Whew! Finishing this chapter really was a race against time! I'm moving out in a few days and the last of my stuff, including my computer, is gonna be moved their tomorrow =P That being said; Daaaaayummmm, long chapter is long! Well, for me anyways, ahaha. So I hope you guys like the chapter ;)

Enjoy~ ^3^

Chapter 5: The Promise; Of Boldness and Lone Wolves

Mystic Beast:Mystic Beasts, also known as Cu Sith, are swift, longed-haired, horned wolves that have a well-honed affinity for the wind. The parents are always ready to risk their lives for their children, but they also practice strict training for their kids and send them into battle.

Location: Cavern of Evil; Shriek of Death

After clearing the largest area of the Cavern of Evil, you'll eventually reach an opening where most of the water ends up in a lake that is surrounded by a large, still underground, forest. In various places of this area, old- but sturdy, pillars still remained standing. It is here, on the edge of the lake, where our story continues.

*Splash* "Whew…" With a great big tug, Axel the Dark Hero pulled the unconscious young boy Taro from the water and laid him down on the ground.

"That was a close one, kid. If I didn't take that taxi, you'da drowned for sure."

"Ugh, uhhn…"Taro let out a soft groan.

"Hey, wake up. If you sleep in a place like this the monsters'll eatcha."

"H, help me…" While still unconscious, Taro's arms flailed around as if he was running from something.

"I'm sorry, kid. I'm sorry you got hurt like this." Axel looked at Taro with pity. He then grabbed a piece of paper from his coat and dropped it on the boy. "Now, here's the bill for the taxi, kid. When you get home, tell your parents I said, 'thanks'."

*Grrrr…* Just as Axel prepared to walk away, he heard an angry growling sound.

"Wh, what was that sound…? It wasn't your stomach growling, was it?" Axel asked the boy with a twitching smile. "It… it couldn't be my turn to be scared now… could it…? Heh heh, no way…"

Axel looked around with shifty eyes as the growling noise multiplied and increased in volume.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaah! ? I'm in deep, deeeeeep trouble!"

{-}

"Oh ho hooooo! Zat is a lot of monsters!" Red form Tink exclaimed loudly as the party arrived at the scene.

A large pack of wolf-like monsters, Cu Sith's, growled and roared at something shaking vigorously on a tall pillar. That something being of course, Axel, our Dark Hero.

"…That's… kind of amazing. Was that guy born underneath an unlucky star or something?" Roy wondered as he blankly stared at the sight in front of him.

"Axel? What the hell are you doing here?" Adell called out to the distressed 'rock star'.

"I, I was, uh, just passing by! You know, out on a stroll! Then these monsters came out!" Axel yelled back.

("Well, that's an obvious lie…") Roy thought to himself.

("I wonder what Sir Axel was doing out here… could he have…") Celeste also thought to herself.

"I think they're my fans! You know, they just all NEED my autograph! Yeah!" One of the snarling monsters jumped up and snapped at Axels' feet, who in turn jumped up in fright.

"It appears you have whipped your fans into a frenzy. As if, they were on the verge of biting." Rozalin observed amused at Axels' pinch.

"Hey, have you seen Taro?" Hanako called out.

"Oh, that kid? Yeah, he-" another one of the monsters snapped at his ankles. "H, he ran deeper into the cave! But, he isn't dead yet!"

"Axel. Did you…" Adell asked surprised.

Suddenly, Tink yanked Adells arm. "Ah Adell! Are zose not ze monsters zat ze masked lady told us about! ? Play ze flute! Hurry! Hurry!"

"…Oh, OK!" Adell took out the flute that was given to him by the masked woman and put it to his mouth. Then a few seconds later he came to a realization.

"…Um, how do you play this thing? I've never played a flute before."

Tink face-planted himself into the ground: either due to stress, or because his short arms weren't long enough for him to reach his face.

"Sacre bleu! Zen don't pretend like you can! Give it to me!" Tink snatched the flute away from him. "Here, Princess!" he pushed the instrument into Rozalin's hands.

"Huh? I have never played a flute before, either. But, being a true lady, I have read all about it. Leave this to me."

The princess closed her eyes in concentration and put the flute to her lips. Suddenly she opened her eyes again and stared at the magic flute.

"W, what's wrong, Rozy?" Hanako asked her, wondering why she hadn't started playing yet.

"…Now that I think about it, didn't Adell put the flute to his mouth just now…?"

"Ah, you're right. It'll count as an indirect kiss!" Hanako said with a grin.

"Kya~ how bold…" Celeste giggled in excitement.

Realizing what she almost did, Rozalin turned red from head to toe and threw the flute into Tink with all of her strength.

"I, I, I cannot play this dirty flute!"

{-}

"Momo! Hurry it up, would'ya? We've completely lost sight of them!" the Succubus known as Vanille called out to her Alraune companion.

