THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY
Chapter 19 - Love's Labor Lost
Friendship should be more than biting Time can sever. -T.S.Eliot
SHIMMER
Xelloss detected the demon spirits extinguished over the Astral Plain. The concentration indicated battle situations around Seyruun, Lina. He located Lina those magic amplifiers I sold her do come in handy a fraction of a second later and transported Zelgadiss and Gourry to her side.
"Mr. Zelgadiss!" cried Amelia tearfully.
"Gourry." smiled Lina with relief.
"Hey guys! That was crack timing there, Goof.. ah.Xelloss!" grinned Yoyo, "But . we're killing your kind here, you know, so maybe you'd better.shimmer off."
"Astral Vine!" shouted Zelgadiss, sending the spell up his sword. He brought the red blade slashing through three tentacled Monsters, which had appeared suddenly.
Amelia and Yoyo huddled together as Amelia applied a weak healing spell to Yoyo's ankle.
Gourry stood over Lina swiping away two demons with smooth sword strokes. "Don't worry, Lina! I'll protect you. These aren't too bad."
* * * *
Amelia and Zelgadiss sent up light spells to see the results of the last battle. Thankfully, only minor cuts and scrapes were visible. But the three young women were dirty, hungry, and exhausted. Yoyo complained about sticky monster blood, or worse, on her clothes. Lina moaned about her grumbling stomach. Amelia gazed upon Zelgadiss a moment, then lay back down, eyes closed.
Xelloss made an appearance, "Greetings everyone! I've brought drinks." He smiled and distributed skins Lina was so thirsty she barely considered 'skins of what' dripping with fresh water, which everyone gratefully accepted. "This may be your last rest for awhile. The other squads are closing in on this location. Your father is fine, Princess, and keeping busy with a band or two outside the Palace gates."
"And Val?" pressed Zelgadiss, guessing Xelloss had visited him as well, and the priest had seemed less secretive lately.
"Having dinner. Steamed potatoes in dill sauce with freshly baked seed rolls warm from the oven.crispy fried river trout and crunchy salad. Oh dear, Lina did I say something wrong?" he added in mock innocence.
"AND YOU DIDN'T BRING US ANYTHING?" screamed Lina.
"I brought you water!"
"He'll be giving drink to poor damned souls, and I'll get a swig in Hell from Gunga Din," muttered Zelgadiss, then louder continued, "Though I've belted you and flayed you, By the living Gods that made you, You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din! (Gunga Din, the water-bearer, and quote from Rudyard Kipling)"
"My, my, Zel-chan, your sense of humor is getting so." began Xelloss.
"Literate, clever?" suggested Yoyo.
"Twisted." Said Xelloss with a grin.
"You think I have a twisted sense of humor? Yours is positively." sputtered the Chimera.
"Charming, fetching, enlightened?" finished Xelloss, giggling a little.
"ANNOYING, offensive, repulsive!" corrected Zelgadiss.
Xelloss moved closer to Zelgadiss and lowered his voice, "And what were you feeling when you were killing dozens with one spell, Zel-chan? Are you not the powerful shaman you've always dreamed of becoming? Isn't it exciting, stimulating, intoxicating even?"
Zelgadiss's expression of disdain turned to fright, "What's happening to me? He's right. It's never felt so.good...so freeing to kill and now it's so easy." He swallowed then choked out, "What if its me.my demon part taking over since the encounter with the DARKSTAR weapon?"
The purple-haired man shook his head, "I don't think so. I detect no Astral Mazouku spirit from you. Just human flesh and blood, inside anyway. The DARKSTAR encounter is interesting. I've been thinking about how it's affected us all. Perhaps that's all your.problem. Your dark-elf demon part just makes you speedy, blue, and gives you those adorable ears!"
Xelloss giggled hysterically and transported out of range of the angry Chimera's backlash of insults and magic.
This time the companions were caught by surprise. A black form leaped into their makeshift encampment and blasted white flames searing over Amelia and Yoyo. Amelia's weak shield diverted most of the heat over their heads.
Lina shouted a "FIREBALL!" The nearest creatures burst into flames.
Zelgadiss and Gourry drew their swords and stared expectantly into the darkness beyond. Gourry's arm met with a pounding force that sent him reeling backwards into Lina. He didn't fall though.
"HIKARI YO!" He shouted and launched himself forward, springing into the air and slashing downward in an arc. Roars of pain filled the cold cheerless night as twelve creatures fell to his blade.
Zelgadiss chanted spell after spell. He slammed his hands to the ground and shouted, "DUG HAUT!"
The ground shook and hundreds of gigantic stone spears shot out of the earth from their circle out into the darkness beyond. Demons wailed and slipped between the rocks.
"DUG WAVE!" he shouted, and the ground beneath the demons exploded, burying them forever.
