HA! How come the lifeguard didn't rescue the hippie?

(Answer at the end of chapter…)

Disclaimer: Warning: This product may cause serve distraction; inability to keep up with time and perception, as well as the full focus. May cause temporary attention insufficiency. Do not used while driving or operating heavy machinery.

Fashionably late, but finally here! Two weeks later but it's done and accounted for. I hope this chapter makes up for the lack of updates due to work and life. I'm still committed to this, so don't worry. There will always be an update. I will do my best with what focus I had after a long days' hard work. There were moments where I could work on bits, before feeling mental exhausted, but that's just how life is at times. I'm so proud of myself for coming this far!

I appreciate the patience and time from the readers who do take the time and enjoy this as much as I do creating it! Thank you again, a thousand times over. May you find a decent amount of cash on the sidewalk the next time you go for a walk. You all rock! It keeps me going and I can't express enough gratitude!

05/03: there was some editing done. of course. I do my best to stay on top with the things, at least for the most part. Odd and awe are two different things...

Enjoy Amigos

Chapter Twenty One: The Castlevania show down part two!

The silence rung heavily in my ears as the three of us gathered distance in the corridor that felt like it went on forever. Our feet shuffled on the stone floor as we soon came to a series of doors; many of them appearing to be unopened for decades, maybe longer as one I was studying was nothing but rust. It brought me to think of how exactly old is this place. From what I've known , according from what is told, that the vampires Lady Karnstein was the one who seize this very property from the previous owner and duke, but I can't help to wonder why. Not only is the most of it magically sealed from dark magic being casted, but it seems like this path could lead on forever into gods know what… There has to be a reason of why this particular duchess chooses this spot over any other location; my hunch is that there has to be something here as well that even the vampires was using or looking for. My mind continued to wonder as we progress further into the hallway, passing more and more faded, yet fancy painted doors, a few hung off their hinges as the slowly sway from the breeze that was created by our movement. To be honest it was rather freaky, and I was almost spooked there for a moment. I spoke too soon; for one of the door far from the left of Gourry, slammed shut on its own. Him and I flinched as we all gazed at it with widen eyes. I could feel his hand pushing me against him as we locked our sights on that very door, creeping quietly passed it. The temptation to hold my breath came into passing, as I inhale deeply as we tip toed by. My heart skipped a few beats as we sped up, hearing the same door creaked as it reopened slowly. I couldn't help by to look back, and my sight beheld a ghastly phantom, its beady orbs slowly turning to us as we all made our run! I know ghost can be dangerous, and I wasn't going to even try with that, at least not until my magic is back. I know I could have blasted right though that guy if I wanted to.

We came to a dead end, and to an agreement to take the first door we see. I reached out and twisted the knob to my right; it groaned as it slowly opening, revealing a bedroom décor in an abundance of lace.

What is this? I made my way into the strange quarters, feeling like this would be something for a vampire princess (if one existed that is). I roamed around, my eyes darting to a darling little desk, small enough for me to sit comfortably in. How convent! I skipped towards the vanity, brushing my finger across the white, smooth surface. It had many items laid about; a hand held mirror, fine perfumes and lipsticks, and a golden box with a detailed ivy casted into its brilliant surface. I opened it, inside was a small figure in a red gown, that spun in a circle as it twirl to a soft melody that chimed. I carefully closed it, and fought the urge to take it. Of course that wasn't a hard decision; this is a bad guy hide out after all, so I sneak it off into a space in my tunic. I then felt a sudden breeze past by as I went back to the other two. A second on went back, before I felt something cold pressed against my wrist. I spun my head and was greeted by the sight of a young woman; a girl roughly my age, with similar color hair, but she had blood red eyes, not to be mistaken for the same. Before I had the chance to yelled, she yanked me hard, pulling me at abnormal speed as I heard both Proserpina and Gourry yelp together as she pinned me against the wall. Her strength was incredible! She knocked the air of me, and I hung there in the mercy of her grasp.

"Who are you?" She hissed as her face came inches away from me. I could the balls of Gourry' boots crashed as he skidded to us.

"Lina!" He exclaimed as Proserpina rushed forward, charging a spell. "Is that your sister?"

