Disclaimer: I have no intention unless Kanzaka-sama reads this and decides that he wants to borrow my idea. Fat chance right? Eh you never know, it would be really awesome though. *Blushes*

Chapter needed some editing. I caught it.

03/11: Chapter was edited again. I was having a squirrel moment all week due to working out of town..

Enjoy amigos

Chapter Fifteen: Baby, you know this is going to 'suck'. And it's only the first night

So here we are, sitting somewhere in a hidden laboratory located in the depths of Sairaag; a city that once thrive, now a ghost town in certain areas where the folks feared of it being cursed for a multitude of things. We have watched Proserpina being chased though the roads that eventually lead her to here, in what are known as the Sorcerer's guild of the dark arts, though the assassin, I think his name was Thanatos, had called it the hall of the dark arts. Either way of how it's name, its still has been known for its nasty reputation of whipping up some of the best renown assassins of all time. I'm not quite sure if that something to brag about, but I image if you had that particular mentality, you would have been proud of yourself, huh?

There was another thing that happened; so the machine that was shut off a long time ago was fired back up, and produced what is called a 'Small' (Which is like a clone in a baby stage) though it's not entirely a clone at all. I would simply put it as a hybrid of two different people, who happen to be chimeras of a different make. I look like a bend of the both of them, but so it's still in its infant stages of observing and learning everything, including what it is. So far, the thing's favorite word seems to be 'Baby', which it also insists on being call that as well.

"So Baby," Proserpina cheered, which was so easy for her to gain their undivided attention. "Do you know what you are?" It shook its head in a no. "Okay, we can try another question; Are you a boy or a girl?"

Baby turned its back and lifted its tunic high to check. It had narrowed its brow as a frown form on its little face. "Baby can't tell." It said as it plopped onto the ground.

'That's okay." She placed her hands together. "We can figure that out later."

With all this going on and Baby being a distraction, I almost forgotten that the machine was still on, It roared and rumbled as it shook itself on again. We all jumped as the gears hissed, sending the pinchers back into an active fringe. This time, now that the danger from earlier is gone, might be the best time to get out of here before those things start swooping at us. Proserpina grab onto the Baby, swinging it onto her hips, taking off in a full sprint as Gourry took grasp to my hand, pulling me with him. Zelgadis had sped up from behind us, so far when all had the lead and was making our way out, until I heard an agonizing yelp. It was from one of the guys, and I caught the sight of one of the claws zooming pass my head and snapping at Zelgadis. He manage to dodge the first few attempts as it lunge at him, though the final time, it had gotten a hold of him, and there was this awful crunching noise as it torn a piece of rock and flesh from a area by his neck. There was a good amount of blood, and he had let a cry out in pain as he made the attempt to heal himself as the pincher took off with the lump of rocky tissue in its grasps. We took off even more into the city's street, racing back to the inn where we were staying for the night. The aftermath of the attack that Thanatos was responsible would have gotten us kicked out, and in debt in repairs for a number of years. At least it was deserted to begin with, and with ease even though my body ache, I manage to climb my way back up the flight of stairs. I grunted as I treaded up the last five, taking a deep inhale as I swing open the door to the room Proserpina and I stayed in. The rest of the three, plus Baby, was right behind me, so I left the door open as everyone grouped in the same room. I groan when I enter the bed, wiggling myself beneath the layers to get warm again. Proserpina settled Baby down, even though the thing didn't seem to be tired, they didn't seem to mind cuddling close to me. It didn't bother me; they're completely harmless. I felt weight on the other side as Gourry took a place and propped himself on the wall. Zelgadis on the other hand, who I finally gotten a better look at, had slowly sat down at a chair across from the bed. He had already removed his cloak as his hands shook violently; if I had something mechanical take a chunk out of me, I would be just as fizzled out or even more like he is. There was a crimson stain roughly the size of Gourry hand that trailed from the base of his neck, and down across the front of his tunic. The area where the pincher had gotten him was completely healed; expect for the discoloration the chunk that was ripped out. It appeared a lighter blue then the rest of him. The dude was so out of it, he even recoiled when Proserpina placed a blanket over him. He gathered his wits as she handed his a small container that had a orange liquid in it.

