The Mermaid's Curse
Chapter Eleven: Destruction's Embrace
Falling through dark water like an anchor Lina tries to break Zelgadis's vise hold on her, but it's like clawing at a rock. "Zel!" Lina screams kicking furiously against him until he smashes her against a rock. "AHhh!"
"Lina!" Sylphiel dives in after her friend, several mermaids following after her. Faster than the rest, Sylphiel spins a spell of song in an attempt to cure Zelgadis. "Ocean waves do roll, And stormy winds do blow, Old sailor from a top, Do fall down deep below!" Actually it's a spell meant to crush foes of the sea, but it's the only cure she knows for possession.
A whirlwind of water erupts from her hands rocketing towards Zelgadis and Lina. Without worry, Zelgadis casually reaches back and erects a shield to absorb the spell, keeping one hand firmly around Lina's petite neck. When the slicing water dissipates Zelgadis is smiling, his eyes still glowing red with hate.
"No," Sylphiel stops and clutches her hands to her chest as the other mermaids whirl past her. They are each armed with an arsenal of weapons and spells. "Wait!"
The clan doesn't hear their sister and charges Zelgadis all at once. He is a curse upon the sea and no longer of his own mind, they have no reason to take pity on one who is not their own.
Zelgadis's outstretched hand keeps the shield in place even as the bombardment of spells is unleashed upon it. Without remorse Zelgadis wrenches his wrist and clutches his fist forcing the power of the shield to shatter. The broken pieces fly into the defensive mermaids, stopping them in their tracks.
Smiling, the possessed merman sees fit to cast his own song against the sirens spells buying for his attention. "A sailor's life is a merry life, robbing young girls of their heart's delight. Left behind to weep and mourn, to never know when he will return." The spell is melodious and calm despite the deep hate that writhes beneath each and every word.
Quickly the mermaid's clutch their ears, blocking out the sound. Never has a luring spell been used against them. It is a unique skill used by mermaids when capturing and killing their prey, to hear this male guppy use it against them is infuriating.
"You should keep your eyes FORWARD!" Lina screams unleashing a burst of light at Zelgadis. The cursed man has no defense against the point blank attack and staggers away from the dangerous red mermaid. Furious at the seemingly simple attack the possessed merman darts forward with a fist poised behind him, prepared to crush her skull.
He doesn't get the chance as a red tail from above him slams into his head, sending Zelgadis crashing into an uneven rock. While possessed the one afflicted has very limited foresight and Lina is well aware of this weakness.
Not letting up even as Zelgadis's eyes turn black, Lina slams a spell at him making the rock beneath him shatter.
"LINA!" Sylphiel screams darting forward as the dust slowly spreads around them like a cloud.
Both sea maidens scurry forward and find Zelgadis pinned to the crevice Lina has created in the rock. Groaning, Zelgadis painfully peels himself from the broken stone rubbing his face and gripping his head. "What- what happened?"
Just as he glances up Sylphiel and Lina smack him in the face.
Enraged Zelgadis clutches the rock and snaps. "What was that for!"
"Oh good he's returned to normal," Sylphiel clasps her hands together and smiles brightly. "What an immense relief."
"Considering the circumstances perhaps we should hit him one more time," Lina rolls back her fist, but Zelgadis easily catches it before it hits.
"Please refrain," Zelgadis grinds in irritation. "What happened?"
"You're deceased grandfather is possessed by the god of destruction Shabranigdo and he mind controlled you to kill me and probably every other mermaid in the area," Lina explains quickly. She wants to get to the treasury to see how her crew is fairing against the god, but she also needs Zelgadis to stay put. "So in order to avoid having that happen again I need you to stay down here out of the way while I take care of this, sevy?"
It takes a moment for Zelgadis to understand what Lina is saying, but when he does seconds later he doesn't want to believe it. "He what!?" Zelgadis screams. "That bastard!" Since Zelgadis is out of practice swimming, the man manages only to flounder rather than dart upward as he intends.
"Zel!" Lina slaps him which hurts her more than him. Cursing under her breath Lina rubs her hand. "I don't have time for this. You will remain tethered to this spot unless you want to become Shabranigdo puppet again. Come on Sylphiel." Not bothering to look behind her Lina darts to the surface with Sylphiel close at hand.
When they peak over the small pools lip into the treasury they are greeted by a terrible sight.
