---o--o--o---
Disclaimer fun!
Ok, usual peanuts. I don't have any money. Well, not really...All characters in this work are owned by Kadokawa Shoten. The author of this fan fiction therefore only owns the writings. Oh, and to those people who gave me permission to use their handles...well, you did give me permission....right? This copyright is 2001-2003 (that's right!) under Devin A. Brown.
UPDATED - 11/02/02 - I've gone over some the earlier chapters and edited a little for grammar and such. One of the chapters wasn't even edited at all (how did THAT happen o.O) Either way, it should be quite readable now... :p
---o--o--o---
Scene: Old 19th Century Playhouse in Paris
[Lina] Well, maybe an introduction is in order. Let's see! {breaks out scroll that rolls endlessly onto the floor} Once, a long time ago...in a land far, far away...{looks up in disgust} Bah, never mind. I'm not good at this stuff. {Tosses scroll off-stage} Let's just see what kind of trouble I can get into!
---o--o--o---
Slayers: Clouds!
Chapter 1:
Run! Attack of the Hungry Mob!
---o--o--o---
"Ohhh...this is so good." Lina was holding up three slices of bacon in her left hand as she ate a fourth piece from her right hand. Cepheid forbid she was going to leave to food on the plate. Lina only knew if Gourry had his chance, he would have taken it by now.
"Ymmm," she exclaimed, as she shot an entire crisp piece into her mouth. Still holding onto the other bacon strips, Lina reached across the table in front of Zelgadis and Amelia, grabbing the last morning biscuit. In between alternate bits of bacon and bread, the sorcerer did managed to say a few more words.
"So, Gourry, don't you think we should order another round?"
"No fair!" Gourry's hands were filled with cooked sausage and toast, there would be no way for him to grab to last morsel for himself.
As Lina popped the last treat into her mouth, she could practically hear Gourry's whimper at the lack of food in front of him.
"So, Zel, its your turn. I've kind of thinking of heading towards Atlas City; you know, to sell some of my latest bandit finds." Behind the redhead was a rather large canvas bag, filled with artwork she had 'collected' in the last couple of days. "I, for once, am getting tired of robbing bandits all the time. All this fricken' stuff is hard to drag around!"
The sorcerer refused to leave her valuables in her room, instead she took them everywhere for safekeeping. Never trust a maid, only yourself, was her current motto.
This time, her treasure sack had become quite cumbersome, the catch had grown to almost the size of herself. Not that it mattered, since Lina did none of the lifting...
"Heh, what do you think I've been doing the last three days." exclaimed the swordsman, pinching his back while wincing in pain. If the sorcerer didn't have Gourry's help her this time, it would have been a REAL bitch for her to get around.
"Ehm..." sighed the chimera. It was apparent that Zelgadis was not interested in Lina's latest conversation. "I was thinking of the Lain Mountains to the northwest." Zelgadis had finished off his breakfast of orange juice and waffles, his silverware neatly crisscrossing his perfectly clean single plate. "Some ancient tomes were just uncovered by a few bad weather storms. Hopefully, there are some secrets that were uncovered as well."
Gourry looked from his half-filled plate of food, then at his fork with a sausage on its end. He swallowing the last link from sight, as if dunking the beast into his mouth. "Hmmm..."
"Maybe we could head in that direction, all of us." Amelia looked over Gourry distastefully at his table manners. Never in her life would her father allow for such beast at his royal table. She turned to Zelgadis was has already daintily eaten his portions of breakfast in moderation and smiled. At least there was one thing she wouldn't have to teach...
"Gourry, do you have anything to say?"
"I'm knt 'inished hewen my food." Gourry was quickly trying to eat the last three pieces of toast in his hand. Unfortunately, the toast was drawing his mouth for refreshments, for the swordsman could no longer speak clairvoyant words. "Autr! Autr!"
Lina reached around her chair, swiping a water jug from the server's tray. She quickly passed the pitcher of water to Gourry.
"Baka! What the hell are you doing stuffing yourself!" Instead of pouring the water into Gourry's empty glass, she tipped the filled pitcher toward Gourry's awaiting mouth.
"Burb...Glub...Glurb..."
"More water, Gourry dear?"
Gourry tried to shake his head from side-to-side. No avail. Lina was applying enormous pressure with the her arms, making sure the water pitcher was tightly attached to the swordsman's chin.
"....GLOB!...."
"Yes sir! Weellll, here you go!" Lina tilted the pitcher up at a crazy angle. The swordsman's only gut reaction was to grab both side of the jug and down the water as fast as possible.
"....GLOB!...GLOB!...aaachhhh!" The blond dropped the empty pitcher on the table as it rattled into place. Lina stared at the empty water jug, amazed that Gourry has downed the water so fast.
"Training camp for swords. Nothing but guys around," said Gourry.
"WHA?" Lina's jaw hit the table.
The rest of the group eyed Gourry warily.
"Oh," finished the swordsman. "I meant for drinking games!"
"Itia!" Lina punched the blond hard and unexpectedly backwards. The blond idiot landed firmly on his back, his chair tipping over from the fall. The rest of the group could hear Gourry's stomach lurch like a full skein of water.
"Anoo" The blond bishie made a grab at his tummy.
The innkeeper came scurrying over to his fallen customer. He looked down at the fallen swordsman as his facial expression turned from shock to distaste.
"I think you had better keep this place together, fella." He was a rather pasty fellow, fat and balding, easily more than twice the age of the great petite Lina Inverse.
"Ummm, yea." Gourry was rubbing his behind. "I'll watch out..." Gourry quickly sprang to his feet, easily surviving the fall. However, Gourry's chair had not been so lucky.
"Biru, you baka. Be careful next time, otherwise..." The innkeeper looked down at where Gourry had landed -- and found his piece of furniture in broken pieces. "I don't believe this..." he muttered, picking up the mess of wood.
Gourry found another chair and had already made himself at home, eating away his next breakfast course like nothing had happened.
"Ehm..." commented Biru, holding up a broken chair leg for all to see. "You stupid kids."
"Sorry about that...we'll be glad to-" Amelia was quickly clammed up by Lina, as the redhead tightened her grip around the princess's mouth.
"Heh, kids say the darnest thing, don't they?" Lina batted her eyelids at Biru while her hands were busy. "We should really teach them to respect their elders."
"MnnnnnPHPHHP! mmm go of mmm!" Amelia tried to struggle in her seat, but Lina was a strong one.
"She get a bit hyperactive at times," said Zel, "so we give Amelia dear a good swift beating every once in a while." The chimera winked at the little princess to cover his tracks, but is was apparent that the shrine maiden was not amused.
"MMPPPHH!!!"
"Hai, isn't she sweet." Lina's words were not exactly soothing to the innkeeper's ears. "And she cooks and cleans so well!"
Biru really didn't care for the theatrics, he want wanted the table to turn over to some other normal customers. "Here you go," he exclaimed as he tossed the check face-down on the table.
Nobody reached for it.
"It's your turn, Amelia." snapped Lina.
"No way! Justice is not made of MONEY!"
