Disclaimer: If I had a dollar for each one of these… Well you get the point
03/21: done a bit of editing while riding to a job site. See I do care about the guidelines.. but once I start making my own stories, I'm hiring a editor.
Enjoy Amigos!
Chapter Seventeen: Pucker up, Butter cup!
One does not simply think that there aren't enough steps that one must either drag their selves up or in this case, a constant swirl of what felt like a downward spiral! How many stairs are in this place? I've faced a numbered of bad guys; that of bandits, sorcerers, mages, dragon, hybrids of all sorts and even demon lords! Yet I don't think the number will ever add up to the ridiculous amount of stairs I've climbed in my whole life time! I felt dizzy by the time we reached the bottom; I was still trying to walk in a circle, which was a bit funny. At the end of the path, there as a small, metal red door. It was hatched shut on the outside, and probably closed the same manner on the inside.
"Do you think she is in there?" Gourry knitted his brow together in a concern manner as he glance at Both Zel and I for reinsurance. I shrugged, and the other tilted his head at an angle as he approach the door.
"I don't hear her in there…" He mumbles, before a loud thud that nearly shook the door off its hinges, followed by a low growl. "Nope. That's definitely not her." Across from that door was another red one, with even more latches.
"I doubt she's in here." He didn't even bother listening in. So we followed as we search the manor for another way that will lead us, until we encounter a small door under the stairs we came down from. After some time of fumbling around with how to open it (It had some weird latch on the side) and some effort pushing it ajar, we slipped though a hallway leading to somewhere. With caution in our steps, we motion ourselves into another corridor, with three doors, two on the right, and one of the left. The first one, a rough looking oak door, open at the slightest pushed, inside looked like barrels… with something inside them. I crept in a bit to get a closer look; I brushed my hand over the surface of the wood, it seems aged, like the ones used for wine. Yet when I cracked it's lid open, the smell, it was pungent and thick! Its aroma was an awful combination of copper and vinegar. I gagged as lid slipped though my fingers and close with a loud snap. What was this stuff?
"I wonder if that's blood wine…" Zelgadis mutter as his nostrils flexed about, catching the strange scent as well. His face wrinkles into that of displeasures. "It smells so nasty!" After a quick glance for a just in case, we concluded that there was nothing in the pickled blood room and left for the next. The door on the left was just as plain as the first, and it too, flung open rather too easily. Inside here were rows and rows of cages… Some had what look like people at one point propt up and tied with rope in them.
"He doesn't look to good…" Gourry remarked as he peered into one where a shivered man laid curled in the fetal position. He seemed rather lifeless and mummified. "I think he's been here for a while at that." Ignoring Gourry's commentary, I stride to the area where a chest sat. Judging by its lack of dust on its surface indicates that it was just added here recently. The chances of this thing being left unlocked were slim, but I figure I give it a go and tug at its lid. It was open! Greed may have gotten the best of me, for my eyes met the sight of a deceased elderly man, whose corpse was both bounded and gagged. His clothing was ragged and torn, but his coin pouch was still intact. I guess this wasn't all a waste after all! I gave a quick glimpse around to see if any of the guys were looking in my direction, the coast was clear. I made a quick grab for the bag and stuffed it in my robes. Gourry must've overheard the shuffling I was doing and came by to investigate.
"Lina," He made me jumped, which cause my new findings to jingle. "What are you up to?"
I shrugged, pertaining as if I didn't do anything wrong. I mean some folks may have mix feelings about taking the dead's belonging, but it's not like their using it. "Nothing. Just looking around."
"Did you just steal from that mummy?" So he might've seen me, big deal. It's not like he really needed it anyways.
"But Lina," Ugh! What is it with you?! I pulled my hair as I waited for the next thing to come out.
"What if you got something that is cursed?" What? No way! I manage to tugged hard enough o were a few strands to hair came out. Gourry, it was just money!
"He was dead though." He pointed at the body with a matter of fact tone. "That money may be way he is."
Oh gods! "What makes you think that? Jellyfish!"
"Lina think!" He put his finger on my forehead. "He's dead. Maybe that money had something on it-"
"That wasn't what killed him-UGH!"
I whack him with all my might; a thud loud enough to echo though out the space had brought Zelgadis to us. He crossed his arms and silently shook his head as he watched Gourry rubbed a newly formed knot on his head.
"You two, I swear…" He huffed before turning back to the door, muttering lowly to himself. "Hey wait-!" I called out as Gourry raced behind me. We all regrouped at the final door, the third one. This one was different; it was all back, with a fancy handle and knocker to match.
