Yep.....me again. Anyways, same deal as earlier chapters, I don't own squat on these characters, thus I will remain non profit.
))))))))))))))))))))Slayers Dragoon 2 - Bale, city of fashion. Lavitz, the smarter version of Gourry?((((((((((((
"Damn." Dart cursed.
"What is it?" Shana asked. The group hid themselves in the foliage as they looked ahead in the forest to Seles, a large group of Hellena soldiers stood waiting in the path.
"It's blocked." Dart replied.
"Then we'll have to go another way." Lavitz recommended. The group nodded as they redid their trail heading back.
*
"I think we finally lost them." Lina huffed.
"Don't celebrate yet, here they come." Lavitz warned, arrows raining down upon the group as he spoke. The group continued to hobble along, until an arrow struck Lavitz in the ankle.
"Grah." Falling forward, the knight slowly lifted himself as Lina handed Shana over to Dart and ran to Lavitz.
"You ok?" She asked.
"Yeah.....just a scratch." Standing proved to be a failure for the first knight as he fell over. Shaking her head and muttering, Lina grabbed Lavitz by the shoulders and assisted him as they both ran along with Dart and Shana to a fork.
"Which way?" Lina asked. "I don't exactly know this area."
"I don't know, but follow me. I've got something." Dart pointed, the others nodded following the mercenary into the bushes behind a tree, separating the fork. Marching echoed as the scout the party entered the seen seeking the group.
"I don't see them. Which way?" one asked.
"I dunno." A rustle from the bushes. "Who's there!?" Standing back, the party waited as they demanded once more. The bush rustled again, then a mouse jumped out surprising them all.
"Dammit. We have to find them. Come on!" Grabbing the path to the right, the rest followed.
"Well that was close." Lavitz sighed. A sharp pain reminded him of his injury as he looked down to see a small puddle of blood forming from his ankle.
"Ok...let's find someplace to patch that up." Lina smirked, grabbing the knight and assisting him to a shack across another path.
"We'll rest there for a moment." Dart ordered, the rest nodded as they entered the filthy and dusty shack. With a sneeze from Shana the dust in the building exploded covering the group as they sat.
"Here, let me take care of this." Shana beamed, bandaging Lavitz as he sat still.
"So......Lina. Interesting clothes." Dart pointed, hoping to start a conversation while Shana continued her work.
"That noticeable?" Lina asked. Looking down, indeed, her yellow and red clashed as her cape hung scuffled slightly. "I guess in this land it is noticeable."
"Where are you from?" Dart asked.
"Oh? Zeifeilia." Lina replied.
"Where?"
"....look....this sounds strange, but I don't think this is my world."
"...?"
"It's a long story." Lina sighed, sitting down...
*
"So.....you're a sorceress?" Lavitz asked, still unsure of the story he heard.
"Yeah....the best too!" Lina grinned. "Black magic specialist."
"Those spheres you described....they sound like my dad's memento." Added Dart.
"Yeah......it's really weird. Now I need to figure out how to get back." Lina shifted her position as she pondered her situation further. "I wonder how Gourry is doing?"
"He's your friend correct?" Shana asked.
"Yeah.....just a friend." Lina sighed. "Gods, I miss the jellyfish for brains now."
"I'm sure we'll find a way Miss Inverse." Lavitz smiled, the reassuring smile became contagious as Lina grinned.
"Miss? Why the formality?"
"Well, since your powerful, I'll need to be polite." Lina only giggled at the comment.
"Just call me Lina." She asked. Lavitz nodded.
"I think they should be gone by now." said Dart as he looked out the door. "We should go now."
"You'll be ok?" Lina asked Lavitz, the knight nodded as he hobbled slightly.
"I'm a fast healer."
"Yeah, well, I'll help you if you need it ok?" Lina beamed, Lavitz smiled again as he followed the group toward the plains.
*
"Hey Lavitz?"
"Yeah Lina?"
"What's a wingly?" Lina asked. "Earlier you called me that." The group walked on as Dart and Shana went into their own conversation, leaving the other two alone.
"Well.....it's a very old legend." Lavitz replied.
"Come on, tell me." Lina grinned. "It's not likely we'll be reaching Bale anytime soon from what you told us."
"Well.....According to legends, so many eons ago, Soa the goddess created a seed, and planted it on our world. From it came the tree of life."
"Tree of life?" Lina asked.
"Yes." Lavitz nodded. "From this tree came 108 races, most are gone, but the most notable ones were the Humans, Dragons, Gigantos..and Wingly's."
"Wait...that silence, what was wrong with the wingly?" Lina asked.
"They were very powerful, they could wield magic, and thus they enslaved this world." Lavitz continued.
"Hey! I am not a dictator!" Lina barked. Lavitz only sweatdropped at the outraged Lina.
"That wasn't what I meant. I was just saying, only the Wingly could use magic, they looked similar to humans, so I just figured....and your outfit too." The stuttering knight continued his attempt for a response to save his life as Lina continued to glare at him. Dart looked back and laughed along with Shana as Lina simply growled, ready for a kill.
"Are you implying I'm not human?" Lina asked with a murderous intent in her eyes, Lavitz only panicked more. Hell hath no fury to a woman scorned.
"Err......uh....."
"And while were at it, what was that on the remark on my style of classy dress?"
"Uhm.....look.....I think I see monsters." Lavitz chuckled, nervous. Dart only smirked at the knights nervousness, Shana giggling.
"I think someone needs a lesson." Lina grinned.
"H-hey, I was just kidding." Lavitz laughed, Lina only rolled her eyes as the group continued on, the spirits high for all.
"Dart?" Shana whispered. "....I need to ask you something."
"It's about me leaving 5 years ago wasn't it?" Dart replied, already knowing the question. Shana only nodded. "I had......to take care of some things...."
"About....it?" Shana asked. Dart nodded.
"What's going on?" Lina asked.
Dart gave a sigh at the question. "Yes....I was hunting for the black monster."
"Black Monster?"
"Yes...Seles is my second home.....my first one, Neet...in the northern boundaries. The black monster destroyed everything I held dear there."
"Neet......I have never heard of it." Lavitz added.
"It has been...eighteen years. So by now people forgot." Dart sighed.
"What exactly happened?" Lina asked.
"God...it's still stuck in my head...."
*
[The monster came out of nowhere...]
"Please......spare us!" A village pleaded, the monster only grabbed the man and crushed his neck. Seconds passed before his death claimed him, the monster losing interest throwing him away. Fire licked the entire village as people continued to flee, the monster attacking as many as possible, cutting off escape. Shadows coiled about it, grabbing several others near it. Screams continued to echo.
*
"Oh god." Lina gasped. ["It's just like the visions!"]
"Is something wrong?" Dart asked. Shana and Lavitz gave looks of concern.
"...no....continue on."
*
"Daddy. I'm scared." A younger Dart sobbed. The father shushed his son gently as he and his wife continued their trek up the hill.
"I know...just be strong." The father almost pleading, finally stopping the young Dart's crying sighed.
"What's happening?" Dart asked, the father ignored the question as he finally entered flat ground, huffing and coughing from exhaustion. The mother catching up as well, walked Dart to a massive hollow tree trunk that fell over. The father gave a nod to the mother before running off.
"Where's he going?" Dart asked.
"To see if anyone can be helped. Wait here Dart." The mother gave Dart a hug before running off towards the burning village with the husband.
[My father and mother never came back. And soon, I chased after them. Only to find an alien world that was once Neet. I struggled, until.....I found my fathers memento.]
*
"I'm sorry to hear that." Lina comforted. Dart gave a shudder before a weak smile.
"Dart......." A soulful sadness touched Shana's face as she hugged Dart.
"Hey......I see the Lime cave." Lavitz pointed. "About half hour or so to reach it."
"Then let's keep going." Lina smiled.
*
"Interesting." Shadows crept about the room as the light source lit up brighter revealing the room to be a throne room. Pillars of purple flame exploded parallel to each other aside the royal carpet leading to the throne. Oil slicked about in the room as the gears constantly moved, the room was unnaturally warm as the emperor Doel in his royal armor and cloak watched the globe the man in the cloak held.
"As you can see......they're heading for Bale as we speak." The man reported.
"This Lina Inverse....intrigues me. Her clothing is alien...and her abilities.....magic...? Is she a..."
"Perhaps." The man replied. "After all....only a wingly can call for magic in this world. Naturally anyways."
