Hot and fresh, and flaunted with errors, just for you!
UPDATE: I did some editing to this chapter. There were bits here and there that even made me go 'huh?' but I'm not a professional writer. Not yet... There is no such thing as perfect, but with practice, I will achieve to do better!
Disclaimer: Of course, I don't own The Slayers. I think we are all aware of that by now. Secondly this is an alterative version of The Slayers universe, so this fic may be altered (Or slightly off because I gotten mixed up in my Slayers Trivia and I just rolled) to play along with the story line. There will be some characters from all seasons that I would love to make reappearance in this tale, but eventually that will be later on as the story matures.
Rated M for Mature due to violence, language and all the other adult theme situations that may occur in additional chapters.
Enjoy Amigos
Chapter Twenty Two: It's a game of Cat and Mouse! But the mice get caught?
Amelia went on in depth about how Zelgadis held up for the most part against the great vampire beast Montreal, until the bat man played dirty, catching the chimera off guard and grabbing him fast. Which from there, the princess shuttered badly on her words as she finished off of how he was tossed up…like a rag doll…into the air, and slammed forcefully onto the ground. "That would have killed a normal person," Pokota blankly butted in as Amelia dried the tears that streamed across her cheeks. "But…He was trying to get up. I couldn't believe it…"
"Then that horrible demon dived bombed from above and slammed onto him."Prince Phil croaked as he attempted to comfort his daughter. "Then that monster carried him off somewhere deep below." Just even more great; now Montreal's stole of with Zel to gods know where in this labyrinth like underground network.
"We need to find him…" As much as I want to back up Amelia cause to look for one of our friends, it is apparent that we may have slack off too much with our brief reunion. Sarah stood in between the exit and the crates. Her arms folded tightly and her face bored this sadistic grin. She stood there momentary, before vanishing in thin air.
"Oh no…" Amelia whimpered, squeezing the life out of my hand as she grab a hold of her father's. Pokota wrapped his arm around her protectively, and Gourry took at my side with his sword drawn and readied. There was a cold laugh that came from nowhere. "This can't be good..." Usually Amelia is brave and daring even in the face of danger, but I'm sure, after having to see what they claim happened to Zel, may have caused this newfound fear.
"What's wrong, little princess?" The vampire snickered as she appeared above us on a set of crates. "Are you starting to wish you stayed back home, in your little kingdom?" She laughs as Amelia gulps hard, shielding herself in front of her father. After she notices the princess' sudden moment, her expression changed into what I guess was her trying to feel touché about Amelia hell bent on protecting her father.
"Awe," She purred as she floats slowly downwards. "Look at you. Doing what you think is best to protect the proxy prince of Salliune." Amelia gritted her teeth hard as she shoot daggers at the vampire bride. Her fist turned white as she continues to ball them as tight as she can.
"My father may not be able to magically defend himself," she proclaimed as she thrust a finger at Sarah. "But I, Amelia Wil Tesla of Salliune, do know how to do so. I, my father's daughter, will defend the crowned prince; Even if it puts me on the front line-! She did her best to maintain such a brave face, but I know that deep down, she is terrified. "-I will do what it takes to defend my kingdom and the rest of the world from the likes of you!"
Sarah placed a hand on her hip and sighed heavily; I don't think Amelia's speech about protecting that of her father and her kingdom, or anything innocent in particular really impressed her on that of any level. She stood there with a rather bored expression; fumbling with her nails as she waited for the princess to finish.
"Seriously dear," She dryly stated as Amelia glared more. "You're really unentertaining when you do that!-"
"I'm not here for your entertainment," the princess was a tad offended as energy balled into her hands. "But I'm here for JUSTICE!" With that, Amelia blasted a great spike of light at Sarah, who disappeared from her spot before the spell even hit its target. She gasped in shocked as the vampire giggled somewhere in the darkness.
