THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY

Chapter 13 - Monster Mash

The world continues to offer glittering prizes to those who have stout hearts and sharp swords - Earl of Birkenhead

MOAN

Ohhhh, my head.

Xelloss-who-looked-like-Zel slowly opened his eyes and tried to sit up. A wave of vertigo sent him swooning back down on his mattress. There he could stare up at a crack in the ceiling, tracing its path, a path he'd memorized hours before. I can't believe this transformation is taking so much of my power to sustain. This body is ready and willing, the problem is ME!

Gourry turned to his roommate, sympathy in his eyes, "Bad hangover, eh? I'll go fix you up something from the kitchen. A sure cure!"

By the time Gourry had returned, Xelloss-who-looked-like-Zel had managed to get himself into a sitting position, cross-legged on his ruined bed, focusing on his stony hands. I hope he's appreciating all I've gone through for him, oh yeah, he's coming to kill me.great.

Gourry blundered into the room, tray in hand.

"Here ya go. One Gourry's Special Cure, with toast!"

He set the tray on the floor by the Chimera, who said, "Thanks, Gourry. Ah, what's in the glass?"

"Oh.ahhhhh.drink it fast. When you feel like it, come on down. Lina's having breakfast now so,.no need to hurry, right?"

"Oh, yeah. I couldn't take Lina just yet.Thanks, you're a good.friend!"

The tall, blond swordsman waved shyly and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

He's too nice to poison Zel, so, here goes.

Ten minutes later Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel felt strong enough to face the day. He strapped on Zel's sword and cloak, stuffed his feet into his boots, and grabbed his pack. Hummm.wonder what he keeps in here.blankets, books, wire-clippers??? Of course, for my hair. Zelas'- sama what's this for?.

Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel managed the stairs without stumbling but nearly fell into a chair alongside Amelia.

"Good morning, Mr. Zelgadiss! Look your tea and toast are on the way!"

"Why thank you Amelia. How thoughtful."

Amelia blushed with joy he noticed.

"Good morning, Lina, Yoyo. " said Xelloss-w-l-l-Zel.

"Yo, Zel! " mumbled Lina while stabbing at a piece of ham.

"Rocky my man!" cried Yoyo. "I was out and about earlier and heard there's a rampaging Troll band hang'n. There's a reward for offing them, or bringing them."

"To JUSTICE! Yes! Where there's a righteous cause we are there because."

"We need the money." said Lina, cutting off Amelia mid-rant, "So, Yoyo, who's taking this job me, or you?"

"How 'bout we do it together and split the reward 50/50?" grinned Yoyo while swinging her axe.

"HOW 'bout I keep it ALL and let you tag along?" snarls Lina, fangs showing.

"Plus room and board."

"Yeah, alright"

"Deal."

"I'm done!" shouted Lina, "Let's go!"

Xelloss-w-l-l-Zel asked, "Shouldn't we wait for Xelloss? He's a friend too, right Lina?"

Lina FACEFAULTS "When did you care what happens to that fruitcake?"

Gourry stepped in, "Oh he and Xelloss stayed out drinking last night!"

"WHAT!" cried Amelia and Lina.

On cue, Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss strode in smiling cheerfully; hair neat clothes clean and pressed. He had had breakfast in his room.

"Good morning everyone. Did you all sleep well? Ready to go?"

"Let's get out of here," grumbled Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel.

Lina settled the payment with only a few threats to FIREBALL the place for an overcharge. Then she grabbed Gourry's sleeve and yanked his shoulder down and asked, "So what's up with Zel this morning?"

"Oh, I made him my hangover special. Always works!"

GAG

"Did you tell him what's in it?"

"Noooo, that's aaaa MY secret!"

"Ha, ha, ha. Well, I guess that explains it!"

* * * *

Xelloss and Zelgadiss were walking together.

"Let's just get something straight," began Zelgadiss, " You tricked me and.if that wasn't my body, I'd kick the crap out of you!"

"Well, well." Xelloss began.

"I'm not finished! Purple eyes flashing For now I think we should keep this a.a secret."

" I agree!" smiled Xelloss.

"Good, that's a first. Next, we need to exchange some personal stuff in these bags."

