Chapter Text
Castlevania Universe: Land of the Dead -
The Necromancer Abyss was burning fire and unforgiving, its oppressive darkness is broken only by the faint glow of malevolent necromancer energies. Its three broken towers are lit by the dark and endless eclipse. At one of the towers Gabriel Belmont, the warrior of the Brotherhood of Light, stood before the shimmering portal mirror wanting to use it to get around the level.
“This will take me to the Lord of Shadow here” Gabriel muttered to himself, brushing dust from his armor. He glanced back once, his eyes scanning the abyss. He had no reason to doubt the mirror's magic; after all, it had worked before. He activated the mirror, its surface rippling with light, preparing to teleport him out of this forsaken place.
But something went wrong.
Before Gabriel could react, a crackling red lightning arced across the surface of the mirror, distorting its once-serene light. In the corner of his eye, he caught the culprit—a small, mischievous figure darting between the shadows.
“Not you!.” Gabriel growled, recognizing the gremlin’s giggling form. The creature had interfered with his plans before by stealing items, and now it seemed intent on doing so again. Red lightning coursed through the mirror, warping its magic, but Gabriel was already stepping into it, unaware of the danger.
Far away in the depths of his dark fortress, Zobek, the Lord of Death, stood before his scrying pool, watching Gabriel’s every move. His plans to obtain the God Mask were nearly complete. Once Gabriel retrieved the final piece, Zobek would take the mask completely from him—using Belmont’s strength to accomplish what he, the Lord of Death, could not.
But then, as the mirror malfunctioned, Zobek’s face twisted into a snarl.
“What...?” Zobek’s voice was low and cold as he realized something was wrong. The portal’s energy had become unstable. A familiar crackling sound echoed in his ears, and his eyes narrowed in fury as the scene revealed the tiny gremlin’s interference.
“You!” Zobek’s form blurred as he appeared behind Chupacabra in an instant. The creature squeaked in surprise, but before it could flee, Zobek's blitz dashed from above, and then Zobek’s hand was already around Chupacabra's throat, squeezing with otherworldly strength.
“You’ve ruined everything!” Zobek hissed, lifting the wriggling creature into the air. Chupacabra clawed at Zobek’s hand, gasping for breath, his eyes bulging with fear.
“Please… spare me, my lord…” the gremlin wheezed, barely able to form the words. “It was a mistake… I didn’t know!”
Zobek’s fury burned like cold fire. He could feel the ripple of time and space warping around the portal. Gabriel had been sent somewhere—but not to him. Zobek tightened his grip until Chupacabra's squeals became high-pitched whimpers.
“You will fix this,” Zobek spat, his voice dangerously low, “or I will personally see that you spend eternity in the deepest hell imaginable.”
The gremlin nodded frantically, tears of terror spilling down his face. With a final snarl of disgust, Zobek released him, sending Chupacabra sprawling across the floor. “Go. Now!”
As the pathetic creature scurried away, Zobek turned back to the scrying pool. Somewhere, Gabriel was lost in a place beyond Zobek’s reach, for now, but not for long.
-- Hills past Crow's Perch--
The portal left Gabriel disoriented, his surroundings a blur of gray mist and unfamiliar wilderness as he emerged on a large hill. He steadied himself, breathing deeply, feeling the cold wind against his armor.
In the distance, Gabriel spotted the shape of a crumbling fortress ''Crow’s Perch'', though he didn’t know it by name. He didn’t need to; his warrior’s instincts warned him.
Before he could take another step, a screech echoed above him. Gabriel looked up, spotting the massive wingspans of three griffins circling high in the sky. Their shrill cries pierced the quiet, and as one of them dove toward him, Gabriel’s grip tightened on his Combat Cross.
Gabriel used his Guillotine move by jumping in the air and slicing the beast, with three strikes in a downward motion, making the creature bleed on its upper back, he finished launching it in the air, the creature dying from the wound..
(visualization: Guillotine)
Two others dived in to avenge their killed kin, and Gabriel moved swiftly, unleashing a rapid series of strikes with the Combat Cross. Feathers, blood, and earth flew as the creatures shrieked and snapped at him, their beaks razor-sharp and talons deadly. Gabriel chose the Chain Shredder move.
(visualization: Chain Shredder)
He does the move longer than usual and ends two griffins with the finisher part, he also decides to extend the chain of the move more than usual.
A familiar dread prickled at his senses as shadows passed over him, and he looked up just in time to see two more griffins descending from the cloud-heavy sky, their fierce screeches slicing through the mist.
Without hesitation feeling the surge of power from the Seraph Shoulders on his back. His wings unfurled with a holy snap. glowing faintly with a divine light that seemed foreign against the ominous skies of this strange land. In one powerful motion, he leaped into the air, his wings propelling him high above the hilltop as he faced the incoming beasts mid-flight.
Gabriel launched his Combat Cross, the hook tip latching onto the nearest griffin’s scaly hide. The creature screeched, thrashing in the air as Gabriel pulled himself up, firmly planting himself onto its back.
