Author's Note: Alrighty! Finally an update again. Now let's see what is happening to poor Ally in this chapter. How shall she deal with this scenario eh? We shall soon see. Read on and remember to review for me xD. Nothing to declare so um…yeah. Hope you enjoy it. Here we go lol. I shall meet with you at the bottom! Ciao! XP.

Disclaimer: I own nothing as I've said a million times and it seems like I'll have to say it until I'm blue in the face. I own nothing except for Allura.

Chapter Twenty Five: With Class

"I don't know how we will make it through this." Cain muttered to me in annoyance. We sat in the dark. I hugged my knees, feeling both anxious and restless. Well accommodations were certainly less than thoughtful around here. We needed to put our heads together. "Any clever ideas?" He drawled. He was sitting across from me, one leg sprawled out and the other propped up with an arm slung over the knee. I raised an eyebrow at him. He seemed to be wracking his brain for ideas. I could understand the feeling. If we could not book it out of here soon we were in serious shit.

"I'm working on it." I muttered. "You?" He gave me a flat stare with his ruby gaze.

"If I had anything I wouldn't have asked you, would I?" I did not like his tone but hey it was true enough. Still it did not hurt to be hopeful. I frowned at his unnecessary snap. He rolled his eyes. "Sorry. I just can't stand being cooped up. I get edgy and restless." He blew some hair away from his eyes. "Not to mention I'm not here under the best of circumstances." I laughed grimly in agreement. Understatement of the century. We were both so screwed it was not funny.

"…Can't your claws cut through anything you want?" I asked. Cain pursed his lips.

"I tried while you were out. It hurts like a bitch, I don't know what exactly they did, but I don't know if I would survive if I kept trying." He explained. "I knew Radu would not be that foolish…but hey, it was worth a shot." With a shrug the male vampire began chewing the inside of his lip absently once again. I gave an annoyed breath through my nose. It figures. In any case it would not have worked to just run around this place without a clue where to go. Then again, Cain had been loose here before and clearly had found a way out before he was caught. I tried to gather concentration to see if I could teleport or use any sort of power. Nothing it seemed. If only we could just get out of this room.

"Not surprising. I would be worried if it actually worked." I responded, resting my chin on my knees. "So…your father sent you out to figure out what was happening?" Well I figured that I might as well start poking. He didn't seem to care about these sort of things the way D did. Cain just shook his head 'no'. "So he let you go by yourself?" It would not be anything less than typical for vampires do to these things. Ridiculous how they gave the species such a horrible name. He looked directly at me again with an almost sheepish expression on his face.

"I sort of…neglected to tell him actually." I stared at him incredulously. Granted he was a grown ass man and should not have to get the okay from his father but…just in case he went MIA maybe then his father might be able to know what is up and charge in with the cavalry. "I know what you're thinking but my father would have never let me charge in to play the hero when somebody like Radu cel Frumos is involved. My hands were tied I could not tell him or he'd kick my ass and place me under house arrest again." I raised an eyebrow. What the hell?

"House arrest?" What on earth does that mean for…beings like us. He rolled his eyes, clearly unhappy that he would have to explain further.

"Look. It's not exactly like I can call it being grounded per say. I'm too old for him to keep me under such petty human punishments. However I have done many things to nearly get myself killed. So instead he uses his position in the household out of…desperation perhaps? Anyway he restricts me in a professional way because he can not do so in a familial way. Hahaha the hard ass is just a softie who refuses to let me get killed for being stupid." Cain switched legs to prop up the other one restlessly. "If I get out of this one. He'll probably do it himself. Going missing. Not telling him a thing. Having no idea where I am. Yes. I am fairly a dead vampire walking." He scoffed shaking his head.

I gave a slight smirk. It was good to have somebody who did not give themselves up to despair when in a tight situation like ours. Still I being me could not help but shiver wondering why exactly Radu had decided that he would 'invite' me here at all. No theories were good ones. My smile faded and I glared at my feet. The likeliest of theories was actually the grossest one sadly enough and it plain pissed me off. Great. Vincent number two. He would have to kill me first. Ew. We both perked up when we heard some stirring coming towards us. Ah. It seemed that the fun was about to begin. The two of us exchanged glances.

"We are not barbarians." Radu's voice crooned mockingly. "What sort of accommodations are these for such a lady? I will be with you in a moment….boy." He looked at Cain. I narrowed my eyes at the powerful being. He just smirked back and my surroundings began to change around me. Party time eh? I heard Cain's voice distantly protesting and demanding answers as I vanished.

