Work Text
I really should have thought of this beforehand, or at least done it before I went to bed. Now here I am, nervously poking my head out to the endless void of the hallway.Should I just try it? I knew the way as good in the daylight, but at night, when the castle itself seemingly became a dark abyss and the hallways immense pitch black tunnels. Getting lost would be the least of my problems.No, I'd rather not risk it.The half vampire stirred. "I can hear you standing at the door and making noise. What is wrong?"Relief, at least psychological relief, washed over me. "I have to go.""Go? Where? At this hour?""To the bathroom." I admitted. "It's too dark to see the way, and there are no chamber pots in this room.""Oh. I understand." Alucard murmured in a low voice, getting out of bed. "Come, I'll take you.""Thank you." I said embarrassed.Alucard didn't need a lamp to navigate the dark hallways, his night vision sharper than any nocturnal animal alive. Me? I was blinder than a bat and huddled close to him while I walked. We made it to the bathroom, where Alucard turned on the lights inside. "There is a lever hanging above the seat. When you're done with your business, just pull it down.""Okay." I nodded. Once inside, I did my business, relieved to no longer feel like a water balloon about to burst. "He said pull this." I pulled down the lever which caused the soiled water inside the bowl to swirl and sink out."Whoa!" I jumped. "I didn't know it did that! How the heck does it do that?" This castle is a marvel!!Alucard knocked on the door. "Are you finished in there?""Yes." I said, walking outside. "Thank you..for escorting me."Alucard's shadow nodded. "Wait for me. I need to go too."I sat against the wall, waiting for Alucard. The walls weren't very thick, and I heard him murmur while answering nature's call. "I should drink more water and less wine. This is coming out as scabs and wax." He sighed heavily and there was a moment's pause. "She deserves better." I heard the toilet flush and he walked outside, turning off the light."Here." He offered his hand. "So you do not stray behind.""Thank you." I took his hand and we walked back together.We settled in bed together as we'd done so far. I didn't feel comfortable sleeping alone in a huge place like this, and Alucard thankfully understood. He even allowed me to snuggle close to him like I used to do with Vivian in the Speakers' caravan, which is probably why he suspected something when I didn't."Why are you curled up away from me?" He wondered."Your breath smells like alcohol." I admitted. "I don't have many memories, but the one of that smell isn't pleasant. Someone pinned me down with his breath smelling of beer, and after, the men at the inn smelled the same way...I think...... they wanted to mate with me.""Do I need to bite out some throats?" He growled low."No!" I exclaimed. "The guy who pinned me down gave me that nice dagger! The inn is also far away, they wouldn't be worth your time.""Very well." Alucard grumbled. "Goodnight little one. You are safe with me and in these walls." He brushed his hand against my hair."Goodnight Alucard." I patted his hand and curled up beneath the covers, nestling the two stuffed dolls I found at my breast.After that night onward, he never smelled of alcohol.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The Belmont Hold was truly a goldmine of information.Practically anything you need to know about defending yourself against vampires and monsters, you'd find there. Including all the baddie-beastie hunting weapons you could look for.The Belmont Hold became a new place of interest for me, especially with it being a significant key to my past and legacy. I've gone there frequently with Alucard over the past several weeks since regaining my memories. There was so much to learn from! Though Alucard wasn't overly enthusiastic about the place, he understood it held priceless information on how to fight vampires, something he said was crucial to learn in this day in age.I'd taken a few books from the hold and was currently reading one in Dracula's old study about vampire biology and how to use it against them . It was written by a Belmont a hundred years ago who seduced a vampire into becoming her lover. She had documented a lot of information by studying her lover (including a lot about...intimate anatomy of a vampire that was quite interesting to read about and very helpful in understanding my partner a little better. )"You're kidding me!" I remarked surprised while reading her entry on a vampire's vision. "Vampires don't actually fear crosses, they just get discombobulated by a large geometric shape in their face." Now that was hard to believe."Let's see if that's true." I picked up my favorite fidget toy on the desk, one of Dracula's own make that he created for Alucard as a child. It was a sphere that expanded when you pulled it open, and contracted to the size of your fist when you collapsed it down. Alucard gave it to me and I was obsessed with it.
And now I'm going to use it to either prove or disprove a scientific fact."Alucard!" I called out. "Can you come over here for a minute?"I heard his nearly silent footfalls enter the room. "What is it, dear?""Catch!" I tossed the expanded sphere at him.Alucard locked still like a deer in the headlights, eyes fixed on the sphere long before it hit him in the face."What the hell was that for!?""Holy shit she was right!" I scrambled over and picked up the now enclosed sphere."Who was right?" Alucard."Annelise Belmont! Vampires DO get disoriented by large geometric shapes in their face! That's why they fear the cross!"If Alucard was miffed at me, he wasn't now seeing the giddy enthusiasm in my eyes. " I had no idea I equipped you with a weapon."He chuffed unamused. "Well done Angel.""I'm sorry!" I quickly apologized. "My dumb scientific brain got ahead of me again. Are you okay?""I'm all right." Alucard responded. "That was quite startling.""So this disorients you?" I slowly expanded and contracted the sphere in front of Alucard's eyes. He stared at it with an expression of being utterly stunned, as if being hit by a ball before the ball even hit him."Oh my god." I giggled."Yes yes, it is quite disorienting." Alucard tried not to pout."Oh hell yeah!" I opened the sphere. "I've got my own weapon they'll never expect! Those vampires better watch their fucking backs!" I rapidly opened and closed the sphere like scissors."Easy, my Angel." Alucard smirked, looking away from the sphere. "You're too adorable for me to be mad at you.""So I really can use this thing as a weapon?" I said amazed."Theoretically yes. Realistically no.""Why's that?""Firstly, you'll be dead before you have the chance to take it out and use it if you're truly in threat of a vampire. We move fast, even if you have it ready. Secondly.." He swiped it from my hands."Hey!""I told you...we move fast." Alucard grinned."Give it back!!" I swiped for it."And give you a weapon to use against me?" He lifted it out of my reach. "I think not.""Give me back my weapon you leech!" I jumped at him, nearly topping on my face when he dashed out of reach."You missed, Butterfingers!" Alucard flashed his fangs mischievously."Come on! That's cheating!!" I jumped at him again, missing him by an inch."You want it? Take it from me." Alucard whirred out of the room leaving an echoing chuckle."That's it, you're dead. You're fucking dead." I pursued him. Vampiric boyfriends may be fast, but I am faster, and I'll take back what was stolen from me!
