Aria of the Ascending Soul

Written By: Lady Lunar Phoenix

Beta: No Beta

A/N: OMG This chapter I had to fix so much, make it less like a spazzy child wrote this and hopefully made it more grounded...

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

The Vatican was a place of eggshells, every step on something as noisy as carpet was enough to make a person wince. Glancing around in alarm that they may have brought down some unholy punishment for the noise with each step. There wasn't any way to make the robes less noisy either, each step crushing carpet or flapping the noisy material. So for those parts of the Vatican that were restricted from public presence there was a decided silence in all the halls and offices.

All the high officials of the Church had been in a meeting with the Pope all through the night and now well into the afternoon. The lower rank priests and all the nuns were left to essentially fend for themselves creating a nervous atmosphere as they tried to perform their normal duties. An atmosphere that should not have existed as this was the Vatican. The Choir boys were on the ever loving move, snooping around and being the general force of mischief around. Giving the remaining adults a comforting thing to focus on instead of the silence.

Those who were currently assigned to look after visitors were at least given the pleasure of talking to people who weren't trapped in this terrifying tomb of late. It was terrible to associate the 'Vatican' as a tomb or something negative at all. The fear that they felt was both intense and heart breaking as the sense of security and protection that they were used to felt missing.

Every door felt rigged to explode, every empty hallway was felt so barren of life that the idea that someone alive could be near by seemed impossible. Without thought the people of the Church were walking about with a buddy system just to feel safe. While the higher ups kept their meeting going, the lower rank also had their own discussions. Feeling that leaving Arikado alone would have saved them from this terrible sense of dread and doom.

Why would anyone take it upon themselves to use the Holy Oils on Arikado just seemed all the levels of foolishness. What was to be gained by such an act? If the Cardinal didn't believe that the young man that Arikado was looking after was Count Dracula, why use the Oils? Surely there were other methods to divine out if the guy was who he was being reported as being. At least that was the adult view of the situation, the boys in the choir had their own developing theory.

The restriction on information was allowing for all manners of theories and ideas to be let loose in the Vatican. From those who were newly brought in, to those who were just sworn to the cloth during the Demon Castle Wars. The perceptions and actions of those long ago days came back to mind as the newer generations started to take to prayer more and more. The naysaying of giving in to so much technology had caused people to disconnect from their spiritual side leaving them vulnerable to the Darkness.

If the world wasn't so shut off from each other maybe this kind of things wouldn't have happened. If man was focused more on each other and less on a small computer system they'd see the state the world was in. Instead of uploading the latest incidents, they extended a hand to help, maybe less people would die. But on the other hand, the ability to learn about the injustices in other lands allowed for people to rally to the cause to save those who were in danger abroad.

Yet despite her family ties, Yoko was not invited to the big fancy Cardinal/Pope meeting and found herself ping ponging back and forth between Somas' cell and Alucards' room. Since the nuns were looking after Alucard there was no way for her to tow him back to his retreat. It stank that she wasn't allowed in, despite being the only nearby representative of the clans that the Vatican had at the moment. Julius was currently visiting his full extended family, now that he had time again, the last trip being interrupted by Celia. In fact the whole of the clans were getting ready to come together to meet Soma.

After all, Julius was too old to wield the whip and go into the front lines again, despite what he might have told the Pope or anyone else in the Church. While at the same time Alucard was refusing to let the Whip go into the hands of the Morris clan, even 'with' the LeCarde clan there to back them up. Leaving the Aulin and the DaNasty clans left to make a trip to meet Soma and decided if he was safe to let live. Though there was still dealing with Alucard regarding that matter, sure they could declare Soma evil out of hand. But would Alucard 'allow' such a judgement to be passed on Soma and do nothing about it? The Clans would not go against Alucard, himself, but if this was a momentary weakness the prince possessed.

And no one was going to deny that Daddy Dracula was a very protective parent anymore. Not after the display he gave yesterday. Regardless if someone saw him as Soma Cruz or as Count Dracula in a disguise. The priests weren't sure what to do about the whole incident, after all not everyone felt comfortable around Cardinal D'Arsit. Yoko had heard enough from others about how strict the Cardinal was about how things needed to be done. The by the book Priest was so strict that he all but had a ruler under his sleeve.