"*Pant, pant* If I could fly above ground like you do… *pant* I'd be a lot faster too…" Momoko replied as she slowly continued her trek uphill. "Besides, I'm not built for climbing rocks! I'd much rather just bask in the sunlight somewhere with a cool drink and a good book…"

"Oh, stop your whining. Spending your entire day cooped up in that flower of yours isn't good for your health. Really, you should be thankful you're getting some exercise!"

"*grumble* I'll give you some exercise…"

"What was that?"

"Nothing…"

The pair continued on for a while (much to Momoko's discontent) until they heard howling nearby.

"Hm? What was that?" Vanille asked as she listened intently.

"...It's must those pesky Cu Sith's again. They've become much more active in this area recently." Momoko said with a sigh.

"They only recently became that way? How come?"

"Hm. I heard that a different, more aggressive pack of wolves moved into this territory and chased off the local pack by force. Ever since, this place has become like an all out warzone. It's a right big pain in the petals for the other natives."

"Hmm… that right? But, wouldn't that mean that we're in the middle of their hunting grounds right now?"

Momoko confidently shook her head. "No, we should be fine for the time being. I've studied their language for a while so I can pretty much understand what they're saying."

"That's amazing, Momo!" Vanille exclaimed surprised. "Who would have thought your silly fascination with lame old books and studying would pay off some day! So what did they say?"

"…Leaving that stab at books aside…" Momoko said with a glare. "I think it was something like: 'Get down from there and let us eat you, you cretin! Are you sure we should eat that? It looks a bit…dimwitted.'"

A moment of silence passed.

"…D, Don't sweat it Momo, everyone makes mistakes sometimes." Vanille said, giving Momoko a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"That's really what they said!" Momoko barked back at Vanille frustrated.

"What, seriously? Ehehe, sorry 'bout that."

"…Geez…" Momoko sighed.

"But in any case, it sounds like they're hunting something or someone." Vanille concluded.

"Yes, probably. But we'll be fine if we go around them. I'll pass on being had as a snack." Momoko nodded to herself.

"Right. We're heading down there, Momo!" Vanille grabbed her companion underneath her arm and glided down the hillside.

"Were you even listening to a word I just said! ?" Momoko cried out flabbergasted. "I said that they're hunting something right now! Do you really want to come between them and their meal! ?"

"But it'd suck if those two boys were the ones being eaten right?" Vanille smirked mischievously.

"It's always about guys with you, isn't it…" the Alraune sighed as they flew off in the direction of the howling.

{-}

"Take this!" Adell called out as he struck one of the attacking monsters with his fist and sent it flying. "Alright! We can do this!" He called out confidently towards the others.

("They're pretty quick but that's it.") Marc thought as he deflected one of the beasts' claws with his axe and knocked it back. ("Guess we're lucky we didn't need that flute for now…")

"Hahahahahaha-! There's no escaping the fist of the great Dark Hero! Better surrender now!" Axel yelled as he smacked his adversary over the head.

("He sure got confident all of a sudden… especially for someone who was shaking in his boots just a few minutes ago.") Roy thought at the sight of Axels' bravado.

"Yeah! Get 'em Adell!" Hanako cheered from a distance.

"Oui, oui! Break a leg and all zat!" Tink also called out from next to Hanako.

"…So why are you not fighting again?" Hanako asked the blue frog.

"Ah, zey do not need my 'elp for these small fry." Tink shrugged. "Also, you need to be protected too, right?"

At that moment, a lone Mystic Beast snuck up on them and snarled at Tink. "Aiiii! Don't eat me; I'm not tasty at all!" Tink screamed as he hid behind Hanako.

"Pretty Bazooka!" Hanako took out her magic cooking pot and blasted the wolf with multiple rounds of… something before it crashed to the ground, completely beaten up.

"…Eh?" Tink let out surprised.

"I usually just cheer him on. Adell doesn't like it when I meddle in his fight after all." Hanako grinned.

"Yah!" Celeste let out as she let an arrow fly towards one of the wolves. It easily sidestepped the bolt and snarled menacingly at her. "This is... difficult." The long haired healer grunted.

The wolf dashed towards her and Celeste let another arrow fly. It once again missed its mark however and the Cu Sith nearly sunk its fangs into her.

"Sis! Watch out!" Roy cried out.

*Smack*

Misaki jumped in front of Celeste just in time and smashed into the beast with the brunt side of her spear.

"Whew…" Roy let out a sigh of relief.

"Ah-! Miss Misaki!"

The female warrior looked back at Celeste. "If you don't know how to fight you shouldn't be on the battlefield. Step back." Misaki said with a cold gaze.

"Ah… Yes, I apologize…" Celeste said downcast. "But… I wish to be useful in a fight, if only a little…"

Misaki stared at the depressed healer and sighed. "For now you should just stick with what you know. You'll only end up being a liability if you try to fight in a way you're unfamiliar with."

