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God I hate that my mind’s here now but… there was probably an outhouse outside of Tera’s cottage:

Richter (exits outhouse, looks at Maria): Err, you might wanna give that a few minutes.

Maria: Goddammit Richter, I’m seriously gonna have to piss in the woods again??

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I can picture Alucard taking Maria out to look for clothes. He’ll hold fabric swatches next to her and say things like, “I think green would go well with your hair color and skin tone, very Paris Chic.”

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I think I’m gonna stay in My Modern Day Castlevania Nocturne AU for a while. Here are some headcanons/details pertinent to my current and future fanfics:

Julia and Tera are a couple who are raising Richter and Maria together.

Annette and her mom moved to Machecoul from Haiti when Annette was 10.

Annette and Richter ended up in the same 4th Grade class. Richter thought Annette was smart and pretty and decided to sit with her at lunch. It turned out they had a lot in common and became best friends.

Mr. Olrox is Richter and Annette’s 4th Grade teacher.

Mizrak lives nextdoor to the Belmont/Renard home and is dating Mr. Olrox.

7-year-old Maria is in the gifted program and can read at a 4th grade level.

Maria has been taking ballet lessons since she was 5.

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Castlevania Nocturne AU featuring Grandpa Juste with 10-year-old Richter and 7-year-old Maria.

Juste: You kids wanna see a dead body?

Maria (eyes sparkle with excitement): YEAH!

Julia: No you don’t!

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A Love Between Mothers (A Modern Day Castlevania Nocturne AU fic)

Summary: Julia and Tera have a date at Julia's house. After Tera cares for Baby Maria and puts her down for a nap, the moms have a whispered conversation about being mothers, beauty, and love. Julia then decides to make a confession. An EXTREMELY fluffy Modern Day AU. Richter is 3.5-years-old and Maria is 6/7-months-old

Author's Note: I think this might be the fluffiest fic I've ever written (I keep topping myself lol.) Well, Happy Pride Month, enjoy the Castlevania Nocturne mamas falling in love!

***

Julia and Tera had become very close over the last few weeks. They texted each other every day and scheduled in-person dates at least once a week. They talked about nothing and everything, and both women were genuinely interested in what the other had to say. Tera was especially grateful for this new friendship as she had been largely alone since she and Maria moved to this town.

They usually had dates at local coffee shops or the park, but today they decided to have their date at Julia’s house. They both thought it was a good idea to stay in a familiar place; it was almost time for Maria’s afternoon nap and the moms didn’t want Maria to be uncomfortable in public.

So Julia and Tera were sitting at the kitchen table, drinking tea and sharing a raspberry tart that Tera had baked. As they were recounting the week’s events, they heard Maria softly whimpering in her playpen. Before Tera had a chance to check on her, little Richter marched into the kitchen with some very important information to share.

“Miss Tera!” he announced as he approached the kitchen table. “Maria made a poopie and she’s sad!”

Tera and Julia gave each other knowing looks and chuckled. Tera got up from her seat and ruffled Richter’s hair.

“Thank you for letting me know, Richter,” she replied appreciatively. “You’re a very big helper.”

Richter beamed with pride as Tera approached Maria’s playpen. The baby was sitting up, bottom lip quivering as tears rolled down her cheeks. Tera was well aware that Maria was a little princess who hated being dirty. But no matter how many times they’d gone through this ritual, Maria’s pitiful expression always tugged at Tera’s heartstrings.

“Oh, Maria darling, it’s all right,” Tera cooed sympathetically as she picked Maria up under the arms and kissed her tearstained cheeks. “Mama’s right here and she’s going to make you feel all better. You know your mama would never leave you in a dirty diaper, no she wouldn’t, never ever ever.”

Tera knew her way around Julia’s house by now. The guest room was filled with baby supplies from when Richter was Maria’s age, including a crib and a fully stocked changing table. Tera carried Maria towards the guest room and looked back over to Julia.

“I may be a few minutes, Julia,” she informed her dear friend. “It’s just about Maria’s naptime, so I’ll need to put her down after she’s changed.”

“Take all the time you need,” Julia nodded in understanding. An audible yawn caught her attention, and she looked down to find Richter blinking sleepily at her feet. “I think Richter could do with a nap as well. I’ll get him settled while you take care of Maria.”

“But I don’t need a nap, Mummy, I’m not sleepy.” Richter protested weakly as he rubbed his eyes. Julia smiled fondly at Richter and scooped him into her arms.

