Disclaimer: I don't own anything associated to Castlevania. Konami has that honor. The original characters and story belong to me.

Castlevania

Millennium

By: Striker

Chapter Three: Stalked

Eric's group stopped outside the city limits of Tanner. It was a medium-sized city with decent population. The group had decided to split up into two groups. Eric had Amanda, Cheryl, and Paul with him. The others were with Craig. Eric got out of his car and walked over to Craig's car. Craig rolled down his window. "Hey Eric, where are you guys going?"

"We figured that we would go to the park." Eric replied.

"If you ask me that sounds a little dangerous." Kristy said.

Eric looked back at his car. "Amanda will be with us. If anything happens at least she can do some damage so we can escape. So are you still going to that club?"

Craig smirked. "That's the plan. We though we would check it out."

"It's nicely populated, so Dracula won't try to attack us there." Drew added.

"Just make sure to be back by eleven." Eric said. "And don't get arrested by the cops. We can't have Alucard finding out or Dracula will be the least of our worries."

Craig waved to Eric and then sped off. Eric walked back to his car and got in. "Let's go guys, we only have three hours."

"Is it me, or do we all think that they're going to get in trouble?" Cheryl asked.

Amanda chuckled. "Kristy's with them. She should keep them in line."

"I hope you're right." Eric said. He started the car and drove towards the park.

Eric and Amanda walked along a path that ringed a small lake in the center of the park. Eric stopped and looked out over the water. Amanda moved next to him. "What are you thinking about?"

Eric turned to Amanda. "I've just been thinking about what's happened to us." He turned back to the water and sighed. "I still can't believe that this has happened to us. I wonder if everyone in my family had to go through the same sort of things. I just wish my parents told me this sooner so I would have been ready in case this sort of thing did happen."

"They probably didn't tell you to protect you." Amanda said. "If you had known, you wouldn't have remained friends with us. You would have gone off somewhere and cut all ties. Maybe you weren't supposed to know until you did? And maybe we were destined to help you? Everything that has happened may have for a reason. At least that's what I think."

"So it was fate that my parents were supposed to die." Eric said. "You're saying that there was nothing anyone could have done to save them. That doesn't sound fair to me. Maybe Alucard was right, my family is cursed after all. Maybe you should just leave while you have the chance."

Amanda wrapped her arm around his. "I'm not going anywhere, and neither are the others. As far as I'm concerned we were destined to fight with you as well."

Cheryl and Paul stood a short distance away watching their friends. "Don't they look cute together?" Paul said. "I swear, they were made for each other."

"Too bad this shit had to happen." Cheryl said. She looked up at the stars and sighed. "You think that there is someone for every person in this world?"

Paul was caught off guard by this question. "What?"

Cheryl looked at Paul, a frown on her face. "Do you believe that everyone has a soul mate that one day he or she will meet and just know it?"

"Don't you get all mushy on me." Paul said. "Women see two people together and all the sudden they get all starry-eyed and start wishing for someone to sweep them off their feet."

Cheryl smacked Paul on the arm. "I'm serious. And for your information I think I may have found that certain someone."

Paul crossed his arms. "OK, who's the luck person you have your sights set on?"

"Alucard." Cheryl replied.

"Whoa, I think you better stop right there." Paul said, his eyes getting big. "I hate to ruin your hopes but I don't think Alucard is one for establishing romantic relationships."

Cheryl was now the one to cross her arms. "Well I think he's rather handsome and it wouldn't hurt to try."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that you and every other woman on this planet would find him handsome but I doubt it would work out."

"You never know." Cheryl replied. "So, do you have someone you have a crush on?"

"Well, uh, I," Paul stuttered, scratching the back of his head, "I kind of think I like Kristy."

Cheryl's jaw dropped. "Kristy, the same Kristy whose throat you're always at and vice versa?"

"She can be nice when she's not being a stuck-up, annoying bitch." Paul said. "She's really cute too."

"Maybe you should ask her out?" Cheryl said.