Hearing demons approach from behind, the Chimera shaman twisted around, pivoting on one foot and whispering an incantation, then in a single dance-like movement he flung a powerful ball of light at his target.
"ASTRAL BREAK!" spin
"ASTRAL BREAK!" spin
"ASTRAL BREAK!" spin
Zelgadiss leaped over the bodies of dead demons and raced at an incredible speed toward a tall dark figure with an angry red aura. He chanted a quick spirit attack spell and when he was within range, stretched out his hands and shouted, "GOZ VU ROU!"
The Mazouku aura flickered then faded as the Astral spirit was fried. Next, Zelgadiss sped back to his friends, deftly hopping the rock spears created by his earlier spell. Lina noticed the blue-blur, known as Zel, launch himself overhead as a wind suddenly began to swirl around them.
"GARK RUHAAD!" cried the Chimera.
The resulting enchanted wind blasted the area clean of all life for 500 meters around. Zelgadiss landed gracefully beside Lina and smirked down at her. Gourry stood close by, partially hidden by mountains of steaming, oozing bodies. He kicked a few to the side and stepped into Lina's brief "LIGHTING" spell.
"Hey!" the tall swordsman smiled.
"That went well!" answered Zelgadiss. Then his eyes opened wide. Rapidly his lips moved and his arms swept a complicated arc shape, then he cried out, "RAY WIND!"
Instantly a protective wind-shield appeared overhead as a hail-storm of explosive debris signaled the start of a new onslaught.
* * * *
"Deju Vu!" thought Lina. "This was my dream."
Amelia had twisted her ankle attempting to jump through Zel's rock forest. He was now applying a healing spell and speaking softly to her. He held out a hand and helped the Princess stand. He was pointing to Yoyo, who was lying prone beside and concealed by a tall rock face. Zelgadiss smiled and turned away. Amelia carefully picked her way around the rubble to Yoyo's side.
"In my dream another attack came and we weren't doing well.Xelloss gave me a new spell. Can I remember.yes, YES!" murmured Lina.
"FIREBALL!" Lina shouted to clear a path. In the back of her mind, Lina could hear Gourry's shouts, then Zel's chants and explosions. She closed her eyes and concentrated. First invoking the power amplification spell, she stretched her arms and body through an elaborate series of positions, all the while whispering a chant which summoned the power of Shabrinigdo. Her flaming eyes opened and she screamed,
"RUBY EYE SLASH!"
Wherever Lina's glowing eyes looked, wherever her hands passed, a deadly Astral blade swept through and lay low the demon host. When the wails and howls faded, nothing stood, save her friends.
"By the Gods, Lina, what was that?" asked Zelgadiss, eyes flashing in horror and fascination
"My dream.come true." She answered.
* * * *
Ermgort, Chapunn, Warui, and Mataku, four Mazouku, sat once more around the heavy oak table.
"Any quesstionss?" hissed the reptilian leader, Ermgort.
Warui squirmed in his seat and rubbed the back of his stony head with an equally stony hand, "How will I KNOW which is my target?" he whined.
Sigh "There are only two human femaless and I'll be on the OTHER ONE! Anything elsse? Chapunn, you're on the tall sswordsman, neh? Mataku, you." began Ermgort.
"The male shaman, no sweat! I'll take out the Dragon Lady too. Always wanted to taste Dragon blood." She said licking her snout and showing her fangs in a 'grin'.
"Ssuch confidence. I like it! Alright, here comess BOOM Oxceplin BOOM , then we shall BOOM leave."
BOOM
The huge Mazouku entered the room and with a voice like thunder demanded, "READY?.Then GO!"
SHIMMER (times four!)
* * * *
Filia and Val were sipping tea at the dinning room table.
"So.maybe they aren't coming back tonight. That's good, right? That probably means no Mazouku here either." Val said hopefully.
"It means nothing good. Nothing having to do with Mazouku can be good," Filia growled anxiously, while fidgeting with the heavy ruby clasp in her hands.
"Xelloss can be good." mumbled Val.
Filia locked eyes with Val's, hers panic-stricken, his trusting. "Mazouku.outside.now." she whispered aloud.
Val's hand instinctively slid to his side feeling for the hidden dagger. He jumped up and strode to the back door, listening. Jillas and Gravis had already stationed themselves at strategic points around the yard. All week the two devoted servants had been stockpiling an assortment of weapons and explosives.
KABLOOEY KABOOM KABOOM
Filia clenched the communicator-clasp and cried out, "Xelloss.Xellossss.XELLOSS.XEL-LOSSSSS!"
* * * *
Xelloss gasped as Filia's call sent shock waves pulsing through him, "Damn that Dragon! Just call once wince SHIT! wince SHUT UP! Wince "
He had been conserving his strength and summoning all the spirit strength possible from the Astral Plain. He mentally sighed and transported to Lina and CO.
