IT'S HERE! After what felt like forever getting it done (It has been pretty hot thus far this summer, not as hot, but enough to cover you with a great amount of GLITTER (fancy for sweat) if you do work outdoors like I do. That heat does take a lot out of you, and for those who are more expose like myself in these elements, please at all cost take care of you. Dehydration is no joke! STAY HYDRATED and safe babes!

Rated M for mature.

Enjoy Amigos!

Chapter Twenty Five: You put the fashion in being late!

The door hung opened with a mocked welcoming as we with caution proceeded into the chamber. With Montreal in the lead, we soon encountered a weeping countess. She draped over the body of her late lover, and I couldn't help but to feel somewhat bad for her. I normally don't take pity on the bad guys, but it was really heartbreaking to watch a centuries old vampire cry her heart out. Unfortunately, that is the usual outcome of being a part of evil; you and you close ones get hunted, in the similar fashion of how you came after those innocent people for decades. If you live by the sword, then you will most likely be slain by one. So if you're a creature of the damned, and you prey after humans for a living, then don't get made if a large number of them turn the tables. That's sorta to what we are dealing with now. The woman heaved a sigh as she peered up from the late Sarah; blood streak cheeks along with raging crimson eyes glared wildly at Montreal and the rest of us as we causally stroll on in.

"-You! " She croaked, as she angrily pointed a finger a Montreal. "You were supposed to defeat them-"She gesture at the rest of us as we grouped together. "What is this? Are you going soft, Montreal?" The vampire man grabbed both hands and graveled to his knees, crawling closer to her as he plead for forgiveness of his failures. "Yet you had the nerve to jump come right in and show your face along with these ruffians?!"

"She's just too strong-"He gagged as Proserpina gave a violent tug from his chain. "She also forced me to take her and the others here…" He trembles as the countess bite her lower lip. "I'm so sorry, my lady…Please…Forgive me…" The link slacked a bit as he began to crawl to her, grabbing at her robes.

"Would you think Sarah would forgive you if she was still with us?" He shivered at the girl's name, his mouth moved before he had anything to say. "I would imagine she would…" Montreal dared before her hand made contact with the right side of his face. The slap was loud enough to make Gourry flinched.

"Don't be absurd!"She snared as she swung back to make a second for the left; she freezes and her hand moments shifted ever so slightly. "She would've disposed of you if it was ME!" Her arm flew as well as Montreal. He crashed to the floor below with a loud smack. Proserpina let loose her grip of the chain as that too, fell with a loud clank. The countess strides over to the fallen man, and hovered above him as he gasped on the cold ground. She shoots him a deathful glare as she raised her hand high. "I feel like she would kill you herself if she was still here." With a sick sound that causes my skin to crawl, her hand thrust deep in his chest. Blood pooled and flowed as it gathered into a puddle at Montreal's side.

"Why…?" He gagged as a crimson trail left from the corner of his mouth. "Why? I could have helped you! Aren't we in this together?-"Lady Karnstien Twisted her hand and torn out the man's heart. Within minutes his undead life was over. She then whipped her head in Proserpina's direction; her eyes burned with a rage I've never seen in a woman before.

"You whore…" The pearly chimera raised an eyebrow as the vampire continues. "You dare come to me and show your face after what you have done?" Large veins form across her face and down her neck. Oh great, now she's going in rage mode again. "Are you here to take me down, like you done to my wife?"

Proserpina stood and shrugged. "Well, you are evil after all…" She glanced at Amelia and I for some type of moral support, which Amelia nodded and I heaved a heavy sigh. I don't like being involved in these, but yes, the duchess is technically a bad guy. She turned back to the vampire and opened her mouth. "So, Yeah. I had to kill her, and eventually we have to do something about you as well. I'm pretty sure if it was the other way around-"

"You're outrageous!" The countess interrupted as she stormed towards her. "Do you really think I really have any concerns for your mortals' opinions or concepts?" She was now closer and her skin turned into a pale gray. "I could care less about it all. You humans…are a joke. You're nothing but a food source for a more superior race; not the top of the food chain." She inch her way closer to Proserpina as her eyes flickered at her words. "Yet freaks such as yourself," Ouch. I could hear Zel make a slight scoffing noise nearby at that remark. "Are nothing more than just mere experiments and the failed results of humans trying to be even more then what they can-"

