Disclaimer: See the Prologue
Extraneous: Also see the Prologue in order to see all of the marks that will be used.
Interlude II: Battle of the Master's Chamber
Last time on Requiem of Shadows:
We rejoined Saito and his friends as they made their way up the Chapel Tower to see Malphas. After healing him, they continued back to the Floating Gardens, where the reincarnation and the King of Ravens confronted and destroyed the Alura who had caused Malphas so much pain. In addition, Saito made a promise to Alicia that he would return to heal her after the battle of the Master's Chamber. The group then continued onwards, meeting up with the newly-freed Count Orlox immediately after he had finished destroying Legion. At the same time, Mina had already started her battle against the Doppelganger in the Clock Tower.
Meanwhile, we learn of a rather disturbing development in the past. Apparently, Baal is not as evil as originally thought, and Shaft has summoned Menace in order to keep the Lord of Terror under his heel. Baal, on the other hand, has a few plans of his own. Racing from the inverted castle to the true one, he shifted to his human form in preparation for his passage to Earth in the year 2040. Upon reaching Dracula's cell, the demon explained his plan, and Vlad willingly agreed to go along with the idea, in exchange for a small window of time when he would be released. As Baal bowed and hurried away, he thought about how badly things would be going for Shaft once the Dark Priest realized what was going on.
Back in the Clock Tower, Mina was saved from the clone's Harpy familiar by Sophia, Alucard's Sword Familiar. Mina destroyed the Doppelganger, absorbed all of it's powers, and then she joined the rest of the crew in order to go find Alucard. After finding and defeating Pazuzu, the group met-up with Dracula's eldest son. As one, the group then proceeded towards the final staircase. Once there, Saito let Soma in on a little-known secret: Order was not always on the side of the righteous. Soma nodded in agreement before entering the Master's Chamber, only to be confronted by an old rival. Graham Jones had been raised from the dead and granted new powers, in addition to being given Dracula's sword, the Claimh Mortuous. As he revealed that Shaft was the Avatar of Order, it soon became clear that Soma had quite a battle on his hands...
Following Soma: Master's Chamber: Castle Dracula: Eclipse
Time Period: 2040 AD
The former missionary held out his sword for Soma's inspection, and he grinned wickedly. "Behold the opposite of your sword. This blade is known as Claimh Mortuous, the Sword of Death. With it, I will bring an end to you!" With that, Graham Jones charged forward, swinging his sword directly at Soma's head. However, the young man was swift to raise his sword in the perfect block. As the two foes circled one another, Soma began to analyze his opponent's movements. Well, it appears that both his speed and his strength have increased, but what else has changed? he thought silently as he prepare to use his Hellfire Soul. Unfortunately, the missionary beat him to the punch. "HELLFIRE!" Graham roared as he launched three fireballs directly at Cruz. The young man promptly dove to his left, dodging the projectiles with a natural ease. Soma then released his wings, and Graham raised an eyebrow in amusement at the color scheme. "White wings with a single black stripe? It seems as though you are unworthy of the title of Avatar of Chaos," the man snarled as he lunged at Soma once more, lightning crackling along the edge of his blade. Soma ground his teeth in frustration as he blocked the blade. "I am growing tired of this, you old fool," he snarled, realizing exactly what had to be done.
Soma reached out and grabbed the edge of Claimh Solais. He then drew the blade across his palm, not even flinching as he drew blood. He then held his left hand out over the floor, allowing three drops of blood to enter the pool on the floor, just before his wound healed. Soma then sheathed his sword and cast his arms outwards. Bowing his head, he allowed his wings to spread to their fullest extent, and then he began to concentrate.
We now briefly join Saito and the others, who are waiting outside, hoping and praying for the best...
Following Saito&Co: Ascending Staircase: Final Floor
Outside, Soma had managed to tap-into Shaft's security cameras. As a result, they had a perfect view of the fight in the throne room. Saito smiled as he noticed Soma's gesture. He then turned to Alucard, explaining what he knew about the young man's actions. "Soma knows that his blood is actually quite special. However, Graham does not. You see, Soma is the bearer of not one, but two different types of magic. First, of course, is the fact that he has the magic of Dracula. BUT, he also has his own personal brand of magic. Originally, he was only able to tap into the magic of the Count. While that made him fairly powerful, there were still some things that he could never hope to accomplish. By combining the magic of both souls inside of him, Soma has become complete, and is now nearly as powerful as I am." Everyone's jaw dropped at this statement, and Saito merely smiled. "Trust me, you will want to stay out of Soma's way when he is finished with this fight."
