Castlevania Nocturne: A Sneak Peak

Sneak Peak: A New Dawn

A pyre blazed in the city square, burning Erzsebet's shriveled corpse and those of her followers. Lyudmil watched as the flames charred the last remains of his imprisoner to ash, along with his old Dark Mage's robe. He found them in the middle of the streets soon after everyone had gathered, neatly folded with an iris and a rose tucked into the pocket. His sisters knew what he'd want to do with it.

"It is time to leave the past behind me, and step towards the future." Lyudmil told his mother when he burned them. "But not everything." he patted the violin in its case that was found next to the robes. Hobbies were a good thing to keep.

Lyudmil shivered watching Erzsebet and his robes burn. Seeing the flames consume what was once his entire identity....it was cathartic...to say the least, along with a mix of other emotions. Emma rubbed his back, holding his hand. He was grateful for his mother's comfort.

Lyudmil looked around the bonfire. Dozens of spectators had gathered. Parisians, both angel and human, along with his family. Richter held Annette close, so did Alucard with his grandmother. Jocasta hung near. Maria wasn't in the square nor was Eduoard. Perhaps they needed time to breathe and recollect.

"Mother? Where's Vance? I thought he'd be here."

Lyudmil could only sigh. Amalie gave her a sad look. "He went to be with Tera." she quickly explained the happening in Machecoul, and what had become of their descendant.

"I understand." Emma said, not hiding her sadness. "Tera needs someone to guide her, and Vance is the best mentor around. He'll teach her how to be human while being a vampire. I only wish...I got to say a proper goodbye." At that Amalie hugged Emma.

Meanwhile Alucard and Juste were talking. "I see you've patched things up with Emma." Lyudmil chuffed. As if that wasn't obvious when Just saw Alucard gently checking Emma over, tending to her lingering wounds. Emma did not object, and was very sweet about it. He could hear them both thrumming even at a distance.

"Mmhm." Alucard murmured.

"Good." Juste said relieved. A moment or two passed before Juste changed the subject. "So where were you when I was young?" asked Juste with an inquisitive smile. "Your wife would go on about you as if you a god come to earth."

Alucard made a small sigh. "I wasn't where I should have been."

"Ah."

"It's all right honey, you didn't miss much." reassured Amalie. "I'd been training Belmonts and traveling in the interim. Needed a break you know, if I stayed with you folks all along I would've given myself an ulcer." Amalie reminisced, watching the fire. "I did my traveling. Saw Japan, India, China, and a few other places. When I returned I thought it would be an easy transition back to the old rhythm. Boy was I wrong! Your crazy grandfather nearly sent me to my grave. I could write an entire novel about how many times I had to save his butt."

Emma laughed. Lyudmil loved hearing his mother laugh, it brought him back to his childhood.

"Oh yes." Juste chuckled. "My father and my grandfather would go on and on about you like you were some sort of favorite auntie. When I met you as a boy, I understood why. You gave me a sort of childhood, and Belmonts don't bother with childhood. I'm glad you stuck around."

"Thanks Juste." Amalie smiled.

"What do you intend to do now?" asked Juste. "

"I've been thinking about it." Amalie pondered. Lyudmil noticed how she flicked her glances at Jocasta and his grandfather.

"I can't go back to Machecoul, it's not safe for me or my family anymore. I'm also weary about staying in Paris. Yes, Erzsebet's gone for good, but there's still a revolution to contend with. We angels have a sense it's going to be precarious for the time being, something I'd rather not have my family in the middle of. Especially you, Emma."

Emma took her breath, nodding in agreement. "Where would we stay?" She was thinking about Versailles. Most of the angels who were displaced had taken up residence there, Jocasta included, and it was close enough to where she could step in if Maria or Juste needed them.

Alucard spoke. "We could travel. All four of us. The world is changing in so many ways. I want to see it for myself with the people I love."

Emma jumped at the idea, exactly what Alucard and the two angels intended to happen. "We could! You're right, Father. The world is ever changing and there's an entirely different continent you've yet to step foot on." Excitement reflected in Emma's eyes. "We should go to the New World. I've wanted to return for quite a time and now with everyone here, I think it would be good set off on another adventure."

"That sounds wonderful." Amalie agreed. "It's been centuries since we've all been together, and I haven't seen the western hemisphere since the land bridge from Russia."

"Where would you take us, Dove?" asked Alucard endearingly.

"Lots of places." Emma answered enthusiastically. "The West Indies, the Andes, the islands of the Galapagos, but I'd start with America. Its history has only begun and there are so many places I want to show you. New York, Philadelphia, Boston, the Appalachians."

"Saratoga." added Amalie with a smile.

"Saratoga? Why Saratoga?" Emma knew a battle occurred there,but she wasn't part of that campaign.

"A friend of mine lives in Saratoga." Amalie said. "Her name's Laila and she's the representative of the newly established county up north. She's asked me for years to visit her, but that's a big trip overseas and I had my descendants here to protect. Now with everything over...." Amalie gazed warmly at her reunited family. "I think I'll finally take her up on it. What do you think?"

" I think it's a great idea. I'm sure she'd love that." Emma said optimistically before reality set in. "What about Lyudmil? I doubt Laila would accept a vampire guest."

Lyudmil sighed, knowing not everyone would love and accept him like his family.

"She would accept a vampire ." reassured Alucard. "She married one"

"What!?" Emma squeaked."Wait a minute? Mom! Isn't Laila the angel you've told me about? The one who spared a newborn vampire's life and he saved her's in return? They fell in love and are living together in upstate New York."

"The very same."said Amalie. "Not a lot of angels approved Laila's choice of mate, but she knew about me, and sought me out long distance." she nuzzled Alucard. "I've told her my experiences over the years about having a vampiric lover. How wonderful they truly are, even when they bite you in your sleep."

"I do not bite you, dear." Alucard chuckled. "I merely nibble." He nipped her neck to prove a point.

"Dad!" Emma gawked embarrassed.

"Disgusting." Lyudmil agreed.

"All right, darling." Amalie nudged him with a playful eye. Save it for later. "Yes. Laila will welcome our family with open arms." She looked at her daughter. "Especially you Emma. Her and Alistair really want to meet you. Laila asks about you every time we talk, and we've talked for years. Especially now when........"Amalie hesitated until Jocasta put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's time, ma Cherie. The evil is vanquished with a bright new dawn. There's no reason not to tell her."

"Not to tell me what?" Emma tensed. Aktinos glowed in its hilt.

Alucard took Emma's hand. "There's something you need to know,Emma. We didn't want to say anything until Erzsebet was defeated."he glanced at Amalie. "I think it will be better if we show you. Darling, the letter?"

"Of course." Amalie took a closed envelope from her satchel. "I received it shortly before Erzsebet rolled into town. I wanted to give it to you then, but everything happened and..... It wasn't the right time."

"Understandable." Emma said. Amalie handed her the envelope. "Hmm. It's addressed to me." Emma opened the envelope with her claws and read the letter. "I'm surprised Laila sent me a letter when she could easily talk to me through a distance mirror."

Lyudmil noticed how his grandparents immediately zoned in on their daughter. Their hearts beat rapidly in anticipation and they held hands. Lyudmil saw Emma's expression change from curiosity to abrupt shock. Her fingers quivered holding the letter, and her eyes glistened with tears.

"Mother what's wrong?" Lyudmil worried.

"Nothing dear." she looked everyone in the eyes, crying tears of joy.