YO! I'm back but I'm not the slim shady at all. So I'll stay seated and posted up this freshly baked fracked up specially for you!

As always, Enjoy Amigos!

Chapter Twenty Six: He dogs her like white on rice…

"It's nice of you to just show up right after we done all the hard part." Zelgadis confront the trickster priest as he float to the floor close to us. He was staring Xellos down with a glare that could possibly cut though cold butter. I don't blame him one bit and it seem like a few of us were a little offset about the priest appearance in the first place.

"So why are you even here, Mr. Xellos?" The princess huffed as she buffed herself while she approaches him. In spite of his high ranking he is well known by now of his association; she didn't batted an eyelash when he turn to her, his face as close as her to the point her breath pushed at his hair.

"That is on strict order from my master." In case any of you out there has forgotten; Xellos is both commander and high priest of the Greater Beast Zelas Metallium who is one of the dark lord's subordinates. Meaning his role in this may be that he is investigating for that particular higher mazoku, and I want to take a stab at that his interest here is Proserpina. It seems my hunch was right, as he goes straight for her and not giving any one of us a single wink. "You should know the proto call by now, or am I going to have to repeat it. Fair enough. Of why I'm currently here at this moment Zelgadis, as you should already know, that's a secret." The blue chimera's face twitch as his lip from a snarled at the response he was given. I do hate it when he says that, but you can't question the guy's undying loyalty he has for his creator. Also, if you thinking you can use force to get that information out of him; think again!

"Damn you!' Zel hissed as the monster priest continued his path to Proserpina. Pokota struggled against Amelia whom seemingly was under the intention of bombarding the guy with one of her positivity songs to chase his away. Well instead she fought and wiggled her way as the younger prince blushed heavily due to her squirming. He remains his hold on her as Xellos came to a halt in front of the pearly woman.

"What do you want, asshole?" Her golden orbs flashed at his shut ones; it's a well known fact here that he really doesn't open his eye, unless it's serious. Still, there was a way you could tell that his gaze was still completely on her.

"Hmm..." He begins by placing his index finger on to his chin. One of Proserpina's eyebrows twitched as frequent along his digit that rapped as he thought. "Where do I start with you?"

"You can start with why the fuck you are here first…" She suggest with a scoffed while she placed a hand on her hip. The remaining leftovers of the dress started to swoop in awkward way as she hurried to fix it. Blushing madly, she then excused herself really quick behind a heap of rumble. She grumbled lowly to herself as a soft glow along with some quick shuffling as the dingy fabric of the gown where thrown about. After a few minutes had passed, she reappeared from behind the clumber. She had on her usual torn, black trousers along with a black sleeveless top that cling at her waist. The look of sheer relief was on her face as she wiggled on her heavy boots to go with that outfit. "Now where were we…?" She hummed as she trotted back to her place."Oh Yeah. You can start with an explanation of why you are here…" Xellos seemed slightly taken aback by her inquiries.

"Demanding, aren't we?" He chirped with a slight hint of annoyance as he scratches the side of his nose. She narrowed her gaze as she impatiently folded her arms, her foot tapping as she waited along with the rest of us to receive the answer. Like hell he was going to spill his beans, and the work it takes to even get him to talk may be a bit more than one can bargain for. "Fair enough then. I'd figured given you some information won't hurt. Perhaps it will give you some insight on how things function around here." At least that is one of the perks of being completely new to a very foreign area; Xellos would gladly be the type of person to give you an insight of what's up to date with everything from the Koma war and after wards. "As I said before, I'm here under my master's pretenses; meaning I have strict orders to carry out, and in most of many cases, I cannot simply speak those out, but I will tell you at least that I am only here for observation, and to follow if necessary..." I sighed along with Proserpina and the rest as some of us rolled our eyes and scoffed at him. Meanwhile Gourry just stood there clueless as usually, his gaze shifted around as he looks at each one of us for some type of support.

"Uhhhhh…" He croaked as he spun around to me with his eyebrows rose. "What is going on?" I let out a whine as I turn my head aside, whimpering at his constant aloofness to literally everything. Everyone else brushed off his questioning; all expect for Proserpina at least. She let out a long exhale before switching her attention to Gourry.

