Chapter X: Throne Room

Serenity led the way to the room where the seal had been placed. She crossed the threshold without any trouble and emerged into the cool night air. Ahead of her was a large stairway that arched up back into the castle on the other side. Turning she faced the others as they all caught up to her.

"I sense terribly powerful magic up ahead," Charlotte said looking beyond the stairway.

"Meaning Dracula's that way, restoring the castle's power" Jonathan asked without a hint of fear in his voice.

Charlotte nodded, "Without a doubt. That is what Dracula was after."

Giving her a nod Jonathan started forward, "Come on, we can't just sit around and let this happen. Let's go, Charlotte!"

"Hold it!" Charlotte called after him making him stop, "Our enemy is a legendary monster! This won't be easy."

Scratching his head absently he replied, "You're right. Maybe we should check our supplies first."

"We're staying here," Nathan said eyeing the stairway, "make it fast."

"You got it!" Jonathan agreed with a smile.

As Jonathan and Charlotte ran out of sight Serenity began walking cautiously up the stairs.

"I thought Nathan said we were staying here," Hugh called to her.

"I'm not waiting," Serenity said looking over her shoulder, "Those two have been through hell tonight. It's time we take the lead on this. This is why we're here after all."

Simon and Richter nodded in agreement and followed after her. Hugh glanced at Nathan who only shrugged and began walking after them. Hugh looked behind him once before he joined the others. Moments later they were all standing outside the door to the throne room.

"Ready?" Nathan asked looking over to his sister.

Taking a deep breath she nodded. Nathan took the lead to open the door. The group walked silently into the throne room and stood before Dracula himself. He eyed them each in silence until he came to a stop at Serenity.

"Well, well," he said with a smile, "this is a treat." Resting his head on his propped up hand his smile widened ever so slightly, "I must admit I'm surprised to see you still alive. Couldn't handle being alone so you turned your brother and your friend as well. Dear Serenity,"

"Enough," Nathan boomed taking his whip from his side, "This time you're not getting away."

"Oh," Dracula said ignoring Nathan entirely, "you managed to get your fangs into two Belmonts as well? No…they're not…" Dracula was deep in thought as he eyed them carefully, "How strange,"

"Dracula!" Serenity shouted in anger, "We didn't come here to talk!"

Sighing deeply Dracula replied, "No, I suppose you didn't."

"Something isn't right," Simon stated taking a hard look at Dracula, "It's almost as if…"

"He isn't himself," Richter finished for him.

Letting out another deep sigh Dracula eyed Nathan and then Hugh before returning to Serenity, "You haven't taken a human life?"

This sounded more like a statement to Serenity than a question as she replied, "Of course not. We each vowed to only take what we need to survive."

This amused the dark lord, "I see. That explains your eyes."

"Serenity," Nathan began carefully looking from Dracula to his sister.

"My eyes?" she asked dropping her guard.

Hugh turned his attention to Serenity as well. She seemed to be in a trance as she spoke to him.

Dracula smiled gently at her, "Haven't you ever wondered why there is a swirl of red in each of your eyes? Surely it must have crossed your mind at least once."

"Oh…" Serenity began slowly, "I suppose…I don't really notice it myself."

Richter snapped into action the moment the words left her mouth. He ran past her and attempted to attack Dracula head on, but he only shot him a fierce glare before teleporting out of harm's way.

"You, your brother, and your friend have not fully transformed into vampires," Dracula's voice echoed around the room, "The troublesome son of mine is the only reason I am not able to completely control you."

"Keep your head Serenity!" Richter shouted putting his back to one of the walls, "Don't let him take control of your mind."

Laughter filled the throne room, "She has little choice in the matter. I was the one who turned her. My blood runs through her veins."

"That may be," Nathan shouted taking out his whip, "but as you said Alucard's blood does as well! You should know better than anyone what he means to her!"

Hugh and Richter eyed Nathan curiously, but before either could question him Dracula appeared behind Serenity and put an arm tightly around her. Her hand dropped to her sword, but she was unable to unsheathe it before Dracula sunk his fangs deep into her neck. She screamed for a split second before a wave of warmth washed over her. It had been ages since she felt such warmth. In fact, the moment Dracula had first bitten her was the last time she remembered ever being remotely warm.

