THE SUCCUBUS' CURSE
(13) A Meeting with Royalty
The Prince is about six (6) feet tall, lean yet slightly well built, medium length blonde hair, sapphire blue eyes, and wearing white from head to toe. You know the kind, the one that Lina and Sylphiel went all dreamy eye about when they were expecting the Crowned Prince of Saillune to be her own true love, that is, until Amelia's dad, Philonel, showed up and present himself, shattering their fantasy dreams.
And now, the priestess, the princess, and the shrine maiden were left in a space filled with a pink aura drop, white ribbons, and red heart-shaped balloons, admiring their Prince Charming, as the rest of the gang looked at the three with cocked eyebrows.
"I think I'm gonna be sick."
"My....and here I thought I was the only one feeling these positive sugar cavity emotions." Xellos hugged his staff tighter, looking slightly green as he lazily looked at Val, holding his stomach.
"Um....shouldn't we wake them up?"
"Are you nuts?!"
"Aez, have you ever tried to break them from a girl's day dream?"
"No."
"Then I suggest you don't do that now. *sigh* You have so much to learn."
"Um guys, I don't think we have to worry about that." Gourry pointed out.
Val, Xellos, Aez, and Zelgadiss looked at the direction where there stood Linus, stress marking and staring disbelievingly at her friends. She walked up behind them, swatting, popping, and tearing up the 'I'm-I-Love confetti and tapped one masquerading lady's shoulder. No response. She tried the next girl, also no response, getting even more angry. Just before she was ready to clobber the next one, she reconsidered and decided to try a different approach. She smirked....
"O.K. then *crack fingers*.......MONO VOLT!"
"AAHHHHHHH!!!!"
.......and shocked them in the process.
"That should wake them up." she clapped her gloved hands.
They passed out on the floor while their clothes were slightly charcoaled, letting out an aroma of singed materials. Needless to say, the court were aghast and befuddled at this strange action. The male Slayers sighed or have their faces expressing nothing, like it was your normal, everyday activity. Almost all the guys, the ancient dragon narrowed his eyes at the human seating snobbishly in his seat, scanning cautiously, sensing something out of place. It seems he's not the only one, the Trickster Priest has been also trying to analyze the peculiar mortal.
"Hmm....why Val....have you finally decided to give up on Filia-chan and go for someone else where you really have no fears of losing to?"
"Shut up Namagomi, I haven't given up and I'm definitely have not any fears of losing to anyone, especially to you." he hissed under his breath and glared at the mazuko before him, Xellos walked away with his snidish self to start with the easing tension with the non-L' Sama's participants.
"Ahem.....I apologize for this.....odd display, but my overly excited friend here is annoyed....." Xellos continue to inwardly smirk at the ancient dragon as he starts to explain.
"You betcha I'm annoyed....actually, I'm more than annoyed, I'm pisse..." 'How dare he finally show his after all this time!' Lina mentally complain about her Prince Charming.
".....as well as for the rest of us." interrupting the sorceress before they end up in a dungeon for being herself.
"Oh.....well, why is that?"
"Why is that?! Look here buddy, we want to know why in the nine hells have you arrested us?!"
"Yes....why indeed. We have done nothing wrong and as far as we know, we have not break any rules that we haven't encountered with yet." Zelgadiss moved next to the brash redhead.
"But none of you are under arrest."
"If we're not your prisoners, than what is the purpose of dismissing your captain and having your soldiers brought us here by force?" Sylvester asked after she dusted off her large tunic as Albert and Val helped Philip back up.
"Please do not be alarmed, I just wish to greet the traveling gentlemen that caused so much excitement in my kingdom."
"You sure have a funny way of greeting visitors."
"You are correct, I apologize for my rude and perhaps, primitive behavior. Let's start from the beginning, shall we? My name is Crowned Prince Mauro Di Macille, and your names, if you may."
As Linus was getting ready to make another prudent remark, Xellos straighten out, step forward and bowed with that grande smile of his. (a/n: when does he not)
"But of course your majesty. Now for the introductions, let us proceed by going by our left side, your right, of the line shall we?"
The prince agreed with a curt nod to proceed.
"This young short man is our chipper, representative of Righteousness Albert de Saillune, then we have humble, tenable Sylvester Nels Rada, ambiguous, chivalrous Gourry Gabriev, the ever temperamental articulate Linus Inveto, this chimera is the stoic, inexorable Zelgadiss Greywers, his studious ward, Aezorl Greywers, capricious, tenacious Philip Ul Copt and of course myself, the handsome, wonderful, and intelligent of them all Xellos the Priest. Now did I forget anyone....no? Well that...."
"Xel~los."
"Hey Xellos....you forgot about Val."
"I think he did that on purpose Mister Gourry."
"Any other words you want to use from that thesaurus of yours before I wring your neck?"
"Quick to resole your humilation by using violence....tsk, tsk, Val-kun, I believe that is not how your kind are to behave."
"Er....the gentlemen with the green hair over there is Val Agares, your highness." Filia bowed slightly as she almost curtsy to the handsome man.
"Well now that we have introduce ourselves, can we leave?"
"Not yet.... I have a question for you Mister Albert, you wouldn't happen to be thee Prince Albert of the kingdom Saillune?"
"*blink, blink* I....uh....uh..."