"I suppose that you don't have the slightest idea of it do you?" She asked slowly and loud enough for all of us to hear. He shook his blonde, jellyfish filled head and open his mouth. "Uh-no. I have not the slightest of what's going on actually…. Which is why I asked…?" His voice trailed off as he felt all our eyes on him. Just when you think it's about to get really bad all because of this dumbass, think again! I wasn't excepting this, and nor was anyone else.

"I guess you haven't noticed the roof then?" Her voice was distinct and sharp, as if she was trying to maintain the seriousness in this. He shook his head again, and she sighed as she waved her hand over her head "That's because it's completely over your head, just like everything else. " I fought hard to not to burst laughing out loud; okay. You're a funny woman. There's that. Sadly that statement does hold a lot of truth to it, though everyone nearly fought their reaction as Prince Phil's face redden while Amelia bite her fist. Pokota chuckled silently while Zel swiftly placed his hand at his mouth. Gourry kept his blank thoughtless stared which made me let a giggle slip out.

"This isn't the time for jokes…" Oh shut up! You're hiding it like everyone else. There was a glint in his eye as he approaches the both as Xellos whips his head to him, but the amusement faded as the priest inched closer to the pearly woman.

"Well, you're certainly an interesting one." Xellos cheerfully commented as he tilted his head, studying her features as he continued. "I know I for sure will not be a bored one as I proceed with my observations." We began to move our way to where Zel was, watching intensively as the trickster priest floated off of his feet.

"Mmm." He hummed in thought as he encircles Proserpina. "Where do I start with you…? OH! I'm quite impressed to even hear this, but there is slight the rumor that you manage to escape from Lei Magnus; one of our first fragments to awaken of the Dark Lord Shabranigdo?! Is that true? Did you really disappear within a blink of an eye from His sight?" He inch near to her face as she shifted her feet, moving away the closer he got. There were signs that she was clearly uncomfortable with him being in her personal space.

"I guess so…" Her voice grew softer as Xellos kept in on her, despite of the distance she maintains. She eventually backs up into part of the destroyed wall; the images of other rooms peered through the cracks as she pressed herself close as the priest spoke. "You guess?" He chuckled slowly as he shook his head. "What a rather humbled answer! I was expecting you to boost about it, but instead you just brush it off as if it was nothing!" He leaned in more closely and Proserpina gritted her teeth hard as my ears picked up a low audible growl from her. "You just brush off my statement as if it was nothing…"

"I don't think M. Proserpina likes having you that closer to her, Mr. Xellos." Amelia chimed in with Zel behind her as she stepped up to them. "She looks really uncomfortable; I think you may need to back off just a bit-" Before she had the chance to finish what she had to say, Proserpina had in the blink of an eye kick with full force square into Xellos' chest, resulting him to fling backwards slamming into an opposing wall. The remaining of that section crumble apart as the priest slides to the floor.

"Or you can just do that…" Zelgadis huffed in a single breath as both Amelia and him stared at the pearly woman with widen eyes.

"More so learn what personal space is and you wouldn't have been kicked!" Xellos groaned as he lifted himself up, brushing the dust from his robe and tidying up his neat raven hair. Surprisingly, he didn't even look bothered at the slightest, even after he just hurled towards a wall.

"That was just a kick?"His tone carried a hint of amusement as he placed his hands together, creating a rod as his staff appeared from him outstretched arms after it flung from his hand after Proserpina's attack. He held it in front of him as he then teleported back in front of her again.

"Dude!" She exclaimed as she held herself in a more defensive position. "What's you deal? Are you a masochist or something?"

"What's a Mask-a-kiss?" I moaned loudly as I went to whack Gourry in his jelly fish filled head, which he dodge and continue so as Pokota answered his lame question in a monotone expression. "Is that a game?"

"No. A masochist is a person who really enjoys pain; a little too much." He rubbed his temples as Prince Phil stood with him patting his shoulder. "There, there…" He grunted as the other let out a heavy sigh as the other silently. "There is no use of being angry at one's ignorance." Easier said than done! When it comes to Gourry, having such a short fuse isn't a great thing, and there are times where I wonder if he would do this purpose. Sadly no, moments like these aren't intentionally done; so yes, Gourry is that dense. We all should know that by now.

