THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY

Chapter 16 - Enough Serious Stuff! Time to Boogie!

What with excellent browsing and sluicing and cheery conversation and what- not the afternoon passed quite happily. - P.G. Wodehouse



"Ahhhhh.. That's better! " sighed Lina after an hour-long turn at the 'Trough and Trug' eatery.

"Right, Lina!" agreed Gourry while massaging his shoulder where she had just punched him.

"You bet. Troll treasure, hot springs, great food, and now a good night's sleep." began Yoyo yawning.

"Sleep? You've got to be kidding! This village isn't about sleep; it's got nightlife! And I for one am going to have some FUN! " Yelled Lina standing on the table eyes blazing with excitement.

"Oh no.sorry Lina," said Zel, "I owe Gourry a drink. Count us out this time."

"Actually, ZEL, I've had enough of you for one day too! Thanks Gourry, just keep him out of trouble and away from Xelloss, okay?" teased Lina.

"Hey, that's right!" smiled Gourry, "No problem."

Amelia had been looking forward to a little Zel-time herself. He probably needs to talk about his body-switch experience.and who better than ME? "But.can't we join you guys, Mr. Zelgadiss?"

Damn it! I don't want to talk about any out-of-my-body experiences.especially with someone who cares. "No! Certainly not, Amelia! You are not old enough to drink, I don't know about Yolande.Besides, you wouldn't want to go in the places we'll be tonight." Zelgadiss added that last part hoping to stave off an onrush of tears from the princess.

Gourry leaned over toward Amelia, patted her hand, and added, "It's a GUYS ONLY thing this time, okay?"

As the guys left the 'Trough and Trug', Amelia sighed sadly, "Well, I'll just go to bed then."

"That's okay! It'll just be us GIRLS then!" shouted Lina.

"Uh, oh." began Amelia.

Yoyo became interested, "So, what shall we do first? Although I would like to replace this damaged shoulder spike."

"Well then.shopping, dessert.let's get going!" said Lina cheerily.

* * * *

On the ground lay a scorched, twitching man, shop key in his upraised hand.

"But Lina, it IS getting late. That was UNJUST of you to Fireball that poor shopkeeper just because it was time to close up!" preached Amelia.

"Eh? Well, he deserved it. Besides, there wasn't anything I wanted anyway." said Lina, unrepentant as usual.

"Nothing that fit you." muttered Yoyo.

"AND it was all over priced!" ended Lina.

"Hey! Check this place out 'Weapons-Be-We' and it's open 24 hours, seven days a week!" laughed Yoyo. "I gotta look inside!"

Lina and Yoyo were dazzled by the bewildering array of weapons and battle attire for sale. Yoyo found the counter and spoke to the burley- looking man behind it, "Can you replace this spike, mister?"

"No problem. I'll take that.hmm. 40 pieces of." began the man holding her shoulder pads in his grimy, battered hands.

Yoyo pulled out a bag of loot and selected a couple of coins, "This okay?"

"Yeah, that's enough.interesting damage." Then removing the bent spike he continued, "You a demon slayer?"

"You could say that.actually I'm putting together my own bandit crew and you look pretty buff. interested? I'll be holding tryouts later," Yoyo smiled coyly.

"Er.no thanks. I got outta that racket years ago. Now I own this sigh legit business of my own. I get to meet interesting people and it gives me time to raise rare orchids in back sigh ."

"Oh.Kay.ahhh.Say that fix looks fine. I'll take my stuff now. Thanks for the repair job!" Yoyo practically ran out, "Weirdoes abound."

"Yoyo?" asked Lina chasing the other girl out of the weapons shop, "Have you seen that Mazouku blade from the troll treasure? I was thinking of trading it for something smaller."

"Yeah. Last I saw it that other weirdo guy, Xelloss, was looking it over." answered Yoyo totally disinterested.

"WHAT! Ah, crap, wouldn't you know it! It was probably REALLY valuable too!" screamed Lina.