"Oh yeah. His uncle is the Crowned Prince Philonel, great ruler of the White Magic Capital of the world and the upholder of Justice." some how, Linus has the funny feeling that she shouldn't mention the justice part.
Immediately, his handsome face paled and his widen eyes began to get watery.
"Oh no! I humbly ask for forgiveness for the great terrible error I have committed. Please understand my actions towards you and your friends due to my wary nature."
The reigned ruler kept apologizing like crazy probably for not to take any chances for a war to commence because of his stupid mistakes. Amelia stood there, staring in confusion at the frazzled looking cute blonde. Lina came up next to her and nudge the princess to do or say something to calm him down. You know, from one monarch to another.
"There's really no need to apologize. I understand your actions."
"Really? Thank you so very much Prince Albert. I appreciate your kindness and your understanding. May your uncle as well as your kingdom continue to prosper and keep in good health." letting out a sigh of relief as his face relaxed.
"Thank you Prince Mauro and may you and your kingdom receive many more....er.....loyal subjects, wealth, good health, and Justice. For without Justice, foul and evil darkness will take advantage and destroy humanity and Love. That's right! We, Royalty, must preserve what we have left and defend those who are against what is right! We are nothing more than paladins and allies of Justice and Love! Evil lurks around everywhere and *thump*...*swirly dots* and...and....and...and...."the young brunette continue to repeatedly saying and until his voice drifts off into her natural whispers.
The entire room sweat dropped as they watched the speech maker fall to the floor, complimentary by our one and only gal who would always get impatient.
"Um...thank you..?"
"Look your highness, we just want to find a cure, okay? So if you please be kind enough to help us out or let us leave and we'll just get on with the rest of our lives as if nothing happened."
"And what do I get in return if I comply to any of your requests?"
'Men.....Go figure.......well I could always butter him up.' she thought.
"Um....well. You don't need money, you're a....prestigious crowned prince over a powerful and....um...unique kingdom...."
"Oh it's not all that powerful Mister Linus. It is however, populated with only men, over half of the percentage who are homosexuals."
"Wow, you're pretty much out in the open with this aren't you?"
"As the reigning leader, I have to. I practically know all things. from small rumors to having library dedicated mainly to keep actual official testaments and visual proofs."
The crew widen their eyes from hearing such a wonderful sentence, especially to a certain chimera.
"Library?" his mazuko eyes sparkled hope, thinking he could always use that as a backup plan just in case it was a 'surprise, surprise, another dead end' thing.
"You know everything huh? Well....let's just say oh....I don't know.....a certain lead...for the cure we're searching for?"
"Lead for the cure? Hmm, I guess so if I know for what."
"Great! *clears throat* Oh....I mean....an information for....um....a lead for, mind you, I grabbed it from the top of my head, for a magical spring?" she quickly recovered her phoney voice.
The prince starts to rubbed his chin in thought.
"Let's see....there's the Femille's Spring for shrine maidens..."
"Yeah, we happened to...."
"We happened to come across it."
The small sorceress interrupting Gourry before he mentions why and how they went there.
"Cross dressing is more like it." wishing he could of thought up a marvelous revenge as the blonde mercenary friend had planned.
Both nervously smiling Lina and Amelia covered the chimera's smart ass mouth as the rest let out a sigh of relief.
"Shut up Lu Lu." the redhead whispered harshly into his elfin ear.
"I'm sorry Mister Greywers, did you say something?"
"Oh...n...nothing, Prince Mauro, he was just saying that we had to go around since Femille won't permit any men to enter its kingdom."
"So you have heard about their amazonian kingdom and judging by your looks, I say that you barely made it out alive."
"You can say that again." Linus, Gourry, and Amelia replied as the flush looking Zelgadiss nodded once, since the girls hands are still present.
"*small chuckle* I see."
Mauro shifted in his throne and straighten himself.
"Now, to get back to the subject. I believe I may have what you searching for."
He clapped twice and as he waits he starts to explain to his anxious guests,
"About a couple years ago, there was a rumor lingering around the city until it finally reached to my ears. I, of course, was curious and so I sent out my best investigator to not only find the truth but also do some research."
He stopped as a servant passed by with a rolled up scroll on a red velvet pillow, the newcomers blinked, baffled as he or she await on another command once the master picked up the parchment.
"As it turn out, it was at a whole new land containing many magical springs of various species, such as pandas, pigs, and humans of both genders located practically at the other side of the world. The mission had my poor yet loyal servant return close to two years later. I...hmm?"
He notices he wasn't getting any attention, except for Xellos. He saw a surprise looking crew's heads turn to the direction his page is at.
"Um....aa....is....issn't he....I mean she...er....." Albert nervously pointed a finger at pretty brunette wearing a pale yellow dress, standing by Mauro.
"Hey! I thought girls aren't allow here?!"
He laughed merrily. "Oh no....not at all. As you already know no......"
"No women are allowed. We read the marker."
"......and not to mention how your kingdom...reacted as soon as we set our feet through those gates."
They turn a bit green as the specific memory came into their minds. (A/n: once again....I have nothing against homosexuals....I thing it's terrific that they don't care what the gender is, love rules every matter of the heart.)
He laughed harder.
"What's with the laughing?! It's not funny!!"
"Please don't take offense, but I rarely get the chance to see people of the same gender to express other than doting and amorous"
"Pft....we seem to get that here a lot lately." crossing her arms.
