Dracula's Castle was a very dangerous place, even to those who would call it home. Monsters roamed each of the rooms looking to protect it, spells were cast to prevent unwanted visitors, and traps were all over to eliminate any who would trespass. The castle having a mind of its own on top of it made the place unpredictable.
Yet there was one area that was special to the family of Carmilla. So special that it was protected from even the castle it inhabited. The area was etched out of white marble, elegant candles lined the walls and lit up every inch of space. It was quite bright despite being in the heart of a vampire's lair.
The largest single area in the entire castle, the ballroom was cut off from the rest of the castle and routes to it were selected by Carmilla and her daughters for easy passage. No monsters were allowed in this area, without exception, and thus the parties were never disturbed. Hundreds of people dressed in elegant black, gold, and white costumes roamed freely, seemingly oblivious to the dangers that were outside the walls. The people were lively, loud and talkative while being almost everywhere at the same time. The music that filled the air was that from a grand orchestra playing at the far end of the area, the music it created soothing and not at all foreboding.
It certainly caught Alucard off guard. "Lively..."
He walked through the doors from the garden and into the ballroom's front lobby. No one seemed to notice him, which was alright to him. He walked forward, his boots making no sound as they stepped on the crimson red carpet. Though he preferred to not care about his surroundings, even Alucard had to be impressed with what he saw. The lobby was immaculate, the ceiling a few stories high with a pane glass ceiling that gave a clear view of the moon and star filled sky. The white marble walls with black and white tiled floor certainly made the area livelier than the rest of the castle.
Still, Alucard didn't let his guard down. He could hear all the voices that surrounded him, though he couldn't make out if the conversations were about him or not, and he was slightly uneasy because of it.
"Good evening, sir, and welcome to the Ballroom."
Alucard had been so taken by the elegance of the area that he hadn't noticed a man in a gold masque and black tailed suit approach him.
Alucard straightened himself, and that is when he noticed something different about his outfit. He was now wearing a more elegant dress uniform and cape with gold lining. It resembled something his mother had given him in his younger days. Maybe the ballroom made the change? "I suppose this is your doing?"
The other man chuckled, "It wouldn't be proper for our guests to not be dressed for the masquerade ball. The effect will only happen while you're here." He hadn't given a direct answer but it was enough to convince Alucard of his suspicion.
"I see..." Alucard absently touched his left hip and was grateful to feel the handle of his sword. He would have been cross if he had lost his weapon.
The other man continued, "Now that you are here Lord Alucard, I must give you instructions."
While he wasn't exactly surprised by that declaration Alucard played along, "You were expecting me?"
"The husband-to-be of Lady Elexina is more than an expected guest. You happen to be one of the most honorable guests here."
Alucard groaned audibly at the mere mention of Elexina's name, not to mention the idea that she keeps calling him her future husband. Still, he kept along with this charade, for the sake of getting it over with quickly. "Is she here yet?"
The man smiled beneath his golden masque. "She wants to surprise you when the time is right, my lord."
Rolling his eyes Alucard looked around the area. Some of the people were looking at him but most minded their own business, whatever that was. "You said there were instructions for me to follow?"
"Yes. The ballroom is protected by Lady Carmilla and her wonderful daughters. Thus you shouldn't fear for your safety here, long as you do not cause any trouble. Enjoy the luxurious meals that are prepared here, and if you need to rest the second floor has multiple bedroom suites to choose from. Then, for the grand festivities, the ballroom is located through the archway over there."
The man pointed to the grand arch that was past the grand staircase. From where Alucard stood he could catch only a small glimpse of the ballroom itself. Even then he could tell it was huge.
"Hmm...thank you," said Alucard with a nod of gratitude and a polite tone.
"Please, enjoy yourself, my lord," said the other man before walking away.
"I will...until she shows up again," Alucard said, making mention of Elexina. The sooner he found her the sooner he could get this ordeal over with.
He moved forward, going up the stairs of the staircase and up to the second floor.
The crowds grew more dense the closer he got to the ballroom, and still no one paid him any mind. It was like they were wrapped up in their own little world. Waiters with trays served drinks of wine and water, and others served cigarettes and cigars from engraved cases. There was little smoke in the air, most likely so it didn't ruin the atmosphere of the ballroom, but the smell was still there.
The second floor was shaped like a large U with Alucard coming in at the peak of the curve. His eyes scanned the background and they were met by the golden chandelier that hung in the air at the center of the ballroom itself. It alone provided the room with light.
"This place gets more and more impressive the longer I am here," said Alucard who couldn't help but feel a bit at ease.
"Glad to see you made it," said a female voice.