The sorcerer turned and squarely looked at the blond swordsman as she purred.
"Ummm." It was fun to hear if Gourry could make an excuse on the spot. It was sure to be a doozy. "I paid of for last night's feast. Those ribs were really good. Don't you remember?"
Lina sweat dropped. "How could you not forget paying for last night!"
Gourry looked up at the sorcerer. "Easy." Reaching for his waist and pulling it up, Gourry plopped his coin purse onto the table. Instead of the usual sound of jingling coins against the table, the bag collapsed on itself silently.
"Oh."
"Lina," said the chimera, "I would look to see who has the most money with them right now."
"Well, in that case..." She took a look back at chimera, who was pulling the lint out of his pockets.
It hit her like a ton of bricks as the rest of them eyed Lina and her huge sack of prized treasures. "Fine." She picked up the check and turned it over. As soon as she focused on the addition of the numbers, her eyes were as large as dinner plates.
"What!!" Lina couldn't stop breathing as she took in the total of the bill. She flipped the bill back down onto the table. "We're splitting this equally."
"No! Justice demands that you fairly pay this bill. That is your duty!, Lina!" Amelia stood up on her chair, even if there didn't seem to be much of a height difference to the rest of the group. It certainly sagged their faces as well as getting the attention of the other customers.
The chimera eyed Lina carefully as he spoke. "Take a look at how many plates of food we ate compared to you two." Zelgadis was clearly comparing the stacks of plates and bowls of finished food in front of Gourry and Lina with the single empty plates in front of Amelia and himself. "You did learn to add at one point."
She swiped the check back into her hand. "Hm. Fine!" Lina was fumed that she would have to pay the entire amount. It was that second look at the bill that the sorcerer noticed something quite particular.
"IIIEEE! In the name of Cepheid!" The redhead was breathing awfully heavy as she sang into an ugly tirade. "Innkeeper! Get over here!"
Biru was well aware the screams from the far table as he came over to Lina. "It's 'Biru,' Ms. Inverse. I have told you that a few times already." More than enough already, for the old guy was tired of replacing is own furniture and inn for that matter.
"OK, Biru." Lina spat, pointing to a particular in her bill for the innkeeper to see. "What in the world is that!"
"That's Inverse tax, ma'am."
Lina turned white. "Whaaa! Do you have a death wish!"
Biru sweat dropped as the rest of Lina's group huddled ever so closer. "For every time you've been to my inn, you're had little 'accidents' each and every time. Today, it's a chair. Yesterday was a new roof. A week ago, a enraged group of thieves decided to ambush you during your lunch time. I'm still cleaning out the fireplace since you decided to give someone the 'hotfoot' treatment!"
The customers behind Biru laughed. "Hey! They ruined my lunch! And you should be thankful that I come back here." She threw the check back down on the table once again. "I'm not paying your stupid little charge. No way!"
"What makes you think that you're not going to pay for your stupid little parties!" said Biru. "I say it's time to play up!"
"FIREBALL!"
---o--o--o---
"Did you really have to do that?" Amelia was huffing and puffing from her run; more than covered with fine soot from Lina's fireball explosion. "Aaaagh!" Looking at her clothes only royally pissed herself off, the new outfit were now road-worn and dirty.
"Yea, so." Lina as usual had managed to get out of the inn without a scratch. That could not be said for the rest of the party.
"Well, next time, leave your fireballs away," said Zelgadis. "Maybe we should be blessed for your time of the month."
Lina quickly evil-eyed the chimera before looking up the path. As they crossed over another larger hill, they stopped to catch their breaths.
Behind them, the chatter of the approaching crowd was quickly catching up. Men and women, young and old, were after them like a group possessed. The a couple of diners still had their dinner napkins tucked in their shirts. In their hands were serving forks and knives, ready for action.
"Wow, those diners are pissed," Gourry announced flatly.
"Noodle for brains," said Lina, turning to the rest of the group. "Let's get the hell out of here!"
They took off to flee from the avenging diners. Amelia was running as fast as her little legs could carry her, but it wasn't quite fast enough. She didn't see the tree root by her foot, causing her fall to the ground with a flat thud.
"Zel! Lina!"
Zelgadis and Lina turned around as soon as they heard the fallen cries from the princess. "Amelia! Are you ok?" The group circled back to Amelia's fallen position, they could see the crowd approaching very, very quickly. Lina looked up and shot them a 'don't mess with me' look to no avail.
"Don't hurt them," said Amelia, "they're only upset that Biru passed his Inverse tax on them as well."
"Oh, yeah?" said the sorcerer, prepping for a spell I won't hurt them....that much!" stammered Lina.
"Or maybe it's because you charred their food into ashes...hmmm?"
"BOMB DI WIND!"
---o--o--o---
It was close to dark when they reached the next sign of civilization. When they crossed the last hill, the town that was suppose to be there was no longer a small hamlet but a small bustling city. Torches and controlled flames lit up most of the valley in a spectacular in then. Around the other limits of the small metropolitan were well-guarded ivory walls.
"Eh! What happened to the little hamlet of Monte Darlo!" asked Lina. "It used to have this nice little inn that made the best stew for miles around."
"Hmmm....." answered Zelgadis. "I haven't been here in years, but I think they made some improvements. The little town grew up."
Gourry wasn't using his eyes, but his nose. He could no longer contain himself as his tongue hung out of his mouth like an old sheepdog. "Lina, you smell that wonderful odor?"
"Yea, I smell it too. I didn't think it was possible, but I think they improved one thing!" Lina was already thinking about it before her words reached her ears. "And its not a little bit of food to be sure. Let's go!"
As they approached the city gates, the traveling party was stopped at the entrance guard from Monte Darlo. The fierce man wore a black cowl, costume and dark complexion immediately scared Amelia.
The huge muscled man looked like he has just left executioners convention: his right hand held a five foot axe -- the color as black as the sea of chaos, its surface reflective like the sun's rays on a clear cloudless day.
"Halt!" The guard tipped forward to get a good look at the group. "The rules to enter are very simple. No swords. No knives. You leave your weapons here!" He pointed the sharp front tip of his axe to the sign. "No magic staffs, wands, and talismans of any kind!"
Lina was furious. "Who do you think you're talking to, buddy? I'm not giving up my talismans for anyone. There's no way." Lina broke out her fists in a bit of a mock-up at the guard. "Got that?"
"Ummm, Lina," said Amelia, "are you sure he's going to listen to you? After all, I think his ax is taller than you."
Instead on looking down on pint-sized Lina, the huge man blinked his eyes, the whites easily flashing under the black cowl. He was no longer paying attention to the diminutive sorcerer, but to the chimera behind her.
"Mr. Zelgadis?..." answered the giant of a man. "Is that you?"
The chimera pushed Lina out of the way with his hand, to get a closer look at the guard. "Little Timothy?"
Lina and Amelia facefaulted.
The scary face complexion of the dark guard was immediately lifted away. His hands quickly pulled off his black cowl, revealing the face of a young man. He wasn't cruel and insufferable, but the face of a cubby that was bit distorted in features from bad teeth. Yet, his expression was full of love and the warmth of a youngster.
