Another unnatural howl pierced the night of blood and brave defiance. Though this time it came several miles away from the castle.
When Julius Belmont and his companions made way to Dracula's final guardian, all humans who still were on the Castle grounds received a signal to evacuate as swift as possible. Of course, not everyone managed to get away in time. But those who did, Including the head of Hakuba Clan who barely got away from the castle with her heavily injured Danasty companion in tow – witnessed the eruption and the subsequent 'comet'.
Fortunately, other priests had already made necessary preparations for the ceremony, after Castle's outskirts were properly culled. The brown haired priestess clad into traditional garb (as most of her gathered companions) sighed in relief at the sight.
Calling forth the divine in these lands was an arduous task, even with the Dark Lord being preoccupied otherwise, and his minions – recuperating after the demonic castle nearly collapsed on itself. Entire upper half of the castle was erased by the clash of powers beyond mortal comprehension. However, the debris and stones were slowly manifesting into existence – the infernal entity desired for its form to be whole once more. Thankfully, the mysterious pillar died out too after castle's master being physically thrown out from its vicinity. Thus, the shrine maidens had their opportunity to purify the taint from the world of man – by sealing the manifestation of Chaos in a solar eclipse. The gentle hands of Amaterasu Omikami still could and would reach even this forsaken place to save the world from destruction.
As the enormous circle seven hundred meters away from the castle's gates flared and the inscription on placed talismans came to life dancing around the formation - the final preparations for activations were over. They just needed to…
"Looks like things here are going smoothly."
…Keep the ritual going, uninterrupted.
As the shrine maiden turned her head up towards the source of disruption, her heart skipped a beat. The entity in shape of woman sitting atop a gap in reality was a mystery – for those who did not know who and what was behind isolating Japanese youkai from the world at large.
She did not meet the Youkai of Boundaries in person before, but the one before her was recognizable for those who knew what to look for. And this one was far more dangerous than most denizens of this land she fought this night.
"What are you doing here, gap youkai?. As the highest ranking member of this gathering, Hakuba Makoto could not allow a display of fear or weakness, despite knowing she was facing a being, who, if she wished to, could pose a threat as great as the one they have come to deal with. And those who were present had no real way to deal with her.
The blond nuisance's expression had remained relaxed, even when surrounding people uninvolved in summoning cautiously leveled their weapons on the interloper. For humanity this is a disastrous event with terrible consequences should they fail to defeat Dracula in this war. For creatures like her though - nigh insignificant in best case. Or even a source of disgusting entertainment.
Surely she would not break the pact the sages made with clans before. But the answer was not exactly the one the shrine maiden hoped for.
"My, everyone is so suspicious these days." The youkai enjoyed the tense atmosphere. Of course it would – they feast on fear. Makoto made an effort to not clench her teeth when she bit out next words.
"If you hadn't noticed, we battle a calamity here. We have no time for your games."
Poor Hakurei Clan for having to deal with someone like that one on a daily basis. Even if they've mostly lost the contact over the centuries, the lack of youkai influence in their land was a testament to their diligent work. Not to mention all the others.
"'Games'? Someone might take it as offence, you know." The maiden could not take a delight at the way how the grin faded from youkai's face, given the dangers.
Then, the sage of Gensokyo jumped from her 'mount' and walked to Makoto until the distance between them became two steps. Despite this, Makoto had enough mind to shout an order to stand down and continue the rite without interruptions.
"You haven't answered the question."
"To put it simply – you" the youkai pointing her gloved finger at her as if to emphasize a point "walked into this war and did not inform us beforehand. Don't you think that was inconsiderate at best?" And then crossed her arms as if in disappointment.
"Gensokyo is separated from this world. Even if you are a youkai, this conflict should not concern you."
"Should not?" The tone of these words was even, but the atmosphere became even more tense.
And then the staring contest started for a minute. Despite Yukari's gaze of violet flashing dangerously, Makoto held it. She fought the primordial god of Death itself tonight and now she is orchestrating Dracula's final demise. She will not be caved in, even if she faced a comparable threat without other slayers' assistance. After that pause, the gap youkai continued.
"The avatar of Chaos is so boisterous even our humble abode is close to be turned upside down from all the screams, laughter and the energy which Chaos offers so eagerly. I reinforced the borders of course, but the noise remains…"
After a moment of a pointed gaze at the source of that disturbance, gap youkai turned her head back in Makoto's direction.