"My, my, how powerful you've grown Lina-chan. But save the rest for the next fight. By the way everyone, we're off to Filia and Val-chan's. I have this one special spell I've been saving."
SWIRL SHIMMER SWIRL
* * * *
Ermgort & CO had not been a team long. Their individual roles had been carefully delineated, but when a snag in the plans occurred, their lack of group dynamics and general flexibility became apparent. First problem, Ermgort transported his team into Filia's backyard, which was under surveillance by Jillas and Gravis; thus, gone that element of surprise so important to most plans. Second problem, when Lina & CO did show up, there was another girl present, Yoyo, who, to a demon of small mind like Warui, looked a lot like a little shaman girl. Thirdly, Gourry had a new Sword of Light. Forth, Val was a resourceful kid, absolutely not a wimp. Fifth, all Lina's troop was more powerful than ever. Sixth, Xelloss was still alive. And so on.Mostly it was a stupid plan. So with that in mind, back to the action.
Jillas released a barrage of bombs whose explosions spewed shrapnel, smoke, and noise around the newly arrived Mazouku. Gravis sprayed the newcomers with boiling oil, then lit a match. Easy to spot trouble coming that way!
Xelloss transported Lina & CO to the safety of a rooftop that afforded a splendid view of the action taking place in Filia's backyard.
"One of these guys is supposed to be your replacement?" Lina asked incredulously.
"I am SO ashamed." snickered Xelloss, "No, actually those must be Oxceplin's lackeys, but.I don't see him, he's hard to miss, very, very large Mazouku. When he comes he'll be bringing powerful reinforcements."
Lina and Zelgadiss discussed a plan then explained it to the others.
"There go Filia and Val. Let's GO!" shouted Lina.
"RAY WING!"
"LEVITATION!"
Amelia carried Yoyo. Lina towed Gourry by the arm. Zelgadiss landed a little distance away.
Warui attacked Yoyo with ice arrows. She easily deflected them with her axe, back-flipped over his head, and kicked him flat on the ground. Amelia finished off her spell shouting:
"ELMEKIA LANCE!" a white flush of power flashed from her hands into the prone figure, and Warui was out of the calculation.
Meanwhile, Chapunn had easily located Gourry and rushed him. Gourry slapped on a rare cruel grimace, pulled out his sword, and shouted,
"HIKARI YO!"
Chapunn hung skewered like a fish for a moment, then he was no more.
Mataku engaged Zelgadiss the instant he landed. She was clever and quick, but the Chimera's demon speed was greater. After whispering a brief chant, Zelgadiss loosened a "RA TILT!" straight into her chest. There was nothing left except a new path through the forest.
Ermgort had moved on the dangerous redhead an instant too late. Lina sent a "FIREBALL" into his face, knocking him between Filia and Val. Since no bad decision goes unpunished, and Ermgort was on a roll now, he decided to make a dive for the Dragon Lady, slashing out with his claws.
Val jumped on the back of the Mazouku, drew his dagger, and drove it deep into the lizard's 'flesh'. He continued pushing the dagger to the hilt, then ripped sideways, tearing open a gaping hole. The magical blade prevented any healing to occur, and so, Ermgort fell to the feet of both Dragons, pouring out his black Astral spirit and then wafting away in the frigid atmosphere.
Oxceplin watched the ugly scene with disgust. Yes, he has erred in choosing Ermgort to lead, "Fools! All Fools! Plan B, yes, time for plan B." he snapped his fat fingers and backups were on the way.
The fighting began in earnest. There were Oxceplin's minions but mostly highly capable Mazouku of various levels and powers. Yoyo crept to safety, nursing a head injury. Amelia remained alongside Zelgadiss both for the synergistic effects of their combined spells as well as for protection- Zel was not weakening and she felt nearly spent.
Gourry fought beside Lina. They looked like two old pros, used to a lifetime of complementary spell and swordplay. Filia and Val were holding their own, Val brandishing Zel's 'new' short sword. The Dragons were being pushed toward the house with the other two pairs fanned out on front for defense.
Xelloss observed Oxceplin from another rooftop. The gigantic Mazouku made his move, transporting to the Dragons below. He tried pushing Filia out of the way to reach the 'boy' when Xelloss transported to the giant's back, inadvertently crushing Filia into the wall of the house.
"The dagger now Val!" Xelloss shouted.
Val understood. He threw the long, cruel knife with certain aim, straight at the two Mazouku. It struck Xelloss first, causing him to buckle at the contact. The dagger continued on its path, through Xelloss (Val knew it couldn't harm Xelloss, the man wasn't stupid enough to give two Dragons a blade than could hurt him!) and on into the Oxceplin's back where it stuck.