"Let's see how good of a mount you are" Gabriel growled, tightening his grip as the griffin bucked and tried to shake him off. Its wild flight carried him over the treetops, an erratic rush of wind and feathers, but Gabriel held fast, gritting his teeth as he steadied himself. The sky suddenly filled with dark shapes—six more griffins, summoned by the dying cries of their kin.
Gabriel narrowed his eyes, his senses sharpening as he anticipated each strike. Drawing a handful of silver daggers from his belt, he let them hum with a dark, crackling energy, infusing them with Shadow Magic before launching them with precise aim.
The daggers struck all griffin’s heads exploding, and plummeted to the earth in a trail of smoke.
The griffin Gabriel rode on gave one last furious shake, desperately trying to dislodge him. But Gabriel clung on with unrelenting strength, hooking his gauntlet into the creature’s shoulder. With a powerful twist, he forced the griffin into a downward spiral, directing it toward the ground below.
As they neared the earth, Gabriel leaped from the griffin’s back, releasing his grip just before impact. The creature crashed into the ground with a deafening thud, dust and feathers scattering everywhere.
Gabriel watched the last griffin as it flapped its wings frantically, trying to escape the slaughter that had befallen its kin. But Gabriel was not about to let it slip away. With a swift movement, he threw his Combat Cross once more, its hook latching onto the creature’s back. In a few powerful pulls, he hauled himself onto its back, gripping tightly as the griffin screeched in terror and began flying wildly, desperate to shake him off.
“You will take me there” Gabriel muttered, adjusting his stance to control the beast’s movement. He seized its neck, steering it with an iron grip, and leaned forward, forcing the griffin to turn toward Crow’s Perch.
At the last second, Gabriel released his grip and leaped from the creature’s back, shaping his neck with ease. Shocking the residents, then he landed heavily on the cobblestone courtyard of Crow’s Perch.
Gabriel straightened, dusting off his armor as a dozen of the fortress’s guards encircled him, weapons raised, their faces with full fear many saw how many he took down.
“Did you see him?” one man murmured, voice tinged with awe. “He took down all those griffins… alone. They were more than 10”
“Aye,” another replied, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and admiration. “Rode one of ‘em straight here, like he was some demon or angel come to strike us down.”
"People of Crow’s Perch,” the Baron called out, his deep voice carrying across the courtyard. “You’ve all seen what this stranger can do. No one here has dared to face the beasts that lurk in these skies, and yet here he is, a warrior from lands unknown. I have never seen such a weapon that he wields it's unbelievable he is an angel!”
The Baron raised his hand and spoke, his deep voice echoing across the stone walls.
"Kim ty jesteś? Co to za sztuczki z gryfem?" ("Who are you? What are these tricks with the griffin?") he demanded, his tone rough but curious. Gabriel blinked, realizing he couldn’t understand the words. The Baron’s language was unfamiliar, a far cry from the Latin, Greek and Romanian he was accustomed to.
Seeing Gabriel’s uncomprehending stare, the Baron’s brow furrowed. He repeated himself, more slowly, though still in Polish. "Jak się nazywasz? Dlaczego jesteś tutaj?" ("What is your name? Why are you here?")
Gabriel shook his head slightly, signaling his lack of understanding. After a brief pause, he responded in Latin. “Nescio quid dicas. Non ex his terris sum,” ("I do not understand what you say. I am not from these lands.") he said calmly, explaining that he wasn’t from these lands.
The Baron exchanged glances with his guards, muttering something under his breath. Realizing the language barrier, he gestured to his chest, speaking more simply. “Baron… Crows’ Perch,” he said, hoping the names might bridge the gap.
Gabriel understood enough to nod, responding with his own introduction. He placed a fist over his heart, meeting the Baron’s gaze steadily. “Gabriel Belmont,” he said, his tone formal.
The Baron looked him over, intrigued and a little wary. He turned to one of his men and spoke quickly in Polish, clearly giving instructions. Within moments, a young man—likely a scribe or servant—came running over, his expression nervous as he looked between the Baron and the towering stranger.
“Translate,” the Baron commanded him in a rough tone.
The young man nodded, swallowing hard before turning to Gabriel and stumbling over his Latin. “The Baron… wants to know… why you come here,” he managed, piecing the words together.
Gabriel’s face remained impassive as he answered, his voice calm and assured. "I got pulled into a portal from the Land of the Necromancers, can you point me to it"
The Baron furrowed his brow, clearly unfamiliar with the term. He glanced around at his men, exchanging uncertain looks, as though they all shared the same confusion. The scribe, struggling to understand, translated Gabriel's words as best as he could.
“A portal… from the Land of the Necromancers?” the scribe repeated, sounding uncertain.
The Baron’s eyes narrowed. “What is this land you speak of?” he asked, his servant to translate
Gabriel’s gaze hardened, and he stood tall, his expression unwavering. “It is a land far from here, one plagued by dark powers and the undead, run by the Lord of Shadow, the Necromancer"
The Baron nodded slowly, but his expression betrayed his confusion. He turned to the scribe, who translated Gabriel’s words. The scribe’s voice grew softer as he spoke to the Baron, unsure of how to proceed. The Baron listened intently, then shook his head slightly.
