Castlevania: Beloved Saintess

Chapter 14 : Intentions

Days turned into weeks as Maria begrudgingly adjusted to Sumi and Taka's presence. Alucard, ever patient, tried to dissuade her from being so prickly towards them, but Maria remained stubbornly resistant.

Alucard had kept his promise, training Sumi and Taka in the art of combat. The two were quick learners, their skills growing rapidly. They were also eager to learn Maria's holy power, but that was a gift bestowed at birth, a privilege reserved for a select few. Seeing as there were no known bloodlines of Saints, they lacked the aptitude for such a divine ability.

Maria watched them train, a mix of admiration and skepticism in her eyes. Despite her initial reservations, she couldn't deny their talent and dedication. Yet, a part of her remained wary. She had seen too much darkness in the world to trust strangers so easily.

Of course Maria had to learn and train herself, so she would spend countless hours delving into the ancient texts that chronicled the lives of her predecessors. She found solace in their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. It was comforting to know that she was not alone in her doubts and uncertainties.

Yet, as she read about the incredible feats of her ancestors, a sense of inadequacy crept into her heart. The gates of Heaven were closed, the world was overrun by demons, and she felt so small, so powerless. She had barely been able to make a dent in the suffering caused by Dracula's reign.

"What am I going to do with myself?" she sighed, her voice filled with frustration and despair.

That night, Alucard entered Maria's room, finding her seated by the window, her gaze fixed on the moonlit sky. She looked forlorn, her usual vibrant spirit dimmed.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft. "You've been moping all day."

Maria sighed, her eyes filling with tears. "Alucard, am I... doing a good job as a Saintess?"

He was surprised by her question. "Of course you are. You've helped so many people."

"But is it enough?" she persisted. "I'm worried I'm not doing enough. Maybe I should reveal that I'm a Saintess. Maybe then I could help people all at once."
Alucard chuckled. "Maybe, but then you'd be hounded by the Church, taken against your will, and lose all your freedom."

Maria groaned, her frustration evident. "Don't laugh, Alucard! I'm really worried I'm not doing a good job!"

He smiled gently, reaching out to pat her head. "You're doing just fine, Maria. Remember, it's not about how much you can do, but the impact you make on those around you."

Maria felt a sense of comfort wash over her as Alucard's words echoed in her mind. It was reassuring to have someone in her life who could offer gentle reassurance and support. His words reminded her that her worth wasn't measured by the scale of her accomplishments, but by the impact she made on the lives of others.

"Thank you,  Alucard that means a lot." She smiles.

****

One morning, Maria was using her divine power to restore a section of the castle. As she worked, Taka suddenly appeared, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Are you... repairing Dracula's castle?" he asked.
Maria paused, her gaze meeting his. "Yes, although it would be better said that I'm restoring it to its former glory. Not completely, of course."

Taka's curiosity only grew. "Does that mean you'll be able to restore the transportation device of this castle?"

Maria's skin prickled with alarm. The transportation device was a dangerous relic, a remnant of Dracula's dark reign. She knew the risks involved in activating it.
"No," she replied, her voice firm. "I don't find it necessary."