CHAPTER 8

Three days had pasted since the death of his uncle. As an outlet for his anger, Malus thought up gruesome ways that Dracula could be defeated. Maybe he'd be stabbed in the back like Uncle was...or a stake driven in his heart...if he had one... Dracula watched Malus' thoughts bemused, and didn't complain. He had accomplished one of his goals. He could sense how frightened and alone the boy felt inside... Over time, Malus had grown tired. It had also been over three days since he last slept. Dracula however showed no sign of being tired. Malus watched him as closely as he could for even the smallest hint of growing weary, but was very disappointed.

Dracula smirked. "You will fall asleep decades before I decide to. No need to waste your time."

Malus stayed silent. He couldn't leave Dracula unchecked while he slept. He could already imagine waking up with his hands covered in blood and a dagger at hand, unaware of what he had done...

Dracula saw the image and grinned. "Who are you to choose what I do?"

Malus was still silent. Walking around the castle only made him wearier. He was losing consciousness fast, but his growing fear of being taken advantage of helped him stay awake longer.

"Why do you trouble yourself? Go to sleep..."

His vision faded away slowly, and his thoughts started to wonder...

Malus stumbled backwards and fell. A pair of arms caught him. Malus managed to open his eyes half-way and look up at a pale face that also had neck-length dark hair. Malus hastened to stand and took a step backwards, staring at the tall robed figure, somewhat resembling him.

"You..." Malus murmured. "You're Dracula aren't you...?"

"Do I frighten you, boy?"

Malus started backwards as Dracula moved towards him. He was still very tired, and knew he couldn't put up a struggle against Dracula... Dracula placed his hands on the boy's shoulders. Malus shivered at his cold touch, and closed his eyes helplessly. His body started to sway under his own weight.

Dracula spoke with a fake softness in his voice. "You are wearied and troubled. Sleep..."

"I don't want to go to sleep..." Malus whispered distantly.

"You don't have a choice..."

"I don't want to go to sleep..."

"Sleep..."

Malus jerked out of Dracula's grasp. He stumbled backwards and fell to the ground, holding his head. "Leave me alone you devil!"

Dracula grimaced. He snatched Malus up by the throat, suspending him in the air so that his feet barely touched the ground. Malus choked.

"There are many ways to silence a child..." Dracula hissed quietly, choking him tighter. "Especially an unruly one..."

Malus hung limply and his eyes started to water. Dracula released him, and he collapsed back onto the ground.

"I know your weaknesses, boy..."

The soft bitter-sweet sound of the violin echoed inside his head.

Dracula opened the doors of the sanctuary, to face his three allies. Actrise, Death, and Gill De Rais expected his arrival.

"Master...?"

The young boy looked up at Gill De Rais, then to the bat that had flown down from the ceiling. The bat circled around Dracula a few times before landing on his shoulder.

"So it is you then..." Death said. "My lord..."

"I have been reborn in the body of this child. For eight years, I have slept in the shadows of his mind, but no more. His feeble mind can no longer overcome me."

A hideous smirk formed across his lips. "It's time now that he take an extended nap period..."

Isn't that right, boy? Dracula said spitefully.

Malus couldn't hear him. He had long since been in a deep sleep and hadn't uttered a sound nor word.

"I am still too weak..." Dracula continued, surveying Malus' hands. "It will take awhile for me to fully regenerate."

"My lord?"

He turned towards Actrise.

"Sixteen years ago, when the Fernandez clan had been killed...there were survivors. One of them is being held prisoner here. Maybe they could be of some use...?"

The Fernandez heard the barred door clink open. She looked up and saw a blue-haired boy gazing at her.

"A young boy lost in the castle of chaos..." She said examining him. "Have you also been captured?"

He smirked. "Looks can be deceiving; I am no child."

"Then what are you...?"

"He is Malus; possessed by the soul of Count Dracula."

Dracula turned to the new voice. "Ah...Marcell Crescent...from the were-tribe no doubt...and my father too."

Marcell, like the Fernandez, was shackled to one of the dungeon's walls.

"I would never foster a demon like you." Marcell said glaring at the imposter.

"Do not say that...you will break what's left of the boy's heart." Dracula mocked.

"Why do you trouble him? He is only but a child! Take me in his stead!"

"A petty plea by a father, to save his only son. Amusing..." Dracula laughed cruelly.

Marcell winced at the sound of Malus' unnatural cold voice.

"The boy would have very much liked to see his father again...one last time..."

"What have you done to Malus? Where is my son?"

"He is sleeping through his insignificant little woes and misery..." Dracula answered quietly. He stepped closer to Marcell and whispered into his ear. "...but Darkness will provide him nightmares from the Underworld..."

Marcell winced again.

"You heartless demon! You will not prevail over Malus!" Marcell said furiously. "Once I get free from these chains, I'll--"

"You will do nothing." Dracula finished. "His body and soul has been forfeited to the dark lord, as yours has been cursed..."

The chains binding Marcell let him go. As he fell to the ground, a horde of Lizard Men came in and took him by the arms and shoulder. Dracula forced Marcell to look him into his eyes, which Marcell had purposely been avoiding.

"I have nothing more to say to you. We will not meet again. Good-bye 'father'."

Marcell didn't answer, but Dracula didn't expect one. He turned to the Lizard Men. "You know what to do with him. Do not disappoint me."

As the Lizard Men carried Marcell away, Dracula turned back towards the Fernandez.

"Now to dispose of you...you have two choices: relinquish your power or have it taken by force."

She looked back fearlessly at the young boy. "You have slaughtered my kindred. I will never forgive, nor will I join forces with you."

"So you have chosen 'by force'?"

She said nothing.

"A pity to see such exceptional abilities wasted...but that must be your decision. Be that as it may...you shall be plagued with the curse of vampirism."

The Fernandez continued to gaze at him fiercely. "I do not fear any curse you afflict upon me."

Dracula gave an unconcerned gesture. As he started to leave the room, he added: "Perhaps the second Fernandez will not be as foolhardy..."

He met Gill De Rais at the door. "You will inhabit my old form." Dracula said. "That will keep the three visitors busy for now..."