"Let her go!" Hugh roared as Richter, Simon, and Nathan joined him.

Dracula drank deeply from Serenity's neck with his eyes closed as the hunters rushed over to them. Smiling to himself he vanished before any of them could get close to him. Richter caught Serenity as she fell. She was still conscious, but the suddenness of Dracula ripping himself away from her caused a flash of pain to surge through her body.

"Well that was fun," he mocked as he returned to the front his throne and produced a wine glass filled halfway with bright blood.

"Bastard," Nathan hissed, "What could you gain from taking blood from another vampire?"

At this Dracula laughed turning his back on them, "You obviously weren't paying attention Nathan. You are not vampires. Not fully," he paused to scoff at the rage he saw in all of their eyes, "While it's true it's not the same as human blood your blood will still nourish me. And I can still take pleasure from it."

Before anyone could say any more Jonathan and Charlotte ran into the room. They took in the scene before them, shared a look, and then turned their attention to Dracula.

"Dracula…" Jonathan said gritting his teeth.

"I can't believe this power," Charlotte said risking a glance at Serenity, "No wonder he's called the Lord of Darkness!"

Dracula eyed the new comers over his shoulder with mild interest, but said nothing to either of them. He began moving his glass in a way that caused the blood inside of it to swirl around slowly as he faced away from them again.

"Oh," Jonathan huffed, "so you're ignoring me? Turn and face me!"

Before anyone could stop him he charged at Dracula with his whip in hand. Just as he was preparing to strike Death appeared and blocked his attack. Jonathan backed away in shock. At the appearance of Death Serenity sat up and looked up at him with sudden exhaustion. The draining of her blood had already taken a toll on her, and she was afraid she was no longer going to be of any help this night.

"You will not touch Lord Dracula!" Death shouted pointing his scythe at Jonathan, "This time, let's fight for real!"

Shock took hold of the entire group as Dracula took a sip from his glass before tossing to the ground and turning to face them once more, "Enough with this sideshow. Why don't we show them our combined power?"

Charlotte took a step back as she stammered, "A Death and Dracula joint attack? That was never mentioned in any book I've read!"

Panic was taking her over as Jonathan went to her side to steady her, "Well, there's seven of us. So I guess that gives us the advantage. No problem, bring it on!"

Dracula shot Jonathan a smile before he vanished once more. Death began floating back and forth across the room eyeing the two groups of hunters trying to decide which ones to attack first.

"I never expected Dracula and Death to fight together," Charlotte said as she dodged a swipe from Death.

"But this is the only chance we'll get to defeat Dracula!" Jonathan shouted taking up a defensive stance.

Nodding at once Charlotte replied, "You're right. If we combine our powers, I'm sure we can win."

"Richter," Nathan said bending down to him, "I want you to look after Serenity."

"Nathan," Serenity protested trying to move out of Richter's arms.

Nathan placed a solid hand on her shoulder, "You're hurt. If you die here or if he takes control of you the rest of us are finished."

His words rang through her mind like a church bell. In that moment anger began bubbling within her. Nathan could see it in her eyes and Richter could feel her body tensing up almost immediately.

"He's not going to take control of me," Serenity said in anger, "If he could he would have done it by now."

As if to answer her Dracula's voice called to them from the other side of the room, "What fun would it be if I took control of her, Nathan? I want her to come to me of her own volition. If I used her to kill the rest of you she would hate me for eternity."

Taking this distraction to strike Jonathan and Simon attacked Dracula with everything they had. Staggering back it was clear to see that they had hurt him.

Upon seeing this Death flew right up next to him and shouted, "My power, use my power!"

"Soul steal!" Dracula shouted taking Death's whole essence into himself.

Growling in anger Dracula transformed into the giant monster Serenity, Nathan, and Hugh knew all too well. His wings flapped several times before he crashed down to the floor in utter rage.

"What amazing power!" Charlotte shouted, "Is this the true power of Dracula?"

"No problem," Jonathan said with a smile, "His back's against the wall. Let's finish him off! Now!"