"Ahhh, that's a good idea too!"

"Xelloss, ahhh, I don't talk that way. You do."

"F ***** you!"

"."

"And, Xelloss, keep your hands off my body."

"You said that last night."

".Don't look at it and do not embarrass me.IT!"

"Why, I wouldn't dream of it. I'll take good care of you. IT," smiled Xelloss.

"Xelloss?"

"Hummm??"

"Why didn't you tell me my cure was really switching bodies with you?"

"Would you have gone along with it?" asked the Mazouku seriously.

"Of course not! I don't want to look like you! I can't stand you! And now, now.Is this REALLY permanent?"

"Well.now.that's a secret!"

While throttling the stone-boy, Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss hissed through his teeth threateningly, "One more thing. Between us, there can be NO secrets. Not one. It could mean life or death for either of us. So tell me, how did our powers transfer and for how long?"

"That's two things!"

Achh, choke

"Okay, okay. You know, if you plan to fool OUR friends, you'll need a sense of humor."

CHOKE, GASP

"Actually.I'm not sure."

"Not sure about what? How long I'm stuck like this, or about our powers?"

"Both. It took a considerable amount of effort to make the switch. Effort I couldn't afford to put out. My staff can channel and amplify Astral energy so.I am not used to activity without it. I cannot switch us back, Zelgadiss."

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss sighed, "What about my shamanist powers?"

"My essence is Astral in make-up, so my body and powers are interrelated, much like your Chimera form enhances your abilities. So, well."

Zelgadiss interrupted, "...We will have to work cooperatively?"

Xelloss nodded, "I'm afraid so, until we can figure out what works. Might be fun?"

Zelgadiss erupted in anger, "FUN, you think this is FUN?!" Then, without thinking things through, he slugged the stone-hard man in the stomach.

GASP! ARGHHH! OWWWWWW! Forgot the rocks!

Yoyo spied the Trolls moving in and out of a cave and whispered a warning, "SHHHHHHHHHHush, T-R-O-L-L-S ."

Lina could hear the Zel and Xelloss commotion coming up behind them. They had fallen a ways back and were totally oblivious to Yoyo's warning. Lina marched back to the 'boys' and pushed them apart.

"Listen up Xelloss! We've almost walked into the Trolls' camp! If you weren't so busy annoying Zel here you might have detected them and warned us sooner. So if you can spare him for a moment, ZEL might be able to lend us a hand. Come on."

Both Xelloss and Zelgadiss followed Lina silently. Gourry and Amelia were crouched behind an outcropping to the left. Yoyo was hidden in the brush to the right. Zelgadiss and Xelloss quickly whispered a plan and split up. Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel turned to Lina, "We have a plan. I'll go in low and Xelloss in high with combined Astral spells. Anything left over Gourry's Sword of Light can take care of. You and Amelia, watch Gourry's back and Yoyo can watch ours, okay?"

Lina was a little taken aback. Did she hear Zel correctly? Xelloss rarely interceded on their behalf in a fight and certainly didn't share plans with anyone. But Zel had agreed to the plan, and she trusted him. Lina nodded in agreement,

"Okay, Zel. I'll go left, you right and tell Yoyo. I get it.Zel figures Xelloss is powerless and wants to test him here.good thinking Zel; I'd like to know too!

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss scampered up the slope above and behind the cave entrance So he says 'just use my finger'.right, sure, thanks, Xelloss.

Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel carefully worked his way close to cave's opening, but remained hidden from its occupant's view by a boulder. He could barely see Zel climbing into position high above. Then, on a nodded signal, Zel began an incantation and Xelloss drew 'his' sword and pointed it to the ground.

" DUG HAUT! " he shouted. The earth beneath the Troll's feet began to rumble.

"FLARE ARROW!" thought Zel. A lightening force flew from his single upraised finger.

The largest cluster of Trolls lost their balance as the ground gave way beneath them.

Zel moved his finger, searing light sliced through the Trolls, decapitating them all as they were buried in the rubble.

Gourry's sword ran through the nearest Troll, but as its wounds re-healed, the creature slashed out at Amelia.