"…And you and your little group went in, pulling our land in this conflict, without consultation or consideration of ours state of things. Honestly, it hurts a bit."
There was a point in youkai's words. However, the Gensokyo was purposefully constructed as a safe haven from humanity's decrease of faith or hostile takeovers. Chaotic Realm should have next to none influence over it. Otherwise, they would have joined forces with this evil long ago.
"This war is between humanity and forces of malignant aspect of Chaos. Last I've heard, Gensokyo has no stake in it, as it had not for all these centuries"
"Aside from quite a few of my neighbors being curious enough to join the fray this special night – no, I suppose it has not. Let alone of what would have happened if a certain vampire king called for more folk from our lovely archipelago in response to your interference. Or decided to visit it with his army after he'd been done with your group here"
Now that the youkai mentioned it, perhaps her frustration had merit. However, since they faced a number of all kind of demons and spirits (including Eastern folk or even some of forgotten gods) in the Castle too – Makoto assumed most of those who wished harm to humanity had already flocked to Dracula's banner. Then, the Youkai of Boundaries… dropped her hands and sighed, before calmly finishing her lecturing.
"All in all, my concern is the lack of cooperation in such events. Next time, please send a note before going to the western shores for a crusade, at least"
From irritated to patronizing and flippant. Yes, that one is the last youkai any sane person would like to deal with. Especially since that one had her own channels for gathering information. All this argument is plain ridiculous.
"Your point is taken. Regardless, the extermination will go successfully. We are almost finished at that point…"
With a momentarily glance at the animated formation, Yukari Yakumo gave a short nod of approval.
"That you are. You don't need my help here at all, so I need not to step in on your behalf"
She kept tabs on ongoing event, the shrine maiden knew it. Honestly, what was the point of this conversation besides driving everyone around to their wits end?
"Then why are you here?"
"I am waiting for the ritual's end. I'd like to ensure there won't be incidents and see to the matter with Dracula - resolved"
Even that one is wary of Dark Lord of Castlevania, then. In that case, standing against her won't be necessary. Although….
A cacophony of howls and screeches came from the Devil Castle, as a tide of monsters manifested and charged into their direction. The castle itself is still shifting between trying to repair itself and falling apart. Whatever the explosion was – the creature had taken tremendous damage, making their work easier.
The remaining forces of men were battered, but without Dracula's lieutenants or dark master himselfthe incoming horde was more than manageable.
It was time for her to do her part of prayers. Since the gap youkai was not a threat – her presence can be ignored. Or perhaps… If she is here anyway…
"Very well. I take it we don't have much choice."
"Clever girl~"
"That being said, would you care enough to help us defend the site?" …She could at least contribute to the war effort, since she claimed their goals were the same.
For the first time in that night, it looked as if she took the gap youkai by surprise. To the point she frowned in puzzlement. After several moments of contemplation, the shrine maiden received the response.
"Well…"
Then, Yukari Yakumo sighed.
"I said I would like to prevent the accidents after all…" Lazily turning around, she looked on oncoming wave of monsters.
xxXxXxx
Dracula had never failed to deliver some kind of abominable form into existence.
As the first shockwave following Dracula's another transformation passed, Julius Belmont, Aria Belnades and Alucard were surrounded by red mist. Second later, the sorceress blew it away, to reveal the endless, bleak desert with peculiar rock formations floating in the air with merciless bleeding star shining at them from above. Unlike the Castle's territory though, the change was more akin to an illusion instead of true bending of reality like he did before. It was difficult to gauge it properly though, and the phenomenon had not lessened the need for caution.
And then, seemingly from nothingness, the titanic, monstrous form of a giant-like humanoid creature emerged. Hulking abomination made in a mockery of God's creation.
Now, Dracula's form was akin to a twisted titan of legends clad in chitin, with two arms, legs, macabre wings and demonic eye embedded into his chest. In contrast, the head was lacking of facial features, though it was framed in white hair, so similar to his son's.
The disturbing eye focused at the trio. Without further notice, it shot a beam in their direction.
Tbe party split up, with Julius and Aria taking the left side, leaving Alucard to rush at the demon from the right. It was a common strategy since Belnades could levitate on her own and cast the same spell on her allies. Despite Julius' prowess, levitating on his own required additional focus which should be better spent on manipulating the holy whip to its utmost efficiency.