"Ooooooooo, look!" cried Amelia, "It's the 'Famous Fudge Fantasy Ice Cream Parlor and Fountain'!"

"Alright, Amelia! Can't do anything about lost daggers now, but a dessert shop!!!!!!!!" and Lina was pulling both girls inside with her.

* * * *

"Ah, Zel.. We've passed several places already.Aren't we almost out of town?' asked the tall blond swordsman.

"I'm looking for a dark out-of-the-way place where I'm not so noticeable, Gourry. But that one in the woods looks like a hangout for lowlife.probably fit right in." mumbled Zelgadiss.

"Sure thing!" agreed Gourry as he pushed in the door and looked around.

One corner was taken up with five hooded figures clustered around a table over mugs of beer. The barstools were taken.

"Over there," nodded Zel. "Looks like a free table in that other corner."

The Chimera seated himself in the darkest spot, hood pulled low to hide his face. The swordsman sat next to him so he could also see into the room. Candlelight flickered across his youthful face. Gourry raised a hand, signaling a waitress. She hurried over, smiled cutely, obviously enamored of the handsome man.

"What would you like tonight?" she asked.

"Ahhh.I'll take what's on tap. You, Zel?" asked Gourry.

"Same thing," answered Zelgadiss.

"Pretzels or nuts?" asked the waitress, straightening her apron.

"Huh?"

"Would you like me to bring you some pretzels or nuts with your drinks. Or both?" BLUSH

"Oh.both would be great, thanks!" grinned Gourry.

The waitress practically melted.

Gourry caught her arm, "Um, you alright?"

"Oh, yes.just a bit.ah. blush Are you new round here?"

"Yes! We're here for the night, then. Well.just travelling through, I guess." He smiled and looked up through his bangs, a little puzzled.

"Hmmm." the waitress smiled, "I'll go get your order then."

Soon Gourry and Zelgadiss were talking over pretzels and ale.

"Thanks for doing this, Zel."

"You're welcome. You know, we should do this more often. It's good to get away from.the others for awhile," smiled Zel.

"I guess so. I pretty much hang out with Lina all the time. I get used to her." Gourry said wistfully.

"Yeah, I don't know how you do it. She's attractive and smart, but I couldn't stand getting pounded to a pulp as often as you do."

"Well, I don't LIKE it but it's just the way she is, ya know. At least she doesn't lecture me about what's JUST. Amelia's pretty hard to take in large doses."

"Shit, you're telling ME! If she wouldn't hang on me so much.!"

"She just likes you, Zel. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, she thinks that when I get my cure, I'll be her prince in shining armor, but."

"But, I think she doesn't mind the current armor, Zel."

"Here boys! Let me freshen those for you!" and the waitress did a double take when she glanced at the Chimera's uncovered face. She didn't miss a beat, though, "And I'll bring you more pretzels, mustard too!"

Gourry could tell Zel was uncomfortable with the direction of their conversation. Discussing relationships wasn't something any of them coveted. Then he remembered, "So.you weren't drunk right? That was Xelloss looking like you, stumbling around because he wasn't used to being you?"

Grateful for the change in topic, Zel nodded, "Right, I guess, but I don't know what happened. I was dripping wet at the time."

"So you guys really hadn't gone drinking?"

"NO! I really try to spend as little time with.him as possible. He gives me the creeps. I can't trust him. No matter what Lina says, I can't call him a 'friend'."

"He gave me this sword, Zel," smiled Gourry, "So I can't hate him, but tricking you into changing bodies, well.that was pretty low."

"Heads up! I thought I'd save time and bring you guys a pitcher! Enjoy!"

"She's really nice! Don't you think so?" asked Gourry.

"Yeah.She likes you too. She keeps looking at you," groused Zel.

"Oh? Well, here's to no Fireballs!"

"And no Justice speeches!"

"Yeah, and no recruitment talks!"

"You TOO?"

"Yeah."

"Shit."

"Yeah."

* * * *



Yoyo shook her head incredulously, "Where do you stuff all that food? You're both so small?"

"Just lucky, I guess.hmmm now I need some excitement." mused Lina.