"ELMEKIA LANCE!" cried the young shaman girl, leaping out of the way of the claws while at the same time taking up her customary "FOR JUSTICE" stance. Her blast blew the ugly mace from the Troll's arm, plus the arm, but the beast kept on coming.

"HIKARI YO !" Gourry yelled, ripping through the Troll's head and killing it instantly.

Zelgadiss lashed out another Astral curse from his fingers and Xelloss pulsed Astral tendrils through his sword, cutting down the four remaining Trolls.

Lina, having noticed that everything outside was under control, dashed into the cave-treasure-hunting time! Yoyo caught a glimpse of flying red hair, "Oh no you don't, sister! That treasure's mine too, deal or no deal!", she cried then sped in behind Lina.

" FIRE BALL !"

WHOMP

"Get outta my way!" screamed Lina, pushing Yoyo ahead of her. The explosive concussion from behind propelled the two girls forward out the cave's mouth. Boulders crashed as the cave collapsed in on itself, trapping the remaining Trolls inside.

"YA HAH! Look at our treasure!" cried Yoyo as she stooped to gather up the loot scattered on the ground.

"You're okay Lina?" asked Gourry. He had rushed to her side looking her over for injuries, then went on, " That was cutting it pretty close."

"Yeah, but I got some great stuff! " Lina rummaged through the huge leather pouch, rattling metal objects. "Gourry, Zel take a look at this dagger. It has some inscriptions on the blade."

"This is too fine a weapon to be Troll-crafted." mused Gourry rolling it back and forth in his hands, "Zel?"

Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel agreed. "Um-huh, it's a Mazouku blade. Medium quality, recently made, wouldn't you agree, Xelloss?"

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss nodded. He couldn't identify the dagger, but admired its skillful workmanship. " I wonder how Trolls could have gotten hold of a Mazouku weapon?"

Lina wondered that too. "YOU should know. Don't they use Trolls like so much cannon fodder? Which means this may be an indirect attack by Mazouku on us. I don't suppose you'd know the answer to that one, would you Xelloss? You might be the target."

Yoyo looked the dagger over. "Monster, demon, troll, what's the difference? This'll prove we gottem so we can get the reward too! I'll take this into the village. Anyone care to join me?"

SHIMMER

"Now what kind of ugly demon-dude are you?" questioned Yoyo. She moved toward Lina and the treasure horde protectively.

"MAZOUKU!" spat Lina and Amelia.

"We thought this was your signature piece," said Lina pointing at the dagger in Yoyo's hand, "So what brings you out of your Hell-hole?"

The huge demon ignored Lina, and turned towards Zelgadiss-who-looks-like- Xelloss (who was standing next to Xelloss).

"Xelloss, your life is MINE!"

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss gasped in surprise at the dark, cloaked man attacking him, then reached for a sword, which wasn't there!

"Move it, idiot!" yelled Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel as he pushed Zel out of the way of the incoming Astral attack.

"FIRE BALL! "

"HIKARI YO!"

While they distracted the creature, Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel shouted into Zel's ear, "That's Wanox, a mid-level wanna-be. You can take him with ZELAS FRIE. I'll amplify it with your sword. NOW!"

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss moved to the front, plastered on an arrogant smirk and said smugly, "Wanox, how good to see you again, too."

"I'm here to take you out! You always thought you were better than me, so all-powerful. But hanging with this human trash has made you weak. Word has it your Master has even thrown you out.That makes a new job opening, and I want it. NOW DIE!"

Zel repeated, " ZELAS FRIE!"

Xelloss caught the black tendrils emanating from Zel's outstretched hands with his sword and aimed a thrust at Wanox's throat. The blade pulsed with writhing fingers that leaped out and wrapped around the creature's body, pinning his arms to his sides.

"I don't think I'm the one dying today. Looks like you have underestimated me, for the last time. Now GO TO HELL, WANOX!" Zelgadiss-w-l-l-Xelloss shouted.

The black fingers tightened. Wanox screamed in agony and his Astral form disintegrated into nothingness. Then there was nothing but silence.

"Oh Mr. Xelloss! That was horrid!" cried Amelia, sinking slowly. She managed to glomp onto the arm of Xelloss-w-l-l-Zel, adding, " Can we get out of here now?"

"Sure," he said.