What the hell Gourry?! We can't look that much alike, come on now! Are you both blind and dumb? "No dumbass, this is not my sister! Before I had the chance to give him the lecture of the appearance of my monstrous siblings, the girl yokes me hard, moving us away from where Proserpina's spell impacted. I gagged as the girl's hand continue to squeeze, fighting for air as I gasp in between breathes.

"Again, who are you?" Her eyes burned fierce against mines as my lips quivered.

"My name is Lina Inverse." I croaked, my larynx rumbled as she placed more restrained against me. I couldn't help to feel like a fish as I gulp in more air. There was a brief of quietness as her eye contact grew more intense.

"So you're the one they say," She softly mumbled as she seemed in a dazed. "That can destroy several cities in a single Dragon slave…." Okay maybe like two or three if it's a good day, but let's not go overbroad now.

"They say that dragons wet themselves when they see you…" I have not lived to see that. More so they too busy fleeing for their lives then me to ever noticed if the pissed themselves.

"Some say that you solely defeated the dark lord… while only wearing a training bra..." OKAY! Seriously, we should really stop with this while we are ahead. I wasn't by myself; accompany with me at the time was Gourry and Zelgadis, and it was the three of us who took down the Ruby eye, not once but twice with that including Pokota and Amelia. I am not that insane to just take on a bad guy of that ranking single handedly. Also, another important thing that must be clarified is that I was not wearing a training bar, thank you! I was wearing the normal robes of a bright rose that I have been wearing for the longest of times. At least get my choices of fashion correct if you're going to spread rumors now... What the hell people…

Before any of the two had time to react; the vampire girl took off with me in her inhuman grasp as we zipped pasted the door, and into the hallway. We moved at such an incredible rate, that I failed to realize that we had entered another room. She had stopped so suddenly that I was choked by the backlash of her grip, and before me stood a very pissed Lady Karnstien.

'Well, what do we have here…?" She was peering at me with a gaze cold enough to freeze blood, not like mines was turning into ice, but I couldn't help but to feel a shiver traveling up my spine as she came closer to both the girl and I. "Looks like you we have you now, so where are your little friends, Lina Inverse?"

The sound of feet fell heavy as the quad raced throughout the narrow hallway, behind them pursuit the heavy wounded, yet enrage Minotaur! Amelia panted as she held on to her father' hand as tightly as she could, glancing back over her shoulder at the other two; the minotaur leaps onto a nearby wall, its claws grasps and shatter the rocky interior as it dash in the direction of where Pokota ran. The beast then makes a jump at the young man, causing both the sturdy prince and the blue chimera to roll against the opposing side. The Minotaur then skidded in the place where both Prince Philionel and his daughter raced for their lives. The beast gains in on them, and Amelia charges a bolt of light, unleashing it's fury as an Elemka lance squares into the beast' chest. As the Minotaur roars, Zelgadis charges forward, sword raised as it glows a bright red, and proceeds to slash the beast across his chest. He roars as dark blood splatters, and rages full on, grabbing the chimera as if he was a ragdoll.

"Mr. Zelgadis!" Amelia shrieked as the beast tosses hi, sending him airborne across the corridors. He crashes into the ground and tumbles before regaining his stability. The chimera then collects himself into a kneeling posture, using his sword as a clutch as he steadies to his feet.

"Zel!" He slowly looked at Pokota as the other man swiftly moves to him. "Let's distract this guy and let Phil and Amelia get away!" With that, he nodded in agreement, and the two readied themselves for combat as the Minotaur roars back, accepting the challenge.

"Prince Posel! Sir Zelgadis!" Amelia's father shouted at them, his fist balled and his eyes matched the same determination that blaze a fire in a similar fashion that even his daughter bare . "There is no way Amelia and I are going to leave you two behind-"

"Just make a run for it, Big Phil!" A fireball was blasted at the Minotaur, the beast snorted heavily as the smoke begins to clear.

"Ra Tilt!" Light exploded forward from Amelia' hands as the spell violently struck the beast, his shrieks of agony echo as she grabbed her father and made a mad sprint in the way they were headed.