"I think this is where you are just talking out of your ass again, madam." I was getting the feeling that Proserpina was getting rather fed up with listening to the hateful things about the lot of us. What do you expect from the bad guys? Peace and love with rainbow fluttering with happiness butterflies? Not so much. Reality check; the world is a cruel place, and Lady Karnstein was a part of that ratio of existence. "This is exactly what would make someone evil, right?" If it was in a matter of a popular opinion, yes, but to those like her, it's us that are the baddies here. "You think people are just cattle to bred and feed? I'm sorry, but you see I can't also agree with that lifestyle. You see; if it wasn't for an event that happens one hundred and fifty odd years ago, I wouldn't be looking like this, and I probably wouldn't be here in the first fucking place. Secondly, I'm not here to be someone's experiment, and not for your sick attempt to change one of us-"She then nudge her head at Zel. "-into one of you little mindless, bloodthirsty meat puppets? Not happening! So you can wipe your ass with that and throw it aside." There was a pause and she coughed a bit. "Besides, I don't think you're aware of my abilities in the first place-"There was a gagged and the countess gaze at her closely.

"Your eyes…" She whispers as she seems briefly dazzled by disbelief. "They are changing back…How? You drank vampire blood- My blood to be precise! How are you retaining your eye color back?"She made a grab for the pearly chimera's face, and the rest of us lunge forward ready for the defense. "Impossible…What are you?"

"A person…" Proserpina retorted back, even in such a quite tone, the level of sarcasm was heavy. I fought against the urge to laugh. The annoyance in the vampire was notable as she scrunches up her face. She was clearly displeased with the remark; I'm guessing it's not entirely the answer she was hoping for. "I'm not going to be like this for long, so I'd say let's make it worth the duration of the time that is left. Do you agree?" The duchess did not give her a response verbally, but instead extended her claws, taking a slash at the pearly woman's torso. She might've forgotten about Proserpina's flesh being that of partially diamond, and not to stress this point as much as possible, but the sheer look of disappoint on the vampire's face was priceless as she stared blankly at the bare stomach of the woman before her.

"AHUGH!" Proserpina face grew red in frustration and embarrassment as she slouches over to maintain her modesty. "And here you are destroying the rest of this damn dress while earlier you bitched at me for tearing it!"

"I have no more concerns about the cursed garment," Lady Karnstien snapped as she made a second attack towards the chimera."I'm care more about getting rid of you before I killed of the rest of you all!" Proserpina rolled out of the way; while more of her armor grew into the places where the dress was torn at. Pretty nifty, but that could only mean one thing; she was feeling a sense of danger, and something was stressing her out. I could feel it in her gaze as she blinked at me.

"Lina," She begins as she grabbed my shoulders. The speckles of gold from her irises started to swirled back. "You, Gourry, Zel, the princess and rest of you all need to get out of here as fast as you can-"

"There is no way-"I butted in as the rest chimed with me. "-That we are leaving you behind!" She stared momentary as she took in a deep breath. "I get that." She exhaled. "But I need you guys to get away as fast as possible. I may as well just hold her off until I reverted back enough to cast off something more serious and blow this place off the map. I'm done with her. All she's doing is just staling around and stealing time I need-"

"-ENOUGH WITH YOUR MOUTH!" The countess roared as she came charging at Proserpina in the same manner that Montreal had before. She stood there with a bored expression while the rest of us huddled in a quick panic.

"I think we can try the idea from earlier when you all faced Montreal," I nudged Gourry who nervously glance at the duchess who was inches away from Proserpina. "Amelia, try some of that good old holy magic on her, and you-"I glance at Pokota with smirk growing; I get the opportunity to boss him around. "Give it all you got, just like before." His eye twitched as he gave me this "whatever" smirks. "Sure, Queen Flaty of the no bust kingdom…"My face grew red as I flat-out ignored him and return my attention back to the pearly chimera, which she was dodging every attempt of an attack made as the countess continued to swipe at her in a fury! Yet, she kept on to her bored expression while the counterpart grew more with a burning anger.

"I INSIST THAT YOU STOP THIS COWRDNESS AND FIGHT!" Lady Karnstein froze in mid movement as the vampire then disappeared from her place, and reappeared behind Proserpina. Instinct had quickly picked up on this switch as she rolled out of the way from a sudden burst of energy. I signal both Amelia and the younger prince to start with the primary attacks. The princess had mustered a Ra tilt while Pokota settled for a Bomb Di wind; the first stunted the vampire and the second blew her straight into a wall. Her body hit with a cracking thud. She slumped like a rag doll and fell to the ground below. Proserpina swayed in her spot as the lady rolled across the floor. Her eyes flickered more as more of her color returned to them.