I reappeared in an actual room. Meant for guests. I more than scoffed internally at the term. Certainly I was doomed to be something completely different from a guest. A prisoner in gilded bonds. Utterly ridiculous. If he expected to get anything from me it wouldn't work. Especially not if he kept me here against my will. Was he insane? Oh wait. What was I saying. All vampires were nuts apparently, and the older they were the more fucked up they came to be I'd seen. I suddenly became very worried that if my theory was correct that I too would soon become quite batty as well. Anyway back on topic. It was indeed a guest room.

There was a fairly luxurious canopy bed, a night stand, a dresser with a large gilded mirror, even a window with a view. I had a feeling however that trying to open that thing or break through it would not have good consequences. No way was I that stupid. I wished that I could use my senses to see everything in the house…in all honesty I did not see any other way that I could find out where our weapons were being kept. Great. So then…now that I was in here…what now? "Better?" Radu's voice inquired from a corner of the room which I had not noticed him standing in. I glared at him suspiciously.

"No. I'm afraid that I will only be placated if you dropped dead here and now permanently." This was my only response. This only served to earn a grin from him. Once again I had to wonder how on earth D could be related to somebody like him. Go figure. Huh.

"Sorry to hear that." He paced around me and I kept my eyes trained on him defensively. I had to be ready to protect myself always, even if the scenario was completely and utterly hopeless. I was unarmed after all to say the least. Radu was also one of the top dogs of the vampire echelon, obscenely old like all the other nobles. When it came to us however, age only meant experience, strength, astuteness, and power. Nothing else. I was only a sixty seven year old baby. I had nothing on him, weapons or not. "I hope you realize that I will not take no for an answer. I have been waiting for an opportunity like this for years." He informed me curtly. I had to blink at him. Huh? I hoped to God he was talking about something else.

"What are you talking about?" I narrowed my eyes. He laughed heartily at this. It seemed that I was always a laughing stalk. I pursed my lips.

"Come. I have something to discuss with you little one." He told me. I did not move as he motioned for me to follow him. At this he turned to face me again. "It is only the dining hall silly girl." His voice came out flatly. "If I were going to kill you I would not feed you first. Other than that I have questions for you." Forgive me if I doubted every word that came out of his mouth. I would have to have been stupid otherwise. Be cautious with everything the enemy says…be cautious with everything your allies say as well.

"Where is Cain?" I asked evenly. His ancient eyes raised an eyebrow at me. My face betrayed no emotion as I stared back stoically. "Being 'entertained' am I to assume?" I folded my arms over my chest. Radu's eyes simply raked over my form.

"You could say that he is being tended to. We had best hurry so that I may keep my promise and get back to him." He smirked mockingly. I shivered at the idea. This bastard was one sick person. I would not wish his 'hospitality' on my worse enemies. Well…perhaps on some but that was not the point right now. I had to start being wicked and keen again. My wits were all that I had at this present moment in time. "Will you follow or not?" Radu's voice interrupted my thoughts and I refocused on him. I took a step back.

"What if I said that I refused to go anywhere with you?" I inquired. At least by dancing around the issue I could buy Cain a little bit of time. I owed him at least that much. Even if I felt that any hope of him coming up with something at the last minute was very unlikely I could not help but try just a little bit with a smidgen of hope. The brother of the vampire king simply gave me a dry glance.

"I do not think that you would wish me to do this the hard way." He drawled. "You will sit at my table. Whether you see fit to it or not. The only choice you have in this matter is how that will come to be. Willing and dignified or by force and completely unpleasant? Hm?" When he turned to face me completely again his height seemed to tower over mine. Everybody was making me feel so dwarfed! I am not a short woman mind you. Five feet and eight inches is nothing to sneeze at. These men were just so gargantuan. It was not at all fair. He was using his height to intimidate me? I could not be certain. Only a bully would do such a thing thus I could not put it past him.

"Am I to be treated like a child? Fine. Very well but I want to know what is happening to Cain. No cryptic nonsense." I stated. Ah inner bitch was back again. I think that aspect of my personality was a defense mechanism of sorts against monsters like this man. Radu seemed to enjoy it quite a bit however. It was probably rare that anybody dared speak to him like they were an equal. His eyes lit up with an amused gleam in them. The gears of his mind turning behind them in a way that made me uncomfortable.

"If you really wish to know." He shrugged. "Very well."

I held up a finger. "..and no lies." My tone was harsh and adamant. I had to be prepared for anything. Even if I could not think of a reason as to why he would lie I needed to be ready just in case he did. One never knew when such pieces of information would come in handy. He openly laughed at this.

