The Books of Magic: Rise of the Bloody Moon, Chapter 1: Return of the Vampire King

by CSyphrett, Martin Maenza and Doc Quantum

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Continued from The Books of Magic: Ride a Black Horse

Grimoire Island, a place cloaked in mystery and enchantment, was home to the renowned Grimoire Academy of Applied Knowledge. Nestled within its boundaries were students, some gifted in magic and those who sought to learn the finer points of the mystic arts. While many believed the academy was solely centered around magic, its true focus was much broader — to prepare students to take on strange challenges of all types. Still, the island itself was shrouded with an air of the supernatural, which was unsurprising for anyone versed in its history.

Among the oddities of the school was the Clock Tower, a peculiar structure that stood tall in the heart of a glade. Its three-story glory commanded attention, its uniqueness evident to those who laid eyes upon it. The faces of the Clock Tower lacked hands, an enigma that whispered tales of untold secrets.

The hallowed halls of this tower were also restricted. On Orientation Day it had been made abundantly clear that the Clock Tower was off-limits to all without supervision. (*) Simon Belmont, the keeper of the tower — a man who seemed as ancient as time itself — never strayed from his post. His quarters were situated within the tower, setting him apart from the other teachers.

[(*) Editor’s note: See The Books of Magic: Orientation Day.]

Abby Cable, a new botanical studies instructor with platinum-blonde locks, stood at the glade’s edge as she faced a quandary. Her eyes fixed on the tower, she pondered her options. Of all the people on the island, only he might be able to help me, she realized. The question is — would he? Belmont isn’t exactly known for his friendly personality.

Resolute, Abby realized that ruminating over it wouldn’t change the outcome. Gathering her courage, she pushed open the heavy door of the tower. Stepping into the dimly lit interior, her gaze landed upon a third-year student diligently dusting books on the ground floor. The presence of the student, Josh Cantrell, surprised her. Although he was in none of her classes, Abby had heard of him through conversations with her fellow teachers. Mrs. Peel, in particular, had recounted a recent incident involving Josh trespassing in the administration building after hours, resulting in a severe punishment. (*) Having disagreed with the severity, Abby had kept her thoughts to herself, wanting to avoid any conflict with her colleagues.

[(*) Editor’s note: See The Books of Magic: Curiosity Kills.]

“Hello, Josh Cantrell,” Abby greeted, her voice laced with curiosity. “I didn’t expect to find you here. Do you happen to know where Mr. Belmont is?”

“He’s around,” Josh replied absentmindedly, clearly still serving some form of punishment rather than offering his services willingly.

“What do you want?” a voice called out from the stairs. Abby turned, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of Mr. Belmont. His aged face wore a perpetual bitter expression, as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. It seemed as though he believed his job at the Clock Tower was more of a burden than a privilege, and anyone who dared disrupt his solitude was unwelcome.

“I have some questions I would like to ask you,” Abby said, her voice already tinged with unease. She had a sinking feeling that this conversation was about to take a turn for the worse.

“What about?” snapped Belmont, his gaze falling upon Josh. The young boy had taken a break from his chores, his eyes fixed on the interaction between the two staff members. Belmont’s voice held a trace of annoyance as he scolded, “No one said you could stop dusting, boy!”

“Sorry,” the fourteen-year-old mumbled, his hand gripping the duster with newfound determination. But despite his feigned concentration, his ears were fully attuned to the conversation unfolding before him.

“Perhaps we can discuss this in private,” Abby suggested tentatively, feeling a pang of awkwardness.

“I am not leaving this boy unsupervised!” Belmont retorted, his concern over Josh’s presence most evident. “He’s already swiped some blueprints that I had on file here. God knows what mischief he’ll get into if left unattended!”

Abby nodded, understanding Belmont’s apprehension. Josh did seem mischievous at times. “All right, then,” she acquiesced. “My husband has been presumed dead for some time. But recently, Mr. Gallowglass claimed he knew my husband was alive and had known for some time. How is that possible? How could Gallowglass have such information?”

“It was probably uncovered during the background check,” Belmont replied, his voice devoid of any sympathy.