“Is that so?” she started, a playful lilt in her voice. “You’ve had more excitement than usual today. We walked back and forth to Miss Tera’s apartment and you played with Maria all afternoon. I don’t think a nap would be such a bad idea.”

Richter instinctively snuggled into his mother’s chest. “But… not… sleepy…” Richter persisted through another yawn as his eyes drooped. Julia chuckled as she began to carry Richter to his room.

“All right, all right, you’re not tired at all. How about we…”

But before Julia even finished that sentence, Richter’s deep even breaths could be heard, fast asleep in his mother’s embrace. She carried him to his room and tucked him into bed.

***

Tera had finished changing and cleaning Maria. After securing the last diaper tape, Tera gently lifted Maria and cradled the baby against her chest.

“There we are, no more caca,” Tera crooned. “I bet you feel much better now, don’t you, sweetheart?”

Maria’s tears were gone, replaced by a cherubic smile and a satisfied coo. Tera mirrored Maria’s smile and hugged Maria tightly.

“There she is, I knew my happy girl was still in there.” Tera replied, placing a kiss on Maria’s forehead.

Unbeknownst to Tera, Julia had just arrived outside of the guest room. She was about to enter, but instead found herself entranced by the tender moment. Tera slowly rocked Maria in her arms, looking at her baby with nothing but pure love. Julia had never witnessed a scene so wholesome, so loving. Julia felt a warmth fill her chest as she watched this beautiful woman care for her baby girl.

Tera quietly walked over to the crib and lay Maria inside. Maria yawned and blinked sleepily as Tera covered her with a blanket. Tera gently stroked Maria’s cheeks with the back of her hand.

“Shhhhhh, it’s time for my little dove to take her nap,” Tera whispered as Maria slipped further into dreamland. “But I’ll be right here when you wake up, don’t you worry. Sweet dreams, my darling Maria.”

As if on cue, Maria’s eyes completely shut and she was fast asleep. Tera held on to the top of the crib and watched the little girl’s chest rise and fall. Julia decided that this was a good time to let her presence be known. She walked onto the carpet in the guest room, making sure her steps were audible enough to grab Tera’s attention. It worked; Tera turned her head and smiled at Julia.

“Is she asleep?” Julia asked in a whisper, looking inside the crib. Tera nodded.

“Out like a light.” Tera whispered in response, eyes gravitating back towards her sleepy little girl.

Now that Julia was closer to Tera, she was able to get a better look at the young woman; the way her silky golden hair cascaded behind her back and shone in the lamplight, the sparkle in her emerald eyes… not only did Tera’s maternal love make her beautiful on the inside, she was shining on the outside.

“You’re a wonderful mother,” Julia said quickly, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks. “I’ve never met a mother who loves their baby with their whole chest before. I mean, I’m sure all mothers love their babies, or at least I hope they do. But you… it’s obvious that Maria is the most important thing to you in the world. It’s truly amazing to see.”

Tera blinked at Julia and felt herself blushing as well. She didn’t know how to respond to such genuine praise.

“Well… Maria is the most important person in the world to me. She’s my life,” Tera responded, turning her attention back to her sleeping baby. “I’d do anything and everything for her.”

Julia looked at Maria again and smiled. “She certainly is a lucky little girl to have a mother as loving as you.”

Tera laughed lightly. “You’re talking like I’m the only mother in the world, Julia. But I’ve seen you with Richter, and I’d argue that you’re just as loving as I am. You’re raising your son to be a gentle, thoughtful young man. I’ve never met a boy as sweet as Richter, and that’s all because of you.”

Julia blushed even deeper and turned away. “I honestly don’t know what I’m doing most of the time.”

“I think most mothers feel that way,” Tera replied understandingly. “I know I certainly do. But the best we can do is raise our children with love. And we hope that they internalize that love and put it back out into the world.”

Julia ran Tera’s words through her head. Julia loved that thought. She loved the way Tera’s mind worked. And she loved the woman who said those words aloud.

“I’ve never met anybody like you, Tera,” Julia started. She decided to be brave and brushed her pinky finger against Tera’s. “The way you speak about love, the way you actually put your words into practice. Witnessing it is truly beautiful. And you… are truly beautiful.”

Tera’s heart skipped a beat. She turned to Julia and smiled shyly, her cheeks turning pinker. Tera and Julia were staring into each other’s eyes now.

