~Chapter 22: Another Issue~

Krystal P.O.V.

I had dodged another feeble attempt at someone's claws to pierce my skin. Using this scythe proved easier than I thought it would be. It definitely came in handy as I continued to hack and slash my through.

It sort of reminded me of Left for Dead, you know that game series for the XBOX360 where its four survivors struggling to survive against hordes of infected people. As well as having to deal with special types of other monsters. Except it was just Zero and I against a feeble horde of vampires with the strength nearly that of a pureblood.

So in other words nearly as powerful as Shizuka was, this was not a good thing. Zero was having quite some time with Damon, which was just as fast as he was. His attacks were so powerful that Zero would be sent back a good distance.

Damon had no need for a weapon; he was just kicks and punches. And he was currently giving Zero a run for his money, but he always bounced back with a stronger attack.

I was in a struggle of my own as I was still mowing down the rest of the gang. I was on the ground on my back as I was using my scythe as a rod to defend me. After finally getting them off me. I was grabbed from behind by a girl, who turned out to be Zoey. She just saved me from impending doom.

I had only taken down about eight or so, those guys were stronger than Level E's and got me good.

"Zoey! Thank good—"I was flipped over and thrown into the air by Zero, who saved me from Damon's sneak attack. Zero jumped up right after he punched him in the face so hard, I swore I heard several things crack. Zoey was currently being helped by Ichiru taking out the rest of the vampires.

Jeez he threw me so high and before I fell, he caught me and said, "Now throw yourself at him and try to land a direct hit using your scythe, hopefully he'll die. If not, then we will keep trying."

"Got it!" He turned around once and threw me at Damon, who wasn't suspecting a thing. Zero landed before me as he and Ichiru double teamed him, using his Bloody Rose he fired one powerful shot as it directly went right though Damon's chest.

Yet he was still standing and putting the boys in their places. I came down as hard and fast as I could and I smashed right into him. He skidded and made a deep trail from a huge tree to several bushes, so about four feet.

I brought my scythe down to impale his torso, and I hit him, but he disappeared from my view.

"Krystal! Move!" Ichiru yelled as I somehow grabbed Damon's fist and shoved him right back at him, he even feel down.

I looked at my shoulder in surprise, the Courage tattoo was glowing light green. Something propelled me forward as I somehow landed ridiculous kicks, punches, and combo throws. We were evenly matched and I wasn't even trying.

I had control over all my body movements, but I felt like nothing could stop me, and I was the one who had to end it.

The last thing I did was jump off his head with so much force that he was implanted into the ground. Zero, Ichiru and Zoey finished him off. Or so they thought, but he disappeared yet again and took his last two comrades with him

"Uh…what just happened back there?" I asked my friends because I was dumbfounded.

Zero shrugged and said, "It looks like in that situation where you could've been seriously injured made your Courage really come out. I mean seriously, those moves you landed were incredible. How did that make you feel?"

"Well…" I thought out loud, I thought it was weird to have Courage assist me, I felt that it should've been Power's job. But whatever floats your boat. "It was definitely something new, at least Damon is gone for now."

Zoey said something, but I didn't catch it because someone else had interrupted had stepped in. "No, actually, that was me; I had to step in because you were just standing there. Next time move your ass!"

I couldn't believe that my other self was talking to me. She seemed to be inside my head, was I going crazy? No because I had seen her twice before. Why is she here now? "Uh thanks anyway." I said outloud.

"No problem girl! Let me look at that injuries really quick first." Zoey said as she looked at my arms and legs. I had minor scrapes and bruises, the only serious thing was that was bothering me was that I could've sworn Damon said something before he nearly died.

"We shall meet again soon, really soon everyone…just wait for the time." I repeated his cold words to everyone. Everyone just stared at me wondering what the hell I was talking about.

"Is that something that Damon said Krystal?" Ichiru asked as I nodded. "Hmm. I don't recall hearing him say anything, but we'll definitely be on the lookout. Come on Zoey, let leave the two lovebirds alone."

Ichiru grabbed Zoey and they were gone in the next second leaving Zero and I wondering what to do. "Are you alright?" He asked me as I looked at him.

"Yeah, I think so, just sucks that I have enemies coming after me for my blood and what not, but I'm doing alright. Want to go for a walk?" I replied as I started walking down a bike trail.