***

Timothy Hunter found himself lost in thought as he meandered along the cobblestone paths of the quad. The events over the past couple of months had left the twelve-year-old student in a state of confusion, unsure of himself.

Ever since Mister E, Zatanna the Magician, and John Constantine had singled him out last year, claiming he possessed dormant magical abilities, Tim had been grappling with this newfound knowledge. (*)

[(*) Editor’s note: See The Night Force: Night Forces.]

Deep in thought, he pondered the peculiar incidents that had unfolded since his arrival at Grimoire Academy. There had been moments when his instincts had guided him, helping him solve seemingly insurmountable puzzles. One such instance involved a secret chamber that he and Josh Cantrell had stumbled upon. Tim had managed to open its elusive door effortlessly, as though the solution had merely whispered its secrets to him. (*)

[(*) Editor’s note: See The Books of Magic: Curiosity Kills.]

Tim’s thoughts then drifted more recently to the extraordinary ordeal involving Black, the stallion who possessed a humbling intellect. The majestic creature had mistaken Tim for an apprentice magician capable of freeing its master from a curse that had transformed him into stone. Feeling powerless and at the brink of despair, Tim had summoned the strength of an unknown force that dwelled within him, succeeding in breaking the spell that had held his friend Dilvish captive. It was a moment that defied all logic, leaving him bewildered and desperate for answers.

Since then, Tim had dedicated himself to exploring these supposed magical gifts. Yet, despite his persistence, his attempts to manipulate objects with his mind, ignite candles without a single ember, communicate with the enchanted animals in the Bestiary, transform his appearance, or delve into the thoughts of his fellow students had all been in vain. The gift that had once appeared to be within reach now seemed like an elusive mirage, taunting him with its evasive nature.

Was it merely chance that had brought about these magical flukes, or was it something inherent to Grimoire Island that ignited these extraordinary occurrences? These questions plagued Tim’s thoughts, tugging at his curiosity and the deepest recesses of his being. Lost in his musings, Tim continued to absentmindedly twirl his yo-yo, his mind in a maze with no easy exit.

***

“Background check?” Abby Cable’s voice expressed genuine surprise. It hadn’t crossed her mind that such a thorough investigation was conducted before accepting the job offer.

“Don’t be oblivious, woman!” Simon Belmont scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Did you truly believe you were asked to teach botany merely for your looks? Everyone undergoes a rigorous screening process by the recruiter before they are even considered for a position here.”

“I… I had no idea,” Abby admitted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Belmont’s patience wore thin. “Anything else before…?” His sentence abruptly trailed off as his demeanor changed drastically, a sudden sense of foreboding radiating from him. “Get out of here!” he snapped, his voice filled with urgency.

“What?” Abby was taken aback by the sudden command.

“Both of you, get out of here right now!” shouted Belmont, forcefully grabbing Josh’s shoulder and propelling him toward Abby. “I must go!” With that, Belmont darted up the stairs in a desperate sprint.

“It’s too late for that, old friend!” a smooth voice chimed in from the second-floor landing.

Abby and Josh turned, their hearts pounding in sync as a wave of energy surged toward Belmont, propelling him down the stairs. He tumbled uncontrollably, his foot catching and banging hard on the floor at the foot of the steps.

“Mr. Belmont!” Josh cried out, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Abby rushed to the fallen man’s side. “He’s hurt! Josh, go and fetch help!” she instructed urgently.

The attacker, already descending the staircase, spoke in a chillingly calm tone. “Allow me to introduce myself,” he said, his voice oozing with sinister intrigue.

An urgency welled up within Josh, fueling his instincts, and he sprinted for the door. This is too weird! his mind screamed, memories of the incident in the basement flooding back, when he and Timothy Hunter had accidentally unleashed a gruesome creature through a mysterious portal. I’m out of here! he resolved, his determination pushing him toward escape.

As Josh reached out for the handle, a force pulled him back abruptly. Startled, he let out a cry. He turned his head and found himself in the clutches of a tall lizard-like creature. “What are you?” he asked, more curious than terrified.

Abby heard Josh’s cry and spun around to assist him, calling out, “Josh!”