"I really don't have the time to deal with this...Don't you have somewhere to be?" Xellos bobbed his head with a smirk as Proserpina heaved a scoff. "Good. How about you go there instead and leave us alone?" The trickster priest tilted his head as he smirk his hardest. "I am already there." He simply stated as the pearly woman let out a growl of frustration. She shoves him out of her way as she trotted over to where Amelia and Zel are, with Xellos right behind her.

"Alright Smarty-pants." She gave his arm a squeeze. "Time for you to shine; Get that transporter thing fired up and get us all the hell out of here!" I couldn't agreed more and soon after the device put on a rather bright displayed before transporting us where as believed to be the upper area. The area felt like it was being pulled with an unknown forced as we braced ourselves until it all came to a halt. I felt dizzy and fought with the urge to puke as the sight of two doubled dark door loomed ahead. I staggered a bit before regaining my steadiness as well, including Xellos to Proserpina's dismay stood before this entrance, or exit in my wishful thinking. Frankly I was getting fed up with this place, so I was one of the few whom where bold enough to push through the doors. The sight of the foyer greeted my wary eyes; the comfort of the pushed carpet was a relief on such tired feet. There was just one flight of stairs, and then though the front doors we wonder back onto he property's lawn. It was surprisingly still dark outside, which I couldn't help to think of how much time really did pass. It felt we were in there forever, and I was excepting it to be days, not hours. There was even dew that had accumulated as it beaded and collected on the tips of our boots. It left trails behind as we marched to the woods we came from.

The Inn welcomed us back with a warm glow to it; from once the hostess was actually there, along with her was the little one, Baby, who sat on the edge of the counter. I'm rather shocked that the little guy manages to make it this fair without giving up its form. I wonder if it will grow into something close to be considering an adult. I observe their face as it brighten at the site of Proserpina when she walked in. With a huge grin on its face, it leaps and launches their self at her; they emit a squeal of sheer delight as the pearly woman hold Baby close to her.

"D'Awww! " She cheered as Xellos grimace a bit. "Did someone miss me?" The creature bobbed its adorable head as it snuggle itself close to her. Pretty heartwarming if you ask me, and it's also like the same way my dad greeted me after coming home from a long day. Madam Maria rapped her hand on the front desk to snag our attention

"I want to take a lucky guess," She began in her rich husky tone. "That you all manage to both find and put these vampires to an end?"

"We certainly did, madam!" Amelia shouted before I had the chance to open my mouth. "We did it all in the name of Justice-"

"Most excellent!" the madam placed her large hands together as she applauded us, not only did she did that, but there was that of both a free dinner with a night's stay including with the phrase! I hurried as quickly as I could to the dining hall, where the smells of seasonings and freshly baked good littered the air within that whole area. The aroma alone was enough to cause me to drool as I took a seat next to both Amelia and Baby. Pokota sat across from the two, nibbling on a small loaf. I claim a seat and plopped down as I gazed at the three with an excitement.

"So…" I fumbled my hands, trying to recall what I was about to say, but the scent alone kept me from recalling. "Where is everyone else?"

"OH," Amelia eyes locked on to mines as she handed the small creature a piece of food. "Master Zelgadis went upstairs to mend his clothes along with Mister Gourry and daddy had to report in a dossier to bring back with us."

"What about Proserpina?" I took liberty to a loaf myself as they sat gathered in a basket offset on the table. I took a bit out of it; it was divine! Even if it was just a piece of baked goods!

"She's away in the kitchen, even Mister Xellos is there with her. Strange, no matter how many times he was told that he wasn't allowed to enter, he would insist. The madam finally caved in and he's been in there since." I exhaled deeply as I shoved another morsel into my mouth.