"You dragons are such a terrible nuisance," Shabranigdo sighs as he jams a sword into Val's arm. The young dragon screams as the blade surges with magic causing even Lina to wince. The scream is cut off when the dragon is harshly kicked into one of the surrounding pools.
Around the cavern Lina's crew fights the zombie mages with all they've got. Most of the zombies have been destroyed, but anyone who tries to get near the god of destruction is shown no mercy and swatted at like flies.
"All of the dragons are down," Sylphiel whispers with a shaky breath as she surveys the scene. "They probably saw it their duty to fight him head on."
"But they aren't dead," Lina is actually surprised. It's not that's she's heartless, but considering their foe she is well aware of the odds stacked against them. She is impressed that everyone is fighting, with the exception of Xellos who is pinned to the wall by his own staff.
At that exact moment Naga surges towards the possessed Rezo with a crisp flurry of ice spells. Sylphiel and Lina wince as the brave and brazen princess is thrown back, laughing heartily as she survives the attack. "I don't think Shabranigdo is at full power, otherwise he wouldn't be depending on a sword to wield his magic," Lina realizes aloud. "Even Naga wouldn't be able to survive."
"Really Miss Lina," Sylphiel is impressed, but her gaze is still wrought with worry.
"Either that or he's just playing with us."
Sylphiel groans.
Grabbing up some clothing from a member of their clan, Sylphiel and Lina pull themselves from the water. "Pokota! I know your alive, give me a diversion," Lina hopes she's right as she sings a spell that cools the room with her words.
"Dam it flatty!" Pokota dismembers the walking corpse he is fighting on the other side of a mound of treasure and vaults over the crest. When his hands slams against the ground a wave of fire surges through the glinting gold and harsh black rock, sending flame and dirt directly at the demon.
Lifting his sword the god redirects the flame and sends it at Gourry who is observant enough to quickly dart behind the mage he's fighting. Instead of getting blasted head on his enemy is blown to smithereens. "Lina! Sylphiel what's the plan?" He calls to them.
Right as he asks Lina sends a shimmering spell of ice at Shabranigdo, thinking that Naga might have been onto something.
It doesn't stick though and in a sizzling mist the spell fails. In a contest between fire and ice, fire wins this time.
"Blast the rotting mages and keep moving, we'll attack him at once on my signal," Lina shouts as she darts around a statue that Shabranigdo destroys with a ball of fire.
"Relinquish yourselves to me mortals and I'll let you linger on as my slaves!" Shabranigdo bellows as he sends another wave of flame from his sword.
"Please tell me you have something else in mind," Sylphiel begs as she hides behind a pedestal with Lina.
"Miss Lina," Amelia scurries from where she has been hiding with a battered Milgazia, no doubt healing his wounds. She is battered and bruised but there is a burning life in her eyes. "With all due respect I don't think blasting him is going to do us any good, he's much too powerful."
"Don't make me go out there again with a half-baked plan you bosom-less wench," Pokota scrambles beside them, his hair is singed in several places. Lina greets him by slamming her fist into his skull.
"I just got rid of the last of the dead things," Gourry tells them as he slide down beside them.
"No, I destroyed the last of those rotting corpses," Zangulus brags as he comes in from the other side.
"Heh, well you must have missed one because I got the last one," Luke claims as he rolls into them all.
Even while fighting for their lives, some things just don't change.
"Well, while we're all hiding here who's fighting the god of destruction?" Melina asks in irritation.
Sucking in a breath, Lina quickly glances around. Every person who is left standing in her crew is hiding with her behind the mound of treasure and shrinking statue. Lina lets out a nervous chuckle and scratches the back of her head. Naga laughs heartily, her signature trait echoing harshly through the cavern.
"Are you guy's dead, because you're going to be if you stay there?!" Vrumugun screams at them from their left as he dodges a flame from Shabranigdo.
"Oh hey I forgot about you," Lina laughs, but quickly becomes serious. "Look for the ring, we may have a chance of sealing him back inside, if you don't know what I'm talking about just attack him with everything you've got and try to get in close. None of the ranged attacks are getting through."
"Should I give you a day to think about joining my dominion or would you rather I kill you now?" Shabranigdo asks as he peers down at them.
"A powerful god such as yourself would grant his defenseless victims at least a week to deliberate wouldn't he?" Lina asks with a forced sweet smile.