"Hey, waiter!" Where can some girls go for fun and excitement- and I mean MUSIC and DANCE stuff, GET IT!" Yoyo had tripped the young man, sending the menus scattering across the floor.

"Ohhh, try the 'Forest Flea'. It's the last place down the road. Go in the main door and stay away from the bar in back. That's a hangout for a rough crowd, though you guys would fit right in."

"What was that last part? I couldn't quite hear?" asked Yoyo evilly.

"Thank you!" cried Amelia, following Lina out the door and dragging Yoyo by a pigtail. "Don't you guys think we should stop at this inn first and get some rooms for tonight first?"

"Yeah, sure. That shouldn't take long," agreed Lina.

* * * *

"Can I get you two good-looking guys anything else this evening?" smiled the waitress, mostly addressing the blond swordsman.

"I think we've had more than enough." said Zelgadiss.

"Do you both have a place to stay tonight?"

Silence.

"I'll put a room on your tab then and you can pay up in the morning.you have money, yes?"

"Yes!" smiled Gourry, "Say, where's that music coming from?"

"Next door. Music, dancing, and karaoke begins in a few minutes. You can get there through the passageway by the men's room. See you later!"

"Hey thanks!" said Gourry, "That was real nice of her, wasn't it?"

"I hope so." moaned Zel, feeling a bit unsteady.

* * * *

"Oooooo, Miss Lina, this place is so." began Amelia distastefully.

"Crowded!" finished Lina. "I can't see a thing!"

"Good singer, though. Let's push our way up front and see who it is!" yelled Yoyo over the roar.

In front of the stage stood the groupies, ogling the gorgeous man with 'hair down to here giggle ' and his mysterious partner. Gourry was on stage, of course, microphone in hand, " So in the world."

Zelgadiss was singing backup, "La, la, la.."

FACE FAULTS

"You never said he could sing too!" shouted Yoyo to Lina.

Cheers, screams

Encouraged by the applause, the two men changed places and Zel took front stage for the next song. Lights dimmed, a disco ball sent shooting stars of light spinning around the room. Tossing back his hood, the rocky, blue youth sang, ".Ah, dear friends forever.."

Amelia's eyes were swimming with hearts, "He's so.wonderful."

Yoyo was mesmerized, Rocky must be really drunk to do that!

Lina was smoldering. "Well, we'll just have to be better! Look, there's a contest: Winner gets free ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT meal at restaurant of choice. We've gotta nail this one. Gimme that microphone! Come here Amelia!"

"Me?"

Gourry and Zelgadiss exchanged worried looks as they tried to shake off the groupies. "When did they get here?"

"I dunno, Zel."

"I don't feel so good.need fresh air." said Zel, lurching for the door.

"Oh no you don't!" said Lina, fangs showing. " We're challenging you guys to a little contest."

"I'm ready, Miss Lina. Here are your clothes!" sang Amelia.

Moments later Lina and Amelia were on stage dressed in matching tiny outfits with short skirts and head pieces singing a duet, " ..Koi Ni Koi Suru Onna No Koni Wa , .My darling."

Then, not to be outdone, Yoyo grabbed the microphone and belted out a energetic version of 'Exit Running'.

Lina tore the mike out of Yoyo's hand, and launched into 'Breeze'.

Zelgadiss, smiling uncharacteristically, pushed Lina aside and smoozed out, "We are."

Amelia smiled bravely at Zel, as he handed her the microphone, then ripped into a rousing version of 'Stand up!'

Gourry set his fans on fire with "Set Me Free!"

Zelgadiss was seeing two Linas got to go.need to go . Gourry saw the faltering Chimera, and said to Lina on his way out, " I'll follow him and be sure he doesn't fall in a creek and drown.be back in a bit."

Soon Amelia noticed Gourry and Zelgadiss were missing, "Shouldn't we go looking for them, Miss Lina?"

"Alright, but I want to be back by closing to find out if we won."



* * * *

"Whoa, Zel. You don't look so good," said Gourry.