"She is turning back…" Zelgadis confirmed as she glances in our direction; the countess behind her stirred as her head whipped back into that direction. "The duchess was right; but maybe it has something to do with the DNA that allows some form of regenerated ability." He theorized and I agreed with him. It would make a lot sense to how she was able to wear off the effects of the vampire's blood, and possibly other things, like alcoholic for an example.

"This is something I would like to confirm with her later on." I stated as the lady rose to her feet. He smirked as he amused with the idea of the conversation itself. "I may be slightly jealous." He said dryly to hide his own amusement. I wouldn't blame him if that was the truth in that case. The duchess stride over to where Proserpina stance herself for the next blow.

"You're relentless, aren't you?" she hissed as her height increased. "Even before you drank my essence, you were still a nuisance in every way." She quickly revert her gaze at us. "You and the rest of these insects… I'll make sure I'll put an end to you today, and then rebuild everything I've lost thanks to you all!" She paused as her aura grew abundant. "Your deaths won't be in vain. I'll make you all into martyrs as I rise and take over. You all will be used as examples in my new empire to all of what's left of the human race when I'm finished!" The pearly woman gave a sharp laugh as the vampire snarled at her.

"Like hell you are…" She started to move in a pace as she faced in the opposite direction. "Sorry but not sorry; your dream gets in the way of mines. See, the difference is that I'm way too focused on surviving here and getting what's rest of the somewhat human population from my place into here, and we aren't really keen on being enslaved. That's been tried though out our history many times and it does not work. I'm also sure that these folks-"She pointed at us. "-Are probably on the same page as I am at this moment. It's you that needs to be stop, but unfortunately you don't get to be lived on as a saint after we are done…" The two squared each other before the duchess was the first to move; she went forward, glowing with crimson as she sent a set of claws in Proserpina way. Instead of dodging, the pearly chimera did a side step and took swing. Her fist collided with that of the countess' jaw.

THWACK! The duchess stumbles sideways before recouping were she shook off her own daze, and went on charging with her own claws, making another countless attempt at using the same attack. Somehow, I was under the impression that Lady Karnstein would at least know magic, but it seems that I was wrong due to her repetitive choosing in battle. She could charge up and blast her own energy, and even can transform into a beast like being with the hellish strength to match the features. Proserpina at some point had dropped low and swiped out her leg as she used her foot. The martial arts attack knocks the vampire off her feet, and she crashes hard to the floor. She scrambles hastily to her feet as she goes after the pearly chimera once more. The other sent a series of fists in a combination which the poor duchess had no time to react to. She was sent flailing to the ground again, rolling and skidding along as Proserpina move right behind her.

"You know," The chimera tilted her head as she stood over the vampire. "You can always decide to run away at any time, but if you stick around…I don't think it's gonna end well for you." She almost sounded somewhat villainous there; even the countess reacted with a bit of a shudder.

"Like hell we're letting her just run away!" Potoka yelled in as he blasted another ball of fire at Lady Karnstien. "All of this and you're going to let her just walk away? I think not!" He set of another and another; flames erupted as they began to spread out, taking blaze to the fabrics nearby. A trail of blaze travels up the silken upholstery, spreading out as more of the fire started to lick at the wood throughout the room. A haze of smoke formed as the two continue their battle as if encircled around them. I held up my hand to stop Pokota from setting off more fire balls as we all waited for the smoke to clear. We watched as we carefully waited for the next move for either one. I thought to myself over an Idea that passed though my head.

"Hey! You know what?" I patted Amelia as Zel leaned over. "Hear me out guys; eventually we need to figure out a way out of here, and I think there is a remote behind all of this-"

You mean that shiny thing that the vampire had earlier?" I felt my chest pinged as I nearly thought I was going to have a heart Attack from hearing Gourry say that! For once he was paying attention. "Yes! " I shouted as his eyes grew wide

"Ahh!" Zelgadis gasped as he stroked his chin. "I do recall Montreal leaving with something similar to that before I was rendered unconscious-"He let out a long sigh. "For the second time…"

"Then we need that device to be able to manipulate this place at will?" Pokota voice had the hint of disbelief as he peered once again into one of the many cracks in the wall neighboring him. He gulped hard as he turned back to us. "This place is sure confusion."