"Protect him Amelia!" Zelgadis shouted after her, she then stops briefly, acknowledging what the chimera said before resuming their escape. "At all cost!" That is what she intended on, as she kept her father tightly at her side. The ground trembles violently as they nearly lose their footing, behind them Zelgadis had successfully casted a Dug Haut; which spikes trust about the ground, hurling deadly points at all directions as the minotaur failed to dodge any of them. He angrily smashed about at the atone pillars, crushing them into rumble as his body emitted an unnatural vapor from the wounds that where inflicted. The beast bellow again as he bolted at full speed towards the blue chimera.

'Zel- Watch out!-" Pokota attempted to throw a flare arrow, hoping it would help out his comrade, but it missed and the Minotaur crash into the stony man. The beast lifted him, shoving him against the interior, and then proceeds to run while grating the chimera against the wall. What would have smeared a normal man into a mere blood stain against the stone did nothing but shred up his outfit more. Out of a fury, the Minotaur roars as he throws Zelgadis several feet of where Amelia and her father once stood. The blue chimera coughs as he slowly lifted himself, patting down the pieces of his destroyed tunic in attempt of covering the exposed bits.

"Damn Zel!" Pokota stood in awe as he watch the other regain his stance, and start off in a sprint towards the beast.

"Is that seriously the best you could think of?" He sneered as he swoop in, rolling pass the beast's swing, and striking him directly in the chest with a mighty Dig Volt, which lighting took the minotaur' body by a vicious surprise. It causes the beast to convulse as he withers towards the ground, gurgling on his own saliva as he gradually became still. There was a moment or two where he lay motionless, both Zelgadis and Pokota shifted nervous glances as they waited for any more signs of brain activity from the creature.

You think that might've finished him off?" There was a silence that followed the other's question; He took it as a hint to be ready, of life sprung itself back into the Minotaur, and the creature rises to his feet. Zelgadis readied his sword as Pokota' hands glow in a crimson scarlet energy. The radius surrounding the beast exploded as stone and debris scattered about. The massive creature huffed as the dust settled, as set full charged at both the men.

"Hmph." The chimera scoffed he swiftly swung his blade, taking aim at the nape below the beast' neck. At first, the thick tissue of the Minotaur flesh was a struggle initially, but as Zelgadis pushed more with a grunt, the blade was dug deeper within the muscles of the creature collar. The sword was half way through, until the Minotaur left out a deafen cry; rearing upwards as the force of his sudden moments nearly cause the chimera to let go of his hilt. Zelgadis yelp as the beast stern both him and his blade high and he was feet off from the ground before he planted both of his feet onto the beast' belly. He then grasp both sides of his blade, and with a lungful of air, he let out a scream as he tugged both side though the dense tissue, his heels digger deeper into the softer part of the Minotaur's stomach. Pokota face wrinkled in horror as blood began to splatter heavily from the wound; more sputtered out as the sword was nearly completed of the intentional decapitation.

"Zel!" Energy glowed bright as Pokota unleashed another fury as a blast of electricity bolted though the Minotaur once more. This allows Zelgadis to break free momentarily, swinging his body around to the other side on the beast. He then used his body weight to help slide the rest of the blade though. There was slurping noise as the beast slowled his trashing; the blue chimera swiftly removed his sword, the Minotaur's head slid to the ground with a plop!

"Wow…" The younger man said impressed as Zelgadis situated his cloak to cover his now exposed chest. "I don't know of many people who can pull that off successfully…"

"Well, as you can see," The other stated dryly as he wiped off his sword. "I'm not quite like other people, Pokota."

"Well you don't have to say it like that…" He grumbled as he held his chin, keeping his eyes shut as he rested briefly before reopening them, glaring at the blue chimera with an inquisitive glance. "Geez. That's probably why she finds you so interesting…" He muttered to himself as Zelgadis' ears twitched, hearing some of what the younger prince had lowly said.

"What do you mean by that?" He side glance him as the man brushed back his dark hair, readjusting his head band as he ignored the chimera's question. Zelgadis just stood there, glaring at his with a raised expression as he waited in the silence. Minutes passed until the chimera gave up, and began in the way that he last saw both Amelia and her father run though. Pokota signed to himself as he allowed the other to gain distance before he too, set pursuit in the same direction.