"…But I merely-"

"No buts! Besides, your form is all wrong! You can't expect to learn how to wield a weapon merely by swinging it around, you know! It takes years of experience! Got it! ?"

"…Yes… I understand…" Celeste said as she sat down on her knees in reflection.

("...Did I say too much…? Argh, I'm no good with these kinds of things…") Misaki thought to herself at the sight of the sulking Celeste.

"I uh; I suppose I could show you the ropes when we get back…" the warrior scratched her cheek awkwardly.

"R, really?" Celeste asked looking up at Misaki radiantly.

"D-don't look at me like that…" Misaki said flustered. "I said later, didn't I? N-Now hurry and stand up! We're still in the middle of a fight!"

"Right!" Celeste nodded smiling.

{-}

All of a sudden a Cu Sith with a black fur and yellow/orange-ish manes that looked like they were ablaze, dashed out from the forested area and jumped onto one of the pillars. It snarled loudly and all the other beasts stopped in their tracks.

"What? What's going on?" Adell asked after the monsters suddenly came to a halt.

"Grrrr, ahwoooooo!" The black furred monster howled fiercely and the other Cu Sith's nervously backed away and turned tail.

"Are they retreating?"

The beast turned to Adell and the others next and started growling something.

"I seems like it is trying to tell us something…" Rozalin noticed as the beast repeatedly barked something at them.

"He's telling you to go back where you came from if you don't want to end up as food for the pack." A familiar voice suddenly explained from somewhere close by.

"Who's there! ?" Misaki called out on guard as she pointed her spear in the direction of the voice.

"Whoa there, take it easy with that pointy stick, would you?" Succubus Vanille and her Alraune companion Momoko entered the scene from the other side of the forest.

"Ah-! You two are-!" Roy exclaimed surprised.

"What are you two doing all this way out here?" Marc asked Vanille, wondering why they followed them from all the way back in the cave.

"Aww, now don't act so indifferent~" Vanille smiled provocatively. "Even after we did this and that together~ don't tell me that it didn't mean anything to you~?" the Succubus playfully nudged Marc's side.

"Don't say stuff that'll cause misunderstandings." Marc sighed. "But if by 'this and that' you mean how we've met and asked if you'd seen Taro, you're right." he added with a shrug.

"You know these two, Marc?" Adell asked him confused.

"Yes, pray tell. Aren't you going to introduce us?" Celeste stared from Marc to Vanille and back to Marc again. The wickedness radiating from her smile made cold sweat roll down Marc's back again for some reason he couldn't understand.

"I, uh, don't think we've actually heard their names yet…" Roy said, interrupting Celeste's gaze, (much to Marc's relief).

"Oh! Now that you mentioned it, I guess we haven't introduced ourselves yet!" Vanille realized. "My names Vanille~ I'm a Succubus as you can see." She did a little spin, showing off her body, which made the girls cringe and the guys (except for Tink, who of course very much enjoyed it) look away in embarrassment.

"V, Vanille, is it?" Marc repeated out loud.

"That's right! You know, 'cuz I'm sweat~" she winked.

"That was terrible…" Momoko sighed.

"Really? I thought it was clever…" the Succubus pouted disappointed.

"Well whatever, so this girl over here is Momoko. You can call her Momo for short, if you want." Momoko curtly nodded in conformation.

Suddenly, the black furred wolf barked loudly as if saying: 'Aren't you forgetting about someone?'

"…Ah, that's right!" Rozalin remembered upon hearing the noise. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you say you knew something about this beast's intentions earlier?"

"Oh, yes I did!" Vanille remembered. "Momo can actually understand those monsters' language. And like she said, it wants you guys to leave."

Adell shook his head. "No can do. We need to find my little brother."

The beast stared fiercely into Adell's eyes. "What? You lookin' for a fight?" Adell took a fighting stance.

The black Cu Sith jumped down to ground level and stared at the entire group for a moment. After a while, it let out a soft growl and turned its back on them.

"What does he want now?" Hanako asked Momo curiously. "Hmm. He said that if you've made your peace you can follow him into the deeper area. But the deepest part of the forest is inhabited by many powerful monsters so be prepared to lose your life if you follow."

"Heh. Like something like that would stop me." Adell grinned confidently.

"You really are a battle maniac…" Rozalin smirked.

"I told you, I'm not!"

"P, princess… Maybe we should just turn back? Going into such a dangerous place would be…" Tink said shivering at the thought.

"What are you saying, Tink. I am not leaving without Taro." Rozalin answered resolutely.

"But still… strong monsters, huh…" Adell looked over the previous battleground.

"Hm hm hmm…" Axel suddenly started chuckling. "Heh heh heh…! Did you see how gracefully I fought! ? Too bad there wasn't a camera around…" he boasted smugly in the afterglow of the fight.