Zero joined me as we looked at the scenery around us. It was a bit chilly now, and the trees had lost all of their leaves. A few bowled around the area caught up in the wind. "What are you going to about Mr. and Mrs. James? Where are you going to go?"

"I haven't really thought about it. I guess I'll go back, get my things, and move in with someone. I can't go with Mom; she would be in too much danger." I put my hands behind my head as I sighed.

"We'll figure out something—why don't you stay with us?" He stopped and looked at me. "You'll have your own room, everything and anything you need can be provided for you. Plus, we could get your lessons done on a more flexible schedule."

"I would love to, but are you sure—"I was cut off by Zero showing off a huge grin and hugging me.

"It's fine with everyone; we actually talked about it the other day. Zoey would love it."I hugged him back and nodded. I was happy as well as extremely grateful for everything. Maybe things would go smoothly- even if it's just a little easier, that's a start.

"We'll let's get going, I've got the rest of the day to surprise you after all." He winked as we ran out of the park together.

I was blindfolded as he led me to one of the coolest places in town. The Huntington Carnival! Of course it was next to the school. It had everything!

"Wow!" I said so amazed at all the rides and things you could do. We spent the whole day there until it closed at midnight.

We rode the roller-coasters, Ferris wheel, played a bunch of games in which Zero won the bet about getting the most points. So now I had to go and dress like a clown for a group of little kids but it was fun! Plus, because he was the Prince, he was immediately placed first in line, and no one minded at all. I guess it happens all the time.

I giggled as I scrolled through the pictures on my phone of Zero with a clown nose. He looked bored and I made him try it on for fun. He hadn't known about the picture though. He had one of me after we finished the first roller-coaster. I was scared to death! He just laughed his head off.

Then we entered a pie throwing contest, and I won and took several pictures as well. We even won the trophy because we owned everyone. But only I know that Zero cheated with his vampire skills. Teehee.

"Oh Zero there you are!" As we entered the Castle a young women ran up to us. She seemed to be at least seventeen or eighteen years old. I felt like she purposely pushed me out of the way to death hug him. She had light peach colored skin; her long wavy blond hair complimented her angelic face. She had the perfect hour glass figure. Long eye lashes with ocean blue eyes. She wore a long red almost slutty looking dress. It seemed to be tight but then again it fit her perfectly.

"Simone, what are you doing here?" He asked clearly shocked as she stepped back.

"What? Can visit my dear fiancee, you do remember the wedding that coming up within the next few months' right?

Fiancée? Wedding? Marriage? I was shocked but I hid it as I cleared my throat and she took notice of my presence.

"She is so adorable! Hi, I'm Simone and you are?" She extended her hand to me and I shook it.

"I'm Krystal and it's nice to meet you Simone—"

"That's Princess Simone to you." She corrected me as she turned her attention back onto Zero instantly. I could see he looked clueless as to what was going on.

"Excuse me but when did this all happen?" I asked her.

"I'm sorry, but are you another adopted sibling?"

"No, I'm his—"She cut me off.

"Okay, so a personal maid then? How nice, and you must live here too or somewhere nearby then? Anyway, our relationship started and grown since we were kids. So about ten years. I'm form the neighboring kingdom, Immetra. Zero and I met up later on at the Grand Ball and we were both fifth teen then. It was then that our marriage had been decided on our eighteenth birthdays. But we've been dating for about a good year and a half now." She giggled.

"What!" I blurted out so loud everyone turned to look at me. "I-I mean—"

Zero cut me off, "Simone can I talk to you for a second?" They both went into the court yard. I was standing there with a million thoughts going through my head. I would definitely have to talk to Zero about this.

Zero P.O.V.

I let out a frustrated sigh as I now remembered all about her. It's true what she has been saying, but some parts are off. "Look Simone, yes we are arranged to get married, but I don't want to marry you. You know full well that it was arranged by our parents."

She opened her mouth to speak but I put a hand up to tell her not to interrupt me. "We did have something at one point, but our relationship was an on and off thing."

"Yes, I'm fully aware of that Zero." She said. "So its that girl isn't it, you're going to end up marrying a maid?" She asked clearly irritated.

"She is not a maid, she is a student at the local high school. FYI, Krystal is my girlfriend and one day we might just tie the knot, but that's not for a few years." I explained as I seen anger flash in her eyes.