For Alucard, that was a repeat of the old formation, though without Danasty's trusted knives this time. His assistance was needed at the ritual site to protect the shrine maidens – the most crucial part of tonight's plan to rid the world of Dracula for good.
However, something did not feel right.
Son of Dracula sped up, giving a little chance for his allies to catch up with him, before jumping up in the air and turning into a bat. His sire used his demonic limb in attempt to grab him, yet the claw found only empty air in its grasp. Meanwhile, Alucard transformed back, right in sword's reach next to titan's eye.
The sword went through black mist as the monster cackled and vanished.
The mist, on another hand, became the pitch black shadows of many shapes and limbs. As they turned on heroes, they were forced on defensive.
Julius kept his more powerful attacks for now, sticking to simple strikes of the Vampire Killer. Simple they may be, but they were no less lethal to the minions of darkness for that. The battle had already been dragged out for longer than Alucard remembered – and last clash before put quite a strain on them. Preserving their power was necessary to survive the clash now.
At the very least, Dracula was away from his source of strength now. And when the connection between them will be finally severed – it will be over.
Now the shadows were turning into forms of the strongest denizens of the Castle, Death included. The weapons and magic hurt them all the same, even if those seem to be… Adapting to heroes' movements.
At that point though, the intensity of battle was barely felt, as heroes fought as one for their lives – and for all humanity. One by one, shades fell to blade, to whip, and to onslaught of elemental sorcery.
As a phantom of Death threw its shadow scythe at Julius, who was in middle of battering shade of ancient demon Galamoth, Alucard parried it with the sword. For a moment, the shadow demon seized the moment to grab Belnades, too occupied with banishing another shades. Fortunately, the witch managed to cast a spell and engulf the phantom into golden flames, destroying it. Moments later, Julius and Alucard finished other assailants.
Again, the desert was empty for a moment. Then, the hell broke loose as the chunk of earth they were standing on floated into the sky. Suddenly, the trio found themselves face to face with titanic form of Dracula once more. Faceless head had no mouth, yet the voice of demon was heard clearly. Julius could swear there were a tones of exhaustion in its voice just as well.
"You still stand…"
The monster's musings were cut short as the Vampire Killer found his flesh once more.
"You won't get rid of us Dracula" Another snap. Another twist. Another strike, as the monster seemed too shocked to respond "And you will torment this world. No! Longer!" This time, the Vampire Killer shone as it left burning marks on the vampire king.
With a hiss, the Dark Lord made distance away from them again. As the trio looked around, the desert changed into the empty space which was suddenly blazed with stars.
And those stars went into their direction… And shattered impotently against a magic barrier.
"It is all an illusion, isn't it?" The fair-haired witch asked. "You did not bend the space this time– you had put a layer of illusion and levitating magic in order to trick us."
"You won't feel the difference, since you are going to fall!" The red beam cleaved the platform as it started to fall back down at the revealed desert.
"And this is not a desert either" Aria pressed on, even despite being still gliding with her companions in the air. "You cannot twist the reality outside your Castle, can you?!" So, it appears Dracula was indeed far weaker outside his seat of power even during this night, relying on illusions instead of imposing his will on world's laws now.
"Your arrogance will be your undoing, silly woman!" This time, as they kept falling (how far up in the sky the platform was?) swarm of giant bats attacked the heroes. Fortunately, all of three warriors were adept in battling those back. Alucard did most of job though, hacking at them as Aria was focusing to control their landfall. After the distance was manageable, the witch dropped the spell and both her and Belmont landed successfully.
The titan of flesh loomed over them once more before suddenly crying out in pain.
"What is… ARGH!"
Julius let up a smile on his face
"At last… Looks like it's working"
The barrier around the makeshift arena broke into a multitude of vanishing crystals, as sun and moon guided by ethereal hands covered the silhouette of Demonic Castle in an eclipse.
The guttural howl followed from its direction, but it died out as soon as the new alignment of celestial bodies was completed. Then, the sun and moon visibly moved on higher in the sky… Or at least, that was how it looked like.
The monster stared at it in astonishment. Its form began to emanate black smoke, likely unable to sustain itself after sudden loss of power behind it.
"The Castle… How?!" The head's layer began to crack, revelaling an empty skull with crimson light inside its sockets
"You didn't think we came here without a plan, huh?" Julius taunted
"I warned you, Father."