"No....she said she wasn't one....then again...." The emperor peered at the image at Lina once more. "She is very powerful.....perhaps a match for my dragon?"
"It is possible your highness."
"Damn, Albert probably knows of this, the one variable that allows me to conquer and unite Serdio, and she had to come into the scene. I want this.....Lina Inverse as well, she may be vital for me to win."
"Will she join you though?" The man asked, his question almost a mocking rhetorical, yet almost a true question.
"......you have proven to be a loyal and powerful servant, perhaps you can...assist me in....persuading her."
If the man could be seen, they would see a smile.
*
"Interesting." Lina blurbed. Poking the cave wall, lime crumbled. "This place seems old."
"It was once used for trading, but some sort of "guardian" basically stopped the flow. We never saw one when we came here, but people still say there is one." Lavitz reminisced.
"Guardian?"
"Yes, some sort of snake."
"Let's go." Dart ordered, the others nodded as they entered the tunnels, water running everywhere leaving a monotonic tinkling in the cave.
"Watch your step." Dart warned, the others nodded as they climbed down slowly.
"Watching." Lina noted, as she went fives to far to the right and stepped on slipper rock. "AHHHHHHH!"
"Lina!?" Lavitz called.
"AAAAH!" Sliding down quickly, Lina avoid scraping the small river tunnel as she continued her sliding down the way until finally, a splash and then, a small lake.
"LINA!" Dart echoed. "You ok?!"
"Yeah...." Lina sputtered, wringing her cloak as she swam to shore, Shana and Lavitz running down to see her. A nervous chuckle escaped her mouth as she blushed. "Should of been more careful."
"Oh thank god, I thought the worst might of happened." Shana sadly sighed. "But your ok now."
"Hey, I'm tough." Lina winked. Dart and the others smiled as they continued on. The networking caves prove to be long and quite aggravating to Lina, dead ends and unnatural lights led the group to believe the cave was almost magical.
"It's so pretty." Shana gasped, the cave they entered held crystal formations, and platforms from fallen stalactites.
"Yeah.....it is...." Lina added. Lavitz and Dart stopped before continuing as they admired the views themselves.
"So....how long is this place?" Dart asked.
"We should be close. It's been a while." Lavitz replied.
"Great, because my feet are killing me." Lina whined.
"I thought you said you traveled a lot?" Shana questioned.
"Yeah, but I barely got any rest lately, and I'm hungry!"
"Here." Grabbing a bag of dried meet, Lavitz tossed it to Lina.
"Thanks." Lina thanked, ripping open the bag and consuming the product in half a second.
"...." Everyone else commented.
"Ahhh, ten minute energy, let's go!" Lina whooped.
"10 minutes? She just ate half a pound of dried meat." Lavitz sweatdropped. The group continued on their trek, reaching stepping stones.
"Ok...follow me." Dart said, hopping across the stones, the group followed suit, Lina last as she jumped behind Lavitz.
"Careful Lavitz." Dart warned, Lavitz nodded as he prepared to jump.
".........wait..I remember this...Lavitz stop!" Lina cried, the knight stopped immediately as he looked at Lina with shock.
"What is it Lina?" He asked.
"Uh....what the end of that rock, it's a bit slippery." Lina replied, laughing nervously at her outcry. Lavitz nodded as he jumped safely and to the solid ground, Lina following.
["What was that about?"] Dart wondered. The group continued failing to notice something nearby watching them.
Hsss.
".....?" Shana gave a look about before shrugging and continuing on.
The creature hissed once more, quietly, and slithered off following the group as they entered the cavern.
"See, not so bad." Lavitz smiled. Red dusk filtered in from the caves mouth as the group grew closer to it.
"Gonna have to camp probably." Lavitz planned.
Hsss.
"Did you just hear that?" Dart asked, the group stopped, listening intently. A rock tumbled nearby as a form darted in the shadows.
"Oh great......it's big to." Lina cursed quietly. The form slithered about, and struck.
"BREAK!" Dart commanded, the group split into two, Lavitz with Dart, Shana with Lina as the monster hit the ground with a crash. Flying debris flew everywhere as Lina and Shana stood up, ready to fight.
"Looks like the guardian is real." Lavitz grumbled. The massive snake veered it's head as it struck again towards the knight. Jumping back Lavitz gave a nimble slash with his pike to the monsters head, a screech escaped it's mouth as it thrashed slightly against the walls and ceiling.
"Doesn't like much pain huh?" Lina commented. Branding her sword she slashed at the hide, at first only the cut skin showed, but a small river of blood riveted from the wound. The monster thrashed it's body sending the sorceress flying to the wall with a crash.
"Ow...." Her entire world blurred as Lina tried to stand up, only falling down. Staying down as the world went black.
"Lina!" One of the group members shouted. Then silence followed the darkness.
"Damn, she's down, and it would've been nice if she could use magic." Dart cursed, dodging the tail swipe from the guardian.
"Shana....." Shana nodded from Lavitz's request as he ran to Lina, pulling out smelling salt.
"Ack!" Gasping, Lina coughed from the smell, her head ringing from the strike earlier. "What happened?"
"You went out for a minute." Shana recapped. "Lina, Dart and Lavitz are fighting the best they can, but the monster is too fast and strong, can you cast another one of your magic?"
"I.....think so, it's been a bit, so I should be able to do something." Lina grumbled, rubbing her head the sorceress stood, and focused her mind. The talismans immediately lit up in her need, as well as Dart's memento. Flames flickered in Lina's hand, slowly gathering strength.
"Look out!" Lavitz warned, Dart only heard the warning before a whack from the monsters tail sent him flying to a wall with a painful crash.
"DART!" Shana cried. Lina almost dropped the spell in surprise, but continued on, her body wracked with fatigue, the sorceress continued, feeling unconsciousness once more almost lull her to sleep.
"I think......." The spell finally solidified into a bar of inferno lighting up the cavern. The monster stopped from it's lunge at Lavitz as Lina gave a weary grin at it. "I got it.......FLARE...." The monster turned around, looking at Lina. Even though unable to comprehend the true meaning of the bar of light on Lina's hand, one simple fact remained. Danger. With an unnatural screech, it's gaping maw jumped for Lina.
"LANCE!" The lance released itself in a dazzling manner, exploding on contact with the monster. Searing flame lapped at the creatures skin, burnt flesh wafting through the air as Lina and everyone else shielded their eyes. Within only seconds, the spell stopped, the monster twitching before laying still.
"Victory!" Lina grinned. Shana lifting Dart up, smiled at Lina as did Lavitz.
"Great going Lina." Lavitz congratulated, slapping Lina on the back. The sorceress fell forward with a whimper. "Lina!?"
".....it's nothing." Lina gasped, a cough wracked her body as blood dripped out of her mouth. "I just...over exerted myself." With a shudder, Lina attempted to stand only to fall forward again.
"Here...let me." With a cheerful smile, Lavitz lifted Lina as a prince would in the Seyruun Fairytales.
"Hey, let me go!" Lina demanded. Lavitz ignored the demand as he walked on with Dart and Shana to the cave entrance.
"Come on Shana." Dart ushered, Shana gave one more look at the monster before walking.
Hssss.
"....!?" Looking behind herself, the monster rose, and howled, rushing towards her.
"SHANA!" Dart cried. Cringing, Lina and Lavitz watched as the monster grew closer to Shana. Before the monster however touched the girl, a flash of light escaped Shana's forehead paralyzing the monster.
"Shana?" Dart asked. The light continued the shine as the monster hurked and stopped completely, shattering into nothingness. The light finally died down as Shana looked around in confusion.
"Shana.....what did you do?" Dart asked.
"I....I don't know." Shana whimpered. "Please...I don't know." Nodding the group left the cave as dusk finally ended, and night claimed the sky.
*
"You sure that thing will keep the monsters away?" Lina asked again, Lavitz sighed a yes as he placed the liquid in a circle around the came.
"It should last about four hours, so each of us will take two hour shifts. I'll take four though." Lavitz proclaimed.
"Four? Uh....don't you mean two?" Lina questioned.
"Your weak right now Lina, you need your rest." Replied Lavitz.
"Now just wait a minute! I am NOT weak!" Lina barked, showing her position of strength, she stood up only to wobble back down in fatigue. "Ow."
"See?"