So here I am, being held against my will, as always. There seems to be a pattern of people taking advance of one girl's cycle, and using her now harmless state to use in whatever evil scheming that's currently being plotted. No matter what's the cause is, this seems to be a continuous cycle for me to get involve somehow. Now I stand here, cornered by two vampire women, with my heart feeling like it was going to pump out of my chest at any moment. Yet I attempt my best at remaining calm…Deep breaths Lina. Nice and slow, and don't let these freaks sniff you out at all. I fought hard against the urge to twitch as the both of them stared at me with a passionate desire. I wasn't too fond of the looks on their faces; it made me a bit uncomfortable. I would shift my gaze at Lady Karnstein and her bride, then to the door, hoping that Gourry and Proserpina would come storming in at any given moment.

"What should we do with her, dear?" The younger girl purred as she grasped the arm of the older one lightly.

"I'm not quite certain, darling." The duchess returned an affectionate stoke as the girl's glared burn into mines. "I was going to leave that for you to decide." At this point, I could hold back the fact that I was getting afraid…and very much so as time passed and there was no sign of the other two. I was too focused on the door that I failed to notice that the younger girl had moved closer, to where she was inches away from my face. I'm not liking this not one bit. My heart felt like it had skipped a beat or two, and I struggled against the urge to shallow hard as she studied my face.

"There is so many possibilities that this girl has alone…" She whispered softy, reaching out a single digit towards my right cheek. "She is Lina Inverse after all. It list is unlimited to what she could offer for us. Let alone you plan to eventually form an army and conquer the entire mortal race." There was this high air of arrogance from this girl as she expressed the upmost confidence of her mistress' arrangements. It was like she certain that this organized plan was going to take its success. The bride then tilted her head as the rest of her freezing hand cups my cheek.

"I'm half tempted to turn her myself," I gulped hard as I felt myself began to tremble. I don't like the sound of that. Besides I can't really image myself drinking blood and living in the dark forever. Sorry but I don't think that would be my kind of thing, ya know…"Then I can have my own sorceress to protect me…" I shrink backwards until my back hit the wall as the girl came closer, before the duchess shouted after her.

"Sarah!" The other red head froze in her spot, her body inches away from mines. "I would suggest waiting on that idea at this moment." The countess eyes flickered briefly by the space that was between Sarah and I. She bore an unreadable expression as her gaze grew intense. "There is an inkling that she may be menstruating as we speak…" Her eyes widen before she shrugged. "Does it really matter if the girl is? She's still pure…" Lady Karnstein approached Sarah tenderly placing a hand on her shoulder. "It is not clear of the consequences of turning one who is able to cast in the duration of their monthly cycle, yet it is something I wouldn't say is something worth the risk if this was done now, Sarah." Again, the bad guy rethinks at the statement that was made, and they both just stood there as I awkwardly tremble.

"Perhaps wait in a few days passing." The duchess embraced Sarah and the two started to sway. "For now, we must use her to lure the others to us. We know that humans are pack like creatures, and most of them are loyal to where they refuse to leave any of their kin behind." Fantastic…They were going to basically used me a living bait and wait for the rest to eventually appear. Which I was hoping for, because there is no way I'm staying here at all, even if it's against my will or if I was left behind. Both Gourry and even Amelia would even flip this world on its underside to go look for me. Even Proserpina leaves me under the impression that she would be the type as well to go look as well. Zelgadis….If Amelia was able to drag him along he would, maybe not so much Pokota. I feel like he still would take the opportunity to gladly steal my spot light if I even went missing.

The two lovers let go of each other, and both closed in on me even more. There was only but so much wall space that I could squeeze myself on. I was visibility starting to tremble, which caused both Sarah and Lady Karnstien to grin darkly as they began to sense my fear. Oh shit…I felt myself flinched as Sarah' hand return to my shoulder, her grasp placed a firm pressure as she tugged on part of my mantle. "I can still have fun with her…right?" Uh what the hell did you meant by fun, exactly? My heart sped up as she pulled me, my legs wobbled as I was towed away from my spot against the stone structure.

"Let her go!" A familiar strong, masculine voice commanded from the other side of where the two women stood, as both turned their heads, I caught a glimpse of golden, blond hair and a sleek, back scaled chest plate. "No one is going to do anything to my woman!"

