Disclaimer: The Slayers is property of Hajime Kanzaka.

The Slayers: Courage

By Eugena

Rated: M

AU third series after Next. Pairings: Zelgadiss/Lina and Xellos/Lina.

Episode One:

"Destruction and Rebirth! The Monster's Test Begins!"

My name is Lina Inverse, dragon slayer extraordinaire. My companions and I have traveled many places in search of the Claire Bible. After beating Hellmaster Phibrizzo, it seems things in our lives have calmed down a bit. Well . . . I shouldn't speak too soon. We're off to a new adventure, and I know I'll never be the same.

The Slayers: Courage

When you really love someone, you let them go. I finally learned that. After finally getting Gourry back, I thought I should leave him alone with Sylphiel. After all, they have a lot to talk about. As for me, I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do. I need some time apart from him for now.

"Gourry, dear, are you sure you are alright?" Sylphiel asked him.

"I'm fine. I don't remember what happened, but I'm pretty sure it was important."

Amelia smiled at him. In all her faith in love and justice, she wanted to believe it was Lina's and Gourry's love for each other that brought her back. Sure, everyone wanted Lina back. But it was true love that saved her.

Xellos looked on from the astral plane, disgusted with what he saw. Though he couldn't quite read Amelia's mind, he felt a 'truth and justice' type speech seep out of her. What could she be going on about? He wondered. I can't stand it.

His eyes lingered on Lina Inverse, the amazing human that had summoned his ultimate mother—The Lord of Nightmares. He had bowed to her as she possessed Lina's body, knowing fully well that she and what remained of Lina would return to the Sea of Chaos.

To be destroyed, he thought, like his master Phibrizzo had wanted. To be destroyed by Lina Inverse and reign with her in the Sea of Chaos. His nausea from Amelia passed. The Lord of Nightmares was certainly capricious. Did she choose to let Lina go? Could she feel Xellos' hunger for her? He would have to return to his first master, the Greater Beast. No time for worrying over Lina or her friends.

"Amelia, snap out of it!" Zelgadiss shouted. "What's the matter?"

Amelia blushed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Zelgadiss, I was just thinking about the true power of love."

"Power of love?"

Amelia clasped her hands together and got a far off, love-struck look in her eyes. "Ms. Lina and Mr. Gourry have triumphed over great evil through their power of love!" She threw up her hands in a victory pose. "Isn't that wonderful?"

Zelgadiss looked away. "Are you sure, Amelia?"

Amelia turned on him, the full wrath of 'Pacifist Crush' nearby, "What do you mean, Mr. Zelgadiss? Are you saying love isn't wonderful?"

"No-no," he stammered, "that's not what I meant at all." Amelia's way too emotional with this love and justice bit. "I mean aren't they a little young to be in love? Actually in love?"

Amelia turned away, wounded by his words. "Do you mean that you would be too young to be in love, Mr. Zelgadiss? What if . . . ?" her voice trailed off.

"Amelia . . . ." he said no more. He knew what she was really trying to say. Ever since they first met, Amelia's affections for him became more apparent. Yet she had been too late. Zelgadiss tried to deny his own feelings, but he often envied the clueless Gourry for the glances Lina had given to him. I won't abandon her, even if she would never choose me, he thought.

Lina looked at the pair—Sylphiel and Gourry—each seeming so unaware in their own way. When Sylphiel first learned of Gourry's capture, she had fainted. Gourry was someone precious to her. Like Lina, she could not imagine losing him. Sylphiel had said she was willing to do anything to save him, even sex appeal—unthinkable for a shrine maiden. She now wanted to travel with Lina and Gourry, and Lina didn't know if she could deal with that.

She smiled a nervous smile and laughed. "Hey guys," she said to Sylphiel and Gourry, "let's go eat to celebrate."

"Alright!" shouted Gourry, leaping into the air.

"Sounds good to me!" Amelia cried, rushing in.

Sylphiel clapped her hands together and laughed, happy and relieved that they were all safe.

Wolfpack Island

The Greater Beast Zellas Metallium summoned her only son, Xellos, back to her. Unlike the other dark lords, she had chosen only one chief servant, and one whom she made out of herself. Composing herself in a part wolf, part human form, she waited for him. It would not take him long to return. Yet she used the time to reflect on Xellos' past.

"Clearly taken with her," she said aloud, although only she could hear it. "We will see just how much you are still mazoku, my son." A vision came to her, her son and the sorceress. She may have befriended Luna, but she would not tolerate her sister or anyone taking her own flesh from her.

She felt Xellos' presence. He knelt before her.

"My son," she greeted.

My master is not in a good mood when she calls me her son. She is angry with me.

"Your companion summoned the Lord of Nightmares and destroyed Phibrizzo. Her will is strong. Xellos, what would you do if I ordered her to kill her?"

"My master, I would do it."

"Would you hate me for it?"

"You are the only one I treasure, mother. You are my master and mother. I will never deny your command."

"Go, my son, and watch her."

He hesitated for a moment. "You wish me to kill her now?"

"You hesitate, Xellos. You should do it immediately. But no, I do not want you to kill her. Yet. Watch her." Watch her as any mazoku would. I will test your blood with hers.

Everything seems to be going just fine with me and the gang. But wait a minute—Martina! Let's not forget our favorite servant of Zoamelgustar! And, Xellos, what do you mean by an apology? Hey wait a minute, aren't I an innocent girl?

Next Time:

"Engagement! You call THAT an apology?"