"…I don't think these were the monsters that masked lady was talking about, though. These guys were too easy." Adell wondered out loud.

"Then, we cannot celebrate yet. There is no time to lose. We must rescue Taro." Rozalin said as she gestured towards the path ahead.

"You're really anxious about this." Adell said as he walked next to Rozalin.

"Why shouldn't I be?" Rozalin asked proudly. "I am not so foolish as to abandon a servant in danger."

"Ah, uh, princess?" Axel called out to Rozalin confused. "Are you sure you're acting of your own free will?"

"Hmm? Didn't I tell you earlier? I was not taken hostage, nor have I been brainwashed."

"But, those kids were saying that he wants to defeat Overlord Zenon! So, why are you helping him?" Axel asked even more confused.

"W, well, you see…" Rozalin said fidgeting.

Suddenly, Axel jumped back in shock. "C-Could this be! ? You're- you're leading a rebellion! ? Overlord Zenon's own daughter is out to wrest control in a royal family feud? When the viewers get wind of this, it'll cause a huge uproar!" Axel exclaimed excitedly.

"With this kind of news, they'll have to put me on the air to report it! Lucky, lucky me~!"

"R, rebel? Me against my father…?" Rozalin said bewildered as she connected the dots. "N-no! You're wrong!"

"Aha, but princess… When uhzer people see ze situation, it does look like you are. Just because you are travelling with someone who is out to defeat ze Overlord." Tink explained.

"Tink…? Were you aware of this from the very beginning?"

"Why, of course. How could you possibly not have seen it, princess? It is quite an obvious assumption, eh." Tink said with a shrug.

"You fool! It is the duty of a servant to advise his master on matters like this!" Rozalin yelled angrily as she shot a number of rounds from her Noble Rose into the frogs face, sending it crashing into the ground.

"Hey, aren't you forgetting about Taro? He could've been eaten by monsters already." Hanako asked Rozalin while ignoring Tink, who was writhing in agony on the ground.

"Y, you're right! We must focus our attention on rescuing Taro!"

"It shouldn't have come to this… This is all because we summoned you." Adell said frustrated.

"Silence! That kind of thinking won't help any of us right now!" Rozalin yelled at Adell. "We should concentrate on rescuing your brother!"

Spurred on by Rozalin's words Adell nodded. "…You're right. Let's go, guys!"

Adell and the others followed the black furred Mystic Beast into the forest.

"Hey! Wait for us!" Vanille called out as she cheerfully flew after Adell and the others.

"Vanille!" Momoko cried out. "Isn't this far enough yet! ?"

"Aww, c'mon Momo~ Don't you wanna see the thrilling conclusion to their exciting adventure?"

"No! No, I don't! I just want to go home and, and… Vanille! Don't fly off without me!" Momoko hurried after Vanille, who had already decided to press on regardless.

The Dark Hero, now in conflict with himself, shook with excitement. "Uh, uhh…! Damn, this is bad! Axel the Dark Hero wants to join the fight, but Survival Axel wants to get the news out right away!"

he dramatically dropped to his knees and reached out to the sun. "Gwaaaa…! Tell me, Dark Sun! What should I dooooooooo! ?"

A bit further ahead, Marc turned around to look back. "…Hey, Misaki. Did you hear something just now?"

"Ignore it. It's just the howling of an idiot." She answered resolutely.

The party, including Vanille and Momoko, made their way along the path the black furred Mystic Beast led them in, in pursuit of Taro.

Location: Cavern of Evil; Dark Ruins

The Dark Ruins: the deepest part of the Cavern of Evil. Like the name of this place suggests, it is a place where the largest concentration of old ruins and pillars were scattered across the area. Completely surrounded by thick and tall trees, only a few lone rays of sunlight shone down through the trees. Most noticeably, a huge fallen tower, overgrown with plants and vines, reached across almost the entire span of the ground.

While the black furred Mystic Beast led the way, the party searched the area for any signs of the missing boy.

"Little Taro~ where are you? Don't be shy, now~" Vanille called out cheerfully.

"…Explain to me why you decided to tag along again?" Misaki asked the succubus deadpan.

"Aw, c'mon Misa-Misa, the more the merrier, right?"

"…Don't call me that." Misaki grunted annoyed.

"I don't feel merry at all though…" Momoko sniveled. "How is it that I went from just having a nice relaxing bath, to marching through the most dangerous place around these parts…?"

"I know, right? Isn't it exciting?" Vanille grinned to herself entertained.

"It's so exciting I could cry…" the Alraune sighed.

"Are you alright?" Roy asked her, noticing her sigh.

"…Yes, I'm fine. It's just that my life keeps flashing before my eyes involuntarily."

"Don't push yourself." Roy smirked with a shrug.