"I would, but she may kill me." Paul said. He looked back over at Eric and Amanda. "Speaking of relationships our little lovebirds are getting cozy, we should leave them alone before they start yelling at us for spying."

Cheryl nodded. "Maybe we can find some swings." The pair left, leaving Eric and Amanda alone. Neither of them noticed the pair of red eyes peering from the shadows of the trees, nor the snort that came with them.

Craig's group entered the club. A sign next to the outside door stated that the club allowed people eighteen and older to enter, but they had to be twenty-one to drink. It was full of people dancing and drinking. The lights flashed in rhythm to the blaring music. Drew immediately made his way to the bar. "Time to get to some heavy drinking."

"Are you sure you're old enough?" Craig asked jokingly.

"Please, I'm two-hundred and five." Drew replied. "I'm way over the age limit." Sophia followed Drew while Craig and Kristy made their way over to a table.

"Man, this place is packed." Craig said. "I tell you, this is the best place to go after a hard day."

"I find it too noisy." Kristy said, finding herself trying to talk over the music. "Couldn't we go someplace else?"

Craig laughed. "You always were one of those straight arrows. I'm surprise that you didn't have a problem going against Alucard's orders."

"I never said I was a perfect angel." Kristy said. "It's just that I don't like places like this."

Craig stared off towards the bar. "Kristy, I think I'm in love."

Kristy looked at her watch. "Damn, we haven't been her for five minutes and already you've found a girl. You're fast."

"I was talking about Sophia." Craig said flatly. "I think she's the one for me."

Kristy stared blankly at Craig at a loss for words. She finally spoke. "What the hell are you talking about? You're a Belmont, she's a vampire."

"So what's wrong about that?" Craig asked.

"Everything." Kristy replied. "Your family hunts down vampires like her. Do you know how crazy you sound?"

Craig pointed towards Sophia. "She's not like the rest of them. You heard Gregory; vampires are different than what they used to be. Besides, I think Sophia has the hots for me. She keeps giving me looks and winks all the time."

"She could be setting you up for a little bit." Kristy said. "And even if she does like you Alucard and Gregory would flip if they heard you."

"You're just jealous because I'm not afraid to express my feelings for Sophia, unlike you are." Craig shot back.

Kristy gave Craig an accusing look. "What do you mean by that?"

Craig smirked. "Admit it, you like Paul. You've wanted to get together with him for a long time."

"If you continue this discussion you'll be walking in cast." Kristy threatened.

"Looks like someone's getting defensive." Craig said. "You must really like him."

Kristy hung her head. "I admit, he does have his good parts, but he's always acting like a jerk. Maybe if he would grow up I'd ask him out, but I don't think that would ever happen."

Drew knocked back another shot. "Damn, it's been a while since I've had good shit like this. Too bad the slave driver won't let me have any booze."

"All you think about is beer, sex, and fighting." Sophia said. "Some of us have more appropriate desires." Sophia stared up at Craig and Kristy.

"All I can say is that I enjoy the finer things in life, just like these kids." Drew motioned to the mass of people dancing. "All they care about is getting the most pleasure out of life that they can before they croak. It's what they've always done and always will do till the end of time."

"We were like that once, before we were turned." Sophia replied. "Some of us wish to hold on to that past life."

Drew chuckled. "Just like the old saying that people want the one thing they can never have."

"Yes, they do." Sophia said, her eyes not leaving Craig.

Drew turned to Sophia. "Is that all you're…" Drew followed her gaze. "Why the hell are you staring a hole through him?"

Sophia smiled. "Because I find myself attracted to him. I wonder if he feels the same way about me?"

"Are you listening to what you're saying?" Drew asked. "He's a Belmont. The idea of a Belmont and a vampire getting together is unheard of. Did you even think of what could happen? For all you know if you two hook up reality as we speak could be turned upside down. Not to mention Alucard and the others would be pissed as hell. Face it, it's not meant to happen."

"It's happened before." Sophia replied. "A vampire and a Belmont once fell in love a long time ago."