Shabranigdo answers with a malicious laugh and growing sword. Lina's crew scrambles away just as the god jumps down and slashes his flaming blade at them. "Such measly attempts to escape me are futile," Shabranigdo says as he meets Gourry's sword. "I'll take you down one by one." Slicing his sword forward Gourry somehow manages to parry as Zangulus and Luke dash forward to assist him.
"Come at me if you wish to sacrifice your lives to my power," Shabranigdo yells as another limb bursts from his disfigured body and grabs Luke. He squeezes the helpless man till he can't help but cry out. The god swings him around and throws him against Zangulus.
Not wishing to slice his companion in half, Zangulus is forced to lower his weapon and get bowled over by Luke. Both smash into the wall and fall into a heap.
"Such dedication is wasted when throwing yourselves into deaths destruction," Shabranigdo continues as he matches Gourry's blade blow for blow. Grinding his magic blade against Gourry's unique sword, the god bares down on the man. "Why not make yourselves more useful."
"I don't think so, I have a feeling death would be kinder," Gourry grunts as he tries to keep his stance strong.
"To bad you can't tell me after your dead," Shabranigdo grins.
"We'll tell you now!" Melina cries as she unleashes a powerful spell with a badly beaten Memphis and confident Naga at her side. They know that the spell won't do any damage, but Gourry needs better footing and this should do the trick.
"HA!" the god stumbles back lifting one of his grotesque limbs to block the attack. Wisely the girls and Gourry don't hold still and search for cover as Shabranigdo lunges at them. When the dust clears the man's form has altered once again, with large bat like wings clawing from his back and a tail stretching out behind him like a deadly cape.
Reaching forward, Shabranigdo snatches the girls up one by one and slams them into the ground. The women instantly go limp and the god brushes them into the water where they sink out of sight. From somewhere in the room Amelia's muffled scream is heard as her sister disappears.
"Wish to die next?" Shabranigdo asks turning towards a limping Zangulus, the sight of which is enough to keep the monster disinterested in Amelia's muffled cries.
"Actually . . . no I don't want to die," Zangulus wheezes.
Everyone who is paying attention jams their heads up to look at the swordsman. "I know when I'm beat," the man says walking forward. "I'll become your slave."
"What are you doing!?" Gourry yells, actually risking coming out of his hiding place to glare at the treacherous man.
Shabranigdo doesn't say a word as the man comes to stand in front of him, his cunning smile refusing to waver.
"HYAHHH!" Zangulus thrust his sword forward, slicing through the demon's side.
Unfortunately the blow comes at a price. The brave swordsman's reward is to welcome a blow from Shabranigdo's cruel sword. "Dam-it," Zangulus coughs. "Well, I couldn't miss you this close." Unable to say another word the swordsman collapses at Shabranigdo's feet.
Taking advantage of Zangulus's diversion, Vrumugun swoops down to attack only to be batted aside and sliced with the sword.
"You really are interesting mortals," Shabranigdo congratulates them. Lifting his sword the god slashes at Gourry again, the last one with a sword who remains. Breathing hard, Gourry swings his blade to hit the wound Zangulus made in Shabranigdo's side, but he is thrown slightly back.
"Gourry!" Erecting a shield Sylphiel charges forward to defend Gourry. Shabranigdo's sword collides against the shield, sparking from the intensity of power competing against each other. Screaming from the effort, they are both thrown back and buried in a mound of melting gold.
With a shaky push, Gourry forces himself up and helps Sylphiel to her feet. Keeping his sword lifted and Sylphiel close to his side, Gourry keeps his eyes on Shabranigdo, each trying to measure the other. Gourry is caught off guard when Sylphiel slaps him out of the blue. Unable to keep his gaze on the monster, Gourry snaps his attention onto Sylphiel who is barely keeping back her tears.
"Don't leave me again," she manages to say past her ragged breath. "Promise me!"
Staring down at the admirable maiden, Gourry smiles at her. "It's a promise." And with that the two charge at Shabranigdo together. Sylphiel casts a spell on his already magic sword causing it to blaze with renewed power.
"Sea witch I do believe you're running out of crew members," Shabranigdo calls as he searches the area for the red head and blocks Gourry's burning sword. The fact that the monster does not bother giving the couple's attack his full attention is both demeaning and intimidating.
"I was wishing you'd go easier on us mortals, not like we stuck you in that ring after all," with more boldness then she feels Lina waltzes around a pillar to face the monster. "What's a poor innocent maiden to do?"
