Love Goes Far Enough

"For my sister!" screamed Vincent, "And whatever you've done to her. For my father, who never knew his only son. And for my mother, never able to raise me and take care of me because you only cared for yourself. If you really loved her, then you'd have left them alone and allowed them to be happy together. Love does have to do with being with someone, but it also is about sacrificing for that person."

"No, I would have had her heart if Werner hadn't stepped in and ruined it. He did all he could to keep her from seeing the real me; only the me that he wanted her to see. He only showed her one side to his personality, and a totally false one at that. The only reason he wanted to have her was to keep me, his rival, from getting the girl he truly loved. So who was the wronged one here?" Leehalt inquired of him.

Jessica informed the Demon, "Well, I know that you wouldn't think of me as an expert, but I've known Ekatrina and Virginia for years. She always truly loved the man she married. If I remember the story she told us correctly, her heart longed for him the second he valiantly protected her dog. He had done it out of human kindness; not seeing the dog's beautiful owner. That is what drew her to his heart."

Leehalt laughed. "You talk big for someone who is the daughter of a woman who hated me and a man who was the best friend of Werner. I'll bet your parents filled your little head with foolish lies to make you like them; just as they did your brother. Your word isn't the reliable one to judge my character on."

"Actually, mom never mentioned you," Jessica retorted, "And I never knew my dad. Mom went into hiding after Big Brother was born. I was conceived by advanced sorcery known only to those who serve the Guardian of Life. He didn't even know that mom was still alive; and certainly not that I existed."

"I would never believe a bitter man like you; not anymore. All you care about is yourself. You only pretended to care for me. The only use I was to you was to get a revenge that backfired. It was all to hurt my father and steal my mother from him. But in the end, only she suffered," Vincent told Leehalt.

Leehalt muttered, "It doesn't matter what any of you think of me. All that matters will be that I kill all of you. Then, with my increased powers, I will slay the Maxwell Gang and finally get revenge on that fool Werner." With that, he began to charge up his powers to cast another spell on the four young Drifters.

But Vincent was there again. Even without the proper Shamanic training, he knew how to cast the powerful barrier of Earth Magic. Nobody could say for sure why that was. However, after the fight was over and they had time to think, the team all believed it boiled down to pure instinct. The Guardians were calling to the lost prince and telling him how he could protect those he cared about from the Demons.

Jessica brought out Dragonflare. "You're a foolish Demon. The evil within you is going to lead to your ultimate destruction. Nobody can do the things you are trying without suffering falling upon those of us living on this planet. Now, you will feel the ultimate wrath of the Guardians and their faithful servants!"

With that, the young woman held her sword up in the air. Suddenly, she ran at Leehalt at almost the speed of Lightning. Once more, she used her Slash Party to slap him again and again. The Prophet leader was about to counter with Rule of Vengeance when he felt a sharp pain in his arm. Frisky had snuck around to his backside and prepared to strike at the second he attempted to harm Jessica. As the man began flailing around, trying to get the tiger to let go of him, Vincent stepped up and aimed his pistol.

"My family suffered," he whispered, "Mother had to live in despair every day of her life. Father had to worry about her if she ever began to break down for what everyone might think was no reason at all. Virginia doesn't even know she has a brother; she believes her entire immediate family has died. Now it all ends. I won't allow you to cause her any more pain and suffering. Whether she knows it or not, her big brother is going to protect her from you!" He aimed a Gatling of his own; knocking Leehalt back.

"Foolish humans. No matter what, Filgaia will evolve. You soon will be the ones just clinging to life. Either you can choose to transform your own bodies as the planet changes, or you can die. That will soon be the reality. I will have the last laugh in the very end," Leehalt yelled. Then, he teleported away.

S...S

They were rewarded for finding the artifacts in the cave as well as killing the Demon. But only the Blazing Guns themselves knew that Jessica had pocketed both a Teleport and Exodus Orb. Her plan was to make their lives easier by using these artifacts. And she didn't have to come running home to tell her mother that she'd royally screwed up by forgetting to ask her about using the two items before she left.

Laura said, over drinks, "We should celebrate. I mean, we just fought off that wicked Demon that hurt Vincent. It's time you guys joined the party. I mean, even if you can't drink alcohol yet, then you can at least drink some Root Beer or Soda Pop. We need to cut loose once in awhile." As usual, she was holding a pair of ale glasses; drinking her fill. The young Drifter's eyes were filled with happiness at the very thought of being able to drink. It was her favorite pastime. Everyone else simply rolled their eyes.

Lyla sighed. "Honestly Laura, can't you ever get enough to drink? It isn't healthy for anyone." She looked back towards Vincent; who was playing a game of Blackjack with her and Jessica. He gave her a smile which caused the young Baskar to blush. What was it that she saw in him? There was no real reason for her to feel this way. But for some odd reason, he attracted her more than anyone else.

"True," Vincent added, "There is no point in it. We should all just try to find another job. After all, we still need the funds. And I really do want to eventually go and see this woman who supposedly knows my mom. But part of me feels that I'm not ready. Do I really want to know all about this? I know now who my parents really are since Leehalt wanted to laugh at me. However, the truth might very well hurt. So even though I want to go, I don't want to go. Do you guys all understand where I'm coming from?"

"I think I catch your drift. I too am afraid of what I'll learn. Since Vincent's father turned out to be alive when Leehalt didn't think he was, I have no idea what the fate of mine is. I only hope that when I do learn the truth that it won't harm me too much," Jessica replied. Her eyes began to come out of focus and the young priestess stared at the ceiling. What was she to do? Did she really want to know? Of course she did. But first, she needed to find a lead. And the only thing she could do was locate either Werner Maxwell or Adam Kadmon. But since she didn't know what either looked like, she would have to follow the clue of the ARM. The problem with that…who actually will show you their weapon outside of battle?

Teefa's Last Words...

Teefa: Well, my next plan involves the team at a certain place. Then, we have a little fun with Jessica. Again, she's somewhat of a klutz and a ditz.