"I'm surprised that he's still sticking around." Normally the trickster priest is well known to be a part of the group from time to time; though he leaves us to do all the fighting in most cases. Granted he has assisted many times in the past, but once he has completed his mission he then vanishes. I also caught on that when he is usually my tag along, the direst and unthinkable tends to happen. In other words, when Xellos is around, it generally means something really serious is really behind it. Since he is more interested in the woman who is helping prepare an meal on godly proportions, then I have this hunch that she may have some type of significance with her being here we may not be aware of. We all know by now that Proserpina is from one of the other worlds; which she was sent here to reposition what is remaining of their human population. From the assumptions I made of the situation of that current time in that place that it must be that bad to have almost everyone had undergo a massive make over when they resorted to chimerism. Of that with all that and what else is unknown about her is perhaps one of the vast reasons of way Xellos persists. I kept a watchful glance at the entrance to the kitchens as I was excepting Proserpina to storm out in annoyance at any moment. My transfixed gaze did caught a glimpse of golden locks as the wind gushed next to me; which I spun my head and was greeted by the sight of a bewildered Gourry, whose hair was sight dampen from his bath. He had already helped himself to the declining numbers of breads, which I took the opportunity to grab me one more before they all disappeared.

"Hey." He greeted all at once as he took a massive bite from his roll. There was a minute of hard chewing, before swallowing hard. "It smells great down here! So what's cooking?"

I shrugged; beats me. I darted over to Amelia and Pokota, who may have more of an idea then I do.

"I think there is a roast involve." Pokota tapped the table as he thought to recall the menu. "They told a guy to go get these a few chickens and a decent sized piece of roast earlier from the butcher! I also heard numerous amounts of sides that were added to the list…. I kind of can't wait to try that roast! That's probably what's filling up this room as it's being cooked right now…" In spite of the full grown mans' body he resorted to instead of being a stuffed toy, Pokota still had the zealous nature for food as any teenage boy does….Though I've never really question him about his true age, but I've always felt like he was around both Amelia's and I age group. It's odd to see him in a body of a guy who used to baby sit him… He still had youth like tendencies that didn't match the maturity of Duclis, and I doubt he is good at keeping up with the hormones that emits from a man versus what he has experience his life pre-Rezo. A trail of drool formed as he went to go and snatch another bun, Amelia intercepted with a harsh rap on top of his wrist.

"Ow! What was that for?" Pokota rubbed the now redden area from the princess' strike. "Why did you do that?"

"Because you need to save some rolls for Mister Zelgadis… if you all eat them all he will never get any!" Quite thoughtful of her, but I serious doubt that there will be a limit supply of bread at this dinner table tonight! The sound of the bursting doors as the pearly woman with her hair fastened up and sporting a black and white stripe apron stormed out; a concerned looking priest followed behind her as she stomped towards the table with several baskets of those fresh loaves in hand! She places them throughout the table and replacing the now empty ones with a full tray.

"Did you make these Ms. Proserpina?" Amelia asks as we all sniffed at the delectable aroma as steam emitted from the hot items. Xellos stood some feet behind, observing us as we went for the newer rolls. Proserpina looked at the princess to response, but the priest beat her to it.

"Yes, and her culinary skills are exceptional at that!" The chimera huffed as she pertained that he was not anywhere here at all. "I was one of chefs back home; Tank's wife, Roberta, made sure I knew my way around in the kitchen. She wanted me to know something other than fighting and magic…" She trailed off as Xellos floated closer to her. He tilted his head as he waited for her to tell us more about what else we could know about. Instead a silence dwells out as she torn away from his stare and started back to the kitchen; he was in her pursuit as the two disappear behind the doors.

"That was weird…" Pokota sharply commented as anther of our team had finally arrived. "He's on her like flies on-"

"Did I miss something?" Zel interrupted as he took a seat at the end, sitting across that of Amelia and the younger prince.

"Nothing exciting." I said before shoving a fluffy warm bite into my mouth. "Xellos is still around." I added in a mid chew. "But he's really into Proserpina at this moment."

