Swiftly delivered under the mischief watch of the lord Hermes. If any verbal mishaps are noticed within this article, mind you that they will be further corrected after later view. I am la tired. So tired. ZzZzZz

Enjoy Amigos! And happy equinox!

Chapter Twenty Nine: Locked and loaded? Shoot that confession out while you're at it!

"Wait! There is another mission we have to do?" I hushed down his excitement he display more so of an outburst then the question it was meant to be.

"Yes Gourry, we are going to partaking on another quest…" That is when his eyes went wide, and mines as well when I just sensed a strong presence behind me.

"Going on another quest, you say?" A voice I was dreading to run into leered as I spun around to being greeted by Xellos, who bared this unsettling sly grin on his face. His staff thrust in the space between Gourry and me, thudding at the wood beneath our feet. He was making it clear that he wasn't going to let me go so easily this time... Damn it! I knew I should have been more careful before running my mouth! This is what happens when you get too ahead of yourself! Great, Lina, just great…Good luck on getting out of this one!

"Y-Yes!" I stammered as I huddle close to Gourry. "I was thinking of something adventurous!" I forced my face to look as innocent and honest as I possibly could. Like hell is this going to work Lina! Who are really kidding here? I felt my heart race as he leans forward.

"Is that so Lina?" He purred with a prying tone. I could feel his breath move the strains from my bangs, tickling my forehead. Gourry did nothing as he peers in to the point he was uncomfortably closer then what is consider casual. "Would you care to spare me some details about this adventure you claim to take a part of?"

I had to go with the one I thought would work best. "It's one that we heard from a place nearby about an island with loads of treasure!" That one even most likely placed me in more questioning then what I intended it to do…

"Would you mind sparing me the details of which island it is?" Come on! You walked yourself right into this one! Alright Lina, it's time to think like a trickster.

"Hopewell's cove…" That was the best I could do at such a pinch; and not to be even more at the convenience that it's next to the actually rather near to where we actually need to go. I gritted my teeth in anticipation as I waited for Xellos's reaction. I still don't think he is going to fall for that one that easily…

"Well, what a coincidence!" He clasped his hand together joyfully while my eyebrow twitched uncontrollably. "I just happened to know about that certain rumor of that place to be precise!" SHIT! This is not what I wanted…When what I was hoping would work winding up getting more involve with Xellos then I originally plan. I'm supposed to keep him out of this, but yet the stubborn ass insists on keeping in the loop no matter how many times I brush him off! I just have to figure out a way to mislead him, without him catching on that is…

"That is just certainly marvelous! So is it just you Lina, or is there any of the others involved in this as well?"

"Probably Gourry and Zel…" I shrugged trying to give off the idea that the two haven't quite given a full response; at least Gourry in speaking, who this whole time stool there seemingly lost like a jelly fish drifting in the current…Typical. The priest stood there with a stoic expression, at if he was trying to read me to determine if what I informed him with was a lie. I mean, in all it would be consider half true…I just modify some details to spare Proserpina the issues that he could possibly caused. If anything I image having him around while she plans to rest and gear up in a few days may be a waste and rather counterproductive. Now don't get it wrong; I'm usually not this thoughtful of when it comes to other, but when it comes to that woman it's a dual factor. I know she could be a great benefit in the long run, judging by what I witness thus far. Yet if I dare and sell her out, she could be a threat, and a really large one at that! That's something I don't want to think of trying especially what she could do if I cross her in some way. In all honestly, maybe deep down it's something about her that reminds me of my big sis back home. I may be powerful, but I got to keep the ego in check, just in case we are dealing with something big! Let's just say that I've had to learn the hard way throughout my journeys since I've left. Besides, she knows strong magic, and she can cook (Like Sylphiel, but with less whining and actual skill!). In my opinion, that's pretty darn useful!

"Lina…" Xellos waved in front of my face as I seem to have drifted away in deep thought, cutting me out of the trance and bring back my focus. "There you are! Good! Is that all who are going with you? Do you know if by chance, your new comer would be partaking in such as well?" Here we go! I held up my hands defiantly as I acted to struggle on my words of not knowing (But I do and this is some grade A acting here!).

"I don't know, Xel! I guess I'll have to ask her…" Yeah! Like I didn't' just talk to her moments ago!