"Stupid jerk. Just like Gourry." Lina muttered. "Always with the heroic bull crap.......Gourry." A sad sigh escaped Lina as she remembered her friend. "I wonder if he even knows I'm gone? Of course not....he's jellyfish for brains."
"Who is?" Shana asked.
"Oh......just someone...." Lina nonchalantly replied.
"Oh." Shana replied, slightly disappointed. "Well.....dinners almost ready if you want." A growl from Lina's stomach gave a reply.
"Uh....sorry." Lina blushed. Shana gave a giggle as she joined with Dart and Lavitz. Lina gave a sigh as she sat by herself, a song entering her mind, one that her mother sung to her years ago.
"Many times it's repeated, The melody of the soul. The listening emotions begin to cry, wandering around." Tightening her blanket, Lina felt a hint of sadness in her mind as she felt homesick. "There is a destiny we see sometimes, between yesterday and today. We leave the day today, and we cry."
The group continued to laugh at the jokes as Lina laid down.
"We lost the love and we rest and find it. It kindly smiles while it's soul is burning without noticing." The group stopped as they watched Lina.
"There is too much to....?" Looking at her Audience, Lina panicked. "HEY! SHOWS OVER!"
"That was pretty." Shana commented with a smile. Lina only blushed as Lavitz and Dart clapped.
"Uh.....is dinner ready yet?" Lina asked. Shana watched the pot and nodded. "Great!" Grabbing her fork and spoon, Lina jumped to the pot and began swallowing the meal quickly. Shana sweatdropped as she grabbed one of the potatoes and chewed slowly, ditto for Dart and Lavitz.
"My god.....she eats like an animal." Lavitz comment. A glare from Lina and a fork nearly cutting off his knee cap by three millimeters embedding into the dirt four inches silenced the knight. "....."
"Mrghphg." Lina commented, continuing her meal. Dart and Shana only blinked as the ate their fill, Lavitz still dazed as Lina patted her stomach finishing off her "share".
"Ahh, that was good......good snack Shana." Lina congratulated."
"S-snack!?" Shana paled. "You just ate enough for five people!"
"Oh man, that's nothing to what I can stomach." Lina grinned.
"......." Shana and the rest replied. Blinks followed as Lina laid down to sleep.
"Night now!" With a wave, Lina was out like a light.
"Well.....I guess I'll do first shift." Shana declared.
"Wait...let me." Dart asked.
"Dart.....I can do it myself." Shana frowned. "I'm not little anymore."
".......I know." Dart sighed. "Ok.....I'll be second."
"Good night till then." Lavitz nodded.
*
"Hey Gourry." Lina waved.
"Oh, Lina!" Gourry smiled, walking towards her before tripping on to the ground. Laughing echoed about the two yet they paid no heed.
"Oh Jellyfish for brains, get up." Lina wagged. The laughing happened again.
"Ow." Gourry muttered as he rubbed his face.
"Heeeeey Miss Lina!" Amelia cheered, entering in via levitation. Cheering echoed the field they were in yet no one still paid heed.
"Hey Amelia, what's our little heroine of justice up to?" Lina mockingly asked.
"Oh, nothing much, just wandering about." Amelia replied, missing the sarcasm completely.
"Wow, the whole gangs here except for our straight man Zelgadis and the fruitcake Xellos." Lina smiled. The laugh still echoed, Lina looked around but could see no audience.
"Here I am." Zelgadis waved, entering into the scene. Multiple boulders fell on him as the laughs continued, yet he didn't flinch.
"God Zelgadis, like a rock eh?" Lina grinned. "I wonder where Xellos is?"
"I dunno." Zelgadis replied. "And I could care less."
"Here I am!" Xellos proclaimed flamboyantly, entering into the scene with an explosion of smoke. "The great Xellos!" Clapping resounded the area.
"Lina." A voice whispered.
"Huh?" Turning around, Lina blinked at the man.
*
"!!!!!" waking up with a whimper Lina looked about in confusion. "......just a dream."
"God....and what a weird one." Lina gave a sigh as she sat up. "Almost as bad as those......family drama? In Mesquita, I don't see how those could be so funny."
"Achoo!" Lavitz sneezed. Lina looked up to watch the knight shake himself form the cold before continuing his watch. With a smile, she stood up and walked to Lavitz sitting down next to him.
"Cold?"
"Eh? Lina?" Lavitz blinked. "What are you doing awake?"
"Just woke up. Had the weirdest dream." Lina replied. "So. What you thinking?"
"Just about this entire imbalance of power between Basil and Sandora." Lavitz said. "It just bothers me. Though the two kingdoms are very unfriendly to each other, Sandora became aggressive."
"Is it because of the dragon?" Lina asked.
"Yes. The dragon is the imbalance and it's allowing Doel to attack our cities. He'll push Serdio into war if he continues."
"Looks like he wants one." Lina muttered.
"What was that?" Lavitz asked.
"Nothing." Lina nodded. "Say.....I think it's time for my watch."
"But I said I would-"
"Don't piss me off." Lina glared, Lavitz only coughed nervously. "If your gonna do this heroic bull crap then we'll watch together, but I am going to show you that I'm not weak."
"Err...ok. My mother always told me to listen to women when they give me that look."
"Your mother taught you well." Lina nodded.
"I'll need to see her when I get back. She's probably waiting for me." Lavitz smiled.
["Mother...must be nice to have one waiting for you."] Lina sighed, her mood changing immediately at the mentioning .
*
"We should be seeing it any moment now." Lavitz declared. "Bale is the largest city in Serdio, Equaling to Doel's capital, but it's far more secure and friendly."
"I heard of Bale." Shana commented. "King Albert, one who rules justly, wisely, and lovingly."
"Yes, he is as they say." Lavitz nodded. "Look, you can see it now."
The group gasped s they noticed the mass sprawling capitol of Bale from the hill top. Hundreds of house made up sectors surrounding the center castle, almost gleaming, the city appeared to be made of precious stone.
"Wow, looks like Basil is doing well isn't it?" Lina smirked.
"Yes, Bale is the center of it all." Lavitz replied. "Let's go, I need to report to King Albert immediately."
*
"Sir Lavitz!" A man rejoiced. "We thought that the worst has happened to you!" The name caught the attention of more townsfolk, soon a small crowd gathered around the knight surrounding him.
"Wow. He's famous." Lina blinked. Shana and Dart nodded as Lavitz continued to try and escape the mob.
"Yes, thank you for your concerns." Lavitz nodded, pushing against the crowd.
"This is taking to long, and god, I need lunch." Lina grumbled. "I'm going to speed this up."
"Uh Lina.....is that wise?" Shana warned.
"Trust me." Lina smiled. "Alright, move along people." Shoving people left and right, Lina parted the crowd as she grabbed Lavitz. "Honey, let's go, the kings waiting."
"Uh....sure." Lavitz replied as Lina grabbed his ear. "Ow."
"Now which way?" Lina asked.
"Go left....and please let go of my ear." Lavitz pleaded.
"Of fine, be a man!" Giving a slap, Lina winced as she heard a metallic clang. "Ow....armor....forgot about that."
The crowd whispered about the situation as Dart and Shana ran to catch up.
"You know, they think you're his wife." Shana giggled. Lina blinked at the comment before sweatdropping.
"Really now?" Dart nodded as well. "Damn. Oh well.....quickly, report to Albert, Lavitz, I need lunch."
"Err, Lina...how about I report with Dart and Shana, and you go and eat lunch?" Lavitz recommended.
"That would work. Quick, which way to the nearest restaurant?"
"Behind you." And lo, did the gods smile upon Lina when she looked behind herself to find an all you can eat buffet.
"..............how convenient." Lina commented.
"So.....anyways. Can you-" Before Lavitz could continue, Lina was inside with a dash. "...right. Anyways, let's go." Dart and Shana nodded as they continued past the restaurant towards the center of town. The castle stood magnificently, curved features, grand stairs taking to the top where Albert ruled.
"I can see that stairs are a favorite here." Dart noted, huffing as he climbed.
"Yes, the castle was built on limited space, thus they built more vertically then horizontally." Lavitz explained. Multiple guards saluted him as he entered the throne room.
"Lavitz?" The king asked, standing from his Dais. He had long effeminate blonde hair, and a kind smile. Wearing so much regal clothing, one expected him to be weak, but he radiated powerful strength. The trio kneeled to him as he smiled.