The giant Mazouku roared in agony as the magical poison entered his Astral spirit form. He turned around to face his attackers, releasing Filia, who wisely fled the scene to Yoyo's side.
"LINA! HURRY!" Xelloss shouted.
Lina had completed the new "ruby-eye slash' chant, focused her eyes, then pushing her arms to direct the flow of power at Oxceplin, shouted, "RUBY EYE SLASH!"
In an eye-blink Xelloss realized that Oxceplin's plan all along was to kill Val not kidnap him, and that he still had one more opportunity to succeed. If the dying giant were to place Val between himself and Lina's spell- blade, Val would certainly die. Xelloss launched himself at Val knocking him to the ground. Oxceplin snatched Xelloss instead. Lina saw the blurred movement and tried to pull her blade, but there was no time. It was too late. Xelloss absorbed most of the force and collapsed. Oxceplin already half dead from the poison, assimilated the remainder force from Lina's blade, and died.
"XELLOSS!" cried Lina.
Gourry leaped to her side in sword- flash, fending off possible attacks from behind. Zelgadiss saw the forms on the ground and nodded to Amelia, "I can take care of this. Go see what you can do over there. Someone's hurt!"
Amelia answered, "Yes!" and ran to Lina's side. Filia meanwhile had transformed into a flying Golden Dragon, launching a flaming aerial attack on the Mazouku flitting in and out of the Astral Plain. Val was standing in shock. Lina cradled Xelloss's head, his soft purple hair splayed across her lap.
Hang on! Hang on you stupid Mazouku! You can transport to that Astral place and heal. Come on now!" screamed Lina.
Xelloss shook his head side to side a little and smiled weakly, "Listen carefully, Li-na. Take my ruby clasp. Use it with your other one.yes they'll work together fine, sorry I lied before. cough .it will boost your powers enough to beat anything coming next.hurry now."
"But I can't! You need it! It's the only power you have to transport to the Astral Plain, right? I won't do it, Xelloss. There is a limit to my greediness, you know!" shouted Lina.
Gourry noticed what Lina did not. He removed the clasp from the priest's cloak and pinned it to Lina's, below the other clasp she wore.
"One more thing, Lina.you should know.only touch the ruby at the last moment before you cast the spell.and"
"That's going to be two things, right?"
"Yes.with it.you are my Knight of Shabra."
He didn't finish. His eyes grew wide, then shut forever.
"AMELIA!" screamed Lina, "RESURRECTION spell, and make it snappy. Right now, here.save him!"
Amelia obediently moved to Lina's spot while Gourry drug Lina away. "Lina, there's nothing for you to do there now. If there's a chance, it's in Amelia's hands now. Hey, look, if you don't do something right now, Zel's a goner, then the rest of us." Gourry said in a remarkably clear, serious tone.
Lina gazed at Filia and Zel. Time for action. She turned away from the sad scene and considered the spell, "Knight of Shabrinigdo. Is it worth it to save my friends, but lose my soul? Why should I lose my soul, though? I am Lina Inverse! Nobody control me, but ME! I'll use this spell and we will triumph and I will still be me!"
"Lina? LINA! You'd better hurry," pleaded Gourry.
Lina grinned at her dear friend, then closed her eyes and began the chant. Her arms moved, the wind blew her hair and cape, then she paused. One hand touched the largest ruby centered on the new clasp. A red aura emerged from the jewel and surrounded her. It was as if all time had stopped.
"RUBY EYE SLASH!"
As she cried the final word, the clasp burst into pieces flying everywhere. The aura entered her slim body, leaving only her glowing eyes to register the immense power trapped within.
Lina cut a swath through the Mazouku over and over. Filia landed, returned to human form and rushed to Val's side. Zelgadiss flew swiftly to the house, giving Lina free reign to clear the area. The Mazouku were confused. They recognized Lina as 'the foe', but now her aural signature read 'Knight of Shabrinigdo'. They collectively interpreted this to mean 'die for me' and so, stopped fighting and stood waiting for Lina to deliver the killing blows.
Zelgadiss crept towards Amelia. He could see black Astral fingers leaping from her human ones. Val was squeezing his hands into fists, staring in horror. Xelloss's legs had been blasted away, his 'human' features were gone without his powers to maintain his form. Zelgadiss watched as the remaining smoky vapors, that were Xelloss, coalesced around Amelia's Astral fingers, then blinked out. Amelia slumped, whispering, "I-I couldn't s- save h-him. I t-tried. I j-just c-couldn't." and broke down in Zel's arms crying.
Gourry had retrieved the dagger and wrapped it in the remains of Xelloss's cloak. He handed them to Val, saying, " I'm sure he'd want you to keep these."