While the fighting is taking place around them Amelia and Pokota search for the ring, but they are at their wits' end. Amelia is finding it difficult to concentrate after seeing her sister drop out of sight in the murky waters.
"This is insane? How are we supposed to know where it is in all this," Pokota whispers. "This is worse than looking for a needle in a haystack!"
Grabbing at the muddy gold, Amelia defiantly rummages through it. The sparkling gold around them is no longer glistening, but marred with dirt and mud. "If only Mister Zelgadis were here, he was the only one here when . . ." Amelia stops mid-sentence and glances up, searching for the only other person who would know.
There, where Shabranigdo left him, is Xellos pinned to the wall by his staff. The man isn't moving much, save his shaky breath as he fights for a life he's finally reacquired from the mermaid's curse. Clutching her fists Amelia takes a breath and with admirable determination races for him.
"Amelia!" Pokota harshly grinds, but he follows after her despite her obvious plans.
Coming to a sudden stop in front of the dying general Amelia stares at the man's drooping amethyst eyes, trying to decide if this is worth it.
"Finally having pity on a dying man?" Xellos asks with a smile still plastered to his sickly face. "Can't say I deserve it."
"Mister Xellos where is the ring?" Amelia asks straight to the point as Pokota stops beside her.
"Are you mad," Pokota growls, doing his best to fight back her rage for what Amelia wants to do with the man who tortured him. "He deserves to die!"
"You would certainly know," Xellos smirks.
"Indeed," Pokota glares coolly.
"Mister Xellos is a . . . complex person. We have to do this Mister Pokota, it's our only chance!" clasping the magical staff Amelia pulls at it with all her might. Her strength is amazing, but in comparison to the god of destruction who lodged the rod there it isn't enough. "Help me!"
Pokota doesn't want to do this. Complex person does not even begin to describe what kind of man Xellos is. The lost prince stares at her and then turns to the smiling man. Everything about this seems wrong to him and as he watches those amethyst eyes everything this man has put him through plays back in his mind. When he looks back at Amelia his hardened heart softens.
Before he can change his mind and dishonor Amelia's commendable inner strength, Pokota takes hold of the staff he helped make and pulls with Amelia. Behind them they can hear Sylphiel cry out Gourry's name, but they don't look back, even as the brave pair is swallowed by a pit of water. The staff shifts in their grasp and Xellos's grin falters as the pain gets the best of him.
As Shabranigdo offers his challenge, Lina looks up and see's what the two royals are attempting to do. She can't say she has any love for the bastard, but really they are running out of options. Peaking over at the demon, Lina's breath hitches. If Shabranigdo see's them now they're dead and so is their one chance at finding the ring.
Stepping out from behind a melted mound of treasure, Lina banters with the monster earning the struggling couple the precious seconds they need.
Just as Lina's conversation is getting started Amelia and Pokota fall back, yanking the staff free.
Spinning around Shabranigdo's eyes become ablaze as he sees that the one mage he left for last is set free. Lina curses and launches a volley of fire balls at the god while Xellos simultaneously snatches up Amelia and Pokota in order to dart behind some treasure. If he hadn't they would be engulfed in Shabranigdo's furious flames.
"Mister Xellos hold still for a minute," Amelia reaches forward and tries to calm her heart and voice to cast a healing.
"Sadly we do not have time for such painful necessities," Xellos grimaces. For once his eyes are open as he clasps the young people's wrists and pulls them through the maze of melting treasure. Shabranigdo is through playing games and is not about to let a member of the order that imprison him remain alive.
"Please tell me you found it!" Lina cries as she tries to get the god of destructions attention by continuing to cast destruction against him.
Undeterred by the broken mossy pillars, tiles, and treasure, Shabranigdo plows through it with a blazing spell that sends Xellos, Amelia and Pokota flying.
"There," Xellos points just as one of Shabranigdo's giant hands reaches down to seize him.
Snapping to their feet, Amelia and Pokota dash for the ring as Lina jumps onto Shabranigdo's back, thrusting a dagger into his spine. Lina is more successful than the royals as she sends a chaotic song through the metal and directly into Shabranigdo's body. Really this proves that close range attacks are the only thing that works. Flailing, Shabranigdo releases Xellos, sending them both tumbling.
Right as Amelia and Pokota reach for the ring it falls into the nearest pool of ink black salt water, instantly vanishing out of sight. Not even a glint of the rings shining surface can be seen to mock them.