"Tch. This feeble trick is not enough to end me, fools." Despite these words, the monster staggered back.
"Let's put it to test then!" With those words, Julius and Alucard rushed towards Dracula…
Only for the vampire king's form to explode into dark mist once more with a roar of rage.
"Careful! This cloud is noxious now!"
Sending a torrent of wind at its direction, the cloud was thwarted. It was obvious, that the strength of their enemy finally gave in.
When it dissolved, the giant was nowhere to seen. In its place, now stood a man in a fur coat and medieval armor with greenish tabard. Not as large as Dracula's stature. Yet, his, paleness and face almost were Alucard's mirror image, if one was to discount the eyes and jet black hair instead of blond.
"Father…"
"This is… Your mortal form, isn't it?"
The man, formerly known as Mathias Cronqvist, deeply inhaled and chuckled. His form still continued to smoke.
"Wonderful… I've never had a better fight."
xxXxXxx
Hakuba Makoto battered the urge to slump over in relief at the sight of goddess enveloping the place of evil and sealing it in solar eclipse.
It was a carnage outside. Miracliously, the losses on their side were minimal during the ritual. The fallen monsters started to literally smoke away from this dimension after losing the connection with its source of sustenance.
"It is done"
"The entity still can break through the seal, as long as Dracula still alive"
"I… Am certain he will follow soon" – the tired man answered.
"Still…" the shrine maiden pondered. "The barrier will need to be reinforced even after that."
They had a discussion with Belmont patriarch before the battle. Even without Dracula, forces of evil will try to find a way to claim that power for their ambitions.
Julius had offered to place the holy whip inside the Castle, as a measure to weaken it.
After centuries of successfully keeping its malignant power at bay, the weapon was the best known way to dampen Chaos' influence… Until new heir will claim the weapon back to fight Dracula's potential successor. Unfortunately, the threat of the Dark Lord is the one that cannot be completely denied for as long as humanity exists.
The Youkai of Boundaries chuckled.
"You have it covered, I assume?"
"We do… Thank you for your help with keeping those out" Despite her reservations, Makoto was truly grateful now that this grizzly affair was (almost) over. And it was true that the losses would have been bigger without that sudden help. They were already too big even before the army have reached the Castle.
"Think nothing for it. I believe it's time for me to go," the youkai turned back after those words and opened another gap.
"You won't mess with the barrier, right?" Despite help, the shrine maiden could not help but be suspicious about her presence. Alucard had mentioned someone was collecting corpses in the Castle… And sometimes, people kept missing from time to time in Japan, some of them – never to be found again.
Yukari turned back and scoffed. But her eyes of gold betrayed an amusement.
"There is nothing for me in this. I simply wish to go back home and have a nice nap already."
After that, the youkai waved her goodbyes.
"In any case, it was an entertaining night. Farewell~". Then she disappeared through her gateway.
Hakuba Makoto battered the urge to slump over in relief. However, she sighed after the troublesome youkai finally deigned to leave.
As the brave men and women cheered over their rightful victory, the shrine maiden cast her gaze up to the eclipse and prayed for world to be free of this malice for as long as it was possible.
xxXxXxx
Yukari Yakumo was not exactly a consummate liar. However, she was an expert at manipulating facts and information. Like all the borders she could twist to her advantage, the boundary between truth and lie is… Malleable. And was the lie by omission truly a lie anyway?
Satisfied with the work humans had done with the Devil Castle, she truly wanted to go to rest for a while. She truly put quite an effort to keep Chaos' influence away from Gensokyo as to not let it make a mess of things at her beloved home.
What she had omitted from the Hakuba shrine maiden was a little detail, not quite worthy of mentioning before humans. There was one thing left before she could go back home to well-deserved sleep.
Namely, her deal with Dracula to liberate the tenant of the weapon. And since the whip is going to be placed into the sealed castle (The opportunity to move it into eclipse still remained for now, and human made a slip of information) – it was all more important to fulfill in a timely manner.
Being connected to Chaos for so long only to abruptly lose the link should have damaged his soul and weaken him, making him an easy prey for hunters. The window between their minds stayed closed, but the connection persevered, despite vampire's 'sudden' drop in power. However, in her abode, it was unusable.