"Lavitz! I thought the worst happened to you."
"I lost my troops, but I was saved by Dart here." Lavitz reported.
"Yes, you should of seen his majesty, so worried that he couldn't handle the state of affairs." The minister chuckled.
"I was worried. Lavitz is my childhood friend and head knight." Albert nodded. "So...tell me...of what happened. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
*
"Hey pops, another of the chicken meal!" Lina ordered. The waitress sighed as she took away another stack of plates, the patrons looking at her with wonderment on how she could eat so much.
"Excuse me ma'am......though you must be starving.....how will you be paying?" The owner asked, wringing his had.
"Oh? Here." Handing a bag of currency, Lina continued to eat as the manager looked at the coins.
"I've never seen currency like this before." He noted.
"It's mostly Seyruun, but there's a bit of Lyzeille there and Kataart." Lina replied, chewing at the same time.
"Seyruun?" The manager asked.
"Uh...yeah......a city." Lina lied. "Up north....far up."
"Oh...that makes sense, northerners rarely have good fashion taste." The manager mumbled.
"HEY!" Lina scowled. "I suggest you shut up before I get mad."
"Err....is this gold?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh....ok. Just wondering." Lina gave a glare as she watched the man count out the coins and walk off.
"Hmph....."
*
"Thank you for saving Lavitz." Albert nodded at Dart. "Is there any way I can repay you?"
"Well....there is a favor." Dart asked. "Can you keep Shana here?"
"What!?" Shana cried. "Is this the reason you brought me here Dart?"
"Imperial Sandora is after Shana, it's the reason why they attacked Seles."
"Dart.......I can take care of myself!" Shana frowned. "And......I wanna be with you."
"I'm afraid I won't be able to keep her here." Albert sighed. "You see, Sandora managed to control a-"
"HEY! I TOLD YOU! YOU CAN'T COME IN HERE!" A guard shouted, Lavitz blinked at the situation as Lina ran into the throne room gasping.
"It's ok. Let her stay." Albert commanded.
"Your highness, she tried paying with false cash!" The guard cried, showing the bag of money Lina had. The owner of the restaurant nodded.
"I'll repay you then sir. But leave her be." Albert asked. The two nodded as they left. "So, you must be Lina that Lavitz told me about."
"Uh.....is that good?" Lina grinned.
"Is it true that you can use magic?" Albert asked.
"Here...let me show you. Crimson winds....east winds which blow....." A flare arrow half developed appeared in Lina's hand as Dart's and her demon blood talismans reacted once more.
"Amazing." Albert nodded.
"Your highness.....about the question that boy asked." The minister directed.
"Ah yes...as you can see, Sandora has control of a dragon." Albert stated.
"That green one?" Dart pointed.
"Yes.....and right now, we're holding out at Hoax, but if it can fly at low altitude, and attack the castle, Shana will be no safer anywhere in Serdio."
"Alright...I take back my request."
"Thank you Dart." Shana thanked.
"But I have another request. Do you know anything about the black monster Minister Noish?" Dart asked.
"Ah, that devil." The minster nodded. "Yes, I have some sparse information on it."
"I lost my family and hometown to it, tell me all you know."
"The only thing I know is: the black monster is called the devil that disobeyed the great existence, and it is also known for devouring the god." Minster Noish informed.
"Devouring the god?" Dart asked.
"Yes, surprisingly, it shows up beginning 11,000 years ago."
"11,000 years ago.....that was when the Dragon Campaign finished." Albert added.
"Yes, the dragon campaign, the campaign where humans and Dragons overthrew the wingly's cruel treatment and unjust ways allowing humanity to finally bloom." Noish explained.
"End of the campaign." Dart muttered. As he continued his thoughts, a knight of lesser ranks appeared kneeling.
"Sire....the war meeting is starting soon." He declared. Albert nodded as he left.
"I must go now, but if you wish, you can look over the balcony and castle view." Albert offered. Shana smiled as she kneeled and left, Dart following as well as Lavitz. Before Lina could follow Albert stopped her.
"Can I ask you to join me for a walk?" He asked.
"Sure, how can I say no to royalty?" Lina replied, laughing nervously at her own joke.
*
"So...." Lina mumbled, attempting to start a conversation as she walked with the king through the castle. "Isn't there a meeting you should be going to?"
"Yes, but I wanted to ask you something Miss Inverse."
"Just Lina." Lina winked. Albert smiled at the request.
"Your abilities....Lavitz has told me you have been able to do powerful things. Destroyed part of Hellena?"
"Oh....that was just a fireball, I was in my best shape when I uh...did that." Lina replied, realizing where the conversation was going.
"Yes........I won't beat around the bush Lina....I can see that you already know. Will you assist us? You'll be critical, most of my men don't stand a chance against the dragon, and with your magic, we can win."
"Look...I just wanted to go home. Not enter a war. Besides, Lavitz and Dart look like they can handle that thing." Lina sighed.
"I know, but even Lavitz is limited on how much he can do, and Dart as well. I won't force you however." Albert added. Silence followed as Lina pondered the situation. Albert felt nervousness as he waited for the response, unable to read Lina's face.
"...........ok.......I'll do it. I really don't like the idea that something like this is happening." Albert sighed as he shook Lina's hand.
"What's going on?" Dart asked as he and the others walked down seeing Lina.
"Nothing much, I'll be going with you guys." Lina replied. "So, where are you guys going?"
"To my mothers for a visit." Lavitz smiled. "Wanna come with us?"
"Sure." Lina said.
*
"Mom, I'm home!" Lavitz declared, the house in Lina's opinion would be: uber clean.
"Geez......she must be definitely a clean freak." Lina muttered.
"Lavitz? Oh, it's you!" The mother laughed hugging the knight. "I was so worried about you!"
"Hi mom." Lavitz smiled, hugging back.
"And you brought a bride!" The mother beamed, Shana gave a worried look as she noticed the mother staring at her.
"Mother, she's not my bride." Lavitz blushed.
"What about the other girl?" The mother asked.
"Hey, I'm only sixteen, I ain't marrying this young." Lina snapped.
"Oh don't be silly, Lavitz is so awkward at times, but he's really sweet." The mother smiled. Dart only chuckled at the sight as Lavitz's mother hugged Lina.
"Hey, I am NOT Lavitz's bride or girlfriend!" Lina growled, attempting to pry the mother off her.
"Err, mother, I just came to visit, I can't stay long though." Lavitz said.
"Can't you stay the night?" Lavitz nodded no. "Then for lunch at least? It'll be ready soon."
"I can help." Shana beamed.
"No no, that's alright, I can handle it. I think." The mother pondered, walking to the kitchen, Shana in tow.
"So....what should I do?" Lina wondered.
"You could get new clothes, yours are starting to look a little dirty and sweat stained." Dart teased.
"Hey.....I can clean them. And we still have a bit. Maybe I should buy some clothes later...when I have the cash." Lina replied.
"The clothing in Bale are a bit pricy, specially for someone as boyish looking as you." Lavitz noted, a pummel to the head from later caused him to yelp. "I wasn't trying to make fun of you!"
"Look, just lay off the breast thing ok? So I'm a little underdeveloped, ok!?"
"Fine, fine..." Lavitz grumbled.
"Hey....can you show me your house? I never saw anything this big before." Dart asked, hoping to switch the mood.
"Sure." Lavitz smiled. "Follow me." The two nodded as they followed the knight up the stairs into the library.
"This is our library, books on strategy and such." Lavitz explained.
"I wouldn't know, not my strong suit." Dart shrugged. "Hey.....what are you doing?"
"hold on." Pushing the movable stairs, Lavitz pushed it towards the window and started climbing to it. "Follow me. I'm going to show you my treasure." Nodding, Lina and Dart followed onto the first level roof.
"Nice view of the castle." Dart commented.
"Yeah. When I was young, I always wanted to be a knight like my father, beloved, and honorable to the crown."
"It came true then." Lina smiled.
"Yes.......but it was a lot harder than I thought, but I did it." Lavitz grinned.
"Lavitz, Lunch is ready!" Lavitz's mother declared.
"Let's go in." Lavitz ushered.
*
"Great meal as always mother." Lavitz complimented.
"Thank you." She replied.
"But it's time we left." With a nod the mother gave a hug to her son as a goodbye as he left the home.
"I'll be back home soon!" Lavitz promised. The group trekked to the city border taking a last view.