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"There are a lot of books down here." I observed, perusing along the shelves with Sypha as we searched for the door. " Look! An entire shelf of arcane spells! Even if we don't find whatever the hell we're looking for, I'm happy to have finally seen this place and the knowledge stored in this place.""It really is a treasure trove." Sypha remarked. "Just remember we're looking for the magic door, and be careful where you step, their may be damage to the floors here.""Okay." I nodded, nearly stumbling over a book on the ground."Hmm now that's a big shiny book." I picked it up and brushed off the cover. Hmm, Spells of Enhancement sounds useful.Turning a few pages, I instantly regretted looking. "What the f-!?" The book burst into white flames in my hands. Sypha came running to me. "What happened!? Be careful wielding a flame here!""I'm sorry!" I yammered. "There was this book, and it said Spells of Enhancement so I naturally thought it had to do with enhancing your magic, but it had to do with another form of enhancement......"Sypha raised her brows intrigued. "Was it the book with the penises?""Yes." I blushed."Then there is no great loss of knowledge." The Speaker patted my back reassuringly.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Alucard stirred beside me in bed. "You are moving around a lot.""I'm sorry." I apologized. "I can't seem to fall asleep.""Why? Are you unwell.""No. I'm fine." I rubbed the glyphs on my arms. "It's the stars keeping me up?""What do you mean?""The stars are awake." I stretched. "So I'm awake. At least that's how it feels." I stepped out of bed. "I'm stepping out on the balcony."I heard Alucard get out of bed. "Not alone.""There's no night creatures out.""Does not mean they won't appear."The air was chill and cool out on the balcony as we sat together beneath the milky way."Beautiful isn't it." I rested my head against Alucard's shoulder."Very." The dhampir murmured."Did you know that the light from the stars is billions of years old? It takes that amount of time for it to reach us.""I did not.""Well. Now ya do." I smiled. "Did you also know that stars are really big flaming gas balls burning billions of miles away?""Actually I do." Alucard chuckled. "My father told me.""I used to fly among them in my old life. They're the same as the sun. Their heat never burned me." I sighed, missing their light. I wonder if I'll ever feel the starlight on my wings ever again. Alucard smiled beneath the moonlight. "What are you singing?"I didn't realize I was. "I don't know. A song about hope and starlight. Sometimes songs just come to me, and I don't remember where they're from. I think from beyond our time. I'm sorry I'll stop.""No." Alucard touched my hand. "Don't stop. Sing to me."I smirked, singing a song of faith, hope, and wishing on stars."You're have the most beautiful voice.""Thank you." I blushed. "Sorry another song couldn't pop up from my subconscious mind. It's a silly one.""Not at all." Alucard held my hand. "It was hopeful." We hugged each other before returning to bed. I lingered behind, watching the brilliance of the night sky. The song trailing from my lips.
Like a bolt out of the blue,Fate steps in and sees you through.When you wish upon a star,Your dreams come true
"They already have." I murmured, turning inside. I knew I'd sleep better tonight.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I lay sprawled on the couch in the greenhouse, wearing nothing but my Glaring cloak under a cozy blanket, letting the rays of the afternoon sun beam on my bare chest and belly. Perk of living in a vast castle with only your partner, is there no shame in being practically naked. Especially on days when the glyphs tracing across my body were sensitive, and clothes touching them made me feel itchy and constrained.That happened a lot more often since the escape from Targoviste and reclaiming my memories in the Belmont Hold. From those memories I understood it happened from being in human form too long. It was if my own soul knew it was trapped in a temporary body and yearned to shake it off, like a butterfly being free of its cocoon.Nothing I can do about it. It's not as if I can shed my human form in this scenario.I spent the day easing that itch by not wearing anything under my long Glaring Cloak, and letting the sunlight hit my bare skin and glyphs. So far it was working, and I was content.After basking on the greenhouse couch fully nude for a good hour, I put the blanket over me. Its warmth and weight soothed me further to the core. The sunlight was too pleasant to fully shun, so I rolled the blanket down to my hips, letting the sun warm my chest and abdomen. This was the life.My keen hearing detected soft, nearly inaudible footsteps padding over the wood. A shadow covered the sun."You're blocking my sunlight." I murmured with my eyes still closed.The shadow didn't move, instead growing closer until I could feel the heat of his breath and hear the steady drum of his heartbeat."My beautiful angel" His voice hushed, and I sensed him hovering over me." My Adrian." I chuckled. "Can you move? I was enjoying the sun on my belly."He moved, but closer in."Don't do it."His breath was over my face."Don't DO IT!"He chuckled."Lift me off the couch again, and you will regret it. Ever heard of never waking a sleeping wolf?""I have.""Well, a sleeping wolf is going to pale in comparison if you disturb me."He laughed louder, a beautiful sound if he wasn't disturbing my peace. "I wouldn't dream of disturbing you."His lips caught mine. I didn't mind at all, in fact I savored it."Hey what are you-!?" I burst into giggles. "You crazy vampire you know I'm ticklish and my glyphs are itchy today!" Alucard's lips traveled from my mouth, down my neck and chest following the trail of glyphs down my belly. "Easy." I grunted, sensing teeth pressing into my glyphed skin. "Easy." The thing with having a human body, is that it tends to react a certain way. I recognized the feeling now, from my past lover and my current memories, and I was okay with him triggering them. Any form of intimacy I had to be okay with, else he wouldn't do it. I was letting him kiss me in my naked form, letting him nip the glyphed skin. Letting him roll the blanket off my hip, leaving me completely exposed to his teeth and affection. Fangs pricked my navel and went lower.I pushed my knee against him and he withdrew at that instant, I didn't like teeth so close to nether regions, in my past life and current. He respected that.Alucard looked over me. His pupils are solid in his gilded eyes. May I? He asked without words. I blinked and nodded, closing my eyes and letting the vampire kisses trail the path of my glyphs my body from navel to lips. I captured them again, reluctantly letting them drift down my arms, touching my fingertips.He hovered fully over me, and when his lips retraced their tracks to my own, pricking my neck in the process, I felt him pause, and he gently clutched both of my hands. I took them interlocking my fingers with his. That was my consent. The greenhouse got a LOT hotter from then on, and anyone theoretically stumbling upon the site would've been treated to a full on nature documentary. Alucard was a gentle lover as he was passionate, even in the literal heat of intimacy he was always tuned to how I was feeling. If he was going at it too harshly, or a bite went deeper, I scratched his hands. That was my cue to ease up. I reciprocated the same. The biggest thing for him during these moments, was that he needed to feel he was in control. That he could stop and back out if he needed to. For me, that meant he had to take me from the top, and I couldn't grab him in any way or pull at him. He could not feel trapped, or it could be dangerous and not just uncomfortable.It was a learning curve for both of us, and I wished my past memories of intimacy were preserved, but so far we were learning, and so far it was working out for both of us.The couch dropped with extra weight when Alucard settled beside me under the blanket, breathing heavily as he wrapped his arms around his guardian angel. "I love you." He gasped and nuzzled into my ear. "I love you."He started crying, and I had to tell myself it wasn't because it was a bad experience or I had done something wrong. He cried because it was a good experience and with someone he trusted and adored with all his being."I love you too." I blushed.He kissed my cheek. " Are you in any pain?""No." I murmured. "Just my glyphs are being sensitive again.It'll pass.""I'm sorry." Alucard murmured. "I'll set up a warm bath for you.""Thank you, but not right now." I sighed, settling in with my heart and breathing still rapid. "Let's lay a moment...then we can have a warm bath together."Clouds parted the skies and the sun rained its heat on us. Two lovers who had lost everything but had found it all again with each other.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