"Do you really think that little trick is enough to stop me?" Sarah then began to glow an eerie crimson, her eyes burn more brightly as her fangs extended more. Her nail became longer, and her skin went from porcelain, to a pale grey.
"Oh no…" Pokota whimpered from Amelia's side. "Don't tell me that she can transform into one of those as well!" And she damn well could, though not as grisly as the previous with Montreal. I would say you could mistake her for a Succubus if you didn't know the difference.
"Well now," The now she beast Sarah hiss as she flex her newly formed wings. "Do you still think you have even the slightest of power to take me on still?" She challenges the princess as she flexes her claw out in front of her. Tiny orbs of red energy formed form the palm as it grew rapidly into a blinding light. It then burst forth and zoomed its way towards Amelia!
"Aero Bomb!" A sudden gust of wind blew the speeding orbs from its path, and crash landed into a wall nearby, bits of stone rolls down as the rocks crumbled from impact. That was a fast reaction: Good timing!
"Good one cutie!" The other prince applauds as she gave him a weary smile before returning her full attention towards the fiend. 'It wouldn't be smart of you to assume I am weak. I am a divine instrument of Justice; I will bring down those would oppose peace and that of the righteous at all cost!"
Meanwhile, doors away into a grand chamber where Lady Karnstein dwelled, Proserpina is stance in the defense; putting a great resistance as the long talons of the countess reached for her pearly neck. "Such an interesting piece," the vampire admired her armor as Proserpina continued her struggle. "Would you mind handing it over after all of this is over?"
"When I'm fucking dead!-"As she grunted, she managed to break free from the Lady's grasp and rolled quickly away/ "-And good luck with that. My mother made sure my mixture increased my survival rate."
The duchess tilted her head. "So it was your mother who transformed you?" Proserpina glares as two glowing feathers form between her thumbs. "What? NO!-"She scoffed, placing the newly form down on her heels. "She just handcrafted my DNA sample for the serum needed."
"I don't understand." The vampire began to advance forward as the female chimera kneels in a runner's position. "Nothing you say makes sense. That way doesn't exist in this land… So what are you?"
"The one that will kick your ass..." She took off at an immeasurable speed, heading straight for the vampire. The lady's eyes widen as she slashed out in a mad panic. Proserpina dodges, jumping on to the wall above. She skidded upwards as she regains her momentum, making a bee line for the duchess again.
"I wish you came after me with love," the duchess scoffed as she swung at the woman, her claws scarping at the stone. "Then with such fury and hatred."
"Sorry, not sorry, but I don't love someone I barely know." She darts after her again; moving lighting fast as Lady Karnstein blasted a magical orange ray at her. She successfully evades, leaping high into the dome like ceiling. Another burst is release and launch at her, but as she jumps, the glass that shatters beneath her snags the helm of her ground, breaking her airborne stride as she daggles upside downwards.
"Oh for fuck's sake!" "She exclaim as she tugged above the caught piece. "THIS IS WHY I HATE WEARING THESE!" The enraged chimera screamed as the dress fabric finally gave in, which causes her to fall to the floor below. RRRRRIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPP! The countess went wide as dread filled in her devilish features. Her eyes flickered as he emotions began to rise; "What have you done?" She angrily shouted as the pearly chimera regains her fighting stance. "That dress…It was a precious family heirloom! I wed both my wives, Eliza and Sarah in that! How could you-"She glared as the other groan while recoiling from landing butt first.
"You think I really care about this?!" Proserpina interrupted, rubbing her backside from her landing. She then proceed to ripped more at the dress, causing the countess to grasp even more as the woman stared at her in horror! "You should have never had me wear it in the FIRST PLACE! I really hate these things! They're so unpractical, like how am I supposed to outrun you if I keep getting caught up on stuff?" She had finished tearing at the lace and now fashion it away from her legs, giving it an asymmetrical appearance. "And I don't feel bad for fucking it up…"A single red tear raced across the cheek of the duchess as she held her face in disbelief. She stood there momentarily before disappearing suddenly. Proserpina twist and turn rapidly as she kept in a circular motion, her ears twitching as she watched for the vampire's next location, only to have the fearsome looking woman to appear behind her. A scarlet force grew between them, and before the chimera woman had time to react, the spell detonates with a tremendous force! Large amounts of debris scatter around, crumbling as the room rumbled violently from the attack.
