Chapter 34:
Staring at the oncoming explosion, Ryo and Rui silently separated themselves away from the other pieces, who courageously stood their ground.
The blow was tremendous.
Both Mazoku Lords and Dragon Gods came down from their high positions to view the results.
All that remained in the Water Dragon's place was a large smoking crater, while across the room lay the two wounded pieces of Shaburanigdu, but quite evidently very much alive.
In the corner sat a frantic Lina with the bleeding chimera in her arms, casting a hasty but fruitless recovery spell over the latter. Amelia, Filia and Sylphiel hurried to their friend.
His cape flying behind him, Rairyuu descended next to the brunettes, pulling his sword from its sheathe.
"You bastards…" Golden eyes flashed as the sword was raised.
A gloved hand held the tip of the sword before it moved. The Thunder Dragon whirled to glare at the hand's owner. "Knight of Ceipheed…do you not want vengence for your Lord's death?!"
With a sharp flick of her wrist, Luna snapped the sword out of the furious Dragon God's hand, causing it to soar over her head and land point down behind her. Folding her arms across her chest, her purple eyes threw a silent challenge at Rairyuu.
Just as the God began his transformation, the Trickster Priest came down next to the Knight, smirking. Pointing his staff at the black-haired Rairyuu, the mazoku general/priest shook his finger.
"Ah ah ah…I wouldn't do that if I were you, Rairyuu san."
The Dragon God hesitated for a second, before he backed away with a vicious snarl.
"Excellent move, Rairyuu san! But surely you agree that the moment Kazeryuu san was gone, everything was quite peaceful-whoop!" Hopping to the side, the Trickster Priest attempted a dodge from the Knight's foot, unfortunately resulting in a larger mishap. Amethyst eyes snapped open to widen to the size of saucers.
Zellas Metallium flicked her glowing cigarette down, snickering.
Trembling slightly with his hands gripping his staff, Xelloss threw Luna a feeble smile. "I must say, I never saw that coming…" Having said his piece, he slid down the staff, head bowed. After all, being kicked in a certain area would hurt even the strongest Mazoku Lord. Especially a male Mazoku Lord.
The Knight of Ceipheed was expressionless as she gazed down upon her mazoku companion.
Before she clutched her stomach and erupted into hearty laughter. The purple-haired mazoku flashed an indignant look at her, while all the men in the room sweatdropped.
Suddenly, the entire area began to shake, as pillars and walls caved in, rubble collapsing everywhere.
Helping Ryo up, the wincing Trickster Priest flashed the former a slight smile. "Quite a nasty scratch you have on the cheek, Ryo san."
"I'm amazed at your observation skills, Xelloss."
"It does ruin your otherwise perfect features."
"That's quite comforting I must say…"
"Of course."
"Does it still hurt?"
"Don't ask."
Both of them teleported away, chatting, along with the Mazoku Lords and Dragon Gods, while Dolphin's general dodged a falling rock and made a hasty disappearance with them.
Slinging the unconscious sex-bomb across her shoulder, the Knight of Ceipheed vanished as well.
Crystalline tears poured down the fiery bandit killer's cheeks as she fought to maintain her recovery spell. The Priestess of Sairaag glanced up at the falling debris, before she dissolved her spell and clutched Lina's hand.
"Lina san! We have to go!"
The girl shook her head vigorously, refusing to abandon the youth in her arms.
Karyuuou's blond miko grabbed Lina up by the collar and slapped her hard. "What good is it to die along with him, Lina?!"
"Zel is not dead!"
Filia's cyan eyes softened. "Lina…"
"Go…" With a shadow of her old smile upon her face, the bandit killer took her friends' hands. "…I'll be with you in a while."
Nodding with understanding, the rest flew up.
Sitting down beside the chimera, Lina raised her arms. "Only one way to go…Resurre-" A hand grabbed at her wrist. To her surprised, a pair of sapphire eyes gazed up at her.
"Zel! You're-"
"…not going to be all right."
Wisely casting a shield around them just as a large rock bounced off it, Lina turned back to the chimera, angry red eyes brimming with tears. "You are such a pessimist! Once I cast resurrection, you'll be just-"
She stopped abruptly as a finger was placed onto her lips.
"Lina…" A hand gently cupped her cheek. "Please go…" Sapphire eyes flickered. "For me…"
"But…but…wha-!" Screaming, the fiery-haired Lina threw her hands up in defense as a sudden blinding light filled her vision.
"Zel!"
Stepping forward, Zelgadiss Graywords looked around him. He was surrounded by utter darkness, silence filling the air. Is this hell, he wondered. Yet, he felt strangely alive…more alive than he could ever be. Clasping his hands together…wait. His skin felt smooth. The youth raised his hands to feel his face.
I've returned…to normal?
Yes, you have.
Whipping his sword out of its sheathe, Zelgadiss took a defensive stance.
Tsk…you really should learn to relax, my friend.
"What do you want, Xelloss?"
The familiar irritating voice sounded amused. Well, I suppose saying 'all's end that ends well' wouldn't fit the mood, would it?
"Get to the point."
As you wish. I am here to ask you but one question: Would you like to join us?
Sapphire eyes widened, then narrowed. "Why should I."
One, you will be conveniently brought back to life for a certain lady love of yours.
The former chimera lowered his sword.
Two, you will be powerful beyond your wildest dreams…in human form, mind you…and you do want to be powerful, don't you, Zelgadiss san?
Sheathing his sword, Zelgadiss peered up at the darkness, his voice a husky whisper, a tinge of uncertainty within it. "Powerful?"
Oh my, have I forgotten to mention? A cheshire grin appeared in the darkness. You will take Phibirizo's place as Hellmaster.
The dark-haired man bowed his head, an inaudible mutter escaping from his lips.
The voice was triumphant.
Done then!
There was a bright glow, before all that was left was the swirling darkness.
High above in the sea of chaos knelt two figures before a beautiful blond lady, who placed her hands upon their bowed heads.
You have done well, my children. However, this world is far too chaotic. It is evident that neither Ryuuzoku nor Mazoku can live together. Perhaps complete annihilation is the only answer.
One of the figures raised its head. L-sama… you might wish to consider giving them a second chance, giving them…
…a world with no sorcery, smiled the second figure.
The lady rubbed her chin reflectively, her gown trailing across the floor as she paced up and down. Finally, the lady beckoned her servants to stand.
Very well. A second chance these unfaithful children shall receive. However, should they fail this chance, there will be no more. Go, my children. You shall watch over them for me.
With flourished bows, the figures vanished.
Gliding to a intricately carved mirror, the Lord of Nightmares bore a cheeky grin upon her smooth face as she began creating the new world.