* * * *
Chapter 19 - Love's Labor Lost
Friendship should be more than biting Time can sever. -T.S.Eliot
SHIMMER
Xelloss detected the demon spirits extinguished over the Astral Plain. The concentration indicated battle situations around Seyruun, Lina. He located Lina those magic amplifiers I sold her do come in handy a fraction of a second later and transported Zelgadiss and Gourry to her side.
"Mr. Zelgadiss!" cried Amelia tearfully.
"Gourry." smiled Lina with relief.
"Hey guys! That was crack timing there, Goof.. ah.Xelloss!" grinned Yoyo, "But . we're killing your kind here, you know, so maybe you'd better.shimmer off."
"Astral Vine!" shouted Zelgadiss, sending the spell up his sword. He brought the red blade slashing through three tentacled Monsters, which had appeared suddenly.
Amelia and Yoyo huddled together as Amelia applied a weak healing spell to Yoyo's ankle.
Gourry stood over Lina swiping away two demons with smooth sword strokes. "Don't worry, Lina! I'll protect you. These aren't too bad."
* * * *
Amelia and Zelgadiss sent up light spells to see the results of the last battle. Thankfully, only minor cuts and scrapes were visible. But the three young women were dirty, hungry, and exhausted. Yoyo complained about sticky monster blood, or worse, on her clothes. Lina moaned about her grumbling stomach. Amelia gazed upon Zelgadiss a moment, then lay back down, eyes closed.
Xelloss made an appearance, "Greetings everyone! I've brought drinks." He smiled and distributed skins Lina was so thirsty she barely considered 'skins of what' dripping with fresh water, which everyone gratefully accepted. "This may be your last rest for awhile. The other squads are closing in on this location. Your father is fine, Princess, and keeping busy with a band or two outside the Palace gates."
"And Val?" pressed Zelgadiss, guessing Xelloss had visited him as well, and the priest had seemed less secretive lately.
"Having dinner. Steamed potatoes in dill sauce with freshly baked seed rolls warm from the oven.crispy fried river trout and crunchy salad. Oh dear, Lina did I say something wrong?" he added in mock innocence.
"AND YOU DIDN'T BRING US ANYTHING?" screamed Lina.
"I brought you water!"
"He'll be giving drink to poor damned souls, and I'll get a swig in Hell from Gunga Din," muttered Zelgadiss, then louder continued, "Though I've belted you and flayed you, By the living Gods that made you, You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din! (Gunga Din, the water-bearer, and quote from Rudyard Kipling)"
"My, my, Zel-chan, your sense of humor is getting so." began Xelloss.
"Literate, clever?" suggested Yoyo.
"Twisted." Said Xelloss with a grin.
"You think I have a twisted sense of humor? Yours is positively." sputtered the Chimera.
"Charming, fetching, enlightened?" finished Xelloss, giggling a little.
"ANNOYING, offensive, repulsive!" corrected Zelgadiss.
Xelloss moved closer to Zelgadiss and lowered his voice, "And what were you feeling when you were killing dozens with one spell, Zel-chan? Are you not the powerful shaman you've always dreamed of becoming? Isn't it exciting, stimulating, intoxicating even?"
Zelgadiss's expression of disdain turned to fright, "What's happening to me? He's right. It's never felt so.good...so freeing to kill and now it's so easy." He swallowed then choked out, "What if its me.my demon part taking over since the encounter with the DARKSTAR weapon?"
The purple-haired man shook his head, "I don't think so. I detect no Astral Mazouku spirit from you. Just human flesh and blood, inside anyway. The DARKSTAR encounter is interesting. I've been thinking about how it's affected us all. Perhaps that's all your.problem. Your dark-elf demon part just makes you speedy, blue, and gives you those adorable ears!"
Xelloss giggled hysterically and transported out of range of the angry Chimera's backlash of insults and magic.
This time the companions were caught by surprise. A black form leaped into their makeshift encampment and blasted white flames searing over Amelia and Yoyo. Amelia's weak shield diverted most of the heat over their heads.
Lina shouted a "FIREBALL!" The nearest creatures burst into flames.
Zelgadiss and Gourry drew their swords and stared expectantly into the darkness beyond. Gourry's arm met with a pounding force that sent him reeling backwards into Lina. He didn't fall though.
"HIKARI YO!" He shouted and launched himself forward, springing into the air and slashing downward in an arc. Roars of pain filled the cold cheerless night as twelve creatures fell to his blade.
Zelgadiss chanted spell after spell. He slammed his hands to the ground and shouted, "DUG HAUT!"
The ground shook and hundreds of gigantic stone spears shot out of the earth from their circle out into the darkness beyond. Demons wailed and slipped between the rocks.
"DUG WAVE!" he shouted, and the ground beneath the demons exploded, burying them forever.