“It’s been wonderful getting to know you and Richter over these last few weeks, Julia,” Tera started, gently grasping Julia’s hands in hers. “You showed me kindness when I had nobody. You welcomed me into your home with open arms. That’s beauty too. You’re quite an amazing woman, Julia Belmont.”

The two women stepped closer to each other, closing the gap between them. Slowly but intentionally, they brushed their lips together for a soft, gentle kiss. They pressed their foreheads together and lost themselves in each other’s eyes.

“Tera?” Julia asked quietly.

“Yes, Julia?” Tera asked, a smile spreading across her face.

“I think I might like you.”

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Another Bonus scene from my recent Castlevania Nocturne AU fic Nobody Messes With My Family:

Julia calls Juste and fills him in on Richter’s fight at school. Some excerpts:

Juste: Did he punch with his whole body or just his fist? Ah, you probably don’t know, I’ll ask him myself. And I’ll give him some pointers for next time

**

Juste: I seem to remember a feisty young girl who got into plenty of schoolyard scraps when she was Richter’s age.

Julia (flatly): I don’t know who that could have been because you certainly weren’t around when I was 10

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Like this post? Please support the support the Naseralla family and their community and dough-nate*: pp: MustafaNasrallah *if you send at least $5, see my giveaway post to enter for the giveaway bundle! (Can't donate? Please repost the giveaway!)

[id 1] a graphic featuring Adrian Tepes aka Alucard from the animated series Castlevania: Nocturne. Alucard is staring at the viewer and is holding up his sword across his face in a fighting stance as it glows red with his magic. He is wearing a white boat shaped respirator. To the right of his head is a white speech bubble with black text: i refuse to let the constant horrors move me toward nihilism. humanity is always worth saving and we can protect each other![end id]

[id 2] a graphic featuring Maria Renard from the animated series Castlevania: Nocturne. Maria is furious, her face scrunched with seething rage as she stares offscreen. She is wearing an accordion style cup respirator. To the left of her head is a white speech bubble with black text: no more excuses for folks who have access but are still refusing to do the bare minimum to keep our community safe when disabled folks have been begging & educating you for years. You are complicit in eugenics so fix your fucking hearts! [end id]

[id 3] a graphic featuring Annette and Richter Bemont from the animated series Castlevania: Nocturne. They are both curled up against one another in a loving embrace, sleeping peacefully while bathed in moonlight. They are both wearing white headband respirators. Below Anette's head is a white speech bubble with black text: so grateful for the moments of love i get to experience being surrounded by people who care for our collective safety! [end id]

[id 4] a graphic featuring Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades and Alucard from the animated series Castlevania. They are huddled together in a ready-to-fight stance, and are staring down the viewer. They are all wearing respirators that match their outfits. Below their heads is a white speech bubble with black text: everyone in our polycule wears a mask. what’s your loser boyfriend’s excuse? [end id]

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Addition to this headcanon: Maria was more than capable of taking care of herself. When one of these boys tried to court her, she’d give them her sweetest smile and say,

“I can summon a dragon who can bite your dick off!”

Fluffy Castlevania Nocturne Headcanon: Maria’s turned heads since she’s been engaged in revolutionary work in Paris. A few brave boys actually tried to court her. Juste and Alucard bristled when this happened, overprotective papa bear instincts activated.

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Modern Day Castlevania Nocturne AU (featuring 10-year-olds Richter and Annette and 7-year-old Maria.): Annette was a big fan of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. She showed a few episodes to Richter and Maria and turned them into big fans too. They always streamed the show and watched it together when they visited each others’ houses.

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Bonus scene from my recent Castlevania Nocturne AU fic Nobody Messes With My Family:

Tera goes full mama-bear mode and yells at the principal: “I want to know why nobody noticed that my daughter was violently pushed to the ground. Are your staff not supervising the children we entrust into your care? Maybe I should call my lawyer about this.”

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Nobody Messes With My Family Chapter 2 (A Modern Day Castlevania AU fic)

Summary: Julia brings Richter home and has a very serious talk with him. As the conversation goes on, it's revealed that something deeper is affecting Richter. The conclusion to Nobody Messes With My Family.

***

The car ride home was silent and tense. Richter sat in the passenger’s seat, head down and staring at his feet. Julia had a tight grip on the steering wheel and kept her full attention on the road.  Neither Julia nor Richter could look at each other.

