Chapter 30: Allies

It was quiet and peaceful like the usual. Her body has learned to adapt in the new world she has entered a month ago. Her wound healed faster than expected. Her wing has restored and she can freely move it the way she wanted.

The boy's blood helped her a lot. But she wasn't strong enough to return to her world.

Not today. Not in her state.

She has to return to her original form. In order to do that, she has to gather more power. And she believes she'll find the answer to that by staying to this kid's side for now. It was the first ever contract she made as a witch.

Yes, she's a witch. It may not be obvious, but she's currently in a crow form to regain the amount of power and energy she had used back in her world. It wasn't really an official contract. He saved her after all. She has to return the favor.

But she wouldn't expect that his wish would be something else. Something that's so easy to do. Most people would wish for power, authority, beauty, eternal life, and such. But this kid wished her to stay by his side. To be his ally.

"I mean, it wasn't that hard to do..." She mumbled as she recalled the day they made a contract.

For her, this boy's a bit strange. For his young age, he already had this void eyes. So dark and empty. It was as if he's been through a lot. And the strangest of all is when he asked her to be his ally.

'I mean, he's living in this big and spacious castle! He had this luxurious life! He could have as many servants as he wants. But he asked me to be his ally as if he doesn't have one in this place.' She sighed.

"But what if... he indeed doesn't have a single soul to count on?" She pondered and clutched her chest.

Just then, the boy arrived who came from his sparring training.

But instead of resting, he sat on his chair and studied.

'Does this kid know how to take a break?' She wondered and flew towards him.

Since she hasn't fully recovered, she can only fly a little and in a low altitude.

"Master, what are you reading?" She asked.

Yes, she chose to call him "master". That would be the safest to do so far.

"The vampire clan history." He briefly replied.

"Ehh? Don't you think it's kinda boring?" She frowned.

"Yes, for someone who doesn't like reading."

She pouted. He means she's boring because she doesn't like reading.

"Mean! How can you be so mean to someone you chose to be an ally!" She complained.

"You're talking nonsense. Why do I need to be nice to my ally?"

His question made her shake her head in disbelief.

'Seriously, what's wrong with this kid?!'

And there he goes again, staring at her with those dark void eyes. It was as if this boy chose to forget all emotions he had before. And that made her even sadder.

"You have to!" She insisted, "You may not understand for now, but you have to be nice to anyone you wish to stay. Because if not, they'll grow tired of you. Not everyone can understand you. You should also exert some effort to reach to them. That's how allies should be."

The boy frowned, "I don't understand what you're blabbering about."

Then he scoffed, "Nice? I don't even know what that means, since no one around here behaves like that."

With that, she finally understands something.

'Ah.. so that's what it is... Now I know why he asked me to be his ally... Because right from the start, everyone around this castle... is his enemy.'

It was painful, she can't help but feel sorry for this kid. But, that doesn't mean she's going to give up.

The crow took a deep breath, "Alright! I've decided!" She exclaimed, "Since you don't know how to be nice, let me show you how it's done. Here.." She offered her wing to him.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Let's shake hands, master. Let's start by formally introducing ourselves. I'm Frisca, and I'm the witch of dimensions."

The boy suspiciously stared at her. But then, sighed in defeat afterwards. It's just a handshake anyway.

"Orpheus." Soon as he took her hand, he felt a strong gust of wind came to him.

And when he opened his eyes, he wasn't in his room anymore.

What's in front of him isn't his desk nor books, but the golden fields, tall green trees, bright blue skies which he can usually see on books only.

But right now, it's the real deal. It wasn't an illusion, he can tell.

"Where... did you take me?" He asked, still in the moment of shock.

"Like I said, master, I'm the witch of dimensions. I can take you anywhere you want. And right now, I took you somewhere far from that suffocating castle of yours." Frisca climbed on his shoulder.

"In short, I wanted you to have a break. This is the first nice thing I'm doing for you as your ally."

Young Orpheus blinked fast. He doesn't know how to respond.

Is it alright for him to accept this? Will it be okay?