"Say, leader Adell~ Are there no signs of your little bro yet?" Vanille called out to Adell as she flew to the front of the group where Adell and Rozalin were.

"…That girl has no sense of urgency whatsoever, does she…?" Marc sighed.

"Young master Marciano." Marc stopped in his tracks after hearing the voice of his retainer.

"Marc! Is there something wrong?" Celeste called out from further down the path.

"No, I'll be there in a sec!"

Stepping beside the path, Marc called out to his servant.

"Ayane? Did you need something?"

The Kunoichi appeared next to Marc and kneeled before him.

"I felt it prudent to warn the young master in advance." The dark haired beauty spoke seriously.

"Warn me? Look, I already know this place is dangerous, so-"

"It is not that, young master."

"…It's not? Then… what?"

"You need to remain cautious of that succubus. The one calling herself Vanille."

"What, that girl? She's a bit flaky but she doesn't seem to be a bad sort of demon."

"Do not be fooled, young master. A dangerous smell surrounds her."

"Wait, are you going around smelling my companions now?"

"I am being serious, young master…" Ayane locked eyes with Marc and he could tell she wasn't joking.

"'Tis the stench of death that surrounds her."

"…Death." Marc repeated.

"…Yes. I ask of you to keep your wits about you and not let yourself be deceived by her act."

"…Hm. I'll keep that in mind." Marc answered.

Ayane disappeared into the shadows again and Marc caught up with the rest, saying that he had to answer 'Nature's Call'.

"Ooh~ maybe he's over here!" Vanille called out while energetically flying around the forest. "Or maybe over there? C'mon, leader Adell, let's go check out that place!"

Vanille flew over to Adell and grabbed his arm. Instinctively, Adell jumped back in shock.

"Wh-what? What's the matter?" Vanille asked confused.

"Ah, it's nothing personal, but I really don't like Succubi."

"Eeehh? How come? Even though we're sooooo nice. Especially to guys, hmhm~" Vanille smiled provocatively.

"I…don't want to talk about it. Look, we've gotta find Taro." Adell hurried on ahead after the black furred wolf.

"Ah, Adell! Wait up!" Hanako called out as she ran after him.

"Grrrrr…" The black wolf suddenly stopped moving and growled back at Marc and the others.

"Is something wrong?" Celeste asked Momoko curiously.

"…He says we should stop talking so much and move a bit faster."

The beast started walking ahead of them once more. "I wonder why Fluffy's in such a hurry…" Celeste wondered out loud.

Marc nodded. "Yeah, me too… wait, Fluffy?"

"We need to call him something, right? So I thought fluffy would be a cute name, hmhm." she chuckled.

"That… just seems wrong somehow." Marc sweat dropped.

"Yeah, sis." Roy agreed. "It should be a cooler name. Like… Red fourteen or something."

"Or what about repide? That sounds like a tough name for a wolf." Marc suggested.

"Hmm… What do you think, Misaki?" Celeste asked the female warrior.

"I think you guys should focus a bit more on your surroundings." she said with a glare. "…But… I like fluffy…" she whispered embarrassed.

"Oh? That's surprisingly feminine of you." Marc said with a smirk, earning him a knuckle to the head from the flustered warrior.

Suddenly, the black furred wolf howled back at them in irritation.

"Translation please?" Vanille asked Momoko.

"He says they should stop messing around. He already has a name…"

"You do? What is it?" Celeste asked curiously.

The beast replied with a light growl.

"If I'm not mistaken… it's Reginleif." Momoko concluded.

"Reginleif… That's a strong name." Marc smirked satisfied.

"Yes… it suits him." Celeste smiled.

"Alright, Reg it is then!" Roy smirked to the beast known as Reginleif."

Reginleif sighed when he suddenly turned around and listened intently to something in the distance.

"Did you hear something?" Adell called as he ran back to the group with Hanako.

"Aaaaah! H-Help!" A scream called out from close by.

"That was Taro!" Rozalin exclaimed.

"Let's go!" Adell called out, and the party hurried towards the sound.

"A, Adell! Help me!" Taro screamed from the furthest edge of the ancient fallen tower as a pack of Mystic beasts surrounded him.

"Hold on! I'm saving you right away!" Adell yelled back as he leapt onto the ancient tower.

"Hurry, hurry! They're gonna eat me!" Taro flailed his arms around wildly to keep the monsters from coming to close.

"Do not worry, Taro. You are safe, now that I'm here." Rozalin said with a calm tone of voice. "Will you be brave for me? You shall make a fine servant for me someday. There is nothing for you to fear."

Hearing Rozalin's words of reassurance, Taro calmed down. "Y, Yes Princess!"

"…Tardo… You're already Rozy's slave…" Hanako sighed at her slightly older brother.