Sarah continue this cruel game of cat verses mouse as she continue to harass us with what I like to call the "Peek-a-Boo" method; which she would occasionally appear here or there, attempting to catch the only two magic users here off guard. It is both annoying yet terrorizing at the same time! I give both Pokota and Amelia kudos for keeping up with her while Prince Phil and I huddled near Gourry as he watched as well, steadying his sword, in case Sarah was to a materialized close by at any given moment. The tension was high was everyone was bunched back to back with each other. She became more and more unpredictable as she fade in and out several more times within a course of a minute!
"Damn…" Pokota grunted as Sarah's crackled that suddenly broke out, resulting him as well the rest of us to flinched as her voice rang high though the room's walls.
"You all are making this too fun!" That's one way to make me feel like we're nothing but a game to you at this point in time. "I think I enjoyed taunting the lot of you all then actually fighting…" She swooped in were Pokota stood, and proceeds to come in the direction of Amelia. The princess concentrated her energy in her fist; she swung back prepared to strike as the vampire straight beeline to her. At first, it seemed like Amelia had the upper hand, in both defense and offense, but at the last minute, Sarah disappears, and then reappears in her blindside!
No! The vampire was merely inches always from striking the princess with a fatal blow; I had to do something. I couldn't just watch and do nothing! There was no way I was going to watch one of the closest people I got get taken advantage like that! So here goes nothing…
"Lighting!-" There. A ball of bright, blinding light oomph right Sarah's face! Even though the idea seemed to be an act of out of vain, it was effective. It stopped Sarah dead in her tracks; she rubbed her eyes and whined as we made our getaway! We zoomed our way past that stacks and finally saw the same door that we all came in before. We all squeezed ourselves at once from the threshold, shoving each other and stumbling into the corridors before. I slumped to the ground, my shoulders heaved as I fought to breathe; my lungs stinging with each intake. Amelia then trotted to my direction, her eyes fluttered close as she rested her palms on her knees.
"-Quick thinking, Ms. Lina!-" She pants as Pokota, Gourry and Prince Phil regained around us. There was then a detonation that reverted from the Lady's quarters. That could only mean one thing… That the battle between Proserpina and the countess were getting intense. Gourry snapped his head in that way, his eyes grew more intense with concern as he glance between us and there. It was like he was asking about if we should rejoin Proserpina back with the duchess.
"-But what about Mr. Zelgadis?" Listen Amelia; as much as you want to find him, something makes me think that we are better off getting Proserpina first. Mostly because let's just face it; we don't know where Zel even is, or if he even still in this underground… manor tunnel network place. Meanwhile the other chimera that is also could be considered a "trump card" is the located at the end of this hallway. With all these odds against us (major one being that my body decided it was ready to have that "time of the month," Shutting off a great majority of my magical capacity.), we would be better off fighting alongside with Proserpina, and then located and collect Zelgadis, if he is still around. Do you think I think he is dead? Of course not! That guy's is tough, and I've seen him managed though the most unfavorable of all likelihood that would have easily crushed the average man like an insect! Take Pokota and what he had just witness, yeah? Well I have seemed that man experience though worst, and probably more so before we encountered him. You know, the more I think about that guy, then more I can't help but to wonder if he's doing way worst then what we are currently dealing with…
Deep down within the infrastructure of the manor catacombs, a heaping pile of caviars lay still in the many stages of decay, in a scattered layered chaos of old and fresh ones from feedings. All lie lifeless except one, his hand reflexly twitch as his grayish eyes stirred.