"You're not talking about Alucard and Sonia, are you?" Drew asked. "That's just a fairy tale told by some vampire who couldn't accept that the Belmonts got their power from some other source. And if the story is true, wouldn't all the Belmonts be Dhampirs?"

"Even so, that's not going to stop me." Sophia said. "No one can stop love. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll ask him to dance."

Drew watched Sophia make her way towards Craig. "Don't blame me when the world comes to a crashing halt." Drew said to himself, downing another drink. Another person watched Sophia as well, a blond haired woman with a wicked smile on her face.

Alucard entered the lounge of the rec. hall. He found Reis watching TV. "Where all the others?" Alucard asked. "Did they turn in for the night?"

"The last time I checked they went out to the city against your orders." Reis said, not looking away from the TV. "Sophia and Drew went with them."

"Why didn't you stop them?" Alucard asked harshly.

"It none of my concern what they do." Reis said calmly. "I only signed up for this because Gregory asked me to."

Alucard quickly walked around the couch Reis was seated in and glared at him. "Why didn't you at least tell me what they were planning to do?"

"Because I'm not their…" Reis stopped when he saw Alucard's face.

"You better change your attitude and start looking after them." Alucard said. "If the Belmonts die then everything is lost. Dracula will sweep over this world and kill everyone who stands against him, including you. Now get their weapons and meet me outside."

"What are we going to do?" Reis asked.

"Look for them." Alucard said. "I'm going to need your help. I can't search the city alone. There's no telling where they went or if they're together. My father's forces may already have begun to attack them."

Reis got up. "It may not be much, but I overheard where they were going before they left. Some of them were talking about a park and the others said something about some nightclub. They were looking up the address for it."

"Were you eavesdropping on them?" Alucard asked.

Reis shook his head. "It was kind of hard not to hear them. I was in here when they were making their plans. I'm surprised the whole place didn't hear them."

"That doesn't matter. Get the weapons and meet me outside." Alucard quickly left the building. A few minutes later Reis appeared with the gear. Alucard was waiting in the middle of the field. "Who went where?"

"Craig, Kristy, and my team went to the club." Reis replied. "The others must have gone to the park."

"Give me the equipment for Eric, his sister, and Paul." Alucard ordered. "You take the rest of the gear and go to the nightclub. I'll head to the park. I only hope we're not too late." Reis gave Alucard the gear. He then watched Alucard fly out of the compound.

Reis picked up the rest of the equipment and then became sprinting out of the compound. "I knew this was going to be a problem." He said to himself.

"I still think you're nuts getting involved with Sophia." Kristy said. "It will not work out between you two."

Craig waved her off. "We'll see what happens. Speaking of which, here she comes now." He said, spotting Sophia walking towards him.

"Would you care to dance with me?" Sophia asked seductively.

Craig stood up and took her hand. "I would love too."

Kristy rolled her eyes and headed for Drew. Craig and Sophia began to dance close to each other as Kristy got to the bar. She walked up to Drew and leaned against the bar. She showed the bartender her ID and ordered a beer. "Can you believe this?" She asked Drew, taking a sip.

"I can't imagine what the children will look like." Drew said. "I think you may have a Dhampir for a niece, or a nephew. Either way you're family tree is going to be very weird."

"I don't even what to think about it." Kristy said, taking another drink.

Sophia slipped her arms around Craig's neck. "So are you having fun?"

"Yeah, this sure beats anything we would be doing at our home." Craig replied, placing his hands on her waist. "I've been thinking, have you been seeing anyone in the last hundred years?"

"I had a fling with some guy back in '57, but it didn't work out." Sophia replied. "What makes you ask that question?"

Craig smiled and looked away from Sophia. "I was just wondering. You don't strike me as the type who would have a hard time getting a date."

"Do you have anyone special?" Sophia asked. "Any girl you have your eye on."

"As a matter of fact I do." Craig said. "As it seems, I also live with her too. She's funny, smart, cute, the kind of girl I'm looking for."