"Are you supposed to knock-?" No stupid! We are in a manor full of blood thirsty vampires. Oh let's go ahead give ourselves away to the enemy… I raised my fist to strike Gourry again but Zel stopped me.
"I think he may be on to something." He pointed to a rectangle shape opening; it looked like a slot to peep out of. Was this some kind of secret meeting for an unknown vampire organization? I don't think there were any more doors left to go though. That was it in this location, and I'm not up to roaming around aimlessly in this manor, that's possibility full of traps and who knows. We already found a blood wine cellar and a place where they keep people.
Zelgadis closely examine the door; His gray eyes flickered about as he fumbled around it. "I don't think there is another way in." Oh great! Just fantastic! The last thing I fucking want to hear. "But we can still get though, we may have to make an entrance-"Eh, I don't like the sound of that Zel… He went quiet as energy glowed around him. Red light exploded and the door was ripped off its hinges. It clanged loudly against the stone floor.
"Well…So much for being sneaky." I was waiting for a horde to greet us, but instead the room was cleared; not a single soul in sight! It was strangely empty for somewhere that supposed to be populated, so naturally with caution we proceed to the following room, which stretches out into this hallway that lead to a single door as the end. A solo candle flickered above it, and Zel's hand reached for its handle. Behind it was, you guess, more freaking stairs that lead deeper into the ground.
"How far does this go?" I could feel my legs burn with each step that felt like it was going to take forever until we reach the end. What god of stairs did I anger recently to give me such a punishment? At least I don't have to worry about my legs ever being out of shape… I ran into Gourry hard because he stopped suddenly, along with Zelgadis as they both stared into what appeared to be an entrance of a catacomb. At least it looked like one to me, it was an archway that was constructed out of human skulls. I'm going to go off with that of the darkest on the bottom being the oldest, while the lighter were the fresher ones. It still gave me goose bumps passing though such a sinister structure. I couldn't help but to wonder if those where the skulls of the people that have been drained as a food source? In a similar way to how hunters often keep the antlers of deer, yet not quite on the level of macabre as this. This was meant to be a gruesome message to stay out, and to keep away if you still have your breathe! I'm sure the average person would of turned heel before then, being if they were that fortunate enough to make it this far. We passed by more columns of skulls, whose gapping eyes stared in a blank questioning of why as you continued. There was a door where two skeletons stood next to each other, each a flaming torch in their grasp. After we twisted that hatch, guess what was behind that door? If you guessed more stairs, then you just won! Sorry, but I currently don't have a prize to give you at this moment. Try again later?
I'm so done with this! I crossed my arms and stomped my feet as we enter a small area before hitting the stairs. Maybe a five minute break before we go down another flight of bloody stairs won't hurt. I lean up against the cold cobblestone, everything seems fine at first, and all I was doing was resting up. I exhale slowly, as within moments it felt like I was being up heaved and twirled around in a circle.
"Lina-!" That was the last thing I heard Gourry shout as the wall behind me spun me around to knows who where! I pinned myself against the wall, listening out for any signs of the two, or if anyone else was around at all. That's what I get for wanting a break! So much for that! Just great Lina! What did we just get ourselves into now? I stood still in the darkness that surrounded me; keeping my ears perked for any kind of noise that someone was nearby. I could hear the muffled calls from the guys on the other side, who were probably trying to figure out how to turn this thing back. I summoned a ball of light to help me see where I was, and if I can get back to Gourry and Zelgadis. I couldn't find a switch, and nor could the two of them, more so one. I don't think the Jellyfish knows what to look for.
"Lina…" I could barely hear Zel though the stone, but I could make out this bit. "-We have to keep moving forward. I think someone is coming!-"And then his voice trailed away as I could hear their feet echoed as they descended down the stairs. The area around me was small space large enough for a person to sleep in, but with chains scattered across the floor instead of a cozy, inviting bed. This duchess has some bazaar taste in décor for her home… I carefully threaded though the metal links, trying my best to not trip over them. That was a good call from me, for I manage to avoid the attention of a humanoid creature that sat bond from head to toe in the very chain that lay about. It snarled deeply as it sneaked passed it, carefully tip toeing my way around the beast. I didn't get a good look at it; nor am I feeling both brave and lucky to even get a peek. I may as well not press my fortune. I am very aware of how it likes to take its odd twist and turns from time to time. Speaking of so, I finally came up to a heavy metal door, which was somewhat left ajar.