Another lizard creature swooped down on Abby, effortlessly lifting her off the ground. She screamed in fright. “Put me down!” she demanded. But instead of complying, the creature turned her around to face someone else.

A man with dark, slick hair and a thin mustache appeared before Abby, his gaze filled with hunger. He introduced himself with a bow. “I am Vlad Tepes,” he announced, his cape swirling around him. “It seems you have maintained my castle quite well, Belmont.”

The man named Belmont groaned, struggling to rise to his feet despite the pain he felt. He had known the arrival of the stranger was imminent even before this moment. Determined, he stood up, his urgency evident. “Vlad, you’re going back in your crypt!” Belmont declared.

“I think not, Belmont,” sneered Vlad, refusing to back down. He rushed forward and seized Belmont by his shirt, effortlessly lifting him off the ground. Belmont’s feet dangled helplessly in the air. “The day has long passed when you could obstruct my way!” Vlad spat. With a swift motion, he flung the frail-looking man into a bookshelf, causing a cascade of books to rain down upon him.

“Once, I dreamt of ruling one Earth with my darkness,” Vlad proclaimed. “But now, I will have dominion over five! And we have you to thank for it, Belmont!”

Abby’s head spun with disbelief and confusion. It seemed danger lurked around every corner in this place. She thought back to the encounter with the malevolent man she and Tim Hunter had faced while assisting Black the horse. That encounter had ended in bloodshed, forever staining Abby’s dress. And now, another deranged individual showed up on the school grounds. What kind of institution was this for young students?

“Mr. Gallowglass will stop you!” Abby declared, her voice filled with conviction. She didn’t really know why she said it; perhaps it was because Gareth Gallowglass exuded power and authority, or maybe she hoped that this man would be intimidated by the threat. Whatever the reason, it felt right.

Vlad chuckled, his canines sharp and pointed as he smiled. “The all-powerful Master of the Impossible?” he mocked. “By the time he realizes the truth, it will be too late!”

As Vlad grinned, Abby noticed something familiar about his appearance. The pointed teeth, slick hair, and pale skin all clicked into place. She gasped internally. My God, she thought, he’s some kind of vampire!

Vlad turned his attention upward, addressing someone on the floor above. “Now, Gossamer,” he said to the unseen individual. “If you would be so kind…”

Suddenly, something descended from above, capturing Abby and Josh’s attention. They both glanced up, their eyes widening in astonishment. “What the–?!” Josh exclaimed.

The creature, with the upper half resembling a woman and the bottom half that of a spider, gracefully descended on an unseen thread, landing softly on the ground. She then menacingly pressed a spear against Belmont’s throat, piercing his skin.

“Now that the old fool cannot interfere,” Vlad declared, a wicked gleam in his eye, “I must be going. I will alter the worlds the way they were meant to be!” He glanced at Abby and Josh, who were still held captive by his intimidating lizard creatures. “Stay here, out of the way, if you please.” With an eerie laugh, Vlad turned and began to walk away.

“Can he actually do what he claims?” Abby naively inquired, struggling in the clutches of the spider-like creature that held her captive. Though it did not seem to intend physical harm, it certainly was keeping her at a safe distance.

“It’s not my fault this time,” grumbled Josh, his wrists throbbing from the tight grip of the taloned lizard. Another impending detention with Mrs. Peel loomed over his thoughts.

Vlad ascended the stairs, and faint strains of music drifted down, filling the air with a light melody.

“Can he really do what he plans?” Abby once again questioned, this time directing her query at Simon Belmont.

“Yes, if I don’t stop him,” Belmont groaned.

The trio of monstrous minions snickered, fully aware of the powerless predicament the humans found themselves in. With their captors, there seemed to be no hope.

Simon Belmont, the infamous master of the Grimoire Academy’s Clock Room and a terror in the eyes of the students, locked gazes with his captor.

The spider-woman offered a cunning smile.

Belmont returned the smile.

Abby found herself taken aback. This was not a typical expression for the stern old man. What is he planning? she wondered. Soon enough, her inquiry would be answered.