With an irritatingly noticeable effort, (an idea to rest for a week or two looked so appealing after all this excitement. Besides, that vampire had rudely interrupted her naptime before) she reached the blighted land once more. Devoid of the Castle, it was somewhat harder to pinpoint the necessary coordinates as to reach the concluding battlefield and stay unnoticed this time.
Naturally, she succeeded in both of her goals. With special barrier around herself, hidden at the border between dimensions, she was unnoticeable to the combatants now.
The original facet of Dracula was hard pressed by the trio of heroes. However, he too became aware of her 'closer' proximity to him. When he spoke telepathically, Yukari found his voice being more… rich and livable comparing to his previous one. Both ironic and unsurprising.
'I've begun to think you forgot about our contract' Looks like he was teasing judging by his tone.
'Now that is just rude.' His opponents would have hardly noticed, but his soul was slowly crumbling apart, with the utter destruction staved by his willpower and stubbornness. Even in her books, to hold on even after his exertions and forced severing of his intricate bond to Chaos, was an impressive feat.
'My apologies, I am hard pressed right now' Now the vampire was deprived of majority of powers Chaos offered and completely relied on his own magic reserves and bladework. Which, was not that impressive, comparing to his opponents' martial prowess. The damage made to his soul was far too great for the vampire king to keep fighting properly.
'I can see that. So, are you going to let the whip touch you to conclude our accord?
'I sincerely doubt it is in my hands now' He really must be thrilled, to joke around like that even when he is going to be torn apart and obliterated in both body and soul. Then again, she knew ones who would be overjoyed at their imminent demise. Not even she was certain of what is going to happen with his essence, but with him purposefully damaging it like that, even the reincarnation, or… sentence, was not exactly the likely outcome.
'In my estimation, it will take one strike of this weapon to break your form apart'
'I know. Just do your part the moment it touches me'
Hmph. The assertive nature of this branch of demonfolk never ceased to amaze her. Just as his relative's 'Now, be obedient' cute opening caused her to smile and play along most of times.
'My, I'm obedient from the beginning~'
She had not received a mental answer, but the rich laughter was an answer telling enough.
Now, the only thing left was to wait for a right moment. Since the youkai was hidden in a barrier (which was not the one hunters lacked the experience to recognize its presence. While it was impressive the hunters managed to destroy one of her gaps before, Yukari make an adjustments to avoid repeating that blunder), that was a trivial task.
xxXxXxx
Seven minutes earlier
To be deprived of Chaotic Realm's power… It felt much different in comparison to times when upstarts isolated him from the source of his strength. He could not feel its influence on him anymore. And his calls only made his carefully held essence to splinter further.
Dracula… Or could he still call himself that? The name hardly mattered now, when his very soul was collapsing from the backlash.
He carefully saved his reserves, anticipating the event. But when the castle was sealed in a solar eclipse, he found out the hard way how deeply he relied on it for all these centuries.
If he almost could cry in protest before, now it was not the matter of if his soul's flame will be extinguished, but when.
The gigantic form he wore faded, unable to be kept up. Now, he felt smaller than he was for a long time. Lesser. Almost as small as a common vampire's thrall.
But he was free now. Oh, the irony!
"Father…" His son sounded so solemn, already readying to say his farewells.
"This is… Your mortal form, isn't it?"
Was it? Leon's descendants must have kept his old portrait. If he would conjure a mirror, he was certain what face he would have seen… Had he been capable of reflecting in it. With his leftover power, that was not possible.
Yet, he still could fight. Not win it though, even if he would have genuinely wished to win.
So, the ancient alchemist and strategist laughed in a maddened delight as he gathered his remaining strength.
"Wonderful... I've never had a better fight"
He still had a weapon he could call upon. The sword fell in his hand easily, its coldness a welcome respite to the feeling of burning from within
"You have done well in springing your trap." And that was a truth. He doubted Nostradamus had predicted the involvement of Eastern gods and their agents, but the result spoke for itself.
"But I still stand. Should you fail to slay me now – I will reclaim the Castle from the heavens." He mocked heroes once for their persistence to resist. Now, he too simply refused to surrender and let them finish him off.
Now, where was the pretty youkai he signed the contract with? Truthfully speaking, he was not confident he could hold for long.
The trio of heroes readied their weapons once more as the husk of the Dark Lord pointed a sword at them in challenge.
No matter.
The Belmont reached him first and attacked with the Vampire Killer. In his current state, even one successful strike might unravel him completely. Teleportation and dissolving to mist was still an effective countermeasure though.