He got up and walked down from those small steps with the mysterious scroll. His white cape dramatically flowed as he carries a certain air that says 'I'm what every woman would fantasize about.' As the girls were starting to return into their mesmerizing state, they happened to remember something and each one looked at the corner of her eye. Yup, there was Linus, ready to cast yet another spell to match with the spark in her ruby eyes. They shuddered and contain themselves before they will receive further injuries. As Prince Mauro starts to stride towards them, the palace guards moved closer to their liege.
He stood a good couple of feet away from the visitors, tapping his palm with the parchment.
"I have here, the map to your true desired destination."
He walked up closer, extended his hand and was ready to give Linus with Zel still right beside her, ready to snatch it away, however.....
"Now...."
He retrieved it back, along with hardened glares.
"Hey! What's the big idea?!"
"Apparently Mister Linus Inveto, you have forgotten my words momentarily ago."
"Oh.....well....what do you want?"
"We really do not have anything that would interest you, your highness." Sylvester spoke in her meek yet low tone.
"What I'm asking in exchange for all the springs, is a job."
He had the cross dressing page take back the scroll, certain eyes looked hungrily at the departing paper.
"A job? What kind of a 'job' do you have in mind?"
"Oh...a mission really to bring back an heirloom that was stolen from my family decades ago."
"Sounds simple enough." Gourry shrugged his shoulders.
"What is the heirloom and where do we retrieve from? Aez asked
"My informants told me that the Red Armor, that is my family's prized possession, is lain hidden deep within the temple ruins near here."
"Wait....if this Red Armor is so near then why couldn't you or your guards just go over there and get it?" Val's tone became wary.
He stood there looking at the group, he closed his blue eyes and with a snap of his fingers, the guards brought in what looked like, a tired body in a wooden wheelchair, wrapped up in so many bandages that you can't tell if it's even human. However, they did notice that there are certain parts missing. The girls, minus Lina, looked to the floor as not to allow their stomachs to tighten any further.
"This man was my only scout left out of five. He barely made it out alive. After he told me this information he can no longer speak nor move." he said it rather sadly.
"Who....did that to him?" Syl asked him as audible sympathetic gasps were heard from Amelia and Filia.
"*sigh* The temple was known to be wary to trespassers, but now since it lays in ruins and no followers to tend for, it became a very hazardous environment to anyone indeed...well almost anyone."
"So there's traps everywhere then."
The Macille prince nodded.
"Wait....you said almost anyone."
Our Slayers troupe turn their heads to look at Linus and Mauro now with the same question wondering in their minds.
"What kind of temple is it to only include certain ones." Philip asked.
"From what I understand, anyone who isn't from here and possess certain magical aura can get thru there. My enemies are very thorough."
"So that means...."
"That non-Macille residents and sorcerers can get thru?"
Once again he nodded yes. However, unknown to anyone, a small smirk appeared on his lips.
"Do we have a deal?"
Just before Linus and Zel were going to reply yes,
"I don't know....if you please excuse us for a moment, Prince Mauro, we need to discuss this over."
"But of course."
With confused expressions on their faces, the group made a team huddle as so to outweigh these options.
"What's with the 'I don't know' crap Sylvester?" Linus balled up her hands and places them on her hip.
"But Miss Lina, I have a very bad feeling about this."
"You do ne? Well, I guess we should but- I think this is a simple deal."
"Too simple, Sylphiel is right Lina. We need to reconsider this agreement."
"I don't see a problem....all he's saying that he want Lina, Sylphiel, Amelia, and Filia to get that red suit thing of his."
"Yea...well..."
The team widen their eyes and blinked continuously at the absent-minded mercenary.
"By the gods, Mister Gourry is getting better at solving things."
"Don't get too surprised Aezorl, he does these kind of things often."
"But he could be wrong in this one. I mean nobody knows that we're still in disguise plus it seems that Prince Mauro figured out that the majority of us are magic users."
As they weigh the pros and cons of what Gourry he said, the smirking prince came up to them, holding in his hand, a weird looking oval bubble crystal.
"You're answer please."
They snapped their necks to look at the speaker, startlement sets in their eyes as the orb began to let out a very bright flash.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?!"
"Was it....no....but it has to be some kind of spell."
All nine beings were not expecting such a underhanded surprise. They furiously rubbed their eyes until one by one regained his or her own sight.
"IIII'MMMM BLIIINNDDD!"
The room had collective sweat drops.
"Er...try to open your eyes Mister Gourry." Aez and Amelia reached for his outstretched arms.
"Oh....kinda forgot 'bout that." he sheepishly smile as his hand reached behind his head.
"We figure as much."
"I hope that wasn't to bright for you Miss Lina Inverse."
"H...hh..how do you know my name?!" rubbing her eyes from the remaining black and blue spots.
The crew gathered close together. Gourry was right to guess that he knows somehow.
"My, my, my. That was certainly something I have not expected."
"Hahahaha....why thank you Xellos. I'll take that retort as a compliment from Zelas' favored General Priest."
The said person gripped his staff. "So....you know well both of me and my fellow ladies' disguises. I have underestimated your intelligence."