"Well....let's go!" Dart proclaimed.
))))))))))))))))))))Slayers Dragoon 2 - Bale, city of fashion. Lavitz, the smarter version of Gourry?((((((((((((
"Damn." Dart cursed.
"What is it?" Shana asked. The group hid themselves in the foliage as they looked ahead in the forest to Seles, a large group of Hellena soldiers stood waiting in the path.
"It's blocked." Dart replied.
"Then we'll have to go another way." Lavitz recommended. The group nodded as they redid their trail heading back.
*
"I think we finally lost them." Lina huffed.
"Don't celebrate yet, here they come." Lavitz warned, arrows raining down upon the group as he spoke. The group continued to hobble along, until an arrow struck Lavitz in the ankle.
"Grah." Falling forward, the knight slowly lifted himself as Lina handed Shana over to Dart and ran to Lavitz.
"You ok?" She asked.
"Yeah.....just a scratch." Standing proved to be a failure for the first knight as he fell over. Shaking her head and muttering, Lina grabbed Lavitz by the shoulders and assisted him as they both ran along with Dart and Shana to a fork.
"Which way?" Lina asked. "I don't exactly know this area."
"I don't know, but follow me. I've got something." Dart pointed, the others nodded following the mercenary into the bushes behind a tree, separating the fork. Marching echoed as the scout the party entered the seen seeking the group.
"I don't see them. Which way?" one asked.
"I dunno." A rustle from the bushes. "Who's there!?" Standing back, the party waited as they demanded once more. The bush rustled again, then a mouse jumped out surprising them all.
"Dammit. We have to find them. Come on!" Grabbing the path to the right, the rest followed.
"Well that was close." Lavitz sighed. A sharp pain reminded him of his injury as he looked down to see a small puddle of blood forming from his ankle.
"Ok...let's find someplace to patch that up." Lina smirked, grabbing the knight and assisting him to a shack across another path.
"We'll rest there for a moment." Dart ordered, the rest nodded as they entered the filthy and dusty shack. With a sneeze from Shana the dust in the building exploded covering the group as they sat.
"Here, let me take care of this." Shana beamed, bandaging Lavitz as he sat still.
"So......Lina. Interesting clothes." Dart pointed, hoping to start a conversation while Shana continued her work.
"That noticeable?" Lina asked. Looking down, indeed, her yellow and red clashed as her cape hung scuffled slightly. "I guess in this land it is noticeable."
"Where are you from?" Dart asked.
"Oh? Zeifeilia." Lina replied.
"Where?"
"....look....this sounds strange, but I don't think this is my world."
"...?"
"It's a long story." Lina sighed, sitting down...
*
"So.....you're a sorceress?" Lavitz asked, still unsure of the story he heard.
"Yeah....the best too!" Lina grinned. "Black magic specialist."
"Those spheres you described....they sound like my dad's memento." Added Dart.
"Yeah......it's really weird. Now I need to figure out how to get back." Lina shifted her position as she pondered her situation further. "I wonder how Gourry is doing?"
"He's your friend correct?" Shana asked.
"Yeah.....just a friend." Lina sighed. "Gods, I miss the jellyfish for brains now."
"I'm sure we'll find a way Miss Inverse." Lavitz smiled, the reassuring smile became contagious as Lina grinned.
"Miss? Why the formality?"
"Well, since your powerful, I'll need to be polite." Lina only giggled at the comment.
"Just call me Lina." She asked. Lavitz nodded.
"I think they should be gone by now." said Dart as he looked out the door. "We should go now."
"You'll be ok?" Lina asked Lavitz, the knight nodded as he hobbled slightly.
"I'm a fast healer."
"Yeah, well, I'll help you if you need it ok?" Lina beamed, Lavitz smiled again as he followed the group toward the plains.
*
"Hey Lavitz?"
"Yeah Lina?"
"What's a wingly?" Lina asked. "Earlier you called me that." The group walked on as Dart and Shana went into their own conversation, leaving the other two alone.
"Well.....it's a very old legend." Lavitz replied.
"Come on, tell me." Lina grinned. "It's not likely we'll be reaching Bale anytime soon from what you told us."
"Well.....According to legends, so many eons ago, Soa the goddess created a seed, and planted it on our world. From it came the tree of life."
"Tree of life?" Lina asked.
"Yes." Lavitz nodded. "From this tree came 108 races, most are gone, but the most notable ones were the Humans, Dragons, Gigantos..and Wingly's."
"Wait...that silence, what was wrong with the wingly?" Lina asked.
"They were very powerful, they could wield magic, and thus they enslaved this world." Lavitz continued.
"Hey! I am not a dictator!" Lina barked. Lavitz only sweatdropped at the outraged Lina.
"That wasn't what I meant. I was just saying, only the Wingly could use magic, they looked similar to humans, so I just figured....and your outfit too." The stuttering knight continued his attempt for a response to save his life as Lina continued to glare at him. Dart looked back and laughed along with Shana as Lina simply growled, ready for a kill.
"Are you implying I'm not human?" Lina asked with a murderous intent in her eyes, Lavitz only panicked more. Hell hath no fury to a woman scorned.
"Err......uh....."
"And while were at it, what was that on the remark on my style of classy dress?"
"Uhm.....look.....I think I see monsters." Lavitz chuckled, nervous. Dart only smirked at the knights nervousness, Shana giggling.
"I think someone needs a lesson." Lina grinned.
"H-hey, I was just kidding." Lavitz laughed, Lina only rolled her eyes as the group continued on, the spirits high for all.
"Dart?" Shana whispered. "....I need to ask you something."
"It's about me leaving 5 years ago wasn't it?" Dart replied, already knowing the question. Shana only nodded. "I had......to take care of some things...."
"About....it?" Shana asked. Dart nodded.
"What's going on?" Lina asked.
Dart gave a sigh at the question. "Yes....I was hunting for the black monster."
"Black Monster?"
"Yes...Seles is my second home.....my first one, Neet...in the northern boundaries. The black monster destroyed everything I held dear there."
"Neet......I have never heard of it." Lavitz added.
"It has been...eighteen years. So by now people forgot." Dart sighed.
"What exactly happened?" Lina asked.
"God...it's still stuck in my head...."
*
[The monster came out of nowhere...]
"Please......spare us!" A village pleaded, the monster only grabbed the man and crushed his neck. Seconds passed before his death claimed him, the monster losing interest throwing him away. Fire licked the entire village as people continued to flee, the monster attacking as many as possible, cutting off escape. Shadows coiled about it, grabbing several others near it. Screams continued to echo.
*
"Oh god." Lina gasped. ["It's just like the visions!"]
"Is something wrong?" Dart asked. Shana and Lavitz gave looks of concern.
"...no....continue on."
*
"Daddy. I'm scared." A younger Dart sobbed. The father shushed his son gently as he and his wife continued their trek up the hill.
"I know...just be strong." The father almost pleading, finally stopping the young Dart's crying sighed.
"What's happening?" Dart asked, the father ignored the question as he finally entered flat ground, huffing and coughing from exhaustion. The mother catching up as well, walked Dart to a massive hollow tree trunk that fell over. The father gave a nod to the mother before running off.
"Where's he going?" Dart asked.
"To see if anyone can be helped. Wait here Dart." The mother gave Dart a hug before running off towards the burning village with the husband.
[My father and mother never came back. And soon, I chased after them. Only to find an alien world that was once Neet. I struggled, until.....I found my fathers memento.]
*
"I'm sorry to hear that." Lina comforted. Dart gave a shudder before a weak smile.
"Dart......." A soulful sadness touched Shana's face as she hugged Dart.
"Hey......I see the Lime cave." Lavitz pointed. "About half hour or so to reach it."
"Then let's keep going." Lina smiled.
*
"Interesting." Shadows crept about the room as the light source lit up brighter revealing the room to be a throne room. Pillars of purple flame exploded parallel to each other aside the royal carpet leading to the throne. Oil slicked about in the room as the gears constantly moved, the room was unnaturally warm as the emperor Doel in his royal armor and cloak watched the globe the man in the cloak held.
"As you can see......they're heading for Bale as we speak." The man reported.
"This Lina Inverse....intrigues me. Her clothing is alien...and her abilities.....magic...? Is she a..."
"Perhaps." The man replied. "After all....only a wingly can call for magic in this world. Naturally anyways."
