Disclaimer: As usual, I don't own Slayers in any way, shape, or form!
Finally I post again! This chapter is a bit dialog-heavy, which I hope people won't mind. On a random note: I know I don't really respond to comments (odd system here), but I read and appreciate everything! Questions, random thoughts, squeals of glee, pointers...all good in my book! (So many thanks for them!) As usual, all mysteries are intentional...but will be answered eventually. Enjoy!
Keeper's Wake - Chapter 8
Xelloss expected some sort of violent reaction from Lina - such destruction was just one of the things he loved about her, after all - and he wasn't disappointed. He didn't bother dodging the first two spells; they both knew the wide shots were more demonstration than anything else. The third came at him directly, but the fireball was weak enough that his resulting shield was merely for show. Though by now she knows I am more than I seem…assuming she didn't suspect it from the start.
"I thought I told you I could take care of myself!"
The pleasant fool once again, he let his smile serve as a buffer. "Of course you did…a fact I never doubted."
Looking past him a bit, she let out a long, slow breath. Though it amused him to see Lina shoring herself up for another bout of insanity, he was careful not to show it. There were enough balls in the air as it was, he hardly cared to juggle Lina's ire as well. Casual anger was one thing; outright fury another.
"But?"
Swallowing a smug grin, he gave her the answer she expected. "But you never said I couldn't help you anyway."
He didn't bother adding the obvious. Certainly I am better suited to protecting you than that fool of a swordsman, or that annoying jester that fancies herself a champion of justice.
"…I'm not sure if what you did to him can be called helping." Sighing lightly, she shook her head. "On the other hand, anyone that tries to shoot me in the back-"
"Which he succeeded in!" Xelloss cut in with a cheerfulness he in no way really felt.
After a short glare, she continued. "-doesn't exactly deserve much sympathy, does he? Even if the attack did fail."
"Thanks to my gift."
"Which I would have retrieved just fine on my own." As soon as the last word left her mouth, Lina gave him another glare, daring him to contradict her.
Xelloss got the hint; he kept his mouth shut and put his hands up in open defense. Satisfied, Lina fingered a bit of the cloak in question. The material seemed no worse for wear, which was both surprising and impressive.
Seems the legends were true after all.
Every good treasure hunter knew the taste of failure. Tombs were robbed, items destroyed over time, legends crafted with more flair than truth. For every rare trinket there were dozens of false leads and empty ruins just waiting to waste her time.
To be honest, she'd doubted the stories at first. The sword rang false from the start; most likely someone had twisted older tales, hoping to give some hero a grander history than he was due. Now if the Sword of Light were still around…
Lina blinked, caught off guard by the odd thought. Is this what Luna meant by remembering?
"For all the good a name does me." She muttered, dropping the bit of cloth.
Xelloss looked up instantly, causing her to do the same. "What was that?"
Though he hid it well, Lina recognized interest when she heard it. His voice held the same cool interrogation hers did when sizing up the worth of a rumor…or a treasure. Never show them what interests you, or the price for it - be it information, treasure, or simple directions - will double. Or get you killed. Nobody likes competition.
"Nothing."
They both knew it was a lie, but he didn't press her for an explanation. I like him better than Amelia already…even if he is suspicious as hell.
Still, the brief exchange left her curious. Why would Xelloss care so much about some offhand comment on her part? Then again, why would he offer her gifts just moments after meeting her for the first time?
As if sensing her shift in thoughts, Xelloss chose that moment to interrupt. "Now that things have settled down, I believe you still have a present coming, correct?"
"You've already done enough, traitor!" Zelgadis yelled, the threat obvious in his voice.
They both heard the hiss of pain, followed by the sound of metal grating against stone. Turning as one, they watched Zelgadis jerk his arm forward, ripping his hand free of the partial blade still embedded in it. Even as an arc of red flew through the air, the rest of his arm fell to the ground dully in a disturbing imitation of a broken marionette.
I don't want to think about how much that must've hurt. Sneaky bastard he may be…but I have to respect his dedication.
Beside her, Xelloss was having thoughts of his own…though they were nowhere near as kind. Safely tucked away behind closed eyes and his usual smile, he regarded the chimera in annoyance.
Stubborn to a fault, aren't you Zel? Do you even know why you fight to keep us apart?
Careful to keep his hand out of sight, Xelloss ran a single gloved finger over the smooth surface of a familiar gem, savoring the memories the simple jewel conjured up. Not that one of the talismans could ever be considered a mere bauble. Then again, the worth of an item depended on the use someone saw in it.
Lina - as ever - is the perfect example. You refused to see beyond friendship and fighting companion, continued to focus on bad manners and a short temper. I saw power and beauty, a sharp mind and an unbreakable will. Only after I showed your little group her true potential did you realize what a treasure the trinket really was.
Even as he watched impassively, Zelgadis fought back his pain enough to try a healing spell. When the white magic failed to close the wound, Xelloss was careful to hide his joy. Ah, I will never tire of seeing your various looks of shock, my dear colleague. Always so distrustful of the world...when something you actually rely on fails, you seem so helpless in your confusion.