Hearing demons approach from behind, the Chimera shaman twisted around, pivoting on one foot and whispering an incantation, then in a single dance-like movement he flung a powerful ball of light at his target.
"ASTRAL BREAK!" spin
"ASTRAL BREAK!" spin
"ASTRAL BREAK!" spin
Zelgadiss leaped over the bodies of dead demons and raced at an incredible speed toward a tall dark figure with an angry red aura. He chanted a quick spirit attack spell and when he was within range, stretched out his hands and shouted, "GOZ VU ROU!"
The Mazouku aura flickered then faded as the Astral spirit was fried. Next, Zelgadiss sped back to his friends, deftly hopping the rock spears created by his earlier spell. Lina noticed the blue-blur, known as Zel, launch himself overhead as a wind suddenly began to swirl around them.
"GARK RUHAAD!" cried the Chimera.
The resulting enchanted wind blasted the area clean of all life for 500 meters around. Zelgadiss landed gracefully beside Lina and smirked down at her. Gourry stood close by, partially hidden by mountains of steaming, oozing bodies. He kicked a few to the side and stepped into Lina's brief "LIGHTING" spell.
"Hey!" the tall swordsman smiled.
"That went well!" answered Zelgadiss. Then his eyes opened wide. Rapidly his lips moved and his arms swept a complicated arc shape, then he cried out, "RAY WIND!"
Instantly a protective wind-shield appeared overhead as a hail-storm of explosive debris signaled the start of a new onslaught.
* * * *
"Deju Vu!" thought Lina. "This was my dream."
Amelia had twisted her ankle attempting to jump through Zel's rock forest. He was now applying a healing spell and speaking softly to her. He held out a hand and helped the Princess stand. He was pointing to Yoyo, who was lying prone beside and concealed by a tall rock face. Zelgadiss smiled and turned away. Amelia carefully picked her way around the rubble to Yoyo's side.
"In my dream another attack came and we weren't doing well.Xelloss gave me a new spell. Can I remember.yes, YES!" murmured Lina.
"FIREBALL!" Lina shouted to clear a path. In the back of her mind, Lina could hear Gourry's shouts, then Zel's chants and explosions. She closed her eyes and concentrated. First invoking the power amplification spell, she stretched her arms and body through an elaborate series of positions, all the while whispering a chant which summoned the power of Shabrinigdo. Her flaming eyes opened and she screamed,
"RUBY EYE SLASH!"
Wherever Lina's glowing eyes looked, wherever her hands passed, a deadly Astral blade swept through and lay low the demon host. When the wails and howls faded, nothing stood, save her friends.
"By the Gods, Lina, what was that?" asked Zelgadiss, eyes flashing in horror and fascination
"My dream.come true." She answered.
* * * *
Ermgort, Chapunn, Warui, and Mataku, four Mazouku, sat once more around the heavy oak table.
"Any quesstionss?" hissed the reptilian leader, Ermgort.
Warui squirmed in his seat and rubbed the back of his stony head with an equally stony hand, "How will I KNOW which is my target?" he whined.
Sigh "There are only two human femaless and I'll be on the OTHER ONE! Anything elsse? Chapunn, you're on the tall sswordsman, neh? Mataku, you." began Ermgort.
"The male shaman, no sweat! I'll take out the Dragon Lady too. Always wanted to taste Dragon blood." She said licking her snout and showing her fangs in a 'grin'.
"Ssuch confidence. I like it! Alright, here comess BOOM Oxceplin BOOM , then we shall BOOM leave."
BOOM
The huge Mazouku entered the room and with a voice like thunder demanded, "READY?.Then GO!"
SHIMMER (times four!)
* * * *
Filia and Val were sipping tea at the dinning room table.
"So.maybe they aren't coming back tonight. That's good, right? That probably means no Mazouku here either." Val said hopefully.
"It means nothing good. Nothing having to do with Mazouku can be good," Filia growled anxiously, while fidgeting with the heavy ruby clasp in her hands.
"Xelloss can be good." mumbled Val.
Filia locked eyes with Val's, hers panic-stricken, his trusting. "Mazouku.outside.now." she whispered aloud.
Val's hand instinctively slid to his side feeling for the hidden dagger. He jumped up and strode to the back door, listening. Jillas and Gravis had already stationed themselves at strategic points around the yard. All week the two devoted servants had been stockpiling an assortment of weapons and explosives.
KABLOOEY KABOOM KABOOM
Filia clenched the communicator-clasp and cried out, "Xelloss.Xellossss.XELLOSS.XEL-LOSSSSS!"
* * * *
Xelloss gasped as Filia's call sent shock waves pulsing through him, "Damn that Dragon! Just call once wince SHIT! wince SHUT UP! Wince "
He had been conserving his strength and summoning all the spirit strength possible from the Astral Plain. He mentally sighed and transported to Lina and CO.