Hope is such a fleeting dream.
Meanwhile Lina is recovering first from her harsh trip to the floor. She looks up at Shabranigdo's pain in wonder. Apparently spells can work against him, but only if it gets through his skin. Since Shabranigdo is an entity mostly comprised of energy and magic it makes sense that magic blasted directly into his being would cause some damage.
If they can just get the ring she won't be forced to use dangerous spells to disrupt his magical body from the inside out. Really it will have to be a last resort, mixing magic like that is bound to have chaotic results.
Lina's gaze darts towards a horrified Amelia and Pokota as the most favorable option disappears into the depths.
"Dredge of the sea!" Shabranigdo curses as he stumbles to his feet. "So you're her chosen vessel, I should have known." He knows the power of chaos well since it's what made him.
The god takes a breath and stands to his full height. He is no longer covered in skin, but dark red scales and a pair of horns crown his head. "I should kill you now, before you awaken to your true self and the sea of chaos."
"I'd rather you didn't mighty lord of destruction," Xellos casts a spell, instantly gaining the monsters attention. "Or did you forget your promise to me Hmm?"
"Mister Xellos!" Amelia is on her feet with Pokota directly beside her. After the two share a knowing glance, they cast spells on the monster while Xellos moves in with a sword and his staff.
Lina watches and tries to get to her feet. She knows that anything they do is pointless unless they can get past his flesh which has now conveniently turned into hard scales. There has to be a way, even if the chances are slim.
"Lina," a familiar voice whispers behind a half broken urn.
"Zel," Lina hisses. "Get out of here."
"I'm not leaving!" his eyes are still black, suggesting he just got out of the water. "We don't have time for this," lifting his hand Zelgadis reveals a ring dangling from a silver chain. "What do we need to do?"
"Seal him back into the ring," Lina immediately says, darting beside him and out of Shabranigdo's sight.
"You can do that?" Zelgadis asks skeptically.
And just like that the ring has lost its usefulness once again. "Then we'll just have to make use of its protective ward and pray that's enough to keep us alive."
Meanwhile Xellos, Amelia and Pokota try their best to distract the monster. It's not as if they can beat him. They know that the only chance they have is for Lina to come up with a plan otherwise they might as well lie down and die. Twisting around the monster, Xellos attempts to take a slice at him only to be shocked with a spell.
Just before he drops to the ground he tosses the sword to Pokota while casting a light spell through his staff. The young man manages to catch the sword as Shabranigdo is momentarily blinded by Xellos's spell. With a back cracking heave Pokota thrusts the sword forward as Amelia heals Xellos from afar.
Forced to block the sword, Shabranigdo can do nothing as his main prey is healed close by. Given over to rage, the god attacks the trio, belatedly realizing that he is not as strong as he used to be. Hundreds of years stuck in a tiny ring of protection has weakened him. His careless display of grandeur upon being reborn was more taxing than he realized it would be.
In sync with each other, Xellos, Amelia and Pokota dance around the demon in an attempt to overpower him. Noticing Shabranigdo's weakness Pokota gains courage and with a nod from Xellos the two attempt to destroy the god by pouring magic into the wounds of his body.
The enraged god cries out and fights against them, but the two hold firm. They can do this. They don't need the ring. They don't need to seal him. Everyone working together has weakened the god of destruction. They can destroy him!
"Enough!" a burst of raw power blasts from Shabranigdo sending the treasure crashing against the walls along with all those close to him.
When the dust settles, a large crater encompasses the god. Aside from the scattered pools and a few especially sturdy pillars everything around Shabranigdo has been plastered against the far walls of the moldy treasury. The three are alive, but just barely and they stubbornly try their best to get up. Human tenacity at its finest.
"Now you will die," lifting his hand towards Xellos, Shabranigdo's intentions are cut short when a familiar figure steps forward. "Ah, Rezo's light, I assumed the sea witches snuffed you out for me."
Zelgadis stiffly walks forward, a crazed smile peaking past his long wet bangs, his eyes carefully hidden. He is wearing most of his clothes, but they are little more than rags now. Under his arm dangles a lifeless Lina, her mangled hair dragging across the floor as he nears his master.
"You killed the sea witch! Just as I asked," Shabranigdo eyes dance with malicious delight as he reaches for his prize.
"Rezo . . . if there is any part of you left," Zelgadis's voice crisply echoes across the damp floor. "Fight him."