Charlotte nodded in agreement, "Right!"

Nathan gave his sister a sorrowful look before joining the others in the battle. Again she struggled to get free of Richter, but still he held strong to her.

"Let me go Richter!" she shouted as she pushed against him, "I have to help!"

Before Richter could say a word to her Simon, Hugh, and Nathan were all sent flying by one of Dracula's flame pillars. Jonathan and Charlotte tried their best to help them, but Dracula was too fast with his assault.

Serenity turned to Richter and pleaded with him, "Please! If we don't do something he's going to kill them."

Richter stared into her eyes for a moment before nodding. He helped her to her feet and they stood facing him together. Simon, Nathan, and Hugh had been thrown to the ground in a heap. Gritting her teeth Serenity walked over to Jonathan and Charlotte.

"We need to hit him with a strong attack," she said putting a hand absently to her neck, "Are the two of you up for it?"

"Sure," Jonathan smiled, "let's end this."

Charlotte nodded in approval as Richter took hold of Serenity's shoulder, "This might hurt you as well."

Serenity shook her head, "Just do it. I'll be fine."

Jonathan and Charlotte, each crossing each other's arm, shouted for a storm of divine rain while Richter summoned his grand cross right in front of Dracula. Taking a breath to steady herself Serenity pulled out her sword and allowed an intense blaze to burst from her sword. She launched it at Dracula just as the two attacks were coming to an end. The sword sliced into Dracula making him yell out in both pain and anger. Moments later he had dropped to his knees right in front of his throne.

"Too bad, pal," Jonathan mocked, "As long as we're here, you won't be revived."

"Still," Charlotte said thoughtfully, "that was an impressive display of impromptu teamwork."

Taking their light tones as a form of disrespect Dracula growled, "Say what you will. But I can see it…" he paused to look over at Serenity who was only staying on her feet with help from Nathan, "One day, my power will be fully revived!"

"Fully or not," Jonathan said placing his whip at his side, "you're never, ever gonna win."

Chuckling to himself Dracula replied, "I look forward to seeing who will have the last laugh."

With that a bright beam of sunlight shone in through the window. It hit Dracula directly and caused him to disintegrate. Soon after the castle began rumbling and bit of stone began falling from to ceiling.

"Time to go," Simon said and ran for the door.

Nodding the rest followed after him. Nathan picked up Serenity in his arms and carried her out without much trouble. Once outside Simon and Richter stood with Jonathan, Charlotte, Stella, and Loretta while Hugh, Nathan, and Serenity stood by themselves several feet away in a shaded area.

"It's all over," Jonathan said turning his face to the rising sun.

"Yeah…" Charlotte said stretching slightly.

"We sure caused a lot of trouble," Stella stated frowning.

Loretta nodded lightly and asked, "How can we make up for it?

Stella took a deep breath and said, "As the older sister, I accept full responsibility," she turned to look at Jonathan and Charlotte, "With that, I must ask a favor of you two."

"No," Loretta shouted suddenly, "you can't take all the blame!"

Stella looked over at her sister with a solemn face, "Loretta, be silent, please."

Jonathan gave the two a small smile, "Look, it's all settled now. If we keep quiet, there's no problem, right?"

"I…I suppose…" Charlotte said with a thoughtful frown.

Stella shook her head, "I can't allow that."

Before anyone could say another word a spirit appeared before them. He wore the clothes of a hunter, and was no doubt the one called Eric.

"Well done, all of you," he said with a smile.

"Eric," Jonathan said as Stella and Loretta looked at him in shock, "Well, I did make a promise."

"Father?!" Loretta stammered, "Is it really you?"

Eric turned to look at her, "Yes, my dear."

Stella could only look on in stunned silence. Tears were slowly forming in her eyes.

"Forgive me, Stella," he said turning to his other daughter, "You seemed to have worried the most in all this."

Finding her voice on the edge of breaking Stella replied, "No, father. It's an older sister's duty to."

Smiling at her Eric stated, "Yes, but still…Don't overdo your role, okay?" Stella and Loretta were silent as he continued, "I'm truly glad I could see you both at the moment of my death. Live for all you're worth. And you," he turned his attention to Jonathan and Charlotte, "Jonathan, Charlotte…I truly am grateful."

