Vlad III - Apocrypha
Legend of Dracula I
Vlad III:
History is a cloth woven from truth and dreams.
At times the truth is too brutal, so we paint over it with our dreams.
Vlad III:
...However, there are those who embrace delusions.
They crush the truth, and delight us with deception.
Vlad III:
–That is to say, to be frank, I will not forgive "Dracula."
Not ever.
Vlad III:
–Are you awake?
Fujimaru 1:
What's happening now?
Fujimaru 2:
Has something happened?
Mash:
I-I'm sorry, Master.
I know it's late.
Mash:
But Vlad has something he wants to talk to you about.
Fou:
Fou.
Vlad III:
–It's mixed.
Fujimaru 1:
What is?
Fujimaru 2:
Mixed?
Vlad III:
My memories. You see, I was born the second son of my father, Vlad II, and was ruler of Wallachia.
Vlad III:
Although I was driven to misfortune, I have no regrets over my life.
Vlad III:
However–since my materialization as a Servant,
I have been haunted by a different memory.
Mash:
Could those be of–Dracu...
Vlad III:
–
Mash:
...I apologize.
Please continue your story.
Vlad III:
You're right. The memories of that dreaded vampire.
People I've never seen before glare at me, and try to drive a stake through my heart.
Vlad III:
...The hearts of men! They are full of absurd naivety and incorrigible stubbornness.
Vlad III:
They affix imaginary personalities, imaginary histories, and imaginary stories to reality.
Vlad III:
But they have no idea how much trouble those affected are going through. Therefore, heed my orders.
Vlad III:
Travel with me to a different era, and eliminate the imaginary history. –It should be easy.
Vlad III:
Even imaginings are based on real tales, and those tales have authors.
Vlad III:
We will bring an end to them. It should be easy for us.
–Don't tell me, you're going to say no?
Fujimaru 1:
Let's go.
Fujimaru 2:
Of course not.
Mash:
...W-Well, that's right.
Defamation is a problem that can't be ignored.
Mash:
Regardless of the outcome, or how we arrived at it...
Revealing the truth is the right thing to do.
Fujimaru 1:
You think we can?
Mash:
Yes. At least I think so.
Mash:
Once we start tracking Dra...'s footsteps, the place with the highest magical energy response...
Mash:
...will most likely be the origin of Dra...'s legends.
Mash:
It's just that... Can the commonly known legend of Dra... be erased that easily?
Vlad III:
Why are you still talking?
I gave you an order. Hurry and make haste.
Mash:
Y-Yes, sir.
All right, let's get going.
Mash:
We're in London.
We're picking up a strong magical energy response here.
Mash:
...Most likely, the biggest difference between the original Vlad and the vampire Vlad is whether he visited London or not.
Mash:
Normally, Vlad has no connection with this place whatsoever.
Vlad III:
–So, this is London. I see.
What a dreadful place.
Mash:
Naturally, Mina Harker and Lucy Westenra never actually existed.
Mash:
However, it's possible there were actual women being attacked, and having their blood sucked– Women who resembled the characters.
Vlad III:
Fine.
Commence your investigation.
Mash:
Y-Yes, sir.
Mash:
But we have no clues at all.
Doctor, do you have anything on your end?
Dr. Roman:
Well... I have picked up several small traces of magical energy.
Dr. Roman:
But it's hard to say if those are powerful enough to establish the legend of Dracula.
Vlad III:
Hmm...
Dr. Roman:
But I'll keep trying!
Vlad III:
–No, that's fine. I'm well aware of your devotion to this task. However, it vexes me that there's nothing I can do.
Vlad III:
It's true that later generations would brand me a tyrant for my reign.
Vlad III:
However–even so, I am sure it wasn't enough for people to start calling me Dracul.
Mash:
Vlad...
Mash:
What?
Vlad III:
That was–the cry of a woman!
Dr. Roman:
I picked up a strong magical energy response.
Mash, you should go take a look.
Vlad III:
I will accompany you.
Right–I hope we run into this vampire.
Woman:
Please...stop...
Vlad III:
–"Kazikli Bey."
Woman:
What?
Vlad III:
...I see. This is quite intriguing.
Look, Mash and my Master!
Vlad III:
Completely unfitting for this era, for this place–
On appearance alone, this is indeed "Dracul."
Mash:
This is...
Vlad III:
A monster that transforms into a bat,
and preys on human flesh– Truly despicable.
Vlad III:
Prepare for your death, you heinous bat. In my current rage, I don't care if you're the Devil himself... I'll crush you.
Mash:
That sound just now...
Vlad III:
It looks like he's calling his allies. Fine. Saves me the trouble of hunting them down. How efficient.
Vlad III:
Oh how I wish every war was like this.
Wouldn't you agree, Master?
Fujimaru 1:
You are absolutely right.
Fujimaru 2:
Let's crush them all right here.
Vlad III:
I couldn't agree more, Master!
Vlad III:
Let the devastation commence!
Otherwise–show us just how much of a devil you are!