"You would do that for me?" He pleaded applauding as his free hand cradle his chin. "I would greatly appreciate that, you know. It's been rather hard getting a hold of her you see…With her shutting herself away in the room for majority of the day." I can't believe this guy is trying to pull of the 'oh so ever concern' method, huh? Hey! I wasn't born yesterday you know! I just pertained to heed his request before grabbing hold of the blonds' arm.

"Hey!" Gourry cried as I whisk him off balance, carrying him in steed as we raced into the common area. "What was that for? He was talking-"

"He doesn't really care-"I hissed while muffling his words with my hand. "He is just trying to fish information…"

"But why is he trying?" Oh gods Gourry! How many times must I explain to you!

"He wants to know things so he can relay them back!-"

"Yeah, but Lina…What is it he wants to know so he can go running back?"

"I not sure Gourry, but I know he's pressing to know as much as he can about Proserpina. I mean, she's from another world after all…Think of it (EVEN IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU) she knows stuff we don't, maybe they are trying to determined-" I froze in mid way from finishing my statement as it finally hit me. I remember this happening to me, not even that long ago, when another kingdom sent an annoying agent- I think his name was Wizer… Something close to that…Whatever! They sent him after me in an investigation to see….

"-If she's a threat or not…" It's not that I know how it's like to be harassed on that level, and dealing with Xellos is annoying enough, but it's who and their the level of importance that is doing this form of exploration in her scenario. It has to be serious….and what it is that Zelas is so hell bent on figuring out about the newcomer…He doesn't indented on leaving until we all, or unless if Proserpina decides to go all solo, which I highly doubt. She doesn't know her way around, so I image she would end up being lost somewhere in a forever cat and mouse like chase. There's this nagging feeling that I'm not going to be able to continue to pull the wool over a trickster's eye, so I have to think ahead and at least warn her…

I rapped hastily on the surface of the door before twisting the key in. Gourry had stood at a distance while I peered my head though the crack.

"Hey!" I chirped as the huddle of blankets flinched as the surprised face of Proserpina as she direct her focus at me from the fumbling she was occupying herself with. "It's just Gourry and I; is it okay for us to some in?"

"Yeah." She sounded distracted as she continues back to tinkering whatever she is working on. I yanked the dimwitted as I hurried though before anyone notices us disappearing into the room. Once inside; I was able to see more into what she has been up to since our conversation earlier. There lying neatly on the floor where a series of strange, larger versions of what I could guess were guns, but I've never in my life here seen anything on the scale of this size in existence. These seem to have an advance likeness to them…which made me question of how evolved her world is in comparison to where here is currently at…

"Are these weapons?" Gourry requested astoundingly eyeing them with great caution.

"Yep." There was a sharp click and she added another slightly curved casing next to a row of eight that where lined in front of her. "Those are called sub machine guns," Proserpina gestures at the rug. "- and these are the ammo that go with it."

"The look kinda neat…" The blond kneel next to the slimmer built one; light weight with a more compressed built. His hand went for it, but stops midway.

"Is it safe to touch?" He questioned as the pearly chimera took a glance at the one he was requesting.

"Oh yeah. That's not loaded. You can pick it up and take a gander." Gourry snatch the gun with zeal as he flip and turn it about, admiring it's built.

"Hey. Just a word to the wise; Never hold a gun of any kind to you face like that, especially if it's loaded and ready." I took it that he was staring down the barrel where the bullets where projected from. He winces recoiling it away from his visage.

"That's….crazy." He nervous laughed as he carefully placed the weapon back down, tripping over the one to its right before staggering away. "Do you think Zel would like these, Lina?" I gave him a shrug; I'm not sure if that is his type of thing or not, but before I had the chance to say so, Gourry had already sped out of the room. Oh great…Well with him gone, maybe it would be easier to explain this to her…

I gave it a few minutes while I inhaled deeply. "So," I started as I felt the beginnings of a sweat forming above my brow. "There has been a slight change of plans…"

"I don't like the sound of that…" She seemed distraught by the idea that Xellos bought into my white lie, and we may have to have him included due to this. I really tired to sway him out of this, but it seemed to have back fired badly to where I can't get us out of it… "I don't like it at all."

