DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN CASTLEVANIA

PROLOGUE

Early 19th century

Two years have passed after Shanoa, a female warrior from the organization of Ecclesia, have vanquished Count Dracula and destroyed Castlevania. Deprived of her emotions, memories and the only person she considers family, the young woman is now living in solitude in a forest near the village of Wygol. According to Albus, the villagers were the last descendants of the Belmont Clan, so she concluded that it was a wise choice to live beside them. Or maybe she actually yearns for company and attachment now that her mission is done. That she is willing to open up to people now that her life is slowly picking up the pieces. Nevertheless, Shanoa now found a place with them and she intends to protect this small slice of heaven at the cost of her life.

It was dusk when Shanoa was done gathering herbs and flowers. Anna, Irina's daughter, was kind enough to help her in doing the chore. She enjoys the company of the girl and she is one of the many reasons why she settled near the village instead of venturing to other lands. Upon arriving to her small yet well-furnished house, she quickly made her way to the back of the building and placed the flowers near a small altar.

"I'm home, Albus." she said. "Today was a good day."

She knelt down beside the altar to wipe the dirt off the small stone marking that bears the name of his late adopted brother. It was written in Latin.

"Pardon my intrusion, milady."

"Who's there?" she asked sharply after turning around to face the stranger. Reflex and instinct took over as she unleashed an ethereal crimson-colored rapier and the tip of the blade was inches away from the neck of a slender young man with brown hair.

"Is this how you treat a passing traveller who is in need of aid?" he tried to stay calm and collected but Shanoa could see the fear in his eyes. "Goodness, woman, if this kind of act keeps up then surely the townspeople will start spreading rumours of a foul witch that's haunting this forest." he joked.

"There is a good reason why I bare my fangs, good sir." Shanoa said. "I didn't sense your presence. You were like a ghost and this forest was once a nest of evil. I have to be careful."

"Fair enough." he smiled. "Now have sense, woman, lower your blade."

"A proper explanation would be needed and assurance of trust before I let my guard down. I believe that's how things work."

"Like I said before, I am a traveller who is in need of aid. You, the destroyer of the Lord of Darkness, is the person I seek. Wait…no…more like your power is the thing I seek, milady. Judging from the magical energy emanating from your so-called glyphs, I have to say Ecclesia has bred a fine warrior." he chuckled.

"What did you say?"

Her voice is now more threatening and firm.

"Secrets are fickle." he flashed a wide grin. "I believe you and secrets don't get along so well." he grabbed her wrist and flipped her over.

Shanoa managed to land on her feet and positioned herself to attack. "What kind of demon are you? Shed your human skin and show me." she hissed.

"Demon?" he circled around her. "I am no demon! Don't insult me like that. I am a human being and I am on your side, agent of Ecclesia. Goodness, here I am expecting you to greet me with such dulciquent since I saw you playing with that girl."

"I had enough of your ill humour." she twirled her weapon. "Why do you seek my help then? And why do you know such things?"

"Because I am your ally." he replied. "I seek your help because remnants of Dracula's minions are gathering. Human agents and demons alike."

"If this is true then how do you know this? Just who the hell are you?"

"Like I said, I am your ally. I have this information because my mission is to stop these monsters from resurrecting that blasted vampire."

"I thought Dracula only comes back in every hundred years."

"Don't play dumb with me, woman." he smirked. "Ecclesia is well-informed. Research is one of the fortes of your former order. You know very well Dracula is one tenacious bastard. Anyway, his minions are gathering under the leadership of a dark priest that goes by the name of Shaft."

"Shaft… That name sounds familiar."

"Indeed." he nodded. "He was once a human servant of Dracula. Shaft was instrumental during the resurrection of the Count back in the late 1700s. I doubt if that person still retains his humanity."

"If this is all true then…"

"This land will once again be plagued by the children of the night and the wicked hearts of men shall pave the way for the advent of the Dragon. Everything and everyone you love will burn."

With a wave of her hand, the crimson rapier disappears. Shanoa then relaxed and stood up straight.

The young man crossed his arms. "Heh. Your trust is well-earned I assure you."

"The news you bring, if true, is quite disturbing. I will definitely look into it but I don't trust you."

The young man slapped his forehead in exasperation. "Fine." he sighed. "And so I embark on an arduous task of earning your precious trust. Such joy I feel."

"Your name?" Shanoa asked the man, ignoring his obvious sarcasm.

"Ladies first." he smiled mischievously.

"Shanoa." she simply replied.

"Shanoa. Hmm…an odd yet alluring name." he chuckled. "It certainly fits you. It sounds strong yet also feminine. I must say it-

"Your name please." Shanoa interrupted with a stern voice.

"…"

"Keeping silent is not helping your position." she said, growing cautious again. "I asked you more than once for your identity. You seek my help but you don't want to tell me your name. Would you mind explaining?"

"It's quite…complicated."

"More complicated than Dracula rising again? Your humour is growing thin and so is my patience."

"Very well, milady." he scratched his head. "I thought of lying but I don't like lying, no matter the consequences."

"Just tell me your name."

"Liam Belmont, at your service." he smiled and took a bow.

"Belmont…"

"Uh-huh…" he nodded. "Like I said, it's complicated."

"And I can't afford such complications!" Shanoa unleashed the crimson rapier again and charged at him. He tried to dodge but she quickly sweep kicked him, knocking him down to the ground. Before he could get up, she planted her foot on his chest and pointed the magical blade at his face. "You expect me to believe you're a member of the Belmont family? The lost clan of hunters?"

"Would you at least let me explain, Shanoa?"

"Damn." she spun around and deflected an arrow. "Ally? Belmont? I see you brought your friends."

The two of them are now surrounded by a group of hooded men armed with swords, axes, scythes and crossbows. Accompanying them is a large minotaur wielding a monstrous cleaver and a dozen skeletons.

"They followed me!?"

"Enough with the deceptions!"

"I am not deceiving you, Shanoa! Let me go and I will prove myself by combating these fiends."

"Okay, Belmont, prove to me you are an ally. Unleash the holy whip and-

"I don't have it!"

"What?"

Before Liam could explain, the monsters and the hooded men charged at them. Shanoa clenched her teeth and prepared herself for combat.

And so begins my first Castlevania fan fiction… I hope it goes well.

Well just you guys should know, English is not my first language so I'm sure there's some spelling and grammar errors here. I would appreciate it if some you would point them out so I can further improve my writing and English. I would definitely appreciate if you guys give some reviews and criticisms. Anyhoo, that's it for now. I'll post Chapter one soon so stay tuned if you're interested in this story.