Julia pulled into the driveway and put on the brake. Still not looking at him, she held a hand out to Richter.

“Give me your phone.” she said curtly. Richter complied and handed it over. “Now go straight up to your room. I want you to sit up there quietly, no playing any games. I need to make a few phone calls and I’ll be up once I’m done.”

Richter knew it was useless to argue. He slipped out of the car and went inside the house. Julia pinched the bridge of her nose. She took a deep breath before grabbing her own phone.

***

Richter lay on his bed and stared at the ceiling, waiting for his mother to arrive. The adrenaline he felt on the playground had long since dissipated, and now he just felt exhausted and anxious. He’d never been in this much trouble before. Before he knew it, he heard a knock at the door.

“Come in.” Richter answered tiredly as he sat up. His mother entered and closed the door behind her. Crossing her arms across her chest, she glared at her son. Richter braced himself.

“What in the world were you thinking, Richter??” Julia started in a raised voice. “Thank god you only got a week’s suspension, you’re lucky you weren’t expelled!”

“I know.” Richter answered quietly, head hanging down.

“No, I don’t think you do, Richter! This is serious! You know better than to put your hands on another person! I’ve raised you better than that!”

“But what about Nikolai?” Richter asked, starting to get his spark back. “He put his hands on Maria first! He hurt her!”

“Nikolai got a week’s suspension just like you,” Julia reminded Richter. “I’m upset that Maria got hurt too, but that doesn’t mean you should have fought Nikolai. If somebody’s being bullied, you’re supposed to go to one of the teachers or school staff. You know that!”

“But that doesn’t work!” Richter cried, the injustice of the situation upsetting him again. “The teachers drag their feet whenever a kid gets bullied! Nikolai’s been tormenting kids for months and the teachers don’t care! Every year we have these Anti-Bullying assemblies and they always tell us to say something if we see something. But when we do say something, the teachers don’t do shit!”

Julia looked at Richter cooly and lowered her voice. “I suggest you choose your next words very carefully, Richter. You’re already on thin ice here.”

“You didn’t see her when it happened, Mum! I’ve never seen Maria that upset before! She was bleeding and crying and it made me so mad that somebody could even think about hurting her,” Richter felt tears welling up in his eyes and his throat getting tighter. “And the dress that she wanted so much got ruined! I know how hard Auntie Tera worked so she could afford that dress! She worked longer hours so she could buy Maria that dress. And that jerk ruined it in a split second! It’s not fair!”

To both Richter and Julia’s surprise, Richter started sobbing.

“You and Auntie Tera work so hard to take care of us and make sure we have everything we need. And then a stupid bully hurts Maria and tells me that my whole family’s pathetic! It’s not true and it’s not right! I’m tired of people getting away with saying horrible things about people I love!”

Richter was crying hard now, shoulders shaking with sobs. Julia’s jaw dropped. She always knew Richter was sensitive, but she’d never seen her son in this state. Her heart was breaking by the second.

“Oh Richter,” Julia said softly as she felt tears brimming in her own eyes. The only thing she could do was kneel in front of him and wrap him in a tight, comforting hug. “Shhhhhh, it’s all right, my darling.”

Richter pressed his head into his mother’s chest and continued sobbing. Julia slowly ran her fingers through his hair in soft comforting motions. They stayed like this for a few moments, just a mother comforting her son. She gently pulled away and kept her hands on Richter’s shoulders.

“Take a few deep breaths, Richter,” Julia gently instructed him, bringing her gaze to his. “Breathe with me. In and out. That’s it, nice and slow.”

Richter followed his mother’s lead and matched the rhythm of her breathing. It actually started to work and the tension in his body lessened. As Richter slowly started to calm down, Julia brushed his tears away.

“I didn’t know you were aware of how hard your auntie and I had been working lately.” Julia said guiltily, briefly looking away from Richter.

“Of course I am,” Richter said softly through a sniffle. “I live with you. I see everything.”

Julia sighed sadly as she caressed his cheek.

“Sometimes I forget that you’re 10-years-old now,” she started wistfully. “A young man who’s more aware of the world around him. You’re growing up so fast, Richter.”

Julia looked into Richter’s tear-stained face again, this time seeing him in a new light.

“And what a young man you’re turning out to be. One who’s smart and kind and fiercely loves his family. I couldn’t be prouder of you.”