"Oh yes, quite. I differ from the rest of the humans. Remember, I practically know everything, including the famous The Slayers adventurers and the real Prince Albert's untimely death. The names....are quite...eccentric yet not creative enough for these young maidens....Princess Amelia Wil Tesla de Saillune, Sylphiel Nels Rada, Filia Ul Copt, and last but not least, Lina Inverse. My dear Xellos....after all these centuries, I thought you had better sense and wit to go through experiences such as these."
"You mean he already figured out our secret?"
"Gourry you Jelly Fish Impersonator!! You were the one who mentioned that he suspected us!"
"If you're quite done, I would like all of you, or more exactly, the young ladies to go and retrieve the heirloom now."
"You sure sound positive for a guy who isn't getting his little prize possession back."
"Ah...but that's where you're wrong Miss Inverse. You see, I'm very certain that you and the rest of your entourage will be more than willing to accept this proposal."
"Oh yea? We'll see about that....Gourry, Zel, Val."
The three mentioned nodded along with, "Right!"
As the chimera unsheathe his sword, the ancient dragon furrowed his eyebrows and the blonde's hands began to search frantically to his strapped side.
"AAAAHHHH! Mmmy sword is gone! WHERE'S MY SWORD?!"
"Mine is missing as well."
"WHAT?!"
"How could the two of you lose your swords?!"
"Looking for these gentlemen?"
He had a smug facial expression as he held out a sword in each hand. His surrounding guards also brought out everybody's elses.
"Don't worry, I still have mine....Astral Vine!"
However, the cold steel did nothing but lay asleep in his hand.
"Zel! Now would be a good time to vanquish someone!"
"It seems Lina-chan, that he could not summon his magic."
"What have you done to my sword?" he growled as his sharp glare darted at Mauro.
"Besides a dirty prankster, you're a sneaky thief. What else should we expect from you?"
"Nothing much really Greywers."
"Look out Zel!" as he turns around an saw the ox of a guard, he tries to use his altered speed to get out of the situation.....
.....but in a blink of an eye, one strong brute conked the chimera's head unexpectingly and took his sword as well as soon as he dropped to the ground.
"ZEL!"
"Mister Zelgadiss!"
"Are you alright Mister Zelgadiss?"
He pulled himself up slowly, checking the back of his head for any serious injuries.
"I'm....*wince* fine. Just have a very bad headache, no thanks to him."
With a wave of his finger, making his lackeys come up closer to them.
"I'm just a man with a caliber full of royalty and who is always trying to do whatever comes to human nature."
"It's sounds more like you're full of something real bad....real, real bad." Little Amelia glared her best at him, after all that wonderful speech she gave him.
"Let me guess, you want to become powerful."
He smiles and closes his eyes. "But of course. *serious face* Now, if you don't mind...."
The palace goons raised their weapons to our heroes' faces.
"Oh no you don't! *moved back* Well, if you want a job to be done...."
Lina quickly puts herself in her usual offense pose.
".....you gotta do it yourself, Fire Ball!"
And all that came out was smoke.
"?????!!!!!!"
"DAMN IT!!! Zel, Amelia!"
He was too upset to say anything, so he's gonna let his magic do the talking.
"OKAY Miss Lina! This is for the name of Justice! Freeze Arrow!"
"Bomb Di Wind!"
The sorcerer's and the princess' hands also let out a puff of smoke. The crew blinked.
"Our magic...doesn't work?"
"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!?!"
"I don't understand. It's not the....er....*blush*...my time of the month."
"Sylphiel, Aez, Filia, and Val, do any of you have any magic?'
Once they each tapped into their magical abilities, one by one answered with a shaken head no.
"Grr....XELLOS!"
They looked at him, his slanted eyes glaring as his usual smile went into a straight serious line.
"Xellos do something!"
"It's not that simple Lina."
"*blink* What *lightbulb* Not you too!" she slapped her forehead.
"I didn't know mazuko can get powerless."
"Unless they're dead."
"I don't understand, what does Miss Lina mean?"
"Besides the fact that none of us have our powers Aez, it seems Xellos' doesn't have them either."
"But how?"
"All of it must of happen when all of us were blinded."
"As you have witness, it can be done. You see, I manage to snatch up everyone's magical energy and tucked them safely away into this little gem that not a single one of you can cast spells, not even simple Lightning.
Mauro shows them the small glowing orb as it shone radiantly.
"But of course, I couldn't have done it with your unwilling, surprised cooperation."
All of them angrily looked at him.
"All right then. How about this, I promise to return all of your powers the map and the lead if you get me the Red Armor, is it a deal?"
"How can you be so sure that we won't go back on it?"
"Because if any of you do, let's just say that the mazuko will start to have to get use to being a mere, mortal normal human, the chimera will become nothing more than a carnival past time, the dragons will be no more, and you, Lina Inverse, *wide smirk* will be nothing more than a simple, tough girl who cannot wield a Fire Ball, Flare Arrow not even your famous Dragon Slave. Do you really want to risk the lives of your extraordinary friends as well as yourself?"
"You said a promise....a promise you won't go back on?"
"I give you my word."
"Miss Lina, I don't think we should accept it."
"And do what Sylphiel? We can live like we use to, but what about Zel, Val, Filia, and even Xellos?" 'This jerk really got us in a pinch.'
"I take it that the deal is accepted then?"
"Fine.....we'll do it."
The Sairaag priestess frowned which not only caught the group's eye but also the prince's.
"Need nothing to fear, Miss Sylphiel, my promise is to give back you all your powers, the map, and the lead on that cure." he smiled.