At first Alucard dreaded seeing who it was, thinking it was Elexina, but when he turned he saw a familiar red head in a rather risqué and revealing black dress. His dread turned to calm. "Rayne?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"How'd you get here?"
The hunter shrugged her shoulders, "Long story, but the gist is some bitch wants me dead. What about you?"
Alucard gave her the abridged story about his journey through the castle. The monsters he had encountered to his encounter with Elexina. He had left out the whole marriage part on purpose. "That's where I stand."
"Good to know you're not bored, and still in one piece," said the red head. A man with a tray of glasses approached, offering what he had to the two.
"Drinks, anyone?"
Alucard and Rayne exchanged looks. "Only if it isn't poisoned." Alucard half-joked.
"And I don't drink...wine," said Rayne.
"For you madam, it is not wine," the man offered her a glass. The red liquid was thin and didn't seem like a typical drink to either Rayne nor Alucard. Since it was confirmed to not be wine, that could only mean one thing...
Taking in a glass in her black gloved hand, Rayne smiled, "Blood, huh?"
"The freshest in the castle," the man offered a glass to Alucard. He hesitated to take it.
"I don't drink human blood," replied Alucard.
"I typically don't either, but a sip won't hurt you," said Rayne as she took the glass meant for Alucard and handed it to him. The man with the tray bowed his head and walked away, wishing them a joyful evening. "Here. You better have some."
Alucard was reluctant to accept the offer, though he took the glass in his hand he dared not drink from it. "You drink human blood?"
Rayne raised her glass, "Only if the dumbass tries to kill me." She offered her glass in a toast for him, "I don't care for humans, but I don't like mindless slaughter of them. I'm sure that's close to how you feel, amiright?"
Truth be told, Alucard cared little for mankind outside of his home. Maria and her family were the only ones he cared about and he went out of his way to make sure they were protected, not that they needed it in the first place. Otherwise the dhampir would keep to himself and out of the spotlight.
Sighing, Alucard raised his glass to Rayne's and they met. "To our ideals."
"To Carmilla...and her bitch daughters," said Rayne with malice.
Alucard chuckled and for a brief moment he smiled.
The two drank from their glasses, and Rayne had little trouble drinking it in one gulp Alucard took a second longer to finish his. The taste was sweet and since it had been years since he had tasted fresh human blood it was like someone shot him with a gun. They finished them just in time for a maid with an empty tray to take the glasses from them.
"Well, pleasantries aside, I better get back to finding a way out of here," said Rayne, her mind going back to her mission at hand. However, a smirk formed on her full red lips. "Unless you want to have a dance with me?"
Alucard politely declined her flirtatious offer. "As pleasant as that would be, I'm afraid there is someone else who has my attention this evening, and she wouldn't be happy to see me with another woman."
To be honest Alucard would have rather been with anyone other than Elexina, but he didn't want to risk her wrath being brought down on his comrades, given how jealous she had been when she had discovered Maria's existence.
Rayne took the brush off quite well. "Well, if we both survive this party I'm sure we'll meet again." She took a step away from Alucard but stopped to relay one last piece of information. "Also, be on the lookout for the rest of us. I already ran into a few of the others. If you need help I'm sure they will lend a hand."
Alucard nodded and watched Rayne as she disappeared into the crowd. He sighed before leaving to go back to the first floor.
He made his way into the ballroom's main area. The ball was in full swing, with as many as a dozen couples dancing together in sync with the music. The wall at the opposite end of the ballroom was made of panel glass that showed the ocean in the background, and in the foreground was the orchestra on a stage. They were all dressed in black tailcoats and dresses and played their instruments with total concentration.
Turns out Rayne had been right. As soon as Alucard had entered the main room he saw a few of his other comrades taking part in the festivities. When he had gone to the food serving table he saw Tsukimiya indulging herself on the food there, and a young man was at her side teasing her about the food. She hadn't appeared to be happy with him. Alucard also noticed that, much like himself, Tsukimiya was in a different outfit. For her it was a tight white cocktail dress that had no back. Most women might find it okay to wear in a party, but as the young man kept teasing her by rubbing his hand on her bare skin she looked like she just wanted to kill him.
Alucard smirked and moved on. He didn't go far to find more of his allies, but this next pair was in the spotlight, literally.
Turns out the ballroom was in the midst of a dance routine and any and all were allowed to join. Dancing in unison, as many as a dozen pairs of dancers flowed across the floor in perfect harmony. That also included Saya and her servant Hagi. They stood out the most, mostly because of the simple light purple dress Saya wore but also because she and Hagi were in the dead center of the group. Yet, Alucard couldn't help but notice that Saya was smiling. In spite of her ferocity in battle earlier, she seemed to be having a good time. Even Hagi wore a small smile as he gazed down at her.