"What's this?" He piped as he examines the bottle. "It's orange juice. Drink up." He gave a questioning glance before snapping open the top. "What good is orange juice going to do at a moment like this?"

Proserpina arched her eyebrow. "Orange juice has vitamin C in it…" There was this unsettling silence as we all stared at her, including Baby, who was following allot more than Gourry was. "What? Vitamin C helps restore the red blood cells or hemo…globins…" What is she talking about? Her shoulders dropped when she realizes that everything she had just said was over our heads. This science stuff can be a bit complicated to a world where it's a rather uncommon practice.

"What's an Emo goblin?"

"Gourry…NO!" She held her hand up in front of him while he opens his mouth to say more. "No. NO! We aren't getting into that." Zelgadis just stared at the both of them as he slowly blinked; at least he is making the attempt to understand what she was going on about. Usually a healing spell does the trick when it comes to recovering the flesh, but there are times where you don't recover from loosing but some much blood. Even magic can't fully resort someone, and with this being a fact to us magic user and warriors alike, I watched as he took a curious sniff, before sipping the contains. Baby was observing this as well, and decided to pop up so suddenly, and demand to partake in Zel's beverage.

"Want." Their tiny hand reached out in front him, swiping at the bottom of the bottle as Zel continue to drink from it. "Baby wants." Zelgadis lower the bottle and glared somewhat at the tiny chimera. "That's not a very nice way to ask."

"Want!" Zelgadis scoffed as the toddler tried to reach for the object in his hand.

"No." The larger chimera's tone was firm. I've never really expected that kind of expression from Zel of all people, but you never know what people are really like until you see it. "Say please. Then I'll give you the rest." Baby scrunch up its face as if it had tasted a lemon for the first time. "Baby wants..." Zelgadis narrowed his eyes as he held the bottle higher. "Phwease…"

"That's much better." Baby cheered as they were rewarded with the juice. It had plop down onto the floor. I beamed at Zelgadis, who notices me with a sudden twitch in his face.

"What?" He blankly asked and I snickered. "So since when you had a knack at fatherhood?" He looked at with the most bashful expression I've ever seen from him thus far. "Oh that," He begins. "At some point when I still worked for Rezo and was still human, I'd helped out at an orphanage that was in a dire stated due to a plague outbreak." I had a slight disbelief as I chuckled softly at this; it was hard to image Zelgadis tending to unruly and sick children, but at some point he has.

"How old where you when you did that?" Proserpina had propped herself up on the desk next to him, he then lean back as his eyes darted around in his memories. "I think I had to been around 14 when I first help him out with the sick kids." Baby chewed at the now empty bottled as he went to go retrieve it from them. "He had me master Restoration and made me studied herbs for different remedies. It's was a great amount of effort getting those kids back to health, but worth it in the end." There was a sentimental gaze that flashed momentary on his face. "Some of those children remembered me, at least until I was changed that is." Probably after Rezo granted him what he felt would make him stronger may had what was once children racing to greet you to running away shrieking because they do not understand what they see. I don't think all people are like that, but the more I see Zel open up about his past, the more I start to see why being transformed like this may have been responsible for how he acts most of the time. The down side of it all is now I think Rezo may have used being changed back into normal as a drive to control him more, until Zel caught on to his buff and realize that he was being used as a guinea pig the entire time.

"Hey." Proserpina sensitivity caught on to his shift in mood the more he was caught up with his reminiscence; his eyes darted to where her hand was on his shoulder. "You're still a natural at it. I mean look at Baby." They had nestled up against Zelgadis's leg, appearing as if it was on the verge of falling asleep.

"I think they are growing on to you." Baby yawned as Zel lean forward and gathers the tiny chimera up.

"I think traits like that just stick on you." He laid Baby down on the space next to me again, tucking the creature into the blanket as it rubbed its little eyes. "Even though it's there, with an appearance like this, generally children take off running." Hey at least you don't have to deal with someone else's brats picking a fight with you because they think they are taller then you. Though that is something I wouldn't entirely say to his face, he takes how he looks serious and often feel foul or upset when someone picks on how his state.