And that's that. I watched the automatic lock click red, closing up shop for the night. Another day another Dulce cappuccino . With the cat cafe closed for the day, I stuck the keys in my jacket and sauntered on home.It was a busy day at the cafe today, starting with that high school field trip in the morning and keeping lively the rest of the day. I was very proud of all my employees keeping the ball rolling, especially with the lunch rush. Even when things got tense, they never showed it, and when I sensed their moods they were calm. Either the friendly working environment I've cultivated or my sheer presence alone, being what I am, they were amazing.The kitties definitely loved the extra attention, four of them found their new homes.I'll treat them with something special, perhaps a night at the karaoke bar, or group tickets to a concert series, something very nice, they deserve it.Thunder rumbled and dark clouds slowly swept over the evening sky. Drat! It's going to rain and I didn't bring my umbrella! Just my damn luck! At least I have a hood. I buttoned my coat and walked through the main part of town, joining the flow of people either making their way home, or heading elsewhere for the night. The rain settled, it was interesting to watch people hold up their umbrellas or run for shelter under the awnings or inside shops.That reaction never changed. People were always interesting to watch. I pulled my hood over and sighed. It's only fifteen minutes and a little rain never killed anyone, except maybe the Wicked Witch of the West. People crowded together at the big intersection, waiting for the light to turn. I sensed someone moving closer to me. Not pushing, but weaving their way through the waiting people like a snake. Suddenly, the rain stopped falling.At least on me, under the streetlight the rain dripped down in shimmering ribbons, pattering on the umbrella propped over my head. It was dark, but I clearly recognized the shadowed profile standing next to me, holding the umbrella over us both. My chest flushed suddenly, warm, and I took the hand he politely offered me.We walked together in the rain, stopping under a tree by the shrine when the storm became a downpour. Still holding hands, I gazed upon the shadowed figure dressed in black with sheen black hair. "Good day today?" I asked quietlyHe didn't speak, but nodded smiling. "See any aliens?"He chuckled, murmuring no and saying he could neither confirm nor deny the existence of extraterrestrials in his profession. It was a running joke between us."There has to be aliens." I murmured humorously. "You should drop by the cafe one day, and I don't mean coming in before the cafe opens setting up shop and feeding the animals. The black rose on the counter was a sweet gesture though."He replied he did not wish to interfere with my job, even being married after all this time he still wanted me to have my own life. The cats acted weird around him too. "Dropping in for a quick hello isn't interfering with my job or life." I countered. "People are curious about my husband who none have ever seen. You've become an urban legend to my customers, and that kind gesture yesterday added fuel to the speculative fire."Let them speculate, he responded smirking. It would be safer for both of us if he wasn't seen with me in public spaces. Besides, he's not a people person."We're in a public space now." I commented.But we won't be seen. A deep fog blanketed the area, blinding the scenery until it was only him and me. "Nice magic trick." I remarked. As the rain poured on, thickening the fog, we huddled together under the tree by the shrine. He was warm, and looked up gazing at him in full adoration. He might look different under a new persona, but he was still my beloved. As I was his. We kissed beneath the fog and by the time it cleared, the couple were already dry and warm in the comfort of their home.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Are you sure it's a good idea to walk this far?" Alucard brooded over me, walking beside me and holding my hand."It's not far." I assured him. "You know the stream is right by the Belmont Hold, and that's not far away from home. Beside's Aiden's been begging me to show him the creek with the willow tree and the rocks at the bottom. You know the one.""Yes." Alucard murmured. "Where we had our picnic and Trevor comforted you after regaining your memories. With that perfect patch where we laid in the sun." He gazed onward reminiscing while watching our adopted sun trot happily ahead . "It would be delightful to return to that spot again, and Aiden will enjoy the stream for sure." Concern welled in his voice. "But maybe now's not the time, while you are in delicate condition.""I'm not in a delicate condition." I huffed. "And my condition is exactly why it's a good idea to do this now. Later on I won't be able to make this walk.""I do not see why we should." Alucard persisted. "You can still lay inside the greenhouse, there is plenty of sunlight and greenery.""It's not being out in nature." I sighed. "You don't have to worry about me, Alucard, this isn't my first time.""It is for me." Alucard said. "And you're not just carrying a-.""Hey come on!" Aiden stopped and waved at us. "It'll be nightfall by the time we get there!""Aiden! Your mother cannot move fast!" Alucard barked back at him."I can move fast enough." I squeezed Alucard's hand with a reassuring wink. With a slight pick up of pace, we caught up with Aiden and walked together on the path leading to the stream. For Alucard, our little walk in the woods became worth it when he saw the smile on my face. "Same old, same old." I beamed, gazing on the stream with the willow tree on its high bank. "I love how it stayed even after our village was built. Come Aiden, let's sit by the rocks and put our feet in the water." Our little family sat together at the edge of the creek with our feet in the water, watching the current trickle through our toes. Aiden poked his stick he picked up, trying to unearth fish or creatures that may be hiding beneath."Is the water too cold , my love?""It's a little chilly, but it's fine." I smiled, resting my head against his shoulder and kissing his collarbone. Alucard wrapped his arm around me, pulling me into his embrace. His other hand rested tenderly on my now round belly."Mother, can I go into the water and look for stones?" Aiden asked, fidgeting in his seat. "Sure kiddo, just stay by the bank over there." I pointed. "And don't go in further than your knees.""Okay!" He trotted off with the stick in hand.We watched our son play in the water, picking up stones and seeing how far he could throw them. "Did you ever imagine our lives would be like this?" I said blissfully. "Never." Alucard caressed my belly. " Never did I think the amnesiac, injured stranger barging through my castle doors pleading for sanctuary would lead to this." He pulled me in closer. "Getting kicked out of Heaven was the best thing that's ever happened to me." I rubbed the glyphs down my arms. "I found a better one, here on Earth." Azrael was right, I belonged here, and choosing to remain human formed to live among them was the best decision I ever made. I rubbed my belly, she was sleeping and probably enjoying the serenity as much as I was. Especially with you, little one. Soon you'll be part of this amazing thing called life, with an entire village around you.Alucard helped me up as I balanced my staff, guiding me to my favorite basking spot and laying me down. "Ah there's the spot!" I stretched in the sunlight. "Thank you, love. Can you watch Aiden for me? I'll be okay."Alucard nodded and left, not before kissing my belly and then me. I closed my eyes and placed my hand on my growing womb, listening to the running stream and the voices of my family as Alucard engaged with his son, teaching him about the fish in the stream and the pretty rocks in the water.. Soon I heard them skipping rocks together."How'd you do that!?""With practice, the rock must also be smooth enough to skip water. Here, let me show you how to throw it......"
I always knew Alucard would be a good father, he's got nothing to worry about.
I rubbed my hand across my belly, feeling her pulse through my fingertips. It's definitely a girl, I just feel it, it wasn't the same this time as it was carrying Val. The women in the village said the same, so did Sypha when I explained the difference to her. She knew what I meant because she had a boy and a girl. My little one's future playmates, I hope they all get along.
And the woman I saw in the Infinite Corridor.......That was her, my daughter, I know it in my soul.
