Chapter Fifty-Four

54

After Chumley's statement about the Vampire on the lake, all of the chosen took off quickly toward that very location. Norika watched them from the window of the infirmary, narrowed Amber eyes resting on the pinkette who was forced to tag along, because Chazz insisted on keeping her with him "for her protection." Syrus had asked if Norika wanted to come too...but she poltely declined, using her injuries as an excuse.

"The Nurse insists I stay off them for a while at least until they heal up a bit more." She stated, "Don't worry...just go...I'll stay behind and help keep an eye on Atticus."

She sighed, feeling ashamed for having spoken such lies. Listening to doctors was the last thing Norika tended to do...but she couldn't help herself right now. She was trembling inside and out. Afraid...and even though she tried to convince herself otherwise, she knew it was because she didn't want to be near Connar...

At least not for the given moment. Hence why she insist staying near her captor was a much safer bet. That was another thing. Even though she knew it wasn't Atticus's fault...she still feared him, too.

"...I'm pathetic..." she said to herself, "Weak...and pathetic..." she sighed, "...And a coward."

She closed her eyes with a heavy breath, and draped the curtains, to hide them all from her sights.

Chumley's claim was right.

In the middle of a lake set a Castle, and as they approached a red carpet rolled its way to their feet.

"It seems she's expecting us." said Bastion.

"At least it's the red carpet treatment." said .

"Yeah...Crimson Red." said Zane." How fitting."

"What now?" asked Bastion.

"Now? We face her." Zane replied.

"Yeah..."Chazz said softly as he gently placed Connar back behind him while he stepped forward,"But who?"

Within the midst of confusion , albeit not at all seeming purposeful, found himself stumbling to the front of the crowd, more so, in front of Chazz Princeton who felt a little shown up.

"Wow, !" Connar beamed clapping her hands together with a sweet smile,"That's really cool of you!"

"You are so brave!" said Chumley, who had led them to this place.

"We'll be right behind you!" said Bastion

"By a good 10 feet." Banner muttered, as he hid behind his students.

And these men are responsible for the student body's well being...

Connar sighed.

What was my father even thinking when he approved of their applications?

"You know, I have a marvelous idea!" waved his hands to stall for any way out,"We could draw straws! How about I go get some and you don't follow me!"

"Sorry, Crowler." Chazz growled, probably still feeling a little peeved that he got shown up by this man in terms of the act of sacrificial bravery infront of a girl, "You're up!"

They stood silently waiting before the red carpet that had draped itself over to their feet, trembling in the chilly breeze that came off the water at night.

"So, Crowler." Chazz said still with complete animosity,"What's the hold up?"

"Well if you're in such a hurry why don't you go first!?" The teacher huffed and Chazz just scoffed and crossed his arms.

I was trying until you went and stole my thunder...

he muttered as he thought to himself.

As the wind blew colder their vision cleared revealing a sillhouette within the mist.

"Gentlemen, Why don't I just come to you?" A woman spoke in a heavy accent. A Voluptuous female figure swayed herself alluringly down the way and made her presence known in her well draped crimson dress that matched her lips with her long hair that looked as if it would flow if a hand swept through it. Needless to say...she was beautiful and alluring. As one would expect from a vampiress. She shot a glance toward Connar who gulped and clenched her fist.

This is her...

she thought to herself.

The woman I saw in my vision...

She trembled slightly and brought the hand that once held the bite mark to her chest and held it firmly in her other as the woman let out a notable chuckle.

"I see you got my message~ Spirit Caller~" she smirked.

"What!?" Connar gasped softly, pointing to herself,"You mean...me?"

"Spirit Caller...?" Chazz blinked. Something didn't set right with him on that...

"Hmmm...indeed." the woman chuckled,"But you are not the prey I seek tonight~" She glanced between the key keepers and stopped on the one who stood in front.

"And...Who might you be?"

"W-Why...I'm your challenger!" Crowler gulped as he stood with a stiff posture."

"I think not." she stated.

For I crave another...

Her eyes glanced over at Zane and lingered a moment before returning to Crowler.

"You are not worthy." she said.

Connar blinked as she watched the woman's actions closely and let out a soft gasp. She slowly stepped her way over to Zane, and held her arms up before him.

"Connar?" the blue haired male blinked in confusion of this action taken by the pinkette.

"Hm?" the woman blinked as she noticed the Connar's sudden defensive stance before her older male friend.

"Then...You'll have me." said Connar,"Clearly you want something from me anyway seeing as you gifted me so kindly with a love bite...so...here I am."

"Hmmm...very amusing." the vampiress chuckled,"Such a brave one you are...but I am afraid little girls are just not my taste~"

Little Girl!?

Connar blinked and gave a soft huff.

This pompous B-

"Huh!?" Connar gasped as a sudden firm hand was placed roughly on her head.

"Thank you, Connar." said Zane with a reassuring pat,"But I can fight my own battles."

"But Zane..."

I get the feeling that it's more than just a battle she wants from you...

"I beg your pardon!" huffed demanding attention once again, "I said you are dueling me, and that's FINAL!"

"Fine." The woman scoffed and let out a heavy sigh,"If you are that anxious to lose, then you may duel me, Camula, Vampire Mistress of the Shadow Riders!"

"So she's the vampire..." Professor Banner said softly with a suggestive tone,"Perhaps I should update my horror collection~"

Connar twitched and sent a leer over to her teacher and groaned with a face palm followed by some light snickering from Chazz.

And he's the head master...

"Hey, you can hardly blame the guy~" Chazz whispered teasingly ,"Little Girl." he smirked, only to be met with the not so amusing glare of Connar Rose.

"She's going to destroy you one day." Zane muttered to him softly, "And I am going to laugh when it happens."

"Really Zane?" Connar blinked," You'll laugh!?"

"I will." he stated. "First, I'll be like 'Ha.' he said,"Then I will be like Ha ~Ha~Ha~"

"What the hell kind of monotone laughter is that!?" Chazz asked, "And with such a straight face no less!"

"The kind that's at your expense." he smirked as he pointed over to Connar who was practically rolling as she hunched over trying not to laugh too loudly.

"...Very funny." Chazz scoffed blushing as he crossed his arms in a stubborn pout.` This was followed with Zane's actual victorious chuckling. Soon however, the conversation between Dr. Crowler and the 2nd Shadow Rider became a little more intense.

"For if you lose this duel, I get your soul." Camula began to explain,"Or rather...this little doll does~" she held what looked to be like a voodoo doll in her hands though didn't seem to be buying into her threat.

"Oh is that all?" he shrugged.

"You should really be careful what you wish for~!" Camula hissed as she bore her fangs,"For you just might get it...now come, Key keeper!" sha called,"Let's Duel!"

To Be Continued