Part 21: The Castle Crumbles!

Joachim had a different appearance thanks to Sarah taking the powers of the castle away from him but, neither Sarah or Vishno realized it yet. While Vishno kept Joachim’s swords busy, Sarah attacked Joachim from a different position. This time, she noticed that it didn’t matter where she hit him, he seemed to take damage anyway; unlike before. At the time, they didn’t notice that one of the floating swords was the exact same one that Sarah had picked up in the armory when they first started their search of the castle. The small thing on the handle that resembled an eye was moving around, trying to look at both Vishno & Sarah. Vishno saw this and realized the sword was even more special than he first perceived. Even though he was able to defend well against the attacks of Joachim’s swords, he wasn’t able to get a good chance to attack back. Sarah, whose heart supply had diminished greatly, knew she stood a better chance to fight if she kept using her whip. Seeing that she had a hard time following Joachim as he floated about the room attacking them both, she thought of a strategy for countering this. Before even finishing her line of thought however, the sword with the eye on its handle made a sudden move. It got away from Joachim and flew right above Sarah’s head, towards the center of the room and turned around. As the eye separated from the handle, the sword flew towards Sarah in an attempt to stab her in the back. Vishno tried to warn but he didn’t need to, as she had to interrupt her thoughts to evade the sneak attack. The eye kept floating near the ceiling in an attempt to keep a close watch on both targets. As the sword failed to strike Sarah, it flew closer to Joachim for added security. Sarah attacked Joachim again but her lashes were blocked by the special sword. Joachim took the opportunity to deal a quick and swift blow to Sarah with his fist; that blow pushed her back and though it didn’t damage her much, it did inflict a considerable amount of damage to her pride. Now Joachim had to act quickly so he changed his attack pattern with the swords so that only one huge sword would position itself behind him. Now that the small swords were gone, Vishno thought to attack Joachim from behind but, he hadn’t counted on the special sword that was still hanging around. As Vishno approached, the green handled sword stabbed his left arm. As he cried out in pain, the sword retreated as Sarah showed signs of concern but she couldn’t do anything as she was under attack herself. Joachim sent the huge sword against Sarah and even though she managed to evade every single strike, she began to get tired. As Vishno’s chakram healed his arm, the sword’s eye caught up on it as well. As Sarah evaded yet another strike of the huge sword, she threw one cross at Joachim. As he took damage from that attack, the green handled sword flew towards Vishno. But instead of attacking right away, it made Vishno believe that it was going to hit his legs. Catching up quickly, Vishno tried to evade but, the sword was not out to hit him; instead, it grabbed hold of the chakram, taking it away from Vishno and nailing it to the ceiling. Even though the sword was obviously losing some of its magic by holding onto the chakram, it had achieved its purpose. Vishno knew that his chakram could break free of almost any kind of grip on its own but, he had no idea how long it would take that time. He realized he had no way of healing himself or Sarah at the moment so he had to keep the fight going until he could reclaim his holy weapon. After grabbing hold of his secondary weapon, his silver Cestus, he went after Joachim just as he kept on attacking Sarah. Sarah was now showing more signs of fatigue but she had no way of attacking back as the huge sword kept her at bay. Finally having caught up to their enemy, Vishno prepared to punch Joachim on his liver. As he threw the punch, Joachim reacted and kicked Vishno first, sending him flying across the room. Sarah had to take the chance so she grabbed hold of her cross and, using it as some sort of shield; she managed to push the huge sword aside and lashed out at Joachim. As Vishno got up, Joachim shook his head after taking such a blow. His left arm seemed severely damaged but he was not about to concede the fight to the humans. Sending his huge sword away, he made the small swords reappear to surround him once more. Sarah tried to slide under the swords but two of them brushed her arms as she passed under them. As Joachim turned to face her, she returned to her original position to figure out how to get through that defense of his. Vishno knew he had to get Sarah another chance at hitting Joachim with full power so he charged at Joachim yet again. As he jumped to try and hit Joachim’s head, two of his swords got to Vishno, one went right through Vishno’s right leg, while the other one cut Vishno’s left arm but only slightly. Sarah saw it but couldn’t do anything to help, she knew that Vishno had given her a better opportunity to strike so, with a trick she learned from her father, she grabbed a hold of one of Joachim’s swords using her whip and smashed it on the wall to her right. Having seen one of the swords break apart, Vishno grabbed the sword that was still in his leg and pulled it out. Just before Joachim could send more swords, he smashed it with his Cestus. This made Joachim angrier, as he only had four swords left at that point. Sarah took the opportunity to grab another sword but Joachim wasn’t about to let this continue so, he quickly floated out of Sarah’s way and closer to Vishno. As the sword that had slashed Vishno’s left arm returned to its master, he sent two swords to attack Sarah. Vishno couldn’t attack again just yet as he was applying a piece of clothing on his wound. He couldn’t very well bleed to death before he could help Sarah as much as he could. As Sarah leaped backwards to avoid the first two swords that attempted to slash her, the other two were being sent at the point where she would land. Sarah figured something like that would happen so, moments before she landed, she grabbed her whip and managed to latch on to the chandelier. As she swung by Joachim’s right side, he quickly made a three hundred and sixty degree turn to deliver a kicking attack on her as she passed by him. Seeing that, she used the cross to not only protect herself from the attack, but to damage Joachim’s leg as well. His leg wasn’t badly damaged but that attack made him back off somewhat. As she landed, she grabbed another sword with her whip and sent it crashing onto the floor, destroying it. Joachim was enraged, as he couldn’t believe what was happening. After managing to keep his leg stable, Vishno went in Sarah’s assistance. He somehow managed to get close enough to one of the swords and got to hold it by its handle. As he did, Joachim sent the other two swords to attack Vishno but, Sarah had already grabbed a hold of one of them with her whip. As the sword tried to get away from Vishno with a violent shake, he tore it to pieces with a well placed Cestus attack. The sword that was still orbiting Joachim left his side suddenly to free the sword that was being detained by Sarah. Sarah however, was not able to quickly destroy it as her aim wasn’t as good as when the battle had started. As the sword floated free from the whip, the other one attacked Sarah very violently. Sarah dodged, avoiding a fatal wound, but the sword managed to cut off two of her toes as she back flipped to safety. Sarah tried to hold in the pain of having her toes cut off but she could barely do it. Vishno knew he had to do something quick, so he threw a copy of the dagger Sarah had given him at Joachim while he rushed to her aid. As the dagger failed to hit a vital spot, it did inflict enough damage on Joachim so that he had to stop and remove it. As he did so, Vishno pulled out another piece of clothing for emergencies and proceeded to treat Sarah’s injury. After removing her shoe, he quickly cleaned the wound and wrapped the bandage like clothing to her foot. It didn’t take long for all three combatants to get ready to resume the fight. Sarah and Vishno nodded to each other as they prepared to engage Joachim once more. Joachim wasn’t sure, at that point, of how to use his remaining two swords against them. He knew that if he used them recklessly, he would only end up losing them. As things were, he tried a different approach and waited for them to come closer. Sarah stopped in her tracks because of the pain while Vishno kept going. Just as he was about to attack Joachim with his Cestus, Joachim sent his swords upwards towards the chandelier, dislodging it from the ceiling. Sarah tried to alert Vishno but it was too late as he was clobbered pretty badly. Not being able to move, Vishno passed out. Sarah was embarrassed as she thought she could handle the pain completely. She knew that if she didn’t end the battle soon, everyone would be doomed. Drawing strength as if out of nowhere; she changed the properties of her whip to lightning and charged at Joachim. Seeing Sarah so determined, he had to finish her before her friend could recover. As he floated in her direction, both swords also charged in front of him as if to stab Sarah. She was counting on something like that so she threw a cross in the direction of one sword. Immediately after this the cross stopped glowing so she grabbed it and, with swift movements, she knocked the other sword away while preparing for a whip attack onto Joachim. With both swords stunned for a few moments, Joachim made a quick movement to his right in order to attack Sarah with a strong punch. She seemed to expect this as she stroke him her whip. While Joachim was stunned by the lightning effect, she changed the properties of her whip one last time to normal and stroke her enemy once more. This time Joachim could not react, as he had lost a lot of energy already. As the swords flew towards Sarah, she kept on striking Joachim with her whip. Just before she could finish him off however, she felt the cold steel of the swords as they went through both her right arm and leg. After letting out a pain filled shout, she collapsed on the floor while trying to hold on to dear life. Joachim, who was on the floor as well, took a few seconds to get back up. He found himself being unable to float and it made him even angrier. As he stepped closer to Sarah, he grabbed her by the throat and thought he had finally won the battle.