A sly smile spread across Sophia's face. "Would I happen to know this girl?"

"If you look in the mirror." Craig replied.

Sophia giggled. "You're so sweet Craig, that's what I find so irresistible about you. You always know how to make me laugh. So what do you say we find someplace a little more private?"

Craig gave her a sly look. "Where do you propose we go, and how do we get rid of those two?"

"We'll figure that out." Sophia leaned in to kiss Craig, only to be pushed away by the blond haired woman.

"Mind if I cut in?" The woman asked.

"Who the hell are you?" Sophia asked, glaring at the woman.

The woman grinned. "Competition. Want to dance?" The woman asked Craig, staring at his eyes.

Craig seemed to go into a trance. "Sure, I would love that." He said, in a drugged tone of voice.

Sophia stormed back to the bar while the woman danced with Craig, who looked bewitched. "Can you believe that woman? Who does she think she is interrupting us like that?"

"Maybe you should calm down?" Kristy said. "It's just a dance, right Drew?"

Drew didn't respond. Instead he stared at Craig and the woman. "Oh hell, this is bad. I recognize the look Craig has. We have to get the kid and get out of here now."

"Maybe you shouldn't be involved with this war." Eric said. "From what Alucard told us Dracula won't stop till my family is dead."

Amanda looked at Eric with surprise. "What do you mean I should leave? I told you that I'm staying with you no matter what. You know Dracula will come after anyone close to you, so I'm safer being by your side."

Eric stared out over the water. "I just don't want you to get hurt. I don't want any of my friends to get hurt. If anything were to happen to any of you I don't think I could forgive myself for getting any of you involved."

"The way I see it I have these powers of mine to help you fight." Amanda said. "Alucard and Gregory both believe that you need all the help you can get, so I won't leave you."

Eric turned to Amanda and looked straight into her eyes. "I'm afraid that you will get hurt or killed. I care too much about you to risk that."

"I care about you too." Amanda replied. "That's why I don't want you facing this alone. I love you Eric. I've been in love with you ever since the day we met."

Eric stared at Amanda for a few minutes, letting what she said sink in. A smile then crept over his face. "I love you too, Amanda." Eric said. "I wanted to say that for a long time, but I never knew if you felt the same way."

Amanda smiled as well. "Then show me you mean it." Eric leaned in and gently kissed her. Amanda felt as if she was going to faint.

Without warning the trees behind them erupted as the Minotaur stormed out, followed by the Death Knight. "Are we interrupting a special moment?" the Minotaur asked the frightened couple.

"Amanda, get out of here." Eric said. "They want me."

"We want both of you." The Death Knight said. "The girl's magic poses as much a threat to our master as your blood. Both of you must die so our lord's wishes may be fulfilled."

Amanda and Eric found themselves backed against the railing of the pond. Finding no way to escape Amanda began to scream for help.

"What the hell?" Paul asked. "That sounds like Amanda."

Cheryl looked back at the direction of where Eric and Amanda were. "Shit, we better go help them. I hope it isn't too serious." Both she and Paul ran towards their friends. She stopped as soon as she saw their enemies. "Oh my God."

"I think this is very serious." Paul said.

Kristy walked up to Craig and the woman and grabbed Craig's arm. "Come on Craig, we have to go."

"But he doesn't want to go." The woman said. "You don't want to go, do you Craig?"

"I don't want to go." Craig replied, half in a daze.

"Yes he does." Sophia said, bumping the woman away and leading Craig to the door.

As Craig was led away he shook his head as if he was coming out of a dream. "What the hell happened? I was dancing with you and then that woman…"

"We'll talk later." Sophia said. "Drew suggested that we get out of here. He didn't tell us why, but I think it has something to do with that woman."

Drew was waiting by the entrance. "Move it people, we can't stay here much longer."

The group was just about to leave when the woman yelled at them. "The Belmont boy comes with me!" She then revealed her true form, turning into the Harpy. "And as for you bitch, die!" The Harpy dove at Sophia as the club patrons ran screaming from the building. The Harpy grabbed Sophia and lifted her into the air.