"Charming…" He muttered lowly. I always gotten this feeling that Zelgadis wasn't entirely a big fan of Xellos; after all he is a trickster priest. He has gotten the blue chimera at least once when he promised a cure for what Rezo done to him, but that was just a lead, and a false one at that. At least until recent, he hasn't heard of anything that exists to help reversed the semi permanent process. Even that alone does seem like a lot of work behind it, and could take many years to make one, but the woman says it is possible. I sure hope I do live to see the day that he regains his humanity! I may not recognize him at that point. Heh! Who can say how soon that will be? Yet I don't think he's given on that on hope completely, and if Zel had, I'd definitely say he got it back somewhat. There was this bright glimpse within his dark eyes when he glanced at the kitchen doors. "I got this feeling that he's going to be a real thorn in her side if he keeps up with this." Agreed; I do feel like having Xellos around will make someone who can sense monsters, at all rankings at that, stressed out since they cannot get away from it. I also have this inclination that things may escalate to a rather violent manner that would make her kick appear to be a warning; it had to be one, obviously. Xellos is still here, which means he did not take that very clear hint.

"CAN YOU GO SOMEWHERE?" A thunderous woman's voice ranged though those thick doors! Next thing I know that very priest that we all grown to…Well I can't really say love, but close enough goes flying though as he crashes and tumbles across the shiny floors. He lies on his back, somewhat in a disoriented haze as he sits up and shakes his head." A notepad along with a small white quill appears at his fingers, where he begins to jolt down what looks like additional notes along with previous scribbles.

"Strong enough-"He said loudly."-to toss an adult male effortlessly though a set of heavy oak doors."
He folds the papers back into a neat scroll before that vanished into thin air. "That's quite the feat not many can successfully do. Ah! Master will be somewhat pleased with this knowing! Now all I need to do is get a bit out from her, without making her too hostile-" He stood to his feet, readjusting his robes before turning heel back into the place he was toss out of.

"Xellos!" I called at him and he stops right at the doors. Even with his back at me, I knew he was listening. "Come on! Give her a break! Let's not try to stress and harass the newcomer, hmm?" Maybe I shouldn't intervene like that, because the next thing I knew, he disappeared, only to materialize in the empty chair next to Pokota.

"AUGH!" he shouted as his bread goes flying into the air. I reached out my arm and caught it as I squeeze it within my fingers. "You can't just do that like its o-o-okay!" The younger prince stammered as he did his best to recuperate from being suddenly spook. Amelia gave Xellos this sour expression as Zel lean over to him.

"You really got some nerve, don't you?" He as well gave the priest this rather hardened look as he gave the blue chimera a wary grin. Xellos did not answer his question, but instead gaze at me with his shut eyes and a even more broaden smile stretch itself.

"So Lina," He perched his chin on his palm. "Would you be able to make this a lot easier on me and tell me some about your new addition?" OH HO! I see what you trying to do here old Xelly boy! My eyebrow twitched as I couldn't help but to feel like he was testing my intelligence. I gave out a small fake cough as I gulped down the last of my roll before speaking.

"So Xellos," I begin as he lean forward. "Since when was I even known to make anyone's life easier? Do you really think I would just sell Proserpina out like that for free?" I raised my forehead ready for his answer, in which as he shook his head quietly. "Good that's what I thought! There is always a price that comes with the information, though I doubt you could really afford what I'm asking in first place." I reached out and grab one of the warm bread that where replaced as I torn off the end of it. "Though I can be at least nice and say-"

"Ms. Lina!" Amelia slammed her hands down on the surface, causing nearly everyone to jump. Baby twitches the most, causing them to release a small toot as they look at all of us at once with a flushed face."You made me poot!" They whined as they covered their face, hiding itself from the few snickers that escaped while peeking at us through the cracks of their tiny fingers. The princes fought with the urge to laugh as well as she set her attention back to me. "As I was saying, I think telling Mr. Xellos anything about Ms. Proserpina without her consent may not be what's fair or just, being that she is not here to give you and yes or no." Amelia stared at me as she waited to see what I would come back with. I bite my lip before opening my mouth. "I was just going to say that she was one of us…" There was this hint of indifference in my voice, but I think she got the jest that I really had no intentions on selling her out, at least not this soon.