He slowly closed his eyes as he felt the cool breeze of wind brushing on his entire body. It's so soothing, so peaceful. The sun ray's just right that it didn't sting him. This place feels like a paradise. It gives him the feeling of serenity that he had long lost a year ago.

"Ah!" They heard someone said not too far from their location.

He saw a girl, in her floral dress, running on the fields. She's chasing her kite in a shape of butterfly. The thread must've cut off.

Watching the girl made him remember what Frisca told him.

'To be nice, huh...' He thought.

And unconsciously, his feet started moving, running towards the girl. He jumped high and commanded the winds to take him faster as he grabbed the kite in mid air. And then, he slowly landed and turned to face the girl who's running towards him.

"This is yours, right?" He handed the kite to her.

The girl nodded and took the kite.

"Thank you very much!" She beamed. It was the purest smile he has ever seen!

It was so bright, so innocent, and so cheerful. It shows how grateful she is for just a kite.

That left a warm feeling on his heart.

'Is this... what it means to be nice?' He asked himself.

Unconsciously, a gentle smile slowly drawn on his lips. It's the first time he used his power on something else. And that made him realize that it's possible to use his power not to take someone else's life but to help.

That was the most wonderful feeling he has ever felt.

"I have no intention of befriending anyone who belongs to the Ministry." Ash firmly said as he glared at the priest in front of him.

'Why does this brat know someone from the Ministry? I'm sure he's fully aware that this man is a hunter.' He thought as he glared at the priest who just smiled at him.

'More importantly, I don't like his guts. There's something about him that disgusts me.'

He didn't shake his hand and bumped his shoulder instead as he walked away.

'That man's indeed weird. He didn't attack any of us. But that doesn't mean I have to let my guard down.'

He stopped on his tracks when he noticed someone standing in front if him.

"As I thought, you're back, Ashford."

He looked at the vampire in front of him.

"Calcifer." He mumbled.

"Come, this is an inappropriate place to talk, am I right?" He said and went to the nearby narrowed alley.

Ash followed him afterwards.

"What do you want?" He asked impatiently.

Calcifer turned to him and said, "What are you planning towards the young master?"

Ash scoffed, "What? Is it wrong for me to make him stronger?"

"But you're lying to him! We both know you're not his father."

Ash narrowed his eyes, "So what if I'm not? Don't you know how it still pains me to see that child?!" He suddenly grabbed Calcifer's collar.

"Yes, he has white hair and he smiles like Astrid. But I still can't stop myself being reminded that he came from someone I didn't know! That's why, I vowed to myself to find that rascal and make him pay for ruining Astrid's life!"

After he vented out his anger, he slowly let go of Calcifer.

He took a deep breath to calm himself, "Either way, I'll still train that brat. He's my only hope to get back at my good-for-nothing father." Ash said before he turned away and left.

"Ashford.." Calcifer mumbled with a painful expression.

'You've changed a lot. You've filled your heart with anger...'

Watching him walk away made him remember the good old days they had before back in their world.

It all started after he became an official knight of the Van Helsings. He was adopted by the head knight Sir Uriel Aldon. Thus, where his last name came from. Other than that, he was given the position of serving the princess as bodyguard. It was both an honor and a hard task to do.

"Escorting you?" He repeated and blinked fast.

The princess smiled awkwardly, "Yes... you see, my fiancé is going to pick me up to visit the Tepes today. I was thinking if you could come along."

"You don't need to ask me, princess. I'll follow you wherever you go."

"That's a bit exaggerated."

Then, the servants came and informed them that the prince's carriage has appeared. Both of them went downstairs to meet him. Outside, he saw a young lad having the same white hair as the princess. But his hair is much different that it shines like a silver.

"Ash!" The princess beamed.

"Good morning, Astrid." He took and kissed the back of her hand, "Shall we go then?"

"Ah, but before that, let me introduce you to someone.." The princess glanced at his direction.

"Calcifer, this is Prince Ashford Van Helsing Alucard. He's my cousin and my fiancé."

Then, she glanced at the prince.

"Ash, this is Calcifer Aldon. Sir Uriel's adopted child and my personal knight."

The knight kneeled in one knee and bowed his head politely, "A pleasure to meet you, Prince Ashford."