"Ugh." He groans as his lungs are filled with the stale sir of rotting flesh. An instinctive gagged is release as the conscious chimera attempts to sit up. As he slowly lifts himself from the pile of corpses, his body was tense as he strain; bolts of pain course its ways throughout his entire nervous system. He then experiences great difficulty in moving his left leg; the whole thigh spasm against any request of moment, causing the chimera to hiss in pain from gritted teeth. Zelgadis deemed it broken, due to the unnatural way it laid before him. He grunted as he lifts it with a twist, whimpering as he adjusts the member in line with the joints. He pant as he fought a wave of nausea, between the stench of death, and the sudden burst of adrenalines, he wasn't quite sure what would bothered him the most. Probably the pain; sweat dripped as he regained his focus in spite of the throbbing ache that caused his head to spin.
"Restoration…" Warm light formed from his palms, which he proceeds to attend to his wound, but was interrupted when a cruel foot stomped suddenly on the broken limb. He gulped hard as his eyes slowly moved upwards, greeting a set of cruel eyes belonging to the monster that put him in this very predicament.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" Montreal's voice hissed slamming his foot hard on top of his hand; the light dimmed as Zelgadis lost his coarse on building the energy to heal his leg, as more of the stomach lurching sensations spread and hurled against the pit of his gut. He made the attempt to grab at the man's bare shin, despite of his weaken state he still had the vigor to push against the pressure of the other man's action. Montreal chuckle lowly as he pressed down more, resulting the blue chimera to shake, fretting as he clashed with the strength of the recuperated vampire man.
"You have a lot of fight in you." He said harshly to Zelgadis, digging his heel deeper into the wound. This made the chimera yell out more in agony as the vampire smirk at him. "You're a bit stronger then what I excepting; at least I can have some fun with you until she is ready." Zelgadis' hand fell and the vampire slowly removed his foot. He then squatted down, lowering himself until he was eyelevel with the blurred man. He heaved as he stared hard at Montreal's; his eyes flickered as he observed the vampire's next move. He then snatches the helm of his shredded tunic, and proceeds to drag the blue chimera out of the pile the deceased. Zelgadis coughed heavily as the vampire tosses him to the center of the area; a room with a low ceiling with a series of chains that daggled across its interior. Montreal yanks one of the many that hung freely, and fastened it around one of the chimera's wrist, leaving the man somewhat suspended as he wobbled his torso around. Zelgadis' head snapped to and fro as he kept with Montreal's movements; the vampire grabbed something that he could not identify and stormed out of the area. Zelgadis briefly panics as he rattles at the chain Montreal placed on him, ensuring that it was firm and secure; there was no way of wriggling one way to freedom from this!
We stormed as fast as we could toward the Lady's quarters; the sounds of struggle still reverted again the walls as the two continue their clash. Gourry held his hand up as we approach the doorway, waiting for all of us to fully regroup as Amelia trotted along with me. He started to count to three, and after the third finger was rose, we barge right on in! The scene before us was that of Lady Karnstein bracing Proserpina by the neck, suspending her high into the air. Some of her armor had already grown, tearing into the shoulders of the delicate fabric as it trailed out.
"I think I have grown fed up of this little game you keep insisting to play!-"The pearly chimera coughed as I felt her gaze on us. "Go…Guys!" She hacked in between gasped as veins on her forehead start to budge. "It's…a…trap-! Run!" I wished we reacted sooner, because shortly after Proserpina warning, Sarah was right behind us, smirking darkly as she look up most pleased at what she had accomplished.
"Well aren't we getting rather ahead of ourselves? " She taunted as she floated her way towards us, the men instinctively darted in front of us, including that of Amelia's father. The princess grabbed a hold of his arm, before he was about to confront the vampire.
"Amelia," He rasped as he affectionately squeezed her shoulder. "I can't afford to keep having my youngest risk her safety over mines. It's time I do this and defend both you and Salliune-!"