"Mistress Lina may be on to something" The other prince chipped in as he placed a huge hand on the younger ones' shoulder. "I too, recall the device she speaks of before we winded up here in this chaos." Everyone, aside from Proserpina, just stared at each other as I thought to myself 'WE SHOULD REALLY GET THAT DAMN KEY INSTEAD OF SITTING HERE!" I searched about in an area closet to me; a desk sat where a part of the bookshelves had collapse on it. I went for the drawer, an obviously choice. I did not see anything that resemble what I saw earlier, but Proserpina's cube and gun where there. I snatch the two quickly and stashed them safely in my cloak. She's going to need those at some point, and maybe now would be the best time. Though before I even check to see if she is free or not; let's see what drawer number two has in store. Of course, nothing of the sorts that I'm looking for in the first place, but I'm sure this gold necklace with this huge sapphire may bring me a decent amount of coinage. I stuffed that too in my robes before heading back to the rest. I stroll casually as if I did not just loot the enemy already…

"Where have you been?" The blue chimera shifted from his spot as he scoped me out. I already had the inclination that he would be the first of the others to notice my scheming before any of them could. Unless Gourry catches me; he generally has the world's hugest mouth even if his intentions are for the best. At least Zelgadis doesn't make so much of a scene out of it.

"I was trying to look for that key thing." That was half of the truth, but I didn't tell him about the part where I stole away Proserpina's things. He raised an eyebrow in a suspecting manner… I know that look from anywhere. Ugh…I might as well tell him. I gave a glance at the direction where the pearly chimera was last seen; the smoke from the smoldering material around them still created dense smog that was hard to make out anything that was going on. I stared at bit before responding to his inquiring.

"I found her stuff." I blurted out before I was interrupted by a loud, gagging noise, which was not very pleasant to hear, as I assuming it was someone either choking on the smoke or throwing up. I suspected the second after hearing it for the second time and it came from where the vampire and Proserpina were at. After the third, she stormed out of the haze like a bat out of hell while the duchess remained behind. She staggered a bit before kneeling over, her shoulder heaved as she appeared too had become suddenly ill. Proserpina started to hack again as we all rushed to her side. Amelia was steadying her shoulders while Gourry pulled her hair from her face. Whereas, the women normally has a light champagne complexion to go with the sparkling effect she has, for once she has a death like pale as more of her unusual eye color was making a comeback.

"She's phasing out of it…" I commented as she gave a weak nod as her body begins to tremble violently. Her teeth chattered as if she was left out in freezing weather with no coats or furs. She folded herself forward as she let out another loud hurl.

"Tch..Tch…"I heard the sound of someone who had clicked there tongue in disappointment. I spun my head around and was greeted by the sight of the countess, who arms where folded across her chest as she stood with the coils of the burning wood behind her.

"'I've never felt so thwarted…. It did not work…" She flatly stated as she moved towards us in a fashionable stride. "I failed to noticed something apparently that was not present in the other chimera subjects." I'm going with that she is relating to the other two; both the Minotaur and the tigress. I want to also bet that the failure she is relating to is that the fact that both Zel and Proserpina are not the normal types that are often produced. The full on exchange it takes to become a vampire in the first place would not be as simple due to the abnormalities of both of their skin; not to single them out, but both of their 'enhancements' can cause the both to endure what would kill most humans off in one blow. I'm assuming that since this was not going to be so easily done like it is to people, then she had the inclination that it was going to work backwards? Afraid not; again this is where the term normal is often left as an overrated statement. Proserpina gave off a strong heave before a strange black tar like substance trails from hers lips as she drools out the remaining. She coughs and more splatters across the floor. Pokota scoffs as he cringes at the site of it; at least to say it's not that bad… I've seen worst…Let's not talk about that.

"That's rough looking." He winced as she puked up more of the black stuff. I take it was the vampire's blood, and that it's the only other way it can come out. Maybe it could have been worst if it came out the other end. I don't want to think of that as well, the horrors of what can go on in a toilet are better off left inside the stall. I can't image how terrible it is to barf it right out once it's done with its course. Lady Karnstien was at least a few feet away before Proserpina sat right back up.