Following Soma: Master's Chamber
Graham was laughing at Soma's gesture, thinking that it was a total waste. Boy was he wrong! When the pool of blood began to stir, the missionary didn't notice. However, it soon became clear that there was something magical happening. For starters, the white marble floor, which was almost never seen, became visible beneath the feet of the hovering reincarnation of Dracula. Second, it soon became clear that the blood was starting to spiral around Soma's feet. But the most visible change was yet to come. Much to Graham's horror (and the shock and amusement of those watching outside), Soma's wings slowly began to change colors. The white was quick to fade, replaced by a light pink that continued to deepen towards blood-red. Once it had reached that color, the stripe of black feathers expanded outwards slightly, leaving a very visible stripe of black on Soma's now red wings. When Soma's eyes finally reopened, Jones received the final shock of all. Rather than being silver with crimson flecks, the eyes of the reincarnation of Vladislav Tepes III il Dragulia were now the color of freshly-spilled blood. However, there still remained small patches of silver, thus permanently settling any debate as to who the young man truly was.
Soma's hair was now a truly chaotic mess, sticking up at several strange angles. As he settled on the floor once again, he redrew Claimh Solais and stared directly at Graham Jones. The older man could instantly see the murderous look in his eyes as Cruz pulled his lips back in a feral grin, revealing his fully formed vampiric fangs. "It is time that we finish this, dead man!" Soma yelled as he launched across the room, his sword already blurring. Graham brought his sword up just in time to block, but he did not realize how much force Soma had put into the blow until he was sent skidding backwards. Catching his breath, he lowered his head and released a silent chant, allowing Shaft's magic to flood into his system.
Powers of Order, grant me strength.
Guardians of the Light, aid my cause.
Give me the power that is mine by right,
And change my form to help crush the night!
Immediately, the servant of the Dark Priest sprouted leathery brown wings and multiple horns. His eyes turned black, and his hair lengthened to nearly his waist before turning gold. His suit disappeared, being replaced by an intricate set of body armor, and he sprouted a tail that would rival Saito's. Looking up at Soma, he snarled through a mouthful of fangs. "Witness the true power of Shaft, you fool! Now it is time that I take back all of the power that should have been mine to begin with!" With that, he flapped his wings once before lifting-off, and then he sheathed his sword and unleashed several spheres of the blackest of magic directly at Soma. However, the demon was shocked when Cruz merely held out his left hand and absorbed all of the attacks. Flinging the Claimh Mortuous at Soma's head, Graham immediately began to concentrate his own energy. The result was a sword that was nearly twice the length of a normal longsword, yet it was surprisingly easy to wield. As Soma dodged and reached back to pick-up the Mortuous, the demon lunged, hoping to impale the young man.
Soma's hand quickly closed around the hilt of Dracula's sword, and as he swung his own sword up to block Graham's thrust, he tugged insistently with his left hand. The blade soon came free, and the aura shifted from black to white as Soma poured his power into it. He then brought up both blades and crossed them in front of his chest, blocking the second thrust of Graham Jones. Soma's eyes suddenly narrowed to slits, and he immediately unleashed one of the nastiest dual-sword techniques that he could think of. "Double Cutter!" he roared as he uncrossed the blades and thrust them out to his sides. The friction between the two swords materialized in the form of two distinctive lines of pure light energy that crossed in an X-shaped pattern. The two beams then shot away from Soma, expanding as they continued to travel the length of the room. Graham was barely able to dodge the attack, and his hand immediately went to his hair in order to find that the blast had singed it. His eyes immediately narrowed to slits as he began to charge energy into his sword. Looks like I'll have to get close to him if I want a chance to beat him, he thought as he spread his wings and rushed towards Cruz. After removing his energy from the Mortuous, Soma sheathed the blade at the back of his waist before spreading his wings and rushing to intercept the demon. The two polar opposites clashed in the center of the room, sparks flying from both swords as the two circled, hovering mere feet above the floor.
Eventually, Soma thrust his hand into Jones' face, unleashing the full strength of a 9/9 Rycuda Soul. The lightning slammed into his skull, sending the beast reeling backwards. Soma took the opportunity to draw his blade in a diagonal line down Graham's chest, and the missionary hissed in pain as he backhanded Cruz. Soma stumbled back one step, but then he lunged forward, determined to end the fight. Graham blocked the thrust before he latched his hand onto Claimh Solais, sending dark energy coursing up the blade towards Soma's hand. The pain caused Dracula's reincarnation to grit his teeth, but then he smiled wickedly as he poured his own power into the sword. Graham howled in agony as he felt the holy energy of the sword increase, and he scrambled backwards, holding his badly burned left hand. "Curse you, Soma!" he hissed through clenched teeth before raking his claws across the man's face, leaving five parallel slashes directly under his left eye. However, Soma was barely listening to the man as he summoned his Alura Une familiar in a desperate attempt to level the playing field.