When Zelgadis finally looked up, the seething fury in his eyes was unmistakable. Xelloss met it easily, showing the chimera in a single glance just how little all that hatred meant. You've been a member of the Order long enough to know better than that, Zelgadis. Throw every negative feeling you have at me; I get a free meal, an entertaining show, and walk away without a scratch.
"You altered the blade…" He muttered more to himself than anyone, slumping back against the boulder.
Resisting the urge to reply with a sharp comment, Xelloss retained his neutral expression. Of course I tampered with your precious sword; what quicker method is there to herd your little flock toward its final member?
"You really shouldn't move, Zelgadis. You are injured, after all."
Zel flinched at the false kindness, hands balling into fists. "You assume too much, Xelloss."
"I'm only concerned about your health, you know. Then again, the fact that you can get so angry is proof enough you're going to be fine!"
Even Lina cringed at his upbeat tone. "I bet he will…if only to wring your neck."
Immediately Xelloss turned to look at the sorceress, one eyebrow arching just the slightest bit. "Pardon?"
"Nothing!" Lina was wise enough to hear the unspoken point in that single word. Brilliant strategy, Lina; taunt the man that tries to protect you. Keep it up and you'll talk your way out of that gift as well. If you're going to be a smart-ass, at least wait until after you've got the treasure. "So…we were talking about gifts?"
Satisfied to let the matter drop, Xelloss followed Lina's lead. "Yes we were. I have something rather special for you Lina-"
"Don't you dare-"
I'm growing tired of these circular arguments. Time to break the pattern…without inflicting more pain, pleasing as the idea is.
Looking past Lina, Xelloss saw the prefect solution running toward them. Making their way through the trees, Gourry and Amelia finally their entrance.
Some protectors. No wonder I had to deal with Zelgadis myself. As they are now, the two of them together hardly pose a threat to someone with Council training behind him. It seems Luna will get her wish; if I want to guarantee Lina's safety, I'll have to take a more active role in the coming adventure.
"Miss Lina!" Waving wildly, the white mage made a beeline for their little group, Gourry close behind. "Are you okay?"
"Am I-" Lina muttered, shaking her head. "Yes Amelia, I'm fine!" She finished, loudly enough to reach the girl.
Skidding to a halt a few feet away, they were forced to wait while the supposed guide caught her breath. Side-stepping the younger girl, Gourry briefly dropped a hand on Lina's head, patting her gently.
"It's good to see you safe, Lina."
For a moment Lina considered bashing him for treating her like a child, but appreciation for the concern won out over violence. Besides, I might need that energy to fight Zelgadis again. "Thank you Gourry."
"Who knew something so dangerous could be so sma-ow!"
Dropping into a crouch, the mercenary rubbed the growing lump on his head.
"Be thankful I didn't hit you with a spell! I've had a long day, and comments like that aren't helping."
Sidling away from the injured Gourry, Amelia opened her mouth to speak, took a look at her ailing friend, swallowed, then tried again.
"M-miss Lina?"
"What is it, Amelia?"
"Um…do you still want me to look after your boo-"
When Amelia started talking, Lina had a sinking feeling what she was about to mention. Though she didn't have a specific reason why, she wasn't ready to tell anyone about Luna's book. Just mentioning it will draw questions I'm not ready to answer, assuming I can. Even worse, Zelgadis is an enemy; I doubt he'd believe my real identity, book or no book. Given the Council's attitude, he'd more than likely try to destroy the thing if it even hints I might really be Lina Inverse.
Then there was Xelloss. To be honest, she didn't think he'd question her the way the others would, but in some ways that was even worse. I'm certain he knows far more than he's said. If nothing else, it's obvious he's hiding his true agenda. One minute he tries to save me and give me gifts, the next Zelgadis calls him a fellow member of the Order…though whether he's one anymore is probably up for debate at this point. On the other hand, I wouldn't put anything past their members. This could all be some elaborate setup; either they take me down with their assassin, or another member becomes an ally, eventually roping me into joining or betraying my trust down the road.
The entire thing was one big headache…and she still had a white mage to silence.
Before Amelia could finish her thought, Lina was at her side in an instant, her look and posture daring the girl to continue. Once the guide was sufficiently cowed, she started the second part of her plan.
"Amelia! Gourry! What perfect timing!" Suddenly she was all smiles, beaming at the pair like a pair of old friends, welcome after a long absence. Or a couple of suckers just waiting to do her a favor. "You're just the two I need to help me."
"With what?"
Lina didn't miss the hesitation in their voices. It hasn't even been a full day and they've gotten smart enough to show a bit of suspicion. I'm not sure if I should be pleased at the show of intelligence, or angry at the lack of trust. Meh, favor now…fireball later.
"Xelloss and I need to talk, but someone needs to guard Zelgadis. We wouldn't want the unjust fiend to get away, now do we? Besides, he's injured and moving around too much isn't good for him."
"I knew you were a fighter for justice! You even care about his safety!"
"Gah, what did I say about hugs!"