"Well Lina," Xellos is known to be quite persisted when it comes to his own intentional pulses. "If I were to offer you the amount that is offer on her warrants, would that be enough to get to you talk?"

I did my best to recall what it was the last time we passed one; I couldn't remember if it was fifty hundred gil or fifty thousand at that. I know it at least doubled in the time span of Proserpina's arrival.

"Try Fifty hundred million Lina!" The priest claps his hand together as he was bedazzled in delight. "Mmm. That's enough to start of your own empire, wouldn't you agree?" The thing is; he's right. A small empire was a tiny fantasy of mind at one point, other than being a princess and having all the rare and extravagant items from all over, along with my own personal laboratory and arcane library! I felt myself slip away as I drift off into my own daydreams. Amelia waved her hand in front of my face and the rest stared at me in a tense way. I pursed my lips as I gave in some thought to my comment on that.

"That is true, yes." I confirmed as he gasped. "But what are you going on about with this?" He carefully places his hand in front of him. "Yes! Of course that was my inclination. My offer was that amount on any information you know about that strange woman. I can give you it all-the whole amount- right here-"When he lifted his hand, a huge pile of gold from beneath. Gourry eyes grew wide as Zelgadis cleared his throat.

"He's going to bribe you Lina!" He said dryly and the priest smiled as he lean a bit more forward. "Indeed." Xellos concur as Zel scoffed folding his arms tightly as he narrowed his eyes at the mazoku. "But this is for you to just tell me; I'm not asking for you to turn her in to whoever is asking for that impending amount."

"And that's all?" Please, that's just too good to be true for my ears! There has to be a catch 20/20 in it!

"Well, of course you would continue to update as much as you can." He added briskly. "It's so that I'm not entirely being a huge harassment." Xellos gave the door a nervous glance as it swings ever so slightly from the movement that was behind it. "Even though I can endure it, I don't want to have the unimaginable happen to me out of the result of my presence stressing her out that is. As you can see, she seems to be similar to you Lina when it comes to one resorting to violence-"

"WHADDYA TRYING SAY?!" I yanked him quick by his robes and held him close to me. For someone as powerful as he is, he started to build a small amount of sweat as his mouth twitch.

"Well, what I am trying to say Lina is that you both have a form of a temperament. It is different yes,. Especially with what provokes the two to get you both there. Yours is your pride and when people point out the lack of your bust-"I growl loudly as I squeeze the collar of his robe as he continues to speak. "Yet hers is by a stress of some undetermined sort. My presence alone does something to her. Unlike majority of people she will take great lengths to make sure that my presence is no longer around her-"

"Okay enough rambling!" Zelgadis with an impatience tone totally cut Xellos completely off. The priest turned his head at the chimera. "Sounds like to me like you are trying to buy Lina of what she knows of Proserpina?"

"You mean like a spy?" Pokota inquired and the chimera slowly nodded. "Since she is somewhat hostile around you?"

"That's precisely it!" Xellos exclaim as he held up his first finger. At least he didn't deny it at all. "I need someone like you to help me obtain as much knowledge about the strange woman you all call Proserpina throughout whatever journey you all are a part of."

"I see…" Now don't get it wrong! I don't intent on selling her out, at least not completely at that, but enough to where it will benefit the both of us for at least a short term.

"What do you say to that then, Lina Inverse?" His eye slit somewhat open as he peered at me for the felt like an entirety.

"Ms. Lina. Don't tell me," Amelia chirped as she lean over to me. "That you are going to go with this?" I sighed deeply and shook my head while raising my thumb indicting that I want him to go higher.

"You must really want to know something that I may have access to, so being that I have to play both spy and babysitter, you may have to compromise on your price."

"By how so?" Xellos straighten up as it was my turn to get closer.

"I'm talking about a price increase." His eyebrows rose high as he gave a nervous chuckle.

"I'd figure you would resort to this…" Geez Xellos. I feel rather flattered by that, and how long have you known me for? "Alright if it's more gil you want, then what if I double that amount? Would that persuade you then?

I crossed my arms and shook my head, feeling disappointment in the priest since I know he could offer something way better. A bead of sweat formed on his temple as he shifted in his seat. "Would it interest you I if I tripled it?"

