Chapter 24

Author's Note: A special thanks to all of you guys who read the Cornell story from Chapter one to the end :). I appreciate your time and patience. Once again, please remember to comment and review if you enjoyed it.You guys help make it happen. ::thumbs up:: And special thanks to Corny's Girl!
In the next few days, the former villagers began to rebuild their village. Some of the destroyed materials could be reused, and other items and helping hands were given to them from nearby villages, and some villages who had heard of the incident from afar. Marcell had taken to the job of carpentry, and helped with the wood cutters. Ada helped restore and sow the fields, and Cornell gave lessons in weapon fighting and academics to the warriors-in-training, like young Henry and other curious villagers. Christopher tried some of everything, even though most of it was new to him. His english had improved and being gregarious, he showed compassion and concern for everyone in the village, from the children to the elders. Eventually, he had earned himself the official title of being the village's leader.

Cornell insisted that he didn't want to be leader of the village or of any high authority. He just wanted his old life back...Though the warrior agreed to become the village's official watch guard. The village still wanted something special to give to this heroic young man. With the help of Christopher, Marcell, and sword smiths from another village, a broadsword was made for Cornell. He took the gift for the first time and looked thoroughly at its cover; A fine black leather sheath. Cornell drew the weapon carefully. The broadsword's handle was covered with black leather, but in its middle was a crescent moon carved out with detail in the silvery metal. Along the thick blade flat, the words were carved in clearly on both sides: "Herein Lies The Strength Of A Crescent!". Cornell smiled and swung the sword around in his hand as practice. "This broadsword is marvelous! Thank you all!"

Months after the new village was built, Cornell spent the day on sentry duty. His post was hidden in the trees outside of the village entrance. Cornell took his job seriously, even though there were few trespassers. The days were calm and pleasant, with no sign of a growing evil. Cornell would fight to the death any demon that even thought of coming near the village. Despite his vows, there was one evil caused by Dracula that he didn't expect to fight. Cornell was unaware of the sacrifice that took place. He was unaware that his wolf form and its power were used to resurrect the dark lord. Dracula would indeed inhabit a new form, and by Cornell's sacrifice, it would be in his bloodline. Dracula couldn't have wished for more and Cornell couldn't have wished for less...

Some years later, Ada and Marcell became married and had their first and only child. Cornell had been given the special privilege of naming the boy. He sat the infant on his lap and took a good first look at him. Cornell's heart sank. Even though he was very young, Cornell could tell that it was the exact same child that he saw in Dracula's castle. Almost a spitting image of Marcell, the boy didn't act like him. Instead, his eyes were dull with boredom and his face was emotionless. The infant remained quiet and showed no interest in Cornell or his parents. Cornell was hoping that the child was merely deaf, but it wasn't so. Somehow he must have been responsible for this...

"Cornell?"

Cornell blinked and was brought out of his trance. "Huh? Oh, yes, the name...forgive me..."

Ada smiled. "That's alright. Have you thought of it?"

Cornell was silent for a moment.

"...I have..."

"What is it then?"

Cornell remained silent. He saw the eager and curious faces of Ada and Marcell. The two people he cared the most for. It made him feel even worse. Why did fate have to come to this...?

"Go on, now don't keep us waiting!" Marcell said chipperly. "We won't like you any less, even if you named him Puddin' Head!"

"That would be easy for you to say..." Cornell murmured. "I've named him, Malus."

Both parents looked at Cornell questionably. The name was one they had least expected. Cornell didn't explain why he had given the boy the name, and hadn't planned to either; For both Ada's and Marcell's sake.

Cornell sighed. This time his tone was final. "Yes, that is what his name will be. Malus..."

With tears in her eyes, Ada took the boy into her arms. She did her best to give a small smile.

"Malus it is then. Malus Crescent."

Inside his heart, Cornell felt awful. How could he have cursed any living creature, good or bad? The word "malus" in translation meant bad. The word and meaning was common in other words to that day: malfunctioning, malnourished, malevolent, and more commonly, malice. If the child was ever to fight for the side of evil, the warning of his name would give it away. It was a scar that the boy would carry throughout his life.

Marcell however kept positive. He hugged the weeping Ada.

"There, there, the name isn't all that bad. I'm sure Cornell has a good reason for what he did."

Marcell looked to his cousin in hope of the explanation. Cornell was thankful that he didn't appear angry, only confused. Much to Marcell's dismay, Cornell still couldn't bring himself into telling them.

"And it is a good reason." Cornell said, joining the embrace. "I promise you both. I would never have given him the name without an excellent reason. Don't worry, you both will be wonderful parents for him, and I'll do my best to help too."

Ada was renewed with hope. She looked up at Marcell and Cornell and couldn't help but to smile. Marcell returned with a large smile of his own.

"That's the spirit! Wonderful, a group hug!" Marcell ruffled Malus' hair affectionately. "Ah, the poor little puddin' head! Probably doesn't have the faintest clue what's going on!"

Malus looked back at his father with melancholy. Little did his family know that he understood every word. For being an infant, he was extraordinarily sharp. Even with the meaning, he was momentarily the only one who didn't fear his name. He could even say it. Malus. His pronunciation was amazing. He could say that word too. Pronunciation. Of course, his family wouldn't find out. Even his uncle Cornell didn't fully know... Malus was the incarnation of Dracula.

...Story two:

...::.The Chronicles of Malus.::...