The young girl holding the whip stared at the monster in front of her. "I am Naru Osaka… descendent of the Belmont clan!"

"Naru-chan?" Usagi asked in a surprised voice.

"A Belmont…" Medusa murmured. Suddenly, she began to laugh. "I knew it! It was just a matter of time before you showed up! Now we can take our revenge for the humiliations your clan has put us through for all these centuries!"

Naru looked at her friend. "Usagi… let me help you win this battle."

"Naru… I didn't know you can fight," the vampire blurted out. Then she shook her head. "What am I saying? I've never been able to fight before either."

"It's in our blood, I guess," Naru smirked.

Medusa couldn't help but laugh. "You are siding with a vampire, vampire slayer?"

"My clan has used this whip to slay vampires for many centuries," Naru nodded. "But this one is different. She is my friend and I will never hurt her."

Usagi was a bit taken aback. Vampire slayers? Naru had never told her about that. Then again, she had never spoken a lot about her family… and now that Usagi thought about it, her mother was the only relative of Naru that Usagi had ever met.

And then there was this feeling of unease whenever she looked at the whip in her friend's hand… it looked like a normal leather whip, but it still made her shiver.

She shook her head. This was her best friend.

"I'll deal with you once I have killed this upstart vampiress," Medusa growled. With an angry snarl, she gestured in Usagi's direction. Without any warning, a shower of snakes came flying from her head, heading towards the young vampiress. With a gasp, she raised up her arms to cover her face… and by doing so, made her cloak shield her whole body. The snakes were harmlessly reflected.

"You fight good, for a fledgling vampire," Medusa hissed. "Still, do you think you have any chance against a creature as old and powerful as me?"

"Well, I'm willing to try," Usagi shouted back, surprised at her own confidence. "I won't let you harm Naru-chan or any other person."

"You don't know what you're dealing with, whelp," the monster hissed. "And who ever heard of a vampire protecting humans?"

"I don't care! Maybe what Luna told me is true, and I am really a vampire… but… I would never harm innocent people! And if I can protect them, then I will."

"Well, if you wish to die that badly…" Medusa grumbled. Baring her fangs, she slithered at her foe, with a speed unnatural for a creature her size.

But then, something got wrapped around the monster's wrist. Angrily, she turned her head. "How dare you?" she yelled.

Naru pulled her whip with all her force, which made the monster stumble a bit.

"Well, you seem pretty inexperienced with that weapon, young lady," Medusa grinned. "This is going to be easy… my mistress will be overjoyed to have your head!" And she lunged at Naru.

"YOU LEAVE NARU-CHAN ALONE!" Usagi screeched as she spread her arms. Without knowing how she did it, her cloak transformed into a pair of bat wings which she used to dive at the snake creature. She wrapped her arms around Medusa's neck, holding her in a headlock. Medusa growled as she struggled against the vampire's grip, but Usagi's strength had increased dramatically with her transformation.

"Nice going, Usagi! Hold her like that for a moment," Naru shouted. She took a couple of throwing knives, held them between her fingers and threw them at her opponent in one swift move.

Medusa let out one last screech, before the knives struck her in the eyes. Medusa's screech turned into a frantic wail as the green light from her eyes slowly spread over her whole body, turning it into stone. In the end, Usagi was holding a lifeless statue.

"Is she dead?" Usagi wondered as she let go of Medusa.

Naru shook her head. She had read enough of her father's old books to know about the ancient enemies of the Belmonts. "Not yet. There's one final thing that needs to be done… step back, Usagi!" She took the Vampire Killer, drew it back and whipped it at the petrified Medusa. The ancient weapon of the Belmont clan hit the statue with the force of a sledgehammer, cracks appeared in the chest area… and then it collapsed in a heap of rubble.

Naru sighed as she dropped her weapon. "Finally…" she murmured.

Usagi slowly approached her friend. Her wings had turned back into a cloak. "Naru…"

"Usagi, I… I wanted to tell you about this, but… my mother always hoped that… that we could end this. That we could live in peace, without having to fight the battles of my ancestors. But… it looks like the Belmonts are destined to hunt monsters, wherever they go."

"I hope this doesn't include me," Usagi gulped.