"No....she said she wasn't one....then again...." The emperor peered at the image at Lina once more. "She is very powerful.....perhaps a match for my dragon?"
"It is possible your highness."
"Damn, Albert probably knows of this, the one variable that allows me to conquer and unite Serdio, and she had to come into the scene. I want this.....Lina Inverse as well, she may be vital for me to win."
"Will she join you though?" The man asked, his question almost a mocking rhetorical, yet almost a true question.
"......you have proven to be a loyal and powerful servant, perhaps you can...assist me in....persuading her."
If the man could be seen, they would see a smile.
*
"Interesting." Lina blurbed. Poking the cave wall, lime crumbled. "This place seems old."
"It was once used for trading, but some sort of "guardian" basically stopped the flow. We never saw one when we came here, but people still say there is one." Lavitz reminisced.
"Guardian?"
"Yes, some sort of snake."
"Let's go." Dart ordered, the others nodded as they entered the tunnels, water running everywhere leaving a monotonic tinkling in the cave.
"Watch your step." Dart warned, the others nodded as they climbed down slowly.
"Watching." Lina noted, as she went fives to far to the right and stepped on slipper rock. "AHHHHHHH!"
"Lina!?" Lavitz called.
"AAAAH!" Sliding down quickly, Lina avoid scraping the small river tunnel as she continued her sliding down the way until finally, a splash and then, a small lake.
"LINA!" Dart echoed. "You ok?!"
"Yeah...." Lina sputtered, wringing her cloak as she swam to shore, Shana and Lavitz running down to see her. A nervous chuckle escaped her mouth as she blushed. "Should of been more careful."
"Oh thank god, I thought the worst might of happened." Shana sadly sighed. "But your ok now."
"Hey, I'm tough." Lina winked. Dart and the others smiled as they continued on. The networking caves prove to be long and quite aggravating to Lina, dead ends and unnatural lights led the group to believe the cave was almost magical.
"It's so pretty." Shana gasped, the cave they entered held crystal formations, and platforms from fallen stalactites.
"Yeah.....it is...." Lina added. Lavitz and Dart stopped before continuing as they admired the views themselves.
"So....how long is this place?" Dart asked.
"We should be close. It's been a while." Lavitz replied.
"Great, because my feet are killing me." Lina whined.
"I thought you said you traveled a lot?" Shana questioned.
"Yeah, but I barely got any rest lately, and I'm hungry!"
"Here." Grabbing a bag of dried meet, Lavitz tossed it to Lina.
"Thanks." Lina thanked, ripping open the bag and consuming the product in half a second.
"...." Everyone else commented.
"Ahhh, ten minute energy, let's go!" Lina whooped.
"10 minutes? She just ate half a pound of dried meat." Lavitz sweatdropped. The group continued on their trek, reaching stepping stones.
"Ok...follow me." Dart said, hopping across the stones, the group followed suit, Lina last as she jumped behind Lavitz.
"Careful Lavitz." Dart warned, Lavitz nodded as he prepared to jump.
".........wait..I remember this...Lavitz stop!" Lina cried, the knight stopped immediately as he looked at Lina with shock.
"What is it Lina?" He asked.
"Uh....what the end of that rock, it's a bit slippery." Lina replied, laughing nervously at her outcry. Lavitz nodded as he jumped safely and to the solid ground, Lina following.
["What was that about?"] Dart wondered. The group continued failing to notice something nearby watching them.
Hsss.
".....?" Shana gave a look about before shrugging and continuing on.
The creature hissed once more, quietly, and slithered off following the group as they entered the cavern.
"See, not so bad." Lavitz smiled. Red dusk filtered in from the caves mouth as the group grew closer to it.
"Gonna have to camp probably." Lavitz planned.
Hsss.
"Did you just hear that?" Dart asked, the group stopped, listening intently. A rock tumbled nearby as a form darted in the shadows.
"Oh great......it's big to." Lina cursed quietly. The form slithered about, and struck.
"BREAK!" Dart commanded, the group split into two, Lavitz with Dart, Shana with Lina as the monster hit the ground with a crash. Flying debris flew everywhere as Lina and Shana stood up, ready to fight.
"Looks like the guardian is real." Lavitz grumbled. The massive snake veered it's head as it struck again towards the knight. Jumping back Lavitz gave a nimble slash with his pike to the monsters head, a screech escaped it's mouth as it thrashed slightly against the walls and ceiling.
"Doesn't like much pain huh?" Lina commented. Branding her sword she slashed at the hide, at first only the cut skin showed, but a small river of blood riveted from the wound. The monster thrashed it's body sending the sorceress flying to the wall with a crash.
"Ow...." Her entire world blurred as Lina tried to stand up, only falling down. Staying down as the world went black.
"Lina!" One of the group members shouted. Then silence followed the darkness.
"Damn, she's down, and it would've been nice if she could use magic." Dart cursed, dodging the tail swipe from the guardian.
"Shana....." Shana nodded from Lavitz's request as he ran to Lina, pulling out smelling salt.
"Ack!" Gasping, Lina coughed from the smell, her head ringing from the strike earlier. "What happened?"
"You went out for a minute." Shana recapped. "Lina, Dart and Lavitz are fighting the best they can, but the monster is too fast and strong, can you cast another one of your magic?"
"I.....think so, it's been a bit, so I should be able to do something." Lina grumbled, rubbing her head the sorceress stood, and focused her mind. The talismans immediately lit up in her need, as well as Dart's memento. Flames flickered in Lina's hand, slowly gathering strength.
"Look out!" Lavitz warned, Dart only heard the warning before a whack from the monsters tail sent him flying to a wall with a painful crash.
"DART!" Shana cried. Lina almost dropped the spell in surprise, but continued on, her body wracked with fatigue, the sorceress continued, feeling unconsciousness once more almost lull her to sleep.
"I think......." The spell finally solidified into a bar of inferno lighting up the cavern. The monster stopped from it's lunge at Lavitz as Lina gave a weary grin at it. "I got it.......FLARE...." The monster turned around, looking at Lina. Even though unable to comprehend the true meaning of the bar of light on Lina's hand, one simple fact remained. Danger. With an unnatural screech, it's gaping maw jumped for Lina.
"LANCE!" The lance released itself in a dazzling manner, exploding on contact with the monster. Searing flame lapped at the creatures skin, burnt flesh wafting through the air as Lina and everyone else shielded their eyes. Within only seconds, the spell stopped, the monster twitching before laying still.
"Victory!" Lina grinned. Shana lifting Dart up, smiled at Lina as did Lavitz.
"Great going Lina." Lavitz congratulated, slapping Lina on the back. The sorceress fell forward with a whimper. "Lina!?"
".....it's nothing." Lina gasped, a cough wracked her body as blood dripped out of her mouth. "I just...over exerted myself." With a shudder, Lina attempted to stand only to fall forward again.
"Here...let me." With a cheerful smile, Lavitz lifted Lina as a prince would in the Seyruun Fairytales.
"Hey, let me go!" Lina demanded. Lavitz ignored the demand as he walked on with Dart and Shana to the cave entrance.
"Come on Shana." Dart ushered, Shana gave one more look at the monster before walking.
Hssss.
"....!?" Looking behind herself, the monster rose, and howled, rushing towards her.
"SHANA!" Dart cried. Cringing, Lina and Lavitz watched as the monster grew closer to Shana. Before the monster however touched the girl, a flash of light escaped Shana's forehead paralyzing the monster.
"Shana?" Dart asked. The light continued the shine as the monster hurked and stopped completely, shattering into nothingness. The light finally died down as Shana looked around in confusion.
"Shana.....what did you do?" Dart asked.
"I....I don't know." Shana whimpered. "Please...I don't know." Nodding the group left the cave as dusk finally ended, and night claimed the sky.
*
"You sure that thing will keep the monsters away?" Lina asked again, Lavitz sighed a yes as he placed the liquid in a circle around the came.
"It should last about four hours, so each of us will take two hour shifts. I'll take four though." Lavitz proclaimed.
"Four? Uh....don't you mean two?" Lina questioned.
"Your weak right now Lina, you need your rest." Replied Lavitz.
"Now just wait a minute! I am NOT weak!" Lina barked, showing her position of strength, she stood up only to wobble back down in fatigue. "Ow."
"See?"