"Mr. Zelgadis! It IS YOU!" rushed Timothy. His voice was excited like a schoolboy, much more high-pitched and friendly than from the interrogation mode before. The guard hugged the chimera, he lifted Zelgadis into the air, swinging him around like a children's rag-doll.
"...Timothy...*gruff*" Zel's eyes bulged from the intense squeeze around his midsection.
"ITS BEEN SO LONG!"
Amelia could swear the big guy was crying.
".....put me d'wn...." Zelgadis was turning a bit more blue than his usual self, if at all possible.
"MY DADDY IS GOING TO BE SO HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU!"
"...TIMOTHY-CHAN!!"
The now inconspicuous guard put down Zelgadis in front of Lina. "That's better, Timothy." The chimera straightened out his cape and shirt as Timothy continued to stare down at his long-lost friend.
"...sorry."
"Very good." Zelgadis bleeped.
"OK, Mr. Zelgadis!" It didn't stop master Timothy from patting the top of Zel's stony hairdo like a puppy dog.
"....Timothy!" growled the chimera. "I'm not a rabbit!"
"Oh, that's right," said the guard. He crossed his feet in slight shame. "....sorry."
Zelgadis didn't have a chance to see what the rest of his companions were doing. A quick turn of the head revealed it: the whole group hysterical, grabbing their tummies while recovering from bouts of laughing. Even Amelia was on the ground, still giggling with fits of laughter.
"Little Timothy...hehehe...that's so kawaii!"
"That's not funny," frowned Zelgadis. "I suggest we follow Timothy's directions if we expect to get into Monte Darlo."
Lina buttoned her lips closed. She politely stepped to the side while rolled up her sleeves in earnest. "Oh really," as she eyed Timothy. "Then who's going to make me?"
Timothy spun the battle axe over in his head like it was a pole without its metallic end. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but that's is the rule here."
The sorcerer glared up. "Ma'am? Do you think I'm old."
"Why, yes! I do!"
"FLARE ARR-" Zelgadis covered Lina's mouth before the sorcerer could complete the spell of destruction.
The chimera proceeded to point out the rest of the group his former acquaintance. "Sorry, Timothy. Its just that its her time to be grouchy."
"...hmmmmm!" Lina flapped her loose arms like a moth to no avail.
"Heh," said Zel, "That's Amelia over there and Gourry behind me." The guard watched as Zel's introduction had each of his friend waving off. "Oh, as you can see, I'm holding onto one Lina Inverse. She's just a bit sensitive about these types of things. Aren't you, Lina?"
Timothy nodded an affirmative.
"She is very happy to meet you...at least that what I can understand" The chimera was having a hard time controlled the petite redhead in his grasps.
"...ummmmeph...."
Timothy scratched his head. "I'm sure."
"Excuse me," asked Amelia, approaching from the side, "Why do we need to leave our weapons outside?"
"Miss Amelia," exclaimed Timothy as he switched into tourist mode. "The city of Monto Darlo is a destination resort. As a magnificent destination, we offer the finest gambling houses in all lands-"
Lina managed to squirm unexpectedly out of the chimera grasp -- not in anger but on sheer excitement. "Gambling! Did you say gambling!" Gourry and Lina eyes were wide as serving plates. Poor Timothy could not understand.
"Gambling? Yeah...we've got that.." said Timothy. "The finest slots in the land, with as many as a hundred blackjack and cards games. We also have inn rooms, a spa, and--"
Zelgadis finished little Timothy's with this description. "Yes, and food. Restaurants. Fine Dining establishments. And most of all-"
"I know! I know!" Lina's voice was about to reach new heights.
"That means..." Amelia chimed in now, for her tongue lapped out of her mouth like a hungry puppy dog. "Unlimited. All you can eats. A buffet line that stretches for miles. I remember when we went to Las Vega and didn't leave for three days-"
"FFFFFOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!"
As is right on, Lina and Gourry were zombies, their mouths were watering like soda fountains. The swordsman tossed his sword hazardly to Timothy and strolled right in. Lina was right behind the blond, unclasping her four demon talismans, blindly handing them to the guard. She couldn't even wait that long, zipping around Gourry to get into town first. Amelia followed the two like a puppy following its master, walking on air past Timothy. The three of them would have deserted the Claire Bible if it meant getting into Monte Darlo and its buffet lines.
"I guess we're going in," said Zelgadis as he unbuckled his sword, dropping it into Timothy's large hands. "We'll catch you inside sometime."
"Hai!" waved the guard. "See you soon!"
---o--o--o---
"Wow, I don't think I could eat another bite!" Lina padded her stomach; just by the very feel it seemed to be a bit larger.
"Really, Lina, they didn't have to beg us to leave." Gourry's stomach growled as it were half-hungry, even though it was the size of a small house. "They said if we stopping eating, that they wouldn't charge us. How about that!"
"Ahhh, that poor restaurant. I've never been able to turn down a free meal.
"In that case," said Amelia, "we'll get a snack at some other place. Its only fair."
Zel watched his friend waddle like ducks down the street, sweatdropping all the way.
The four of them took attention to the rest of Monte Darlo. While parading on the crowded streets, the nighttime was surrounded by the unnatural candles and torches of all the buildings. It was as if the daytime was occurring. It was so one could read the signs and posters displayed everywhere. Some of the larger casinos even had wizards flashing fireworks and light spells in the air, trying to attract customers into their establishment.
Lina looked over one billboard. "Bleah, who's this Turnip character? It's like his face and name is everywhere!" exclaimed the sorcerer. "Heh, it's like he owns this town!" It every possible sight direction was a poster or sign for 'Turnip's' casino, a giant image of himself showboating with sacks of coins in the background. It was as if he wasn't just showing off the casino, but how rich he was as well.
"So, what do we do now?" asked Amelia.
"Leave. This is a disgusting place." Zelgadis was clearly unhappy to be around. "I wouldn't mind parking somewhere outside this artificial city."
"But I wanted to stick around for breakfast!" wined Amelia.
"Well, I've still got all this bandit loot with me." Lina eyed the canvas bag of goodies that Gourry was carrying effortlessly for her. "I'm going to hit the pawn shops and sell this stuff. After all, these stores are open all night!"
"Yea, to supply the gamblers a way get even poorer," answered Zelgadis.
"Doesn't matter to me. I'm sure to get a good price for the whole lot of it." The sorcerer turned towards the closest shop. "Why don't you meet us on that casino floor," said Lina, pointing easily to the largest building in Monte Darlo, aptly named 'Turnip Towers'.
"Whatever." The chimera crossed his arms. "In one hour."
---o--o--o---
The floor of the casino was huge. There were at least fifty gaming tables of blackjack, craps, poker, and several other gambling games going on. It looked like cheap thrills, which immediately turned the chimera off.
The casino crowd was indeed a strange mix. Some of the were quite wealthy, they stuck out like sore thumbs dressed in silk suits and other expensive dress ware. But the rest of them were a rough bunch. Zelgadis could tell they were mostly bandits, mercenaries and professional fighters, mixed with an occasional freelancing sorcerer.