"But Father! You can't do that! You will put everything in risk!" She stood before him, holding her hand at her shoulders. "We can't afford to lose you!" While Amelia argued with her father; both Gourry and Pokota where focusing on both Sarah inches closer, and Proserpina, who had manage to wiggled free from the Lady's grasp. She attempted to sprint towards us, but was intercepted by the duchess as one of her unnaturally long arms stretch around her like a great serpent.
"Where do you think you're going?" she jeered as she pinned the poor chimera to the wall across from us; both stone and a slight snapping from what I judge to be a few of her bones crackled under the vampire's strength. Proserpina whimpered as the countess twisted her head in our direction. "And do you all think you're just going to waltz on in my establishment and foiled my arrangements?"
"Yeah!-" Gourry was of course dumb enough to give an answer like that! I briefly glared at him, before darting back at Sarah, who was a few feet away from Prince Phil, Amelia, and I. Lady Karnstien arm recoiled back, dragging Proserpina along with her like she was prey. She struggled against the twisting limbs, her armor pulsing with every push. Meanwhile Sarah's arm kept across the older prince's broad shoulders, which his daughter took quick notice. Her fist glowed bright as she swung at the red head.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY FATHER!" More rows of rapid punches where unleashed as she set off a fury alone that could destroy even the strongest of warriors! Sarah flew unconscious as few feet before crashing into an ancient looking bookcase. Wood and old pages exploded into the air, and Lady Karnstien let out a blood curled shriek when she saw Sarah lie still. Amelia's Visfranuek did quite the number on the other woman, I want to say that it probably had to do with her sense of protection she has for her dad. Touching how "Love" can play a factor in one's strength.
"Elemeka flame!" A burst of an arrow like flares engulf forward towards both the countess and Proserpina. The impact nearly burns everything in the room, but as the smoke clear, both her and the duchess were gone! I flinched when the sharp tone of the countess rang out abruptly, causing Amelia to shriek as she made a grab for both Pokota and her father.
"You will not get away with this!-"Her voice ranged heavily off the walls. Sarah's unconscious form had also vanished from its place. "Once I am done with turning your little friends, I'll make sure the two have the lot of you as their first hunts!"
"No!' Gourry exclaim, as he then raced to the door, frantically twisting the knob as he violently swung it open. "LET'S GO! We have to go find them!" He didn't need to explain his motives, and I think we all knew what his intentions were for the best, even that of both Zelgadis; a close friend and Proserpina, someone he barely knows. We are always in this constant state of saving one another when it comes to the dealings of the bad guys. This as of now, this one current motive is to transform both the chimeras somehow, and sick them after us as a food source. Well, if all else fails, at least I would rather be taken out by those I once called a friend, then the enemy themselves. The five of us stormed out from the room, speeding our way though the stretching corridor, running pass the series of still doors, until one burst open. The phantom from earlier reached a ghastly hand out, grabbing out for a tussle of my hair. I yelled once its grip had fastened, and it started to pull me towards itself! I felt a panic spread as Gourry gasped as the rest with him pursuit after both the ghost and I. The creature drags me into the room, where it slammed me against an decrypted table.
"Ugh." I slowly gathered myself from the dusty surroundings; an small rapid moving orb formed nearby and sped up to me. I leapt to my feet, nearly tripping over my toes as I beeline back to Gourry and the others. I could feel my legs become shaky with each stride, unfortunate for such a graceful, yet petite form, I often find myself tired out. I believe I have been on my feet to long, and it wasn't before long before I lost my footing, and was sent crashing on to the hard, cold stone floor. I managed to catch myself with my hand, but it took quite the hit as my body fell on top of it. I whimpered as it stung; tear wielding in my eyes as a fresh hot pain seared right though the joint. I may have dislocated that, but before I had the chance to start nursing my fresh injury, I was then yanked by my ankles by an unseen force!