Julia pulled Richter in for another hug and Richter melted into it.

“Does this mean I can get out of whatever punishment you were planning?” Richter asked hopefully as he rested his head on his mother’s shoulder. He could feel her shaking her head.

“Oh no, you’re not getting off that easily,” she responded, voice still soft. “I understand what led you to do it, but you can’t just punch somebody and not face any consequences. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t hold you accountable?”

“I mean, you’d still be a great mother whether you decided to punish me or not.” Richter answered, still hoping to get a lighter punishment. Julia couldn’t help but laugh.

“Nice try, kiddo, but buttering me up won’t work.” She grinned. Richter shrugged his shoulders.

“Eh, it was worth a shot.” He replied, a smile twitching on his lips.

Julia sat down next to Richter and put an arm around his shoulders. “Seriously though, I hear what you’re saying. If you felt like you needed to take matters into your own hands, that means that the adults in your school aren’t doing their jobs. I’m happy to have a meeting with them to figure out what’s going on. You know I’ve got your back, right?”

Richter smiled at his mom and nodded his head.

“So, in terms of your punishment,” she started more seriously. “You’re suspended from school for a week, so that means you’re grounded for a week. No phone, no video games, and no having friends over. I’ve asked Mizrak if he needs any help with his yardwork, and he said he’d love an extra pair of hands. His house is the only place you’ll be allowed to go this next week. And I’ve already told him that you’re not allowed to play his Switch 2.”

Richter sighed and put his head down. “All right, that’s fair. Anything else?”

“Yes, actually,” Julia handed Richter’s phone back to him. Richter looked up at her questioningly. “You can call Annette and fill her in on what’s happening this week. Also… your Auntie Tera wants to take you and Maria out for ice cream. They should be home any minute. Your punishment officially starts tomorrow.”

Richter’s eyes widened, not expecting this development. “Really? You’ll let me go?”

Julia sighed again. “Your auntie and I went back and forth about this. You’re not being rewarded for beating somebody up, I want to be very clear about that. But Tera insisted and eventually wore me down, so you can go out for ice cream.”

Richter smiled to himself. Auntie Tera was seriously the best.

Richter hugged his mother one more time.

“I love you, Mum,” he said genuinely. “I’m really sorry for any stress this caused you.”

Julia happily hugged her son back and gave him a little squeeze.

“I know. I love you too, Richter,” for good measure she kissed him on the cheek. “All right, go wash up and come down when you’re done.”

***

Richter washed his face quickly and headed downstairs. He saw his mom and Auntie Tera sitting on the couch, Maria in between them. He caught pieces of the adults’ whispered conversation.

“You’re sure you’re all right?” Tera asked Julia with concern. Julia nodded.

“I am. It was a good talk. Richter’s growing into quite the observant young man.” Julia answered.

Maria heard Richter’s footsteps and turned around.

“Richter!” Maria exclaimed as she jumped off the couch and ran to her brother. She hugged him around his waist.

“Hey, Maria!” Richter said, returning the hug. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better!” Maria answered, pointing to a white square bandage on her cheek. “Mum put medicine on my face to make it stop hurting! It stung a little at first, but then I didn’t feel anything!”

“That scratch should clear up in just a few days,” Tera started as she got up and placed her hands on Maria’s shoulders. “Maria was very brave.”

“And Mum fixed my dress too!” Maria added, her face beaming. Richter noticed that Maria wasn’t wearing the dress anymore, replaced by a t-shirt with bird silhouettes and a pink skirt.

“It was a clean tear, right on the shoulder seam. It was easy enough to mend and now it looks as good as new.” Tera smiled again.

Richter’s smile stretched across his whole face. “Wow, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you, Maria!”

“My two favorite children in the world have had a very rough day,” Tera started sympathetically, placing an arm around each of the kids. “But it’s nothing that ice cream can’t fix. Ready to go?”

“Yeah!” Richter and Maria said in unison.

“Be sure to enjoy yourself, Richter,” Julia said with both a smile and a pointed look. “Because this is the last time you’re doing something like this for a while.”

Tera nodded solemnly. “Yes, so we’ll have to make this extra special.” She hugged Richter closer to her and gave him a surreptitious wink. Richter caught it and smiled gratefully.

“Bring me back a cup of Rocky Road?” Julia asked Tera as she opened the front door.