"Well I kinda had a feeling you wouldn't…" That was an obvious one at that, but at least he's been swayed enough to where he thinks we are all trying to treasure hunt here. You know, in a way it would be come to think of it. We are locating lost artifacts that are possibility from a completely different world that had been stored, lost and buried throughout the course of time. For starters these are creature I've never thought that existed, or a little at least known to subsist until now. Here this beast slumber scattered across the face of land even so under the very noses of the demon lords themselves! Are they even aware of this, or is it something that is question even amongst the Mazoku race.

"But what was I suppose to do?" I had Xellos hard on my case back there! It's not like it was an easy feat to make all that up on the spot! I could feel my heart beat increase more as the silence stretch out; a hard metallic snap woke me back to my senses as Proserpina gave her response.

"I can't answer that," She placed the tenth magazine of the ammo along with the others, taking a careful count of each one before snatching a crimson color satchel nearby. "But I felt like you try to give the best you could. That guy; I get that he isn't an easy one to deal with?" I nodded promptly. That priest is a work of his own. "It's not like you just straight up told him everything…"

"Are you going along with it?" That was the next issues at rise, because if she comes along in the same route, Xellos will follow us all. If not, then I'll assume that he's going to follow her and whomever. It seems that she was under the same note as I was.

"For the most part," She grunted as she tightens the clasp down. "-Though at some point I may have to dip out into a different direction."

Dip out? Heh! Never heard of it in that way, but I grasp it as her way of saying to sneak off ,and even if she was successful at so, then how long would it take before he takes on to her absence? "Ah. You're thinking if you played your cards right, then you might be able to get close enough to swim?"

"That's one of the ideas I had in mind…" Proserpina heaved up a rectangular box to the bed side and snapped open its top. "It'd be worth a try…"

"You'd think so?" I arched a brow curious to what her response will be. She gave a confident smirk as she pulled out an elongated bullet. This thing was roughly the length of my own hand, but hand more width then my thumb. I'm taking a stab that those belonged to the longer rifle with a strange lens that was third from the one Gourry played with.

"With the right distraction, I think I may have a fat chance in hell if it's done right."

'Okay. Maybe there is a prospect with the right distraction', huh? I'm under the impressed now that it's going to be me that going to be the one who does the off-putting to say… Are you planning on ditching us and handling it on your own then afterwards?

"Not entirely." She murmured as she began to grab more of that very ammo and carefully placing them in individual holder of a greater strap that could past off as a belt. "I plan to release a signal once on land…"

I wanted to just tell her, right there that it was all easier being said than done. Doe she really going to think it's going to be that simple to just go unnoticed and ahead of Xellos like that?! HA! Even if the odd are in slight favor and she get a good head start, he would still end up catching up to us at some point, even if he choose to purposely lagged behind like he's done in many cases before. I wouldn't put it pass him to allow us to get close enough to touch Behemoth, but let alone capture it is another ordeal…

Since when I've became so involve in anyone else's dilemmas but my own? I was within the depths of my own sea of thought as I paced though the corridors to the stairs. I left the room with not much said; other then indicating that it would be better to talk more when you get to that point. I can't help but to ask myself, but why and how do I even end up in these situations! Ever since I can remember, I've always found myself caught up in the affairs of others, while I attempt to serve for my own reasoning. I placed my hand on the smooth, cool railing as I trotted down the stairs. What am I really doing with myself? Is this my purpose; the very reasoning of why big sis told to go in the first place... I wonder if it was true, if the rumors of her sharpening her favorite filet knife when it was first utter about from overhearing the gossip. I wouldn't put it past her…

I failed to notice Amelia as I crashed into her full on as we both whipped from the corner with such a speed. My forehead throbbed from where I collided with her chin. Damn! I'm going to feel this for a while! Watch wear you're going next time-!

"I'm so sorry Ms. Lina!" She pleads defensively cradling the bottom of her face. "I really didn't see you at all at first..." The usual excuse for the taller folk...and my hair is a dead giveaway. Okay I get that I may had blend in slightly due to the red tones used throughout this place. I guess being short, having red hair that may me camouflaged in my surroundings, and the combination of not paying attention is what most likely played into that as well. "Are you okay?" I slowly shook my aching head wincing as it felt like the moment alone was going causing it to get worst. "Come on then. Let me fix you right up over here then."