--BATTLE--:
Vlad III:
Hmph. Perish without a trace, you filthy beasts.
Woman:
...
Vlad III:
You, girl.
Woman:
Y-Yes?
Vlad III:
Worry not. This beast shall no longer trouble you.
Return to your home, and indulge in peaceful slumber.
Woman:
Y-Yes, sir.
Pardon me– What is your name, sir?
Vlad III:
Vlad III. Remember it.
Vlad III:
Hmm. I believe it's safe to assume the history has returned to its proper path.
Dr. Roman:
Ah, yes.
I think–this will do the trick.
Vlad III:
Magnificent!
Then let us return.
Vlad III:
Sorry for forcing you to accompany me.
Mash:
N-No, not at all.
It's quite all right.
Vlad III:
Yes. Tonight you should rest as much as you like.
I will be in my spirit form.
Mash:
Excuse me, Senpai.
Mash:
...Even if we correct history,
the chance for the legend of Dracula to be erased is...
Fujimaru 1:
Pretty low?
Fujimaru 2:
Almost none at all?
Mash:
...Yes.
Mash:
But, for Vlad–this IS his wish for the Holy Grail.
Mash:
Who knows what might actually happen?
Mash:
But at the very least, people's perception of Vlad III might change– That would be a miracle.
Mash:
All we can do now is hope and watch.
Legend of Dracula II
Vlad III:
Hm... London again? We've already taken care of that devil... Is there something else?
Mash:
I'm not sure, but we picked up something in in the area.
Vlad III:
Perfect, then! Even the defeat of a small foe would be a worthy addition to my legend!
Vlad III:
My name remains infamous, but I shall not be known as demonic nor as vampiric.
Vlad III:
Very well. Let's go, Master!
Fujimaru 1:
Let's do our best!
Vlad III:
...Ah. It seems we've found it. It seems our foe is a mere wraith this time, rather than a devil.
Mash:
Yes, but that doesn't mean it is not malicious.
The Demonic Fog still seems to be lingering in the city.
Mash:
It may normally be “just a wraith,” but right now it's a deadly evil spirit.
Woman:
Heeelp...!
Fujimaru 1:
Let's go rescue her!
Vlad III:
Oh, I know. I shall do what I did before: Kazikli Bey!
Woman:
Wh-what!?
Vlad III:
Woman. Stand back.
Vlad III:
That creature has crept into your world, but it is a being that should not exist.
Vlad III:
Touch it and you will die.
If you value your life, leave!
Woman:
B-but, but...I can't...move...!
Vlad III:
Oh... Then I have no choice.
Master, stay back and protect her.
Vlad III:
I shall impale that wraith.
Normally, my stakes are reserved for punishment...
Vlad III:
To threaten to harm civilians even after death... Unforgivable! I shall destroy you!
--BATTLE--:
Vlad III:
Vanished like the mist. How petty.
Vlad III:
But with the Singularity gone, how could there be a problem with evil spirits...?
Vlad III:
I suppose I should expect as much from a demonic city like London...
Woman:
U-um. Thank...you...
Fujimaru 1:
Get home safe.
Woman:
Thank you very much...!
Vlad III:
...Wait.
Woman:
Y-yes?
Vlad III:
My name is Vlad III. Remember it, keep it within your heart, and live the rest of your life to your fullest.
Vlad III:
And listen.
Vlad III:
Some of the things I do may seem odd, but I am in no way related to vampires.
Vlad III:
Understood?
Vlad III:
UNDERSTOOD?
Woman:
Y-yes!
Vlad III:
...Hm. Now at least that woman will never think of me as a vampire.
Vlad III:
Well, let's continue.
Mash Kyrielight, have you found anything?
Mash:
Y-yes... In the northern part of the city, there is a response very similar to the devil we just saw.
Mash:
However, just like last time, it is a weak response.
Mash:
...This is just speculation, but there is a high possibility that it's a Demonic Beast that we're just assuming is a devil.
Mash:
It's likely here because of the residual Demonic Fog still in the area.
Vlad III:
Or perhaps it was summoned for some purpose related to magecraft.
Mash:
This is... Could this be a summoning circle of some sort?
Man:
A monster!
Monster!!!
Man:
Get to safety now!
Hey, you too...!
Man:
It's surely the devil!
Vlad III:
Ah. So this is the devil.
Laughable. It's no more than a beast gone mad.
Man:
H-hey, you...!?
Vlad III:
I shall quite literally rip you to shreds!
--BATTLE--:
Vlad III:
What trifling nuisances.
Such pathetic opponents may even weaken my spear.
Man:
Wh-who the hell are you?
Vlad III:
Ah. You ask my name.
Then I shall answer.
Vlad III:
My name is Vlad Tepes.
You there, repeat it...
Man:
U-um...Vlad Tepes?
Vlad III:
Correct. If it's hard to say, you may simply call me Vlad III. Either way, there's one very important thing you must remember.
Vlad III:
Listen well: Vlad III is NOT a vampire.
Vlad III:
Repeat!!!
Man:
Vlad III is not...a vampire?