"Naw." It's strange of how much a mazoku like him can still be agitated. His lips moved but there was no sounded.

"I think making it quadrupled may be pressing it..."

"I have a feeling that's not going to be enough…" Pokota muttered pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yeah, you're may have to go a lot higher!" Gourry butted in as Amelia gave an uneasy laugh. "Lina isn't cheap, and that's considered cheap for her standards."

"…I'd hate to see what she would consider first class then…" Zelgadis derisively added as he helped himself to a loaf. I glared at him as he took off a bite, but was interrupted when Xellos knock on the table. Our heads spun back to him as he cleared his throat.

"I'm aware of the complexity of this ordeal, yet there is a limit to what I can offer to you." Bullshit! You Mazoku are stacked with gil to the roof! It's either you go up, or this is being called off-

"What's going on here?" I jumped as the sight of Proserpina who was standing ever so silently with fresh food loaded onto a tray held by one hand. "Sounds like Capitalism at its finest?" She arched an eyebrow at me as she went to place the goods on the table.

"H-h-how long have you been here?" I stammered as Madam Maria burst through the doors along with a tray cart full of several stacks of clean diner ware.

"HA!At least long enough to hear the part about babysitting me for this jackass."I felt my ears burned as embarrassment flooded my body and my feet grew cold. Great, I hope this doesn't call problems. She is the last person I really want to be facing against if the odds were against me. Strange enough how none of us picked up on her present this whole time, even Xellos, unless he played it off to keep

"At least Lina isn't an easy bargain." I darted back at the blue chimera as he sat there indifferently as the madam handed him a set of plates. "You can rest assure; I imaged her babysitting rates are quite the sky's limited. It will take a lot of gil to persuade her." I felt some relief from him saying that. Thanks Zel, at least you somewhat have my back on this. I glance back to the pearly one, whose eyes never left me as she continue setting up the table along with the madam.

"Ms. Proserpina," Amelia waved at her as baby made a reach at her apron, wanting her to grab them as she waltz her way around. "I also wouldn't allow Lina to sell you out in the first place, especially if it was out of your consent. To me, that is unjust thing to do." She too eyed me with her fierce blues, while Gourry's idyllic ones peered in contrast to hers. "Nah!" The blonde exclaim as he made a gesture in disagreement. "Lina too greedy; there is no price good enough for her to just out someone like that!"

"At least not in front of any of us…" I side glanced at the younger prince as the older finally stroll in from finishing his tasks. I was actually going to wait till dinner was all done and everyone was gone before considering the offer by only giving the mazoku priest enough of the basic knowing that he would probably considered to be enough, but not everything. I really could use the gil; it's not like adventuring has a cost of its own, now does it? I don't think Proserpina's gaze left me as she took a seat at the opposing end of the table along with Madam Maria, while Prince Phil joined his daughters' side. Baby hopped over to where their pearly mother sat, climbing into a chair next to her. It felt awkward as we all pasted servings of food amongst each other as people kept a watched of the amount I helped myself to. With food on this level of deliciousness, I couldn't help but to be somewhat selfish with such good eats. I just hope that Proserpina doesn't hold this against me now that she is aware of the haggling arrangement between the monster priest and me. Yet if it was me, I would probably have the same wary like watchful nature such as she has now. Though I think it won't have any type of harmful effect on it now, I image whatever I find out and if it got relay and received in the wrongful matter that could put a pinch on her personal quest. That is, if Xellos and his master decides to infer with it. Then what am I going to do when that happens? Ugh how come pressing issues like these can't always be a win-win? I really could us that hunk of gil to keep my stomach full no matter where I go, but what if I pissed Proserpina off and she comes at me? I doubt he would help defend me now to think of him. Yeah, he would high end and disappear like he has done in several cases before. This isn't going to be an easy one to handle…

"Lina…" Gourry voice broke me from my train of thought as my eyes left the beautiful display of food I've helped myself to. "You're really quiet…" He huskily noted taking a long swig from his chalice. "Why's that? Is there something on your mind?" Well, duh I sitting here pondering to myself of how I can make this less of a mess then the trickster priest somehow gotten myself involved with. I'm just trying to think of how to get the priest both out of the pearly chimeras' and my hair. If I refuse, he returns to following her around, which harasses her enough to resort to hitting him. Though if I go along with his offer and play spy, she may not trust me as much, and there isn't enough gil to make me go along with any kind of mazoku plans! Along with that; there is a reason why he is really in this need dire need to acquire as much as he can know about her in the first place. Probably part of it has to do with her being from the other world? That's the only thing I can assume on anyways, unless there is some kind of hidden motive behind all of this.