The glowing light that surrounded my head faded as the last bits of Amelia's spells dissipated. At least the injury was no longer a worry; she has gotten really good at healing, if I haven't mention that already.

"There you go. All better!" She cheered as I gave a weary half smile, thanking her for her assistance. With the pain gone, I did what I could to remind myself of what I thinking off before I collided with her. I could recall for the life of me, and I'm sure with the princess staring me down with her bright and wide orbs weren't any help at all. It more so made me anxious because it felt similar to when Xellos does it.

"Is there something bothering you, Ms. Lina?"Her voice was identical to her concerned stare. I blinked, maintaining a straight face from my frustrations from forgetting in the first place. "It's nothing. Whatever I had in mind must've slipped when I ran into you."

"Ah." She then gave a short laugh. "I've done that several times to Mr. Zelgadis, but it doesn't seem to bother him as much as to you, Pokota or I…" I guess she is still ham-fisted as ever, though I imaged running full on to Zel who be as the same as running into a brick wall. I hated recalling the time I've somehow made impact head to head with that guy after my encounter with the Aqualord Ragradia.

" ," Amelia address in a sincere toned as she clasped her hands together. "May I ask you a question?"

"Shoot it?" I was curious in what she had to request, but I wasn't expecting something like this.

"Are you comfortable with assisting Ms. Proserpina about with finding these odd creatures?" As I was saying; what kind of question is that?

"Sure, but why do you ask?"

She shrugs her shoulders. "It's hard to say, Ms. Lina…" There was this brief hesitation as she took a quick peep around for anyone before speaking. "There's something about her that makes me uncomfortable."

Oh here we go! There's always going to be something when it comes to dealing with this girl…I bet it has to do with something about her appearance… So I asked why, and she gave me this:

"I-" She staggered on her words as she tap at her chin to choose perhaps the right term to make it sound less offensive. "I'm not quite sure, though it's probably the way she dresses. Her choice in wardrobe makes her scream "I'm a Villain!" And here I was thinking that we were completely over this! Ugh! I hate it when I'm right on the money with things.

"-But she's most likely not, Amelia." I assured her as I squeezed her shoulder. "I just think you are reading into it too much. Should you know by now that it doesn't matter on the person's appearance, but how they handle themselves?" I felt like that was rightfully said. I watched as her eyes flickered with thought as she processed my words. "You may be on to something, Ms. Lina. I think I'm just nervous since she's a newcomer. She's different but that's being from another world-"

"So she is from one of the outer worlds!" The very last person I wanted to hear that from had materialized behind us with a rather disgustedly delightful expression on his face. Xellos lean in closer as he peered hard at the princess. "Is that what you just said, correct?" Amelia's eyes widen in terror as she did not but froze in a horrid silence from the priest's prying. "I knew I heard right. I was right here after I heard you two talking to each other. I couldn't help but to drop in to see what's the gossip was all about."

"That not a fair thing to do, Mr. Xellos…" She crossly stated softly as she slowly rose to her feet. "Ms. Lina and I were having a personal conversation! You had no business eavesdropping in the first place!"

"I only listened because I heard something that pertains to my interest," He argumentatively fired back holding his hand high defensibly. "So I did what I was order to do, and that was one that was confirmed on my list." This guy whips out a notepad in which he with a quill checks off something before stashing them back into his robes. "It is also good to know that you aren't too fond of Proserpina as well…" He coolly added tilting his head at the princess as she fumed with her nostrils flaring. "That may come useful to me at some point I'm sure-"

"Mr. Xellos-"She bellowed furiously clutching her fist. "I would greatly appreciate it if you must remain this to yourself at all cost!" Her voice tremble with a caution to it; there was something she is aware of, but very much doesn't want confrontation of it in any form. Yes, Amelia is entitled to her opinion and she had the right to feel as she wants. Though I disagree with her on her feeling towards Proserpina; yes she is powerful, but if she really wanted to, I'm pretty sure she would have already blown half this land off the map if she was on the 'evil' route. Instead she is oddly peaceful, but I wouldn't pass her off as passive. In a way I can see a part of the princess's concerns of the pearly woman, but I think there is something else rather over looked at the moment that she might as well be instinctively picking up on else wise that is currently unexpressed. Womanly intuition is a force that is undeniably accurate, and when it rears its head and sniffs out the unexpected like a hound. It's one of those things that you can't ignore and brush off like nothing. That is what Amelia is experiencing at least from what I can tell.

