Chapter VII: The Vampire Killer

After a brief discussion about what took place and an equally quick introduction to the rest of the group Stella and Loretta marveled at the presence of Simon and Richter.

"From the past you say?" Stella asked wide eyed.

Stella and Loretta were currently resting on the floor against a large table as Serenity explained their story for the second time that evening.

"It is possible that what Miss Charlotte said is true," Loretta said with a frown, "That could be the entire reason why the Morris family took ownership of the Vampire Killer to begin with."

"If it is our fault…," Serenity began looking down.

"If it's anyone's fault it's Saint Germain's," Nathan said folding his arms, "He was the one that sent us back to begin with."

Nodding Simon replied, "It's not like they forced either of us to come with. We accompanied them of our own accord, so we are both equally to blame."

"If there really is any blame to be had," Richter said with a nod of his own, "For all we know this was supposed to happen."

Stella looked over at Jonathan and questioned, "Are you prepared to unlock the power of the Vampire Killer?"

"Yes, I am," he replied without a second thought.

"You will have to face this challenge alone," Stella began, "Are you sure about this?"

Jonathan replied with a grin, "No problem!"

Stella gave him a slow nod, "I understand. Loretta, begin preparations."

"Right away, Stella," Loretta replied and began focusing her mind.

"Miss Charlotte, everyone," Stella said looking up to the others, "please stand back."

Charlotte gave her a nod as the others went to the other side of the room and said, "Right."

"All right, then," Loretta began, "I shall now incarnate the last memory of the Belmont inhabiting the whip. Incidentally the last one to use the whip was Richter."

"Fight the memory and defeat it to make the whip recognize you as its rightful owner," Stella continued, "Once you do that, you'll be able to trigger the whip's true power."

"I see," Jonathan stated taking a quick look at Richter and the others, "No problem. Let me have it."

Nodding Stella focused her mind, "Ready, Loretta?"
Replying with a nod of her own Loretta answered, "Yes, Stella."

A bright white light engulfed the room for several seconds before slowly dying away. Jonathan was left standing motionless in front of the two. He had his eyes closed and would occasionally twitch ever so slightly. They watched him for a moment with his eyes closed before turning their attention to Charlotte and the others.

"Do not worry," Stella nodded, "I'm sure he's more than capable of coming through this battle without much trouble."

They remained silent while they waited. Seven minutes passed before Jonathan opened his eyes. He seemed confused at first as he looked around.

"Ah," Charlotte said stepping forward cautiously, "You're returned."

"You seem to be in one piece," Stella smiled.

Placing a hand on Jonathan's shoulder Charlotte questioned, "Well, how did it go? How's the Vampire Killer?"

Shaking off the fog that had settled over his mind he replied with his usual smile and good nature, "Hey, no problem. It's power is pretty scary though. Looks like the legends about it weren't lying."

Serenity glanced at her brother who only shrugged as Loretta began, "But, um…"

"I know," Jonathan said interrupting her, "Don't overuse it, right? Well, I'll try my best."

"I'll be with you, so relax," Charlotte said with a small smile, "You'll be fine."

Looking down Jonathan stated, "Before we go any further I would like to take care of some business."

"Something more important than getting to Brauner?" Hugh asked folding his arms.

Sharing a look of concern with the others Serenity came forward, "If it's something that can't wait, then by all means. We might be able to do something about those paintings while you're gone."

Nodding Charlotte replied, "I think I know what Jonathan has in mind. Entering the paintings isn't too difficult to comprehend. All you need to do is embed them with magic and they should open right up."

"We'll give it a try," Nathan said walking to the opposite door, "but hurry back."

Without another word Jonathan and Charlotte left. Hugh, Serenity, Simon, and Richter followed after Nathan. They each nodded in turn as they left the sisters to rest. Upon entering the next room they were greeted with four small paintings and a larger one that was currently sealed with four glowing chains.

"Alright," Hugh said turning his gaze to the large painting, "what's the plan?"

"We should split up," Serenity said simply, "I doubt whatever is inside these paintings is going to be much of a challenge for us."

Simon walked up to the furthest painting and studied it as he questioned, "Do you suppose we could destroy all four by the time they return?"

"Sure," Nathan replied, "If we get going we shouldn't have any trouble at all."

Serenity replied with a nod, "Alright. We'll each take a painting. The extra person I suppose can choose who they go with."

After a short discussion everyone was standing in front of a painting. Richter had made the decision to go with Serenity. She did not argue as she wanted to get this task finished as soon as possible so they could confront Brauner.

Simon stood in front of the painting that had reminded them all of the painting they had seen previously that evening with the pyramids, however this one seemed to be set at night. With a nod he touched it and was suddenly no longer there. Serenity and Richter were next. They both touched their painting of a scene with a looming building set also at night with rain pouring down all around it.

Hugh followed by touching the painting of flames and what seemed like a circus tent. Nathan was left alone looking up at his painting of various empty buildings and streets. Taking a deep breath he too entered his own painting.