(13) A Meeting with Royalty
The Prince is about six (6) feet tall, lean yet slightly well built, medium length blonde hair, sapphire blue eyes, and wearing white from head to toe. You know the kind, the one that Lina and Sylphiel went all dreamy eye about when they were expecting the Crowned Prince of Saillune to be her own true love, that is, until Amelia's dad, Philonel, showed up and present himself, shattering their fantasy dreams.
And now, the priestess, the princess, and the shrine maiden were left in a space filled with a pink aura drop, white ribbons, and red heart-shaped balloons, admiring their Prince Charming, as the rest of the gang looked at the three with cocked eyebrows.
"I think I'm gonna be sick."
"My....and here I thought I was the only one feeling these positive sugar cavity emotions." Xellos hugged his staff tighter, looking slightly green as he lazily looked at Val, holding his stomach.
"Um....shouldn't we wake them up?"
"Are you nuts?!"
"Aez, have you ever tried to break them from a girl's day dream?"
"No."
"Then I suggest you don't do that now. *sigh* You have so much to learn."
"Um guys, I don't think we have to worry about that." Gourry pointed out.
Val, Xellos, Aez, and Zelgadiss looked at the direction where there stood Linus, stress marking and staring disbelievingly at her friends. She walked up behind them, swatting, popping, and tearing up the 'I'm-I-Love confetti and tapped one masquerading lady's shoulder. No response. She tried the next girl, also no response, getting even more angry. Just before she was ready to clobber the next one, she reconsidered and decided to try a different approach. She smirked....
"O.K. then *crack fingers*.......MONO VOLT!"
"AAHHHHHHH!!!!"
.......and shocked them in the process.
"That should wake them up." she clapped her gloved hands.
They passed out on the floor while their clothes were slightly charcoaled, letting out an aroma of singed materials. Needless to say, the court were aghast and befuddled at this strange action. The male Slayers sighed or have their faces expressing nothing, like it was your normal, everyday activity. Almost all the guys, the ancient dragon narrowed his eyes at the human seating snobbishly in his seat, scanning cautiously, sensing something out of place. It seems he's not the only one, the Trickster Priest has been also trying to analyze the peculiar mortal.
"Hmm....why Val....have you finally decided to give up on Filia-chan and go for someone else where you really have no fears of losing to?"
"Shut up Namagomi, I haven't given up and I'm definitely have not any fears of losing to anyone, especially to you." he hissed under his breath and glared at the mazuko before him, Xellos walked away with his snidish self to start with the easing tension with the non-L' Sama's participants.
"Ahem.....I apologize for this.....odd display, but my overly excited friend here is annoyed....." Xellos continue to inwardly smirk at the ancient dragon as he starts to explain.
"You betcha I'm annoyed....actually, I'm more than annoyed, I'm pisse..." 'How dare he finally show his after all this time!' Lina mentally complain about her Prince Charming.
".....as well as for the rest of us." interrupting the sorceress before they end up in a dungeon for being herself.
"Oh.....well, why is that?"
"Why is that?! Look here buddy, we want to know why in the nine hells have you arrested us?!"
"Yes....why indeed. We have done nothing wrong and as far as we know, we have not break any rules that we haven't encountered with yet." Zelgadiss moved next to the brash redhead.
"But none of you are under arrest."
"If we're not your prisoners, than what is the purpose of dismissing your captain and having your soldiers brought us here by force?" Sylvester asked after she dusted off her large tunic as Albert and Val helped Philip back up.
"Please do not be alarmed, I just wish to greet the traveling gentlemen that caused so much excitement in my kingdom."
"You sure have a funny way of greeting visitors."
"You are correct, I apologize for my rude and perhaps, primitive behavior. Let's start from the beginning, shall we? My name is Crowned Prince Mauro Di Macille, and your names, if you may."
As Linus was getting ready to make another prudent remark, Xellos straighten out, step forward and bowed with that grande smile of his. (a/n: when does he not)
"But of course your majesty. Now for the introductions, let us proceed by going by our left side, your right, of the line shall we?"
The prince agreed with a curt nod to proceed.
"This young short man is our chipper, representative of Righteousness Albert de Saillune, then we have humble, tenable Sylvester Nels Rada, ambiguous, chivalrous Gourry Gabriev, the ever temperamental articulate Linus Inveto, this chimera is the stoic, inexorable Zelgadiss Greywers, his studious ward, Aezorl Greywers, capricious, tenacious Philip Ul Copt and of course myself, the handsome, wonderful, and intelligent of them all Xellos the Priest. Now did I forget anyone....no? Well that...."
"Xel~los."
"Hey Xellos....you forgot about Val."
"I think he did that on purpose Mister Gourry."
"Any other words you want to use from that thesaurus of yours before I wring your neck?"
"Quick to resole your humilation by using violence....tsk, tsk, Val-kun, I believe that is not how your kind are to behave."
"Er....the gentlemen with the green hair over there is Val Agares, your highness." Filia bowed slightly as she almost curtsy to the handsome man.
"Well now that we have introduce ourselves, can we leave?"
"Not yet.... I have a question for you Mister Albert, you wouldn't happen to be thee Prince Albert of the kingdom Saillune?"
"*blink, blink* I....uh....uh..."