Gourry! I never felt so relieved seeing that jellyfish brained nimrod ever in my life, well maybe a couple of times, especially during the duration where Hellmaster brainwashed him and forced him to fight us, but now I'm smiling at the sight of the clueless idiot, who yet is one of the best protectors I've ever known. Whoa, since when I was ever a swooning fan girl? I don't ever recall doing this, odd right? It makes me feel so out of myself… and here I am, gazing at him like I've never been so happy in my life!

"Lina," There was a second voice, and a woman nearing Gourry 'height stepped forwards, the hem of her white dress flowed as she came to where the three of us stood. Long ebony colored locks flowing behind her as she strides closer.

"Ah," Lady Karnstein recognized Proserpina as she casually approaches Sarah and me; her golden irises shifted from the three of us as she quietly apprehend what was going on. "It appears that you had come to join us!"

The pearly chimera groans in disagreement. "Eh, I don't think it's the way you would like it to be…" She flatly stated, her gaze never leaving the duchess'. She came to a halt a few feet away from where Sarah stood. The red head sneered at her; her face contoured in sheer displeasure as she sized herself up to Proserpina' presence. "I'm here for other reasons."

"What's this all about-?" She hissed at Lady Karnstein, pointing rudely at the outfit that she was forced into (Proserpina is not a huge fan of gowns apparently, as stated prior to all of this). "What is the meaning of all this? Why is she wearing a bridal gown? "Sarah pouted while she waited for her answer. Meanwhile Gourry softly stepped in our direction; his moves were slow and careful as he crept near to where I stood. Proserpina was the other to notice this, and carry one distracting the two.

"That was my exact question after I came too…" She muttered as she folded her arms together, huffing as the younger red head glance at her with a curled upper lip.

"Again," Lady Karnstein said in a dismissive fashion. "I already stated my arrangements; yet we can't carry on our ritual until we have captured the second chimera that is about-"

"I hate to rain on your parade-" Proserpina interrupted the countess as Gourry rapped on my shoulder. His hand was incredible warm, and I was grateful to feel the touch of another human again. My fingers, tiny in comparison to his huge ones, wrapped tightly around his grasp as he attempt to sneak me away. "But I don't think you little idea isn't going to turn out as well as you think it is."

"What do you mean by that?" Sarah seemed taken aback by the pearly chimera's side comment. Her expression grew angrier as she was becoming impatience with Proserpina. "You think you can foil my wife's plans? Do you realize that you're speaking to one of the most powerful beings on this world? Do you realize how fortunate you are to even have this blessing to be changed into one of us-?"

"Sarah Darling…" The duchess cooed as she hushed the younger girl up by holding her close to her. "She may not realize it now, but soon dear, she will know…"

"There won't be anything to know soon…" The energy surrounding her grew bright as she begun the process of summoning light; the air even near Gourry and I grew warmer as we were inches away from the door. My hand reached out for the handle right as a thunderous and hot blast went off behind us.

Pokota maintain a body's distance between Zelgadis and him as they continued the way where they both had suspected that it was the only way Amelia and Prince Phil could had traveled on. It lead though a series of oddly structured tunnels; which reveal a system of complex twists and turns as they soon encountered a route where three possible ways to choose from where connected from their trail.

"This is going to be a tricky one…" The younger prince muttered lowly as the blue chimera silently observed the route that the princess and her father could have chosen. He even kneels to the ground below, studying its surface for any possible tracks that may bare evidence to him. Pokota chuckled in amusement as Zelgadis glared at him with his head tilted. "Look at you…" He snickered as the chimera' eyes narrowed at him. "You remind me of one of those mater hunters dad would hire to get food for us…"

"Well believe it or not, I used to have to hunt for Rezo…" Pokota's laughter faded as he came to his senses after hearing the other say that particular name. That man, who was known well by the tile the Red Priest, was the one who was responsible for the tragic state of his entire kingdom. A look of distain spread across his handsome features; even despite that now the spell that was cased has finally begun to lift as people are slowly waking from their decade long slumber, it was the spite that the man knew what he was doing, and for a reason that make it unbelievable that such a supposed gentle man who have such selfish intentions…All for the sake of opening his eyes, to see the world he was deny to witness.