"We defiantly have to leave." Drew said.

"What about Sophia?" Kristy asked.

"She'll take care of herself." Drew said. "She'll do better than you will."

"All our prey, in one place none the less." The Minotaur said gleefully. "Helps not having to hunt you all down."

The Death Knight pointed at Cheryl and Paul. "Those two are yours. I will kill the male Belmont and the witch."

"What do we do?" Amanda asked as the Death Knight closed in on them.

Eric placed Amanda behind him. "As soon as you get a chance, run like hell. I'll draw this guy away from you."

Paul began to slowly back up. "We can't fight these guys, not without our weapons."

"We should have listened to Alucard." Cheryl said.

"Alucard may have warned you but he can't help you now." The Minotaur gloated. "Our master will be pleased when we remove you from this world." He began to tap his giant hammer as he approached. "I'm going to enjoy this."

Meanwhile the Death Knight raised his sword to strike Eric. "Prepare to die." The young Belmont closed his eyes and prepared to get hit, only to hear the sound of metal hitting metal. He opened his eyes to find Alucard standing in front of him blocking the Death Knight's sword with his.

"Alucard, where did you come…?" Eric started to ask.

Alucard shoved the Death Knight away and pointed at the equipment lying next to Paul and Cheryl. "Get your weapons and defend yourselves."

"Alucard," The Death Knight growled, "Why do you interfere with your father's plans? You should help him instead of fight against him."

"I will never serve my father." Alucard said. "And I will destroy you." Alucard attacked the Death Knight and the two began to spar.

The Minotaur watched the scene and turned back to his enemies. "Even with Alucard you will still die. While my partner keeps him busy, I'll take care of you."

Paul picked up his ax. "Then let's dance." Paul swung at the Minotaur. The monster easily blocked the strike and returned one of his own. The force of the impact sent Paul sprawling backwards. Cheryl struck the Minotaur in the back with one of her swords. The monster roared and swung at her. She ducked and dodged a downward blow that missed her and cracked the sidewalk. Amanda fired two bolts at the Minotaur, staggering him. Eric picked up his whip and ran over to Paul. Paul lifted himself up with his ax. "Damn Eric, that guy hits hard."

"We have to remember our training." Eric said. "We can beat him; we just have to work together and use what we learned."

Alucard and the Death Knight continued to fight. "Your students are no match for us." The Death Knight said. "They will soon fall and the others will quickly be killed as well. After all you did you will fail in protecting them."

Alucard parried a blow and struck with one of his own. "Do not take them so lightly, you may lose."

"When this is over, we'll see how differently you will feel." The Death Knight replied.

Eric hit the Minotaur with his whip, causing the brute to roar in pain. "Push him towards the railing." He ordered. "We may be able to knock him into the water."

Cheryl nodded and attacked the Minotaur. The beast blocked the attacks, but found himself retreating. Paul joined in and started to force the Minotaur back. The Minotaur took a giant horizontal swing. Both Cheryl and Paul ducked, the hammer missing them. Amanda threw a large bolt, hitting the Minotaur in the chest.

"Is that supposed to hurt me?" The Minotaur taunted.

"No, this is." Eric said, unleashing a flurry of whip cracks. The whip found its mark, leaving cuts all over the monster's body. The beast swung his hammer downward at Eric. Eric rolled out of the way and turned to Amanda. "Now, hit him in the face." Amanda fired a bolt, hitting the Minotaur in the eyes. The monster dropped his hammer and clutched his face. "Cheryl, Paul, let's go." Eric, Paul, and Cheryl rushed the Minotaur and pushed him over the railing. He landed in the water making a large splash.

The Death Knight heard the splash and turned towards the Minotaur. "That imbecile, can't he do anything right?"