The priest didn't sway from his spot as he just remains there quiet as ever. There was this sudden tension between the two the more he kept silence. It must've gotten o the till the point where it started to bother her. She shifted in her seat, before retaking him with a scold.

"Mr. Xellos," Her Voice remain strong even though she still was undeniably angry. "I highly suggest that you keep to yourself, or I'll have to resort to this-"

"And what is that, Princess?" He cooed as she inhales deeply closing her eyes."

"Life is full of sunshine and rainbows!" ACK! She's starting to sing again. It's not like she was horribly off key that is (I mean she is), but the intention that she had behind it was working. I wasn't the only one cringing! HA! Xellos let out a grasp grimacing while clasping his hands tightly over his ears.

"Oh Amelia! You know that sounds so horrible!" He protests loudly as he could over her. "Why do you insist on doing this? You're not very good at it at all!" With that, he vanishes from plain sight. Well would you image that! Something as simple as Amelia going with a tune could drive that guy bonkers!

"That was easy!" I chuckle as she pouts with her arms folded. She stood abruptly huffing loudly as she started to leave the area. "What now?" I asked as she came to a halt.

"I think I'm going to go look for Mr. Zelgadis…" Ah! Gourry was supposed to go find him, but hasn't returned. I'm taking a guess that what she was in a hurried for before she ran into me. He must not be around, because I haven't seen the blonde seeking out my whereabouts yet.

We searched about though and though the Inn, and the guys where nowhere in plain sight; meaning they had to look themselves away in the room or out roaming the village. I was the one brave enough to answer the door, which I got no answer.

"Where do you think they may be?" I had no clue, so I just gave her a shrug as well. I turn to the door to our room. Wiggle the key and found that the room was just as empty.

"I think the question is; where is everybody?"

MEANWHILE*

"No! You have to hold it steady like this-!" Proserpina assertively exclaimed as she demonstrates to Gourry once more for the unknown number of times that she has explain to him; he could not for the life of him grasp the concept of the usage of the modern day sub machine gun.

"But Zel made it looked so easy!" He moaned defensively as his face reddened from embarrassment peering at the blue chimera for some type of moral support. Though he was deny of such when the other turned from him, adjusting his own rifle while he clicked his tongue in disappointment.

"It's honestly not all that difficult…" He retorts annoyingly in a low grumble as he took position to fire, following accordingly to what was instructed before. Steadying his aim at the set of bottles countless yards ahead, he then tilts his head peering into the metal sight as he readies his finger. With a squeeze a bullet was projected, smashing one of the bottles to the right into fragments. "See Gourry; that's how you shoot a gun! It's really simple you know-"

"I guess it easy enough for everyone then…" Pokota chimed in as he readjusts his shotgun to his shoulder. "And he was the least I was expecting to be the least nature at it." Baby, whom sat behind them on perched on an old stump, just silently shook their head as they waited. By now, even a young, newly created creature such as dearest Baby would of now completely learn the concept of how to aim and shoot a firearm. Gourry still had only underachieve this, and by the looks of it, may not as well be successful. The young prince took his aim as well, and blasted a couple of shots forward, exploding more of the glass ahead. He let a satisfying sign before opening the chamber to reload it. Gourry stood in awe as he watched the two continue to shoot off as many containers as they can. His eyes dropped to his gun with his face growing with a sour expression.

"I still don't think I'm cut out for stuff like this…" He glowers eyes casting aside as he hands the rifle over to Proserpina. "I'll just stick to the simple stuff I know-"She stands there with a look of discontent as she yanks it back from him. "Such a party pooper…"

"I'd consider that's a good call!" Pokota howled mirthfully setting the chamber back in place. "Simple may be as good as you can get. Geez…and I wonder why she continues to have him around at times…"

"Hey! Whatzat suppose to mean?!" An enraged flash grew suddenly in his eyes as he narrowed them at the younger prince. With balled fisted he marched over to where Pokota stood and what nearly a foot from him for his response.