"I have nothing to gain from lying. You really are a trip." He commented. "Come along now. I will tell you about that blue haired rat's condition on the way." Opening the door he stepped aside in a mock gentlemanly gesture. He was still making fun of me and I was not liking it. I muttered mentally to myself about how I wanted to tear off his head and throw it into the large round mirror. I kept my eyes trained on him as I walked past his large frame. My back would never be turned to him. Ever. The only response I received for this was a smug expression from my captor. I did not move to walk down the dark halls until he himself stepped out of the room and began to lead the way.

Bonus D P.O.V

He had tracked Allura's trail there had been a new trail indicating that she had made an alliance with another being. Then he came across the spot to where she had disappeared. They had both disappeared and there were clear signs of struggle. Two other beings had come and intercepted them. The judging by the lack of a trail it was clear that she had been capture by some sort of transportation spell. Left hand had stated that it must have been some kind of portal judging by what he sensed. It was not a sure thing to know who exactly had taken her. There were only two options however. The composer. Or his uncle. He was willing to put his money on his uncle.

"No way would 'The Composer' come all the way out here to capture the girl, when he could be going after the big fish, which is you and I." Left hand had remarked. It had to be Radu cel Frumos.

"I agree. He wouldn't take such a risk over just one pursuer. The only one willing to capture her exclusively would be Radu." The hunter stated.

"…Then why would he choose now to do it?"

"I have a hunch that it would have something to do with me. He does go on whims now and then." D responded.

"So…he wants you to come for her?" D was silent.

"I can't say for sure…if you are right…then he knows I'll come for her."

"I was afraid of that." The parasite never was one to have a stomach for big risks like this.

That had been that. Now here they were. After riding for the castle of the dowager vampire prince, they came across the hidden strong hold quicker than expected. Perhaps he had more than one place of residence. It was not uncommon. "Find us a way in." He more stated than requested. Left hand muttered a few obscenities under his breath that D easily ignore the way he did everything else. They were not sure what exactly to look for. A gate? A trap door? Just an average unexpected entrance? There would likely be some sort of security around here right? Hmmm. It was funny how they were not attacked yet. Perhaps his 'uncle' really had expected him to come after all. He had always been obsessed over D's genes and lineage for as long he the dhampiel hunter could remember.

"Check it out. I can't see any doors but there is a window right here. A big one." As simple as that and they were in. Wasn't the changeling in close affiliation with Radu? Where was he while all of this was going on? Ordered to stand down? Or just busy? The halls were dark. Also common for the home of a vampire. "Where do you think she is?" Lefty inquired, his voice like gravel was hushed in the dark silence of their surroundings. D shushed him softly, scrutinizing the place with keen dark eyes.

"It's a castle." He murmured. "That means the prisoners are most likely to be kept in the dungeons. Always below." It was quiet. That could be a good sign or a bad one. It took some exploring before he found a stair case that winded downward. Left hand was clearly a bundle of nerves as they made their way down. D kept his pale hand poised over the hilt of his blade. The air was getting damper and chillier, as parasite and host descended more and more. No torches. Cobwebs hanging everywhere. The lack of aesthetic care being taken made D now certain that he was indeed heading for the dungeons.

As the steps stopped so did D. He did not move from his spot. Holding up his pendant and allowing it to shine. Tons of imps and lesser beasts scrambled away from his wake. Only then did he enter. His hand moved back up to the hilt of his weapon. How many times was he going to get this girl out of trouble? She was a danger magnet. Then again so was he. The cells appeared to be empty as he moved along them. The hunter stopped abruptly as he came across one that had it's bars ripped through like tissue paper. His eyes narrowed at the sight. "It's empty." Left hand stated the obvious.

Making no response, D stooped to get a closer look at the still sizzling bars. It had clearly been quite an effort to destroy them by whoever did it. Judging by the fact that they were still sizzling as they were, this person had escaped recently. He stood up again to his full height. The dungeons were certainly empty. So where was Allura being kept? This made his options more broad. Not a good thing in this instance. Something told him that he had better do this in a hurry.

They exited the dungeons. Now he began to explore the halls soundlessly. They passed what appeared to be an armory. On their way around a corner they nearly collided with another lurking form. D had unsheathed his blade to block a blow from the unseen attacker. "Oh! Holy fucking jumping shit balls! I thought you were that thing again!" The voice of a young man panted in a harsh whisper. Another vampire. Also very young but much older than Allura.

