Chapter 3:
"Dynast sama! Dynast sama!"
A handsome young man blew a strand of silver hair off his perfect face with frustration.
"What now, Sherra? Did you just lose your favourite soft toy again? I'm busy!"
The young woman bowed. "Dynast sama, you disrespect me."
Laughing, the one known as the Supreme King flicked his wrist at his general. "Sherra, respect is gained only by status…" He crushed his fist into a ball. Sherra's eyes widened slightly as the table beside her exploded into splinters.
"And power."
Dynast's hazel eyes regarded the slightly flustered general, smiling benevolently.
"Now what were you about to ask me?"
"O-Orders from Shaburanigdo, Dynast sama!"
The silver-haired man's smile widened. How interesting that the great Mazoku Lord should give his orders through a mere general. He nodded to Sherra, before turning to a misty hologram behind him.
"Perhaps we shall discuss this some other day…Gaav."
If the great King had noticed the startled glance that his faithful general had thrown at him, he must have ignored it.
"Now what were those orders again, Sherra?"
The man who called himself Ryo watched the travelling group with his beautiful jade eyes. They certainly didn't appear powerful. Not a single bit. A crash resounded throughout the tavern as the one called Lina Inverse stomped her foot upon the unfortunately dummy's head. Just for the sake of one pathetic meatball. The brunette man raised an eyebrow at the scene.
"Not to your expectations, Ryo?"
Without turning, Ryo replied curtly. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Now that lady was certainly one to be reckoned with. Luna Inverse, Knight of Ceipheed: strong, stubborn and intelligent. Now compare her to her younger sister. Not a single family resemblance between the two. Though if the rumours were true, the bandit-killer should have inherited shrewdness and powerful sorcery from her family as well. Perhaps all this…this…stupidity was just a show.
The brunette's eyes roved and landed on the Trickster Priest. A mazoku willingly travelling with this bunch of idiotic people, he smirked. How…interesting. He started slightly as the mazoku abruptly snapped his head back and winked at him.
He returned a smug smile. He had never received such insolence before. This Xelloss must be taught a lesson.
"Let's go, every-" Lina wilted slightly under her elder sister's gaze.
"Carry on, Lina, you're in charge, not me."
"H-hai, oneesama."
Since this was probably the first time anyone had seen Lina this meek before, much less obey someone…the group could not help sweatdropping a little.
"So um…we have to search for another temple."
A very hesitate order, another rare action from the great sorceress Lina Inverse. The Golden Dragon nodded in agreement, taking the reins of command.
"The next one can be found in the Southern part of Saillune, am I correct, Luna sama?"
The Knight smiled her approval.
Throughout the entire journey, Lina had joyfully released her pent-up stress and emotions within her. Everyone (except maybe Xelloss) truly pitied all the bandits she fried and robbed. Her elder sister especially, had her lips pressed into a thin reproving line. Lina was in for a scolding at the next inn they reach.
Finally, they arrived at the temple. Compared to the last one, it was grand. Definitely grand. The entire temple was decorated with marble, intricate designs were found on every wall. Filia seemed extremely satisfied to see the temple in such a wondrous state.
Suddenly, something beeped in the midst of their awe.
"Oh dear…it appears something urgent just cropped up. I must take my leave. I'll join you again as soon as I can."
The Knight of Ceipheed never once changed her expression.
"Take your time, Ryo."
Xelloss watched the brunette head nod to everyone including himself and walk off, his boots clumping on the ground. Once out of everyone's visible range, the Trickster Priest opened his amethyst eyes and gave a swift bow to the young man.
I admire your deceitful mind. His voice rang in Ryo's mind.
The man's mouth curved into a sadistic smile, his emerald eyes flashing.
And I…I admire your courage.
Courage comes in different forms, my friend, the mazoku priest placed a gloved hand on his chin reflectively. And if you are underestimating Lina and her companions, I would certainly call that "courage".
Soft laughter echoed within the priest's mind. Trust me, my friend…trust me. With that, the brunette man stepped into the shadows of the trees, appearing to merge with their darkness.
Xelloss smirked.
The procedure was repeated, the circle and the chanting. Once again the pendant began glowing. This time, there were no interruptions.
A great fire dragon emerged from the temple, soaring majestically into the sky with a roar of flames.
It would have appeared extremely awe-inspiring…if the dragon had not smashed through the roof of his own magnificent temple, thereby reducing it into rubble. To give the dragon some of his dignity back…shiny, polished rubble.
His miko stood in the middle of the magic circle, her mouth wide open. It certainly was not due to amazement. Zelgadiss who had been leaning against a tree had slid down with a sweatdrop upon seeing such absurdity from a Dragon God no less. Gourry, well, Gourry was Gourry. Sylphiel was explaining to her beloved what had just happened. Lina was blinking in astonishment, while Luna and Xelloss grinned.
Karyuuou descended onto the earth and took a peek at his formerly beautiful temple.
"SHIT! And another one bites the dust…why can't those idiots build something fire-proof?!"
Lina snorted. "Fool-proof is more like it." The Fire Dragon did not seem to have heard the fiery girl.
He lumbered across the area, surveying the people slowly. His luminous golden eyes rested on Luna and Xelloss. Acknowledging Luna with a slight bow, he then turned to Xelloss.
His miko was smiling rather evilly. Feel your retribution, namagomi! My Lord shall punish you, torture you, maul-
"Hey…long time no see, Xel."
Lina, Zelgadiss, Amelia, Sylphiel and especially Filia spontaneously combusted at the casual remark. Question marks encircled Gourry's blonde head.
Rubbing the back of his head, the Trickster Priest smiled.
"How long has it been…eh…5 thousand years or so?"
"Yes, yes, indeed. You haven't changed a bit. Still as young as ever…"
"Cunning, my friend, you've forgotten cunning."
"Ah yes, my apologies."
"You look well."
"Indeed. I must say resting for several thousand years certainly wipes all my wrinkles away."
"Wrinkles? Surely you're not that old, my friend."
"You're very kind."
The friendly banter went on and on, with a nodding Luna at their side. Until a very confused and raging Golden Dragon put a stop to it.
"KARYUUOU SAMA?! HE…" She points vehemently at the still-smiling mazoku, "NEARLY DESTROYED OUR RACE!"
Shifting to face her, the Fire Dragon blinked.
"I'm sorry, my dear…but who are you again?"
The bandit killer could stand it no longer. She collapsed to the ground in peals of laughter.
Gourry's befuddled expression changed to one of delight.
"Hey, I like this guy!"
The screams of agony of Karyuuou's miko echoed wildly throughout the forest.