It was going to be impossible to find Lina in the next hour.
"Zelgadis," quietly said Amelia as she held the arm of the stony man, "It's a bit scary in here. I mean, who would go to such a place?"
"We're fine, Amelia." The chimera scanned the audience on the floor for familiar faces. Members of the jagged dagger bandit group were seated at the roulette table. A few dressed chaotic woman sorcerers were playing blackjack, their outfits more than revealing. He could tell the dealer was having to time of his life. Zelgadis decided to look over in the opposite direction by the craps table.
"Oops...heheh, pardon me. Hey, you're a cute one." After been pumped, Amelia looked up to find herself face-to-face with a rather older man. She could tell that the stranger once had wild red colored hair that was now gray from age and wear. He was almost two feet taller than Amelia, but as thin as a rail with slumping shoulders, a weathered dirty face, and hollowed eyes. Amelia outweighed him by only a few pounds.
"Leave her alone." Zelgadis stuck himself between the two of them. "Get out of here. Now!"
"Oh, I'm sorry..." The old guy pulled his arms off Amelia's waist while he continued to look down. "Heh...uhm...how clumsy. Thoth is my name here, but everyone calls me mad Thoth."
"I think you had better be on your way, Thoth," Zelgadis stammered.
"Oh, yes, yes indeed. Oh, I can't believe I did that. Stupid me." Thoth looked down at Amelia again. "Sorry about that cutie." He polity bowed as he turned around and walked behind them.
Amelia was startled for a sec but she quickly regained her balance. When she did get her senses back, Zelgadis knew something was up.
"My wrist bracelet." It was clear she was referring to her left bracelet, the one with a blue ball and a white star that the chimera had 'conveniently' borrowed. "It's missing! I must have dropped it during our chase here."
Zelgadis turned and growled.
"THOTH!!"
"...oh dear!" The old man tried to run, but he scarcely got twenty yards in the crowd before Zelgadis caught up to him.
"Oh my...why hello stony!"
"Don't call me stony! Its Mr. Zelgadis to you."
"Oh, did Mr. Thoth do something....ummm....wrong?"
"YES! I would say so!" Zelgadis has grabbed the poor gentleman by the dirty neck collar and threatened to lift the poor guy off the floor and throw him. "WHERE IS IT?"
"Where's what, blue?" spoke Thoth, in a raspy voice.
"Grrrrr....." He shoved the old man into a high chair at an empty blackjack table. "Amelia's bracelet, you one-bit thief for brains." Zelgadis was practically breathing down Thoth's neck.
"You know fella, you got some really powerful breath there. How about a mint?" Thoth reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out an unwrapped red candy piece.
"No, thank you!" The chimera sniffed coldly, for he could barely tell it was candy since it was covered with dirt and lint. Instead, the candy piece fell needlessly to the ground.
"Now, look what you did. It took me five dumpsters to find that piece."
"Hand it over, NOW!"
A voice behind them interrupted the chimera's interrogation. "Please put down the gentleman, sir."
Zelgadis turned behind his shoulder to find two rent-a-guards from Turnip Towers. The guards were dressed in identical dark blue suits. Each of them flanked Amelia on either side, armed with mini-crossbows dangling around their waist.
"He took her bracelet," explained the chimera.
One of the security guards came over. "Come on, Mad Thoth, how about you give back the bracelet."
"No!" The old man violently shook.
"I suggest you do, *MAD* Thoth, otherwise you may not be mad for much longer." Zelgadis was about to reach back with his fist when Amelia stopped him.
"Justice doesn't do this, Zelgadis. Justice is fair."
"Heh, perhaps I'll reconsider..."
Amelia wandered up to Thoth, her eyes on the old man. "Why did you take my bracelet?" as she pulled the fixture of her desire out of Thoth's hands
"I'm hungry. I could have pawned it for a few copper coins for dinner. "
Unsurprised by the answer, Amelia has already reached into her purse and pulled out a few copper coins of her own. "Please, be careful. Thoth." Placing the coins into Thoth's hands, she turned to the surprised guards. "Please, do no press charges against this man. There is no justice in imprisoning the hungry."
"Yes, ma'am." responded the rend-a-guards as they retreated back into the crowd.
"Why, thank you, ma-am. I am in debt to you."
Amelia slightly blushed. "Oh, there's no need..."
Zelgadis took a step closer.
"Oh well, gotta go, I need to make the early-dinner buffet." And Thoth quickly made himself scarce.
"Good riddance." Zelgadis just glared to where the old man had once stood.
---o--o--o---
Lina and Gourry were already in the casino mulling around. But it was clear to that Lina was royalty peeved.
"I can't believe they only gave me 200 gold coins for that stuff. I mean, it was worth at least three times as much! Damn this city, this place is a sellers market because everyone needs money to supply their gambling habits."
"Hai."
"I don't know why I didn't blast them. Oh yeah, that's right. Cause I wouldn't then have any money!"
Lina and Gourry were now smack-dab in the middle of the casino floor of Turnip Towers, taking in all the cheep thrills. "Would you look at this place? All this riffraff. I bet there are some wanted men around here!"
"Uh-huh. And those chaotic women sorcerers are kinda hot!"
Lina slapped Gourry in the head a bit harder than usual. "Baka! You hentai, pay attention to me for once."
"Ummm, ok." But Gourry was not looking at her.
"Do you know who I am?" Lina flashed up her arms in attempt to flash her blood talisman on her wrist. Is was then she realized they weren't there because 'little Timothy' was holding onto them.
"Yea, you're Lina!"
Lina blandly looked at Gourry distastefully. No, this wasn't working for her right now. She really didn't want to deal with it right now, but sometimes it was amazing what she had put up in the last year. Hmmm, she wondered....
"Goodie! I won!"
"Huh!" exclaimed Gourry. "I thought I..."
"Yea, you did!" exclaimed Lina as they ran to the nearby craps table with Gourry close behind. "Over here."
And then they saw her. She was handling a large stash of at least several hundred chips as she barked out her orders to the casino minions. "15 pieces on the nine, and 2 pieces on the hard eight. And you better keep those winnings on the pass line."
"Yes, ma'am! It's your turn at the dice again! Point is six."
The female shooter rolled.
"Six! Winna!" flatly announced the head attendant, nodding his head.
"I won again!" shouted the shrine maiden.
"Sylphiel?" asked a surprised Lina as the dark-haired on gathered her chips up. "Sylphiel Nels Lahda, what in Cepheid's name are you doing here!"
"Oh, Lina! Gourry dear! How nice to see you!" She didn't seem at all surprised by her circumstances as she quietly rolled the shoot.
Lina and Gourry looked at each other, shocked as hell.
---o--o--o---
[Lina] What! You're going to end it here! Are you nuts!
[Author] Heh? Haven't you heard? I like to end on a cliffhanger... :p
[Lina] Oh yeah, well then...FLARE ARROW!
[Author] Eeeep!