"Stupid jerk. Just like Gourry." Lina muttered. "Always with the heroic bull crap.......Gourry." A sad sigh escaped Lina as she remembered her friend. "I wonder if he even knows I'm gone? Of course not....he's jellyfish for brains."
"Who is?" Shana asked.
"Oh......just someone...." Lina nonchalantly replied.
"Oh." Shana replied, slightly disappointed. "Well.....dinners almost ready if you want." A growl from Lina's stomach gave a reply.
"Uh....sorry." Lina blushed. Shana gave a giggle as she joined with Dart and Lavitz. Lina gave a sigh as she sat by herself, a song entering her mind, one that her mother sung to her years ago.
"Many times it's repeated, The melody of the soul. The listening emotions begin to cry, wandering around." Tightening her blanket, Lina felt a hint of sadness in her mind as she felt homesick. "There is a destiny we see sometimes, between yesterday and today. We leave the day today, and we cry."
The group continued to laugh at the jokes as Lina laid down.
"We lost the love and we rest and find it. It kindly smiles while it's soul is burning without noticing." The group stopped as they watched Lina.
"There is too much to....?" Looking at her Audience, Lina panicked. "HEY! SHOWS OVER!"
"That was pretty." Shana commented with a smile. Lina only blushed as Lavitz and Dart clapped.
"Uh.....is dinner ready yet?" Lina asked. Shana watched the pot and nodded. "Great!" Grabbing her fork and spoon, Lina jumped to the pot and began swallowing the meal quickly. Shana sweatdropped as she grabbed one of the potatoes and chewed slowly, ditto for Dart and Lavitz.
"My god.....she eats like an animal." Lavitz comment. A glare from Lina and a fork nearly cutting off his knee cap by three millimeters embedding into the dirt four inches silenced the knight. "....."
"Mrghphg." Lina commented, continuing her meal. Dart and Shana only blinked as the ate their fill, Lavitz still dazed as Lina patted her stomach finishing off her "share".
"Ahh, that was good......good snack Shana." Lina congratulated."
"S-snack!?" Shana paled. "You just ate enough for five people!"
"Oh man, that's nothing to what I can stomach." Lina grinned.
"......." Shana and the rest replied. Blinks followed as Lina laid down to sleep.
"Night now!" With a wave, Lina was out like a light.
"Well.....I guess I'll do first shift." Shana declared.
"Wait...let me." Dart asked.
"Dart.....I can do it myself." Shana frowned. "I'm not little anymore."
".......I know." Dart sighed. "Ok.....I'll be second."
"Good night till then." Lavitz nodded.
*
"Hey Gourry." Lina waved.
"Oh, Lina!" Gourry smiled, walking towards her before tripping on to the ground. Laughing echoed about the two yet they paid no heed.
"Oh Jellyfish for brains, get up." Lina wagged. The laughing happened again.
"Ow." Gourry muttered as he rubbed his face.
"Heeeeey Miss Lina!" Amelia cheered, entering in via levitation. Cheering echoed the field they were in yet no one still paid heed.
"Hey Amelia, what's our little heroine of justice up to?" Lina mockingly asked.
"Oh, nothing much, just wandering about." Amelia replied, missing the sarcasm completely.
"Wow, the whole gangs here except for our straight man Zelgadis and the fruitcake Xellos." Lina smiled. The laugh still echoed, Lina looked around but could see no audience.
"Here I am." Zelgadis waved, entering into the scene. Multiple boulders fell on him as the laughs continued, yet he didn't flinch.
"God Zelgadis, like a rock eh?" Lina grinned. "I wonder where Xellos is?"
"I dunno." Zelgadis replied. "And I could care less."
"Here I am!" Xellos proclaimed flamboyantly, entering into the scene with an explosion of smoke. "The great Xellos!" Clapping resounded the area.
"Lina." A voice whispered.
"Huh?" Turning around, Lina blinked at the man.
*
"!!!!!" waking up with a whimper Lina looked about in confusion. "......just a dream."
"God....and what a weird one." Lina gave a sigh as she sat up. "Almost as bad as those......family drama? In Mesquita, I don't see how those could be so funny."
"Achoo!" Lavitz sneezed. Lina looked up to watch the knight shake himself form the cold before continuing his watch. With a smile, she stood up and walked to Lavitz sitting down next to him.
"Cold?"
"Eh? Lina?" Lavitz blinked. "What are you doing awake?"
"Just woke up. Had the weirdest dream." Lina replied. "So. What you thinking?"
"Just about this entire imbalance of power between Basil and Sandora." Lavitz said. "It just bothers me. Though the two kingdoms are very unfriendly to each other, Sandora became aggressive."
"Is it because of the dragon?" Lina asked.
"Yes. The dragon is the imbalance and it's allowing Doel to attack our cities. He'll push Serdio into war if he continues."
"Looks like he wants one." Lina muttered.
"What was that?" Lavitz asked.
"Nothing." Lina nodded. "Say.....I think it's time for my watch."
"But I said I would-"
"Don't piss me off." Lina glared, Lavitz only coughed nervously. "If your gonna do this heroic bull crap then we'll watch together, but I am going to show you that I'm not weak."
"Err...ok. My mother always told me to listen to women when they give me that look."
"Your mother taught you well." Lina nodded.
"I'll need to see her when I get back. She's probably waiting for me." Lavitz smiled.
["Mother...must be nice to have one waiting for you."] Lina sighed, her mood changing immediately at the mentioning .
*
"We should be seeing it any moment now." Lavitz declared. "Bale is the largest city in Serdio, Equaling to Doel's capital, but it's far more secure and friendly."
"I heard of Bale." Shana commented. "King Albert, one who rules justly, wisely, and lovingly."
"Yes, he is as they say." Lavitz nodded. "Look, you can see it now."
The group gasped s they noticed the mass sprawling capitol of Bale from the hill top. Hundreds of house made up sectors surrounding the center castle, almost gleaming, the city appeared to be made of precious stone.
"Wow, looks like Basil is doing well isn't it?" Lina smirked.
"Yes, Bale is the center of it all." Lavitz replied. "Let's go, I need to report to King Albert immediately."
*
"Sir Lavitz!" A man rejoiced. "We thought that the worst has happened to you!" The name caught the attention of more townsfolk, soon a small crowd gathered around the knight surrounding him.
"Wow. He's famous." Lina blinked. Shana and Dart nodded as Lavitz continued to try and escape the mob.
"Yes, thank you for your concerns." Lavitz nodded, pushing against the crowd.
"This is taking to long, and god, I need lunch." Lina grumbled. "I'm going to speed this up."
"Uh Lina.....is that wise?" Shana warned.
"Trust me." Lina smiled. "Alright, move along people." Shoving people left and right, Lina parted the crowd as she grabbed Lavitz. "Honey, let's go, the kings waiting."
"Uh....sure." Lavitz replied as Lina grabbed his ear. "Ow."
"Now which way?" Lina asked.
"Go left....and please let go of my ear." Lavitz pleaded.
"Of fine, be a man!" Giving a slap, Lina winced as she heard a metallic clang. "Ow....armor....forgot about that."
The crowd whispered about the situation as Dart and Shana ran to catch up.
"You know, they think you're his wife." Shana giggled. Lina blinked at the comment before sweatdropping.
"Really now?" Dart nodded as well. "Damn. Oh well.....quickly, report to Albert, Lavitz, I need lunch."
"Err, Lina...how about I report with Dart and Shana, and you go and eat lunch?" Lavitz recommended.
"That would work. Quick, which way to the nearest restaurant?"
"Behind you." And lo, did the gods smile upon Lina when she looked behind herself to find an all you can eat buffet.
"..............how convenient." Lina commented.
"So.....anyways. Can you-" Before Lavitz could continue, Lina was inside with a dash. "...right. Anyways, let's go." Dart and Shana nodded as they continued past the restaurant towards the center of town. The castle stood magnificently, curved features, grand stairs taking to the top where Albert ruled.
"I can see that stairs are a favorite here." Dart noted, huffing as he climbed.
"Yes, the castle was built on limited space, thus they built more vertically then horizontally." Lavitz explained. Multiple guards saluted him as he entered the throne room.
"Lavitz?" The king asked, standing from his Dais. He had long effeminate blonde hair, and a kind smile. Wearing so much regal clothing, one expected him to be weak, but he radiated powerful strength. The trio kneeled to him as he smiled.
"Lavitz! I thought the worst happened to you."