Suddenly, loud and heavy footsteps could be heard stomping nearby. A hulking mass of red muscle with large spiked horns on its head, six yellow beady and glowing eyes, an extended jaw full of teeth strong enough to tear iron apart and, most noticeable of all, a large metal energy rifle attached to its right arm. It was a monster-type demon known to be one of the strongest kinds, a Rifle Demon.

Using its powerful legs, the monster jumped onto the horizontal pillar and scanned the area with its many eyes.

"This is bad!" Misaki exclaimed shocked. "That's a Rifle Demon! And it looks like a strong one too!"

Not about to let their food get snatched away by a different predator, two of the Cu Sith's charged straight towards the high level demon. Within a moment's notice, it locked its rifle onto the charging monsters and blasted them head on with a powerful beam. Once the smoke cleared there was nothing left of the wolf-like monsters beside the two piles of dust that used to be their bodies.

With another great leap, the Rifle Demon jumped next to another Mystic Beast and punched it high into the sky, before incinerating it with another deadly laser from its arm cannon. Intimidated by the overwhelming force displayed by the demon, the remaining wolves backed away from Taro.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaah! I surrender!" Tink screamed loudly in shock. "That big guy must be the monster that masked lady was telling us about. …It sure looks tough." Adell said as he stared at the monster that was standing between him and his brother.

"It is not just anuhzer cute little monster! It is like a Demon Lord itself!" Tink yelled in a panic. "Play ze flute! Ze flute! Since Adell and ze princess won't play it, Hanako, can you play ze flute! ?"

"I don't know how to play it!" Hanako answered with a shrug.

Tink turned to Marc and the others in panic, begging one of them to play. "Doesn't any of you know how to play ze flute! ?" he cried out.

"I don't think anyone here has ever had any music lessons." Marc said as he looked over the group.

"Oh, I know how to play the harp, but I've never played a flute however." Celeste answered with a hint of pride.

"Really? I'd like to hear you play sometime." Marc said impressed.

"Ooh! Me! Me! I'm really good at playing the flute!" Vanille suddenly called out cheerfully.

"Really! ?" Momoko gasped. "You never told me you knew how to play an instrument."

"An instrument? I thought we were talking about 'playing the flute'?"

"Not thatkind of flute!" Momoko cried out.

"What about you, Tink?" Hanako asked the floating frog.

"Ze only flute I've played was ze one I stole from ze girl I liked in school! Is zere something wrong with zat! ?" Tink thrashed around angrily.

"…You're horrible." Hanako said with eyes filled with disgust.

"Shut up! Until a girl puts her lips on zis, zis stupid flute is useless!" In his fit of anger, Tink tossed the flute far away.

Having noticed the party, the Rifle Demon now trudged towards Adell and the others.

"I wasn't planning to use that flute anyway!" Adell said as he stepped forward ready for battle. "Even if it is as strong as a Demon Lord, I'm still gonna take it down, fair and square!"

"Hmph. Your mood always improves before a fight. You must really enjoy it…" Rozalin smirked as she stepped next to Adell.

"I already told you, it's not like that!"

While Adell and Rozalin bickered, a groovy tune started playing from somewhere.

"Is that a flute…?"

"Eh? Who's playing that?" Hanako asked as she looked around.

"Ah! Over there!" Taro called out as he pointed to higher ground.

Atop one of the old large tree trunks, stood Axel, soulfully playing the flute Tink had tossed away mere moments ago.

"Axel! ?" Adell exclaimed surprised.

"Hehehe, surprised? It's no big deal for the Dark Hero to laugh, boast and play the flute at the same time!" Axel said somehow without ever halting his tune.

"Ah, that's not why we're surprised…" Adell answered with a sigh. "What're you…?"

"Heh, there's plenty of time for autographs later."

Enchanted by the melody from the magic summoning flute, the hulking monster turned around as if he was in some sort of trance and slowly trudged away from where he came. A few moments later, the monstrosity had disappeared from sight and it became quiet again.

"I've done all I can. The rest is up to you." Axel said while scratching his nose triumphantly. "Gotta run, my fans are waiting. Hahaha! Just pay me back a 100 fold later."

And with that, Axel jumped down from his hiding place and dashed off.

"What the hell was he thinking?" Adell wondered out loud.

"Hmmm. Maybe that was his way of taking responsibility for himself." Rozalin also wondered out loud.

"…Maybe. Though he did just run off with our flute." Adell said with a shrug.

"Uhm, aren't you guys forgetting about me? I'd like to be rescued now…"

Startled, Adell and the others looked over at Taro, who was now once again completely surrounded by the Cu Sith's.

"…Oh yeah! Sorry, Taro! We're coming for you right now!"

{-}

"Grrrrrr, ahwooo!" Reginleif howled at the other Mystic beasts fiercely.

"Whoa, Reggie seems angry." Vanille exclaimed surprised.