Oh yea! Just leave the thing open like you don't have a dangerous creature here! What am I complaining about? I got it currently made so far as I stuck in my belly to squeeze between the opening… I did that to prevent noise, just in case. The last thing I want is the sound of squealing metal set off gods knows what that thing is! I crept quietly into a corridor; flames from torches tickled the cobblestone as I stride myself on the balls of my feet to keep from making as much noise as possible. I even slowed my breathing to keep it from rattling. I can't afford to sound too alive in places like these, one wrong grunt or sound, and I may have something come charging after me. I also did my best to keep fear from taking over. I'm sure any girl of my stature would be crapping themselves by now, but not me. My face is straight and relaxes as I observe that around me. Even though there was no stairs, the passage felt as it was going at a slight incline. The air grew colder, meaning that I was going deeper underground.
How long does this thing go? It felt like it was never going to end, until I came across a trio of what looked to be tunnels. Hmm…The left, the middle or the right? Which one do I take? You know these things are never easy to chose, so I went up to each entrance and stood there listening for any sounds of people. It felt like it wasn't working anyways; I can't hear jack other then the wind howling as it passes though, so I proceed with the center, hoping it will take me to either group. I wondered for a moment, thinking to myself if I was lost, when the sound of heavy boot falls where approaching from ahead. Crap! That's doesn't sound good. Make a dash for it. I followed my instinct to run, hauling as fast as my delicate legs could carry me. I came across a door; finally! I opened and found myself what looked to be a storage room? There were some strange items that where crafted into odd shapes. Some were taller than me; while others appeared to be something that can fit into the mouth. I tried not to think much about what the things where, but as the stomps grew closer, I began to rushed around to find a place to hide. I manage to stuff myself in a wardrobe that was wedge into a tight corner and tucked myself out of sight the moment I heard the door open.
'Do you really think it's going to work?" I heard a man's voice ask another as they entered the room; I could feel my heart start to race. This is the hardest part; beads of sweat formed on my forehead, soaking into my headband. I bit my lip as I did my best to remain calm.
"I highly doubt it." The other man piped in a raspy voice. "You heard what Montreal said; she's unnatural. We can't turn her like a normal person…"
I don't like the sound of that. I inhaled deeply and did hold my breath in as I listened in to the vampire's conversation. "Yet the mistress is a stubborn one. She still wants to turn her-"
"I still think the bloody idea isn't going to work." The other barked in a disagreeing tone. "I think the idea is farfetched, and what if it doesn't work?" There was a paused, and then the fellow sighed. "Look that's not our issue. If it fails then at least she has the corpse to sell."
Whatever they are planning doesn't look so good for Proserpina. With the way they made it sound like the outcome of whatever Lady Karnstien was planning was something that might've both worked, or failed with great consequences; resulting in a life of darkness, or death. The two continued their argument as the exit the room, and I waited until their footsteps trailed off before shuffling out of the space I was in. My muscle felt cramp as I stretch, before slowly opening the door and peeking though the crack making sure the coast was clear. I stepped out and begin to walk ahead until a loud sniffing noise caused me to nearly jump out of my skin.
So that room that I first came out of and whatever I had slipped around at that time; had woken up from it presumable nap, and was snorting heavily as it breathed in the air around it.
Oh fuck it smells me! When I shouldn't turn around I did, and I was greeted by the more horrid looking beast man I've ever set eyes. It was male, and built like a troll and had the appearance of a bull. His red eyes burned as great nostrils flared. His rapid exhalation rattled the huge ring was attached to his great snout. Drops of saliva oozed from his jagged jaw as it let out a bone rattling roar!
LINA WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! I turn heel and made a run for it. I took off like my life and money was on it. The beast pursuit me like a bat out of hell! He ran up on walls as I made a cut around the corner of the corridor. He soon gained up on me, and I watched as his clawed hand reached for the side of my head. Just before I was in his grasp, the chain he was attached to yanked his back. He growled loudly as his body crashed into the ground!
"Ha ha!" I sneered as I gave him the finger and continue my sprint away. I slowed my paced as I came to a point where I felt safe away from that! I continued on a path that weaved through a network of tunnels; some where label to the villages nearby while others lead to the place where they probably held Proserpina hostage at. I stood at what was like a crossroad, deciding on where I should go. I don't want to sit here waiting and flip the coin on the best route, but I guess I stood here too long. Because shortly from one tunnel, came out the guys from before (I recognize their voices) as they appeared from one of the tunnels that lead to the community. The three of us jumped in surprised as one of them leaped and grabbed his mate.