"Ugh. So much for being heartless…" He gingerly sat back down and replaces the blanket over his shoulders. Fatigue settled in all of us as Proserpina settled onto the other side of the bed. Gourry lean his head back, prompt on a pillow as he rested on the headboard, and I snuggled close to him.

The dawn broke the night's sky as we all were ready and geared up to set out again, what little of a snooze we manage to have perked us up a bit as we weaved ourselves though the city of Sairaag, and onto the outskirts of the Miasma forest. Even though the tree was supposed to be either dying or dead, there was an eeriness that still hung about heavy even treading near its boarders. There was life that still thrives from what I could tell from the outskirts, but the density of the foliage make it really hard to tell what was really going on under that dense canopy. I kept my sight on the edge of the woods as we track the trails that lead us back into Ralteague. Occasionally, Baby would take off running, chasing butterflies or orbs that darted into the forest. Proserpina was quick each time, catching them before they had the chance to dart of into the unknown dangers that where rumor that lurks about. After the sixth time of Baby wondering off, she straps the tot to her back. Baby pouted in an adorable way as Proserpina carried them off into the distance with us.

We had arrived on the boarder of both Saillune and The Coastal states, when a wide eye boy who appeared in his late teens, came up to us as he heaved over from exhaustion. "You're Ms. Lina Inverse, correct?" He asked, mopping his sweaty dirty blonde hair out of his pinkish hued face. There were drops of sweat that covered his rounded features; I wonder how long this poor boy has been running around until he ran into us. I nodded at him as he turned to Zelgadis. "You all are urgently needed in assisting the crowned Prince, as well as his daughter, and the following of Prince Posel. There has been an attack the previous night at the camp! Please hurry and follow me!"

We raced our way with the massager boy in the lead, and Baby giggled with glee as they bounced along. The winding path took us to where the encampments once thrive. The placed reeked of blood and death, and the grounds where littered with bodies of both deceased human and slain undead along with them that still smolder in their ashes.

"Vampires, huh?" Zelgadis commented professionally as he turned one of the bodies over with his foot to get a better look at it. Even though the flesh was blacked and peeled, you can still make out the pointy white fangs that were still attached to the cadaver. The massager began to explain more of what went on here, as I listened in I could helped but to feel a form of l awed that even in these sorts of odds, both Amelia and Phil manage to slip away. Though Thanks to the help of Pokota who showed up in time! It appeared that there was some serious magic performed here; I could tell by the fragments of scorched earth that a Dragon Slave was used here, though not on the same power level of mines that is. Still, Pokota is the second person alive, other than me, who is successful at casting such a high powered spell.

We pressed on though the remains of the camp and entered the woodland area behind it. Not too far from the area was what was a lake, and perched on the rock putting back on her boots, was Amelia, who as animatedly chatting with both her father and Pokota. There were a couple of decent size bass that wiggled in both Prince Phil's and the other man's grasp, it's seems that they have already caught lunch… Good Deal, because I am starving! Amelia was the first to notice our approach, and shrieked excitedly as she bounced off the rock and skipped to us.

"Ms. Lina!' She shrilled as she nearly squeezed the life of out me! I huffed as I regained my breathe when she left go.

"Mr. Zelgadis!' He was next to received what would have been a bone crushing hug if she gave all she got to me with that kind of force. She swayed a bit as he strained to keep his lungs functioning

"Hey…Amelia…" He grunted and she too let go and went on to Gourry, giving on that made his spine crack, which we all could hear.

"Ah." He gasped. "Thanks a bunch, Amelia."

"Sure thing Mr. Gourry." Her head turned to where the other chimera stood. "Oh! Ms. Proserpina!" She trotted to the other woman. "It's great seeing you as well, though there are matters that pertain to you that greatly concern me." Amelia gently placed her hand on her shoulder. "Father and I do want to hear you out on your part, but we can discuss that after lunch." The stew bubbled as Proserpina swirled it with a spoon, while baby added pepper, bit by bit.