Suddenly Eric's form began to fade in and out causing Loretta to shout, "Father!"

"Don't go!" Stella shouted as he vanished completely. A strong gust of wind blew through the area as she continued to shout for her father before falling to the ground sobbing.

"He passed on," Jonathan said gently.

A tear ran down Charlotte's face, "Thank you, Eric…For everything."

Loretta bent down to take her sister's hands in hers as she cried, "Stella, forgive me. You tried so hard for my sake."

Stella could only sob uncontrollably. Nathan, Serenity, and Hugh looked upon her for a few moments before averting their gazes. They knew all too well how it felt to have one's family ripped away from you.

"I'm going to become stronger," Loretta stated trying her best to comfort her sister, "I'll try hard so you'll never have to worry again. You need not always work so hard."

"That's right," Jonathan said looking down at them with a smile, "Eric said that himself, didn't he? Whatever you do, don't overdo it."

Charlotte shot him a grim smile, "Jonathan, for you, trying harder might be a good thing."

At this Jonathan broke out in a fit of laughter, "Sure, no problem!" Why can't you learn to just let things go? I mean, a kid like you…"

This caused Charlotte to glare back at him, but before she could say a word Loretta interrupted, "Excuse me…you two…"
Stella wiped the tears from her eyes and rose to her feet with Loretta, "Forgive me. All of you. I can see I've caused you all a lot of wrong. But I'm alright now."

Jonathan gave her a reassuring smile. Simon and Richter both nodded in turn and went to join Serenity, Nathan, and Hugh. They had just reached them when they heard Charlotte gasp.

"Oh no, I forgot!" she exclaimed in horror.

"What?" Jonathan asked as a worried expression crossed his face.

Taking Jonathan's arm she began to pull him back towards the direction of the now collapsed castle, "About Vincent."

"Uh oh," Jonathan said now as worried as Charlotte, "Quick, we gotta find him! Charlotte!"

"Right!" she agreed and the two of them ran off.

"Loretta," Stella said beginning to walk after them, "let's help them."

"Yes, Stella," Loretta agreed and walked after her sister.

As the four returned to where the castle stood Vincent walked up the path from the opposite side and looked after them in confusion. Soon he could hear his name being called by Jonathan and Charlotte and knew immediately that they thought he had been caught in the destruction.

"Huh?" he said to himself, not seeing Serenity and the others, "Wait a second! Hey! I'm over here!"

With that Vincent ran off after them. Serenity watched him leave with a smile before turning her attention back to the others.

"What do you think?" she asked folding her arms, "They may be children, but Jonathan and Charlotte are strong. They'll make good vampire hunters when they get older."

Nathan replied with a smile, "We can't just take in every hunter we come across you know. The church will be overrun before long."

"True," Hugh stated, "but the more people we have on our side the better, don't you think?"

Simon and Richter were both in agreement. When Jonathan and Charlotte returned with the sisters they reported that Vincent had decided it was time for him to return to his church. At the mention of that Serenity took the opportunity to ask them to join with them. While hesitant at first Jonathan was the first to agree followed shortly after by Charlotte. They both wanted to see Dracula destroyed for good so that the world could carry on in peace.

Not wanting to be rude Serenity also extended her invitation to Stella and Loretta. They denied at first, but came around when they realized they had nowhere else to go. With their father gone the next best thing they could do was to help Serenity and the Belmonts in their quest to stop Dracula once and for all. With all of the proper introductions out of the way Serenity, Nathan, and Hugh led the way back to their home. It was a long journey, but they spent the time getting to know one another better. Serenity took it upon herself to tell Jonathan and the others everything that had happened to her and her brother up to the start of the previous evening.

As they grew closer to the church none of them saw St. Germain watching them walk up to the doors. They did not hear or see anything out of the ordinary as they walked in, but as Jonathan, Charlotte, Stella, and Loretta crossed the threshold a spell of magic fell over each of them. St. Germain smiled to himself as he turned to leave. Even though they had acquired four new hunters, he knew they would need to strengthen their numbers even more if they were to be victorious in the battles to come.

The End