Thus on the one hand, what the Cardinal did was inexcusable while on the other hand what Soma did was outrageous and it did not show well for his future. This confusion and uncertainty caused everyone currently praying for guidance to focus their energy on a single room in the lower parts of the church. Faith saying that there was 'one' person in the Vatican that could control the situation and for lack of anything better... The priests opted to pray through out the night while the nuns did what they could to help that source recover his strength. Thus she turned her steps to Al's current room to try, again, to wake Sleeping Beauty.

There was something truly beautiful about the Dark Prince, even when he slept the undisturbed rest of the Undead. It made the ordinary single twin bed look even more plain compared to Alucards' dark beauty. Unmarred by over 500 years of life, his black hair framing his face, smooth, undisturbed it spilled down his face like black wax, smooth, rich, malleable. His features were soft almost feminine save for his eyes, which probably could look gentle if not for the seriousness that he constantly exuded.

Someone had removed his coat, letting the elegantly expensive item rest draped carefully over the chair that rested beside the bed. Leaving both of Alucard's arms resting over the blanket with his neat white button on shirt exposed with his throat just visible, meaning that someone had taken off his tie and probably laid it on the coat. Which given that everything save the shirt and kerchief that Alucard wore was black would be an easily lost item. The suit was the type that normally soaked in light, but sometimes it deemed a moment in time to grant a person the chance to see the soft sheen of the quality of satin used to make it.

But that was the illusion, the guise that Alucard wore when the seal was in place stopping his father's dark influence from affecting Soma. Or maybe it wasn't a guise, maybe it was just that as Alucard's powers grew the paler he became over time. But it didn't matter - Alucard was Alucard, either a raven haired business man with all the mysterious sophistication of a secret agent, or as a long blond haired nobleman born to look down upon all others, yet who aided the world in its darkest hours. He had not stirred once like a marble crafted angel painted with the painstaking detail of the Masters.

Then Yoko showed up fully planning to wake his royal rear up. While granted the nuns of the Vatican held a deep respect for Alucard... Yoko came from a family that... well... Yeah there was the respect thing going on, but she had learned that under all that aloof Prince there was a lonely soul as well. But at a time like this, Yoko could only shake her head as she quietly made her way in the bedroom towards Alucard's side.

Of all her ancestors, of all the Clans, she was the only one who had what could be actually called a working relationship with Alucard. When Alucard sided with vampire hunters it was often only for as long as the hunt lasted, once it was over he was gone again. During his long life he had made only few contacts, and his only social skills seemed to come from his upbringing. But the upbringing could be seen only as a front, a means to keep others at arms' distance leaving him to his own devices. An immortal forced to watch as those he may bother to know grow old and die, which was not an easy life by any stretch of the imagination.

By rule, all the families knew about the man was that he was a vampire that went against his race to aid the humans. He had only lent his hand to aid the Belmonts twice in time, and that he had faded from the world sleeping to keep from being a threat to the humans around him. However after having met the man Yoko realized that all that history was a lie intending to protect Alucard himself. In retrospect it made sense though, Dracula was supreme among vampires, his son, though powerful 'did' spend vast numbers of years sleeping in a coffin. It left him vulnerable during the centuries that his father was gone from the world. With Dracula gone from the world for a century there was no one else that could protect Alucard during his slumber. It left him openly vulnerable to vampires seeking to improve their position or to aid in taking over Dracula's position.

After all if Alucard 'slept' for eternity how would Dracula know his son was dead? He wasn't going to believe humans if they told him that some vampire defied him and killed his son. Considering the death of his human wife incited a war against humanity that Dracula had fought for five hundred plus years. There was, no way, they were going to find out what happened if a vampire killed his son. So both clans claimed it was a rogue vampire that had aided them rather than Dracula's own son.

After what happened during the time the Whip was left in the Morris clan, one had to marvel at the foresight of the earlier members of the clan. Who knew that there would be a vampire who would betray Dracula and seek to take over the castle for themselves? Which made the lies all the more important since it kept Alucard safe. So safe in fact that he could sleep on a bed peacefully, as from what Yoko had gleaned out, Alucard actually felt nervous when not inside a coffin when he was resting.