"My, my, how powerful you've grown Lina-chan. But save the rest for the next fight. By the way everyone, we're off to Filia and Val-chan's. I have this one special spell I've been saving."
SWIRL SHIMMER SWIRL
* * * *
Ermgort & CO had not been a team long. Their individual roles had been carefully delineated, but when a snag in the plans occurred, their lack of group dynamics and general flexibility became apparent. First problem, Ermgort transported his team into Filia's backyard, which was under surveillance by Jillas and Gravis; thus, gone that element of surprise so important to most plans. Second problem, when Lina & CO did show up, there was another girl present, Yoyo, who, to a demon of small mind like Warui, looked a lot like a little shaman girl. Thirdly, Gourry had a new Sword of Light. Forth, Val was a resourceful kid, absolutely not a wimp. Fifth, all Lina's troop was more powerful than ever. Sixth, Xelloss was still alive. And so on.Mostly it was a stupid plan. So with that in mind, back to the action.
Jillas released a barrage of bombs whose explosions spewed shrapnel, smoke, and noise around the newly arrived Mazouku. Gravis sprayed the newcomers with boiling oil, then lit a match. Easy to spot trouble coming that way!
Xelloss transported Lina & CO to the safety of a rooftop that afforded a splendid view of the action taking place in Filia's backyard.
"One of these guys is supposed to be your replacement?" Lina asked incredulously.
"I am SO ashamed." snickered Xelloss, "No, actually those must be Oxceplin's lackeys, but.I don't see him, he's hard to miss, very, very large Mazouku. When he comes he'll be bringing powerful reinforcements."
Lina and Zelgadiss discussed a plan then explained it to the others.
"There go Filia and Val. Let's GO!" shouted Lina.
"RAY WING!"
"LEVITATION!"
Amelia carried Yoyo. Lina towed Gourry by the arm. Zelgadiss landed a little distance away.
Warui attacked Yoyo with ice arrows. She easily deflected them with her axe, back-flipped over his head, and kicked him flat on the ground. Amelia finished off her spell shouting:
"ELMEKIA LANCE!" a white flush of power flashed from her hands into the prone figure, and Warui was out of the calculation.
Meanwhile, Chapunn had easily located Gourry and rushed him. Gourry slapped on a rare cruel grimace, pulled out his sword, and shouted,
"HIKARI YO!"
Chapunn hung skewered like a fish for a moment, then he was no more.
Mataku engaged Zelgadiss the instant he landed. She was clever and quick, but the Chimera's demon speed was greater. After whispering a brief chant, Zelgadiss loosened a "RA TILT!" straight into her chest. There was nothing left except a new path through the forest.
Ermgort had moved on the dangerous redhead an instant too late. Lina sent a "FIREBALL" into his face, knocking him between Filia and Val. Since no bad decision goes unpunished, and Ermgort was on a roll now, he decided to make a dive for the Dragon Lady, slashing out with his claws.
Val jumped on the back of the Mazouku, drew his dagger, and drove it deep into the lizard's 'flesh'. He continued pushing the dagger to the hilt, then ripped sideways, tearing open a gaping hole. The magical blade prevented any healing to occur, and so, Ermgort fell to the feet of both Dragons, pouring out his black Astral spirit and then wafting away in the frigid atmosphere.
Oxceplin watched the ugly scene with disgust. Yes, he has erred in choosing Ermgort to lead, "Fools! All Fools! Plan B, yes, time for plan B." he snapped his fat fingers and backups were on the way.
The fighting began in earnest. There were Oxceplin's minions but mostly highly capable Mazouku of various levels and powers. Yoyo crept to safety, nursing a head injury. Amelia remained alongside Zelgadiss both for the synergistic effects of their combined spells as well as for protection- Zel was not weakening and she felt nearly spent.
Gourry fought beside Lina. They looked like two old pros, used to a lifetime of complementary spell and swordplay. Filia and Val were holding their own, Val brandishing Zel's 'new' short sword. The Dragons were being pushed toward the house with the other two pairs fanned out on front for defense.
Xelloss observed Oxceplin from another rooftop. The gigantic Mazouku made his move, transporting to the Dragons below. He tried pushing Filia out of the way to reach the 'boy' when Xelloss transported to the giant's back, inadvertently crushing Filia into the wall of the house.
"The dagger now Val!" Xelloss shouted.
Val understood. He threw the long, cruel knife with certain aim, straight at the two Mazouku. It struck Xelloss first, causing him to buckle at the contact. The dagger continued on its path, through Xelloss (Val knew it couldn't harm Xelloss, the man wasn't stupid enough to give two Dragons a blade than could hurt him!) and on into the Oxceplin's back where it stuck.