Naru chuckled. "No way! In fact, I know that one of my ancestors was friends with a half-vampire himself. I suppose you are not a full vampire, or else you would have… you know…"

Usagi blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"She's talking about your bloodlust," Luna spoke up from up above. "And while you definitely have to drink some blood every now and then, you won't turn into a bloodthirsty killing machine."

Naru looked up at Luna, then at Usagi. "A talking bat?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," Usagi smirked. "But never mind that now… what do we do with those poor people?" She gestured at the still petrified customers standing around them. It was fortunate that none of the statues got damaged in the battle.

"Don't worry, I know how to turn them back to normal," Naru said. "There's a book with old recipes in it in my father's chest… I often read it and I remember one potion that turns petrified victims back to flesh."

"I'd like to help… but I guess I shouldn't stay around," Usagi said. "No matter what happened, I think people would still be afraid if they saw a real life vampire." She looked up at Luna. "Luna… please tell me I can turn back to normal."

The bat sighed. "I'm afraid that now your dormant vampire genes have been brought to the surface, you will stay like this… however, you CAN use magic to alter your clothing, and to disguise you as a human. However, it takes some practice to master that sort of magic."

"But you can teach me, right?" Usagi asked in a hopeful voice. She might have accepted her vampire heritage, but she'd still be unhappy if she had to abandon her former life.

"I think I can," Luna nodded. "It's gonna take a while, though… don't you think we should tell your family?"

Usagi shuddered at the thought. "Mom and Dad are gonna freak when they find out… Shingo will most likely think it's cool. But I guess you're right… I can't keep this a secret from them for too long."

"Well, your secret is definitely safe with me," Naru smiled. "You can count on that."

Usagi smiled back at her. "Thank you, Naru. Well, I guess I better head home… it's getting dark."

Naru nodded. "Okay… take care. And… do I see you at school on Monday?"

Usagi sighed. "I really don't know, Naru… we'll see. See ya later…"

When she left the store, she looked up at the sky, which was getting dark. The moon was already visible, partly covered with clouds.

Luna landed on Usagi's shoulder. "I know that look and I know what you're thinking…"

The new vampiress smiled. "Yes… I don't think I'll be going home right away. This night is going to be beautiful… I guess I'll enjoy it a bit before going home."

And she spread her cloak, transforming back into wings as she flew off into the night.


Carmilla put down her glass with a frown. "It seems like Medusa failed."

"I always knew she was a weakling," the Succubus grinned. "Do you want me to find and kill the ones who did this?"

"Not until we know who really is responsible," the aristocratic vampire said. "If there's a Belmont or a Belnades involved, we need to change our schedule. For now, focus on finding the princess."

"As you wish," the Succubus nodded before leaving her mistress.

Carmilla took another sip of blood before she called out: "Laura!"

Another vampiress, this one clad in a dark blue, formfitting bodysuit, came dropping down from the ceiling and instantly dropped down on one knee. "You called, mistress?"

"Yes." Carmilla smiled at her favorite servant. "I have a mission for you. I want you to find out if there is a member of the Belmont of Belnades family in the vicinity of Juuban." She reached into a small chest standing next to her chair and produced a curved dagger. "This weapon was used against members of both clans, and their dried blood is still coating the blade. Use this to follow their track."

Laura accepted the weapon and bowed her head. "As you command. Any other orders?"

"Yes… make sure to stay hidden. Try to avoid any confrontation until you have proof that it is truly them."

"Yes, mistress." The servant stood up and turned around to leave.

"By the way, Laura…" Carmilla spoke up. "Any sign of Death yet?"

Laura turned around one more time and shook her head. "No, mistress. I haven't heard of him in centuries."

"The old fool…" Carmilla huffed. "What does he think he's doing? The revival of our master draws closer, and with his help, the rituals will be much easier to perform. And he calls himself a main servant of Dracula… Very well, Laura, that is all."

Laura nodded and left.


At the edge of town there was an old chapel… it looked dark and ominous. Crows were flying around the tall spires… which sharply contrasted the modern skyscrapers of Tokyo.

One might wonder why such a gothic-looking church would be built in a place like that… after all, Christianity was not as spread in Japan as was Shinto or Buddhism. The most curious thing about the chapel was: The stone it was made of looked like it was centuries of years old. Almost as old as the ancient Shinto temples and shrines, even though there were no such chapels built in Japan during that era.