"Wakey wakey eggs and bakey, it's time for all good little Dhampires to rise and shine in the moon light..." Yoko tried quietly, grabbing his foot and giving it a little shake for effect. Normally when he was awake he was prepared for her perky clear greetings and she didn't have to worry about startling him. But never had she tried to wake him when his reason for sleeping was because he was knocked out due to injury. Just thinking of the fact that he 'was' hurt left her pretty ticked off though if she were honest with herself. Al was the first friend she had made in life and just thinking about his situation fired her up. So she sat down at the foot of the bed wondering how she was going to wake him up when comical video game methods came to mind. Suddenly jackhammers, hand grenades, dirty socks, and spears started dancing in her mind. So unbecoming of a lady though.

"Kindly refrain from your insistent staring." Alucard finally spoke his dark eyes open and focused on the blond at the foot of the bed he had been resting on. He pushed himself into a sitting position with his hands sluggishly, the very human gesture a clear sign of his exhaustion. The closer his emotions and actions were to 'human' the more exhausted he tended to be, as she had learned.

"You're awake!" Yoko almost looked teary eyed in her joy before regaining her composure, and flinging SnuggyWuggy at him in her growing anger. "Do you realize how long you've been out or what's been going on since you took your nap?!" Yes, all would soon be restored to normal within the Vatican.

"Has something happened?"

Yoko could almost physically sniff out the barely awake state of Alucard's mind in the way his eyes opened to focus on her, half lidded and faint interest. So out of it that he settled Snuggy down on the bed right side up without thought. Distracted.

"mmm Yeah... Soma cut the hand off dear ol' Cardinal D'Arsit after you went down from being exposed to the Holy Oils." And Cue the frown and the eyes waking up a bit more.

"He did what?" Yep Alucard was out of it if he was asking for repeats.

Yoko sighed and moved closer so she was next to him, "Some how Soma realized you were in pain and went after the Cardinal, by the time I got there he was being held back by a series of priests with blood on Claimh." Alucard was eyeing her as though his brain was still trying to figure out her words, than again, the Oils had been placed on his forehead, perhaps it affected the brain the most then? "Alucard... Soma could be in big trouble. The Pope has already visited him, but he's been in a meeting with the rest of his Cardinals now for most of the day."

"That impudent boy, why would he do such a foolish thing?" Alucard replied apparently he was slowly coming around. Though Yoko wished he would come around a bit faster. Before she knew it he had thrown off the blankets covering him before putting his feet on the ground and standing up. Yoko stood aside to let Alucard put on the clothes taken from him by the nuns. Somewhere in the back of her mind a thought grew and she finally found herself begin to start what could only be described as a lecherous grin. "Oh and thank you for not molesting me as I slept."

"... HEY! I'm no Maria! If I'm going to molest you! I'll do it while you're awake thank you very much!"

And like he had always done before he simply turned and left, walking out to find Soma and probably give the teen a piece of his mind. She decided then she needed to grab some food from the kitchens since the boys were bound to be hungry. She made her way out of the room before heading straight for the kitchen after picking up Snuggy and carrying it in her arms. She could just imagine the pair having a 'discussion' and she didn't want them to have this talk while on empty stomachs. Heaven forbid Alucard take a bite out of Soma. The teen was still living under the impression that Alucard was merely a dark empowered human. No need for him to find out that Al was a dhampire.

The kitchen had been shut down for the night leaving Yoko to be patting the wall looking for the light switch. Her hands hit the switch filling the room with much welcomed light, especially since she was about to trip over a broom someone had left out. She took the broom and put it back in its proper closet before someone else actually did manage to trip over it. Meanwhile her bear, who had been placed on the counter, was making a mad dash towards where the bread was kept.

Meanwhile...

"I'm above and beyond ashamed of you, I hope you realize that. Never once did I think that you would go so far as to cut off the hand of Cardinal D'Arsit." Alucard sat stiffly on the same chair the Pope had vacated hours ago. Soma still covered up and gagged though the way he moved indicated that he was squirming with shame. Alucard sat back in his seat gazing at Soma's bound state wondering if it was his darker side breaking from the seal again. Though, what would trigger that response out of the boy? He tried to brush aside the most obvious answer, that the boy was worried about him. "Do you realize that I am not a child and that I can take care of myself?" he asked.

Part of him worried over his fathers' presence, at how his father seemed more willing to submit for the sake to be around him. If Alucard pushed too hard about Soma's feeling it may reveal more to Soma than Alucard was willing to risk. He was surviving off the distance between Soma and himself, content that Soma was in control and safe. But if something happened and Soma grew close to his ancient emotions again he didn't know what he would do. Strange as it was he didn't want to lose this part of his father again. His bond was to his father's vampire side, not his human side, if he bonded to that...

