A/N-See ch.1 for disclaimer. Okay, maybe something more will happen in this chapter. And if it is nothing important, maybe it'll just be fun!

Chapter 5

"Okay, Sage, perform some of those spells for me," Dracula commanded.

Sage fumbled for a moment then tried to reply. Dracula stared at her strangely.

"What is wrong, child?" he asked.

"I…" Sage muttered the rest of her sentence.

"Louder, I shouldn't have to use my preternatural hearing to hear you."

"I…can't. I haven't had enough time. Those spells are incredibly complicated!"

Dracula shook his head and sighed. "Too bad. Guards!"

Two grotesque skeletons walked up beside Sage and grabbed each of her arms.

"Take her to the dungeon. She is of no use to me. We will execute her tomorrow evening."

The skeletons nodded and began to drag Sage away. She began to scream.

"No! Please! I haven't had enough time, that's it! Just give me more time! Please!…"

…………………

"Miss Sage?" the Master Librarian said, shaking the girl's shoulders. She had fallen asleep among her books and now appeared to be having a nightmare. "Miss Sage?"

Sage sat up quickly, wide awake. The Master Librarian sighed.

"You were having a nightmare. I decided to wake you because bad things happen in nightmares in this castle," he explained.

"It was horrible. I dreamt that Dracula sent to the dungeon for not being able to do these spells," Sage said, motioning to the heavy volumes of books that lay open around her. She then took on a confused look. "There were dishes here from where his servants brought me dinner. Where are they?"

"You have been asleep for a while then. The same servants came hours ago and took the dishes away," the Master Librarian sighed. "Look, dear, it's only ten minutes until the sun fully rises. The Master is probably already asleep. He does not expect his servants to work during the day unless otherwise instructed. Why don't you take a break? What would you like to do?"

"Well, I'm wide awake now. I think I'd like to take a bath," Sage replied.

"Easily done. The Underground Caverns is the best place for that. Here," the Librarian handed Sage a map and pointed out the area on it that was the Caverns, "go here to take your bath. You'll find all you need there when you arrive. I'll see to that."

The Master Librarian started to walk off, but as Sage stood, he turned to her once more. "Oh, and Miss Sage, although the map shows the exits of the castle, I wouldn't try to escape if I were you. You'd never be let out, and the Master would be most displeased. You do not want to cross paths with him when he is displeased. A good day to you," he said with a slight bow. Sage inclined her head in acknowledgement.

She straightened out her dress and began her walk to the Underground Caverns.

…………………

After examining the map and its key, she decided the best way there was to take a teleportation device and go up from the Abandoned Mines. She did so, but still ended up tired when she reached the waters of the Cavern. She removed her shoes and dipped her feet in. It was lukewarm. She found this odd but decided not to spend much time dwelling on it. She removed every single garment she had on and set the clothing slightly under a large rock so that nothing would happen to them. She then got into the water. She swam around for a bit. She had always liked swimming as a child. Then she just decided to wade around for a bit. She found herself looking up at the Cavern ceiling. This place was actually quite beautiful, she thought. She then found herself staring at the water. She was only staying in the first section of it. There was a place where the ceiling dipped low then apparently went back up to reveal more swimming areas. She decided to find out.

Sage took a deep breath and dived under the water. Keeping her eyes open, she swam completely under the low hanging wall and arrived on the other side. When she emerged, however, she was greeted by a cry of surprise. Alucard had also, apparently, decided to bathe as well. Sage kept low in the water, only her head was above. Alucard's waist and below were the only things in the water. He seemed to be trying hard just to look her in the eye and not let his eye wander. Sage didn't find this offensive; she was trying to do the same herself. The water was not helping either of them since it was almost translucent.

"What are you doing here?" Alucard asked.

"Bathing. I take it you are doing the same?" Sage replied.

Alucard nodded. Nothing was said for a moment, and then Sage asked, "Where are your clothes?"

"What do you mean?"

"I didn't see them when I took mine off."

"Oh, yes. I hide them behind a loose rock in the wall."

"Oh."

More silence. The Alucard ventured, "Maybe we should get dressed."

"Yes, yes, I agree, but…"

"Only one at a time while the other's back is turned?"

"Yes, exactly."

Sage swam back first. Alucard followed after. Once Sage made sure that his head was turned, she climbed out of the water. She headed toward the rock where she had left her clothes found a very nasty surprise. They weren't there.

"Oh, no," she muttered.

"What?" Alucard asked, without turning his head.

"My clothes are missing!"

"Well, I could give you my cloak to wrap around you," he suggested.

"That would be nice, but what will I wear? I can't go around in nothing but a cloak!"

"I can have servants bring you a dress, but there's a problem with the cloak idea, Sage…"

"What?"

"I have to get out of the water to get it. The rock is enchanted only to my touch, which means…"

"You'll see me. And I'll see you."

"Yes."

Sage gave a sigh. "We don't have a choice, or at least, I don't…Come get the cloak," she said.

She had had her back to him this whole time, but now, as he was climbing out of the water, she turned to face him. He was…beautiful. A sculpture of a god brought to life. His body was strong, one could tell just by looking. Sage blushed when she realized that she was staring rather intently at him. Her blush deepened when she realized he was doing the same to her. He walked, uncertainly it seemed, toward the wall and pulled a rock out of its place. Sage had not even noticed this stone. He produced his cloak and tossed it to her. She wrapped it securely around herself as Alucard got dressed.

"Come," he said, "I'll take you back to your room."

…………………

Once in her room, Alucard let out a sigh. "I'll send for a servant that'll bring you a dress."

"Good," Sage replied dreamily. Catching this, she added, "Yes, thank you."

"Well, then…perhaps you should get some sleep. I'll leave you now. Good day."

And with that, he left, closing the door behind him. Sage sat down on her bed, still clutching his cloak. It was red this time, the outer lining and the inner one. She could smell his scent on it. She lay down on the bed, pulled the cloak tighter around her, and fell fast asleep.

End Notes: Gee, that was fun to write. Okay, so I did some hinting in this chapter. I think I can start developing the second half of the major plot in the next chapter. Yay, now you will get to see that there is actually a story to this! Please R & R! Thank you!