“For you, anything.” Tera replied with a quick kiss on Julia’s lips. Their gaze lingered for a few seconds. “All right, let’s be on our way!”

And with that, Tera, Richter, and Maria went out the door and made their way to the local ice cream parlor, giving a sour day a very much needed sweet ending.

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Not fandom related: I’ve been suspended from Twitter for 12 hours bc I told Andrew Cuomo to choke on my shit lol. So I think today’s the perfect day to fill out my ballot and not rank Cuomo. Let’s goooo Zohran Mamdani!!!!

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Nobody Messes With My Family Chapter 1 (A Modern Day Castlevania Nocturne AU Fic)

Summary: During recess, the biggest bully in 4th Grade hurts Maria. Richter goes into a rage and beats the snot out of the kid. Richter is 10 and Maria is 7. A Modern Day Elementary School AU.

Author's Note: This story will be 2 chapters long. And yes, in this universe, Tera and Julia are a couple. Enjoy!

***

It was recess and all the kids were happily playing outside. Richter and Annette immediately claimed a basketball hoop and started a game of HORSE.

“My neighbor got a Switch 2!” Richter told Annette as he shot the basketball and missed. “I think if we ask him really nicely, he’ll let us come over and play it.”

Annette took a shot and scored easily. “Your neighbor? You mean Mizrak? The guy who’s dating our teacher?”

Richter rolled his eyes as he grabbed the basketball. “Yeah, Mizrak’s dating Mr. Olrox. I still can’t believe that. I mean there are a million guys in this town who are way more attractive than Mr. Olrox, I don’t know why Mizrak had to choose him. We’d have to go over at a time when Mr. Olrox wouldn’t be there. I can already hear him in his smarmy little voice saying ‘playing games instead of focusing on your studies, Mr. Belmont?’”

Annette giggled at Richter’s impression. “You’re stalling, take the shot, Belmont.”

Richter laughed with her and shot the ball, finally getting one in. He barely had time to celebrate before he heard a familiar voice.

“Richterrr!” Maria wailed as she ran towards him. She had tears pouring down her face. Maria preferred to put on a stoic front while she was at school. Something about not wanting to show weakness in front of her enemies. So for her to be this distressed in public, Richter knew that something bad had happened.

“Maria? What’s wrong? Are you hurt?” he asked with concern as he looked his little sister up and down. Annette joined him and widened her eyes.

“Your cheek’s bleeding!” Annette said in alarm as she brushed Maria’s hair out of her face. And sure enough, there was a scratch on Maria’s left cheek that was dripping with blood. It didn’t look like it had been an accident either. Richter felt anger rise in his chest.

“What happened? Was someone picking on you?” Richter asked seriously, trying to keep his cool.

“I was walking to the swingset and a big kid pushed me down!” Maria choked out between sobs as she wiped an arm across her face. “My face hurts and my dress got torn!”

Richter looked Maria over again and saw that there was a tear on the upper left sleeve. Richter felt himself getting angrier by the second. This was a new dress that Auntie Tera had just bought for Maria. Maria had been begging for it for months and was so excited when she finally got it. And now it was already ruined.

Richter was brought back to the present moment at the sound of Annette’s voice.

“Did you see who did it?” Annette asked as she rubbed comforting circles on Maria’s back.

Maria sniffled she looked towards the playground.

“Him. The one with the spiky hair and the black shirt.” Maria answered as she pointed to a kid that Richter and Annette knew all too well. The biggest bully in their 4th grade class.

“Nikolai.” They said together.

“I’ve had just about enough of that jerk!” Annette exclaimed as she started to take her earrings off. But Richter placed a hand over hers to stop her.

“No, I don’t want you to get in trouble,” Richter said resolutely, glowering in Nikolai’s direction. “I’ll take care of this. Nobody messes with my family.”

Richter was already walking towards Nikolai before he finished his last sentence. He reached the edge of the swingset and glared at Nikolai with pure hatred.

“Hey! Nikolai!” Richter yelled at the boy. Nikolai looked in Richter’s direction in confusion and annoyance.

“Belmont? What’s got your panties in a twist?” Nikolai asked in an uninterested tone. Richter clenched his fists.

“First, that’s sexist,” Richter began. “Second, what do you think you’re doing pushing my sister?!”

Nikolai raised an eyebrow before his eye caught Maria standing a few feet behind Richter. The pieces came together.