As it turned out, the battle suddenly swung back into Soma's favor as, much to his surprise, the flower spread her pollen over Soma's injuries, healing most of them. Soma looked back and smiled at the young plant, who returned his grin before lashing out with her vines, repeatedly slashing Graham's arms and leaving massive tears in his wings. He landed on the ground and charged in an instant, only to be restrained by the constricting vines. Soma's grin suddenly widened as the Alura leaned down to whisper in his ear. "Finish the battle, Master Soma. I'll be fine just feeding in here for the time being." As the blossom settled onto the floor, Soma turned around and bent over to kiss the rose-haired young demon. "Thank you for everything that you have done to help me." The plant's violet eyes strayed to his face, and then she smiled. "I should be thanking YOU, Master Cruz. After all, how often does a girl get to meet such wonderful people?" Soma's eyes glittered merrily as he turned to face the demonic form of Graham Jones,but then his eyes immediately hardened. He then flapped his wings twice, lifting-off and then rushing forward. He thrust with his sword only once, but it was enough.
The Claimh Solais easily passed through his enemy's chest, and Soma muttered one word before quickly twisting his sword inside of the demon's still living body. "Die!" he hissed as his blade twisted, turning Graham's heart into a bloody pulp. He then pulled his sword out after sending light energy into the man's body, and he took two steps back in order to watch as Graham collapsed to his knees. Blood poured out of the demon's mouth and chest, and immediately mingled with the blood on the floor. Soma snorted once with disdain before producing his wineglass and holding it under the hole in the man's ruined chest. Once the glass had filled, he raised it up to his face, sniffed the contents, and then smiled. "Blood is always best for you if you have a fresh source of it," he said with a smile on his face. He then drained the glass in a single motion, no drop of liquid running down his face. His smile only grew wider as he felt Graham's strength being added to his own tremendous powers. As he shoved a fairly large barrel under the flowing injuries, he called out to those waiting outside. The battle is over, and Jones is no more. I would be honored if you would all join me for a drink in memory of that idiot.
Following Saito&Co: Ascending Staircase: Final Floor
Saito laughed aloud as he closed his laptop with a click. He then reached out with his mind, responding easily to Soma's call. We'll be right up, Soma. Just make sure that there is enough blood to go around. He heard Soma chuckle lightly, and then the young man responded. I think I might have enough fresh blood up here to make even me drunk! Come in, come in. Saito slowly rose and stretched before he headed up the steps, smiling easily as he reached the door. He opened the door, and the sight beyond made him smile.
Soma Alejandro Cruz, the human reincarnation of Count Vladislav Tepes III il Dragulia, was holding a wineglass in one hand and his sword in the other. He smiled before beckoning the mage and his friends into the room. He then looked back at the Alura resting on the floor. "Do you mind getting out the rest of the glasses, Lily?" The young monster slowly shook her head as she reached into Soma's inter-dimensional pocket, producing several additional glasses, which she promptly handed out. Saito smiled as he dipped his glass into the barrel, and then he smiled as he raised it before offering a toast. "To Soma Cruz, the final Avatar of Chaos. May he never waver in his decisions, nor may he falter in his path." "AMEN!" everyone else responded, and then they all drained their glasses. Soma smiled, and then he turned towards the newly opened door. Launching a massive fireball through the opening, a large number of silver souls suddenly poured-out of the opening, entering every person there. Saito smiled before looking over at Soma. "I think now would be the perfect time to combine some of those extra souls of yours." Soma nodded, and then he set his mind to work.
After several minutes of experimentation, Soma proceeded into the next room, in order to find an active teleportal device. He raised an eyebrow before looking over at the resident technology expert. "Hey Saito! Where do you think this portal will lead to?" "I honestly have no idea, but I think that we should wait to use it. After all, I need to return to the real world for a brief period." Soma looked at the mage, slightly puzzled. "Why do you need to do that?" "Well, there is one particular Cardinal that I need to remind of my existence. Other than that, I need to make sure that Belnades survives." Soma suddenly grinned as he realized what Saito was going to do. "I think I might be able to help you out a little bit there..."
After explaining his plan to the rest of the group, they agreed to go along with Saito and Soma's idea.
Following Soma&Co: Inner Quarter: Castle Dracula
As everyone settled into an armchair, Soma smiled to himself. I wonder what Yoko would do if she could see us now? I don't know, and frankly, I don't care! Hmmm... Very good point, Alucard. Hey Soma. Are you guys ready up there? You bet! Soma responded as he reached out to pick-up the phone sitting next to him. Seeing one of the young Persephones, he raised his glass lightly, and the young vampiric maid walked over to refill it with blood. Soma mouthed a silent Thank you before he picked up the receiver. It was time to have some fun with the idiots at the Catholic conference in New York.
Author's note: WOW! I never thought that I could churn out another chapter this quickly. Then again, what else can you do with so much time on your hands? Thank you to all of my readers so far. Please stick around, because there is much more to come!
Saito has returned to New York in order to attend the Catholic conference. What is his true motive for doing so? What will happen when he realizes that Baal is also in attendance? Why is Soma so close to a darn phone? What will happen when Shaft orders an attack on the building, and what can Saito do to prevent another major disaster from taking place? Find out next time, in Interlude III: Conference Crasher. In the mean time, please remember to READ AND REVIEW. Thank you.