I pricked my ears at the sound of footsteps. "Mother I skipped a stone!""That's awesome Aiden." I lifted my head. "Perhaps you can show me later."Aiden nodded. "I'm gonna go practice more." He sprinted off to the edge of the creek."Stay out of the water unless one of us is with you! Feet in only!" I called him."Okay!"Alucard approached, laying down beside me like he had always done in this pleasant spot."You look radiant." I smiled."I'm but a pale moon compared to you." Alucard inched closer and nuzzled me, taking my hand."Thank you for watching over me. I know you mean well, and I appreciate it deeply." I lay my head on his chest. He draped his arm across me and clutched my other hand resting on my plump belly. The bump was small for now, but noticeable, in the coming weeks it'll only grow. "You're welcome. I only want what is best for you and our child." "I know you do." I whispered. Part of me still couldn't comprehend that we conceived a child. I felt it deep within me the moment it happened, waking up Alucard startled that something happened, but I didn't remember what. Only in the weeks afterwards, when I was feeling sick and skipped my moon bleed, did I suspect it. Sypha called it, the rest of the village women gave me bright looks and told me their same speculation. A test later confirmed it all."Val had my powers, and longevity. Do you think this one will have that and more?""Who knows." Alucard responded. "Though I won't lie I'm not concerned they'll inherit my side's nature. A vampire and angel hybrid has never been seen before.""It'll be a learning experience for all of us." I sighed. "But I've a feeling We'll be just fine." I breathed in the hair, soaking in the sun on my skin and glyphs. Beneath my head, Alucard's chest slowly rose and fell, one hand stroking through my hair and the other on my belly." Can we come back here when the baby is born? I want to show her how to skip rocks." Aiden lay down next to us."It will be some time before it's old enough to skip rocks." Alucard said. "But yes, we can return here with your sibling. How can you be so sure it's going to be a girl?""Everyone in the village says it's going to be a girl, and Mother too." Aiden lay his head gently on me, touching where his sister waited. "I would like a little sister this time.""This time?" We asked in unison."My mother had a baby before our village was attacked and ...." His voice trailed off and I stroked his hair. "I'm so sorry Aiden, I never knew.""I never told you." The boy answered quietly. "But it's okay now because my mother and father sent me to you from Heaven, now I'm not alone anymore.""You are not." Alucard thrummed."And you're gonna be the best big brother ever!"Aiden giggled when I tickled his nose. He returned to the stream, practicing his throwing skills so by the time his sibling was old enough, he'd be an expert. I closed my eyes on my husband's chest, feeling his arms wrap around me and drawing the cloak drawn over me skin like a blanket. It wouldn't be the last time I enjoyed my place in the sun.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"And then, I'm ashamed to say, I put them on stakes outside the castle like I was my father... I'm just saying, I wasn't at my best.'' Alucard shucked the night creature's corpse off his sword, wiping the bloodied blade on moss. I was honestly surprised he felt comfortable enough about his past trauma, especially this casually."Not until my guardian angel showed up at my front door.""Aww shucks! You speak too highly of me. Really, part of me wishes you spared them so I could kill them myself." I responded sharply" That's uncharacteristic of an angel." Greta commented. "Aren't you folk supposed to be guardians of all humanity?""We can be mean if we're angered enough, and we can do a lot of killing." I said. "Interesting. Don't go raining down the plague if somebody pisses you off." Greta remarked."Couldn't if I wanted to." I winked. "I don't have the clearance. Joking aside, those two were more than deserving of their fates. Have you ever heard of such a thing.." My staff glowed dimly from my anger."I mean. I had a boyfriend and a girlfriend at the same time once." Greta tried to lighten the mood. "But they never tried to kill me. Actually, no. I tell a lie. His wife went for me with a pitchfork." That got a chuckle out of Alucard, and I couldn't help the involuntary blush on my cheeks. God I love you."I never understood that with humans, that you only had to stick with one partner. You've got enough love in your hearts for more than one family member or friend, why not more than one lover? If that wife was an angel she would've taken you as part of her choir."Both gave me the weirdest looks."I thought Angels mated for life." Alucard said."We do. It doesn't mean we're monogamous. Most choirs are made up of polyamorous bonds between angels. That's how it is for us. Share the love.""But not for you?" Greta asked."No...not for me." I sighed. "I didn't know what romantic love was until I met Aurelius, and none of the angels favored me after that. I loved a human and had his child. It's taboo for an angel to take a human partner, and downright forbidden to mate with one. My brothers were punished for doing both and here I go, their surviving sister, repeating the same sins."I laughed a dry humorless laugh. "No sane choir or angel would think of taking me as a mate. Might as well take a demon for a lover. I was always alone. Angels aren't meant to be alone." Alucard took my hand. "You're not alone anymore.""No." I squeezed his hand. "Not anymore. I'm glad to have you part of my choir."And Greta too if she's interested . I wanted to add but kept my mouth shut.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You find the strangest things in this castle.While I was lounging in the study, I found two stuffed dolls filled with sawdust laying behind some pillows. Their arms made of wooden spoons and their legs made of ladles. The dolls looked crudely made but they're so plump and adorable, I couldn't leave them collecting dust!"Now what the heck are you supposed to be." I murmured amused. One of them looked strikingly like a Speaker and the other....I don't know....a scruffy crusader in dreadlocks? No clue."Don't mind us, we're just a couple of dolls hiding behind the pillows!" I held up the crusader doll, imitating a silly voice."We have never seen your like before." I held the Speaker doll, imitating Vivian's accent. "Who are you and what are you doing in this castle?""I wish I knew who I was, but I can't remember anything." I spoke in my own voice. "I came here hoping to find something that would help me remember, but so far that hasn't happened. But it's not all bad, I'm learning many things and Alucard is starting to warm up to me.""That is a very good thing." I spoke in Vivian's voice with the Speaker doll."Yes. A very good thing! You're better off than when you started." I spoke as the other doll."You really think so?""Yup." I said as the Speaker doll. "You might not have found what you were looking for, but you've found a place to stay where you can learn many things and get a new start in life.""Yeah, it's like I always say." I said as the scruffy doll. "You can't always get what you want, but if you try some time you just might find....""Find what?""You'll get what you need!""Hey you're right!" I laughed before covering my mouth. "Oh my God I'm talking to dolls. First the paintings now this. Is this castle driving me crazy!?"Against probably any sane decision, I sleep with those dolls now, cuddled against my breast. (I tied up their bottoms so the sawdust wouldn't fall out.) Especially the scruffy one. They're, soft, plump, and cuddly, and for some reason snuggling that doll so close to my heart gives me a warm maternal feeling. A few days later I noticed they were missing from their normal spots behind my pillow. "What the!?" I searched the bed, the floor, and under the bed thinking I might have dropped them. They were nowhere in the bedroom, and they couldn't have been anywhere else. I kept them in the bedroom, in the exact same spot behind my pillow ever since I found them."Holy fuck were they possessed the whole time!? Did they just get up and walk away!?" I squeaked in panic. I spent the rest of the day a nervous wreck, searching the castle for signs of possessed dolls, only to find them on my side of the bed later that night, fully sown with stubby limbs and a lot plumper than before. "They should be more comfortable to sleep with now." Alucard commented plainly.