Wazaga says: "I'm not really supposed to be writing this right now. I should be doing something more important……….. ah, whatever. There's always tomorrow, one day ain't gonna kill me.."

To Daenis: "blast those darn typos! Always messing up what good English I'm supposed to have! I have no accent for crying out loud! I should be able to write without typos! erm, sorry. Random outburst there. ()"

Chapter 6: "Encounter."

Alucard awoke with a start. He gasped for breath as he shot to a sitting position, sweat moistening his face. His heart was beating at an alarming speed. He tried to even his breathing as he covered his mouth to keep from vomiting.

He could not remember when he last had such a nightmare. Oh, he never dreamed of anything peaceful when he slept, but a nightmare that awoke him with such a startle was something rare. He rubbed his face and combed his fingers through his hair as his body finally stopped shaking. He sat at the edge wandering what time it was. The grey light from the winder told him that it was still day. The rain was still pouring heavily.

Alucard stood up and made for the pitcher of wine that was on the nightstand. He drunk deeply from the goblet he had filled, but the thirst was not quenched.

"Damn!" he cursed as he recognized the pain for what it was. He was craving blood. Something he despised utterly. He had tried many times to keep the thirst at bay, denying himself any form of blood, human or animal. Unfortunately, his fasting had lead to catastrophic results more often then not. He finally learned to accept his need; even though he may not like it.

He would have to hunt tonight, he thought. Already he could taste the kill. But it could wait. He must first tend to his guests.

He opened his wardrobe and selected an outfit somewhat similar to the one he wore the previous night. Only the blouse was replaced by a turtleneck sweater and the belt was plain black. He tied his hair back with a ribbon while he glanced out the murky window before leaving his tower.

As he walked through the halls on his way to the west wing, he was able to find a clock that showed that it was noon. He thought it odd; he usually awoke between the hours of three and six. He wandered if it had something to do with his dream, or with the presence of others in the castle. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind and continued to his destination. He made his way down a flight of stairs, when a figure caught his attention.

It was one of the hooded women. She was still wearing her hood and was walking in a slow pace. She stopped to examine one of the many paintings on the walls, standing as still as a statue.

Alucard watched her silently as he walked closer to her side: "good afternoon, madam."

She spun around with a gasp at his sudden appearance: "oh, good afternoon, sire." She said timidly.

"Forgive me if I startled you."

"Oh, not at all, sire. I just wasn't expecting to …" she trailed off unable to finish her sentence. She lowered her head in a slight bow not sure what to do.

"Are you lost?" he asked.

"Um, yes, I was taking a short stroll and couldn't remember my way back to the wing. I was hoping to perhaps find someone who could lead me back, but I have seen no one in the last hour."

"Ah, I see." He replied. He locked his hands behind his back "well, then. Now that your host and guide has arrived to your aid, what would you like to do?"

She seamed confused by his question: "how do you mean, sire?"

"Well, I meant to see to your family's comfort. But now I am faced with an even greater duty. Would you like to return to the West Wing? Or would you prefer a short tour of the palace?"

"A tour?" she asked.

"Why yes. There are the gardens, the hall of portraits, the libraries, the kitchens, the dens; goodness knows how many places are cramped within these walls. I shouldn't be surprised if there are rooms I have yet visited." He said with a humorous smile.

He watcher her as she looked indecisive. For some unknown reason, she fascinated him. And for a brief moment, he wanted to reach for her hood and remove it.

She finally answered: "Yes, I would like a tour if it does not trouble you."

"Very well, then. Where would you like to start?"

"Um, the library?"

"A fine choice. Shall we be off then?"

He offered his arm and she timidly took it as they started walking down the hall.

Arthur emerged from his hiding place and ran back to tell his father that his sister had succeeded.