Castlevania Nocturne: A Sneak Peak

Sneak Peak: Juste Belmont

Emma took to napping beneath the tree by the pond . Not only was it a nice shady spot to rest and unwind after training with her relatives, but it was also a good place to monitor the comings and goings from both houses. Laying her back against the, arms behind her head and legs stretched out, she appeared completely content and unaware.

Yet even with her eyes closed in bliss and her toes sprawled in the grass, she was always attuned to her surroundings. Though her hearing wasn't as sharp as it used to be since the American Revolution, she could still detect a mouse scurrying in the grass, or the wingbeats of a hawk flying above. She certainly detected the quiet wheeze of the old man walking down the path from her mother's house.

Emma lifted an eyelid like a dozing cat, watching the grey eyed man step down the path. You again. She didn't move, closing her eyes appearing to be asleep when his footsteps stopped. "I know you're listening to me. I may be old but I'm not feeble."

The Nephilim opened her eyes and stared hard at the alleged hunter before closing them again. "I'd sure hope not, for the sake of your profession."

"Beg your pardon?"

"You're a vampire hunter aren't you?" Emma inspected him again, fully alert. "I can tell. I've known many vampire hunters in my life. You have a certain je ne sais quoi, an air I've only recognized in other hunters." And you've had an unfortunate meet-up with my vampire friend several years back, but you don't need to know that.

Emma knew she got him by his startled expression.

"How perceptive of you." The old man quietly chuckled. "Yes. I am a vampire hunter." He admitted. "Made a good career of it for many years, but I've since taken it as a side hobby in my older age."

" You're a damn good one." Emma noted, prideful of herself. "Most don't live to see old age."

"True, unfortunately." The old man. " But I've kept my skills sharp, and my wits sharper. Having a resident doctor certainly boosts my chances." He continued on, carrying a spare first-aid kit Amalie insisted on giving him.

"Wait!" Emma hurried after him. The old man startled at such a tall figure rushing him and instinctively reached for his hidden dagger before stopping and cursing himself. Emma slowed on approach , slightly bending her knees so as not to appear intimidating when she met him. She towered over most humans, the last thing she wanted was this experienced vampire hunter to feel threatened around her.

"You can stand up Emma. I know you don't mean me any harm."

Emma blinked, straightening to her full height. "You know my name?"

"Course." The old man smiled. "The whole town knows of the doctor's dhampiric sister. You've proven yourself the local hero." He furrowed his bushy white brows. "You and your Belmont protege ."

"That's what I wanted to ask you about." Emma jumped at the chance. "You're a veteran vampire hunter with many years experience. It would be incredibly beneficial for him to learn from someone of the trade. Would you consider teaching him?"

"Why?" Asked the old man curtly. "He's learned enough from you"

"But I'm not a vampire hunter." Emma said. "I'm not a Belmont. There's only so much I can teach him."

"You've taught him more than I ever could." The old man gazed upon her with sad eyes. "Keep it up, Emma. You're doing enough." She watched him continue forlornly down the road.

"It doesn't feel enough." Emma murmured turning back to her resting spot, tucking her legs in and closing her eyes.