---o--o--o---
Disclaimer fun!
Ok, usual peanuts. I don't have any money. Well, not really...All characters in this work are owned by Kadokawa Shoten. The author of this fan fiction therefore only owns the writings. Oh, and to those people who gave me permission to use their handles...well, you did give me permission....right? This copyright is 2001-2003 (that's right!) under Devin A. Brown.
UPDATED - 11/02/02 - I've gone over some the earlier chapters and edited a little for grammar and such. One of the chapters wasn't even edited at all (how did THAT happen o.O) Either way, it should be quite readable now... :p
---o--o--o---
Scene: Old 19th Century Playhouse in Paris
[Lina] Well, maybe an introduction is in order. Let's see! {breaks out scroll that rolls endlessly onto the floor} Once, a long time ago...in a land far, far away...{looks up in disgust} Bah, never mind. I'm not good at this stuff. {Tosses scroll off-stage} Let's just see what kind of trouble I can get into!
---o--o--o---
Slayers: Clouds!
Chapter 1:
Run! Attack of the Hungry Mob!
---o--o--o---
"Ohhh...this is so good." Lina was holding up three slices of bacon in her left hand as she ate a fourth piece from her right hand. Cepheid forbid she was going to leave to food on the plate. Lina only knew if Gourry had his chance, he would have taken it by now.
"Ymmm," she exclaimed, as she shot an entire crisp piece into her mouth. Still holding onto the other bacon strips, Lina reached across the table in front of Zelgadis and Amelia, grabbing the last morning biscuit. In between alternate bits of bacon and bread, the sorcerer did managed to say a few more words.
"So, Gourry, don't you think we should order another round?"
"No fair!" Gourry's hands were filled with cooked sausage and toast, there would be no way for him to grab to last morsel for himself.
As Lina popped the last treat into her mouth, she could practically hear Gourry's whimper at the lack of food in front of him.
"So, Zel, its your turn. I've kind of thinking of heading towards Atlas City; you know, to sell some of my latest bandit finds." Behind the redhead was a rather large canvas bag, filled with artwork she had 'collected' in the last couple of days. "I, for once, am getting tired of robbing bandits all the time. All this fricken' stuff is hard to drag around!"
The sorcerer refused to leave her valuables in her room, instead she took them everywhere for safekeeping. Never trust a maid, only yourself, was her current motto.
This time, her treasure sack had become quite cumbersome, the catch had grown to almost the size of herself. Not that it mattered, since Lina did none of the lifting...
"Heh, what do you think I've been doing the last three days." exclaimed the swordsman, pinching his back while wincing in pain. If the sorcerer didn't have Gourry's help her this time, it would have been a REAL bitch for her to get around.
"Ehm..." sighed the chimera. It was apparent that Zelgadis was not interested in Lina's latest conversation. "I was thinking of the Lain Mountains to the northwest." Zelgadis had finished off his breakfast of orange juice and waffles, his silverware neatly crisscrossing his perfectly clean single plate. "Some ancient tomes were just uncovered by a few bad weather storms. Hopefully, there are some secrets that were uncovered as well."
Gourry looked from his half-filled plate of food, then at his fork with a sausage on its end. He swallowing the last link from sight, as if dunking the beast into his mouth. "Hmmm..."
"Maybe we could head in that direction, all of us." Amelia looked over Gourry distastefully at his table manners. Never in her life would her father allow for such beast at his royal table. She turned to Zelgadis was has already daintily eaten his portions of breakfast in moderation and smiled. At least there was one thing she wouldn't have to teach...
"Gourry, do you have anything to say?"
"I'm knt 'inished hewen my food." Gourry was quickly trying to eat the last three pieces of toast in his hand. Unfortunately, the toast was drawing his mouth for refreshments, for the swordsman could no longer speak clairvoyant words. "Autr! Autr!"
Lina reached around her chair, swiping a water jug from the server's tray. She quickly passed the pitcher of water to Gourry.
"Baka! What the hell are you doing stuffing yourself!" Instead of pouring the water into Gourry's empty glass, she tipped the filled pitcher toward Gourry's awaiting mouth.
"Burb...Glub...Glurb..."
"More water, Gourry dear?"
Gourry tried to shake his head from side-to-side. No avail. Lina was applying enormous pressure with the her arms, making sure the water pitcher was tightly attached to the swordsman's chin.
"....GLOB!...."
"Yes sir! Weellll, here you go!" Lina tilted the pitcher up at a crazy angle. The swordsman's only gut reaction was to grab both side of the jug and down the water as fast as possible.
"....GLOB!...GLOB!...aaachhhh!" The blond dropped the empty pitcher on the table as it rattled into place. Lina stared at the empty water jug, amazed that Gourry has downed the water so fast.
"Training camp for swords. Nothing but guys around," said Gourry.
"WHA?" Lina's jaw hit the table.
The rest of the group eyed Gourry warily.
"Oh," finished the swordsman. "I meant for drinking games!"
"Itia!" Lina punched the blond hard and unexpectedly backwards. The blond idiot landed firmly on his back, his chair tipping over from the fall. The rest of the group could hear Gourry's stomach lurch like a full skein of water.
"Anoo" The blond bishie made a grab at his tummy.
The innkeeper came scurrying over to his fallen customer. He looked down at the fallen swordsman as his facial expression turned from shock to distaste.
"I think you had better keep this place together, fella." He was a rather pasty fellow, fat and balding, easily more than twice the age of the great petite Lina Inverse.
"Ummm, yea." Gourry was rubbing his behind. "I'll watch out..." Gourry quickly sprang to his feet, easily surviving the fall. However, Gourry's chair had not been so lucky.
"Biru, you baka. Be careful next time, otherwise..." The innkeeper looked down at where Gourry had landed -- and found his piece of furniture in broken pieces. "I don't believe this..." he muttered, picking up the mess of wood.
Gourry found another chair and had already made himself at home, eating away his next breakfast course like nothing had happened.
"Ehm..." commented Biru, holding up a broken chair leg for all to see. "You stupid kids."
"Sorry about that...we'll be glad to-" Amelia was quickly clammed up by Lina, as the redhead tightened her grip around the princess's mouth.
"Heh, kids say the darnest thing, don't they?" Lina batted her eyelids at Biru while her hands were busy. "We should really teach them to respect their elders."
"MnnnnnPHPHHP! mmm go of mmm!" Amelia tried to struggle in her seat, but Lina was a strong one.
"She get a bit hyperactive at times," said Zel, "so we give Amelia dear a good swift beating every once in a while." The chimera winked at the little princess to cover his tracks, but is was apparent that the shrine maiden was not amused.
"MMPPPHH!!!"
"Hai, isn't she sweet." Lina's words were not exactly soothing to the innkeeper's ears. "And she cooks and cleans so well!"
Biru really didn't care for the theatrics, he want wanted the table to turn over to some other normal customers. "Here you go," he exclaimed as he tossed the check face-down on the table.
Nobody reached for it.
"It's your turn, Amelia." snapped Lina.
"No way! Justice is not made of MONEY!"
