Castlevania Nocturne: A Sneak Peak

Untitled Part 116

Emma gave a tearful farewell to her mother and son. Showering them with hugs and kisses, getting back the same in return. "It's going to be all right." Amalie smiled encouragingly. "You'll be with your father and Richter. And Annette is a powerful mage. You're going to do just fine." She handed Emma a filled pack.

"Jeez Mom do you have the entire house in here?" Emma weighed the pack in her arms.

"Just the essentials." Amalie winked.

"Which is everything." Emma chuckled, throwing the pack over her shoulder. Amalie brushed a lock of Emma's hair aside her face. "When you get to Paris, look for Emile. He's the Mal'akh representative of the city, and he'll help you. He likes to hang out by the church right across from the Louvre. You'll know him when you see him."

"I'll keep that in mind." Emma hugged her mother, nuzzling her with a kiss. This came easier to her than the last time, she knew she'd return. Parting from her son however, was one of the worst heartaches Emma felt.

"It's all right. I'll be here waiting when you get back."Lyudmil hugged his mom. Emma nearly squeezed the breath out of his lungs. "I love you, my darling son, remember that in every waking moment of your life. And I am so proud of you."

Lyudmil's chest shuddered in Emma's embrace. "I love you too, Mother." Every time he spoke that word was a joy to his heart.

Alucard held Emma's shoulder. "It's time to go." Emma nodded, watching her parents kiss under the starlit night. She noticed Richter gawking as if he never saw a couple express their love before.

"Watch over them, Alucard." Amalie clutched her husband's hand's together.

"I promise I will, my darling." Alucard thrummed gently. "Be careful. Take care of Lyudmil." Emma's chest shuddered, looking away in tears. It should be me taking care of him. As her family said their goodbyes, Annette gazed forlornly at the Abbey.

"Edouard's made his choice, Annette. You'll see him again." Richter quietly reassured

"Where's Maria?" Annette asked, noticing the young mage's absence. "At least I can say goodbye to her."

" She ran off to meet the Revolutionary Army." Alucard glanced at Emma, who sighed.

" I'll go after her if you wish." Mizrak offered.

Richter brushed the back of his head. "Well, if it's the National Guard, she'll be in her element, catching up on the news about Paris, debating them to death about God knows what. I'm surprised you're not with her, Em."

"I'm not welcomed there." Emma said bitterly. Richter and Annette knew from her tone not to ask.

"Tell her we looked for her, and we'll see her again too." Annette told Mizrak and Amalie.

"Tell her." Richter chuckled softly." Don't tell her anything. When all this is over, I'll tell her myself."

Amalie nodded before kissing her husband and daughter the final time. "May the Greatest Sovereign watch over you."

"Amen." murmured Mizrak.

Emma gave a last look at her mother and son before following her companions. With a pack behind her shoulders, her gifted saber at her belt, and her cloak furling in the breeze, Emma, daughter of Alucard and Zaharial, embarked on her greatest journey yet.

"Onward to save the world." Emma breathed at the twinkling stars, blinking in realization. How could she forget? Vance, can you hear me? To her surprise, she had trouble clinching to her familiar's mind. Vance are you there?

Emma! Is everything all right? Vance snapped alert in Emma's conscious, as if distracted.

Yes, I wanted to say goodbye.

Goodbye?

I'm going to Paris with Father, Richter, and Annette. Mother put me up to it, practically forced me to join them.

I see. Emma heard the chuckle in his voice. It's a good thing Emma, you'll be away from Erzsebet and whatever machinations she hatches up while you're recovering. We need you safe and fit.

That's what I keep telling myself.

Chin up. Vance encouraged. This little journey of yours might be a good thing, you'll have quality time with your father.

How I'm looking forward to that.

Ah don't be so glum! Things will turn out right, you see. You just gotta be open rekindling the bond.

I'll try Vance, I'll see you soon.

See you soon. Good luck Emma, and be careful. I have to go now, dear, I'm teaching my younger companion how to hunt.

What? Since when do you-Emma lost connection to Vance's mind. "Vance has a travel buddy. That could only be..." She wanted to laugh with joy. Next time she contacted her mother, she'd tell her the good news. "Or Vance can tell her himself."

Yet, even a hopeful prospect couldn't erase the pain of who she left behind. More than the ominous dream, her thoughts clung to her son. Emma walked far behind the others so they wouldn't see her crying.

"Emmaline, don't lag." Alucard called her. "We have much to go." Emma clenched her fists, wanting to throttle him.

Richter lingered back walking next to her. "Emma, are you all right?"

"I shouldn't be here." Emma sniffled. "I just got him back, and now I'm leaving him."

Richter wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Lyudmil's going to be fine. Your mother and Vance will look after him."

"And he knows the truth of who he is." Annette stepped in line with them. "He won't fall for Erszebet's lies ever again."

"But what if there's another attack? What if Erzsebet tries to hurt him?"

"If Lyudmil's as strong as his mother, he will be fine." Alucard turned his head, falling back to the rest of the group. "Let's go, Emmaline. If we continue at this pace, Erzsebet will have conquered the world before we ever reach Paris. There will be time to rest up ahead." With that he continued on.

Annette and Richter glanced at each other. Emma shrugged, picking up the pace. At least she could vent to Juste when she saw him. Their plan was to stop by him first, and inform him of the situation in Machecoul. Afterwards, Emma wasn't sure what Alucard had planned. Heaven knows it could be anything.