THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY
Chapter 21 - Story's End
It is lurid and melodramatic, but it is true. - D.H.Lawence
Amelia had insisted on a funeral for their lost comrade, Xelloss, to be held in Seyruun. No one had the heart to argue and possibly held out the notion that it could help 'heal the pain' and bring closure to this last episode in their lives.
Zelgadiss, dressed in somber grays and a black cloak fastened by his old round clasp, stood at the podium gathering his thoughts. He coughed and began,
"We all agreed to speak today. To say something meaningful or recount a fond memory or issue an apology or a pardon. SIGH
Ok, then would you like to begin, Amelia?"
"Thank you, Mr. Zelgadiss," she said drying a stray tear with her soft handkerchief and continued, "I am so sorry my healing magic couldn't save you. And so, I promise to devote time each day to the study and improvement of my skills. I am equally sorry for my mistrust of you and for treating you so unjustly. That's unseemly for a Princess who fights for JUSTICE and stands for RIGHTEOUSNESS.
And I know that this is all too late, but.I want to thank you for your precious gift. You bought together my sister and father and me for first time in years. And that unjust law is changed, did you know? I don't have to get married until I'm 60! My sister's gone on her honeymoon or something like that, but she thanks you too. You've made two dreams come true. sniff Um. I'm starting to ramble, now.I'd better sit down, Mr. Zelgadiss?"
Zelgadiss helped her find her chair before she collapsed. He returned to his station at the podium, "Ah, Gourry, are you ready?"
Gourry's handsome face was drawn in sadness. For minutes he simply stood, fingering his sword's hilt. Then he cleared his throat and began, "Twice you have returned my sword to me, my SWORD OF LIGHT, the second-most important thing in my life."
He glanced over at Lina and went on, "Thank you, Xelloss, I'm proud to say you were one of my best friends. I'll.miss you."
Gourry could not speak any more. He nodded in the direction of Zelgadiss and returned to sit beside Lina. Without waiting for Zelgadiss, Lina jumped to the podium and looked around.
"I HATE YOU, XELLOSS! I hate you for posing as our friend and using us all the time. I hate you for . teasing me. I hate you for helping me. I hate you for giving me my dream of limitless power, then binding my soul to a Demon Lord Gasps,????. I hate you for saving me and leaving me in your debt. I hate you for dying and leaving us like this. I sure wish you could be here and feed off all this delicious hate and hurt you've caused. 'Cause I miss you..."
Zelgadiss stood aside, shocked at Lina's harshness, but was particularly concerned about her words "binding my soul to a Demon Lord". He understood the rest. She was dealing with her hurt and pain her way. "That's what this is for, right? To work out feelings?"
"So, Ah, Filia? Val? Would one of you like to go next?" Zel asked.
Val stood. Sigh
"A day or so ago, 1/3 of my lifetime, Xelloss told me a story. Sorry, mom, I promised not to tell you at the time he was with me and you were busy in the shop. Well, here goes. The Mazouku and Gods were at it again, some war. The Ancients were staying out of it. Xelloss was an ambassador, let's say, to the Ancients. He advised them to remain neutral. Let the others fight and wear each other down, then the Ancients could easily defeat the last side standing, be it Mazouku or God. Something like that. I didn't understand his angle, how he was to gain if the Gods won, but, hey, he has his secrets.you know.
Anyway, he wasn't with the Ancients that day. When the Golden's came and .murdered all of them. He arrived, but too late to stop the massacre. But he tried to protect a small conclave of young and injured Ancients at the edge of one settlement. He removed one small boy and hid him in a cave. When he returned to save others, but they were already dead. He, ah.said he kinda went all dark and .he had a word for it I don't remember, something Mazouku do to call on demon lords for guidance and power. And in his rage he took a stand. He stationed himself on a mountain peak, and awaited the bloodstained Goldens' return home. They came flying, and with his hand, he drew a line in the sky, a single spell that killed them all.
When he returned to the land of the Ancients to look for the boy, he found that the cave was empty. He searched for years, but the 'Ancient', ah...signature was gone. He eventually gave up hope, but he did not forget. The traitorous Demon Lord Gaav, who was responsible for having Xelloss called away that day, had found the boy. That boy was me, and you know the rest of the story. When Xelloss claimed that he couldn't kill Valgaav after he/I turned down his offer to join him, it wasn't because of a 'misjudgment' on his side (though it made a good excuse, neh?). He simply could not kill him/me, the last Ancient, then, or ever.
Val paused a moment to look around at the startled faces, Filia's particularly, then continued, "Xelloss, you've been my protector, my foe, my victim, my friend, and my mentor. Being the last of anything is so.stupid a thing to be, so.feeble. Sorry, Mom, that's just how I feel.
It's too late now, but I wanted to say.if.after this was all over...for all your trouble to save me, I would have pledged my life and soul to you! I would have served you as the Mazouku you protected me from. But now...guess there's no chance of that happening, huh? Well, now I'm just the last. The last of nothing that matters anymore."