"Three beers, okay.but. seven or eight ? Ohhhhh."

"Zel? Zel! Are you asleep? Ummm. I guess I can carry you back to our room.um. OK?"

Minutes later, they were lost and wondering in the forest.

"Lights.pretty floaty lights." repeated Gourry, eyes swirling.

There really were lights: soft music and tiny lights that winked in and out of view. The tall swordsman carrying the pale, cloaked shaman stepped into the middle of the lights. The music and singing stopped.

"How did you get past our sentries?" shouted a mystified man whose head reached to Gourry's kneecap.

"Ah.um.who?"

"Lichen! He's part elf, fungus brain! What's that he's carrying?" shouted a second little man.

Gourry turned to look at this new man, "Um.he's awfully heavy. Mind if I set him down?" Gourry asked. Without waiting for an answer, he plunked Zel down on a pile of leaves off to the side, then sat down, head spinning. "Oof! Ah.do you know where I am?"

"I certainly know where I am!" said the second little man while the first man, he called Lichen, examined Zel.

"Ach! Mosel, it's just a statue! He was carrying a stone statue wrapped in a cloak about the forest, Mosel!" shouted Lichen.

"Look it here, tall-guy. We are forest elves. That's Lichen and I'm Mosel. This is our forest. Who are you, tall-guy with elf blood?"

"Gourry, Gourry Gabriev. Glad to meet you, MOUSE-EL!"

"MO-ZEL, long o.not a mouse."

Lichen jumped up and down excitedly, "Gabriev? My family's full of Gabrievs. An ancestor.ah.Ronny, no.Robbie, no."

"ROWDY! Rowdy Gabriev from Nipross Island, you lame-brain!" shouted Mosel.

"Yeah.he was a human too! Carried the Sword of Light." Lichen grew misty- eyed.

"Me too!" shouted Gourry brandishing the sword.

"Ooooooo.ahhhh."

"So we are cousins or something?" wondered Gourry, "Hard to believe."He looked down at the diminutive men truly puzzled.

"Yeah.So why are you carrying a statue in the forest?" asked Mosel.

"Statue? What statue? Oh him? That's my friend Zel.he's fallen asleep, I guess. It's okay he's a real nice guy."

"Looks like he had too much to drink and passed out," said Mosel. "So what's up with your friend's skin? Some kind of accident?"

"Ah.. Yeah, you could say that.Rezo um.put a spell on him to.um.make him stronger. He's really unhappy about it, but it does make him a stronger shaman. You know, I don't even notice his aaahhh looks anymore. Ummm, you know I should get him back to the bar or inn we're staying at or someplace.It's been nice meeting you both, Lichen and er. Mosel. Do you know which way will get me back to town?"

Mosel was pouring some blue-colored nectar into a cup. "You are not in much better shape than your friend there. This drink should help your elf side metabolize the alcohol quickly. You'll feel better. Lichen, pay us some music!"

* * * *

"What makes you think they came this way, Yoyo?" asked Lina.

"I'm a great tracker, Lina. Listen and learn! More light please!" said Yoyo proudly. LIGHTING "The big guy must be carrying Rocky now. See these footsteps? Two guys. Then a lot of crushed grass and a crater- Rocky? -goes down. Now one set of prints, deep, long strides.got to be the big guy carrying Rocky. Okay?"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Miss Yoyo? Where is he going? Town's the other way!" asked Amelia.

"I said I was a tracker not a mind reader! 'Course with that Flake, there's not much to read."

"Hey look! Lights and argh! Let go of me!" snarled Lina.

"Get your hands off my.!" screamed Amelia.

The elf sentry magically gagged and bound Lina's arms to her sides, then bound Yoyo, then bound Amelia. He nodded to others in the trees. Out popped two female elves, smaller than Amelia.

"Oh Miss Lina! Aren't they cute?" cried Amelia.

Yoyo wasn't gagged either and so started to complain, " What's the big idea? This is a free forest. You can't do this! You have no right." She was gagged.