The sorcerer turned and squarely looked at the blond swordsman as she purred.
"Ummm." It was fun to hear if Gourry could make an excuse on the spot. It was sure to be a doozy. "I paid of for last night's feast. Those ribs were really good. Don't you remember?"
Lina sweat dropped. "How could you not forget paying for last night!"
Gourry looked up at the sorcerer. "Easy." Reaching for his waist and pulling it up, Gourry plopped his coin purse onto the table. Instead of the usual sound of jingling coins against the table, the bag collapsed on itself silently.
"Oh."
"Lina," said the chimera, "I would look to see who has the most money with them right now."
"Well, in that case..." She took a look back at chimera, who was pulling the lint out of his pockets.
It hit her like a ton of bricks as the rest of them eyed Lina and her huge sack of prized treasures. "Fine." She picked up the check and turned it over. As soon as she focused on the addition of the numbers, her eyes were as large as dinner plates.
"What!!" Lina couldn't stop breathing as she took in the total of the bill. She flipped the bill back down onto the table. "We're splitting this equally."
"No! Justice demands that you fairly pay this bill. That is your duty!, Lina!" Amelia stood up on her chair, even if there didn't seem to be much of a height difference to the rest of the group. It certainly sagged their faces as well as getting the attention of the other customers.
The chimera eyed Lina carefully as he spoke. "Take a look at how many plates of food we ate compared to you two." Zelgadis was clearly comparing the stacks of plates and bowls of finished food in front of Gourry and Lina with the single empty plates in front of Amelia and himself. "You did learn to add at one point."
She swiped the check back into her hand. "Hm. Fine!" Lina was fumed that she would have to pay the entire amount. It was that second look at the bill that the sorcerer noticed something quite particular.
"IIIEEE! In the name of Cepheid!" The redhead was breathing awfully heavy as she sang into an ugly tirade. "Innkeeper! Get over here!"
Biru was well aware the screams from the far table as he came over to Lina. "It's 'Biru,' Ms. Inverse. I have told you that a few times already." More than enough already, for the old guy was tired of replacing is own furniture and inn for that matter.
"OK, Biru." Lina spat, pointing to a particular in her bill for the innkeeper to see. "What in the world is that!"
"That's Inverse tax, ma'am."
Lina turned white. "Whaaa! Do you have a death wish!"
Biru sweat dropped as the rest of Lina's group huddled ever so closer. "For every time you've been to my inn, you're had little 'accidents' each and every time. Today, it's a chair. Yesterday was a new roof. A week ago, a enraged group of thieves decided to ambush you during your lunch time. I'm still cleaning out the fireplace since you decided to give someone the 'hotfoot' treatment!"
The customers behind Biru laughed. "Hey! They ruined my lunch! And you should be thankful that I come back here." She threw the check back down on the table once again. "I'm not paying your stupid little charge. No way!"
"What makes you think that you're not going to pay for your stupid little parties!" said Biru. "I say it's time to play up!"
"FIREBALL!"
---o--o--o---
"Did you really have to do that?" Amelia was huffing and puffing from her run; more than covered with fine soot from Lina's fireball explosion. "Aaaagh!" Looking at her clothes only royally pissed herself off, the new outfit were now road-worn and dirty.
"Yea, so." Lina as usual had managed to get out of the inn without a scratch. That could not be said for the rest of the party.
"Well, next time, leave your fireballs away," said Zelgadis. "Maybe we should be blessed for your time of the month."
Lina quickly evil-eyed the chimera before looking up the path. As they crossed over another larger hill, they stopped to catch their breaths.
Behind them, the chatter of the approaching crowd was quickly catching up. Men and women, young and old, were after them like a group possessed. The a couple of diners still had their dinner napkins tucked in their shirts. In their hands were serving forks and knives, ready for action.
"Wow, those diners are pissed," Gourry announced flatly.
"Noodle for brains," said Lina, turning to the rest of the group. "Let's get the hell out of here!"
They took off to flee from the avenging diners. Amelia was running as fast as her little legs could carry her, but it wasn't quite fast enough. She didn't see the tree root by her foot, causing her fall to the ground with a flat thud.
"Zel! Lina!"
Zelgadis and Lina turned around as soon as they heard the fallen cries from the princess. "Amelia! Are you ok?" The group circled back to Amelia's fallen position, they could see the crowd approaching very, very quickly. Lina looked up and shot them a 'don't mess with me' look to no avail.
"Don't hurt them," said Amelia, "they're only upset that Biru passed his Inverse tax on them as well."
"Oh, yeah?" said the sorcerer, prepping for a spell I won't hurt them....that much!" stammered Lina.
"Or maybe it's because you charred their food into ashes...hmmm?"
"BOMB DI WIND!"
---o--o--o---
It was close to dark when they reached the next sign of civilization. When they crossed the last hill, the town that was suppose to be there was no longer a small hamlet but a small bustling city. Torches and controlled flames lit up most of the valley in a spectacular in then. Around the other limits of the small metropolitan were well-guarded ivory walls.
"Eh! What happened to the little hamlet of Monte Darlo!" asked Lina. "It used to have this nice little inn that made the best stew for miles around."
"Hmmm....." answered Zelgadis. "I haven't been here in years, but I think they made some improvements. The little town grew up."
Gourry wasn't using his eyes, but his nose. He could no longer contain himself as his tongue hung out of his mouth like an old sheepdog. "Lina, you smell that wonderful odor?"
"Yea, I smell it too. I didn't think it was possible, but I think they improved one thing!" Lina was already thinking about it before her words reached her ears. "And its not a little bit of food to be sure. Let's go!"
As they approached the city gates, the traveling party was stopped at the entrance guard from Monte Darlo. The fierce man wore a black cowl, costume and dark complexion immediately scared Amelia.
The huge muscled man looked like he has just left executioners convention: his right hand held a five foot axe -- the color as black as the sea of chaos, its surface reflective like the sun's rays on a clear cloudless day.
"Halt!" The guard tipped forward to get a good look at the group. "The rules to enter are very simple. No swords. No knives. You leave your weapons here!" He pointed the sharp front tip of his axe to the sign. "No magic staffs, wands, and talismans of any kind!"
Lina was furious. "Who do you think you're talking to, buddy? I'm not giving up my talismans for anyone. There's no way." Lina broke out her fists in a bit of a mock-up at the guard. "Got that?"
"Ummm, Lina," said Amelia, "are you sure he's going to listen to you? After all, I think his ax is taller than you."
Instead on looking down on pint-sized Lina, the huge man blinked his eyes, the whites easily flashing under the black cowl. He was no longer paying attention to the diminutive sorcerer, but to the chimera behind her.
"Mr. Zelgadis?..." answered the giant of a man. "Is that you?"
The chimera pushed Lina out of the way with his hand, to get a closer look at the guard. "Little Timothy?"
Lina and Amelia facefaulted.
The scary face complexion of the dark guard was immediately lifted away. His hands quickly pulled off his black cowl, revealing the face of a young man. He wasn't cruel and insufferable, but the face of a cubby that was bit distorted in features from bad teeth. Yet, his expression was full of love and the warmth of a youngster.