The giant Mazouku roared in agony as the magical poison entered his Astral spirit form. He turned around to face his attackers, releasing Filia, who wisely fled the scene to Yoyo's side.
"LINA! HURRY!" Xelloss shouted.
Lina had completed the new "ruby-eye slash' chant, focused her eyes, then pushing her arms to direct the flow of power at Oxceplin, shouted, "RUBY EYE SLASH!"
In an eye-blink Xelloss realized that Oxceplin's plan all along was to kill Val not kidnap him, and that he still had one more opportunity to succeed. If the dying giant were to place Val between himself and Lina's spell- blade, Val would certainly die. Xelloss launched himself at Val knocking him to the ground. Oxceplin snatched Xelloss instead. Lina saw the blurred movement and tried to pull her blade, but there was no time. It was too late. Xelloss absorbed most of the force and collapsed. Oxceplin already half dead from the poison, assimilated the remainder force from Lina's blade, and died.
"XELLOSS!" cried Lina.
Gourry leaped to her side in sword- flash, fending off possible attacks from behind. Zelgadiss saw the forms on the ground and nodded to Amelia, "I can take care of this. Go see what you can do over there. Someone's hurt!"
Amelia answered, "Yes!" and ran to Lina's side. Filia meanwhile had transformed into a flying Golden Dragon, launching a flaming aerial attack on the Mazouku flitting in and out of the Astral Plain. Val was standing in shock. Lina cradled Xelloss's head, his soft purple hair splayed across her lap.
Hang on! Hang on you stupid Mazouku! You can transport to that Astral place and heal. Come on now!" screamed Lina.
Xelloss shook his head side to side a little and smiled weakly, "Listen carefully, Li-na. Take my ruby clasp. Use it with your other one.yes they'll work together fine, sorry I lied before. cough .it will boost your powers enough to beat anything coming next.hurry now."
"But I can't! You need it! It's the only power you have to transport to the Astral Plain, right? I won't do it, Xelloss. There is a limit to my greediness, you know!" shouted Lina.
Gourry noticed what Lina did not. He removed the clasp from the priest's cloak and pinned it to Lina's, below the other clasp she wore.
"One more thing, Lina.you should know.only touch the ruby at the last moment before you cast the spell.and"
"That's going to be two things, right?"
"Yes.with it.you are my Knight of Shabra."
He didn't finish. His eyes grew wide, then shut forever.
"AMELIA!" screamed Lina, "RESURRECTION spell, and make it snappy. Right now, here.save him!"
Amelia obediently moved to Lina's spot while Gourry drug Lina away. "Lina, there's nothing for you to do there now. If there's a chance, it's in Amelia's hands now. Hey, look, if you don't do something right now, Zel's a goner, then the rest of us." Gourry said in a remarkably clear, serious tone.
Lina gazed at Filia and Zel. Time for action. She turned away from the sad scene and considered the spell, "Knight of Shabrinigdo. Is it worth it to save my friends, but lose my soul? Why should I lose my soul, though? I am Lina Inverse! Nobody control me, but ME! I'll use this spell and we will triumph and I will still be me!"
"Lina? LINA! You'd better hurry," pleaded Gourry.
Lina grinned at her dear friend, then closed her eyes and began the chant. Her arms moved, the wind blew her hair and cape, then she paused. One hand touched the largest ruby centered on the new clasp. A red aura emerged from the jewel and surrounded her. It was as if all time had stopped.
"RUBY EYE SLASH!"
As she cried the final word, the clasp burst into pieces flying everywhere. The aura entered her slim body, leaving only her glowing eyes to register the immense power trapped within.
Lina cut a swath through the Mazouku over and over. Filia landed, returned to human form and rushed to Val's side. Zelgadiss flew swiftly to the house, giving Lina free reign to clear the area. The Mazouku were confused. They recognized Lina as 'the foe', but now her aural signature read 'Knight of Shabrinigdo'. They collectively interpreted this to mean 'die for me' and so, stopped fighting and stood waiting for Lina to deliver the killing blows.
Zelgadiss crept towards Amelia. He could see black Astral fingers leaping from her human ones. Val was squeezing his hands into fists, staring in horror. Xelloss's legs had been blasted away, his 'human' features were gone without his powers to maintain his form. Zelgadiss watched as the remaining smoky vapors, that were Xelloss, coalesced around Amelia's Astral fingers, then blinked out. Amelia slumped, whispering, "I-I couldn't s- save h-him. I t-tried. I j-just c-couldn't." and broke down in Zel's arms crying.
Gourry had retrieved the dagger and wrapped it in the remains of Xelloss's cloak. He handed them to Val, saying, " I'm sure he'd want you to keep these."
* * * *