Joachim:
I must say my dear lady, this was by far, the most exciting battle I have ever had. I almost feel sorry it has to end.
Sarah:
I would not be so sure if I was in your place...

Just then, and as if out of nowhere, a holy light was visible from behind Joachim; it was Vishno’s chakram! By using a special power it had, it weakened Joachim long enough for him to let go of Sarah. Vishno was back to normal thanks to the fact that the green handled sword was no longer in the room, allowing the chakram to return to his master and heal him. Sarah took the opportunity to deal the final blow onto Joachim who, turned into a cloud of ash. At that point, the castle began to shake. Both Vishno and Sarah knew they had to get out quick but first, Vishno had to let Sarah hold on to his holy weapon so she could be healed as well.

End part 21.

Part 22: Mathias Thoughts and finale

Vishno went over to Sarah’s side and helped her get back to normal with his chakram. Joachim’s swords were also gone but there was little time to celebrate, as the castle was beginning to collapse. As they began their escape from the castle, the eye that was still floating about the throne room’s ceiling got out the window and kept on floating until it reached Mathias. He was about a mile away from the castle, waiting for the small spy that had just arrived. His cape and his hair moved swiftly with the wind as a smirk formed on his face. He knew then that the Belmont family would pose a major threat no matter the gender of the family member. He also knew he had to make preparations if he expected to win against a soon to be born Belmont. But why not simply kill them now and be over with? Mathias must have hated the idea of an eternity without worthy rivals so he couldn’t just do that. From all he saw within the eye, he knew that a future battle was going to be enjoyable. As he transformed into many bats, he flew away not to be seen for quite some time.