"Oh yeah. His uncle is the Crowned Prince Philonel, great ruler of the White Magic Capital of the world and the upholder of Justice." some how, Linus has the funny feeling that she shouldn't mention the justice part.
Immediately, his handsome face paled and his widen eyes began to get watery.
"Oh no! I humbly ask for forgiveness for the great terrible error I have committed. Please understand my actions towards you and your friends due to my wary nature."
The reigned ruler kept apologizing like crazy probably for not to take any chances for a war to commence because of his stupid mistakes. Amelia stood there, staring in confusion at the frazzled looking cute blonde. Lina came up next to her and nudge the princess to do or say something to calm him down. You know, from one monarch to another.
"There's really no need to apologize. I understand your actions."
"Really? Thank you so very much Prince Albert. I appreciate your kindness and your understanding. May your uncle as well as your kingdom continue to prosper and keep in good health." letting out a sigh of relief as his face relaxed.
"Thank you Prince Mauro and may you and your kingdom receive many more....er.....loyal subjects, wealth, good health, and Justice. For without Justice, foul and evil darkness will take advantage and destroy humanity and Love. That's right! We, Royalty, must preserve what we have left and defend those who are against what is right! We are nothing more than paladins and allies of Justice and Love! Evil lurks around everywhere and *thump*...*swirly dots* and...and....and...and...."the young brunette continue to repeatedly saying and until his voice drifts off into her natural whispers.
The entire room sweat dropped as they watched the speech maker fall to the floor, complimentary by our one and only gal who would always get impatient.
"Um...thank you..?"
"Look your highness, we just want to find a cure, okay? So if you please be kind enough to help us out or let us leave and we'll just get on with the rest of our lives as if nothing happened."
"And what do I get in return if I comply to any of your requests?"
'Men.....Go figure.......well I could always butter him up.' she thought.
"Um....well. You don't need money, you're a....prestigious crowned prince over a powerful and....um...unique kingdom...."
"Oh it's not all that powerful Mister Linus. It is however, populated with only men, over half of the percentage who are homosexuals."
"Wow, you're pretty much out in the open with this aren't you?"
"As the reigning leader, I have to. I practically know all things. from small rumors to having library dedicated mainly to keep actual official testaments and visual proofs."
The crew widen their eyes from hearing such a wonderful sentence, especially to a certain chimera.
"Library?" his mazuko eyes sparkled hope, thinking he could always use that as a backup plan just in case it was a 'surprise, surprise, another dead end' thing.
"You know everything huh? Well....let's just say oh....I don't know.....a certain lead...for the cure we're searching for?"
"Lead for the cure? Hmm, I guess so if I know for what."
"Great! *clears throat* Oh....I mean....an information for....um....a lead for, mind you, I grabbed it from the top of my head, for a magical spring?" she quickly recovered her phoney voice.
The prince starts to rubbed his chin in thought.
"Let's see....there's the Femille's Spring for shrine maidens..."
"Yeah, we happened to...."
"We happened to come across it."
The small sorceress interrupting Gourry before he mentions why and how they went there.
"Cross dressing is more like it." wishing he could of thought up a marvelous revenge as the blonde mercenary friend had planned.
Both nervously smiling Lina and Amelia covered the chimera's smart ass mouth as the rest let out a sigh of relief.
"Shut up Lu Lu." the redhead whispered harshly into his elfin ear.
"I'm sorry Mister Greywers, did you say something?"
"Oh...n...nothing, Prince Mauro, he was just saying that we had to go around since Femille won't permit any men to enter its kingdom."
"So you have heard about their amazonian kingdom and judging by your looks, I say that you barely made it out alive."
"You can say that again." Linus, Gourry, and Amelia replied as the flush looking Zelgadiss nodded once, since the girls hands are still present.
"*small chuckle* I see."
Mauro shifted in his throne and straighten himself.
"Now, to get back to the subject. I believe I may have what you searching for."
He clapped twice and as he waits he starts to explain to his anxious guests,
"About a couple years ago, there was a rumor lingering around the city until it finally reached to my ears. I, of course, was curious and so I sent out my best investigator to not only find the truth but also do some research."
He stopped as a servant passed by with a rolled up scroll on a red velvet pillow, the newcomers blinked, baffled as he or she await on another command once the master picked up the parchment.
"As it turn out, it was at a whole new land containing many magical springs of various species, such as pandas, pigs, and humans of both genders located practically at the other side of the world. The mission had my poor yet loyal servant return close to two years later. I...hmm?"
He notices he wasn't getting any attention, except for Xellos. He saw a surprise looking crew's heads turn to the direction his page is at.
"Um....aa....is....issn't he....I mean she...er....." Albert nervously pointed a finger at pretty brunette wearing a pale yellow dress, standing by Mauro.
"Hey! I thought girls aren't allow here?!"
He laughed merrily. "Oh no....not at all. As you already know no......"
"No women are allowed. We read the marker."
"......and not to mention how your kingdom...reacted as soon as we set our feet through those gates."
They turn a bit green as the specific memory came into their minds. (A/n: once again....I have nothing against homosexuals....I thing it's terrific that they don't care what the gender is, love rules every matter of the heart.)
He laughed harder.
"What's with the laughing?! It's not funny!!"
"Please don't take offense, but I rarely get the chance to see people of the same gender to express other than doting and amorous"
"Pft....we seem to get that here a lot lately." crossing her arms.