One of the opposing Mystic Beasts stepped forward and also started howling back.

"Okay, just let me get into character here…" Momoko said as she cleared her throat. "*Ah, ah, 1-2-3…*"

"…Just get on with it…" Misaki grunted.

("Blasted pack of hyena's! I've finally found you!")

("Well, well, if it isn't the 'Alfa'. Did you come to join our pack? Hyahaha!")

("I came to make you vacate these lands! It is not yours for the taking!")

("And why not! ? Pathetic mutts like your pack do not deserve these ancient grounds of bloodshed! Only the strongest of warriors can claim this place for their own! It was only right that we'd rid these lands of you trash!")

("This place was indeed once a place of war. But that already lies in the past. And you cannot claim to be the strongest by facing only those weaker then yourselves! You fought naught but females and children that day!")

("And what of it! ? The weak have no place here! Hyahaha!")

("…I shall ask of you one last time. Leave this place and never come back.")

("You are a fool, Reginleif! We outnumber you many fold! You have no chance against us! If you wish to face us, that's fine! Prepare to be ripped to shreds! Hyaaahahahaha!")

("For one who preaches strength so easily you are truly weak. Come, I shall show you true meaning of that so called 'strength'.")

Reginleif stepped forward, prepared for battle, but gave a look to Adell first.

("I shall make sure your kin is safely returned to you. Please wait here until then.")

"Wait." Adell spoke seriously. "I have no intention to make you fight alone. This is as much our fight as it is yours."

"You are an honorable individual; let us assist you in battle, for both our sakes." Rozalin added seriously.

"…I understand, Reginleif. I really do." Marc said as he stepped forward, axe in hand. "You who would fight against impossible odds by yourself to protect the things you hold dear… You're someone worthy of respect. But that doesn't mean we can't lend a hand, right guys?"

"Damn straight!" Roy yelled heated up.

"Don't overdo it; come to me if you get hurt." Celeste added.

"Heh, these stray dogs don't stand a chance." Misaki smirked confidently.

"Alright! Let's pound those pooches!" Vanille yelled pumped up.

"Vanille! ? Don't tell we're going to fight as well? " Momoko cried out.

"Kick some butt, Adell!" Hanako cheered from the sidelines.

"I will be 'ere if you need somezing, eh!" Tink also called out from next to Hanako.

("You all… Alright, let us fight together! To victory!")

Reginleif howled fiercely as the party and the pack of Mystic beasts dashed towards each other in a full on head to head clash.

{-}

After the massive battle, the Cu Sith's were finally driven off by Reginleif and the party's strength.

Reg, after defeating the enemy leader in single combat, made the beast call the retreat and promise never to return to this place. Now that it was safe to come out, Taro ran towards the group.

"Adell!" Taro cried out happily as he jumped into his older brother's arms. "I get the feeling it took longer then was necessary, but thank you Adell." the boy smiled happily.

"I'm just glad you're safe." Adell said as he patted Taro on the head comfortingly. "Sorry we took so long."

Marc put a hand on Celeste's shoulder and whispered to her. "Let's give them a moment."

With a nod in agreement, Marc, Celeste and the others left Adell, Rozalin Tink and the kids to catch up.

"Phew, that really took it out of me." Momoko said as she sat down winded.

"But wasn't it fun though?" Vanille said as she stretched out her arms and threw herself onto the grass.

"Reginleif seems happy." Marc observed as the wolf walked around the area, smelling all the familiar spots.

"I'm glad for him. He deserves it." Celeste said with a smile.

Misaki also sat down, lost in thought.

"Something on your mind, Misa-chi?" Roy asked her.

"…Don't call me that… But yeah, I was wondering about what that one beast said. About the 'Ancient grounds of bloodshed'."

"Oh yeah, it did say something like that, now that you mention it. What about it?"

"I don't know… It sounds, familiar, somehow."

"The Land of Carnage." Vanille suddenly said.

"Ah-! That's it!" Misaki exclaimed. "It reminded me of stories of the Land of Carnage of old! How did you know?"

"…It's a well known story. The land where the most powerful demons from all around the Netherverse, gather and fight to the death. Truly, a place worthy of the name 'Carnage'."

("The ancient grounds of bloodshed and the land of carnage… They do sound kind of similar…") Roy thought to himself.

"Are you thinking this place and that story have something in common?" Marc asked Misaki.

"…I don't know. I remember reading about it in an old book in my village… It was almost like a fairytale."

"You surprised me, Vanille. I didn't think you were the type to care about old stories like that." The Alraune asked Vanille surprised.

"I'm not. I don't really care about it. I just knew about it." Vanille's tone of voice was uncharacteristically grim.

Momoko looked at her as if she saw the Succubus for the first time. ("…Vanille…?")

"*Bark!*" Reginleif had returned from his round and sat next to Marc on the ground.