"Blimey!" The brunette one exclaimed as he straighten himself. "Where the fuck did she came from?"
The other, a shaved bald man with a broad face to go with his large build looked at him a shrug. "I dunno who the fuck she is mate. I've never seen the cunt before…" We just exchange awkward glances as I began to shift with nervousness from their intense gaze. "I don't remember seeing her get turn…"
Lina! Quick think of something! I had just opened my mouth to say something I thought was clever, but what they insisted was even better.
"Do you think she's one of the lady's little girl toys?" Wait… did I just hear that right? Not quite sure what it meant, yet the opportunity may lead me quicker to Proserpina, so I played along with it instead. I'm under the impressed that these guys aren't that bright enough to recognize a full blown human maiden standing right in front of them. Maybe they're both color blind at that; because my eyes aren't that red. They are auburn brown like my daddy's, Thank you.
"Oh …yeah… I am." I said as I was trying to make it seem like I was lost. They both looked at me with wide eyes. Great, now to add more to whatever perverse thoughts that passed by as they both redden in the face. Sometimes you just got to roll with the punches. "Do you know where she is right now?" I boldly asked them as they seem to get rather bothered about something.
"Oh." The bald one stammered as he rubbed the back of his head. 'She's in her private quarters getting ready for the ceremony. It's right this way-"He gestured his hand pointing behind him and the other dimwit. "-it's the door to the right. You can't miss it."
"Thanks." That was a little too easy. I felt at unease as I step pass the two; paranoia nagged at me as I moved about in the tunnel. I kept my stride as I would glance over my shoulder from time to time, making sure that those two, or anyone, was following me. Eventually I made it to where the room was, where the vampire duchess prepared herself for gods know what she has in store.
The door to the right is where Lady Karnstein is… There was a smaller hallway that leads to an intersection, and I headed in the direction of what looked like a large auditorium with a dome like ceiling. The room was crafted in a darker theme; that of beast and daemons running amongst men, who some were being torn apart like hunting dogs do to prey. The floor was a plush material of blood red, along with matching seating that were trimmed in gold. Some of this stuff I admit is beautiful, but I wasn't too fond of the mural and the dark undertones as images of different hunting scenarios played out throughout. It stopped at the center of the room, where there was a stage. On it was a glass coffin, which inside was a woman dressed in a lacey white dress. The closer I got to the coffin, and more I recognized the ebony haired woman as Proserpina who laid in it. She appeared to be sleeping; yeah I'll go with the positive and say that. I rushed up to her, pressing my hands against the cool glass. They even don her face in heavy eyeliner, along with a lipstick of a deep red. She looked beautiful, and it's a shame she dislikes dresses. This one fitted her so well.
"Lina-!" Gourry with Zel right behind him just entered the auditorium; I felt my heart skip a beat as I beamed at the two. At least our team has regrouped, somewhat. Proserpina status was currently unknown, but she wasn't conscience the guys joined me as we studied the glass confinement they had placed her in.
"What did they do to her?" Zelgadis mumbled as he tapped hard on the glass; she still remains still and unresponsive.
"Do you think they changed her?" I recalled hearing the two idiots debated over the idea earlier. Appearing the duchess has her mind set on transforming Proserpina into a member of her undead community. I doubt that is what she wants, and I'm pretty sure If it was me laying there, I would wanted someone to do the same, and help me out.
"I doubt it." The blue chimera knocked more on the glass. "If anything, they sedated her to a deep slumber. She's still alive…" He balled his fist, readied it to strike as he lifted it above his head. "We just need to get her out and up-"With that he struck the glass, and it shattered into tiny pieces. Pretty impressive that he can do that, it's the same as throwing a rock at it if you compare it to that… He gingerly lifted her out and placed her on the carpet below.
"Hey." I rapped my fingers on her cheeks, which cause her month to slightly ajar. "Proserpina..." My drumming on her cheek turns into shaking her shoulders. "Hey! Can you hear me? Proserpina-!"
"Lina!' Zelgadis held up his hand stopping me from getting violent on the sleeping woman. "I don't think that is going to work…"
"Then what do you have in mind then?" I crossed my arms, waiting for whatever clever idea this genius comes up with. I'm damn sure not willing to just sit here and wait for her to wake if. That's if she does; we aren't aware of what substance they gave the pearly chimera. Zel's eyes darted around as I image he was processing different ideas.