He got up and walked down from those small steps with the mysterious scroll. His white cape dramatically flowed as he carries a certain air that says 'I'm what every woman would fantasize about.' As the girls were starting to return into their mesmerizing state, they happened to remember something and each one looked at the corner of her eye. Yup, there was Linus, ready to cast yet another spell to match with the spark in her ruby eyes. They shuddered and contain themselves before they will receive further injuries. As Prince Mauro starts to stride towards them, the palace guards moved closer to their liege.
He stood a good couple of feet away from the visitors, tapping his palm with the parchment.
"I have here, the map to your true desired destination."
He walked up closer, extended his hand and was ready to give Linus with Zel still right beside her, ready to snatch it away, however.....
"Now...."
He retrieved it back, along with hardened glares.
"Hey! What's the big idea?!"
"Apparently Mister Linus Inveto, you have forgotten my words momentarily ago."
"Oh.....well....what do you want?"
"We really do not have anything that would interest you, your highness." Sylvester spoke in her meek yet low tone.
"What I'm asking in exchange for all the springs, is a job."
He had the cross dressing page take back the scroll, certain eyes looked hungrily at the departing paper.
"A job? What kind of a 'job' do you have in mind?"
"Oh...a mission really to bring back an heirloom that was stolen from my family decades ago."
"Sounds simple enough." Gourry shrugged his shoulders.
"What is the heirloom and where do we retrieve from? Aez asked
"My informants told me that the Red Armor, that is my family's prized possession, is lain hidden deep within the temple ruins near here."
"Wait....if this Red Armor is so near then why couldn't you or your guards just go over there and get it?" Val's tone became wary.
He stood there looking at the group, he closed his blue eyes and with a snap of his fingers, the guards brought in what looked like, a tired body in a wooden wheelchair, wrapped up in so many bandages that you can't tell if it's even human. However, they did notice that there are certain parts missing. The girls, minus Lina, looked to the floor as not to allow their stomachs to tighten any further.
"This man was my only scout left out of five. He barely made it out alive. After he told me this information he can no longer speak nor move." he said it rather sadly.
"Who....did that to him?" Syl asked him as audible sympathetic gasps were heard from Amelia and Filia.
"*sigh* The temple was known to be wary to trespassers, but now since it lays in ruins and no followers to tend for, it became a very hazardous environment to anyone indeed...well almost anyone."
"So there's traps everywhere then."
The Macille prince nodded.
"Wait....you said almost anyone."
Our Slayers troupe turn their heads to look at Linus and Mauro now with the same question wondering in their minds.
"What kind of temple is it to only include certain ones." Philip asked.
"From what I understand, anyone who isn't from here and possess certain magical aura can get thru there. My enemies are very thorough."
"So that means...."
"That non-Macille residents and sorcerers can get thru?"
Once again he nodded yes. However, unknown to anyone, a small smirk appeared on his lips.
"Do we have a deal?"
Just before Linus and Zel were going to reply yes,
"I don't know....if you please excuse us for a moment, Prince Mauro, we need to discuss this over."
"But of course."
With confused expressions on their faces, the group made a team huddle as so to outweigh these options.
"What's with the 'I don't know' crap Sylvester?" Linus balled up her hands and places them on her hip.
"But Miss Lina, I have a very bad feeling about this."
"You do ne? Well, I guess we should but- I think this is a simple deal."
"Too simple, Sylphiel is right Lina. We need to reconsider this agreement."
"I don't see a problem....all he's saying that he want Lina, Sylphiel, Amelia, and Filia to get that red suit thing of his."
"Yea...well..."
The team widen their eyes and blinked continuously at the absent-minded mercenary.
"By the gods, Mister Gourry is getting better at solving things."
"Don't get too surprised Aezorl, he does these kind of things often."
"But he could be wrong in this one. I mean nobody knows that we're still in disguise plus it seems that Prince Mauro figured out that the majority of us are magic users."
As they weigh the pros and cons of what Gourry he said, the smirking prince came up to them, holding in his hand, a weird looking oval bubble crystal.
"You're answer please."
They snapped their necks to look at the speaker, startlement sets in their eyes as the orb began to let out a very bright flash.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?!"
"Was it....no....but it has to be some kind of spell."
All nine beings were not expecting such a underhanded surprise. They furiously rubbed their eyes until one by one regained his or her own sight.
"IIII'MMMM BLIIINNDDD!"
The room had collective sweat drops.
"Er...try to open your eyes Mister Gourry." Aez and Amelia reached for his outstretched arms.
"Oh....kinda forgot 'bout that." he sheepishly smile as his hand reached behind his head.
"We figure as much."
"I hope that wasn't to bright for you Miss Lina Inverse."
"H...hh..how do you know my name?!" rubbing her eyes from the remaining black and blue spots.
The crew gathered close together. Gourry was right to guess that he knows somehow.
"My, my, my. That was certainly something I have not expected."
"Hahahaha....why thank you Xellos. I'll take that retort as a compliment from Zelas' favored General Priest."
The said person gripped his staff. "So....you know well both of me and my fellow ladies' disguises. I have underestimated your intelligence."
"Oh yes, quite. I differ from the rest of the humans. Remember, I practically know everything, including the famous The Slayers adventurers and the real Prince Albert's untimely death. The names....are quite...eccentric yet not creative enough for these young maidens....Princess Amelia Wil Tesla de Saillune, Sylphiel Nels Rada, Filia Ul Copt, and last but not least, Lina Inverse. My dear Xellos....after all these centuries, I thought you had better sense and wit to go through experiences such as these."