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"I can't believe I'm riding a goddamn unicorn." Trevor muttered behind me."Would you like to walk the rest of the way to the castle?" I turned and looked behind me, holding the unicorn's mane."No.""Then be grateful he's allowing you to ride him." I patted the equine's shoulder. He had slowed to a walk as we made our way through a dense forest."Only because you asked him to carry me." Grunted my last living descendant. "He wouldn't stand anywhere near me if you didn't. I'm the furthest from an innocent virgin you can get." The unicorn snorted at his remark. "See? he agrees.""He lets me ride him." I countered."You're different." Trevor said. " You're brethren. You're an angel, a holy benevolent creature in a corporeal form like him. Doesn't matter if you've fucked Alucard a few times.""Oh my God you're such an asshole!" I snapped flustered. "Maybe I should have left you in the Corridor!""Would've saved you time and trouble." Trevor shrugged.We stopped to take a rest. Trevor had enough energy to walk off behind some shrubs while I went the other way, finding my own secluded spot. If Alucard were here he would have told me to cover it, or covered it himself with his own marker. Apparently night creatures can scent what I am off it? I covered it up after I finished. When I returned, he waited for me to lean his back against a tree. "The hell took you so long? What were you doing?""The same thing you were doing." I remarked."It takes you that long to take a piss?" Trevor question. "You're lucky there's no night creatures around.""Excuse me!" I snapped. "I can't just whip it out and extinguish the hose. It's a process.""You are a celestial being that can take any form you want." Trevor shrugged."Not me." I answered. "Not anymore. It's true angels can assume either male or female physical forms, but I can't. I can only take a female body now."Trevor was genuinely surprised. "Why? Because you rebelled against the Heavenly Order?""Because I had a child." I revealed. "Creating life binds you to your physical body in a way that other functions don't. I could never take a male form again after giving birth to your ancestor. I'm the only angel limited to one sex.""That sucks.""It doesn't." I said. "I'll never regret having Val, and I always preferred a female body anyway. Never liked having my vulnerable bits on the outside." I winked."Good for you." Trevor smirked. "I'm sure you appreciate it more with Alucard in the picture. He must be grateful for it too, very grateful.""You are a few words short of me smacking you in the head." I warned......We hit the road again and stopped a few hours later to make camp. "I'm going to collect wood for fire. Stay by the unicorn." I told Trevor walking towards the trees"Sure." Trevor rested. "Don't stop to take a piss on your way back." I responded with a middle finger.Firewood was easy to collect. I went back in the direction of camp with an armful of kindling."The fuck are you looking at?" I heard Trevor's voice grumble."Stay away from me!" He warned.I dropped the firewood and ran to him."Get the fuck- are you serious!? I'm a mean old bastard with a passion for sex and beer! You do not want me, you shouldn't even like me! Get away from me-!!"I couldn't believe what I saw. The unicorn lay peacefully next to Trevor with his head resting in irritable Belmont's lap."Shut up." Trevor warned.I couldn't help my ridiculous grin."Shut up.""Azrael was right." I giggled. "Don't believe in every fairytale.""Shut the fuck up, angel-face." Trevor seethed mortified."The truth really is stranger than fiction.""Get your stupid horse off me!" The unicorn lifted his head and nuzzled Trevor the way he did with me. "For God's sake!""He likes you." I laughed amazed. "You may be a mean old bastard, but you have a heart of gold. You're a good soul, and he knows it.""Yeah yeah whatever." Trevor pushed the unicorn's muzzle away from him. "Don't you dare tell Alucard.""Fine I won't. As long as you stop jabbing me about my love life.""Fine." Trevor relented. "Where's the firewood?""I dropped to run over to you." I remembered. "I thought you were being attacked.""Of course you did....." Trevor grumbled. "How the hell are you my ancestor?""How the hell are you my descendant?" I quipped and went to pick up the kindling.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You can never sneak up on a vampire.Even a half vampire. They can sense you, smell you, and react to you before you even take a step."I know you're behind me Little One." Alucard chuckled quietly, not even turning his head as he organized the books in his father's private study. I stepped forward quietly on the pads of my feet, 'sneaking up' on my mate as his back was turned. I 'caught' him from behind, wrapping my arms and standing on my tiptoes so my chin could rest on his shoulder."Hello, Angel. What exactly are you doing?" Alucard's voice was warm and comforting as the fire crackling in the hearth. "Hugging you." "Why?" Alucard smiled."Do I need a reason to hug my lover?" I squeezed him. "Also revenge. Payback. For nearly smothering me last night and cuddling me to near death while I'm trying to sleep, and biting the frick out of me.""I have no memory of such things." Alucard denied a little too quickly. "Liar." I kissed his shoulder."Fine, I may have been somewhat aware. Forgive me dear, I cannot help it. You are so warm and your heartbeat is comforting, and I did not bite you so much as nibble. Your smell and taste is intoxicating.""So that's what I've become, your personal marshmallow pillow." I hugged him as tight as I could. "Have a taste of your own medicine.""I'm terrified." Alucard grinned. "A vengeful angel. Who'd ever heard of such a thing?Now that you've taken your revenge and nearly crushed my organs. Can you let go, so I may turn and see your beautiful face?"I relented and released him from my clutches, looking up and meeting his loving eyes. He's giving me them love eyes again, better watch my step or I'll be on the receiving end of another 'attack'."My dear...you look troubled. Is it your resurfacing memories again?" Alucard asked concerned."Yes." I nodded. "Sometimes they make me....melancholic..and I need comfort."Alucard embraced me. "That I will always give. I'm so sorry." He purred as he kissed my cheek. "It was a mistake going into the Belmont Hold. I should have stopped it.""No. It wasn't a mistake. I will never forget it. Knowing who I really am...it brought so much closure. Sometimes the memories.....can be painful.""I'm so sorry.""It's okay." I took his hand. "I will be fine, especially with you in the picture. I love you, and that will never change.""I love you too, my angel." He took my lips into his.The fire crackled bathing us in its warm orange glow." You know what's annoying, about having my memory back?" I said after we parted lips. "What?" Alucard asked inquisitive."Two things. One; The fact that I had a past lover and birthed a child, but the powers above sent me down with the body and memory of a virgin? That was not fun to figure out! What the hell!? Second; I frequently get songs stuck in my head that I've never heard before and I'm sure they are not from our current world. Like the one stuck in my head right now.""Which one? Can you sing it.""It's weird and catchy are you sure?""My angel, you can be singing unintelligible babble and I'd still listen to the sweetness of your voice..""Okay." I sighed and sang what was constantly running in my brain."Hmm. What an imaginative song." "Imaginative but confusing." I scratched the back of my head. " Seriously, who is Lucy and why is she in the sky? Are diamonds supposed to be stars?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The total eclipse darkened the sky, and under the shadowed sun, a newborn child took her first breath of life.Her piercing cry brought me out of my Seraphim vision. My body trembled, racked raw and drained unlike anything I've felt before, but that didn't matter. I didn't care. The only thing that mattered in my entire world was the wailing newborn in my husband's arms.Alucard pulled her out from under me as I gave the final push, and she took her first breath in his arms. He cut the cord with his fangs, wiping her clean with a rag. Sypha steadied me as I tried to stand up, my back arched as I doubled over in Dracula's old chair. She sharply spoke my name. "You need to stay still, it is all right. We'll bring her to you." The midwives cleaned me up as much as they could.All while Alucard held his newborn daughter. I saw him shaking . Sypha and Abby gently guided me to the couch, gingerly laying me down. Labor had come on so fast they only had time to bring me to the study, and work from there. I'd given birth to her within two hours, I heard the midwives whisper to each other, saying it was the fastest birth they've ever seen. Another human would have struggled, and likely died from it, they murmured thinking I wouldn't hear. I wasn't human, even though I took human form. I called Alucard to come over, he sat at my bedside, laying her in my arms."You sure know how to make an entrance,kid." I held her unable to keep myself from crying. It all felt so new, yet so familiar. "I've never seen anything so beautiful." Alucard whispered, crying unashamed. He held us both, tenderly kissing my sweaty forehead. "I'm so proud of you, my love. You did amazing."" Thank you. I sure as hell don't feel amazing." I laughed weakly, nuzzling his forehead as we looked upon our newborn daughter full of amazement and love.
Our daughter.