"You should worry about yourself." Alucard said. The Death Knight yelled and charged Alucard. The Dhampir turned to mist, allowing the Knight to pass through him. He quickly turned solid and slashed the stunned Knight across the back. The Death Knight dropped his sword and reared back. Alucard kicked him in the back, sending his enemy face first to the ground. Alucard ran over to Eric and his group. "We'll talk about this later. For now get back to the compound." The young adults nodded and ran for the car.

The Death Knight got up and walked over to the water. The Minotaur was still splashing around. "Quit fooling around and get out of there. Our lord will not be pleased with this."

Craig, Kristy, and Drew ran out of the nightclub along with several dozen screaming people. As the people ran for a place to hide Craig stopped. "We have to go back in there and help Sophia. We can't leave her behind."

Just then the Harpy flew out the door with Sophia still in tow and threw her to the ground. "You don't have to do that." Drew said. "Hey Sophia, you OK?"

"I've been better." Sophia groaned. She had bleeding wounds where the Harpy's claws had grabbed her. "I'm going to pluck that bitch if it's the last thing I do."

"I seriously doubt that you can fight me unarmed." The Harpy mocked as she circled her prey. "I'll tear you all apart and save the human boy for last. I may make him my slave."

Sophia glared at the monster. "Don't you even think about it."

"Oh, do I make you jealous?" The Harpy asked. "I didn't know you cared about him. The world really has become a different place when a Belmont and a vampire fall in love. How repulsive."

"Man, this can't get any worse." Craig said.

Several screams from people who had stopped to watch got the group's attention. "One, I think it just did, and two, never say anything like that again." Kristy said. The Medusa slithered from an alley and turned to the Harpy.

"I told you not to fool around." Medusa scolded. "Kill them and get it over with. We can't run the risk of their other friends arriving."

"The other fools are dead by now." The Harpy said. "Minotaur and Death Knight are taking care of them."

Drew took a fighting pose. "Don't count them out just yet. They won't be pushovers, and neither will we. Guys, whatever happens don't let those blasts that snake bitch fires from her eyes hit you. You'll get turned into a rock."

"You mean like this?" Medusa asked. She fired a blast that Drew dodged. It hit a car, turning it to stone.

"You have to be kidding me." Craig said. "We're toast."

"No you're not!" Reis yelled, coming out of nowhere and striking Medusa with his mace, sending her flying into the stone car. He then swung at her again, missing his target and shattering the car. "I brought your shit. Drew, we'll take care of the snake. The rest of you have the bird."

Drew got his claws and joined Reis. "Time to do some damage."

Sophia grabbed her blade and tossed Craig and Kristy their weapons. "I'm going to cut your wings off." Sophia threw her blade at the Harpy. The monster dodged the blade with ease. Sophia caught the blade and threw it again. The Harpy dodged and flew straight at her. Sophia got out of the way and caught her blade.

"Are you even trying to hit me?" The Harpy asked mockingly, hovering close to the ground.

"Shut it bitch." Craig said. He swung is sword at the monster. She flew up, over, and behind him.

"Don't be such a mean boy." The Harpy said. "I'll deal with you soon enough."

Suddenly Kristy slammed the Harpy with her lance, sending the monster crashing into the side of the nightclub. "Why don't you pay more attention to what's going on. Maybe if you didn't talk so much you wouldn't leave yourself open."

Craig rushed the Harpy and sliced her wing. "That's for interrupting my dance."

The Harpy growled and smacked Craig away. Sophia caught him and both crashed to the ground. "I changed my mind." The Harpy sneered. "I'll kill you too."

Meanwhile Drew and Reis battled Medusa. The monster kept avoiding their blows with her surprising speed. "How pathetic," Medusa said as she dodged another of Reis's blows, "Didn't you get trained better?"

"Shut up." Reis said coolly.

Drew snuck up behind her and slashed her hair, cutting off a few snakes. "Gotcha!" Drew exclaimed. Medusa responded by smacking Drew with her tail and sending him into a car. "I'm going to feel this in the morning." He groaned.

Reis used the distraction to hit Medusa into the air. He then batted her into a store window. "One down, one to go." Reis ran over to Drew. "Are you OK?"