"Rise." The prince said, "I don't like too much formalities, alright?" He grinned.

Calcifer rose up, "As you wish."

Ash frowned, "Are you a stone?" Then he glanced at the princess.

"Astrid, looks like you've got such a boring knight. He doesn't even smile."

"That's not true. Calcifer is still adapting, that's all." Astrid explained.

The knight blinked, "Do you want me to smile, your majesty? I will do my best if you say so." He said with a stern face.

Ash sighed in frustration, "No, thanks. I don't want to force you. Smiles should come naturally."

He escorted the princess to the carriage as they head on their way to the Tepes.

But along the way, there are bandits that blocked their way. They're quite many that would be impossible to get away from them.

"Hand over the princess to us, brats!" Said their leader as they forcefully opened the door.

Just in time, Ash kicked his face as he went out to draw his sword.

"Like hell we'll do that!" He grinned confidently.

"Why you--! Get him!"

The bandits attacked the prince with their daggers and gladius. And the others attacked Calcifer who stayed near the carriage.

"Princess, stand back." He seriously said.

"But I want to help!"

"We're in the middle of forest, there's no water here, your highness!"

Then, Calcifer fought those bandits as they charged towards them. He swings his sword as it classes to theirs. But he effortlessly defeated them, cutting their hands so they won't be able to use them anymore.

When Calcifer glanced at Ash's side, most bandits were charging against him. He lend him a helping hand by rushing towards him as he blasts his fire power.

"Thanks!" Ash grinned who was amazed by his ability.

Together, they defeated the bandits in a short span of time.

"Not so fast you brats!" Said their leader, who had Astrid in his arm.

"Princess! You coward--!" Calcifer was about to charge towards him when the leader pointed his blade at the princess.

"One more step and I'll cut her throat!"

Calcifer glared at him in gritted teeth. What's the point of his newly found fire power if he can't use it to save the princess in times like this?

"Let me handle this..." Ash patted his shoulder.

"Hey old man!" He called, "I'll make you regret for attacking us." He smirked.

Ash lifted his hand, and suddenly, the vampire's dagger flew towards him. Then, he grinned at the bandit as if saying: 'You've got no weapon now.'

"I said, let go of me!" Astrid shouted and bit the vampire's arm. Then, it was followed by a pain on his foot when she suddenly stepped on it.

The bandit groaned in pain. When Astrid finally escaped his grip, she turned around and gave him a good punch on the face. The bandit fell unconscious on the ground.

"Don't ever mess with the Van Helsings ever again!" She grumpily said.

And the two, were stupefied at what they saw.

"P-princess, are you alright?" Asked Calcifer, who's still in shock.

"Yes, I'm fine." She casually said like nothing happened.

"Astrid! Why did you do that!?" Ash exclaimed, "You could've hurt yourself!"

"But I'm fine. I just can't stand these impudent vampires!"

"Even so, you should've not done that!"

"And why not?"

"Because a princess like you shouldn't be violent like that! That's so unlady-like."

Then, the princess fell silent. She was clenching her fists, she was obviously mad. With that, she remained quiet all throughout the ride until they reached the Tepes mansion.

"We've been waiting for you, Prince Alucard and Princess Van Helsing! Welcome to our manor." A vampire with dark blonde hair greeted them.

They bowed politely, "It's an honor to be invited by you, Duke Tepes. We apologized for coming late. Something came up along our way." Ash said with a manner of seriousness in his tone.

"Ah, shall we talk about that matter in my office? I know you're all tired from the trip." The duke said.

"It would be a pleasure."

"Duke Tepes," called Astrid, "Do you have a garden here? I would like to take a stroll." She smiled.

"Ah, of course, anything for you, my lovely princess!"

"I thanked you." She bowed politely before she steppes out.

Calcifer gave Ash a meaningful look that he'll be following the princess. And Ash nodded to him.

It was already sunset when they head back to the Helsing manor. The princess remained silent all throughout the ride. But before she could go upstairs, Ash held her hand.

"Astrid, wait!"

"What do you want?" She didn't look at him.

The princes sighed, "Look, I'm very sorry for what I've said earlier. I was just worried for you."