Amelia's imagination was triggered by the keyword 'right', and so began her tirade, " That's right! You may be cute, but its unjust to bind us and hold us against our wills. We stand for the righteous cause and must not be." Amelia was gagged.

The girls were walked to the ring of light. There was Gourry, hair braided with flowers, dancing with men and women half his size. Lina collapsed to her knees, aghast. Yoyo and Amelia stared at the dancers, then at Lina, then back to the dancers, then each other.

"This is just too weird to be happening," Lina thought.

The song ended and the dancing stopped. The elf, Mosel, approached the newcomers, "Why have you brought these humans here?"

The female elf next to Lina replied, "They were following that man's trail pointing to Gourry. For good or ill, I don't know. They must be judged!"

Gourry shook off the spell, "Lina!" He ran to her side pushing aside the elf guard and removed her gag. "Did you get lost too?"

"WHAT LOST! No, we were looking for you! What were you doing out here in the middle of the night anyway? AND where's Zel?" Lina yelled.

"Zel? Yeah, over there. He's alright, just sleeping by that tree."

Mosel and Lichen ran up to Gourry, "So you know these humans?"

"Yeah!" said the tall blond swordsman, grinning widely. "I'm Lina's.bodyguard, and Amelia and Yoyo are our friends."

"How about untying us.whoever you are!" hinted Lina.

"Sure! Lina, this is Mosel.and this is Lichen."

Mosel nodded to the female elves, "You may remove their gags, but leave them tied up, for now."

Lichen's face lit up, then he sputtered out, "LI-LINA INVERSE? The Lina Inverse?"

"Yeah, yeah, bandit killer, killer of demon lords, savior of the world, blah, blah, blah." Lina replied.

"You-you came to the aid of Rowdy Gabriev on Mipross Island!" cried Lichen.

`"Uhh, I'm sure I dreamed all that.," said Lina.

"Rowdy was an ancestor of mine.and Gourry's too!" added Lichen.

Mosel continued, "That is why he must stay with us. This man is part of the Forest Elf clan of Flea Forest. You may take the sleeping man with you and go now. But Gourry Gabriev remains with us!"

Yoyo had not liked the situation the moment the ropes appeared. Her costume spikes were part decoration, part defense, and part offensive weapons. She was using one to saw through her ropes. No one noticed her lean in to Amelia and loosen her bindings. Everyone's attention was on Lina. Suddenly, Amelia jumped up and shouted, "BOMB SPRID!"

A brilliant strobe light blinded the elves nearby. A "WIND ARROW" cut through Lina's ties.

Then "LAPHAS SEED" spell sent magical ropes flying from Amelia's hands to entangle the elves.

"Good job Amelia!" shouted Gourry.

"Alright guys!" shouted Lina while fiery bursts and explosions sounded over their heads. "Gourry, get Zel! We'll make a distraction. Yoyo lead us OUT OF HERE!"

"BURST RONDO!"

"BOMB SPRID!"

"Owww, lights too bright . noise . ahhh," groaned Zelgadiss. Gourry swept him up and tossed the heavy Chimera over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. As the tall blond swept by Lichen he shouted, "Sorry to have to leave, but.Lina's.well. she's right you know. Thanks for the fun time!"

"DON BRAND!"

BOOM! BLAST! BOOM! CRACKLE!

Gourry's long legs flew through the forest behind Yoyo. Yoyo raised her axe and felled a few saplings, clearing a straight path for the others to follow. Amelia and Lina continued to send off volleys of explosive spells, which were low on damage but made smoke, noise, and blinding light. The elves had been caught off guard and only had time to put up defensive spells. Then the sorceress and princess chased after their friends. When the sounds of blasts stopped, Yoyo slowed down. Lina and Amelia's running feet were pounding down the newly made path.

"Everybody here and accounted for?" the little bandit Yoyo laughed. After a quick check to assure herself that they were, she asked, "Where to? The inn?"

"Hell no!" cried Lina, "That karaoke bar! I want to see if we won!"

"So, ah.why did we let them go?" asked the bewildered Lichen.