“Ohhh, that. Well, I was trying to get to the playground, but this first grader was walking verrry slowly in front of me. So I moved her out of the way.” Nikolai exclaimed nonchalantly.

“By pushing her?!” Richter asked incredulously. Richter knew Nikolai was a bully, but this was low even for him. The fact that he showed no remorse for hurting a little girl enraged Richter further. “You hurt her! She’s bleeding and her dress is torn!”

“And how is that my problem?” Nikolai asked, already looking bored with the conversation.

“What do you mean ‘how is that my problem??’ Are you being serious right now??”

Nikolai snickered. He enjoyed getting a rise out of Richter.

“Does it make you feel good to push little girls around??” Richter growled as he clenched his fists even tighter. “Does it make you feel powerful to pick on somebody smaller than you??”

“What are you trying to say, Belmont?” Nikolai asked cockily as he grinned at Richter.

“I’m saying that maybe you should pick on somebody your own size!”

You could hear a pin drop. Everyone’s attention was on Richter and Nikolai, waiting to see what would happen next.

Nikolai burst out laughing. “Who, like you? You don’t have the guts. You like to talk a big game, but I know who you are. You’re a weak, pathetic loser. Just like your sister. And just like your moms.”

That did it. Richter had lost all control. With all of his strength, he punched Nikolai right in the face.

“I’ll show you who’s weak and pathetic, you chickenshit!” Richter screamed before tackling Nikolai to the ground. The boys were rolling on the ground wildly, clawing at each other like their lives depended on it.

Annette and Maria stared at the scene completely stunned. Maria’s hands were over her mouth, shocked that her brother said the word “shit” at school. Annette was the first to recover as she ran closer to the fight, but far enough away so she wouldn’t be dragged into it. Yes, she would have gladly fought Nikolai too, but she didn’t plan on punching him full force in the face.

“Richter, come on, stop!” she exclaimed urgently, constantly looking over her shoulder to see if this had caught the attention of any of the teachers. “You’re going to get in trouble if you do this for much longer!”

But not even his best friend’s voice could snap Richter out of his rage. Nikolai had insulted Richter and his family, and he couldn’t let that stand. He hated Nikolai. He hated him. And Richter was going to make him pay.

“What is going on out here?” boomed an authoritative voice.

Everyone parted to let Mr. Olrox and Ms. Drolta through to break up the fight. Mr. Olrox grabbed Richter while Ms. Drolta grabbed Nikolai.

Even with adults present, Richter still couldn’t compose himself. He tried to pull out of Mr. Olrox’s arms so he could get at Nikolai again.

“Mr. Belmont. Mr. Belmont! Richter!” Mr. Olrox warned as he kept a tight hold on the boy. “I suggest you calm down before you dig yourself into an even deeper hole.”

Richter took a few shallow breaths, slowly coming to the realization that he was about to get into serious trouble. His anger had not fully dissipated however.

“He started it!” Richter yelled, pulling against Mr. Olrox one more time. “He hurt my sister!”

“We’ll discuss this in the principal’s office. And I’m afraid I’m going to have to call your mother.”

***

End Note: The next chapter focuses on Julia having a very serious talk with Richter. I hope you look forward to it!

[wittyvitale]

Castlevania Nocturne Headcanon: Tax Collectors knocked on Tera’s door regularly. She was always yelled at or harassed bc she either didn’t have enough money or didn’t have money at all.

Whenever Tera heard the knock, she told Little Maria to go upstairs. Maria would pretend to do this, but she only went halfway up and listened.

Hearing the tax collectors yell at her mother made Maria very angry. Her mother worked very hard to keep food on the table and take care of Maria. And that was doubly true when Richter moved in. Didn’t these people see that? Didn’t that mean anything? Didn’t they care?

This is what started to radicalize Maria. And as she read and learned more about the cruel realities of the world, she became more passionate about the Revolution.

[wittyvitale]

Thinking about it, I don’t think Maria Renard is romantically interested in anyone of any gender. She is betrothed to LA RÉVOLUTION

[wittyvitale]

Modern Day Castlevania Nocturne AU: As Julia and Tera fell more in love with each other, they also fell more in love with each other’s children. 3-yo Richter attached to Tera pretty quickly, but Baby Maria was harder to win over. Maria was very attached to her mother since Tera was all Maria knew her entire life. So it was a big deal when Maria finally reached for Julia. Everyone cried 😭❤️