"Mr. Zelgadis! It IS YOU!" rushed Timothy. His voice was excited like a schoolboy, much more high-pitched and friendly than from the interrogation mode before. The guard hugged the chimera, he lifted Zelgadis into the air, swinging him around like a children's rag-doll.
"...Timothy...*gruff*" Zel's eyes bulged from the intense squeeze around his midsection.
"ITS BEEN SO LONG!"
Amelia could swear the big guy was crying.
".....put me d'wn...." Zelgadis was turning a bit more blue than his usual self, if at all possible.
"MY DADDY IS GOING TO BE SO HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU!"
"...TIMOTHY-CHAN!!"
The now inconspicuous guard put down Zelgadis in front of Lina. "That's better, Timothy." The chimera straightened out his cape and shirt as Timothy continued to stare down at his long-lost friend.
"...sorry."
"Very good." Zelgadis bleeped.
"OK, Mr. Zelgadis!" It didn't stop master Timothy from patting the top of Zel's stony hairdo like a puppy dog.
"....Timothy!" growled the chimera. "I'm not a rabbit!"
"Oh, that's right," said the guard. He crossed his feet in slight shame. "....sorry."
Zelgadis didn't have a chance to see what the rest of his companions were doing. A quick turn of the head revealed it: the whole group hysterical, grabbing their tummies while recovering from bouts of laughing. Even Amelia was on the ground, still giggling with fits of laughter.
"Little Timothy...hehehe...that's so kawaii!"
"That's not funny," frowned Zelgadis. "I suggest we follow Timothy's directions if we expect to get into Monte Darlo."
Lina buttoned her lips closed. She politely stepped to the side while rolled up her sleeves in earnest. "Oh really," as she eyed Timothy. "Then who's going to make me?"
Timothy spun the battle axe over in his head like it was a pole without its metallic end. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but that's is the rule here."
The sorcerer glared up. "Ma'am? Do you think I'm old."
"Why, yes! I do!"
"FLARE ARR-" Zelgadis covered Lina's mouth before the sorcerer could complete the spell of destruction.
The chimera proceeded to point out the rest of the group his former acquaintance. "Sorry, Timothy. Its just that its her time to be grouchy."
"...hmmmmm!" Lina flapped her loose arms like a moth to no avail.
"Heh," said Zel, "That's Amelia over there and Gourry behind me." The guard watched as Zel's introduction had each of his friend waving off. "Oh, as you can see, I'm holding onto one Lina Inverse. She's just a bit sensitive about these types of things. Aren't you, Lina?"
Timothy nodded an affirmative.
"She is very happy to meet you...at least that what I can understand" The chimera was having a hard time controlled the petite redhead in his grasps.
"...ummmmeph...."
Timothy scratched his head. "I'm sure."
"Excuse me," asked Amelia, approaching from the side, "Why do we need to leave our weapons outside?"
"Miss Amelia," exclaimed Timothy as he switched into tourist mode. "The city of Monto Darlo is a destination resort. As a magnificent destination, we offer the finest gambling houses in all lands-"
Lina managed to squirm unexpectedly out of the chimera grasp -- not in anger but on sheer excitement. "Gambling! Did you say gambling!" Gourry and Lina eyes were wide as serving plates. Poor Timothy could not understand.
"Gambling? Yeah...we've got that.." said Timothy. "The finest slots in the land, with as many as a hundred blackjack and cards games. We also have inn rooms, a spa, and--"
Zelgadis finished little Timothy's with this description. "Yes, and food. Restaurants. Fine Dining establishments. And most of all-"
"I know! I know!" Lina's voice was about to reach new heights.
"That means..." Amelia chimed in now, for her tongue lapped out of her mouth like a hungry puppy dog. "Unlimited. All you can eats. A buffet line that stretches for miles. I remember when we went to Las Vega and didn't leave for three days-"
"FFFFFOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!"
As is right on, Lina and Gourry were zombies, their mouths were watering like soda fountains. The swordsman tossed his sword hazardly to Timothy and strolled right in. Lina was right behind the blond, unclasping her four demon talismans, blindly handing them to the guard. She couldn't even wait that long, zipping around Gourry to get into town first. Amelia followed the two like a puppy following its master, walking on air past Timothy. The three of them would have deserted the Claire Bible if it meant getting into Monte Darlo and its buffet lines.
"I guess we're going in," said Zelgadis as he unbuckled his sword, dropping it into Timothy's large hands. "We'll catch you inside sometime."
"Hai!" waved the guard. "See you soon!"
---o--o--o---
"Wow, I don't think I could eat another bite!" Lina padded her stomach; just by the very feel it seemed to be a bit larger.
"Really, Lina, they didn't have to beg us to leave." Gourry's stomach growled as it were half-hungry, even though it was the size of a small house. "They said if we stopping eating, that they wouldn't charge us. How about that!"
"Ahhh, that poor restaurant. I've never been able to turn down a free meal.
"In that case," said Amelia, "we'll get a snack at some other place. Its only fair."
Zel watched his friend waddle like ducks down the street, sweatdropping all the way.
The four of them took attention to the rest of Monte Darlo. While parading on the crowded streets, the nighttime was surrounded by the unnatural candles and torches of all the buildings. It was as if the daytime was occurring. It was so one could read the signs and posters displayed everywhere. Some of the larger casinos even had wizards flashing fireworks and light spells in the air, trying to attract customers into their establishment.
Lina looked over one billboard. "Bleah, who's this Turnip character? It's like his face and name is everywhere!" exclaimed the sorcerer. "Heh, it's like he owns this town!" It every possible sight direction was a poster or sign for 'Turnip's' casino, a giant image of himself showboating with sacks of coins in the background. It was as if he wasn't just showing off the casino, but how rich he was as well.
"So, what do we do now?" asked Amelia.
"Leave. This is a disgusting place." Zelgadis was clearly unhappy to be around. "I wouldn't mind parking somewhere outside this artificial city."
"But I wanted to stick around for breakfast!" wined Amelia.
"Well, I've still got all this bandit loot with me." Lina eyed the canvas bag of goodies that Gourry was carrying effortlessly for her. "I'm going to hit the pawn shops and sell this stuff. After all, these stores are open all night!"
"Yea, to supply the gamblers a way get even poorer," answered Zelgadis.
"Doesn't matter to me. I'm sure to get a good price for the whole lot of it." The sorcerer turned towards the closest shop. "Why don't you meet us on that casino floor," said Lina, pointing easily to the largest building in Monte Darlo, aptly named 'Turnip Towers'.
"Whatever." The chimera crossed his arms. "In one hour."
---o--o--o---
The floor of the casino was huge. There were at least fifty gaming tables of blackjack, craps, poker, and several other gambling games going on. It looked like cheap thrills, which immediately turned the chimera off.
The casino crowd was indeed a strange mix. Some of the were quite wealthy, they stuck out like sore thumbs dressed in silk suits and other expensive dress ware. But the rest of them were a rough bunch. Zelgadis could tell they were mostly bandits, mercenaries and professional fighters, mixed with an occasional freelancing sorcerer.