"That's enough." She held out her hand, halting the tiny chimera from adding any more spice to it. "Too much and it takes away the flavor." Baby wrinkled its face as it observed the remaining pepper in their hand, giving it a curious sniff before that set them off in a series of sneezes. "Augh! You weren't supposed to smell it! I guess we have to learn the hard way?" She hurries to wipe off its watery face; meanwhile Amelia played catch up with Zelgadis as she filled him in on everything that has been going on. She thinks that the reasoning behind the sudden attack was that they have gotten too close to the quarters where the rumored undead countess resides. During one of the expeditions, they encounter a strange town, which was completely dead during the day, but after at sunset, the town inhabitants emerge from their homes and carry out their business like any other day.

"According to this strange old lady who owed the town's inn, she claims that the villagers had been living like that for over two centuries to this day." She held up two fingers. "The cause is due to vampire attacks, which took place the moment the renowned duchess Lady Karnstein took seat ever since."

"So you think the Lady is behind the source of vampirism?" That was a very obvious connection, even me who is not in that conversation can still decided that to the leading factor to why the townsfolk lived such estrange lives. And here I was thinking I had it weird…I suppose it could be worst then switching up your sleep schedule so you don't get mauled alive in your sleep. Yet there is probably more than just that behind their motivation to find out what is behind the vampires and the duchess.

"There were two other neighboring villages own by the Lady Karnstein, but both of them are currently ghost towns, not a single person in count when we went there." Amelia spun her head towards her father, and Pokota. "It was like everyone disappeared. Even their belongings were still in place."

"I still think vampires are behind it." Zelgadis remain in his brisk manner. "They could have used the two other towns as food sources while they used the current as a way to prosper." He was always on to something, and so was I. Even the rest of us nodded as we listen in, save for Gourry, he just agrees to agree.

"If that's the case, then id she is behind all the disappearance of the two other villages, then we must put a stop to her!" Amelia balled her fist up as she angrily shook them. "We don't know if she plans to attack another town just for a food! People aren't cattle!" I mean they are to those who consume the flesh of the living, but vampires are more into blood, which is just as needed to stabilize a healthy human being. It would be a threat if this vampire duchess was also behind explaining their hunting grounds. That just may be the case now, being that the camp was recently attacked. It took two centuries for this vampire to wipe out a town population without anyone noticing till now.

A bell sang out as food was finally ready. I rushed to grab the biggest bowl and spoon I could grab and started to dig in the scrumptious smelling substance. My tummy growled lowly as I swipe at Gourry as he tried to yank the ladle from my hand. Oh no, not this again. Do you ever learn to wait? Dense ass… After my bowl was prepared, I took a seat by Proserpina, who was helping Baby cool their food down. Amelia and her father took seats adjunct to us, and Pokota, Gourry and Zel gathered at the table behind us. The princess stirred her food as she tilted her head back and forth.

"So," She began, gazing softly at Proserpina as she finished teaching Baby how to use a spoon. "We had a guard who insisted that you were a criminal-"

"-And that Zelgadis was a traitor…" Prince Phil growled as he gulped his stew. "Completely opposite then what you told me." Zel stared quietly at the prince as the man continues to wolf down his food, and here I was told that I was a messy eater. "But you asked me-"He gulped a mouth full before waving a spoon at the blue chimera. "-I think the bloke done lots his wits. He disappears the other night before the attack happen. We haven't found him since." There was a pulsed as he took a couple more bites. "That Montreal… I always had an off feeling about him." So the jerk who harassed us on the ship had a name after all, too bad no one cared about introductions at the time. It's not its important as well, for all we know he could be vampire food, or worst-

"Father, he could be a vampire for all we know." Amelia did have a point, but the unlikeness of a vampire just turning anyone is rare, unless they made a deal and a blood pact was form. Perhaps our guard friend here, Montreal, may have been the one responsible for selling out the team to the bad guys. Hence why he disappeared; now we don't know if his status is still active, or if he was destroy when Pokota cast his Dragon Slave. Regards if his whereabouts, the countess was at large now, and the main subject since the concern of future vampire attacks on either kingdoms. The Prince had a idea and a offer that would be able to grant Proserpina something useful.