Alucard gently caressed his hands through her curly golden hair."Welcome to the world, Little Dove."The door opened, Sypha returned with Aiden, gently ushering the boy in."It's all right Aiden, you can come over." I smiled, holding the baby at my breast. The baby looked at him with new eyes and chirped at him as if to say. Come over here so I can meet you big brother!The boy came over and looked over her with incredible love."Aiden, this is your sister, Emmaline."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I shouldn't have run on ahead, who knows what else is lurking down here. Yet something inside me, stronger than instincts sent me racing ahead of my friends, their frantic calls lost in the wind behind my sprinting feet.I stopped, shuffling my feet when I found myself in an enormous vault with a metal coffin on top of an altar. I nearly dropped my staff, gasping as the lantern light flickered in my shaking hand. This was the place in my dream! The tomb with the single coffin! This is why my instincts pushed me to come to Gresit.I set the lantern down, steadily walking down the aisle clenching my staff with my other hand gripping the hilt of the silver sword Mary gave me. Electric lanterns lit up on the walls when I passed, and I halted when I approached the coffin. "This is it." This is where I'm supposed to be, but now what should I do?I startled backward at a rush of air. The mechanisms clinked on the wall like giant clogs in a clocktower, and the coffin rose, opening to me.A vampiric figure levitated out from the coffin, floating before me like an apparition . I was stricken by how beautiful he was. "Why are you here?" The figure questioned in a low growling voice."Because I'm supposed to be here." I answered, quivering. "Though...I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now. Maybe I'm meant to find you."The vampire raised his head, staring at me with golden eyes. "Who are you?""I wish I knew." I admitted bashfully. " I don't remember who I am or what my name even was. I woke up in a burning field, with the only memory being this place." I gestured the tomb. " A voice told me in my dreams I was supposed to come here. For what reason, I don't know....but this feels right."I couldn't take my eyes off him. "So the legend is real. The Sleeping Soldier lies beneath Gresit waiting for the Messenger. The One who will save us from Dracula." I clutched my mouth. "The Messenger... Maybe that's me!! And I was supposed to find you because I'm part of the legend!"The vampire chuckled amused. "And what message do you bring, Little One?""We need your help." I answered confidently. "Gresit is under attack and Dracula's hell bent on destroying all humanity. The Legend says that a Messiah will awaken to defeat Dracula, and that he will be aided by a Hunter, a Scholar, and a......" My eyes widened. "And a Guardian..I'm the Guardian. I'm meant to help you on this quest. That explains the dream, and why this all feels right."The Sleeping Soldier only gazed in intrigue. I bent on my knee holding my staff in both arms. "Will you help us?""I will." He answered gravely. "Though it grieves me to do so."I've never seen eyes so beautiful, and I couldn't move when they cast onto me. "I must wonder, you say 'we'. Yet only you stand before me. Where is your Hunter and Scholar, fearless Guardian? Surely you did not travel here alone."A furious scuffling sounded off and my companions came rushing in, halting in their tracks seeing me standing next to the floating Messiah. "That fucking bitch I'm gonna kill her." Trevor growled. "Get away from him. Right now." His hands tightened around his whip."Guys it's all right! I found him!" I couldn't contain my excitement. "The Sleeping Soldier! It's all true, and he said he will help us!" Sypha believed me, I saw the amazement in her eyes. Trevor on the other hand..." That's what he told you?" He scoffed. "How nice. "The Sleeping Soldier glared at him suspiciously."You don't believe me?" I asked."Oh I believe you think he's some sleeping messiah." Trevor glared at the soldier with equal heat. "I don't.""Belmont!" Sypha cried.Trevor ignored her and warned me again. "Kid, get away from him before he takes a chunk out of your neck, slowly, don't make any sudden moves.""Why would I hurt your innocent Messenger?" The soldier asked."Because I know what you are."The soldier smirked. "And what am I?"Trevor narrowed his eyes. "You're a vampire."I jolted when the soldier grinned at me, revealing sharp fangs. Slowly I backed away, not turning my back to him as I scuffled next to Sypha. Trevor muttered under his breath and then questioned the soldier if we had indeed come to wake up the man who will kill Dracula or wake up Dracula himself."You're scaring her." The soldier glinted at me. "You call me Dracula.""I'll call you anything you like if you're gonna show me your teeth." Trevor growled."She called you Belmont." The Soldier looked at the Speaker. "House of Belmont?""Trevor Belmont. Last son of the House of Belmont." The hunter declared."The Belmonts fought creatures of the night did they not? The Belmonts killed vampires." The soldier remarked surprised."Until the good people decided they didn't want us around." Trevor paced casually, already squaring up his foe. "And now Dracula is carrying out a genocide on the human race.""And do you care, Belmont?" The soldier questioned."Honestly I didn't." Trevor admitted. "But now, yes. It's time to stop him." He unfurled the killer whip. "What I think is I'm going to have to kill you.""No!" Sypha and I screamed in unison. "He's the one we've been waiting for!" Sypha cried."No he's not, girls" Trevor rejected. "He's a vampire, and he's not been waiting here for hundreds of years. Have you?"The soldier responded asking what year it was."1476." Sypha answered him."A year then." The soldier nodded."That short?" I was amazed. "And you built all of this beforehand. It looks like you meant to slumber here far longer than a year. Being so deep underground in a tomb littered with booby traps. Were you trying to protect yourself from anyone who'd bother looking for you? Buy yourself time? We were nearly killed many times by those machines.""Ah look at you!" Trevor laughed. "You are smart when you actually use your head.""Shut it." I snapped at him."My defenses were not for you." The soldier explained. "They are machines, nothing more. They were not intended to protect me from you." He darted a glare at Trevor. "I asked you a question; do you care?""I care about doing my family's work. I care about saving human lives." Trevor answered him unafraid. Am I going to have to kill you?""Do you think you can? If you're really Belmont and not some runt running around with the family crest you might be able to." A sword flew into his hands, its blade gleaming in the light. "Let's find out.""No!" I screamed."Belmont you can't do this!" Sypha cried."Tell it to your Floating Vampire Jesus here." The Belmont scoffed."You've got nothing but insults have you?" Snarled the vampire. "A tired little-!" A lash of the whip sent him flying back.Sypha grabbed hold of me and forced me away as we helplessly watched the Hunter and Soldier engaged in a rapid, merciless duel. "Trevor stop it!!! He's supposed to help us!!!!"I panicked."He's not your messiah!!" Trevor lashed his whip. "He's Dracula!""And do you know what Dracula looks like!?" The vampire deflected Trevor's attacks with his sword."Nobody knows what Dracula looks like!" Trevor's whip cut through the air. "You've got fangs, you sleep in a coffin!"Sypha pulled us back to the far wall as the whip lashed out and the vampire dashed with gleaming teeth and blade. I lunged forward only to be forcefully pulled back by the Speaker. "You can't! If you get in the middle you'll get hurt!""We can't let them kill each other!" I cried. "This is my fault! I shouldn't have gone ahead. I've woken him up and now this happened. If he kills the last Belmont we're screwed. If he's really the Sleeping Soldier and Trevor kills him, we're screwed. All because of me! Because I thought my purpose was to help you!""That is your purpose!" Sypha looked me in the eyes. "You were meant to be here and everything happened as it was supposed to. You are the Guardian to our Hunter and Scholar, I feel it in my soul.""But how can I be a Guardian if I can't do anything?" I cried. "I have no memory, no powers, I don't even know how to hold a sword. Why am I here? What am I doing here with a Speaker Mage and the Last Belmont if I am useless?""You're not useless." Sypha clutched my hand. "You have a purpose, and that is to be our friend. And I know there is more than that, in time we will find out."I heard a sharp crack. The vampire punched Trevor in the face and pinned him down, baring his teeth in his face. "Do you have a god to put