"Where is the girl?" D asked straight to the point when he noted that this young man was carrying a very familiar sword and revolver. Red eyes blinked at him. The hunter noted briefly that his arm was bleeding and his claws were injured pretty badly. He must have been the escapee. D's sharp mind moved back to the fact that Allura had, had some company before she had been captured.

"I hope to God this is a rescue mission. Who are you? I hope we are thinking about the same female." The adolescent vampire inquired, taking time to catch his breath a bit. D raised and eyebrow at his behavior. Another oddball perhaps? No conclusions would be jumped to now though. There was no time for nonsense.

"If there is another vampiress being held captive here, please let me know." He responded.

"Not that I know. You still haven't answered my question. Who are you?"

"No one of consequence. I need to know where she is however."

He shook his head. "I don't know. Radu took her from the dungeons quite a while ago before I managed to muster up enough desperation to make my attempt at escape. Glad it didn't cost me an arm, bleeding everywhere would have drawn too much attention to myself." He informed. There was a silence.

"Give me her things."

"Hey now! No way. I don't even know if you're here to help her or not. Even if I did know where she was I would be quite reluctant to tell you considering your tight lipped secrecy. I'm helping you look whether you like it or not, pumpkin." The boy growled suspiciously as he backed away from D. Great he supposed the youngling's 'aid' was inevitable at this rate. Stubborn young vampires were never easily thwarted. He knew that very well by now.

"Keep up." Was all that he said in response.

Back to Ally's P.O.V.

I stared down at my hands. This dining hall seemed all too magnificent and luxurious for just one being. Who could be happy in such a large and empty place? There was a chandelier hanging from the roof although it was not lit. Granted it was not as dark in here as in the rest of the house, most likely because it was currently in use. He had provided the table with the dim orange light of candles, giving off their eerie warm glow. It made the shadows appear to be dancing on the stone walls. The style of the place was very Greek I noted. Beside my right arm at approximately two o'clock was a goblet made out of white gold and filled to the brim with what was most likely blood, but I would not touch anything this bastard gave me.

Red eyes watched me intently from the head of the long table. He was fairly far away, however I had not even the shadow of a doubt in my mind that he could make it over here in less than a split millisecond if he so wished. I tapped the wood lazily with my nails. The sound had always been reminiscent to a galloping horse to me. My mind vaguely wandered to Duster and I hoped that he was alright. "Are you not hungry?" A deep voice interrupted my thoughts.

I allowed my gaze to meet Radu's ruby irises with a cold, steely expression in my eyes. "Forgive me if I do not have much of an appetite." I responded meaningfully, my tone dripping with false politeness. He chuckled taking a drink from his own goblet. Wait. Were they made out of white gold or platinum? They certainly could not be silver unless he planned on poisoning himself for a good stomach ache. Unlikely. Still he eyes watched me ever so intently from over the rim of his cup. He placed it down and slid it toward me telekinetically switching cups with me just to show that he was not poisoning me.

"Eat something, you look beyond drained at this point." He told me. I nearly said 'who's fault is that?' but kept it to myself just this once. I allowed myself to taste the blood and found that I could not detect anything off about it. Again he spoke up. "What can you tell me about my nephew, hm?" He inquired. I had to hold back an abrupt balk of laughter. What was this the third degree? Meet the in-laws? Or did he actually think that I was some sort of 'D expert'? All of these options were absurd and laughable. Granted it was not as though I didn't bother talking to D. It was D who never spoke a word about himself to me. How would I know anything? Even if I did, that would have meant that he had told me in confidence… out of trust. So I wouldn't have betrayed it by telling HIM of all the people to spill my guts to. If he noticed my flat, incredulousness at the sheer stupidity of this he did not show it.

My thoughts continued to wander. Come to think of it D probably knew her entire life story. Was that not the darndest? I felt all the more like a loser at that thought.

"Did you honestly think that he would tell me anything? He never speaks, so what kind of information could I have possibly acquired?" I twirled a fork around my fingers idly as I spoke. Just then I recalled that I was not entirely unarmed. It seemed that they always forgot about my boots. That was a semi comforting thought at least. He continued to stare calculatingly at me. "I do not know anything you don't, in fact I am fairly certain that you know much more than I." Well he had been thinking about using D as a guinea pig for the past who knows how many years, and he was his uncle so…granted he knew a few things.

"My brother never trusted me around his prized work." The ancient vampire spoke up in a disinterested tone.

