Castlevania: Genesis and Revelations

II.

A figure shrouded in the simplicity of a plain grey robe stepped haltingly through the narrow hallway, unfamiliar with its newest changes, but liking them. The black marble wall inlays were an appropriate and fitting touch. Regal, suitably majestic. It appeared that the completion of his master's house was closer at hand. But who could say how close they truly were? The power of chaos was arbitrary.

He did not pause to further admire the ornamentation. There was still much work to be done. He stepped on an eight-legged lizard unfortunate enough to be in his way and squashed it -- and it promptly screeched its upset then grew two more pairs of legs around its bloodied ones.

Chaos was always arbitrary...

He approached a formidable archway at the end of the corridor. He paused as though it was a princely hindrance to one such as him, one wearing the clothes of a peasant. However, he only stopped long enough to catch his breath and rebuild his strength before he entered. It would be necessary. He murmured a prayer that sounded like the sibilant hiss of a snake. To it, he added another murmured invocation. The door gradually creaked open.

It was dark inside, but the room displayed its dark grandeur eloquently to him. The soaring cathedralesque space was met by domed ceilings mottled by the colors and hues of masterful artistry only suggested at in the shadows, and all above was upheld by towering black marble columns. Crimson tapestries flowed luxuriantly from the walls and onto the floor like wine. Following the scarlet carpet leading to the rear, a dais governed. A gold and onyx-inlaid throne was seated atop the dais. The chamber had all the trappings of a throne room, which in fact it was. It was only in need of its king to preside over it. To the robed man it was what lay at the foot of the throne which demanded his attention. The black casket where his master lay, reviving, growing in strength. A few more words, and the candles lining the wall sputtered to life but dimly. He regretted violating the perfect darkness, but it was necessary to assure his human eyes that all was well.

He neared the casket, stopping a respectful distance away. He did not ascend the dais, for it would have been arrogant to do so, even to more closely assure himself of his master's safety. Of course, he knew it was not truly necessary. Death and Chaos would not permit their greatest ally to perish within their domain. He leaned forward. The form of the casket never changed, and it was the same now. It was the small gilded cross on the side of the casket that made him flinch. So -- to his eyes, nothing was amiss. He listened. Listened. The heartbeat was strong within the casket. Satisfied, he removed his cowl deferentially and knelt on the cold marble floor.

"Arise, Shaft."

He leapt to his feet despite his weakness. Before him, it was Death shrouded in the deepest black shadows which swirled around him, and from the hood two feverishly burning coals for eyes gazed soullessly upon him. A skeletal hand emerging from the shadows held a sickle. Its curved blade shone with a menacing brilliance and a thirst for blood.

"You seem surprised to see me, my servant. Does this form so familiar to humans displease you?" His mocking voice was like a harsh wind blasting across a plain. The shadows rippled and wove themselves into a gray robe like Shaft's and from it, the wizened, pale and cornsilk-haired likeness of him appeared. "Perhaps someone more familiar to you might be suitable?"

Shaft pursed his lips, frowning. "Whatever serves you best, lord."

"This will do for now. Why have you sought me out with your blood sacrifices?"

He ruefully looked at his arm, his last resort. The wound was still fresh where he'd bled himself -- considerably. "I was hoping for an audience with you."

"You have it. Of course, you should've known by now that such theatrics mean little to me. Your blood means little to me, less than the other creatures in this place." His counterpart's eyes studied him emotionlessly. "You are immortal because I have made you so, and such extravagance mocks my gift."

"I offer my deepest apologies." Shaft paused meaningfully. "I realize patience is a quality I should develop further."

"You are immortal, it should've been an easy quality to develop a long time ago. Since I am here regardless of your antics, what do you want?"

Shaft's conviction was forced through a clenched jaw. Beads of perspiration began to form on his strained grey face and stray, thin locks of long pale hair drifted into his equally pale eyes. "I desire to revive Lord Dracula."

Death imitating Shaft nodded slightly. "You have prayed about this often, so I'm not unacquainted with your wish." He drifted more than walked up the steps and disrespectfully caressed the casket, setting Shaft's teeth on edge. "For that to occur, of course, Castlevania must be returned to Earth. For sacrifices. I will not return life to him before his one-hundred year rest is concluded, without due sacrifices."

"I am aware of your requirements, lord."

"This is a necessity, Shaft. It is part of the bargain for immortality he struck with me. He does not wish to be wakened prematurely save for the smell of mortal blood. Considering his nature, it is sensible; considering mine, it is a gift and a sacrifice."

Shaft shrugged. "So, can Castlevania be returned to Earth?"

Death smiled thinly. "Whose to say I haven't already sent at least part of this place to Earth?"

Shaft was tempted to ask what was meant by that, but with the look of warning in the other's eyes, he knew better. "Then we shall raise Lord Dracula?"

"In time, worry not. I have considered him."

"Ah, well, whatever you have in mind, I trust it furthers the interest of Chaos."

"I advance whatever interest I deem necessary -- and in that, Chaos as well, for I am an element of Chaos." His eyes twinkled icily. "Why else would I have salvaged you?"

"Yes... If you do have a plan, how may I serve it?"

"I have one. Do you yet have followers on Earth?"

"There are few of my followers of any sort left. In fact there have been few mortals who openly call for Dracula's resurrection since his last awakening seventeen years ago. They have been slain or scattered by witch hunters, or they have left our -- your -- service of their own accord because they believe their expectations have failed to be met."

"They are ignorant and impatient."

"They are mortal," Shaft reminded Death.

The other being sighed like a keening gale. "Indeed they are. If those who fail to comprehend will no longer serve Chaos, you should appeal to them in a way which satisfies their worldly interests. I will inform you exactly what I want from them, and then you do what you must to send notice to them."

"Yes, lord."

"Remind them, it may or may not be in their short lifetimes, but Chaos will triumph. It is inevitable, because change is inevitable. Life to death, death to life, king to god, god to king. Count Vlad Tepes will ultimately have his time to rule. Humans cannot lay hold to the thrones of the Earth forever, nor is even the Belmont line who protects them so strong a thread that it can't be broken."

"I live to serve," Shaft answered, declining his head respectfully if only to hide his delight.

Hardly a moment later came the stern reply: "You do. Without question."