Meanwhile, Vishno and Sarah had just made it through the staircase and into the great hall. The stairs that led to the exit were in bad shape and they knew that if they didn’t hurry, they could end up being trapped forever. As they quickly went down the steps, they heard a strange kind of music coming from the outside. Once they reached the glass corridor, they noticed there wasn’t a drawbridge and so they hustled even more. As they finally got to the end, the castle collapsed in a most spectacular manner. After seeing the castle fall behind them, they turned around expecting to see the castle’s moat. Instead of that, they found a wagon with a few gypsies outside. They were all holding instruments and were shocked to see Sarah & Vishno coming out of a ruined castle. Sarah was rather amazed to see people there just as they were fleeing the castle. Vishno wasn’t as surprised, as he seemed to know them.

Vishno: (with a big smile on his face)
My friends! I am very glad to see you are all well.
Gypsy with ocarina:
By the Gods Vishno, I never should have doubted you.
Vishno:
It was not just me who did it Thomas. This brave lady did most of the rough work.
Thomas: (still holding ocarina)
Then maybe we should pay her...
Vishno:
Ha-ha! Maybe you should. You will be happy to know that Rowan is no more, just as I promised you.
Thomas:
So, are you not going to introduce us to the beautiful young lady?
Vishno:
Of course! Where are my manners? Thomas, this is Sarah. Sarah, these are my friends Thomas, Carmen and Fergus. Fergus is the one holding the violin.
Sarah: (blushing)
Pleased to meet you all. (She said as she felt kind of embarrassed by what Vishno had said just moments earlier.)
Thomas:
Very nice to meet you little lady.
Fergus:
It is a pleasure!
Carmen:
It is an honor.
Vishno:
So, can we get a ride back to Sarah’s village? We can talk about anything you want on the way. It must not be very far from here, is it Sarah?
Sarah:
Not at all! But we must hurry otherwise I may fail to save my parents.
Vishno:
My apologies, yes, let us cut the chit chat and get going. Shall we everyone?
Thomas:
Just step inside our mobile home and we shall take you there as fast as our horses can carry us.

After they all got inside, Fergus got the horses started and they ran down the hill with instructions from Sarah on which way to head out. With only about a half an hour until sunrise, they had just about enough time to get there before it was too late. On the way there though, Vishno told Thomas a brief report of Sarah’s battle against Rowan; as he wasn’t about to take credit for someone else’s work. Just minutes later, they arrived at Sarah’s village where they all stepped out of the wagon. Sarah rushed into her house and went past the living room and into the small corridor leading to her parents’ bedroom. After stepping inside she found them both very pail so she knew she had to make them drink the antidote quickly. As she finished giving one dose to both his mother and father, she stayed by their bedside until she could see a sign of life, as they were both very still. A few minutes later and, after having cried as much as she could, Leon awoke first. Sarah was overwhelmed with joy as she saw her mother waking up barely seconds after her father did. Rachel, having adjusted her eyes to the darkness, saw the silhouette of her daughter as she tried to reach for her.

Rachel:
Is that you my Sarah? (She said after trying to gasp for air)
Sarah:
Yes mother, it is I. I am glad I was able to come in time to save you.
Leon:
That voice, I knew you had it in you my dear. Where is Simon? Is he outside?
Sarah:
No father. (She said as tears clouded her eyes once more) I... I was not strong enough to save him. I am so sorry! (She said before bursting into tears)
Rachel:
There, there sweetheart. I am sure you did your best and that is all we can ask of you.
Leon:
Things do not always work out the way we want them to Sarah. I know that all too well. And like your mother says, you have done enough already. We are proud of you, very much so.
Sarah:
But I made a promise...
Leon:
Sarah please, as much as we cared for Simon, we never wanted you to out there in the first place. We are truly glad that at least you were able to return to us. Are we not dear?
Rachel:
Listen to your father Sarah. We are thankful to have you here. If it was not for you, we would have never woken up.
Sarah:
Yes you are right but still...
Rachel:
But nothing, we shall have no more of this sad talk. As soon as we get better we are all going to prepare for the next harvest and all shall be as it was.
Leon:
I hear voices outside; did you come with anybody Sarah?
Sarah:
Why yes, I had completely forgotten about that. Would you like me to introduce them to you?
Leon:
Yes but, only if they can wait for me and your mother to regain our strength. I presume it will take at least an hour or so.
Sarah:
Very well then father, I shall ask if they can stay for a little while.

After Sarah stepped outside the house, she found Vishno and his friends sharing a few drinks and laughing. They were apparently talking about old times so she simply approached them without trying to interrupt. Carmen noticed Sarah coming and so she made a motion to the others indicating they should behave. As soon as the others realized they had some additional company, they immediately interrupted their conversation. Vishno turned around to face Sarah, as he couldn’t wait to hear the news about her parents. It seemed that at last, things began to look brightly for all of them.

The End.

It's absolutly great!

"Lvxion (Guest)" wrote:

It's absolutly great!

Thanks! I wish you could have told me what you liked the most though...
Oh and there is a thread for posting comments but what the hey... ^^;