"With good reason I see." Was the only retort that I felt needed to be said. Once again he laughed. "I only know because of unforeseeable circumstances that you are in fact his uncle, meaning the vampire king -Dracula- as everybody calls him, is his father." I left out the little insignificant things that I knew about him. Like the fact that his expressions did in fact vary and I used this to determine what he was 'saying' with them. Sad really, but I had come to be pretty fluent at this method.

"I'm certain you know more than you think. What sort of weapons besides the obvious does he carry?" Now I was more uncomfortable that ever. From this question alone, I could fairly see where this was going and I did not like it.

"I've never watched him that closely." Placing the fork down, I ran my finger tips along the rim of my full goblet, following the circular shape of it absently. Clearly he did not believe me but I would not go back on that, nor would I give anything away that might endanger D. It seemed I was being interrogated as well, just like Cain. Varion had apparently been sent down to his cell to question him and keep an eye on him. So much for escape attempts I guess. I wished that I could contact him mentally if only just to give him my support. "He was always extra careful." I added in distantly.

Radu simply grunted, pouring himself another glass. Where did he get all of this blood? No wait. I stopped that train of thought on the grounds that the answer would likely make me sick to my stomach. "My nephew always was paranoid. Like his father and I. A good quality in this 'work a day' world." He stated dryly. I was worried that he did not seem to be pushing just yet. There had just seemed to be no way out of this one. Damn it. "Tell me something then little one, about yourself." His tone was beginning to take on the edge of a killer's once again. I tensed, but only subtly. "What is it that you feel for my nephew, hmm?" I blinked. What on earth did this have to do with D? "Do you…love him?" He inquired.

I could not show the turmoil and fear that I felt from this question. I would have to really get my game on now. My eyes flashed red ever so briefly. "My feelings are apathetic if not completely devoid of tenderness. He is a good ally to have I suppose." I shrugged. I was the queen of bullshit it seemed. I knew it would take more than that to really convince him but I prided myself for dancing around this interrogation thus far. The look in my captor's eyes was skeptical as was expected.

"You seem to protect him very willingly my dear. Are you sure of that?" He drawled. I only blinked flatly at him. "Such a shame. Clearly he was so smitten with you. So am I." His voice full of mock disappointment. A covered silver platter was placed in front of me. My eyes narrowed suspiciously at it then at him. His broad shoulder shrugged simply and motioned for me to take a look. I hoped that my heart was not beating too quickly as I lifted the lid slowly. When it was finally off I let out a soft, barely audible breath. Before me sat a simple, harmless looking pomegranate, sliced elegantly in half. A very Mediterranean fruit. He seemed to have a penchant for Greek culture perhaps. He had one of his own as well. "Normally human food is such a waste however, these pomegranates are quite exceptional." He stated boredly.

Something did not sit right about this. Pomegranates and Greece. I wracked my brain incessantly to find out why this was such a familiar scenario. His eyes bored into me with amusement. Something clicked in my mind just then. Semantics.

According to Greek mythology the beautiful young demi goddess, Persephone was dragged down to the Underworld by it's Lord Hades, brother of Zeus himself to be his bride against her will. My stomach dropped. When Apollo, one of Zeus' children spoke of what had happened it was demanded that she be set free because of her Mother Demeter's protests. This all paled to utter insignificance to me because I remembered that at the end of the tail when Hades agreed he had left out a little rule. If one ate the food of the Underworld, one was doomed to remain there…forever. Knowing this, Hades tricked Persephone into eating a simple little fruit from him as a small 'goodbye'…and that fruit was the pomegranate. I did not think that I could ever love Cain's lectures more than I did at that moment. I would have to thank him.

I gazed at him. "I never touch human food." He tilted his head at me.

"Really?" He stood up, all of my muscles coiled, ready to spring at any moment as he came closer to me. "You are clever. However, I'm afraid this has bored me…and that means that we will have to continue this the hard way." Red eyes became hard and deadly. My lips parted slightly, feeling dry and cracked in my nervous state. I was so fucked. Hopefully not in every aspect of that word. Just as I would have had to spring from my chair in self defense a blur of black inky vileness burst through the doors in a rage. I screamed with a start but to my surprise Radu was line backed onto the table by a very pissed Varion.

"You've been planning to set me up." He hissed, arms morphing into weapons that not even I could identify. His teeth looked like a shark's mouth at this point. The elder vampire threw him into a wall, now in his own rage. My eyes quickly darted to the exit and then back at them to make sure they were not paying any attention to me.