a last prayer to Belmont?"Trevor grinned undaunted in the face of death. "Dear God, please don't let the vampire ruin my good tunic." He plunged the broken blade of his sword into the vampire's gut. The vampire twitched, more startled than hurt. "I can still rip your throat out." He hissed."You can, but it won't stop me from staking you.""But you will still die.""But I don't care." Trevor smirked determined. "Killing you was the point. Living through it was just a luxury." The vampire's laugh sent weird flutters in my gut.I struck the vampire in the back with my staff.It happened so quickly I couldn't curse myself for being so stupid. The vampire wheeled around and chased me, pinning me against the wall with his teeth and claws at my throat."Brave little Guardian." He hissed. "I thought I was your legendary savior? Why turn on me?" My heart hammered in my chest. "Because he's my friend." I struggled. "And I won't let you hurt him.""You will die foolishly protecting your friend." He pressed a claw to my jugular."Go ahead and kill me." I looked bravely into his eyes. "I'm not afraid to die, but killing me won't stop Dracula." Sypha confronted him with flames aimed at his back. "Let her go.""A Speaker Magician." He murmured intrigued, retracting his claw from my throat. "I will not harm your companion. She is very curious." He turned to me "How do you know I'm not Dracula?""Because you're hurt." I lifted a hand to the gashes inflicted on him by Trevor's whip, the rippling puncture above his navel from the stab wound. An aged scar lashed across his torso from an old wound."If you were really Dracula, he wouldn't have wounded you, let alone landed a hit on you. The Belmonts hunted him for centuries and none of them got close to ever beating him in a fight. Especially not a tired drunk who's more experienced in tavern brawls than against vampire lords.""Fuck you." Trevor snapped, struggling up."Well it's true." I said firmly. "Dracula would have mopped the floor with you, idiot. But you still had to poke a goddamn bear and nearly get your head bitten off."The vampire laughed and lowered me on the floor, still holding me with an iron grip. "You are very clever for one who lost her memory. How would you know that?""I just....do." I gulped. "Sometimes...things come back to me. I just know. Like I know you're not our enemy and you'll help us stop Dracula. I may not remember who I am , but I believe, deep in my heart, we're supposed to meet.""And why do you believe that?" He asked genuinely.I sighed. "You're Adrian, aren't you? A voice told me in my dreams to find you. Will you help us?"The vampire quivered with shock in his eyes, and let me go. "I will." He summoned and sheathed his sword at his belt. " I am Adrian Tepes. Known to the Wallachians as Alucard... son of Vlad Dracula Tepes. I've been asleep here in my private keep under Gresit for a year, to heal the wounds dealt by my father when I attempted to stop him unleashed his demon armies."His eyes cast on us comprehending our purposes. "I need a hunter, a scholar, and a guardian in the task of defeating my father."Sypha lowered he hand, extinguishing the flame. "You are the Sleeping Soldier.""I'm aware of the stories." Alucard turned to her. " And I'm also aware the Speaker consider the story to be information from the future, proclaimed by the Messenger who created their order.""What?" I glanced at Sypha, she hadn't told me that part. "She hasn't told you the whole story?" Alucard wondered. "The sleeping soldier will be awakened by a guardian. Their Messenger in human flesh who knows not what she is, and she will be guided by a hunter and a scholar."I looked at Sypha bewildered. "Is that true?""It is." The Speaker admitted. "I didn't want to overwhelm you, I'm sorry.""Is that why your grandfather took me in? Because he thinks I'm some mystical messenger who will help save the world? And what does he mean by messenger in human flesh? I don't understand.""She means Messenger in the theological term." Alucard said. "A Mal'akh. An angel."Trevor laughed. "You think she is an angel. You've all gone mad! Her? An angel. I've heard some crazy shit in my day, but that? That makes everything else look sane.""You're not helping." Alucard growled. I shivered, glancing at Sypha. "Why didn't you tell me this?""We were going to." Sypha admitted. "My grandfather and I wanted to tell you when the time was right. I swear. We had doubts, maybe you were just an unfortunate stranger who lost her way. But your story about waking up in a flaming field devoid of your memory, and then your staff...." her blue eyes were baleful. " And your scars." I backed away, the scars on my back burning again. "No. You've got it wrong. I can't be.""Kid, it's just a story. You're not an angel, no more than Alucard is a sleeping messiah." Trevor stepped gruffly."Yet, here we all stand." Alucard murmured.It was too much."Wait!" Sypha cried when I ran off. "Leave her." Trevor huffed. "Better for her sake she's not part of this. If she was an angel, she's not one now. Let her run away, she'd only be vampire fodder to us anyway.""Some friend you are, Belmont." Alucard hissed.I shielded my eyes stepping out into the sun, wandering aimlessly throughout the ruins of Gresit to clear my head, dragging my staff in the dirt. I found a corner in a ruined house to curl up against, burying my head into my knees and breathing heavily. I startled from a hand softly touching my shoulder. "Your Speaker friend is worried." Alucard's voice was low and soothing."I'm sorry.""It is all right to feel overwhelmed. Such knowledge would be shocking to anyone." Alucard removed his coat and placed it over my shoulders like a blanket. "I will remain with you until you are ready to return to them.""What if I don't?" I lifted my head seeing him stand over me. Trevor's right. I'm not cut out for this, I'd only get myself killed and I'd be useless to you." Alucard sat in front of me and lifted my chin to his eyes. "Don't believe anything that shithead tells you. You are more than capable, you do not realize it yet.""What makes you think that?" "I believe in it." His eyes were so soft. "And I believe in you." I blushed. "What if you're wrong? And I let you all down?""I am not wrong, and you'll not let us down. I know it, and I feel it. The same way you felt you were meant to be in Gresit and find me slumbering in my coffin." The blush spread across my cheeks when he took my hand. "You knew my name.""I suppose I did...." I sighed."And perhaps you will learn more on this journey.""You really think so?""I know so."I sighed. "A Speaker, a Belmont, and an amnesiac angel. What a team. Think we can really do it?""A hunter, a scholar, and a guardian." Alucard stood. "I need a hunter, a scholar, and a guardian. I need help to save Wallachia... perhaps the world... and defeat my father. Will you join us?"I stood up taking my staff. "I will.""Very good." Alucard patted my shoulder. "Someone will need to keep that smelly drunk of a Belmont in line." "He's not that smelly!" I laughed. "But he is quite drunk. Don't worry, I might not know how to use a sword or magic, but I talk softly and carry a big stick!" I swiped my staff in the air. There was a tint on Alucard's cheek when he smiled. "I think I might like you."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Post 'The Next Step." Our protagonist knows who she is, and that her love for Alucard is reciprocated. She sits on the balcony gazing at the stars, wondering if the angels indeed sent her to protect him.
It doesn't matter. She is here for him now, and he's here for her. They will love and defend each other through whatever comes next.
Alucard thinking to himself as he wanders the halls.
If happiness was a tangible thing,
It would be you
If you'd have told me the feeling you'd bring,
I'd think it untrue
And people search for a wonder like you,
All of their lives
You still amaze me after all this time
You pull me in like some kind of wind
Mesmerized by the hold I'm in
Leave you here, I don't wanna
I wanna
Love you as one does
I, I will protect you at all costs
Keep you safe here in my arms
I, I will protect you at all costs
At all costs
Amelia (Y/N) singing to herself as she returns to her bedroom, stopping to look at a portrait of Alucard done shortly before Lisa's death.
What's pain when I look at you? No way,
I could explain you, even if tried to
I'll never dream like I used to do
If someone tried to hurt you, I don't
See how that could happen
I'd fight for you in ways you can't imagine
Felt this? No, I haven't, I hope
It would be all right to stay right here beside you
They come together meeting. She sings and Alucard finds himself singing the lyrics with her. Shocked the same song plays in their mind. A sign of their now unbreakable bond and their star-crossed love.