"It's a crying shame that it did not work out." She slowly crept up to the lot as we huddle closer, keeping our guard as the vampire stroll closer with a hungry glint in her eyes. "You would have made a superior undead subject, but it seems like I've gotten ahead of myself. At least now I can finish you off and your little friends to dine on after I'm done with you! I might as well take advantage of you in this state before you can pull off any of your nasty little magic tricks-" Before she was finished with that statement, Amelia had blasted off a full on Elmeka flame at close range. Thus this caught the duchess of guard, allowing us a brief moment to make some distant between us and the vampire.

"She was just buying time for the effects to wear off!" Zel's voice shouted over the crumbling sound of the rest of the roof caving in. The aftershock from the spell Amelia casted may had done the final touches of destruction of what was already done, and here they were saying at some point that I was likely the cause of collateral damage on a large scale… "I knew it! I kept having this nagging feeling that she was holding back-"He shouted as a bolt of blood red energy zing passed our heads, causing both him and I to roll in the opposite direction.

"Damn it!' Zelgadis swore as the both of us hurried to our feet, rushing back as quickly as we can in spite of how shaky he was. "She was waiting for this the whole time." We were so close until the countess manages to bypass the rest, making a killing strike at Proserpina as she still sat on the floor. CRACK! Her fist failed to make any legit contact with the pearly chimera, but instead made full contact with the ever shifting armor she worn.I believe by the sound of that, even though the vampires are unnaturally strong as they are, I don't think her bones manage to keep shape after making contact with that unknown, yet indestructible material. Her wrist hung limply as she flung it in a frenzy of panic while her eyes went as wide as dishes.

"Damn you-!" She hissed in great pain as she grasps her lame hand in the other. "-Why won't you die already?!"

"I dunno. That is a good question…" Proserpina shrugged indifferently as she used the least dirty part of what was left of the dress to wipe the corner of her mouth. "I often would myself at times the same thing…" I had to snort; I knew she was being sarcastic, but a good part of me felt like she was stating facts based on experience. The countess snarled as her lip bared her elongated fangs and made a sudden rush to one of us.

That would be me. I could feel myself freeze to the spot as her eyes locked into mines. If it weren't for a certain blonde to crash into me and knock me out of the way, I would have been her meal by now.

"Thanks Gourry…" I mumble beneath him as I gave him a squeeze with my free one; then other was pinned between him and me. The odd feeling of pins and needles was starting to fill out into my arm by the time he had shifted his body off of me. As for the duchess, she had apparently landed dead on onto the wall behind where I once stood. More of the wall fell from her movement as she lifted herself from the newly created rumble. Her stone cold gaze was transfixed on us as she turns around; straighten her crooked neck in the process.

"I must admit; you are the hardest people to kill off…" Well geez. I feel certainly flatter, and I'm surprise at this time was the one who has done the least. I felt like that was more so towards Proserpina and the rest, even Zel as he glares back at her intensely, swaying from his place. "I don't know what I was thinking…The idea of finally rising and putting you humans in your place was an absurd idea I should had left in the dark a long time ago…" Wait…does this kind of talk meant that she was….

"Are you surrendering?" Amelia voice was somewhat rattled from the yelling from earlier, a part of her sound actually hopefully that we could possibility walk away from all of this... "And do what?" Her tone had a heavy mocking nature to it as Amelia somewhat cringe. "Rebuild what's left of my destroyed kingdom?"

"I'm not quite sure you had much to begin with…" Ouch! Zel, that kind of remark would get you in dire trouble, and judging by her reaction I don't think she took that very lightly at all. Though the moment we believe that she was going to end up charging at him was interrupted when Proserpina charged up a ball of chaotic energy and making a direct blow at the countess' face. The woman was blow back until her body smack into the desk I raided a bit ago, smashing it into bit as splinters of wood were sent flying in all directions. Proserpina remains still, panting as she studied the area where the duchess landed at. She didn't budge and the pearly chimera then raced to that place, swooping low as she rummages throughout the woman' robes.

"It's gotta be somewhere…" she grumbled as she fumbled deep until her hands came around something that changed her expression into that of an excitement. Grinning from ear to ear, she then held up the very device that controls the place in front for all to see.