"Well, I for one didn't want to fight Lina Inverse.We'll see them again, sometime."

* * * *

Lina & Co. arrived at the crowded bar in time to hear the last singer.

"Miiiinnnnnaa. SHA LALA LALA."

Xelloss bowed low to the screaming crowd of fans. He giggled and blushed while disentangling one girl's fingers from his purple locks.

"ENCORE!" "ENCORE!" . "ENCORE!" They chanted.

Then, spotting Lina he nodded, smiled and began a final song

(But, But, But)

"Damn him anyway, he's good!" grumbled Yoyo.

"Yeah, I should torch him and leave him twitching.Why would he want the prize? He doesn't even eat food! What's he doing here anyway? " wondered Lina aloud.

Gourry laid Zelgadiss across two chairs and rubbed his shoulder.

"Ladies and Gentlemen and all the rest of ye! Roar of laughter Tonight's winner of the Karaoke Contest is .(envelope please.) drum roll .Xelloss the Mysterious Priest! Here you go sir. Just present this certificate at the restaurant of your choice."

Lina and Amelia were furious.

"How UNJUST! He was the last act of course they couldn't remember us!" yelled Amelia.

"We shouldn't have left!" crabbed Lina

"We should'a left Big Guy and Rocky to the elves then?" asked Yoyo.

Xelloss smiled, "Elves? Hmmm, not many people get to meet elves!"

"Well, Mr. Gourry is part elf and." Amelia blurted out before Lina's hand flew over her mouth.

Xelloss smiled wider, "My, my, Amelia-chan, THAT information is worth this!" And he handed Lina the gift certificate, lightly kissing her palm, "Bye now, remember.later." Snicker

SHIMMER

"Oh, Miss Lina! I'm soooooo sorry!" cried Amelia drooping.

Lina shrugged, "Can't be undone, Amelia. Besides, he probably would have found out from Gourry anyway." Then brightening she added while waving the certificate, "At least we have this to look forward to tomorrow!"

Gourry, overhearing his name, moved closer to Lina, "Umm, a nice waitress got Zel and me a room here, so.I'm taking him upstairs."

"What!" shouted Lina stomping toward the door, "No way are you guys staying here! Do you know what kind of place this is?"

Amelia interrupted, "We have a room for you back in town. Gourry, this isn't a very nice place. Why would you want to stay here? You've hurt Lina's feelings."

Gourry slung poor Zelgadiss over his other shoulder, then simply sighed and shook his head confusedly, "Lead on."

Yoyo stopped him for a second and explained what the 'upstairs' rooms were for. His eyes expanded saucer-like, "Whoa, Lina.I didn't know!"

"I don't know where you picked him up, Lina, but some village is missing its idiot," muttered Yoyo.

Nobody noticed five dark figures slip out the back and follow Lina's party.

* * * *

Lina was pretty steamed at everyone, "Zel passed out drunk. Yoyo.I'll think of something.Amelia opened her big mouth about Gourry's elf secret in front of Xelloss. Who knows what kind of damage he'll do with that information? Gourry's such an insensitive clod! Was he that stupid not to know a whorehouse from an inn? Or didn't he care about her feelings? He didn't care." snif snif

Lina had finally quieted Amelia down, "I thought she'd never stop blubbering and apologizing.I need some sleep!"

Yoyo slept in the room next door. Zelgadiss and Gourry were down the hall.

Lina found herself in a dark place. "Of course its dark I'm asleep, aren't I?" As her eyes grew accustomed to the dim light, she could make out vague shapes looming in the gloom beyond.

"Lina, they're coming again!" warned the tall blond swordsman. She could make out lines of exhaustion around his eyes, but determination glowing from them.

Zelgadiss was rapidly applying a healing spell to Amelia's ankle, his tired stone covered hands shaking slightly, "Can you stand now? More importantly, can you run?"

Amelia nodded, "I'll be fine, Mr. Zelgadiss, thank you. Save your strength for round three. I can even try some barrier spells. Should I hold off until.things get really dicey?"