I glanced back at Gourry and shrugged. "I'm just really enjoying the food!" And I was as I shoveled more into my mouth; the flavors from the combinations of spices and herbs exploded on my tongue. I did a take at Xellos, who had even prepared himself a plated even though no one really offers him to do so. Then at Proserpina, who gaze met mines. I winked at her as he lower her fork, tilting her head as she took notice to that. She hasn't said much but nor has anyone else. The chatter of forks and cutlery was the only thing that sounded in the room, other than Baby's babbling as they play with their fare.

"This meal is superb!" Prince Phil croaked as he brought a napkin to his lips. "You have out done yourselves ladies! Great work! I'd say if you ever in need of a career even after retirement, please by all means request a job within the kitchen staff at the Palace at Saillune. Ha I could really use some decent chefs around and the pay is amazing from what I've always heard!"

"Oh my stars!" The madam places her rather huge hand on to her bust. "I am so grateful, your majesty. I may consider that perhaps in the near future, well depending on how thing picked back up around here that is." The other just smiled at the offer as she still picked at her plate.

By the time dinner was done Gourry and I was already fighting over the last morsel of the roast that was left. Everyone else was either rubbing their guts or picking at their teeth. I snatched the piece from his fork and gobbled it down as quickly as I could. A small burp was released, and I sat incline in my chair, patting my now bloat stomach as it slowly rumbled. Xellos placed down his glass, peering at me as he quietly clasped together his glove hand.

"I've should of known better then to ask you in present of your own company," He briskly stated as he tilted he head. "Prehaps the next time I'm in need of a favor it will be just the both of us."

"Oh so you're dropping the deal?" I could help but to let the smirk spread across my face the moment I saw Xellos nodded. "Oh so why is that then?"

He heaved a sigh. "Since the subject of interest is fully aware of this arrangement alone, I'd figure I should just let this one go for now. There will be another opportunity to do such. This will have to be cast to the side for now." He didn't sound too happy in that last statement; he still doesn't have everything he needs to report back.

"So does that mean you are sticking around or taking your leave?" I swirled my glass before bringing the fruity wine to my lips.

"I haven't decided yet."

Xellos was still around after the staff had gathered and cleaned up the table we dine off of. Nearly half of everyone retired for the evening, leaving just Gourry, Zel and I as we stayed behind. The three of us watched the priest as he waited on the double doors to move. The blond slightly jumps at the sound of the hard wood banging as Proserpina exits for the final time. She frowns at the sight of Xellos, but the expression changes when she sees the rest of us.

"I'm surprise your guys are still down here…" She muttered as she strolls over to the table, snatching a seat close to Zelgadis. She fumbled around with her apron, removing something from its front pocket before casting the garment aside. She then straightens out the object she had; a slender joint she carefully rerolled before lighting its end. Xellos leaned forward as she kicked back to relax after this ordeal. I knew he was observing her and intense at that as she looked his away before exhaling.

"Don't tell me," She begins." That you're going back to that stalking me at my every moment are you?"

Author's rant: And another chapter up! I've been pacing myself since summer is slam with both of that of increasing temperatures and jobs! I think I can manage twice a week until I can pick back up on pace. Though this story is not the only thing snagging my attention in the late afternoons; I've gamed it up on Omori, which I'm on the Last Day…man have I've never had wanted a sandwich or experience such feels as much as before.

As always, as ritual as ever, I'd like to express my gratitude towards the readers who have kept up with this story! It already half and year and I am half way done with this first part. It keeps me motivated and going!

See ya until till next time *muahs*