"I don't think you're a bad guy." He said as he lean in closer on the woman. "So I was thinking, if you are interested, you can hunt down this evil lady and bring peace back into the town, and we can grant you protected from the warrants when visiting our kingdom. Not a single person can hunt you when you are in Saillune! So whaddya say?" There were a few minutes where Proserpina just stared at him as she process what was said to her. Both Amelia and he moved in on her as she gave it more and more thought.

"Sure. Count me in." The dining wear clatter as Amelia flings herself across the table, hugging a bewilderd Proserpina as the princess grinned ear to ear. "See! I knew just because you wear all black, didn't mean you wear evil." Zelgadis scoffed loudly as Pokota laughed.

"Oh. Haha…" The chimera woman nervously laughed at that statement as the princess let her grip go. I not quite sure how Proserpina took that last comment, but as the remaining to the evening passed, she seemed to have letting it go. She just kept to herself, fidgeting with a strange device while the rest of us huddled up and chatted over the plans on where we're going next.

"I know we are supposed to go south for the next beast." Zelgadis stated as he glance in Proserpina's direction "But since there was a slight change of events, we may have to be heading somewhere on the border between Ralteague and the Coastal States." There was a fresh map that was flatted out in front of us, which he marked a spot in the center of both territories. "Lady Karnstein's castle may be located somewhere around here-"He tapped at a place located in a hilly area. "Since the village resides here." He then tapped his quill at the base of the hills. "We can enter the city before dusk, that will give us time to scale the surrounds to get a feel of what going on in that particular town." There was a slight distraction as the device that Proserpina was messing with had powered up, from how I can best explain it. It glows a series of colors, ringing of a number of chime sounds. What was that?

"Hey. My phone works." She muttered as the screen on the device change to a different display. "Well at least the basic functions. Service is a no go. No such thing as cell phone towers here, of course." I'm glad I wasn't the only one who attention was snagged away by the noise maker that lights up. Baby peeked over her shoulder, their eyes wide with interested as they close in to the screen. There were a series of different dings that went off, causing poor Baby to nearly leap though the ceiling. Proserpina, Amelia and I giggled as Baby gather their senses back, blushing from the embarrassment it felt.

"Sorry about that little one." She said as Baby gazed at her, somewhat letting out a half way cry. There was another loud ding that emitted from the device. "Oh? I got a new message? How?-" She held the object closer, the bright lighting reflected off of her face, making it sparkle as her brow narrowed.

"This must've sent before I got here." She muttered to herself as we all gathered around her, seeing what it was that had her complete attention. There was this little icon that appeared in a shape of an envelope with a red symbol above it. She hits it with the tip of her finger, and the image shifts again to a list; one was highlighted a green color while the rest where darken out.

"Oh it's from him…" The group peeks from over her shoulder as she presses on the label. "And it's a video message. Let's see what he has to say." The triangle symbol gets hit on and the image begins with what looks to be a boy in his mid teens. He too had an offish appearance as well, from there was a single horn growing from the left side of his head. His flesh tone was a light sorbet, and his shaggy hair was a chocolate tone.

"Proserpina!" He blinked his vivid green eyes as he places a pair of thick glasses on his face. "I hope you get this, because jerk face-"

"Ha! He means Perseus." She chuckle adding the commentary to the reference as the teenager frown briefly. "-didn't let me have the chance to tell you goodbye again. So here it goes! I don't like saying goodbye anyways, so I'll see you again-"He was interrupted by a smaller girl, who dark in completion, with braids that dragged across her graceful, brighten face as she smile hogging the view. It was clear of two things; she was very young, and still human.

"Move your butt! I want to talk to her!" She loudly fused at the teenager as he struggled against her for view, pushing his face out of the way as she finally took over.

"I want to say," For someone so small, she had a lot of sass in her. I thought it was adorable, reminds me of myself. "That if you don't make it back, I will steal Vincent's tracker, and find you myself!"