Zelgadis took notice at the shift in the boy's mood, relating to the inevitable feeling of betrayal, especially of that from a source that was once looked up to. It reminded him of how he felt, when he discovered why His great-grandfather who bothered turning him such an abomination in the first place. He watched as the other pulled from the distraught train of thought that the young prince seem to been stuck in. He shook his head, and rubbed his temples; inhaled deeply and released as he hummed lowly. Zelgadis roused an eye brow as Pokota flinched at the other man's expression.

"What?" He asked blankly as the chimera shook his head. "Amelia taught me that one. Its suppose to calm you down and clear your mind to help you focus." He rolled his eyes, turning heel to the right, where a series of foot prints laid ahead, leading up and into the tunnel. Zelgadis then took off in a hasty pace, leaving Pokota to stagger behind him in a hurry. The prince occasional would trip and stumbled as he did his best to maintain his sped before crashing into him, who suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

"Come on Zel!-"Pokota fussed as the other shushed him; the chimera ears twitched as a faint noise of a female scream is heard from the distance.

"Amelia!-"The two then took off rapidly as they raced towards the direction of where the two heard the source originated from. The shouts grew louder as they came across a slimmer hallway, squeezing by rocks as they wiggled their way though. Zelgadis gasped when he gaze at the sight of Amelia, posed for battled as her father hung behind her. Towering before her was Montreal, fully regenerated and completely endowed in great energy of a crimson, tainted aura. His great wings flared out as power accumulated in-between his palms.

"No-"The chimera took no moment to hesitate as he dashed his way towards the princess and older prince. Taking his place to their sides; a smile burst on Amelia's face when she took noticed of him

"Oh Mr. Zelgadis!" She exclaimed as excited perked from her cheery voice. "I'm so glad you're here! You show up on time, just as when this evil traitor showed his face." She sneered as the huge vampire bat beast battered his wings above in response to him hearing that.

"Traitor, you say?" He jeered as her glare on him intensifies. "If anyone's of the sorts, then it will be that freak of a knight you all proudly defend. I merely upgraded after your supposed proxy of a father demoted my position."

"I trust Mr. Zelgadis Greywords more then I had ever with you." The prince butted in, backing up him comment with a balled fist. "His word over yours and besides, your family was what granted you the position in the first place, while Sir Greywords was knighted personally though honors by me."

"Amelia-!" Pokota rushed in to her side as well, closing in on any distance that was between them. "I'm so glad to see you-HNNG!" Her hand collides with his cheek as she shoved him away from her. "Not now! Can you see that we are facing an evil villain? Are you blind? Do you see that father needs protection?!"

"I-I'm sorry…" He muttered as he rubbed the back of his head. "I was just so happy to see you-!"

"Yeah. It's good seeing you too," His eyes widen as mirth filled in them. "But I need someone to protect my dad!" She pointed at him as Prince Phil gazed at with the upmost confusing look. "Amelia, dear, I can handle this-!" He begins, but his daughter held her hand up, silencing him as her eye burn into his. "Father," She started as he gazes at her proudly. "You're the last heir to the Salliune royal throne. You also do not know any magic and if you even try to do anything, you are just outing yourself at risk!" She grasp on to his hand as tears welled up in his dark eyes. "I will do what it takes to make sure that my father, Prince Philionel of Salliune, is safe and unscathed."

"Amelia…" A single drop raced its way down his cheek as Pokota assumed to the prince's aid, shielding him as he stood in front of the man. The four stood as Montreal let out a loud, maniacal laugh, releasing the now ready blast of energy that he's successfully charged. The quad braced themselves as the wave of malice volt towards them. Gales hurl around the team as Zelgadis maintain his focus on his control with them, dispelling the curse from its course. He then directed the winds toward the beast, which the vampire struggled against as he beat his wings heavily together. Montreal roars in rage as he soars higher into the cavern's heights. With the advantage of the height, he then made sudden dive bomb to where Prince Phil stood. Amelia grabs hold of her father an, and with a gust of wind, she soars quickly away with him in her grasp. Pokota dashes from the spot and rolls into the left, while Zelgadis embraced the beast's impact, his sword ready in hand.

Gourry and I where nearly out the door when the force of Proserpina's spell exploded with a force that nearly knock the both of us on our asses. I peered behind and watched as the fumes cleared away, only to see the pearly chimera standing solely by herself. Appearing that both Lady Karnstein and Sarah had vanish, escaping in time before she had time to finish casting.