'Well obviously, we have to figure a way to wake her up…" He grumbled sarcastically. No shit, Sherlock. Got any ideas on how to wake up sleeping beauty here then?
"I would suggest an antidote, but I doubt everything that needed is here. Or at least I certainly don't want to scale this manor top to bottom searching for ingredients." I'm not expecting any of us to have on ready on us; it's not like we run into sleeping potions on a daily you know. That's something to invest in the future though.
"Yet I'm with you on not sitting and waiting for this to take its course Lina, but if we carry her then it may slow us down. So we really don't have much of an option at this rate." Of course the odds are going to not work out in my favor, and I slumped down in a spot between the three as we gathered around Proserpina. What felt like a moment passed before Gourry started to whistle to himself.
"Hey guys!" He chimed. "I have an idea."
Are you serious? I think Zelgadis and I had a similar thought passed as we both stared at the blond with a puzzling expression. Though I felt worried about the possibly of the idea that Gourry of all people would could come up with, but we were all ears.
"I remember reading story tales when I was growing up." He began as Zel's eyebrow twitched. "And some would have princess that are sleeping like she is…"
"I don't like where this is going…" The other murmured lowly as the blond lifted his brow.
"I think they had a prince kissed them and they woke up." I felt my face hit the ground and Zelgadis punched Gourry.
"I don't think that will work here…" He hissed as the blond rubbed his head, whimpering in pain.
"Yeah it probably won't." Gourry sobbed. "There are no princes here at the moment."
"No you idiot! That is all just fairy tale!" The blond heavily sighed as his slump his shoulders. "I just had a gut feeling it would work; like it did in the books." Hey, you got to give him an E for the effort. He tried, and it's not like we had plenty of options to work with. I gave it a few minutes to pass as I watched Zel calmed down.
"I dunno." I found myself self saying as I glance at Zelgadis. "He may be on to something." The blue chimera narrowed his eyes at me. "And you too, Lina? You're on to this silly idea as well?" I shrugged indifferently. I have no clue, but it may be worth a shot. You never know. I snickered when he casted an angry look in my direction, it turned into frustration as he gaze at Gourry. "Well," He had a hint of an attitude in his tone. "Since you were so inclining to the idea then maybe you should be the one to test that out?" The blond raised his eyebrow with a shock look at the blue chimera. "Zel!" He exclaimed, holding both his hands up in a defensive position. "I'm with Lina, and I don't want to do something that would make her mad, you know…" There was a brief of an awkward silence, and I felt somewhat called out at the statement he made. I guess I would feel some type of way if he had decided to be the one that kisses her, even if it was to wake her up. "Besides," Gourry added, folding his arms across his chest. "I was suggesting the idea to you, buddy." Zelgadis's jaw dropped as he slowly approaches Gourry. He closed his mouth and opens it again; his face formed a frown as he stood staring hard at him.
"Gourry…" He began softly, in more of a concern manner mixed with his confusion. "Why would you even suggest such an idea in the first place?" he shifted his eyes to Proserpina. "And why even me?"
'Why not?" The blond swelled up as he roughly patted the chimera's shoulders. "I'd figure maybe you be the closest to a prince, other than Phil or Pokota." He tapped his finger on his chin as he paused. "But if the two were here I would nominate Pokota to do it then." Zelgadis tilted his head back to Gourry as he looked somewhat taken aback by that comment.
"It's not like I have a problem with it…" He mumbled low enough for both of us to hear. "It's just she's not… conscience. It just wouldn't feel right to do so with her like that…" I knew where Zel was coming from, and this is from a guy who rejected the idea of rape when it was suggested when we first meant. I can see by what he meant by that; he just didn't want to come off as disrespectful to her or anyone else who was in that predicament. The room fell quiet he kneel next to Proserpina, propping her up on one of his legs. I got the feeling a part of him was considering the idea, maybe because he didn't want to sit here like ducks as the enemy was preparing for who knows. Sometimes situations like this; you may have to cause a bit of mischief just to see if the ball starts rolling it. Gourry and I watched as he cradled her a bit in one of his arms. He sighed to himself as his side-glance the both of us.
"What are you two some kind of audience?" He snapped as Gourry turn away and I pretended to look down long enough for him to return back to Proserpina.
Oh! Here it goes! I did my best not to stare directly but as soon as I saw his face get near hers, I could help. My eyes went back the moment his lips softly touched hers, and to be honest, it was sorta sweet looking. He pulled away as Gourry had started to tap his foot. "Did he do it?" He asked, but the both of us remain silent, for I was acting like I didn't see anything.
