The four made their way back down the tunnel to the entrance as quickly as the inhibiting darkness allowed. Once they came into the light of the cavern's opening, they were faced with a sight not unpleasant so much as unusual.
The large guardian beast that had tried to block their way originally had been reduced to a staggering mass of small ebony particles. It cried out weakly, barely holding itself together. But it was not Xellos alone who dealt the final blow; both Filia and Pokota used their magic to help slay the creature. When the last bits of black dust that formed it dissipated, Lina called to them.
"Filia! Pokota!"
All three turned to look at the approaching party. Lina watched their eyes travel to Zelgadis. They didn't seem as surprised as they should have been.
"He didn't –" she started.
"We know." Filia said softly, still looking at Zel. There was something like…admiration in her eyes.
"You should have seen it!" Pokota bounced on the spot excitedly, "It was incredible!"
"Seen what?" Zel asked.
"Uh…your wish?" Pokota said, as if Zelgadis was the stupidest person alive.
The four exchanged glances.
"Come on," Pokota bounced some more, gesturing toward the exit, "Come on! Come and see!"
Upon exiting the cavern, finding themselves perched on the same ledge as before, they were greeted by an amazing scene. On the battlefield below, soldiers were making their way back to their respective bases. They were packing up, readying to leave the valley.
"I don't understand," Zel said.
"You wished they'd stop, didn't you?" Pokota asked.
"Well, yeah, but I didn't think…" his words trailed off as he surveyed the scene. It was like there'd been no battle raging moments ago.
"They're just leaving," Amelia observed.
"When you wished for the war to end," Filia explained to Zelgadis, "it was like they all just forgot what they were doing here."
"How come you guys remember?" Gourry asked.
"They were part of the wish," Zel deduced.
"That was incredible too," Pokota said, "All of a sudden I just knew where you guys were. And I had to be there."
"Me too," Filia said.
Zel cast a sideways glance at Xellos. Had he subconsciously sent them to save the monster when he wished for all of their safety? Xellos glanced at him, smug cheerfulness once again in place. Zel ignored him, drew himself up a bit higher in the pride of knowing he'd probably saved all three of them.
"Do you think Phil knows the war's over?" Lina asked, "And that we're safe? He was in your wish."
"We should return to Seyruun with the troops," Filia suggested.
"I have to get back to my men," Pokota said, following Filia slowly down the slope. "We'll need to return to Taforashia as well."
"Tell your dad we said hi!" Lina called after him.
"Well," Xellos said, hovering leisurely behind them, "I think I've done enough for this adventure…"
"You're leaving?" Zel asked hopefully.
"You can call it that." Xellos smiled.
"Where are you headed?" Lina questioned.
"That –" Xellos said, waving one finger as he faded, "– is a secret!"
"Come on," Gourry said, "We should go back with Filia."
"Yeah, I guess we're done here," Lina said lazily.
They slowly filed down the path that led to the valley below. Zel hung back, allowing the two girls to go in front of him. As she passed him, Amelia put her hand on his shoulder and stood on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear, "Thank you."
Lina saw the young princess kiss the chimera on the cheek softly before descending the ledge. When she passed, Lina asked Zel as he joined her, "What else did you ask the Wish Grantor for?"
Zel blinked, confused. "Nothing," he said with complete innocence.
Lina believed him. But that didn't mean another of his wishes hadn't come true.