Belmont’s left hand moved swiftly, seizing the spear just above the metal point. His right hand balled into a tight fist and shattered the shaft of the weapon with a resounding crash.

Whoa! Josh’s mind exclaimed. Look at those moves!

Surprised by her captive’s unexpected resistance, the spider-woman took a step back, then paused to inhale deeply.

With a rapid motion, Belmont reversed the short piece of the broken weapon in his hands. A split second later, he expertly flicked his wrist, causing the shard to impale one of the creature’s eyes.

The spider-woman let out a pained squeal as blood trickled down her face. Clasping her injured eye, she effectively blocked her remaining vision with her one good eye.

With a swift maneuver, Belmont swiftly rose to his feet.

“Why isn’t he teaching self-defense?” Josh murmured with curiosity.

“Probably because he would end up killing the students,” Abby reluctantly admitted.

The lizards that held Abby and Josh did not attack Belmont, instead keeping a watchful eye on their own prisoners. The lizard restraining Abby exhaled a putrid stench of decay into her ear.

In her mind, Abby wondered if Belmont’s actions just sealed the fate of all three of them.

The spider-woman exhaled a noxious cloud of fumes, staining the nearby books. Belmont swiftly dodged the attack, gripping the remaining handle of his spear. With a determined stride, he drove the point deeper into the spider-woman’s head as he passed, causing her to emit a final anguished wail before bursting into flames. The fire consumed her entirely, leaving behind only a pile of ashes on the floor.

Belmont paused, facing the two lizards, his eyes darting back and forth between them. He appeared conflicted. These actions showcased a previously unseen side of him, surprising Abby. Despite his obnoxious demeanor, she was grateful for his display of humanity. However, she knew what needed to be done.

“Get Vlad!” Abby cried urgently.

“‘Get Vlad’?” Josh exclaimed in surprise. This old man had just defeated the spider-woman like a skilled ninja, and now the teacher expected him to go after the vampire? “What about us?” he blurted out, concerned over their own safety.

Without uttering a word, Belmont turned and began ascending the stairs. Josh’s lizard dropped the boy and started to follow the thin man, prompting Josh to quickly scramble to his feet. A realization dawned upon him. Ah, I get it — distraction! Josh thought, realizing that Belmont’s actions were meant to divert the lizard’s attention. But now he pondered his next move. Getting help is probably the smartest thing to do, just like Abby wanted me to before, Josh decided. He headed toward the door once again.

However, Abby’s lizard moved to block his path, dragging Abby along with it. Josh hesitated, uncertain of what to do next.

At least he tried! Abby thought, grateful for Josh’s attempt to free them. Now it was up to her. Abby thrust her head backward, smashing it against the taller lizard’s snout. Her skull throbbed with pain, but she hoped it would incapacitate the creature.

The lizard staggered, providing Josh with the opportunity to slip past and evade its free hand. He bolted out of the tower as fast as his legs could carry him.

Abby couldn’t help but smile. At least Josh is safe, she thought with relief. But what about the rest of us? she worried.

Above, the sound of thunderous crashes and breaking wood echoed through the tower. Then, a distinct thump-thump emanated from the stairs. The lizard that had pursued Belmont tumbled down the stairs lifelessly, its purple hide marred by bloody gashes.

The remaining lizard flung Abby away with a deafening roar, causing her to lose her balance and land on the cold floor. As she scrambled to her feet, she noticed it making its way up the stairs, chasing after the elusive Belmont. A brief thought crossed her mind, contemplating whether she should shout out a warning. However, doing so might alert Vlad Tepes to their presence, and the ongoing battle was already creating enough commotion.

I have to see if I can help Simon! Abby resolved, her determination fueling her actions as she steadily ascended the stairs. Another deafening crack resonated from above. Just as Abby reached the bottom step, the beast was hurled back down, colliding with the broken body of its fallen counterpart. In a blaze of flames, it disintegrated into a cloud of smoke.

A sickening feeling churned in Abby’s stomach, but she steeled herself and pressed on. The odor reminded her of brimstone. Determined not to let fear consume her, Abby continued her ascent, her will unwavering.

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