"What's going on in here?" A current familiar tone of a princess echoed as Amelia stood at the entrance, along with both the princes, her father Phil and the other, Pokota. The three of them stride forward joining us on the stage. Amelia had a questioning gaze about her as he eye trailed at Zel, who was still semi cradling Proserpina.
"We're trying to get her to wake up-"I nudge him hard in the ribs before he had a chance to say more. The pearly chimera started to stirred. I could feel my stomach ripped as I fought the urge to laugh. At least the kiss wasn't for nothing.
"Well, never mind. She is waking now." Proserpina groan as she moved her head first, then her arms, followed by the rest of her body.
"Oh..." She moaned as she tried to lift herself forward. "My head… What the hell did they give me?"
"Some kind of sleeping potion…" The blue chimera responded as he noticed the hard questioning look the younger princess was giving him. He flinched when he made eye contact with her.
"What were you doing there, Mr. Zelgadis?" She asked as her voice was laced with a tone that didn't seem to suit her usual persona. Did she catch it as well? I bit my lip as I shifted my eyes back and forth from Amelia to Zel.
"I was helping her wake up..." He blankly stated, and he wasn't lying either. He just didn't bother saying how he did it. Amelia bunched her brow upward as she stood crossed armed.
"What now?" He didn't notice as Proserpina's hand crept closer to his face, her finger pokes his nose. "Boop." He shook away and the other chimera giggles as if she was drunk. The princess scoffed as Proserpina went to do it again. "BOOP." Amelia spun her back around and went back to where both Pokota and her father stood. "I'll talk to you later." I hear her say in a low tone. Uh oh! Zelgadis stood there with an odd look on his face, as if he got caught in doing something he wasn't supposed to.
Zelgadis sighed to himself as he helped Proserpina to her feet. She swayed and bobbed a bit. I don't think the potion had fully run its course yet. Though, the woman acted more under the influence then tired, so maybe her body was fighting it off.
"Again." Zel hissed as he steadied Proserpina from falling. Gourry joined in and help him with the other side of the flailing woman. "I wish I knew the dosage they gave to her. This has to be enough to kill the average human, let alone a woman." For someone was under the influence of a strong substance, she seemed to be having the time of her life. "Yet she just handles this like some kind of drunkard recovering from a great alcohol intake." You know then again, this is a woman who was down several bottles of wines in a sitting and still seemed the most sober. I think he may be one to something.
"You think it may be something she is mixed with?" Zel eyes met mines as he agreed. "She claims she is part dragon of some sort, and I don't think it's the human part." There is a third part we don't know about, and I don't think she still had the chance to even tell us what it was.
"Maybe we can ask her later." Gourry piped as his free hand went to his sword. "Because I think we got company now."
Author's rant: You know it's that time again. The hot, the fresh, and the errors I haven't seen it until I proof read it at my free time at work. So yes, I do go and edited the story as I go over it on my free time. Some of the unseen grammars error makes me laugh at times, at least I try my best to catch as many as I can before posting. It's just not easy to notice them right away.
I think this chapter may have stirred something up. Oh well, I did had my say of my intentions with this story after all. What, don't look at me like that. Characters in many stories required some type of drama for growth right? Especially if you have an OC spicing it up! The trick is, which is a fun challenge btw, is keeping Zelgadis in character as possible, as the remaining of the chapter played out. I felt like he would have some form of mix feelings if he was stage to do that (Thanks Gourry). He would have been nervous at first, before going along with it. I mean, what guy wouldn't (Besides there really isn't anything that makes Zel official to Amelia, so NYAH! Luv you all though) Though I do respect those who love the couple, I just felt after I tilly up how Proserpina would get along with each character (I plan to bring back a couple from both Try and Next in future chapters, maybe some from the novel once I've caught up on them) she worked out with Zel the best. Whoops. Maybe I should have rerolled on her character (I did for real used a D12 on her! Ha! She's lucky by the roll of the dice!) But I didn't want to take forever on creating her and her back-story. That is still evolving more as this fanfic takes place in this reality of the Slayers world. Trust I have no forget loves about her mission; eventually the egg will be bought up again, it's just in a safe place. This chapter along with this brief bit is part of the side stories that shake up a few of the characters world.
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good…
BTW Blessed Ostara/ Happy Spring. May new beginning and many blessing come to you like the rain that brings forth the beautiful flora and fauna that play about!
Thank you again for reading my story. I love my readers! I appreciate your time as always!