Yoyo scowled at Zelgadiss-w-l-l-Xelloss, "So we have YOU to thank for endangering OUR lives?"

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss flashed her an angry look through his amethyst eyes It wasn't ME! .

Yoyo continued, trying to look unfazed and turning to who she thought was Zelgadiss, asked, " Okay Rocky, clue me in here. Why would some demon WANOX have a bee up his ass over this Lord Creepy eyes?"

GASP

"Ha, ha, ha." chuckled Lina, " Zel's pretty smart Yoyo, but if you want to know about Mazouku business, Xelloss here is your man. Just how much DO you know about the Mazouku race anyway?"

"Mazouku, monsters, demons, whatever. I wouldn't deal with any of them, Rocky here excepted. I'm no sorceress like you, my magic axe will take out most trash, but if I can't hold my own against an enemy, I run. But I see now how handy they'd be on my bandit team! "

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss flinched.

Lina sighed.

"Miss Lina," Amelia whispered, "Shouldn't we tell Yoyo about Mr. Xelloss?"

"No. Let him tell her when he wants to, Amelia." Then in a louder voice, Lina added, "Well, Yoyo, Monsters and demons are not the same, but what matters now is getting to that village and getting our reward money and."

" FOOD!" chimed in Gourry.

Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel shook his head and loosened Amelia's grip on his arm, "Here we go again."

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss smiled goofily and said, " This will be interesting.You know, Zel, I hear there's a wonderful hot springs nearby too. I haven't been swimming in years."

"No I can understand why not.," then in a low voice, "By the way, Zelgadiss, you did very well back there. You'd make a very good Mazouku, if you're interested."

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss looked at Xelloss in horror, " Are you serious?"

"Well, if the answer is no, then I'm not.but if it's yes, then."

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss gasped, " You are insane! I can't believe you'd even think that I might. Arghhhh! Why do I even bother trying to have a normal conversation with you!"

"Maybe, because we are friends." whispered Xelloss, sadly.

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss fell back to walk behind the others and observe and eavesdrop. Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel was in conversation with Amelia, on the left, and Yoyo, on the right. Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel was telling a story in an animated style with mock shooting, sword thrusts, and Amelia and Yoyo were both laughing. Now Gourry was asking how 'my' sword felt after using Astral spells and, in particular, after the DARKSTAR battle.

"It may be this new sword from Xelloss, but. it's more powerful, I'm more powerful!" said Gourry.

"Well, I." started Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel.

"That's right, Mr. Zelgadiss! Remember that RA-TILT spell you used to save Xelloss's life?" blurted Amelia.

"Huh? Well, a."

"It blew up everything in its path for MILES! I've never seen anything like it!" finished Amelia.

He saved my life? Wondered Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel. Then aloud he said, "Well, that's.new, I guess."

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss continued to listen in. Now Lina's saying something, He's laughing. They're friends who care about me; at least they think that's me. Maybe it's me who shies from companionship, using my looks as an excuse. What a lot of time I've wasted in sorrow sitting apart in my self-imposed Hell! Then again, it's just these few people who accept me. But, of course, he's me now and I'm him.Whoa, what's he saying now?

Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel was standing with his arms spread, "Guys, I know I can be a real asshole sometimes. I am rather dark and gloomy, but I just want to tell you THANKS for putting up with me and.was there something you wanted to add, XEL-LOSS?"

Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss paused to compose himself, then said, "Only to let our friends know how appreciative I am of the save before. You really are the man of the moment."

Xelloss-who-looks-like-Zel wore a 'Zel' look, GLARE .

Do I really look like that when I'm mad? Wondered Zelgadiss-who-looks- like-Xelloss, then aloud said, "Now, is that anyway to take a compliment? What an utterly unpleasant look!" giggle

"FREEZE ARROW!"

"Missed me!" Zelgadiss-who-looks-like-Xelloss laughed and jumped out of the way.

"BURST RONDO!"

"Oh, that was close.Sticks and Stones can break my bones but spells can never."

"FRUITCAKE! LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"They are so weird!" said Yoyo.

"Yeah, but Zelgadiss isn't usually." said Lina. "Maybe the poor guy is finally resigned to his fate. Ha, ha, ha!"