"So you're just going to let our two Kingdoms go to war? That's why we must be married on our 18th Birthdays. That's in four months you know."

I cut in, "No I'm not, the kingdom's will just have to deal with—"

She stopped me from talking as glared at me. "Zero! You better get something straight! We are getting married soon and that's final!" She stomped on the ground beneath us as she caused a mini earthquake.

"Simone!" I yelled trying to calm her down and it worked. "Look we had a thing, but now it's over, I left you because you cheated remember." I said as I started to walk away.

She was a strong girl and a vampire as well. She was known for getting what she wanted when she wanted it. I'll admit that I used to be attracted to her a lot, but it didn't work out, and now we have to be married. I don't think so.

Krystal and I met halfway, I seen the look of confusion on her face. She looked up at me expecting answers.

She ended up going first. "Zero, I know that you're royalty and everything. I somewhat expected this, but it was definitely unexpected today. Are you still going out with her?" She asked.

I shook my head and replied, "No we aren't going out anymore. We are-well I'm am into a marriage that I have no control over until the day of it. We dated and then I broke it off. There is no more to that story." I assured her grabbing hands and squeezing them.

She nodded knowing that I was telling the truth. Unfortunately, Simone came and ruined the moment. "So it's true then, you're ditching me for this commoner!" She yelled in rage as she glared hard at Krystal. "What does she have that I don't?"

"Well first off, I don't have jealousy/ anger issues. And I don't cheat on my boyfriend." Krystal replied in a stern tone.

Simone grabbed Krystal by her shirt collar and I grabbed her arm firmly, "Let her go now. She hasn't done anything to you." She let her go and backed off. I pulled Krystal along with me but Simone forced me back as she kissed me.

I felt something inside me change; it was like that fiery passion that was gone just lit on fire again. I could tell she slipped something into my mouth. Even though I pushed her off me, I felt something dissolve on my tongue.

"I'll see you around baby." She smirked as she left out of the courtyard. It was now dark but the moon shone brightly outside.

"Tch." I rolled my eyes as I joined back up with Krystal.

"…I'm going to go get my stuff now, I'll see you tomorrow." She then started to run off.

"Krystal, I swear its nothing." I stopped her and turned her around to look me in the eyes. "She's just being a bitch." I could see she had her insecurities about the situation after all she's never been in a situation like this.

"I see that Zero, and I know she's just trying to get on our nerves. But the wedding is four months away and to be honest, we don't need a war to happen."

"Are you suggested that I throw what we have away and marry her for the sake of our kingdoms?" I asked in an angry tone but I kept my voice low as we made our way to my room. Going to get her things from the Mr. James' place had been forgotten.

"I just, I mean..of course I don't want you to but what about the—" I could tell she was struggling to choose her words.

I cut her off. "Krystal, I don't give a damn about the kingdoms going to war. Well, I do but then none of that matters. The only thing that's most important to me is you. I would give up my position as Prince if it means I could be with you."

She gasped as she stopped and stared at me. We were right outside my room. No one else was around. I saw tears beginning to form in her eyes. She put her left hand over her heart and replied, "Wow, Zero that means more than you know to me." She wiped a tear from her eye. "I-I feel the exact same way, but don't give up your position and title for me. I prefer you to keep it because I feel like it means a lot to you."

She closed the space between us as she hugged me tight. "Zero." She said as she buried her face in my shirt. "I want to make us work, I want to build a strong and lasting relationship. We have to figure out what to do about your wedding. We have four months, and I need to train hard each and every day."

"I agree that our relationship is starting out strong and we can work together through all this madness to continue to have a great one. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. I've never had a romantic relationship with a human before. It's very interesting." I chuckled.

"And you're the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I've never dreamed of being with someone like you, let alone anyone with the way my life used to be. Now I have to stare death in the face in four months and go on epic quests for the rest of the Power and Wisdom tattoos." She said as she laughed.

Then we heard a huge explosion coming from upstairs. The hallway ceiling broke open as my younger brother fell down to our level.

He had a lot blood running down his right leg as he pulled a dagger out. "We have uninvited guests."

"Wonderful, who is it?" I asked in a sarcastic tone.

"Our master who is apparently on crack." He replied.

What else could go wrong?

*Gives everyone a cookie for reviewing—thanks guys ^_^ *