"So the boy is Vincent?" Zel questioned Proserpina and she nodded. He knitted his brow tightly together. "How is he able to master such a process? He is only a boy!"

"Don't underestimate him." She said as she defending the boy, who was fighting the girl back for the spot. "His father was a prodigy in our world."

"Nylah move!" Vincent angrily shouted as he shoved the girl to the side. "This is my video. Go interrupts someone else's or Jason!"

"But dada is too busy, and I wanted to talk to her too-"

"Nylah, I don't care. Shut it!" Proserpina mouth gaped open in shocked as she shook her head. "Anyways!-"He resume his position as the younger girl still chatted about in the background. "Proserpina! Please make it out alive in this. You're all I have, and I better find you living when jerk face is done with his visit-"

"And if you don't Tia-"Nylah's face appeared back into the screen again, her dark eyes narrowed tightly as she zoomed in closer to her face. "I will kick your butt!"

"Nylah!-"With that the video ended, and Proserpina placed the phone down on to the table. "What am I going to do with those two?" The frame freezes with both Vincent and Nylah in a mid struggle before going black when she presses a button on its side. She let out a longing sigh as she closed her eyes momentary.

"Those are some interesting kids, huh?" Pokota inquired as Proserpina lazily open an eye to acknowledge him. "There both handfuls if you ask me.' She flatly stated as her nostrils flared out. "Nylah's sweet as can be, but very bossy as you can see. As for Vincent, he just your typical teenager dealing with hormones and not understanding anything other the ideas that inspires in his head. Yet he's a genius like his father, and carries on both Mr. Lee's work and his own as well."

"So what happened to his dad then?" Gourry gasped when she told him that his father had been killed and eaten by the undead, yet he managed to place Vincent, who was only five at the time, in a safe area locked away from the horde that torn Mr. Lee apart in matter of minutes.

"Tank claims he waited too soon to change back." Apparently Mr. Lee died a human after being his own guinea pig to his experiment, it was a success, but his timing to do so was flawed, for days later he fall victim to the zombies that raided that island. The technician sent a distress signal out, snagging their groups' attention as they both responded and travel to where the S.O.S call was. He resided in one of the main laboratory along with his young son. One day there was a mass break out and the undead gotten into to the building, tearing their way through the human staff while the few who were chimeras manage to hold up. When Proserpina's group finally reached the site, it was too late. They found the poor man ripped apart. There was a map that was still in the nearly completely consumed corpse, held tightly as her dad's friend tired to pry it from the man's cold dead hands. They tracked down the child and rescued him, from their Proserpina have been more of his motherly figured since she was opted to care for the young Vincent.

"That's so sweet of you, Ms. Proserpina." Amelia seemed rather misty eyed as she wiped her face dried. "You took him in and raised him. No wonder he left that message." I'm surprised that not many people would, and according to the pearly chimera, not many people wanted to step forward and take him in.

"My mom as friend's with him, so I kinda grew up with Mr. Lee around. He was the one the process our transformations. I guess it's the most I could do for him."

The twilight from the night's sky twinkled as we all gathered as we remain around the blazing fire. A couple of brave guards would venture out into the wooden area, and returning with more hearty sized logs feeding them into the fire keeping it alive as the night passes.

"We can get some sleep tomorrow when we get to the village." Prince Phil's raspy tone snapped me from my sleepy trance I was falling into. "But for now we have to stay awake and alert. We don't know if the vampires lurk in this part of the forest or not." It was hard to tell, though it felt as if there were eyes watching from all around from the dark unknown. Gourry shifted from where he sat as he too, took a glimpse of the surroundings, as a warrior, one must stay alert.

Dawn crept up, bighting the sky with hues of purple, rose pinks, and bright oranges as the sun crept up from the horizon. We wasted no time, and extinguish the fire before setting off to the village, which was named after the countess, how vain! Its original name before the duchess took her place was left forgotten, as some of the records where destroyed shortly after she stepped in. So any pervious history of it before two hundred is currently unknown about, in fact, the village was nearly off the map until now. This means that the countess kept it hiding, perhaps only performing personal trades' verses being a part of the whole trade market.