"You mean he already figured out our secret?"
"Gourry you Jelly Fish Impersonator!! You were the one who mentioned that he suspected us!"
"If you're quite done, I would like all of you, or more exactly, the young ladies to go and retrieve the heirloom now."
"You sure sound positive for a guy who isn't getting his little prize possession back."
"Ah...but that's where you're wrong Miss Inverse. You see, I'm very certain that you and the rest of your entourage will be more than willing to accept this proposal."
"Oh yea? We'll see about that....Gourry, Zel, Val."
The three mentioned nodded along with, "Right!"
As the chimera unsheathe his sword, the ancient dragon furrowed his eyebrows and the blonde's hands began to search frantically to his strapped side.
"AAAAHHHH! Mmmy sword is gone! WHERE'S MY SWORD?!"
"Mine is missing as well."
"WHAT?!"
"How could the two of you lose your swords?!"
"Looking for these gentlemen?"
He had a smug facial expression as he held out a sword in each hand. His surrounding guards also brought out everybody's elses.
"Don't worry, I still have mine....Astral Vine!"
However, the cold steel did nothing but lay asleep in his hand.
"Zel! Now would be a good time to vanquish someone!"
"It seems Lina-chan, that he could not summon his magic."
"What have you done to my sword?" he growled as his sharp glare darted at Mauro.
"Besides a dirty prankster, you're a sneaky thief. What else should we expect from you?"
"Nothing much really Greywers."
"Look out Zel!" as he turns around an saw the ox of a guard, he tries to use his altered speed to get out of the situation.....
.....but in a blink of an eye, one strong brute conked the chimera's head unexpectingly and took his sword as well as soon as he dropped to the ground.
"ZEL!"
"Mister Zelgadiss!"
"Are you alright Mister Zelgadiss?"
He pulled himself up slowly, checking the back of his head for any serious injuries.
"I'm....*wince* fine. Just have a very bad headache, no thanks to him."
With a wave of his finger, making his lackeys come up closer to them.
"I'm just a man with a caliber full of royalty and who is always trying to do whatever comes to human nature."
"It's sounds more like you're full of something real bad....real, real bad." Little Amelia glared her best at him, after all that wonderful speech she gave him.
"Let me guess, you want to become powerful."
He smiles and closes his eyes. "But of course. *serious face* Now, if you don't mind...."
The palace goons raised their weapons to our heroes' faces.
"Oh no you don't! *moved back* Well, if you want a job to be done...."
Lina quickly puts herself in her usual offense pose.
".....you gotta do it yourself, Fire Ball!"
And all that came out was smoke.
"?????!!!!!!"
"DAMN IT!!! Zel, Amelia!"
He was too upset to say anything, so he's gonna let his magic do the talking.
"OKAY Miss Lina! This is for the name of Justice! Freeze Arrow!"
"Bomb Di Wind!"
The sorcerer's and the princess' hands also let out a puff of smoke. The crew blinked.
"Our magic...doesn't work?"
"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!?!"
"I don't understand. It's not the....er....*blush*...my time of the month."
"Sylphiel, Aez, Filia, and Val, do any of you have any magic?'
Once they each tapped into their magical abilities, one by one answered with a shaken head no.
"Grr....XELLOS!"
They looked at him, his slanted eyes glaring as his usual smile went into a straight serious line.
"Xellos do something!"
"It's not that simple Lina."
"*blink* What *lightbulb* Not you too!" she slapped her forehead.
"I didn't know mazuko can get powerless."
"Unless they're dead."
"I don't understand, what does Miss Lina mean?"
"Besides the fact that none of us have our powers Aez, it seems Xellos' doesn't have them either."
"But how?"
"All of it must of happen when all of us were blinded."
"As you have witness, it can be done. You see, I manage to snatch up everyone's magical energy and tucked them safely away into this little gem that not a single one of you can cast spells, not even simple Lightning.
Mauro shows them the small glowing orb as it shone radiantly.
"But of course, I couldn't have done it with your unwilling, surprised cooperation."
All of them angrily looked at him.
"All right then. How about this, I promise to return all of your powers the map and the lead if you get me the Red Armor, is it a deal?"
"How can you be so sure that we won't go back on it?"
"Because if any of you do, let's just say that the mazuko will start to have to get use to being a mere, mortal normal human, the chimera will become nothing more than a carnival past time, the dragons will be no more, and you, Lina Inverse, *wide smirk* will be nothing more than a simple, tough girl who cannot wield a Fire Ball, Flare Arrow not even your famous Dragon Slave. Do you really want to risk the lives of your extraordinary friends as well as yourself?"
"You said a promise....a promise you won't go back on?"
"I give you my word."
"Miss Lina, I don't think we should accept it."
"And do what Sylphiel? We can live like we use to, but what about Zel, Val, Filia, and even Xellos?" 'This jerk really got us in a pinch.'
"I take it that the deal is accepted then?"
"Fine.....we'll do it."
The Sairaag priestess frowned which not only caught the group's eye but also the prince's.
"Need nothing to fear, Miss Sylphiel, my promise is to give back you all your powers, the map, and the lead on that cure." he smiled.