"Lina, NO!" Both Gourry and Amelia manically took off after me, as well as Pokota and Prince Phil closely behind them. The blasted spirit continued to drag me at full speed, right for a wall at that. I held myself, embracing for impact. A set of warm arms stopped me inches away from the stone; I glance upwards, and saw a crown of the blondest hair I've ever seen. Gourry sighed heavy as he lifted his face, and gave me this awkward, but adorable wink.
"You don't need to worry," He began, eye burning into mines. "I always got you." I felt the minutes fly as we stared at each other, only to be interrupted when the spirit made the attempted to snag at Pokota, who blasted a bolt of fiery wrath from the direction where the ghost try to make its grab. Prince Phil was next, as his cloak was snatched out of nowhere! Amelia chased after in sheer rage, and she too plummet the phantom with a charged beam of light.
"Elmeka lance!" The spirit dissipated and she stood for a moment, her eyes darting about as she waiting for any more signs of the paranormal. A book dart from the unknown and then zoomed straightforward at the princess. Before it even could hit her, Pokota had used Ray wing and took off, grabbing her as the book smack loudly into the wall close by. He didn't fly far, but kept hold of Amelia while he joins Prince Phil's side. The three of them made a run towards Gourry and I; the princess's features was filled with the upmost concern as she observed me cradling my wrist.
"Here let me look at it, Ms Lina…" Her warm, soft finger gently traced the swollen area of my tender joint. The sting and pulsating grew more while she continues her examination. Trusting her knowledge she processed over the years of being a devoted shrine maiden, she knew that my injury was more then what it seemed. "It appears that you broke you wrist. I can heal it; just hold still for a moment." I eyed the other three as her hands glow a soft light.
"Hey." I grunted as Gourry and Prince Phil glance over while Pokota merely tilted his head. "You guys keep a watch for the poltergeist while she fixes me up.
"Of course, Ms. Inverse." The troll looking like man placed his fist on his heart, and Gourry roused his blade. Pokota stood there, looking rather indifferent as he deeply sighed to himself. His bluffed arms tightly across over his muscled frame. I never really thought of this until now, but Duclis was sorta 'cut' if you know what I mean. The younger prince, who I was under the impression was in his early teens originally, luck out when he body switched. Come to think of it, if I was in his place and someone like me, who had no choice but to utterly destroy it because it's been taken over by the soul of a corrupted priest, who was seal before birth as the Demon Lord Shabarnigdo; I would end up taken the next best thing then to stay as a tiny looking, pitiful stuff creature that resemble a rabbit. I rather stick with being a person then a 'pacifier' (As Zel put it), yet a hot guy at that. His looks could rival that of Gourry 'and shame on me for thinking that. Anyways, my injury was mended and gone thanks to Amelia, who I gave a brisk and tight hug after she helped me to my feet.
"No sign of the spirit." Pokota muttered as I nodded, looking at the other four before gazing at the door. In an unspoken motion we took the notion towards the unattended exit. We swiftly moved, shutting the door behind us as we took off into the stretched hallway.
"Now to find the other two before it's too late." I'm not quite sure of the whereabouts of that of Zelgadis, or even if Proserpina is there in the same area or if she stole off into gods know where! We just have to search, until we find something!
They chained her to a fine crafted, elongate painted a color of bone chair; secured from her torso and down, Proserpina's head lolled to the side as she start to stir back into conscious. Her eyes fluttered as they adjusted to the bobbing flicker of light from an assortment of candles that were lit throughout the room. Bits of her brightly shine armor gleams as her sense awake as well, realizing that she was somewhere new, and still in danger. Her breath increase as she studied her surrounds; she seem to been boned to a chair, against a long dining table of some sorts, and at the other end was another chair or the same make, with a glass of a unknown contain still in front of the empty seat. The pearly chimera flinch as she took noticed of the glass that was in front of her as well, there as a small note, inscribed with a fancy written language unknown to Proserpina. She had a felling it makes had been some request to drink the strange substances, but she resists the idea. The thought of escape passes though her mind, she then brings her arms as high as they can go, with was at mouth level. She then proceeds to struggle against her metal bindings, using her unnatural strength to fight against the hold as she rocked violently in her chair. Proserpina had underestimated her shaking, and the chair looses balance, crashing to the floor.