"I lost my troops, but I was saved by Dart here." Lavitz reported.
"Yes, you should of seen his majesty, so worried that he couldn't handle the state of affairs." The minister chuckled.
"I was worried. Lavitz is my childhood friend and head knight." Albert nodded. "So...tell me...of what happened. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
*
"Hey pops, another of the chicken meal!" Lina ordered. The waitress sighed as she took away another stack of plates, the patrons looking at her with wonderment on how she could eat so much.
"Excuse me ma'am......though you must be starving.....how will you be paying?" The owner asked, wringing his had.
"Oh? Here." Handing a bag of currency, Lina continued to eat as the manager looked at the coins.
"I've never seen currency like this before." He noted.
"It's mostly Seyruun, but there's a bit of Lyzeille there and Kataart." Lina replied, chewing at the same time.
"Seyruun?" The manager asked.
"Uh...yeah......a city." Lina lied. "Up north....far up."
"Oh...that makes sense, northerners rarely have good fashion taste." The manager mumbled.
"HEY!" Lina scowled. "I suggest you shut up before I get mad."
"Err....is this gold?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Oh....ok. Just wondering." Lina gave a glare as she watched the man count out the coins and walk off.
"Hmph....."
*
"Thank you for saving Lavitz." Albert nodded at Dart. "Is there any way I can repay you?"
"Well....there is a favor." Dart asked. "Can you keep Shana here?"
"What!?" Shana cried. "Is this the reason you brought me here Dart?"
"Imperial Sandora is after Shana, it's the reason why they attacked Seles."
"Dart.......I can take care of myself!" Shana frowned. "And......I wanna be with you."
"I'm afraid I won't be able to keep her here." Albert sighed. "You see, Sandora managed to control a-"
"HEY! I TOLD YOU! YOU CAN'T COME IN HERE!" A guard shouted, Lavitz blinked at the situation as Lina ran into the throne room gasping.
"It's ok. Let her stay." Albert commanded.
"Your highness, she tried paying with false cash!" The guard cried, showing the bag of money Lina had. The owner of the restaurant nodded.
"I'll repay you then sir. But leave her be." Albert asked. The two nodded as they left. "So, you must be Lina that Lavitz told me about."
"Uh.....is that good?" Lina grinned.
"Is it true that you can use magic?" Albert asked.
"Here...let me show you. Crimson winds....east winds which blow....." A flare arrow half developed appeared in Lina's hand as Dart's and her demon blood talismans reacted once more.
"Amazing." Albert nodded.
"Your highness.....about the question that boy asked." The minister directed.
"Ah yes...as you can see, Sandora has control of a dragon." Albert stated.
"That green one?" Dart pointed.
"Yes.....and right now, we're holding out at Hoax, but if it can fly at low altitude, and attack the castle, Shana will be no safer anywhere in Serdio."
"Alright...I take back my request."
"Thank you Dart." Shana thanked.
"But I have another request. Do you know anything about the black monster Minister Noish?" Dart asked.
"Ah, that devil." The minster nodded. "Yes, I have some sparse information on it."
"I lost my family and hometown to it, tell me all you know."
"The only thing I know is: the black monster is called the devil that disobeyed the great existence, and it is also known for devouring the god." Minster Noish informed.
"Devouring the god?" Dart asked.
"Yes, surprisingly, it shows up beginning 11,000 years ago."
"11,000 years ago.....that was when the Dragon Campaign finished." Albert added.
"Yes, the dragon campaign, the campaign where humans and Dragons overthrew the wingly's cruel treatment and unjust ways allowing humanity to finally bloom." Noish explained.
"End of the campaign." Dart muttered. As he continued his thoughts, a knight of lesser ranks appeared kneeling.
"Sire....the war meeting is starting soon." He declared. Albert nodded as he left.
"I must go now, but if you wish, you can look over the balcony and castle view." Albert offered. Shana smiled as she kneeled and left, Dart following as well as Lavitz. Before Lina could follow Albert stopped her.
"Can I ask you to join me for a walk?" He asked.
"Sure, how can I say no to royalty?" Lina replied, laughing nervously at her own joke.
*
"So...." Lina mumbled, attempting to start a conversation as she walked with the king through the castle. "Isn't there a meeting you should be going to?"
"Yes, but I wanted to ask you something Miss Inverse."
"Just Lina." Lina winked. Albert smiled at the request.
"Your abilities....Lavitz has told me you have been able to do powerful things. Destroyed part of Hellena?"
"Oh....that was just a fireball, I was in my best shape when I uh...did that." Lina replied, realizing where the conversation was going.
"Yes........I won't beat around the bush Lina....I can see that you already know. Will you assist us? You'll be critical, most of my men don't stand a chance against the dragon, and with your magic, we can win."
"Look...I just wanted to go home. Not enter a war. Besides, Lavitz and Dart look like they can handle that thing." Lina sighed.
"I know, but even Lavitz is limited on how much he can do, and Dart as well. I won't force you however." Albert added. Silence followed as Lina pondered the situation. Albert felt nervousness as he waited for the response, unable to read Lina's face.
"...........ok.......I'll do it. I really don't like the idea that something like this is happening." Albert sighed as he shook Lina's hand.
"What's going on?" Dart asked as he and the others walked down seeing Lina.
"Nothing much, I'll be going with you guys." Lina replied. "So, where are you guys going?"
"To my mothers for a visit." Lavitz smiled. "Wanna come with us?"
"Sure." Lina said.
*
"Mom, I'm home!" Lavitz declared, the house in Lina's opinion would be: uber clean.
"Geez......she must be definitely a clean freak." Lina muttered.
"Lavitz? Oh, it's you!" The mother laughed hugging the knight. "I was so worried about you!"
"Hi mom." Lavitz smiled, hugging back.
"And you brought a bride!" The mother beamed, Shana gave a worried look as she noticed the mother staring at her.
"Mother, she's not my bride." Lavitz blushed.
"What about the other girl?" The mother asked.
"Hey, I'm only sixteen, I ain't marrying this young." Lina snapped.
"Oh don't be silly, Lavitz is so awkward at times, but he's really sweet." The mother smiled. Dart only chuckled at the sight as Lavitz's mother hugged Lina.
"Hey, I am NOT Lavitz's bride or girlfriend!" Lina growled, attempting to pry the mother off her.
"Err, mother, I just came to visit, I can't stay long though." Lavitz said.
"Can't you stay the night?" Lavitz nodded no. "Then for lunch at least? It'll be ready soon."
"I can help." Shana beamed.
"No no, that's alright, I can handle it. I think." The mother pondered, walking to the kitchen, Shana in tow.
"So....what should I do?" Lina wondered.
"You could get new clothes, yours are starting to look a little dirty and sweat stained." Dart teased.
"Hey.....I can clean them. And we still have a bit. Maybe I should buy some clothes later...when I have the cash." Lina replied.
"The clothing in Bale are a bit pricy, specially for someone as boyish looking as you." Lavitz noted, a pummel to the head from later caused him to yelp. "I wasn't trying to make fun of you!"
"Look, just lay off the breast thing ok? So I'm a little underdeveloped, ok!?"
"Fine, fine..." Lavitz grumbled.
"Hey....can you show me your house? I never saw anything this big before." Dart asked, hoping to switch the mood.
"Sure." Lavitz smiled. "Follow me." The two nodded as they followed the knight up the stairs into the library.
"This is our library, books on strategy and such." Lavitz explained.
"I wouldn't know, not my strong suit." Dart shrugged. "Hey.....what are you doing?"
"hold on." Pushing the movable stairs, Lavitz pushed it towards the window and started climbing to it. "Follow me. I'm going to show you my treasure." Nodding, Lina and Dart followed onto the first level roof.
"Nice view of the castle." Dart commented.
"Yeah. When I was young, I always wanted to be a knight like my father, beloved, and honorable to the crown."
"It came true then." Lina smiled.
"Yes.......but it was a lot harder than I thought, but I did it." Lavitz grinned.
"Lavitz, Lunch is ready!" Lavitz's mother declared.
"Let's go in." Lavitz ushered.
*
"Great meal as always mother." Lavitz complimented.
"Thank you." She replied.
"But it's time we left." With a nod the mother gave a hug to her son as a goodbye as he left the home.
"I'll be back home soon!" Lavitz promised. The group trekked to the city border taking a last view.
"Well....let's go!" Dart proclaimed.