The chapel was rarely visited. The old priest that tended to the place was quite pleased with that, as there was a reason why the chapel was so secluded. And this reason was perched on top of the highest spire of the church.

It was an old statue that looked like a demonic figure with bat wings, claws and a lizard-like tail that was wrapped around its haunches. Its mouth was opened in a feral snarl. The most unusual thing about this statue was that, unlike most of such gargoyles, it had female features.

In the far distance, the sun was slowly setting, until the moon and the city itself were the only sources of light.

As soon as she last sunray had disappeared, the gargoyle began to stir… it shook violently, cracks appeared in its surface… and a red-skinned, black-haired creature broke free of its shell with a mighty roar.

The female figure spread her arms and wings. There was nothing like a refreshing nap to refresh a young gargoyle's body and spirit. Spreading her wings, she leapt off the tall spire she was standing on. Using the winds, she skillfully glided down until she stood in front of the chapel gates, where the old priest was already waiting for her.

"Evening, grandpa!" she smirked. "Had a busy day?"

"It was pretty quiet, Rei," he shrugged. "There were a couple of nice-looking, young ladies, though…" He snickered to himself.

A frown appeared on Rei's red face. "Grandpa, you're an old lech!" she scolded the human who was like family to her… but who also could get on her nerves at times.

"Yeah, so?" Grandpa Hino chuckled. Suddenly, he became serious. "But enough joking around. Rei, something astounding has happened… the daughter of Dracula has awoken!"

She stared at the old man. "For real?" she gasped.

"Rei, I've raised you ever since you hatched from your egg," Hino said. "You know me better than any other human. Would I ever joke about such a matter?"

"No… I guess not," she muttered. She was dumbfounded. She had known this day would come, but… so soon? "I don't know if I'm ready for this, grandpa…" she sighed. Her wings and tail were drooping.

"Now now, no need to worry. You are the last of your blood, Rei. Your parents left your egg in my care with the great hope that one day, you would continue their legacy."

"I know," Rei sighed. "We are the protectors of the princess… we swore to serve her once she awakens… to make sure she doesn't take the path of evil."

"That's right," her grandfather nodded. "It's going to be difficult, no doubt about that. But you can do it." He smiled proudly at her. "You are the last gargoyle of your line. The blood of Firebrand runs within you… you are the last one, the last Red Blaze."

"I guess so," she muttered. Shaking her head, she looked at town. "Well, no need to wait now… I guess I should go and look for her." She still was worried. "Grandpa… what do I do if she rejects me? If she doesn't like me?"

"Now cheer up, you don't know that. Maybe she is the nicest girl you ever met," he smirked. "And meeting her will be much better than just staying at this boring old chapel with no company except the crows."

Rei smiled at him. "I have you, grandpa."

"I know, but believe me, I know about teenagers of your age… they need friends their own age to hang out with, to have fun. And being the protector of a vampiress that should be your own age seems like the best chance to find new friends to me."

"Thanks, grandpa!" Rei said. "You are right… I've been bored to death for some time now, always staying here, leaving only for a couple of flights over the city, always lonely… I will try to find the princess. And if she accepts me, I will do my best to keep her away from her father's evil ways."

"That's my girl," Hino grinned. "Now you get those wings in movement and fly along!"

Smiling at him one more time, Rei leapt up into the air, buried her claws in the stone wall of the chapel and slowly climbed upwards, until she reached the peak. On top of the spire, she turned to face the city, spread her wings… and took off into the night, flying to meet her destiny…


Author's Notes:

Yes, I combined the history of Castlevania with the story of Ghouls 'n Ghosts/Gargoyle's Quest. The gargoyle Firebrand has always been one of my favorite video game characters, and this story allows me to use him as the ancestor of Rei.

I don't know yet which role each of the Senshi will take, but I do know that Usagi and Rei won't be the only non-humans among them.

And as a final note: I don't plan on making use of the Aria of Sorrow/Dawn of Sorrow storylines, so Soma Cruz will NOT appear. Also, if Alucard should make an appearance, it will probably NOT be as 'Genya Arikado'.