SNAP! Something had broken, and it wasn't any of her bones. The laid there still as she listened out for any sign of anyone of those blasted bloodsuckers to come rushing in at any moment. The silence continue to ring out, and she return to more wiggling as she soon discovered that part of the backing of the chair had cracked in half from the impact. She inhales deeply, enjoying the little bit of freedom she just acquired, but the next part was what to do about her legs and feet that where cuffed to the damned thing! She growl in frustration, but was soon cut off as the sound of the door made her jump in surprised. Someone had stormed in, dragging something, or someone behind him. Proserpina listened as what sounded like an older man scolding to himself loudly "Fucker bugger is bloody heavy. What the bloody hell is this arse made out of?" He then placed what sounded like a person into the chair on the other side. She listened carefully as he grab and wrapped chains around whoever it was, for the person made no sound, leaving her under the assumptions that he or she is current rendered unconscious. The guy continues to grumble under his breath as he continues his task, fastening the links together tightly.
"Dammit!" she heard him swore as he moved from the other side. "I knew yer where awake. See? She didn't knock yer out properly. Great now yer gonna be a huge pain in me arse for the next bloody hour!" He grab her by her chains as he reposition the chair, swearing loudly as he token noticed of her loosen chains. "Oh yer fucking bitch! You broke her damn chair. Now I have to hear about it for the next bloody decade! Fucking Hell!" The man then yanked at whatever was loose, which caused the pearly chimera to hitched sharply as the metal links dug deep into her ribs. With a few clicks, the metal chain was taut once more. The younger vampire hissed at the two as he peered over his shoulder.
"It won't be long before she has the both of yer." He moved quickly before she had the chance to get a good look at him. The door banged closed as he made his exit, leaving Proserpina alone with the recent addition. Her eyes darted to the opposite end, and she recognizes immediate who it was; the person who was dragged in here shackled in the seat across from head was slopped over, but the glisten of metallic fibers of his hair and the blue tips of his ears was a dead giveaway.
"Zel!" Her voice croak from that lack of speaking, but he remain unresponsive, which caused her to grimace. Her ears perked as her hearing adjusted; in attempt to catch the slight hint of breath, or that of a faint heart beat. Anxiety grew as there was no sound at first, but a faint rattled of a exhale brought some faith to her; at least he was still alive, now the thing was to wait for him to come back to his senses.
We went on in a hurried pace for what felt like hours, and my legs were already beginning to burn with such a resentment, but yet I continue to push more, doing my best to keep up with the others as we raced though the series of stairs. We approach an end, with another long corridor that curved to the right. Gourry darted ahead as he skidded though the turn; kneeling as his eyes darted though the dimly lit area. The torches to the front leading to another set of doors extinguish suddenly, leaving the five of us scattered about in the darkness. I came to a stop and grabbed the person next to me, which was Pokota.
"Ow! Watch it!" He hissed as I pinched him hard intentionally, pissed at the same time that he wasn't Gourry.
"Damn!" I heard Gourry swear somewhere close by, and a couple set of feet that shuffle near the two of us as well. I image it was Amelia, holding Prince Phil close as we stood like sitting ducks in the still atmosphere.
"Lina….Amelia…Everyone stay put. I think someone is here." The blonde was right, and I learn to always trust Gourry when it comes to those types of calls. At least that is one other thing he has other than good looks… I felt a gentle breeze tickled my face and the scent of roses and iron along with it. My heart skipped a beat when a certain, pitched feminine voice announce herself from behind me.
"So do you think you little friends can really stop me?" Sarah emerges from the shadows as she pranced about, standing between us. "I remember what you did…" She sniffed the air about and appeared close to Amelia. "That was very nasty of you. That wasn't very princess like to hit the duchess' wife." There was something telling me that she was encircling her, and I saw a faint light as the princess softly chanted.