“This… Land of Necromancers. I’ve never heard of it,” the Baron admitted. “This world is strange enough, but that place sounds more like a story from the farthest reaches of legend.” His men translate back
Gabriel’s shoulders tensed. “So, you have no knowledge of it?” with frustration.
fter a moment, he gestured to one of his soldiers and then handed Gabriel a broadsword, the Baron said, "show me your strength. Fight a few of my best men." after the translation
Gabriel gripped the sword with one hand. It felt light in his palm, and without a word, he turned to face the soldiers—five of the Baron’s elite guards, all ready for a fight.
The first soldier rushed toward him, swinging his sword wide. Gabriel stepped to the side and swung his blade down in one smooth, powerful strike. The guard’s weapon broke in two, and he stumbled back, shocked.
The second soldier charged, aiming for Gabriel’s chest. Gabriel raised his sword, blocking the strike easily. With one swift motion, he pushed the guard back and then slashed his sword down, hitting the guard’s shoulder. The guard fell to the ground, defeated.
Another soldier came at Gabriel from the left. Gabriel didn’t hesitate. He blocked the strike, spun, and then slashed at the soldier’s leg, knocking him down.
More then came, the knocked them all. The Baron’s eyes narrowed as he watched.
The last guard came charging at him. Gabriel waited until the last second, then raised his sword to block. The two blades collided with a flash of light, and a huge sphere of light surrounded them. It was like a shield, protecting Gabriel from the strike. Then he stroke breaking the opponent sword.
(visualization: Synchronized Block)
The Baron stood frozen, his mouth slightly open in shock. He had seen many fighters in his time, but Gabriel was something else. This man was much stronger than a Witcher. He had expected a skilled warrior, but this... this was beyond anything he had imagined. Gabriel had taken down all his best men without even breaking a sweat. The Baron had never seen anyone fight like that before. His thoughts raced as he tried to process what just happened.
He paused for a moment, considering his words before continuing. "You’ve earned a place here. Stay the night. Rest. You’re welcome in Crow's Perch as long as you need."
The translator, a young man with a simple but respectful demeanor, spoke in broken Latin. "He says... you have proven yourself... stronger than anyone here. You are welcome to stay... in Crow’s Perch tonight. Rest... prepare for what comes next."
Gabriel gave a short nod of understanding. "Tell him I appreciate it. I’ll stay, but not for long."
The translator repeated Gabriel’s words to the Baron, who nodded in return.
"Good," the Baron said with a gruff smile, and with a gesture, he motioned to the servant to lead Gabriel to his quarters. "Rest, warrior. Tomorrow, we will speak again."
Gabriel followed the servant through the halls of the fortress.
An hour later, Gabriel sat in a modest chamber within the fortress, the stone walls cool and solid around him. He had settled himself on the bed, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on his mind. He knew he would have to repay the Baron for his hospitality, though he didn’t yet know how. For now, it was the least of his concerns.
His gaze shifted to the two pieces of the God Mask resting in his hands, the fragments gleaming softly in the dim light of the room. His fingers traced the intricate designs, a familiar ache in his chest as he thought of Marie, she was always on his mind.
"Would I ever see her again? I barely know where I am"
As the door opened, the servant entered once more, a respectful bow following his every movement.
"Lord Belmont," the servant began, his voice low and hesitant. "The Baron... wanted to replay you with a meal for all the Griffin... you splayed" the servant was getting better at translating.
Gabriel gave a small nod. "Tell the Baron I appreciate his offer," he said, his voice calm. "I will join him shortly."
The Baron awaited him in the grand hall, where a long table was laden with a generous feast.
As Gabriel entered, the Baron rose to his feet, gesturing toward the spread with a rough smile. "A meal worthy of a warrior," he said, his voice full of pride. "Sit, and eat. It’s the least I can offer after the sight you gave us today."
Gabriel gave a nod of thanks and took a seat across from the Baron. He hadn’t eaten well in days, and as he lifted the first bite to his mouth, he felt a rush of energy returning to his body.
A new message slid across the table. "You are not from here. Your power—where does it come from?"
Gabriel read the question and took up the quill to write his reply. “I came from from the Brotherhood of Light, my wife was killed I need to get the last piece of the mask to resurrect her. I was pulled here through a portal, separated from my own world."
“Then maybe you belong here, at least for now. Dark things haunt these lands. If you are willing to fight, we could aid each other.”
Gabriel took a long look at the Baron before responding. “I will consider your offer. For now, I seek rest.” He set down the quill, his eyes moving over the gathered feast.
The Baron watched Gabriel from across the hall, studying the warrior’s every move. A man of that strength, he thought, could be exactly what I need. (Perhaps, this stranger could rid me of those... I have to be careful with his one)
--- Back into the Castlevania Universe---
A black scalf with a totem head came to the mirror, he looked at the portal and knew this has happened before, although to a different place. It's clear that something will have to change.