The gates were shut tight when we approach the inactive city. Only a couple of guards kept lookout. They sport armors of red and black, with a crest of a demented looking bat with elongated fangs on it. I wouldn't say that was a dead giveaway of any secrets that this may have been under. The guards flinched into positions as we came forward to the gate.

"Greetings and Salutations! Our friends of Karnstein!" Prince Phil bellowed, prancing ahead on a white horse. "I have return, along with my friends from earlier and some new ones who are accompanying us on this mission. I have brought the help necessary for this mission." One of the guards held his head high as he listened carefully to the prince. "I see." He responded in a sharp tone. "I will let you in then and good luck!" The gate creaked loudly as it rattled its way down, and with long strides we hurried into the village as the gate was lifted back up.

"Please keep in mind that all stores and bars are opened at six P.M., but the inn, is always open if you wish to rest your weary selves before setting out. Tell Maria that Pete sent you!" That was really nice of that guy to offer a free space for us. The group the set out throughout the road until we can across a darkly painted house with a large sign that said in bold letters: "The Cozy Blood Sucker." That definitely a name that would attract customers, with sarcasm implied on that last statement. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to stay at something that says "This town has a Vampire problem, but it's cool at the same time!" Sure name your inn after the ethnicity of your undead duchess. Gourry pushed the freshly painted black doors and we all pressed though what may have passed off as a haunted house. There was the hostess bench, where a large painting of a cruel blonde who had a chilling beauty about her hung silently as her eyes stared at each one of us.

"This place gives me the creeps." Pokota muttered as he hung close to Amelia.

"That could be why the room was free." Zelgadis commented as he came up to the desk and rang the bell. There was a loud rumbling around in a room nearby.

"Just one minute please!" A woman with an unnaturally deep voice called out as a large woman burst out of the door across from the entrance. She had a broad figure, which looked boxy in the shimmering cocktail dress she wore, along with a fluffy, purple feather scarf. She had heavy heels on, that were large enough to look like they would fit even Gourry's feet.

"Hello Gorgeous! I'm Madam Maria Maris! How can I help you all this evening?' She folded her arms and batted her eyelashes at Zel. I think, whoever they identify themselves as, was making a pass at the blue chimera as he glance at all of us for some kind of support.

"Pete mentions something about a room being on him?" Prince Phil barked as he strides up to Zel's side. Madam Maria Maris snapped her ruby color nails as she hurried to the other side of the beam, fetching a set of keys from a small cubby hole. She briskly moved, her heels stomping as she handed over the set to the Prince. "Upstairs to you right, sweetie! Enjoy your stay." She went too spun around, before Amelia called after her.

"Ms. Madam Maria Maris," That is a mouthful to say all at once, even a princess as well spoken as Amelia had to say that one at a slower pace. "Is there anything you can share about the town's recent history?'

"Oh, I take it you are tourist then?" The princess nodded her head as the large woman smacked her lips. "Well, whatever it used to be was destroyed when the new countess, Emila C. Karnstein gain control over this region. They say she set fire to the original deed and started off fresh, rumor was it that the pervious duke had owed a large debt to a neighboring one and she got rid of it being that there were not ties between her and this dukedom. So they were dropped of course. According to collected urban legend, it is said that the people here changed their life style to live at with the night, in fear that the raving undead would feast on them like the other two villages."

"So the vampires' attacks are true then?" Madam Maria bobbed her head. "Sadly I wish I could say otherwise baby, but it is what it is. Now we are unsure if the current madam is behind these recent events that have taken place nowadays. Hence why the gate was down and usually it stays up because we want people passing our borders. Poor souls are too terrified to do so." So the rumor within the area are locally known, but not throughout the country.