"You disgusting wretch. Do not presume to touch me in such a manner." He hissed back only to have Varion's razor sharp jaws clamp onto his arm visciously. Radu snarled angrily in pain as they now began to seem more like a pile of swinging claws and weapons moving around the room like lightning. How the hell had this happened? No matter I bolted out the door while they were occupied with one another. It seemed I was just as lucky as I was danger prone.

I ran down the halls, straight for the dungeons. I did not have my weapons but once I had gotten Cain out of his cell I could handle that. I wanted the both of us to be on the loose when Varion and Radu finally came to their senses. Desperately I tried to reach him mentally wondering what had happened that Varion had decided to leave him alone and go tear Radu a new one. I darted down the staircase when I finally found it. Hopefully one of those assholes ended up killing the other. One less to deal with.

When I came across Cain's cell to find it was empty and bars torn off I let out a breath. Either he was dead…or he had actually escaped. I crossed my fingers for the latter. Upon closer inspection I noted that they had been ripped definitely by a vampire's claws. Good it had to be him. Where on earth were the guards? Ah well…I supposed Radu did not really need them. A commotion would have been enough to alert him and he could take care of the situation himself.

Where would Radu most likely keep our weapons? I would have to check the armory first. Bolting up the stairs at lightning speed I commenced my search. This place was far too big. I wished that I could just burn it down and dance on it. Stupid fortresses. I tried to focus and imagine my sword in my hands. Perhaps if I tried hard enough I could break through and use my powers. They would really have come in handy right about then, you know? My concentration was broken however as I heard something coming down the hall around the corner. Oh great.

I ran in the opposite direction, ducking behind a statue, breathing calmly and evenly. Slowly I inched over to take a peek at who could have coming around the corner. As I leaned ever so slight out a hand clamped over my mouth and another pair of arms was dragging me backwards by the waist. I was about ready to scream my head off for that split second. Until I was whipped around to face my 'assailants'. I nearly wept in relief when I saw their faces shushing me sternly. Well Cain was shushing me and D simply had me pinned against the wall with his hand still clamped over my mouth like an air tight seal.

I slumped against the wall, closing my eyes. Phew! Once he released me I threw my arms around his shoulders. As predicted he once again was taken by surprise. I did not think that D would ever get used to being hugged. I didn't care. I was just happy he was here considering I honestly did not think that I would ever see him again. At least not at such close quarters. His arms returned the abrupt embrace. "Well. I guess I now know that you are in fact very much a friend of Allura's." Cain's voice interrupted us. I remember he was there and leaned back to look at him, still holding onto D.

"Cain how did you get out?" I asked breathlessly. I gave him a once over and nearly had a double take when looking at him arm. "You're hurt!" I whispered harshly.

"It's nothing, trust me. Here." He held out my satchel and my weapons and had we been somewhere safe I would have squealed in delight to have seen them. Instead I bounded happily over to him and took them back into my custody.

"Good to see that you two have met." I giggled softly.

"Heeeey." Cain protested. "Where's my hug?" A mock pout. I scoffed at his antics.

"You might get blood on my clothes." I teased and stuck my tongue out, making him roll his eyes. "Just kidding come here you." I gave him a noogie. D seemed to be keeping a look out cautiously.

"We have to get out of here." He told us dutifully, his hand touching my arm absently. "Left hand." He called to the parasite in his arm.

"Hmm?" The familiar face morphed into the palm of the hunter's hand.

Cain's eyes popped wide. He opened his mouth as if he were screaming but did not allow a sound to come out. He simply began looking at me, pointing at D's left hand and mouthing expressively at me…'Oh my God, What the fuck! Oh my god what is that! EW!' He covered his mouth as if about ready to wretch. If D noticed he did not seem to care. Neither did Lefty. "Good to see you again, Lefty." I grinned.

"Likewise, kiddo." He responded gruffly.

"We need you to find the nearest exit." D informed evenly as always. I missed the monotone sound of his voice. It used to annoy me quite a bit. Now it was more endearing than anything. I smiled at them discreetly. Meanwhile Cain's mouth was still hanging open and he kept me between him and D as much as he could. I could not really blame him, it had taken a while for me to get used to Lefty after all.

"Certainly. Anything for you." Ah the gravelly voice dripping with sarcasm as usual. Pure, Left hand magic. Not bother to respond, D just grabbed my arm and waited for any instructions. "Hmmm…I'm getting some passages, possibly old catacombs, they're just down the hall but make it quick. I think there is another patrol coming around." He told us. Back during ancient medieval times, the royal families always built secret catacombs into their castles in case they needed a quick escape during a seige. I grabbed Cain's uninjured arm with my free hand. We all needed to stick close like glue for this.