"Dammit!" She hissed as she too saw the now empty space between her and the wall. Our eyes darted around as we search for any sign of them; Gourry' head tilted above is when he sudden pointing to the ceiling, there floating above us and cradling each other, where none other than the two vampire women staring at us as if we were nothing but insects, waiting to be crushed. The duchess sneered as she held her lover close.

"You think you can bet us with your fancy magic?!" Proserpina glances at her with a straight face.

"Yeah..." She mumbled and Sarah let out a gasp of exasperation. "Though you're like the third strongest thing I've faced so far." I'm going to go with the guess that she was referring to that of Lei Magus, Thanatos (despite the fact that he didn't attack, rather chased the poor girl all the way to the place where clones are basically made…) and with the currently on going duel with that of Lady Karnstein and her lovely wife. "Yet you are tough for an undead, I don't think of you as much as a threat as I did with that one guy…"

"The nerve of that bitch…" Proserpina' brows rose as she made some type of mental note to Sarah's comment. "She really convinced herself that she can take you on?" She nudged at the duchess, who only reacted with a small smile.

"I admire her confidence." She noted as her wife scoffed in disagreement. "Though, I think it's time that we take these matters seriously into our hands and seize them while they are still here!' Uh ho! That was my queue to take the exit stage left! I snagged a hold of Gourry and made a run for it. He yelled as I dragged him with me though the hallway, and back though the way we came from. "Go after those two, Sarah!" Oh great, now she was going to have her wife hunt after us, while I assumed the countess decide to take on Proserpina herself. I honestly wished I could remain there and fight with her, but as much as I hate to leave her hanging; there isn't much of anything I can do until my cycle is over.

"Don't let them get away!" That was the last thing I heard from the duchess before we made a sharp turn though an opened doorway. We were now in a large room with nothing but huge crates. I got a uneasy feeling as we twisted and turn though a series of stacked boxes; these things were rather big, large enough to contained a couple of folks like Gourry and I, or maybe more. I really didn't want to have my mind wonder too much into the strange crates and there continents. There could be gold stacked to the ceiling in these things, but I way more concern with getting the hell out of here in one piece! My breath hitched and I found myself slowing down as my legs grew tired from all this movement; I haven't fully recovered from the flights of stairs it took us to get to this part of the underground network. I came to a stop and posted up against the cold side of one of the many crates, Gourry turns back and crutches down as I slid down into a sitting position.

"We're not going to be able to hide from these guys for long, Lina." Gourry stated lowly as his sapphire orbs darted about. "I got a feeling that it won't take long until she is on our trail." I hate it when he says things like that, because despite of his low I.Q. status in an upmost jellyfish like way, he is right at times. It's disturbing to some degree when the idiot is right. As soon as he had said that, I heard the door squealed open, and the sound of feet shuffling in.

Oh gods Gourry! Why did you have to jinx us? I stared at him with widen eyes as my heart beat hard against my breast. I could hear the muffled voices as they talk amongst each other; one rang out the most familiar that perked my ears the most.

"I can't believe he just grabbed him like that…" the girl's voice trailed off, and I couldn't help myself but to poke my head out and grab a glance; short raven hair bobbed from the top of the boxes, followed by the sight of a taller, broaden man, and one that resembled a troll…

Amelia! Her worried face harden as her eyebrows knitted together, I could tell that something happened, and most of all, Zel was not with them.

"Hey!" Gourry was the first to speak as he trotted up towards them; the princess and the other look lighted up as she squealed greeting him.

"Ms. Lina!" Tears wielded in her eyes as she hugged me tightly. "'I'm so scared. He took Mr. Zelgadis."

Author's rant: Despite of how rough the last two weeks of April have been, I am hoping I can get back on track with this story. It's been bumming me out that I've spent time running in circles then swimming in my sea of imagination. They say May is suppose to bring forth some creative energy, so excuse me while I take a few days to be a hermit, and focus on ideas for both this fan fiction and possible future stories. I want to write more, but my ADHD says "Focus on one thing or you will never get it done." You think that stops me? I out on some metal, or techno or whatever mood I'm in and BAM! Hyperfocus mode!

May is for Manifesting that shit. So make it happen!

MUAH*

Answer: Because he was too far out maann