Stepping back Shabranigdo lifts his sword and with a roar brings it down upon Zelgadis's head.
Right as Shabranigdo is about to slice Zelgadis's head in two, a light flashes behind the monster's eyes. The next thing he hears is the wet sound of a sword passing through flesh. When his eyes refocus, Shabranigdo is shocked to find Zelgadis standing with his head still attached. As his gaze drifts down he see's Lina with a blazing sword thrust through his gut, her eyes burning gold and a chaotic power filling his entire being.
"There was only one man who deserved death by this flame, but you'll have to do," Lina hisses as she locks eyes with the demon.
Staggering back, Shabranigdo manages to remove the blade and looks at them with something between admiration and shock.
He smiles.
"No!" Lina hisses as she stagers out of Zelgadis's arms. Why is Shabranigdo still standing? That should have been enough. The brave woman tries to stand but falls to her knees with Zelgadis clutching her shoulders. As she falls in exhaustion her vibrant red hair changes into a pristine white. She has nothing more to give having poured the power of chaos inside the monster.
The god clasps his stomach and catches sight of a familiar ring glimmering around Zelgadis's neck. Shabranigdo knows there is no way he can harm them now. He cannot touch them, even if he had the strength. "You have beaten me Lina Inverse," the god of destruction congratulates her. "With the power of a chaos herself. And something as simple as my own deception, well done."
Releasing a heavy sigh, the demon falls back against the rocks leaving this world forever. A second later, the chaos contained within Shabranigdo is unleashed causing everything around them to be destroyed.
When Lina and Zelgadis come to they are on another part of the Taforashia Island. Above them the night stars twinkle in and out as dawn crests over the horizon.
"He's dead, are we dead?" Zelgadis whispers, not sure if can believe his own eyes.
Lina blinks as she gazes at the rising sun. "I don't think death would hurt this much."
"You did it!" Clasping Lina's shoulders, Zelgadis holds her tight uncaring of where they are or how they got outside. Close by Amelia and Pokota wake from a daze and stumble towards them.
"You did it Miss Lina!" Amelia jumps forward and hugs the captain making Lina lose her breath. "You defeated the enemy of all who lived. Vanquishing destruction for the good of the world."
"Allow me the breath of life Amelia, your grip is merciless," Lina coughs, but that doesn't stop Amelia. The girls laugh, offering a sound of hope even amidst the destruction surrounding them.
There is more celebrating as their companions show up one by one. While most of Xellos's crew is forever dead, Lina's crew has fared better. Each time a man fell into one the numerous pools the mermaids came to the rescue and swam them to safety, healing their wounds unseen by the lord of the destruction. They didn't necessarily want to save Xellos, but he's more useful alive than dead.
And now he owes them one.
After boarding their ships the celebrating and joy continues as the unlikely heroes look back at their work proudly. The mermaids, while cautious of Pokota's worth as the ruler of Taforashia, are more than willing to see that the old country is restored to what it once was. Even if all that's left is a spit of land.
Rather than stay with the mermaids, Pokota wants to return to Port Seyruun, wishing to stay with Amelia and Zelgadis for the time being. When his journey began he wanted to return home, but now he knows that what he really wanted since the beginning was to know the truth and live a future he made himself. There will be plenty of time to restore Taforashia in with his friends beside him.
As for Lina, she takes the Island Chieftain and her crew to search for adventure, treasure, and anything else they happen to run into along the way. True to his word Xellos sails with Pokota, Amelia and Zelgadis back home.
Such calm is sadly short lived.
Author's Note:
This was supposed to be the last chapter, but the showdown against Shabranigdo became much more detailed and embellished then I originally foresaw. In the original versions Lina's crew just fired all the canons at Shabranigdo or sealed him away using mermaid magic, but it was anticlimactic. This time, the setting and battle is more character driven like the rest of the story is. Hopefully this makes it more enjoyable.
Rather than force the final scene (chapter 12) and have it become overshadowed by Shabranigdo's awesome-ness I decided breaking it up would be best. I think you'll agree that this chapter has enough going on as it is to end comfortably here.
But it isn't done yet! So stick around just a little longer. One more chapter to go then you can just . . . just . . . read something from TheGuineapig3 or QueenHimiko. They post fairly often.
On a final note, thank you for your patience. It is really nice knowing that this story is being read, even if only by a few.