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Shielding herself from the flying stone, Countessa did not see the hand that shot towards her. Roaring, Nogard lifted Countessa off the floor by her neck.

"DESERTER! TRAITOR!"

"N-no m'lady!" Countessa choked fearfully. "I only left because I knew you would have wanted me to come back and free you as I have done!"

Snarling, Nogard threw Countessa across the room.

---

Elsewhere, Larkin sat up and looked about. She had a bad feeling that trouble was brewing. Grabbing her swords, Larkin hurried off to the cave where she and the Gaian-Worlders had sealed Nogard in stone 54 human years ago.

---

Slamming into a wall and sliding down, Countessa said, "Please, m'lady! I only did what I thought you would have me do!"

"I would not have had you run!" Nogard yelled, stalking Countessa. "I would have had you here by my side fighting Dragon's b***h granddaughter!"

"Please! Forgive me!" Countessa whimpered, pressing into the rock wall behind her.

Cocking her head, Nogard smiled maliciously. "Perhaps there is a way you can be forgiven. It seems we have company. Do away with her before they see me."

"Yes m'lady," Countessa replied, getting up.

---

The cave wound back and forth for half a mile before coming to the wide space where Nogard was sealed. Twirling her swords nervously, Larkin eased her way through the tunnel. As she neared the final bend, Larkin encounted Countessa.

"So, Countessa. You're not dead."

"Oh, m'lady will enjoy this," Countessa grinned, raising her wand. "For me to kill the grandchild of her greatest enemy."

"Your 'lady' is forever sealed in stone," Larkin replied. "Without her, you stand no chance against me, you filthy mamoto."

"Do not be so sure, Larkin-chan," Nogard said, stepping into view. "Your powers are not that of your grandmother's."

"N-Nogard!?" Larkin exclaimed, dropping her defenses.

"COREVSA!" Nogard yelled.

Suddenly, Countessa's eyes glowed white as a ball of dark energy circled by red flames grew from the tip of her wand. When it had gathered enough strength, the attack sped towards Larkin.

At the last moment, Larkin brough her swords up to deflect the blast. However, the ball of dark energy slammed into her right eye and deflected off the bridge of her nose. Spinning to the left from the hit, Larkin slammed to the ground.