathed his sword, and picked her up.

"The day will come when my life will be taken. However, it will be on my own terms. Now go!" He then threw her across the room.

Cecilia ran to him and hugged him.

"I'm so glad I made it on time!"

"Thank you. If it wasn't for you, I almost would have fallen for my father's trap."

"Alucard, there is something else I need to tell you. This world, none of it is real. It's a trick manifested by some strange machine. You need to—"

Unfortunately, a huge blast separated the two. Alucard looked at the direction of the blast, and saw Morgan, her hands reached out.

"Just as I figured. Who are you?!"

Morgan laughed as a bright light surrounded her, engulfing her. When it cleared, she was revealed in her original form.

"That's the second time a Succubus has pulled the wool over your eyes, young one."

Alucard drew his sword. "I will destroy you here and now, demon!"

"Ah, yes, the expected battle. Sorry, but I don't wish to fight you. Instead, have a seat."

Her wings spread, and the points on her wings shot into the ground, causing an earthquake. Then, she duplicated herself until she was five of the same demon. The five surrounded him, and one of them grabbed Cecila, and broke her neck, which made her instantly vanish.

"Now that that meddlesome bitch has been taken care of in this world, I need to finish her off in the next. Until then, darling, stick around."

At this, she vanished, but the other Succubi rushed towards him.

Laboratory

Morgan awoke from her trance, and gently removed herself from the position she was in. She looked over at Cecilia, who had her knife ready.

"So I see that you have not yet fully accepted your vampirism. It doesn't matter, though. When the master finds out about this, he'll make sure you pay for it."

"You mean 'if' he finds out!"

At this, Morgan laughed. "So you actually think that you can kill me? Don't you realize that I'm one of the master's highly appointed demons?"

"Yeah, I knew that you were his bitch."

"That may be, but it comes with its rewards, such as having power and freedom, as well as the power to make bitches out of others, including you."

"Shut up! I never gave you that chance!"

"Yeah, as long as you stayed in the cathedral. Otherwise, I waited until you fell asleep. After all, I 'am' a Succubus."

"Then die for your perversion!" She then tackled the demon, and stabbed the dagger into her chest.

Morgan winced in pain, but then started laughing.

"Like I said, you can't kill me. Your weapon is just as unholy as mine. And speaking of which, check this out!"

With a psychic blast, she shot Cecilia against the wall, and the weapon to fall next to her. Then using the needle-points of her wings, she pierced her target against the wall. She pierced Cecilia's arms, legs, and torso. Then, with the wings still pierced, she walked over to her victim.

"Aw, does it hurt? Does it make you bleed?" She then put her face up to one of her wounds, and licked the blood off. "Mm. Vampire blood tastes almost as good as human blood. What say we have another taste?"

The Succubus noticed her glare. It was as icy and hate filled.

"You know, it's not nice to stare at people like that." Then she raised one of her hands, which extended into a claw. "Maybe you should spend some time as a blind woman." She then held the tips of her claw close to Cecilia's eyes, relishing her terror stricken expressions. "Don't worry, dear. You're a vampire. It'll grow back. That is, unless I eat them. But don't you worry your pretty little head. I won't cause you 'that' much pain. It wouldn't be that much fun."

So she extended her claws, moved her arm back, and struck. However, she stopped just centimeters from Cecilia's eyes, gulping down some blood that trailed off from her mouth. She turned her head, and saw Alucard. He had broken from his bonds, and now had his sword pierced through her heart.

"A-alucard....please....have mercy!"

"Return to hell from whence you came, demon! I banish you!"

Then, with one smooth motion, he raised his blade in the air, slicing the Succubus upward. Then he brought the blade down, completely slicing her in a vertical direction. Her body burned until there was nothing but ash. This, of course, caused Cecilia to fall from where she was hanging. Alucard quickly caught her.

"Thank you." She said.

"No, thank you."

"Are you, alright?"

"Yes. How about you?"

"I've had better days, but my wounds will heal."

So Alucard helped her up, and the two walked out of the laboratory.

Later

Eventually, they reached the main hall of the castle. Alucard turned towards Cecilia.

"I must go. Stay here for the time being."

"Yes. Just please come back alive. Otherwise, all that I've done for you will be for nothing."

"Indeed."

As he was about to leave, she called him again.

"Alucard?"

He turned around.

"What?"

".....Well, I.....never mind. Good luck."

He noticed that there was something she really wanted to say. However, there was no time to find out. His father has already filled the world in darkness, and he must put a stop to it. He opened the center door, and entered into the clock tower.

Clock Tower

However, as soon as he jumped on the first platform, something caught his senses.

"Show yourself!"

Immediately, the familiar face of Death greeted him above the clock tower, scythe in hand.

"Alucard. You should not be here. I don't know how you broke from your prison, but I will give you one last warning. Leave this place at once!"

"I will not!"

"Then you leave me no choice. As much as it will pain my master, I must put an end to your pitiful life." Then he lowered himself down to the Dhampire's level ground. "By the power vested in the darkness, I now condemn your soul to an eternity of Hell! Prepare for your suffering!"

Alucard unsheathed his sword, ready for battle.

End of chapter 10

Once again, thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you.