Brauner's Invitation

He was almost at the castle's peak. Near to Lady Carmilla's throne room. It must be now- or never.

"He'll never reach her... ...He'll never resist!"

The ominous figure licked it's lips and retreated back into the cavernous steeple, the warrior's next obstacle to conquer in the infamous Vampire Castle. The warrior in question, Gabriel Belmont, climbed steadily as he crossed the lengthy frozen bridge that led to where his dark stalker lay within. He was a man on a clear and determined mission. To vanquish the castle's Dark Lord, the Queen of the Vampires, Carmilla; a beautiful and seductive figure masquerading a cold and monstrous nature. Her iron-taloned reign over the long-suffering region would end this night- of that he secretly promised.

He reached the frosty entryway battered by the cold air. The storm had grown so cold it was beginning to scald his bare flesh. Without another thought, Gabriel rushed inside.

He immediately felt better. He'd been traveling for days without rest that he'd almost forgotten what it was like to feel good about something for a change. Sheltering away from the icy wind he observed his surroundings. It was surprisingly lush and comfortable, a stark contrast to the broken armouries and blood-splattered halls he'd traversed before- there was even a fireplace- but it was unlit. But such things were to be expected by.

"Come inside from the cold, my poor dear!"

Gabriel instinctively sought the originator of the deep, dark voice. But it was an unsurmountable challenge as it seemed to echo from everywhere!

"I'm afraid," the voice continued, invitingly in the close confines of the empty room, "the wind doesn't temper a warm fire up here... But."

A loud flap of what sounded like a whipping rug or curtain alerted Gabriel to behind him, to the dark quiet shadows in the deeper part of the room, veiled by cobweb-like curtains that opened up to the command of the mystery caller. The creature came into focus as though emerging from a fog of thick, black smoke- it's pearly white eyes striking Gabriel as it raised it's head to greet him. A great set of bat-like wings filled the expanse of the empty corner. Gabriel stared with a mixture of surprise and disgust.

The creature opened out it's arms to reveal a pair of pendulous breasts, framed by the chilled moonlight for Gabriel's benefit.

"Allow me to keep you warm instead!" the vampire offered with a smile, beckoning him into the darkness.

"Your concern is unwelcome, vampire!" Gabriel shot back defiantly, pointing the head of his Combat Cross at the vampire.

"My apologies, my dear Gabriel," the vampire humbled bowing her head. She then slowly stood up from her seat and took a few steps towards the warrior. Gabriel lowered his weapon and took a step backward cautiously, preparing himself to fight if necessary.

"But please, call me Brauner!" she requested putting a hand on her collarbone earnestly.

"I know of you. One of Carmilla's warriors, called forth from the depths to fight for her cause. You betrayed Hell for-" Gabriel was cut off by the harsh sound of Brauner's cackling laughter.

"-...Ah! You are very bright! A fine trait for one so young."

"And so, may I say," added the vampire, advancing, "handsome... as you..."

Brauner reached out to touch Gabriel's face but he moved away before she could do so. Her hand twitched, disheartened slightly by his revulsion. Gabriel stared at her, seemingly insulted by the gesture.

"I mean you no harm, my kin. In fact quite the opposite."

Gabriel's eyes narrowed.

"You... wish to aid me?"

"In a way... Yes!" Brauner announced with a pleasant smile.

Gabriel didn't buy her for a minute but he decided to follow along with her.

"In what... way, Brauner?"

"I wish," she started as she began to circle him, Gabriel watching like a hawk, "to make you whole, my Gabriel. To make you..."

"...Complete!"

Brauner lightly brushed her clawed hand against Gabriel's arm as she passed him. Gabriel turned around threateningly.

"You want to turn me then...?!"

Brauner licked her lips.

"Only if you desire it, my love." she corrected with a smile.

"I grow tired of you mollycoddling, demon!" said Gabriel angrily. "Speak plainly!"

"I know of your quest." She leaned in sympathically, "Of your torment!"

Gabriel scowled. He knew where she going but he let her continue. His cold exterior masked his true feelings but unlike the stormy weather his chill was unyielding. For now at least.

"And your Marie...!"

Gabriel bit back his anger at her insolence but let her know of his feelings on the matter.

"Then you know why I am here!" Gabriel armed himself and pointed his weapon at Brauner. "And why it's unwise to stand in my way".

Brauner stood up, wary of him.

"Oh yes. I've heard of your exploits and your magnificent strength!" Brauner began excitedly before slipping into sadness. "And... of course, your goal..."

Gabriel's face flickered a little. Brauner saw her chance and moved in close.

"Gabriel. Your wife isn't coming back.She is dead. You must let go...!"

Her deathly breath washed over his face, the smell of old blood reeking from her mouth, spiting him with each word. Gabriel pulled away.

"You know NOTHING!"

"I know of... resurrection, my dear sweet Gabriel!" she snapped with an intentionally toothy grin, "raising the dead is a dark art and one that I'm sure you aren't prepared to attempt!"

"Tell me..." she continued preventing Gabriel from challenging her, "how do you believe the mask will revive dear Marie?"

Gabriel stared pensievely, unsure how to act.

"I know the Lord moves in mysterious ways but do you really expect the fabric, the very nature of life be thwarted" she raised a single finger to accentute, "for one single life?"

Her words burned him. He was determined not to let it show but he was failing. He'd never considered the possibility that it might not even work, that his faith wasn't faith at all. But desperation.

"Well?" she pressed sweetly.

Gabriel said nothing. He could think of nothing. He didn't want her to have won but he didn't know what to say. He just looked down slightly. Brauner moved closer, raising her arms to comfort him. As her wings blanketed him with their cast shadow Gabriel lifted his cross instinctively. She backed off cautiously. She hadn't won yet it seemed.

"What..." he gasped.

"Yes?" she encouraged.

"What do you want from me?!" grunted Gabriel scowling up at her.

Brauner smiled sinisterly. "I thought you'd never ask, my sweet!"

"I only want you to live, my love," she professed, raising a hand upward.

"...For whom?" he inquired suspiciously.

She turned and slowly started to walk back the way she came Gabriel watching after her.

"Well, for you of course! I want you to be happy again... and..."

"If I could help you get there... in anyway I can..." she added, reaching her starting point and turning to face him. "Then that would make me happy too!"

"Like sheltering me from the cold?" grunted Gabriel bitterly.

"Hm-hm-hmm... Only to persuade you, prove to you how much I care about you!"

Gabriel was momentarily distracted by a not-so-subtle gesture of Brauner's as she lightly fondled her bosom as she spoke. She smiled eagerly.

"What do you have in mind...?"