Amelia usually acted on impulse, so her question surprised the Chimera. "I don't want those Mazouku to 'feed' off my emotions. That last attack was horrible and the next.I want to help as best I can to save my friends at least ."

Zelgadiss considered a moment, "Stay back and hold back.guard Yoyo, but don't waste any energy on her. She can't battle demons and is better off unconscious and oblivious to all this. I need you. You'll be our backup.and you can watch my back." The last words he added with a wry smile. He had said it to make her feel better. His strength was immeasurably greater than ever, frightfully so.

Amelia nodded solemnly. She'd watch his back all right. His killing ability was amazing to watch. She knew he had little compulsion to kill in the past, but now.the glee in his eyes as he wound a spell and sent it ripping through a Mazouku, ripping it to shreds was.horrifying. He was doing the 'right' thing, but he appeared to be enjoying himself. And that frightened her, lots.

"What if a part of Xelloss was left in Zel after that awful body switch? I wouldn't put it past that evil Lord Zelas to play an evil trick like that on us. No! I can't start thinking that way now. He's just excited about his power. Even Gourry is fingering his new sword with a look of malice in his eyes I've never seen before. OH! But didn't Xelloss give him that new sword? No! Get a grip! Nothing matters right now as long as my Zelgadiss continues to treat us with compassion and friendship, I won't let his new powers scare me! But what about mine?" thought Amelia, "I can't believe how quickly I've healed wounds lately. Even Xelloss's.I'm going to try helping Yoyo."

Yoyo was out cold. Her axe was practically useless against Mazouku as strong as these. Only her exceptional athletic skills had kept her alive this long.

"FLARE ARROW!" screamed Lina, attacking the approaching shadow figures.

The demons attacked the camp simultaneously.

"HIKARI YO!" shouted Gourry brandishing his magical sword. He slashed a path through the demons to find Lina.

Lina jumped to higher ground, flinging "FIREBALL" spells like insults.

Zelgadiss cried " RAY WING", and flew to an outcropping, forming a triangle with the swordsman and sorceress, leaving Amelia and Yoyo in the center.

"FLARE ARROW!"

Lina couldn't use her DRAGON SLAVE spell in such close quarters without harming her friends. She was getting desperate, "The demons are gaining ground. We're barely thinning them out, and they're wearing us down."

"Would you like a surefire spell against these Mazouku?" whispered a voice in her ear.

"Xelloss? What the Hell are you doing here? I can't see you either!"

"I'm here to help you, Lina. Want that spell? Or shall I leave you and your friends to die?"

"Gimmie that spell!"

He whispered the magical words. Lina nodded, "I hope this isn't a trick, 'course if it is , I won't have long to regret it."

Lina closed her eyes and recited the spell. Her eyes glowed with power. She directed her hands at a cluster of demons nearest Gourry and shouted, "RUBY-EYE SLASH!"

SWISH!

Lina cleared out more.

SWISH!

The remaining demons fled. It was over in a heartbeat.

"Miss Lina! Wake up!" Amelia cried. "Oh Miss Lina! You've had a bad dream, but you're okay now!"

Lina was shaking in her friend's arms. "N-N-Not AGAIN! I'll kill him. I'll blast his ASTRAL ass to Outer space."

Gourry barged into the room hopping on one leg while trying to pull up his pants. Zelgadiss was on his heels, sword drawn, "LINA!?"

"It's alright guys. I had a nightmare, inspired by Xelloss!" she spat.

"Damn him anyway!" groused Gourry.

"Mazouku Masterpiece Theater, brought to you by Xelloss the Shit-ster Priest." snarled Zelgadiss, head throbbing.

"Ha ha ha," laughed Lina, "Thank you Zel, the master of sarcasm. I needed that.I wonder if it will work."

"What?"

"In my dream we were losing a battle against a horde of Mazouku. Then Xelloss appeared, well his voice did, and he gave me a spell.one that calls on Shabrinigdo. It worked great."

"In your dreams." said Zel, "I'm going back to bed."