While Lina dealt with Amelia's adoration, Xelloss looked at Zelgadis with open amusement. "Should we add unjust fiend to your list of feared titles?"
"Haven't you done enough for one day?"
"Just showing you I care, Zel."
Soon things dissolved into two separate arguments…both of which Gourry wisely - an unusual state for him - stayed out of.
...
"So…I believe we were discussing gifts?"
If I ever want Lina to remember me, I just need to hold a gift over her head. "Indeed we were! And now that certain…troublesome parties aren't here to interrupt us…"
With a slight bit of flourish, Xelloss pulled a small box from thin air. If Lina thought anything of the unusual arrival, she had the wisdom to keep it to herself. No sense in risking her gift at the eleventh hour.
Holding out his hand, Xelloss opened the box with his other hand, letting the evening light flash against the dark stones. The entire scene was a bit dramatic; the returning hero, presenting the rare and beautiful gift to the queen - Lina could never wear the same title Amelia once did - at the end of a hard journey. Only Xelloss was about as far from a hero as one could get, while Lina would never be the kind of fainting flower to send others out for her treasures. Gifts were nice, but he knew she loved the journey and danger just as much…especially when it came to rare items. Thrill of the hunt, Lina…we both live for a stirring chase, a daring game of outwitting our foes. Rather than the hero and queen, we are the hunters they rely on most. Let others have their caged roles; such shackles were never meant for rogues like us.
"Yours, I believe…Lina."
In a surprising show of restraint, Lina gingerly removed the talismans from their box, cradling them gently in her hands. Showmanship aside, it was his words that struck the greatest chord. Something about the way he'd said her name felt different.
Now that I think about it, he did something similar when he gave me the cloak. At the time I just thought he was teasing with that 'fitting you should have it' remark, but now…
How many had called her Lina Inverse over the years, humoring her out of fear or greed? They knew her reputation, had heard stories of her skill. It was easy to assume she'd taken the name simply to prove a point, or borrow past glories to add to her own.
Xelloss doesn't give a damn about impressions. He isn't some fearful villager or vengeful mage either; he won't believe a story simply because others do. Amelia and Gourry call me Lina, but it rings with blind belief. Zelgadis curses my name, thinking it some flaunt of power on my part. But Xelloss…
There was nothing solid to support it, but she had no doubts he used her name because he believed it was hers to use. I simply am Lina Inverse, the opinions of anyone else be damned. He knows his own mind and calls me how he chooses.
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, Lina didn't even notice putting on the talismans until the last one clicked into place. Now securely fastened around her wrists, neck, and waist, the odd gems looked as if they naturally belonged on her.
Appearance aside, Lina was experienced enough that she recognized power when she saw it. Unlike the cloak, there was something very ancient about the talismans. These aren't for decoration. For some reason Xelloss just handed over power…old power.
Wrenching her eyes away from the talisman at her waist, she looked up at Xelloss, ready to question the true worth of his not-so-little gift. Upon seeing his face, all questions of ancient magic and powerful artifacts flew from her head.
For his part, Xelloss remained silent while Lina donned his gift. Though he recognized the woman before him as both his Lina and another, it was too hard to resist reminiscing. Caught in events of the past, he let his guard down, studying her with a neutral expression at odds with his standard smile.
Worst of all, he opened his eyes.
A sharp intake of breath on Lina's part wrenched Xelloss from his memories, snapping his attention back to the present. Glancing down at Lina, it only took him a moment to realize the cause of her reaction.
Damn!
Instantly he composed himself, relaxing rather than hiding behind a smile. Lina would never fall for it anyway, and such a move could ruin any chance at gaining her trust.
Caught out by mere memories? Maybe it's time I think about turning in my reputation. I'm starting to part with my secrets far too easily…even if this is Lina we're talking about.
Rather than flinging spells at him, Lina stared at him with an odd mix of calm suspicion.
Then again, this isn't the young Lina of old, the one that struck first and assessed damage later. Older, wiser, and willing to weigh her options in a world that doesn't automatically fear her name - just yet, if things go the way they should - before making her move.
It gave him all the time he needed to salvage the situation.
"So…a Mazoku then? It certainly explains a few things."
"I can explain, Lina-"
She cut him off with a snort of contempt. "I'm sure you can. Whether I believe it or not - hell, whether I let you finish explaining or fry your ass- is another story entirely."
He couldn't help smirking lightly in amusement. "Yes, I'd wondered about the lack of magic flying my way."
Crossing her arms, Lina leaned to one side. "Let's just say you bought a bit of goodwill today." And with more than just your presents, not that I'd ever tell you that. "So Mr. Mazoku, care to explain a few things?"
Not really, but you have me at a slight disadvantage now, don't you Lina? "Of course."
Done right, the entire situation could end up being more beneficial than his original plan. Certainly it would be more fun.
How like Lina to throw a chaotic wrench in the works. Still, she'll never know what a gift surprise can be. Having things always dance to your turn can pale after too long…only Lina seems capable of changing the melody on me.
It was time to spin a few stories.