Yet, he had to transform back, as the Belnades sorceress tried to freeze his form, which would have been a fatal blow in his state. Mathias barely reacted in time to parry Adrian's incoming sword.
That was barely called a 'holding his own' now. With gathering his meager reserves, an explosion pushed his son into Belmont's direction, all while the vampire teleported away to keep distance from the holy whip. He could try to commune with it, but he needed more time to prepare the necessary incantation. And it was not guaranteed to succeed, even discarding the necessity to defend himself from untimely destruction.
The deadly dance continued for a bit. Yet it was obvious of how it is going to end. With his physical form smoking despite sun's light still being locked away by the power of Night and spirit - protesting in agony, the dark master could conjure nothing potent to finish the heroes off, even if he wanted to. The only reason he still stood was their collective exhaustion.
And then his senses picked on a new arrival. Hidden through esoteric barrier, the mental communication still alerted him to youkai's presence.
So, he was not quite abandoned after all. At this revelation, the exuberant joy broke out from his chest. He will die this night. But at least he will release an old friend from her unjust fate too.
'I've begun to think you forgot about our contract'
'Now that is just rude.' These words felt light as feather. He could envision a sunny smile adorning her lips.
'My apologies, I am hard pressed right now' The tone of his response matched hers. Never before he had taken the matters of his impeding fall so lightly. The feeling was liberating.
'I can see that. So, are you going to let the whip touch you to conclude our accord? Now, the only way he could prevent the whip from 'touching him' was throwing himself on Adrian's sword. And despite his son being a better duelist, that is not going to happen.
'I sincerely doubt it is in my hands now' This time, he barely parried the whip's tip. That… Was more of instinctive movement at this point.
Right now, he was burning himself out by constantly weaving his way around the battlefield, dodging incoming blows and responding with his feeble own.
'In my estimation, it will take one strike of this weapon to break your form apart' Since she came to this obvious conclusion, she could work with that development.
'I know. Just do your part the moment it touches me'
'My, I'm obedient from the beginning~' Truly, he had not had to deal with such cheek since…
His distraction nearly made him lose his sword arm to another clever swing from his son. This time, the blades locked as their eyes met at full.
"Give in already, Father" Alucard's tone was strained with both frustration and exhaustion. Was he the one who taught him how to use the blade to such extent? He was not certain at that point as memory of happier times eluded his mind, taunting with its wispily touch.
Weakly chuckling, soon to be dethroned Dark Lord formed the retort on his lips.
It never came, as his left side finally exploded in so-familiar torment.
'NOW!'
Finally stricken down by Vampire Killer, Dracula felt his mind slip away as foreign presence gently guided it towards…
xxXxXxx
Next moment Mathias gathered his wits, he stood alone in a blackened forest. The skies were as red as the one above his physical body moments ago.
But the darkened moon was different to the eclipse he seen.
As he looked down at his left side, he saw the formed cracks. Yet, either by his own will, or the providence, they did not spread further, for now.
"I assume the flow of time is condensed now" the vampire sighed in relief. He can finish his business in a dignified fashion as opposed to desperate flailing towards the soul inside the whip.
"It is, but I advise you to hurry up regardless," the calm voice of Youkai of Boundaries reached his consciousness even inside the holy weapon. Unsurprising, given that she was the perpetrator.
"It is fine. I know the route" He truly did. He knew this place. It was a manifestation of the Forest of Eternal Night. Of course it was – this was the place where Vampire Killer was created and perfected. And the soul whose suffering gave it so much power was ahead.
The forest was devoid of any life, and the trees were even in worse shape than it was during Walter Bernhard's dark reign.
Of course it was. The brightest heroes casted the deepest shadows. For all the legends about Vampire Killer being a holy weapon, it was forged and tempered in blood and souls of monsters… And an innocent soul, on a precipice of her damnation.
Each strike against the darkness made the weapon even greater weapon… Without doubt, with built legend and countless souls reeling in its touch, the Vampire Killer has become the most potent slaying weapon in all waking world by now. So much the Chaos had to strengthen its servants even further to have a chance against such threat. Combined with Belmonts' innate strength, bolstered by Dracula's own lineage… It was not surprise gods and monsters alike fell to this tremendous power all the time.
Perhaps the weapon had the capacity to endlessly improve itself. But there was only so much darkness the soul could take without being tainted.