D moved down the hall swiftly with us close behind him like a chain. "Stop, stop, stop! Right here." Lefty whispered. He was clearly as anxious as I was to get out of here by the tone of his voice. We stopped and I gripped D's arm like a vice looking around with a keen and nervous eye. By now it was obvious that they realized what was happening with their 'guests' now. D kept Left hand up in front of himself to sense for the secret exit. "Um…move a bit to the right…there that's it." As he confirmed this I also felt the chill of air coming from the other side. It was hollow here all right, but how would we open it?

We all began to feel around for any clues as to how to do this. Cain accidentally pushed down a statue's arm like a lever and the wall rolled open. I wanted to dash into the tunnel but that would have been foolish. We had no idea if it was booby trapped or not. "Move, move somebody's coming!" The parasite urged upon sensing danger. D unsheathed his sword as a guard came upon them. We all did the same. He blinked at us a few times before running. Cain bolted after him with a low growl. Knocking him out.

"Wait. I forgot something important." He stated. "You guys go, I'll follow you. Radu wont know what hit him." D narrowed his eyes momentarily at this. "Oh chill out, this will buy us time. See ya!" He bounded down the hall. It did not sit right but we slowly walked into the dark passage. I now noted that I could use my abilities down here. It comforted me.

"Are you going to say 'I told you so'?" I inquired softly. All he did was frown at me with an 'I knew it' expression. I rolled my eyes.

"I already knew you were going to do something like this." He responded simply. "I just hoped that it would not have been so soon. You never listen to a word I say."

He rarely ever spoke this much. I had a feeling that he was a little bit angry at me. I folded my arms and huffed. "Can you give me a reason to follow your instructions like a little girl? Last time I checked, you were not my father D." I said the last part in a sing song tone. He narrowed his eyes at me. I just hugged him again. "I appreciate the concern, really. Thanks for coming all this way and risking your neck for me." He hugged me back again and I noted how much I loved the way his shoulder made the perfect head rest. A perfect fit. "You know D. For somebody as hard as you are…" I poked his arm with my finger. "…You really do make a nice pillow." I could practically feel him roll his eyes at me. I shifted for more comfort and I felt him tense as I did so. I smirked.

"You alright, D?" I arched ever so slightly against his side experimentally and I could have sworn he twitched. Ha ha! Mister Ice Prince! How do you like them apples, hmmm? "You don't look well…" I let my knee slide against his inner thigh slowly. "Almost…flustered-oop!" He practically ran away from me like a little boy. It was hilarious how he still managed to keep his cool. Even when he had obviously nearly threw me off and picked up his pace. Left hand was clearly laughed now. I covered my moth with both hands giggling quietly to myself. "Sorry. I'm sorry D." I apologized threw snickers. "…but that was too priceless to pass up."

He just gave me a dirty look. "Don't apologize." Left hand snickered. "Really. You have no idea." He told me. "Absolutely none." I was sure that D was very sore with both of us at that moment. He'd get over it. "So….kiddo." Lefty drawled. "Who's the guy?" He asked. I blinked. Oh. He must have meant Cain.

"Cain?" I asked. "Oh…I don't rightly know…we are a peculiar pair of friends I guess." With a shrug I walked ahead. "Ugh. Where is he? If he gets his narrow behind killed I will resurrect him just to kick said behind until it is concave then send him to his father to finish the job." I growled. That guy was ever more reckless than I was. Saying a lot. No wonder his father locked him up on the regular for being a retard! "Why do you ask?" I turned back to Lefty.

"No reason." I could hear the mischief in his voice. Great. Lefty having a thought was never really a good thing. It was funny when it was him and I ganging up on D, but when one was being teased and poked at, and psychoanalyzed, etc….well…it was not funny anymore. "How did you meet this guy exactly?" I rolled my eyes. Here we go.

"We saved each other's lives, spoke and realized we had a common goal." I kept my answers simple.

"He's easy on the eyes eh?"

"He's gorgeous." I shrugged. No point in denying that. "Sweet in his own weird way, and he and I have a whole lot in common, thus explaining why I have not killed him yet or vice versa." I folded my arms. We really should not have been getting so relaxed down there. Soon I was startled by Cain running up behind us and grabbing my shoulders to propel me forward.

"Move! Go go go!" He was laughing almost maniacally and I wondered what he had just done. D swiftly turned around and I followed his example. Oh shit. There was a rolling, huge cloud of fire moving swiftly our way like the flames of hell itself. My eyes dilated at the sudden assault of bright light that it provided.