"Good now we can get the hell out of here!" I've never been so ready in my life to leave anywhere before, and I was certainly done with being probably below sea level, in an underground dwelling place gods know where. It was in slow motion, but as soon as she was rising back to her feet, the body of the vampire twitches as her hand darts up, grabbing the expose part of Proserpina's shin! She grunted as she struggled against the grasp the unnatural woman had on her, shortly her wrist begin to turn, twisting the leg as the chimera fought against it. Her back to normal golden orbs darted around as she held up the device higher.

"One of you-!' She cried out as she fought to maintain her balance from the Lady's twisting. "CATCH!" She tosses it high, and it soars into the air so we scatter around and apart to be the one to catch it. I saw it dart in my direction, but was knocked out of the way when Pokota collided with me. We both crashed into the ground below, and the device sped past the both of us as we watch it fly toward Gourry. "Hey!" I yelled hoping to get his attention, but he was too busy staring at me or whatever was in my general direction that the damn thing smack him hard dead in the forehead. Proserpina laugh was short lived as a red knot formed in the certain between his eyes.

"Great catch Gourry…" Pokota cheered woefully as he hoisted himself upwards and started towards where the blonde was. While he rubbed his forehead, Gourry gingerly picked the device up, rolling it around in his massive hand as he look at it for any damages (like he would know what to look for anyways.).

"Let me see that!" The younger prince barked as he went to snatch the remote from Gourry, who was quick on his reflexes, and moved before Pokota gotten to his hand. "Hey! This is not a game! Stop being a fart and give me the damn thing!" The blonde blankly blinked at him a few times before registering that he was being spoken to this whole time. The younger prince' face grew red as his patience ran thin as they continue to play keep away with each other for what felt like a entirely!

"Knock it off! The both of you-!" The hand of a rather annoyed bluish chimera darted in-between Gourry and Pokota and proceeded to yank it successfully away from the two. Zel gave the two a hard look before studying the surface of the device. "We don't have the time for you two to play around like children. " The younger prince shot his a snarl while Gourry still blinked clueless as usual. Meanwhile Amelia had token upon herself to aid in Proserpina, who was now kicking at the hand that latched itself to her leg. The princess tilted her head as she with caution stepped over where to countess laid.

"Do you think she's dead, Ms. Proserpina?" Rather lame thing to ask, but I image it was to break the ice.

"I don't know…" She responds with a strong grunt as she stomped more at the steadfast limb. "All I know is this bitch is not budging no matter how hard I hit-!" Amelia's eyes went wide as Proserpina grew more violent with her smashing until the fingers began to break. "I guess she is dead then…" She huffed as she kicks away the arm back to the owner's side.

"What did you cast on her?"

"…A chaotic blast?" Is that so? Hmm…This is something that I have to see for myself of what the damage that spell can do at such a close range it was casted at. I mosey my way on to where the countess lied, and to my horror; her face was torn completely off. Her eyes were nothing more than empty black sockets that stared into nothing. I crept closer to see if she was really done for, and I could still hear a light sizzle come from the parts of flesh that still remained.

Eek! She can really do some damage! Then I thought to myself of what I could do if I were to master something like that. Just think of the things I can do… How many bandits far and wide who would piss their selves at my sight… Oh big sister! Wait till you get a look at me then! I could probably take over a kingdom if they had the audacity to step up. Then again, PEOPLE WOULD PAY ME TO NOT DESTORY THEM! Dreams always start out big, right?

"Hey Proserpina!" I sang as I skipped over to her; a smile crept on my face as I looked her squared in the eyes. "Whenever we have a free moment, can you TEACH ME THAT!"

"NO!" Everyone else chimed in unison as I nervous felt so denied in my life. I could feel a droplet of sweat as I peered back at the pearly chimera. I nervously laughed along with her, brushing off the fact that the rest do know me well after all. This is something I would have to ask if ever it to be a one on one thing were. "It's very intense stuff. Very heavy if you know what I mean." She stated with a smile; I felt like she was forewarning me that it was something maybe outside of normal understanding. At least in this world that is apparently so.

"Anyways!" Pokota cleared his throat as he stepped forward patting on Zel' shoulder. The chimera whipped his head rapidly and narrowed his eyes at him. It was like he was saying 'what?!' with that kind of look on his face. "Any luck on figuring that think out, old smarty pants?"

"Smarty…pants…" The other grumble lowly as both the princess and her father stroll to his side as well. He had went back to tinkering with that strange remote, ignoring the younger prince altogether. Amelia peered over his shoulder as he shifted and tugged at the device.