"Do you even care that I can take care of myself? You must realize by now the danger you have put yourself in. I don't know if I can protect you from the Church." He admitted, reveling in how Soma took his scolding so quietly. Ok so he was taking it quietly because he was gagged, but still, it was quiet for Alucard.

Considering the mild headache the Dhampire had he didn't think he could maintain a civil tone of conversation if Soma argued. Not with the Oils aggravating his already pained condition further, in that he was grateful that Soma was gagged. "Soma I want you to listen to me and listen well. You can't just assume that because you rejected the throne that everyone believes that. I realize that after the events in the false castle you've had a problem dealing with your emotions. But if this is what is to be expected every time you are let out into a crowd." He sighed quietly. There was no point in asking Soma to disarm himself, he had an extensive collection thanks to the Castle after all.

"I do not take pleasure doing this Soma, but I must protect you, and your behavior makes it harder for me."

There was a click at the door and a blond haired witch came into the room a sandwich in her mouth, a tray in her hands. The soft sounds of drinks swishing in their glasses as she made her way over to the pair. It was as she put the tray down and moved towards Soma, her hands going for his head that he realized what she was up to. "Must you? I've never had such a sophisticated conversation with Soma, it seems a shame for it to end like that."

It was rather comical the way that she turned to look at him, her sandwich drooping a bit in a chastising glance. One shared by her SnuggyWuggy, of whom he was trying desperately to ignore for his own sanity. Over five hundred years of life and Alucard 'still' had no answer for what possessed him to challenge the then eight year old Yoko to use her magic. Oh if only he had known she 'could' use her magic like that, he would never have spoken a word.

But he didn't, and now he had a stuffed toy bear trying to scold him while Yoko took off the hood from Soma's head. The offended, ready to argue, expression on Soma's face slipped away when he caught sight of SnuggyWuggy from the corner of his eye. Alucard could even see the corners of the kid's mouth perk up in amusement, ready to make a few choice statements about the toy that was currently waving its paw at Alucard in a scolding manner.

Yoko removed the offending gag then before Soma could, and he would, make a crack about the antics going on before him, she shoved a sandwich into his mouth. Not only did she shove the sandwich into his mouth, she shoved it in via the corner forcing the maximum amount of food as she could without cramming it down his throat. Meanwhile Alucard accepted the plate and sandwich that were clearly meant for him.

"Well?" Soma finally spoke amid falling crumbs of bread earning a disapproving look from Alucard.

"Well what?" Alucard asked neatly, between bites.

"Well what's going to happen to you?" Soma finally asked sobering the mood in the room up again with just that one question.

"I fail to understand your question, as I have done nothing wrong there is no reason for there to be concern over my well being." Alucard replied calmly while Soma was hand fed by Yoko.

"Then why did he hurt you? The Pope tried to explain it to me... Is it really all my fault? Is my human life going to be nothing, but, trouble for you?" Soma asked his head down as he chewed another bite.

"Soma, I will not lie. Your existence was not anticipated, I did not believe there was any good in Count Dracula and therefore take the possibility you would be born into account. You create a great deal of difficulties for me." Black satin shifted over slender shoulders as Alucard admitted in a formal tone, one used when someone had to say something they rather not have.

"I'm sorry... I don't want to die out of hand, but I'm sorry."

"The desire to live exists within all of us. There is no shame in that, what has happened after the Castle is a learning experience for all of us." Yoko tried to break the oppressive mood, though she didn't opt for the overly perky approach.

"What will happen to you if the Vatican decides that I'm, too, big a threat?" Soma asked into the growing silence of the room.

"You should have thought of that before you attacked the Cardinal." Alucard stated his tone a matter of fact. Soma drooped dishearteningly in the chair while his mind was allowed to create all types of scenarios in his head.

"Was nice being human for a while."

The meal became sand in the mouths of the trio, it was so strange how the source of their happiness and sorrow seemed bound to a young man in a long white trench coat. They stayed for as long as they could, until Alucard himself decided he could handle no more of the Oils used to subdue Soma. They hadn't talked much after the discussion, there was nothing that came to mind that could encourage the boy after all.

As they made their way out of the room, down the darken hallways and towards the upper levels of the church...

"Of course you realize that you are an idiot."