"I think the people that do pass though, fall victim on what awaits for then that leads up to the madam's castle. It is the way to there as well as the way out of the village." Seems like it was leading into a trap, probably why this place has been so hushed down for such a long time, anybody knew that came though was fair game to the vampires that lurk about on the outskirts of town. Madam Maris reassured us that the town was protected but a series of barriers that are meant to keep evil spirits and beings at bay. I'm a bit skeptical of the reasoning behind folk magic, but if it works, it works. As a sorceress, I'm not entirely worried about if something attacks me, I have my powers and a mighty squad to back me up if that was the case. We thank the madam for her advice and what information she could supply for us. It seems like from the way she explained it, that she had an awareness along the probably the rest of the towns folk of the duchess having some ties with the vampires, and could be one herself. The image of the cold looking blond with the pierce stare flashed in my mind, I wonder if that is a representation of the duchess. The room we had been on a grand scale, and it opened up to another room of the same size on the opposing end. So the girls paired off into one (Baby tagged along with us) and the guys got settle into the first one. I was so ready to take my boots off, I could feel my feet ache from all that walking, plus we didn't sleep the night before. I flung both pairs off at once, and slide off my mantle. It felt like the weight of the world slipped off my shoulders as I exhaled. I closed my eyes; the sounds around me as Amelia chatted with Proserpina began to drift as I drift off into sleep.

"There was a screech in the room and I shot up quickly. My eyes focusing as I darted them around, observing my surroundings. The other two and Baby snooze peacefully, so if it wasn't them, then who was it? I heard it again, and it sounded like it was coming from the other side! I rushed up from my spot in the bed, and raced towards the door, pressing my ear up against it as I listened in. There was nothing again but the ringing of silence, before it happened again. This time it came from outside, and I barge opened the window across from me, hanging my head out.

I could make out a duet of silhouettes, one struggling as the other gain onto the one fighting for their life. More screaming happened, as it sounded like a young woman crying for her life. She had a basket, which gotten flung across the pave way. The items that were in it, assortments of beards and herbs, were now laid ruin on the ground. The maiden pulled herself with her strength. She was a red head like me, and presumably the same age as I as well. She cried out into the darkness, and I could felt a twinge in my heart as I watch the man who assault her grow more wicked in appearance. His teeth extracted as he reeled his head back.

So much for protection wards. I knew they were a load of crap! I clenched my fist in both that of anger and worried as I watched the girl continue to struggle. There is no way I'm standing here, with all of this and yet going to do nothing about it. I couldn't bear the sight before me, maybe she reminded me of myself as I watched the tears streamed down her pale face. I felt the energy burned in my hand as I casted a fireball, flinging it in the creature's direction. It was a direct hit, and the girl fled away as the vampire hissed, grasping its face.

Ha! Serves you right! Now how about you go off and whine to your boss! When I should have retried my huge as head back in and close the window, I chose to gawked at the vampire, not realized it had made eye contact with me.

Shit, you know what that means Lina! There as a flash of red and an odd pulling sensation. I realize then I think he might've just used me to transport him here, and I was correct. As my head pounded and my vision refocused; I saw a set of fangs glint in the darkness that crept up closer and closer to me!

Author note: And yet another update, as promised (to myself. It's a personal goal I wanted to work on. Start with baby steps, right?) It seems our gang has encounter yet another sticky issue that may have a outcome that sucks (Haha! I make myself laugh). Another cliffhanger? Yep! Those are the best; leave ya hanging right in your seat? That's the point!

I had an occurring thought to day, as I read other fics on this site; I began to feel a sense of admiration as I read these stories. I feel like writing is a art, like music and visual arts such as painting and 3 d graphics, takes a part of us that allows this to be a manifestation of our own reality we create. We are very similar to the creators (Polytheistic) after all, and we too have the ability to create, and that of many forms.

Many of these are very inspirational, and some make me laugh and react loudly. There was one where it was a child Zelgadis! Reminds me of when I had the craziest idea to cosplay my son as him when he was a toddler (oh come on that would have been cute! I would of gone as Lina) that was ten years, but it's still a idea that may be acted on. He's getting into the series, and is nearly done with try. I feel excited, I think the next one I'll introduce him to be Ranma !

BTW: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TO READ THIS! I'm excited of how this is turning out, and I haven't strayed from the plot *knock on wood or skull* though there is enough "side missions" to make this into a video game. Who knows! Possibilities are endless when you have belief!

Enough rambling and time to start on the next chapter!

Muah!