"I think he was asking you if you had figured it out or not, Mr. Zelgadis."

He nodded. "I'm aware of that Amelia…" He said lowly as he still played with it. I could see his eyes shift about as he silently thought to himself. His lips quiver a bit as he came to a realization with the blasted thing.

"So this thing," He began as we all drew in close. "It looks as if it has some type of alphabet; so if I spell out-"He suddenly twist the thing around as tiny, chip like pieces with tiny ruins drawn on them clicked into place. "Then it's going to transport us there, or at least close enough to the exit."

"To back where we started!" Pokota cheered as he placed his arm around Zel like he was his best mate. The other gaze at him with a puzzle looked; part of his face begins to twitch as the younger prince continues his praise. "Good thing I'm not the only genesis here!" Hey! Watch it if I were ya! Let's not get ahead of ourselves and forget someone here! I betcha I would have figured it just as fast as Zel or you, bratty prince!

"Wait a minute," Proserpina intervened as parts of her armor started to retreat back to its original shape. I can see why she had such a panic in her, the once wedding dress she had on been torn to shreds. "Before we get too further on with the idea of leaving here; we need to find my stuff! " OH HO! TEE HEE! I could feel Zelgadis giving me a rather noticeable side glance as he studied me from the corner of his eyes. Before he had the chance, I figured I've at least be the first to say something.

"There's no need." I said with a grin forming on my face. That lovely chimera glances at me with a questioning brow. My smile broadens as I thrust my hand deep in my robes, pulling out the cube in one hand, and the gun in the other.

"REALLY?" She exclaimed as she sped in my direction. "SO this whole time, you have been holding out on me? When you could have passed me my weapon and thing-! "HEY NOW! Just hear me out- Let's not jump into any conclusion. I felt my heart rate go up as she approached me.

"She did just discover where it was while you dealt with the countess. I saw her collect it from that dresser that's now destroyed." Zel intervene as he gestured toward the crumpled furniture, but the body of the vampire was gone as the three of us gasps in the same breathe. "I can assure you that; I watched her the whole time! " I eyed in him in a manner of appreciation for stepping up for me like that. I'm no thief, but I do have this rule where it's fine to take from the bad guys. What?! It's free game to begin with; they stole it in the first place, and I just reclaim the lost goods.

"That can't be good…" Proserpina whispered as she gritted her teeth." …But that also means that she somewhere around probably still faceless." That's even more wonderful to hear. Now we have to worry about something out of your nightmare lurking around, waiting to scare the life out of you!

"How is it that that monster couldn't grow her face back? Gourry output his obvious opinion as his blond mass whipped around as he scan the area for any sign of her.

"Well, I don't think their regenerated ability is that advance." Pokota blankly stated as if it were fact. "I mean, Montreal couldn't just grow a new penis after Zel over there chopped it off." I can't believe he chose that of all things to use as an example. I rub my temples as Gourry scratch his head. "It still sucks that he lost it though." He murmurs to himself as the rest ignore him.

"With the combination that the sword was silver with an astral vine enchanted on it." The blue chimera added dryly." I imaged if there is some type of energy used to inflict damage on them then they can't bounce back and fully heal afterwards." That makes sense to me! Which makes me thing; that spell Proserpina casted must be a type of matter, unworldly and foreign to ours. Again, another reason why I must now know even more behind the magic she wields.

"Yeah I'm definitely going to need that." She outstretch her hand towards me, flexing her fingers as Zelgadis notify the others about the what we presume to be a corpse vanished on her own, expect now she is missing her face. I'm not really looking forward to running into her while we are still here, so we must act fast! But in the process of handing out Proserpina her things, I felt as if a force, as strong as a train had suddenly snatches me from my spot. My eyes transfixed on the horror when I realized that what I had currently dreaded at this moment was nearly inches away from my face; the empty socket glistens as her jaws dropped open. The scent of death hung heavily onto her breath as she exhale, closing in as she was inches away from my own face!

"AAAAIIIIIIEEEE!" A scream escape my lips as she slammed me against one of the crumbling walls. I thought I was going to faint on contact, but all it done was knock the wind out of me. My breath hitched as her hand took its grip around the nape of my neck. I still kept my hold on Proserpina's belongings while I held my breath for the next thing as the vampire drew near.

"LINA!" I heard Gourry along with Amelia and the others called out as I fought to keep both my air and from her biting me. Her fang extended into a great length as she hover inches away from the exposed skin above my tunic.