During the musings, the vampire finally reached his destination.
And was met with a hateful glare rivaling his own in his worst moments, as the woman at the entrance of shackle turned towards him
"Murderer"
After nine centuries, he saw Leon's beloved once more. He remembered her to be beautiful, and the beauty was partly preserved. He stared at a vampire, with one eye of red and one – still bluish.
Yes, humanity was fortunate he gained means to liberate their soul. Century more – and then there would have been a new Dark Lord with the corrupted whip at her disposal
"Hello, Sara" His face twisted into something between smile and grimace, before calmly continuing his greeting. "It has been a while."
"As if! Still you are around, spreading chaos and bringing suffering to innocent!". She tried to attack him, but it seems her form could not leave her own grave.
"I am glad you had retained your awareness for so long. Fortunately, it seems I am not for long in this world now. And hopefully, the next one too." His form cracked at these words a bit further. Grip on his soul tightened, but at this point the figurative dam will soon break.
"How could you do this to us?!"
"My betrayal is my greatest regret now, Sara. I am here to at least bring some succor for you" The time for reminiscence was over. The spell had come easily from his 'lips' and pale light touch the fallen soul.
"Wha-… What is happening?!" The girl heaved down in sudden pain, as the black ichor started to drip from her metaphysical body.
"Be at peace. It will be over very soon" His tone was soft now, mixed with regret for bringing even more pain to the innocent girl who was used as a fuel to his machinations. When it was so soft before? From the time he was with his dearest Lisa…
After minute of wriggling, the purification was complete. And the alchemist of old cast the spell of unbinding
"But…"
"Fear not, Sara. I hope you will find Leon in Heaven". His time was running short, and desire to prolong the meeting was even less.
"I…"
She had no chance to finish whatever she wanted to say, as the soul of Sara Trantoul fluttered away as seeds of dandelion.
Gazing around, the dying lord found the forest in a better shape than it was moments ago.
A fine place to die, but he could not allow his resudial energies accidently taint the whip. It was time to go… And face his final death.
His next thoughts were sent towards his benefactor. In that place though, it was perfectly safe to send them aloud
"You have my gratitude, for your assistance"
"Mm, you are welcome. Besides, you paid for it" His thoughts were answered with soft laughter
"Are you ready to leave now?" For some reason, the Youkai of Boundaries too appeared in 'person'. As the sun rose in this mindscape, this elegant form of hers was exceptionally bright. For some reason, Dracula thought that his crumbling form should look so contrasting to her own.
A gloved slender hand was offered in invitation. However, Mathias rose on his own, earning a pout for his effort
"If you suspect I may spirit you away – you need not to worry" the observant creature noted. He doubted she was hurt by his decision. For her, all of it must be one of the ways to do something helpful to her kin while having as much entertainment as possible
"It is not like this. I wish to look at the eyes of my son for the last time."
Yukari Yakumo blinked as the crumbling Dark Lord breached the makeshift border between his essence and the holy whip on his own even with his nigh completely spent energy.
"I wish you and yours a good fortune, Lady Yukari"
He did not quite catch her response to such farewell, as he returned to the universe of pain.
xxXxXxx
Something shifted in Father's eyes, as he grit his teeth in pain. Alucard wasted no time to pierce his chest with a sword right after Julius landed the final blow.
At long last, Dracula's human form fell to his knees, with his infernal strength – finally spent. His left side started to burn with bluish flame, threatening to consume the vampire king fully with holy flames.
After a moment of panting, the Dark Lord stared at his slayers.
"I.. am… certain…" Now they could see how his body was slowly turning to ash, just as the fire continued to consume him
"They.. must be proud… of you." Now all of his body was burning, only with head remaining free for a moment. Despite that, Dracula was eerily calm despite his imminent demise.
"And so… am…"
He didn't manage to finish his last words, as even the ash faded into nothingness.
xxXxXxx
A/N: Hello again!
So, after a year, here is the culmination of Castlevania arc of this fic. There will be another chapter-epilogue though to cover some… Loose ends.
To clarify – while personally I have nothing against Soma Cruz, this story will take a somewhat different direction.
Still thinking about Touhou arc, and 'when' to drop a certain vampire. And I must confess – I am a sinful crack shipper, so… Not a harem enjoyer though. And I have an idea or two involving Kid Dracula (he won't be THE Dracula)