"Glad to see they're having a good time," said Alucard before continually looking around the room.
"Good to see you in one piece, Alucard," said a voice as it approached from Alucard's left side.
The dhampir recognized the man as he made himself known. "Viktor."
"Seems it's no coincidence that all of us were brought here," Viktor said. He too no doubt had met with more of their allies along the way.
"I saw Rayne earlier, along with Tsukimiya. Saya and Hagi are on the dance floor," said Alucard. He took notice of how Viktor's outfit was vastly different. He wore a black and grey dress uniform with a blood red tie. He still had the crude damaged armor on his left arm, and the red gem on the back of his left wrist. He definitely looked like one of royalty. "I must say I am glad to know so many of us have made it this far."
"I have more than enough reason to see this through," said Viktor as he looked out at the dance floor. "I won't let myself be defeated."
"You must want Carmilla dead to say that."
"That's not it."
Alucard blinked, "Hm?"
Viktor hesitated at first, but he merely took a deep breath before continuing. "Sera is in the castle. I must find her."
Like Alucard Viktor had a personal stake in his venture through the demonic castle beyond just stopping Carmilla from resurrecting Dracula. Alucard remembered giving his word to help find Sera earlier. His word hadn't changed.
"I'll be sure to keep an eye out for her then. Though I don't think she'll be just anywhere."
Viktor turned to Alucard, "You think she could be in a place like this?"
Nodding Alucard put his left hand on the handle of his sword. "Typically captives are held in more...civilized areas of the castle for safe keeping. Alas I wouldn't be surprised if she would be here." His beliefs were understandable. Many times in the past Dracula and his followers would capture individuals and keep them relatively safe from harm in the castle's more peaceful areas. The ballroom, with its confirmed freedom from monster activity, would be a prime place. "Might check the guest rooms on the second floor."
"Already did, and one of the rooms was occupied with a couple of our friends for...personal use," Viktor said, his tone sounding quite awkward.
Alucard chose not to ask further. "Still, I shall keep a look out for her."
"Danke..." Sighing Viktor spoke in a lower voice that was almost a whisper. "It's not easy having to rely on others in helping with who I swore to protect."
While what he said was short of a complaint, Alucard sensed something else in Viktor's voice. "...you deeply care for Sera, don't you?"
Viktor's head turned sharply to Alucard. Then he smirked, "It's more than that. She's only recently entered the world of vampires, having lived with no knowledge of our kind until the night of her seventeenth birthday, when her vampire blood awoke."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Like you, Sera is a dhampir. Born of a human father and a renowned vampire mother." Viktor raised his left hand and stared at the red gem thoughtfully. "She became the target of those who hated her mixed heritage, despite being the future ruler of our kind. She couldn't walk the path of a ruler alone, and so I walked alongside her, acting as both her shield and her sword. And anything else she desired of me, she would have without question."
Alucard took in the words of the knight and completely understood where he was coming from. "Then the drive for you to see her returned safely is strong. I know you won't fail her."
Lowering his hand Viktor spoke, "I could never fail someone I care so much about. I'm sure you felt something similar in your long life."
Alucard closed his eyes. Memories of Maria went through his mind. Yes, he would do whatever it took to make sure she was safe. Which is why he had left her behind at home while he dealt with his own demons. She was safer there than here, he was sure of it.
Opening his eyes again Alucard gave a bit of encouragement to the knight. "I hope to see you again when we take down Carmilla together."
"I'm sure Sera will be near her, so I will say our paths are the same in that regard."
The two bid each other farewell, and Alucard moved back into the crowd. Though he had been pleasantly surprised to find his friends he was still on the lookout for the one person he didn't want to see.
Then, just before Alucard was going to leave the ballroom, he stopped when he noticed the music begin to die down. He turned in time for it end abruptly, and all those in attendance applauded the performance. The maestro of the small group of musicians bowed to his audience before welcoming a woman in a black and purple gothic dress to the stage. She too bowed and began to sing in an operatic style. Low at first but steadily climbed in pitch as the music behind her began to join her.
The dancers on the floor got into pairs, some of whom Alucard recognized. Saya and Hagi got together once again, and for the first time since he had been in the ballroom Alucard saw Zero Kiryu. The hunter was paired up with a young girl in a dark ball gown and matching masque. He didn't know who she was but didn't dwell on who it could be. Marie Orleans was with Morbius, and Alucard thought he saw Tsukimiya with the young man she had been with. That last one looked like she didn't like the predicament. At first.
Alucard saw that nobody was moving even as the music went along, like they were told to wait for something...
"Hello, love," said a familiar voice from behind Alucard. To the dhampir prince it was like nails scratching a chalkboard.