And love you as one does
I, I will protect you at all costs
Keep you safe here in my arms
I, I will protect you at all costs
At all costs
If you're ever feeling like you're lost
I will come find you
Man all fronts, there's no ocean I won't swim across
To be right by you
And not just once, here and now I swear on my response
I'll remind you
And love you as one does
I, I will protect you at all costs
Keep you safe here in my arms
I, I will protect you at all costs
At all costs
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The the wind rattled our windows as the rainy gust pounded the castle's stones, yet inside the bedroom was still and serene. A warm orange glow cast over the room, making it seem like an ethereal calm space.I nestled under several layers of woolen and furred blankets, huddling my naked body against that of my mate's. It was one of those nights where clothes were sensitive against my glyphs against , but his warm body pressed against mine wasn't. His heartbeat is booming against my ear like a slow melodic drum, and his arms caged around my back.Paradise. Worth losing my wings for if that was really what happened. Only one thing ruined the moment. "Aww damn." I moaned.Hands coursed up my spine to my hair. "What's wrong, my dearest?" A voice breathed."I have to go to the bathroom.""Then go." Alucard chuckled. "And leave the comforting warmth of my deep resting place?" I sighed."You'll come back.""Maybe I can wait until morning." Alucard's hand traced down my spine before lingering at the small of my back, tickling the glyphs above my sacrum. "Stop that! You know that makes me ticklish!" I whispered giggling."I thought you liked that." Alucard." I do, but if you tickle me right now I'll laugh so hard I'll pee on you!""Then empty your bladder so I can without risk." Alucard's chest rumbled beneath me in a chuckle."Fine." I grumbled. It took every bit of willpower to step out of bed. I wriggled my feet into the slippers and wrapped myself in the bear pelt, stepping through the dark cobbled hallways with a light orb floating in my palm. "The Lady of Castle Dracula." I murmured humorously to myself in the mirror. A naked woman-formed angel wrapped in a giant furry pelt blanket. The rain pattered harshly on the windowsill as I did my business. My exposed skin prickling goosebumps at the cold. Once I took care of that, I lumbered back to bed, looking like a tired bear prowling to its cave.The warm glow of the bedroom welcomed me. I closed the door and tended the fire, adding more wood to fuel. When I turned around, my frosted breath gasped in the air. Alucard hadn't pulled the blankets over him and lay blissfully sprawled out on the bed, fully naked and practically golden in the firelight. He could have been the physical manifestation of a Greek god, hair shimmering in the firelight, curling across the mattress with a lock at his cheek. His chest slowly rose and fell, revealing the pink scar marring his divine skin. He was utterly beautiful, and for a moment I wondered if I was the real angel here.I'm a bad angel. I thought, gazing on him naked in the golden light, appearing so divine, stirred not so divine thoughts within me. Bad, bad angel!"Lay with me." Alucard hummed."I will..." I murmured. I lay myself next to him with the pelt over me. "You're not cold?""No." He murmured, eyes still closed. "It's warm, and I'm very content""I can tell." I quickly looked away, Trevor would've been able to hit and hurt him then. I breathed, letting the feelings pass as I pulled the blankets over us. "Come closer so I can hold you and feel your warmth." Alucard murmured. "Do you mind if I lay on you?""Never.""Are you sure?" I asked giddy."Yes." He smirked. "I can smell it. There's nothing to be ashamed of. If that's what you want to do, we shall." He reached over and touched my cheekbone. "I'll try not to bite you too hard.""Actually.....I just want to lay on you, like I did before. I want to feel your warmth and your heartbeat against my chest. Is that all right?""Of course."Beneath the layers of blanket I inched to him and gently lay myself on him. He sighed, as if in relief and caged me again in his arms. Part of the sheet wrapped around my pelvic area. If we wanted to go further, it would be removed.My chest shuddered in giggles. "You're very ticklish aren't you, little one?" A"Yes." I admitted grinning, nuzzling into him. "You're worth it.""Worth what, angel?""Worth whatever I got my wings burned and booted out of Heaven for. As far as I'm concerned, this is Heaven.""It is." He kissed me. "I love you.""I love you too."Our words fell silent as we fell asleep in each other's hold, warm by the firelight.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I have come to realize something astounding:Vampires, the fearsome, bloodthirsty creatures and the bane of humanity, are really just giant humanoid cats with fangs. How have I come to this conclusion? Through observation and living with my vampiric lover. Though Alucard is half-human, his vampiric nature still shows itself strongly, and vampires are catlike in nature. I shall elaborate why: 1. They hiss whenever they're startled or displeased.Like when I accidentally kicked him in the jewels when he playfully tackled me while I was resting. That was his fault, for letting his guard down and disturbing my rest. He also hisses when I startle him sometimes with my redeveloping powers. 2. They love to lay in the light.I've forgotten how many times I've caught him sprawled out on a greenhouse couch, bathing in the sunlight where I usually lay. He's always shirtless, sometimes pantsless, and whenever it's sunny he'll lay sprawled out on the grass beneath the sun. He told me vampires like to lay beneath the moonlight and bathe in its warmth, which explains that nude painting of a vampiress laying sprawled beneath the full moon. Beautifully painting, I have it hung up in our room. Alucard's more beautiful though, sometimes I believe he's the earthly angel instead of me. 3. They purrBelieve it or not, vampires purr.I almost swore I was imagining things when Alucard nuzzled me one night, and I heard a purr deep in his chest. He makes that sound whenever he's being affectionate with me, which is a lot! He'll purr like an orange tomcat while nuzzling me, hugging, kissing me, or snuggling up with me on the couch or bed. Apparently vampires 'thrum' when they are happy with their loved ones. I have a giant orange tomcat as a lover and I'll never get over that. 4. They knead.Vampires will flex their claws when they are content or passionate. If you have a vampiric lover, be prepared for them to make biscuits on your warm flesh if they're spooning you and if you decide to make love, make sure they're wearing claw-sheaths so they don't tear your flesh on instinct. (learned that the hard way.) 5. They bite.Vampires bite. Shocker.But they don't just bite to hunt and feed. They'll bite when being affectionate , and vampires are very affectionate lovers. I've lost count of how many lovebites I've gotten from Alucard. Whenever he's being mushy with me, he'll nip me in affection. Sometimes he bites hard, and I have to rebuke him. He can't help himself most of the time,but he'll go easy on me if I tell him. (I personally don't mind it most of the time..) If there's anything you need to be aware of having a vampiric lover, it's instinctive for them to bite. Especially, ESPECIALLY, if you decide to take it up a notch. The same way a tomcat bites the female when he mounts her, a vampire will bite your neck when he takes you. They will sink your teeth into you when making love, and if you're not prepared for it, it can be scary. During our first time, the bite hurt more, and Alucard lessened up. Alucard, knows it's part of his nature, so whenever we have those moments together, we have our signals and he's usually very attentive to me. But most times , those bites don't hurt at all. I don't mind them. 6. They sleep a lot.And they'll sleep anywhere. If it fits, they sits. I found Alucard sleeping in his desk chair once, completely out of it and snoring like a lion. Most adorable shit ever, I put a blanket on him and went to bed. Conclusion: Vampires are cats and nothing can convince me otherwise.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
This is a little different from what I usually write. Here are some of the main inspirations I used in Zaharial and Alucard's love story.Castlevania : Obviously! I used elements from the original games like the Glaring Cloth, which is based on the cloth of the same name from the Sega Saturn version of Symphony of the Night. The song Zaharial sings to the villagers is Nocturne from the Symphony of the Night soundtrack. She also plays Wood Carving Partitia on the piano. From the show itself, our angel's first meeting with Alucard parallels Lisa's first meeting Dracula, and their love story mirrors that of Dracula and Lisa's. With Zaharial opening Alucard's heart and him teaching her knowledge.Beauty and the Beast: Our angel's first meeting with Alucard is inspired by the Disney film, but the biggest one is in "Fight and Flight" when Alucard scares her into running away from the castle and rescues her from demons. That is a direct homage to the West Wing scene in the movie where the Beast scares Belle away and then defends her from wolves in the forest, getting injured in the process.The Last Unicorn: Zaharial mentions to never run from immortals because it attracts their attention. Zaharial freeing the unicorn from captivity is a direct reference to the Unicorn freeing the Harpy from the Midnight Carnival. Both the Whisperer Elder and Mommy Fortuna keep a magical creature captive for their own benefit, and are killed by said creatures when they're freed. "Oh you are like me!" Zaharial exclaims realizing her and the unicorn are the same kind. The Unicorn cries the exact quote realizing the Harpy is a creature of magic like she is.Akira: Zaharial does the famous motorcycle slide with the unicorn in "The Angel of Danesti".How to Train Your Dragon: Zaharial shattering Death's crown with her spear was a reference to Toothless blasting off the enemy Bewilderbeast's tusk. Zaharial diving to save Trevor after Death's demise referenced the scene where Toothless dove into the fires to save Hiccup at the end of the first movie.Brother Bear: The ending of Brother Bear, where Kenai chooses to stay as bear to be with Koda, was the main inspiration for the final chapter when Zaharial chooses to remain human formed to be with Alucard. Their elder brothers ( Sitka and Denahi in Brother Bear, Samyaza and the Watchers in Of Darkness and Light) approve of the choice of their siblings, reassuring they will always be their brother/sister. Cue family hug.