"I was considering on turning you," She rasped as footsteps grew near. "But I decided you would be tasty instead of being bride material." Awe geez! That's mighty sweet of you. My fist tightens around the base of the warmed metal of the pistol. I was just about to give it a try, sorta like Zel done before. There was a rapid flash of silver, and with a cut that was nearly yet impossibly clean the countess head slid right off her shoulders.

"There's no way in hell," Said the voice that I could recognize in a heartbeat. "That I'm going to just let you sit there and eat Lina." Oh Gourry! You may not be the brightest, but you're certainly the most gallant of them all! I watched as the body of the late countess slumps to the ground, before starting in a run towards the warrior. My arms were outstretching because at first I wanted to embrace him, until what he said that caught me off ground and face first into the ground!

"I mean, out of everyone here, you choose the scrawniest of us as a meal, but she's small enough to be a snack." I peered up at him as my eyes burn enraged at him. I'll show you who the scrawny after all of this is over. "Either meal or snack, Line is not one of the each. I'm not sorry for killing you. I will not watch her die while I'm here!" He held his hand out to me after all that hot air was blasted out of his dunce mouth. I forcefully took it and squeezed as hard as I could as I climb my way back to my feet. My anger fades as he holds me close to him. His warmth radiate with me as I placed my forehead on the softer part of his chest.

There was a scoff of disgust. "Get a room you two!" Proserpina jeered from behind Gourry, grinning as she peeked from over his board shoulders as the rest where shortly behind her as they all grouped around us. With her items still in both hands, I side glanced at her with a newly formed smirk as I humor over my own idea I had for this.

"I still have these," I began as I propped up both items as far as I can reach (Gourry was still holding me). "I normally charge a "recovery fee", which would really benefit in the future. I should really invest into that idea. I could start with her, but since she has been here with the durational of a few months in passing, which inclines that she has no money currently in standing. In lamest terms she is broke, and I would get called out if I tried to charge her now. "But I know you just got here and you don't have any money." I eyed everyone else as they narrowed their gaze at me, waiting for the next thing. "So I can work out a deal with you. I'll give you your stuff now, and you can reimburse me later on. Unless you may have some kind of rare treasure you can give me…" I overheard a soft groan as Amelia shakes her!

"Ms Lina!" She folded her arms at me, the very way she does when she's a bit miffed. "I can't believe your trying to make a hustle out of Ms. Proserpina! Just give her things back! Do what's right! Do it for Justice!" Come on! I'm no princess like you! I don't have gold stacked to the ceiling in some underground dwelling below the palace you live at.

"Or you can do it for free." the lovely chimera suggested in a really soft tone. I felt my ears glow red! Since when the sorceress genius supreme; the beautiful Lina Inverse, is known to do things for free? There is always some kind of price for something, especially if it cost me my time, and a even more higher price if the items is at such a high demand. I get that you really need these, and understand the there is sentimental value to one or both of these strange things. Yet I have thing I need; Like an endless amount of food. I'm always hungry because I burn so much when I can cast magic that is. You got hear me out on this, but I can't be too mad on you for not knowing this. You are still new around here, technically speaking. Amelia has a point; I can't be too rough on the woman.

"Just compensate me for finding them." I thrust the items back at her, which she gingerly takes back. "We can work something out-"

A sudden applause of a sole pair of hand clapping broke me mid sentence. "The voice behind I knew by instinct of who it was without looking. "Bravo!" He cheered, seeming yet mildly applaud. "That was an excellent show! I even impressed myself!"

"Xellos!"

Author's remark: Whew! Now I can back on track and resumed the focus on the rest of this epic tale! I pretty happy myself, I got bored with fighting vampires. Time to switch it up; Pick up the pace! Xellos? What the frick are you doing here? He's always such a awkward dude! Anyways, there's something I took note of and always questioned it in passing, but why do so many folks consider Zel as an "emo"? Am I there only one that sees him as the PASTAL GOTH he really is? Yeah he whines enough to compliment cheese and questions why he insists on sticking around, but not once has he ever mentioned about self harm as "emo" culture displays strongly in the western culture I live amongst in. That's why he's rather fits more into the Goth kid category then "emo". Like dude, Robert Smith call and said he wanted his hair back Zelgadis…Don't sue me

And always, thank you for reading! MWUAH