Vlad III:
Very good!
--ARROW--:
Vlad III:
Now all that's left is the mage.
I will not ask him to come to me.
Vlad III:
No...I'll chase him round perdition's flames before I give him up. I shall show them what it is to be Lord Impaler.
Mage:
...Wh-who the hell are you guys?
Vlad III:
You do not know me?
I am Vlad Tepes–
Mage:
Vlad III...of Wallachia? You lie.
Lord Vlad perished long ago!
Vlad III:
Yes, that is correct.
I fought and died as the ruler of Wallachia.
Vlad III:
What is done is done. The story of my life has been swallowed in the annals of history. However, I will not tolerate anyone who glosses over the truth in later years.
Mage:
...What are you talking about?
Vlad III:
There's no need for you to know.
After all, I'm going to destroy you.
Mage:
Ack! N-no!
Summon...I summon thee! Come forth! Save me!
Mage:
Help me...!!!
Mash:
A summoning circle...!
Is he trying to summon something again!?
Mage:
Ahhh! It's here... It's here!
Kill them! Kill them all...!
Vlad III:
...Now what has he summoned this time?
Mash:
This's a super giant organism reaction... Could it be...!?
Mash:
Did he manage to summon...a dragon to the 19th century...?
Vlad III:
There's no need to be surprised.
Vlad III:
The seven eras had stood once under fire. If they are undergoing repairs, it wouldn't be surprising something like this can happen.
Mage:
Y-yes... I did it! My clan's ambitions have finally been fulfilled!
Mage:
Using this dragonkin, I shall bring all of London's mages under my command!
Mage:
Now all the Lords of the Clock Tower will be erad—
Mage:
...Huh?
Mash:
The mage...!
Mage:
Gyaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!
It's... IT'S EATING MEEEEEE!!!
Mage:
Why!? I was the one who summoned it...! Why!?
Sto–Gyaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!
Vlad III:
Pathetic. Only through luck and coincidence did he succeed in his summoning. Without the ability to control his thrall, there is no point summoning it.
Vlad III:
Fine.
O almighty Phantasmal Beast... Dragonkin!
Vlad III:
My father revered thy name, and deemed thy form perfect for battle!
Vlad III:
And as his son, I have been despised by my enemies, by the people, by history itself... Not as a dragon, but as the devil!
Vlad III:
And now, I shall grapple with thee...a being Father deemed perfection itself. What irony!
Vlad III:
But I am grateful for this evil fortune! It may be twisted, but I will make a most worthy opponent for you!
Vlad III:
I, Vlad III, the son of Dracul...shall sink my fangs into your neck!
Mash:
Dragonkin...incoming!
Fujimaru 1:
Let's do this!
Vlad III:
Indeed! Taste my deadly spear!
Fujimaru 2:
Protect the people of the city!
Vlad III:
...Yes! How like my Master to be conscious of such a thing, even in a situation like this!
Vlad III:
If we were in the right era, you might have made a respectable king.
Vlad III:
Now, let's do this!
--BATTLE--:
Vlad III:
...Impressive, dragonkin. As a creature that possesses part of my name, you truly were a worthy opponent.
Fujimaru 1:
It's the opposite, my lord.
Vlad III:
...Ahem.
Vlad III:
I suppose we've managed to improve my name's ill repute here.
Vlad III:
A mysterious hero who saved London from a dragonkin... Not bad. Not bad at all...
Mash:
(If it's mysterious, then no one will know it was him...)
Mash:
...Oh no! A crowd is gathering!
Mash:
Let's move out! Master, Vlad...hurry!
Man:
U-um...
Vlad III:
Hm? What is it?
Man:
If it's all right...may I take a photograph with you?
Vlad III:
A photograph? Hm. I'll allow it.
Master. Let's take it together.
Mash:
Eh!?
Fujimaru 1:
Is that... C-can we do that...?
Vlad III:
I'll allow it.
Vlad III:
Even that Saint George–Georgios–has made a hobby of it. That surely means it is not something that would give offense to God.
Vlad III:
Master. My collar is not crooked, is it?
Fujimaru 2:
I-is this okay?
Vlad III:
Ha... I have knowledge of the modern world. I know very well that such contraptions don't steal one's soul.
Vlad III:
Pity it will be monochrome, though...
Mash:
(I think Vlad is missing the point...)
Man:
Here we go!
Mash:
Th-this picture's not going to be left for future generations, is it...?
Vlad III:
Do not worry. Even if it were, nobody would know what kind of photo it was anyway.
Vlad III:
It is destined to turn to dust someday, much like that dragonkin we just defeated.
Vlad III:
Let us return to Chaldea, Master. I appreciate you accompanying me on my endless journey to fulfill my desires.
Vlad III:
It may be futile. It may all be in vain.
It may be a meaningless and ludicrous journey.
Vlad III:
But such a thing is not to be fought. It is not in my nature to be abashed.
Vlad III:
And. While I savor all of these endeavors...
Vlad III:
I simply cannot take pride in the fact that I am a vampire. Not ever.