"Ra tilt!" A bright light erupted in the darkness, and I watched as Sarah faded from the spot from where she once stood, and materialize in front of Pokota! The younger price freaks out, casting a last minute fireball, which was a waste. The duchess wife was too busy toying with us then to actually engage in combat. Magic and physical attacks are senseless at this point; that leaves us with only one option.
"Run!" I command from the top of my lungs as we all took off in a full sprint towards the direction of the doors with no hesitation! My hand fumbled with two others as we search for the door knob, as soon as my skin made contact with the ice cold brass; there was a high shrilled scream, along with a shout of a brassy baritone!
"Amelia! Big Phil! Pokota yelled as I sensed him lagging behind. I felt my heart raced as my hand twisted the knob, and the younger prince made a turnaround at help out the other two, leaving just Gourry and I to burst though the door. I could hear the others yelled as they continue their struggle by passing Sarah. To my horror, deep down I felt like the three of them were trapped there.
"We can't go back for them." Gourry muttered softy, I suppose he had sensed my worries as I kept glances back at the door. "Lina, you know you wouldn't stand a chance. It's best if we keep moving forward until we find either Zel or Percy."
Percy? Oh! I think he meant Proserpina. I nudge Gourry hard in his ribs for always butchering the poor girl's name. Though he is the simplest single minded person I've ever known, but again he does make good battle calls. I can't always relay on him to defeat every foe we will come across on these premises, yet I can hang on him of when I need protection the most. There it is again, I just caught myself admiring him though the low lighting provided by a rough assorted of torches. I still couldn't shake the feeling of returning back to where Amelia and the others were, but like Gourry say, there isn't much I can do, and being there will only put me at more risk.
The two of us continue to tread quietly though the stairway as we ascending into an upward spiral. I don't recall this place at all, and it seems like we pass though a different part of the castle, as if it was constantly changing right under our feet. I know we were going down and deeper into the lower layers of the manor, but this all just looked so different. Maybe I wasn't really paying any mind to detail when we first came along. I scratched my head as Gourry glanced at me as I pursed my lips together.
"What is it Lina?" He seems to know me well, and I let out a low sign. "I don't know Gourry, but I don't recall being in this part of the manor at all…" Even the interior décor took a gradually change; going from being nothing but cold grey stone, to a dark red, fancy embodied wallpaper. It peeled and curled from the corners, and in contrast it had some sort of gold painted trimmed, along with hard wood flooring of a deep red.
"You may be on to something. It doesn't feel right." And it didn't, there was something off and it grew more and more with each step. The feeling that something or someone staring at the back of my head became enough of a nagging sensation as I finally whipped to glance behind me. There, standing a few feet from us was nothing other than Montreal, who had reverted back into his human form. His clothing was all tattered and torn; he was lacking shoes, which his bared feet padded against the soft wood as he came closer.
'Seems like I've luck out after all…" He was grinning evilly from ear to ear, sending chills up my spine as Gourry stance defensively in front of me. "Looks like I'll be the one to retrieve the both of you before the ritual begins."
Author's say: Say what? Another chapter up! Woot! Last weekend was an excuse; it was mother's day! And yes I enjoy it at the most! Fingers cross that I get back on track, maybe I'll post every two week, so I can properly recover and take care of things, as well as work on this bit by bit. One has to continue to care for the mind as much as the body, the balance between both keeps the imagination thriving. Self care is important!
I so stoked to receive the 2nd collectors book as well for a mother's day gift. The next one won't be release until December.
I don't have much to say, other than thank you bunches for reading this! And I hope you all continue to enjoy this! This part of the story line is coming to a completion, and then I can continue on with the major plot. No I haven't forgotten, this part occur for its reasoning. How else Proserpina can be somewhere peacefully without being chased?
-MUAH