"Hiya, Reg. finished your territorial sweep?" Marc smirked at the wolf. Reginleif nodded with a smirk in kind.

"So what are you gonna do now? Rejoin your pack and bring them back here?"

The beast nodded and continued to growl something.

"Oh?" Momoko let out surprised. "He says he was thinking of joining you guys after he finishes his business with his pack."

"What? But won't the pack need you around in case something like this happens again?" Celeste asked the beast.

("I owe you people a debt of gratitude for helping me make this place safe again for the little ones. If battle yet lies ahead of you, I wish to lend you my strength.")

"It seems you've made up your mind." Misaki said seriously. "Is there nothing we can say to change your mind?"

("Nothing.") The wolf growled fiercely.

"Guess it's final then." Marc shrugged. "I'll talk to Adell later."

{Mystic Beast [Reginleif] has joined the party!}

("I thank you. I shall follow your scent and find you again later. Until then, friends!")

Reginleif dashed off.

"Our merry band of misfits seems to have been growing in numbers lately." Roy said with a shrug.

{-}

"W, what is it? What's wrong Taro?" Rozalin asked Taro because he had been staring intensely at her.

"Thank you for rescuing me, Princess. I pledge my life to serve you."

"Taro, you…" Rozalin let out surprised.

"You really came… I didn't think you were gonna come to rescue me. I…I…" Taro wiped his runny nose on his sleeve. "Please let me be your servant, Princess! I'll do my best!"

Though at first a bit taken aback by the boys' obvious affection for her, Rozalin smiled to herself. "…If that is your wish. Taro, I officially accept you as my servant."

Taro jumped up and down, overjoyed. "Th, thank you, Princess!"

Taro became [Rozalin's Servant]! Rozalin's servant {Taro} has joined the group!

"Is that OK, Adell? Is Taro allowed to be a demon's servant?" Hanako asked her oldest brother curiously.

"Well, he is a man, after all. And when a man makes a serious decision like that, it's hard to change his mind." Adell said, looked at his little brother bouncing around joyfully.

"Besides, even if she is a demon, I doubt he'll get in much trouble being her servant." Adell looked over his shoulder to see Rozalin smiling to herself with pride.

Hanako grinned at Adell. "Hmmm. So you like Rozy now? I thought you didn't like girls or demons."

"Ah, she's OK." Adell shrugged. "She's different from any girl or demon I've met before."

"…Thank you." Adell suddenly told Rozalin with honest gratitude. "Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to save my little bro. …I really appreciate it."

"I chose to help by my own will, and not for appreciation." Rozy said, waving away Adell's thanks. "Besides, we have more pressing matters to attend to now. Namely, Axel. If he reports that erroneous propaganda, people may believe that I am betraying my father. If that happens…"

Adell averted eye contact with Rozalin out of shame. "I'm sorry. This is all my fault. Summoning you, this crap with Axel, everything… If your beloved father is tricked into believing you're betraying him, then…"

Rozalin looked at Adell, equally concerned as she was surprised over the fact that this man was worrying for her sake.

"Adell… K-Keep your chin up, Adell. I have not been branded a traitor yet." Those words were, perhaps, not just trying to convince Adell, but also herself at the same time.

"And with Axel… It is very likely that the networks won't allow him to report anything at all."

"You…" Adell grunted. "But, I'm still not satisfied with myself."

"Then you must keep your promise to return me to my father. That should lift your spirits." Rozalin nodded to herself, pleased with her conclusion. "What do you say? Will you keep your promise?"

Adell lifted his head and answered with conviction. "O, of course! I will take you back to your father!"

"Then, I shall hold you to your word." Rozalin smiled satisfied. "Then I ask of you to accept the fate of this world and its people. If you become a demon, I can speak to my father for you. That way, you won't have to die and leave your family with sorrow. Being a demon isn't such a bad thing, is it?"

"…My goal is to defeat Zenon." Adell answered firmly. "But, if he decides to remove his curse and turn everyone back to normal, I won't have to fight him."

The pair stared at each other and couldn't help but smirk at their differences.

"It's a promise." Adell held out his hand in front of Rozalin for a handshake.

"Yes, we have a deal." Rozalin said before turning her back to Adell. "But do not forget. You and I are enemies. For as long as you oppose my father…"

End of chapter 5! A lot happened this chapter but I still feel like I wanted to add more =P I suppose that's a good sign for future chapters, eh? I've gotten a lot of ideas for the coming chapters while I wrote this. After all, I've been foreshadowing some things recently, hmhmhm~

So interesting events are sure to follow! I hope y'all keep readin' and like'n and all that jazz ;)

Next chapters gonna start off some original storyline's so look forward to it!

This is me signing off, see ya next time kids! And remember; He who feels that he is too small to make a difference has never been bitten by a mosquito.