"CAIN YOU DUMBASS! WHAT DID YOU DO! I'LL KILL YOU!" I shrieked as D snatched me over his shoulder and we made a break for it. It was getting hotter faster and faster and I was not sure whether or not we would make it. "It's coming too fast!" I shouted, watching the flames gain on us from my perch on the dhampiel's shoulder. Cain cussed. Then as if realizing something he smacked himself in the forehead. Just then a portal opened in front of us and pulled us in just before the flames could engulf us.

We reappeared in the clearing of a forest. I was clutching my chest in relief and D was clearly frowning in dissapproval. Cain was giddy as a schoolboy himself. "Wooh!" He cheered. "Hot damn! Son of a bitch, and you have just been Cain trolled mother fucker!" The male vampires shouted gleefully to nobody in particular before I line backed him to the ground in a fury. The wind was knocked out of him briefly.

"Cain! YOU ARE SO DEAD! WHAT DID YOU BLOODY DO? TALK!" I shook him by the collar as D stood by impassively. He laughed and wiped a tear.

"Ow! Calm down! Hahaha! We're find aren't we?" I raised a fist to punch him and he relented. "Alright, alright don't get your panties in a bunch Lolita. Back when I made my escape I snuck into the armory to find our things." He began to explain. "Now. While I was there I noted that Radu and various loads upon loads of explosives and gunpowder some meant especially for creatures of the night. I got the craziest idea and set them up in strategic areas all over the fortress, then headed off to find you and then I ran into your dhampiel buddy here. Whilst we made our escape I headed back to set them off. Did it, done it, own it." Cain shrugged.

I punched him now. "Ow!"

"WE COULD HAVE DIED! YOU BLEW UP RADU CEL FRUMOS' CASTLE! NOW HE'LL DEFINITELY FOLLOW US AND THERE GOES OUR HEAD START! YOU FUCKING TWAT!" I continued to attack him until D had enough and pulled me to my feet.

"There is no point in all of this arguing." He said coolly. "We'll have to continue making our way east and hope that we can find our way to the castle of symphonies before Radu finds us." I blinked at him in surprise at this declaration. Really? Awww.

"So you're coming with me now?" I asked. He looked at me flatly.

"Obviously, leaving you alone was a bad idea so I will keep my eye on you this once-"

I squeezed him again. "Mmm!" When I released him I shook his arm happily. "Yay. So. Where is your horse?" When Duster trotted into view I had to hug him again. "Ahhh he's okay!" I hurried towards him as D found his own steed. He turned to look at Cain.

"I'm guessing the horse left at the scene of the crime was yours." He told the young vampire.

"Well you would be correct there Mister…um…." Cain nodded trailing off when he realized he still did not know D's name.

"D."

"D?…Um…" Cain trailed and I looked at him shaking my head in a 'don't ask' kind of way. "Wait. You mean like the hunter D? The dhampiel hunter?" He pointed incredulously at the hunter.

"That's the one." I nodded, mounting my horse.

"This is really getting bizarre now." Cain massaged his temples.

"You're telling me?"

Author's Note: Told you I would meet you down here! :D… D is back! Yay for Ally! Sorry I took so long to update once again. Lurve you guys. Like I said remember my reviews and uh…*peeking out window* Now that Ally has forgiven me I shall sleep in the same room as her tonight. I thought I heard the buckwheat boyz earlier today and I practically threw myself at the computer to finish the chappie up with this author's note. Any whoodles. This is my longest chapter eva! Ciao!

Tsuki no Rekuen: Yeah once again the pink elephants arrived. It was an epic battle involving leprechauns, unicorns…trolls, and lucky charms marshmallow boomerangs. Not to mention the super soakers filled with room temperature Cuban coffee. Do not ask questions. -_-'. No worries for Duster, he's gonna get a happy ending too xD. As for Cain and Ally…ssshhhhh! I have my conspiracies abrewin. Yup yup daddy draccy may be a meanie head but he has rules for his kind to abide by. Buahahaha! Ninja D there's a thought lmao. Ciao!

GaarasMyBoyzz: That's good to know…I think. Hey you think Giant bananas would like ice cream? Meh. Hope you enjoyed the update! Zee ya! WIGGLES TO THE BIG RED CAR! *charges off*

RWolfe94: Waazaaaahhh! Chank you. You shall soon know where Cain fits into this little woven tail. You shall soon know. Muahaha.