"I just can help but to wonder-" He begins in a soft thoughtful manner as he went to grasp the blonds' shoulder. "Why Lina insists on keeping you around! You're beyond simple…Maybe that how she likes them?" He glanced at the other two as the chimera both shrug in an unknowingly way.

"Beats me…" The pearly woman said lowly. "-But I'm not really here kink shame anyone's personal preference." She chuckle as the other shook his head. "I prefer not to say if it's Lina we're talking about…" He utters lowly keeping himself out of this awkward conversation between the two men. Pokota stuck at his teeth as he realized he had no back up from the other two, and certainly not from Baby as the little chimera disagree with a shake of their head.

"I guess the sword is the only thing you know?" He inquired as the blond stood unfazed. "Yeah…at least by you not saying anything it's probably the only thing you would ever know, huh?" Gourry turn back to where the little chimera sat, leaving the other unanswered.

"What! Are you mad at me too?" Baby gave him this bewildered glance before shaking their head. "Good!" The blond stated with affirmation. "At least you get it…"

"I'm pretty sure their still new to everything-" Pokota's brassy tone cause Gourry to jump; which caused him to lose his balance and he crash into the log below. Fortune must've been on his side; for the end that he crashed into, was nearly rotted, and was thin as paper. "But at they are smart enough to know that side of the log is that bad off apparently. That's sad how it is way smarter then you, Gourry."

"There is no way a child can be smarter than me!" Gourry raise from his place in the decomposing wood, brushing off the particulars that stick to his tunic. "How is that so?"

"Mind you Gourry," Zelgadis included as he lower his rifle. "That isn't just an ordinary child-"

"Yeah-Yeah we know!" The younger prince rudely interrupted him as he stood there with his face twitching involuntarily "Their a 'special' case like you and-"

"Excuse me-!" Infuriation overcomes his usual brisk matter-o-fact expressive rapidity as he twisted his grasp on the weapon. "What do you mean by "Special? That sounds so discriminating Pokota!-"

"I WASN"T IMPLYING THAT!" The younger prince bellowed in return as his face reddened somewhat as his dark eyes narrowed. "I was merely stating that thing-"He thrusts a finger at Baby, who stared back with their eyebrows knitted tightly. "-is a similar case like the two of you are!" There was a pause when he glanced at the pearly woman momentary, who just says in a mediocre fashion. She didn't show much offense to the comment he made. The young prince frowns as the tug his locks and growled in frustration. Her haughty reaction fused him ever more as he turn back to Zelgadis. "I wasn't trying to display any sort of ageism towards any of you. I was just pointing it the facts! It's not my fault you got all bent out of shape out it-"

"It's just the way it sounded!" The other retorted as he relocked the rifle's chamber. "We are all aware of what they are, but you didn't have to use that choice of words-"

"Why?! There's nothing wrong with the word "special'-!

"You could of have said something different still!"

"You know what?" Pokota fumed as he tosses the shotgun back to Proserpina. With a swift moment she catches it!

"Hey! This is an antic!" She hissed as the prince continued, ignoring her all together.

"What then…" The commanding reprimand caused the younger prince to ball his fist as he fought back to urge to throw something at Zelgadis.

"I think you just- have this huge problem with me!" Gourry gasped as Proserpina grumbled lowly turning her back as she fidgets into her pocket; "I'm not high enough for this…"

"I know nothing about this…" The awe stricken blond approaches the two as he lean in towards Zel. "Is this true?"

A/N: With the summer season dying down, things will take on a slower pace in my lifestyle. Good. I'm hella tired from all the ripping and running done the past few months. I spent most of my time catching up on things and watching my son express his creative side. Though I didn't tend to writing as much as I could during the colder season, I still manage a decent flow. Even though there where night I was fired, and the best I could was a sentence, but at least I kept to my own personal commitment and pursuit. I know my story isn't entirely the most popular, I do take great enjoyment in expressing it the best I can in words. I hope one day it pays off.

The following chapters are going to be pretty fun to write…. I'm not going to share any spoilers. Stay tune and see what finds out next!

As always thank you for your views. They are always appreciated.