It was going to be impossible to find Lina in the next hour.
"Zelgadis," quietly said Amelia as she held the arm of the stony man, "It's a bit scary in here. I mean, who would go to such a place?"
"We're fine, Amelia." The chimera scanned the audience on the floor for familiar faces. Members of the jagged dagger bandit group were seated at the roulette table. A few dressed chaotic woman sorcerers were playing blackjack, their outfits more than revealing. He could tell the dealer was having to time of his life. Zelgadis decided to look over in the opposite direction by the craps table.
"Oops...heheh, pardon me. Hey, you're a cute one." After been pumped, Amelia looked up to find herself face-to-face with a rather older man. She could tell that the stranger once had wild red colored hair that was now gray from age and wear. He was almost two feet taller than Amelia, but as thin as a rail with slumping shoulders, a weathered dirty face, and hollowed eyes. Amelia outweighed him by only a few pounds.
"Leave her alone." Zelgadis stuck himself between the two of them. "Get out of here. Now!"
"Oh, I'm sorry..." The old guy pulled his arms off Amelia's waist while he continued to look down. "Heh...uhm...how clumsy. Thoth is my name here, but everyone calls me mad Thoth."
"I think you had better be on your way, Thoth," Zelgadis stammered.
"Oh, yes, yes indeed. Oh, I can't believe I did that. Stupid me." Thoth looked down at Amelia again. "Sorry about that cutie." He polity bowed as he turned around and walked behind them.
Amelia was startled for a sec but she quickly regained her balance. When she did get her senses back, Zelgadis knew something was up.
"My wrist bracelet." It was clear she was referring to her left bracelet, the one with a blue ball and a white star that the chimera had 'conveniently' borrowed. "It's missing! I must have dropped it during our chase here."
Zelgadis turned and growled.
"THOTH!!"
"...oh dear!" The old man tried to run, but he scarcely got twenty yards in the crowd before Zelgadis caught up to him.
"Oh my...why hello stony!"
"Don't call me stony! Its Mr. Zelgadis to you."
"Oh, did Mr. Thoth do something....ummm....wrong?"
"YES! I would say so!" Zelgadis has grabbed the poor gentleman by the dirty neck collar and threatened to lift the poor guy off the floor and throw him. "WHERE IS IT?"
"Where's what, blue?" spoke Thoth, in a raspy voice.
"Grrrrr....." He shoved the old man into a high chair at an empty blackjack table. "Amelia's bracelet, you one-bit thief for brains." Zelgadis was practically breathing down Thoth's neck.
"You know fella, you got some really powerful breath there. How about a mint?" Thoth reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out an unwrapped red candy piece.
"No, thank you!" The chimera sniffed coldly, for he could barely tell it was candy since it was covered with dirt and lint. Instead, the candy piece fell needlessly to the ground.
"Now, look what you did. It took me five dumpsters to find that piece."
"Hand it over, NOW!"
A voice behind them interrupted the chimera's interrogation. "Please put down the gentleman, sir."
Zelgadis turned behind his shoulder to find two rent-a-guards from Turnip Towers. The guards were dressed in identical dark blue suits. Each of them flanked Amelia on either side, armed with mini-crossbows dangling around their waist.
"He took her bracelet," explained the chimera.
One of the security guards came over. "Come on, Mad Thoth, how about you give back the bracelet."
"No!" The old man violently shook.
"I suggest you do, *MAD* Thoth, otherwise you may not be mad for much longer." Zelgadis was about to reach back with his fist when Amelia stopped him.
"Justice doesn't do this, Zelgadis. Justice is fair."
"Heh, perhaps I'll reconsider..."
Amelia wandered up to Thoth, her eyes on the old man. "Why did you take my bracelet?" as she pulled the fixture of her desire out of Thoth's hands
"I'm hungry. I could have pawned it for a few copper coins for dinner. "
Unsurprised by the answer, Amelia has already reached into her purse and pulled out a few copper coins of her own. "Please, be careful. Thoth." Placing the coins into Thoth's hands, she turned to the surprised guards. "Please, do no press charges against this man. There is no justice in imprisoning the hungry."
"Yes, ma'am." responded the rend-a-guards as they retreated back into the crowd.
"Why, thank you, ma-am. I am in debt to you."
Amelia slightly blushed. "Oh, there's no need..."
Zelgadis took a step closer.
"Oh well, gotta go, I need to make the early-dinner buffet." And Thoth quickly made himself scarce.
"Good riddance." Zelgadis just glared to where the old man had once stood.
---o--o--o---
Lina and Gourry were already in the casino mulling around. But it was clear to that Lina was royalty peeved.
"I can't believe they only gave me 200 gold coins for that stuff. I mean, it was worth at least three times as much! Damn this city, this place is a sellers market because everyone needs money to supply their gambling habits."
"Hai."
"I don't know why I didn't blast them. Oh yeah, that's right. Cause I wouldn't then have any money!"
Lina and Gourry were now smack-dab in the middle of the casino floor of Turnip Towers, taking in all the cheep thrills. "Would you look at this place? All this riffraff. I bet there are some wanted men around here!"
"Uh-huh. And those chaotic women sorcerers are kinda hot!"
Lina slapped Gourry in the head a bit harder than usual. "Baka! You hentai, pay attention to me for once."
"Ummm, ok." But Gourry was not looking at her.
"Do you know who I am?" Lina flashed up her arms in attempt to flash her blood talisman on her wrist. Is was then she realized they weren't there because 'little Timothy' was holding onto them.
"Yea, you're Lina!"
Lina blandly looked at Gourry distastefully. No, this wasn't working for her right now. She really didn't want to deal with it right now, but sometimes it was amazing what she had put up in the last year. Hmmm, she wondered....
"Goodie! I won!"
"Huh!" exclaimed Gourry. "I thought I..."
"Yea, you did!" exclaimed Lina as they ran to the nearby craps table with Gourry close behind. "Over here."
And then they saw her. She was handling a large stash of at least several hundred chips as she barked out her orders to the casino minions. "15 pieces on the nine, and 2 pieces on the hard eight. And you better keep those winnings on the pass line."
"Yes, ma'am! It's your turn at the dice again! Point is six."
The female shooter rolled.
"Six! Winna!" flatly announced the head attendant, nodding his head.
"I won again!" shouted the shrine maiden.
"Sylphiel?" asked a surprised Lina as the dark-haired on gathered her chips up. "Sylphiel Nels Lahda, what in Cepheid's name are you doing here!"
"Oh, Lina! Gourry dear! How nice to see you!" She didn't seem at all surprised by her circumstances as she quietly rolled the shoot.
Lina and Gourry looked at each other, shocked as hell.
---o--o--o---
[Lina] What! You're going to end it here! Are you nuts!
[Author] Heh? Haven't you heard? I like to end on a cliffhanger... :p
[Lina] Oh yeah, well then...FLARE ARROW!
[Author] Eeeep!
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