"I know that. I just can't stand the thought that I can't do anything just because I'm a girl." She looked at him as her eyes began to water.

He doesn't want to see those tears fall down. He hates to see her cry.

With that, he sighed in defeat, "Alright, alright. I'm sorry, please don't cry! How can I make it up to you? I'd do anything."

She sniffed and wiped her tears, "Anything?" She repeated.

The prince nodded to assure her

"Then, teach me to fight using a sword!"

It was a sudden request. He wanted to refuse but he already gave his word. And for him, a true man keeps his word.

Ash gulped, "A-alright... I'll teach you."

"Really?" The princess beamed, "Thank you Ash!" She jumped and suddenly hugged him.

"I can't wait for your next visit. Thank you very much!" She giggled and cheerfully went back to her room.

Calcifer, witnessing these things, went closer to Ash, who's now as red as a tomato.

"Prince Ashford, forgive me for asking but, you deeply like Princess Astrid, am I correct?"

Ash messed up his hair, "Was I too obvious?" He laughed bashfully.

"A bit."

"Argh! How uncool of me! I was planning to save her earlier if she didn't punch that bandit. How lame of me!" He sighed in frustration as they went out of the manor.

"That's not true," Calcifer shook his head, "You got mad earlier because you're worried for her. The way how you talked to the Duke earlier is way different than how you talked to the princess. It shows how you show your true self to her. And most importantly," he paused and looked at him in the eyes.

"You apologized before it's too late. That's how you value your relationship with her. That's something I found admirable, your highness."

Ash blinked fee times. He was surprised at what he heard. He was comforted with his words. But what surprised him the most is when he witnessed for the first time, the natural smile that he's been waiting for him to show.

With that, the prince suddenly laughed.

"You're amusing, Calcifer! Here I thought you're a stone. But you're something more. I think I like you!" He smiled brightly.

But the knight gave him a disgust expression, "I apologize, prince. But I'm not into boys."

Ash retorted, "That's not what I meant! You know that I only have eyes on Astrid!"

Then, he cleared his throat, "What I'm saying is... I like you to be my friend, like allies." He clarified and offered his hand to him.

"What can you say, friend?" He beamed.

Calcifer stared at his hand for a moment. It was the first time someone asked him to be his friend. He had received so much good things since he was brought out of the slavery. And that left a warm feeling in his heart.

He slowly took and shake the prince's hand and smiled.

Thus, it was the start of their friendship. Calcifer has always been the lending ear of the prince whenever he has things to say especially about the princess. And he never grows tired of listening to his grumblings, complaints, and dramatic monologues.

How he wished, he could go back to those good old days. But he knows better. It wouldn't happen. They can't go back to the way they used to. Ever since that war started.

"I'm sorry for that, father. Dad isn't that sociable." Rae apologized and bowed politely.

The priest smiled, "Don't worry, it's fine. I can understand that."

The lad sighed in relief, "Thank you, father. I'll be going now. Have a nice day." He said and waved goodbye.

The priest did the same and watched the lad until he's out of sight.

"I don't know what I did, but that vampire sure has grudges on me." He mumbled as he recalled how Ash glared at him.

With that, he sighed and just walked on his way home. Soon as he opened the door, he saw someone standing on the aisle, wearing that white robe with the golden cross symbol.

"May I help you?" The priest closed the door, knowing he was visited by the Ministry.

"I came here to pick you up. Grandfather's looking for you."

Upon hearing that, he turned to the person and found out it was Ms. Grosvenor. But of course, she looks different now that he's facing her past self. And, according to her, he mustn't tell anyone that he met the future Grosvenor. It would be a riot.

"Pick me up? I wonder what does Grosvenor want from me?" He tried to smile as best he can.

She looked at him, "Are you coming or are you coming?" She pointed her gun at him.

The priest raised his hands, "I-I'm coming..."

'As if I've got a choice!' He thought.

"Good. Let's go." She puts her gun down and whispered something on her golden ring.

Then, a golden circle appeared before them. Before he entered, the priest looked back.

'I guess nothing bad will happen while I'm gone.' He thought and moved towards the circle.

Then, the summoner entered after him and the circle vanished afterwards.