"Yeah, I didn't know you cared?" Drew replied.

"I don't." Reis said. "We just need you to fight." He then turned to Sophia and the others. "Take care of your opponent so we can leave."

"What do you think we're trying to do?" Kristy yelled back.

Sophia helped Craig up. "Are you hurt?"

"A little." Craig replied.

"Take him." Sophia ordered to Kristy. She got up and glared at the Harpy. Just then she noticed that the Harpy was underneath the sign for the nightclub. It was connected to the building by a bar on the bottom and two wires on the top. Sophia threw her blade at the Harpy.

The Harpy dodged and grinned at her enemy. "You missed again. You need to work on your aim."

"Who said I was aiming for you?" Sophia asked, grinning slyly. The blade cut through both wires. Without the wires to hold it up the sign buckled on the bar and dropped straight down, crashing onto the stunned Harpy. Sophia caught her blade and turned to Reis. "This bird's been grounded."

"Good, then let's go." Reis said. His group left the scene, leaving the defeated monsters and a few spectators behind.

The Harpy burst from the wreckage of the sign and screamed. "I'm going to rip out that bitch's intestines and strangle her with them!"

Medusa emerged from the shop. "Forget that for now. We have to leave." The Harpy grabbed Medusa and lifted her out of the street.

Back at the training ground Alucard was busy reprimanding his students. "What the hell were you thinking? You all could have been killed. If it wasn't for Reis you would all be dead."

"We beat those monsters, didn't we?" Paul asked.

"You barely managed to." Alucard replied. "It took four of you just to fight the Minotaur, and even then you just pushed him into the water. In addition Sophia, Drew, and Craig got injured. You even got hurt too Paul. And if we hadn't have come to save you, you would have had to fight unarmed. Consider yourselves lucky. You have to be more careful. If anything this encounter tonight proves that they know where we are. From now on none of you will leave this compound unless you are told too or I am with you. Now go to your rooms. I don't want anything like this to happen again."

"It won't Alucard." Eric said. "We won't disobey you."

Alucard watched his student's leave for their dorms. Gregory walked up behind him. "What is it old man?"

"You should talk." Gregory said. "You were a little too harsh with them, don't you think? You should try to not be as strict. This night, if anything, taught them a lesson they needed to learn."

"I need to be strict." Alucard said. "It's the only way that they will survive. Hopefully tonight's events will keep them in line. The sad part is that it almost cost them their lives."

"How bad were the injures?" Gregory asked.

"Mostly bruises." Alucard replied. "The most serious were Sophia's, but she'll heal quickly. My father knows that we are near the city. It's only a matter of time before his forces attack us."

Gregory nodded and brought his fist to his chin. "Through all the bad things I do see something positive. They have improved in their skills. They were able to defeat their adversaries. We may have to take them to the next step in their training."

"I must admit that much, but I still want to train them for a bit longer before we do that." Alucard said.

"As you wish, but you can't keep them here forever." Gregory said. "Sooner or later they will face Dracula."

"I am sorry my lord." The Death Knight said. "We found our enemies, but were unable to kill them. Alucard intervened."

"They were trained better than we thought." Medusa added. "They have grown stronger than anticipated."

Dracula sat at his thrown, brooding over the turn of events. "Our one chance to kill them has failed. They won't dare leave their hiding place again. We'll have to directly assault their lair and fight them there. Do you know where they are?"

"Yes, we do." The Death Knight replied. "We are ready to attack at any time."

"We will have to be patient." Dracula said. "They will be on guard. We must wait for them to lower their defenses before we are to strike. No matter how long it takes, I will see the Belmont bloodline ended."

Author's Notes: The first major battle scenes have come. Dracula will now put on the pressure to kill the Belmonts and Eric's team must step up if they're going to survive. This story is half-way there and it gets better from here on out. By the way, Medusa's attack I based ff her attack in Super Castlevania IV. Also, I got Alucard's powers from Symphony of the Night. Until next time LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!

"Sleep tight, don't let the vampires bite"

Original