Val fell into his seat head in hand. Filia continued to stand Zelgadiss nearby. Then Filia moved to the podium and spoke, addressing a missing team member,
"I am having a problem with this. I'm not ready to talk about. you yet. Mostly my problem is with this clasp. You gave it to me to call on you, remember? And it worked! I called out your name, and PRESTO! There you were, and you brought backups too, all of you came. So now that you are.gone.why do I still feel this.power coming from the clasp? It feels like a.pulse. What happens if I call out your name now? Who will come? Well, let's try it, okay? XELLOSS! There I said your name without feeling nauseous!"
Xelloss hadn't been expecting that. He'd been sniffling and giggling alternately from the back-most row. His black cloak completely covered him and shadowed his face. Once he saw Zelgadiss staring at him dead-on, but he slid lower in his chair and the moment passed without incident. Now he was mulling over Val's meaningful words. Then Filia cried out his name."AHHH!"
"My, my Filia-kun, I'd forgotten all about that clasp!" Xelloss gasped as he appeared directly in front of Filia and tucked the offending jewelry into the hidden recesses of his cloak.
Zelgadiss had been standing beside Filia, when Xelloss suddenly appeared inches away. He cried out, "Xelloss! You bastard, what happened to you!"
Then he uncharacteristically wrapped his arms around the Mazouku. "Gods, why did I do that?!" he mentally slapped himself, released the shocked man and leaped backwards ten feet in one smooth movement.
Xelloss wide-eyed in surprise scanned the faces of his 'friends', then with a familiar smirk said, "Well, Zelly-kun, you know that.that's a secret!"
Lina remained transfixed, thinking, "Does no one else see it? Is it only me? Oh please, not just me! That clasp and now his staff and.inside me, the new power pulsing in time with those." Then, in a moment of supreme clarity the truth was apparent to her. She now knew the location of the 4 of the 7 pieces of Ruby eye Shabrinigdo. One, she and Rezo destroyed. Another was in the Ruby-topped staff Xelloss carried. A third was contained in the clasp Filia had held. And the forth was hidden within HER, his Knight. Lina sat in silence, as her companions demanded explanations.
"Okay, O-KAY! It's not ALL a secret! I can tell you quite a lot, in fact. First, yes, I really did die, but miraculously Amelia bound a tiny bit in an Astral spell and sent it to the Astral Plain," smiled the purpled-haired man. Xelloss bowed to the Princess and kissed her palm.
"L-sama herself remarked upon your amazing healing powers. So I thank you, I owe you my life. Oh and there's no need to apologize for mistrusting me. In fact, promise me that you will continue to be suspicious of Mazouku.we are a devious race.its part of our nature!"
Xelloss elevated off the floor and continued, "So, skipping on ahead a bit, L-sama re-created me and voila! The new and improved Xelloss!"
"Improved? How so?" asked Zelgadiss distrustfully.
"Well.I have a new title. Want to hear it? Of course. Well, you may call me Xelloss the Lord of Dreams. Like it? I chose it myself."
Being pretty quick to the draw, Zelgadiss yelped incredulously, "You're now a Mazouku LORD?"
"Yup! New name, new job, and new clothes!" he laughed while swirling round to show off his new black cloak, boots, and lavender tunic.
"What, no hair change?" smirked Zelgadiss.
Xelloss shook his silky hair, sank to the ground, and sidled closer to the Chimera. Zelgadiss tucked his hands into his crossed arms and peered at the Mazouku with his one visible eye.
"My, my, Zel-kun, what are you expecting?" then softly in Zelgadiss' elfin ear, "You're the one who hugged me."
Th-That was different." began Zel angering.
"Calm down. I have something for you. First let me apologize for tricking you with a cure hadn't the ability to really perform. Until now."
GASPS
Xelloss handed the gaping Chimera a small metal vial strung with a long leather thong. "This contains everything you need to undo Rezo's enchantment. All of it, appearance and strength and abilities."
"Xelloss!" whispered Zelgadiss, "And the catch is."
"So smart! The catch is.the vial cannot be opened for one year. I think returning to human form and weakness is a mistake. I've told you before.I had hoped that the body switch would help that sink in, but.that was not my best moment.Well it's up to you now. One year, no searching, no lonely vigils.do something with your life, live a little, okay?" Xelloss smiled and slapped Zelgadiss on the shoulder.
Zelgadiss stood holding the vial then slipped the thong over his head and said, "I'll think about it. I promise you that!"
Next, Xelloss turned back to Filia, who had remained in stunned silence since his sudden appearance. "Hi, Filia-kun, I brought you back something from my stay at L-sama's."
He removed her old mace from that hidden dimensional pocket and grinned, "It's rested whole and hale beside my staff all the time. Cozy, neh?"
She smiled shyly and grabbed the weapon. Holding it threateningly the Dragon lady demanded, "Feels good to have it back. Now, about Val.You promised to protect him. You can't take him now. I won't let you!"
"Oh! Well now swish don't make me swish regret returning that swish mace." Xelloss said easily dodging the blows. Then he caught her arm in mid swing and lowered the weapon with a mere glance, effectively demonstrating how ineffectual her attacks really were upon the new and improved Mazouku Lord Xelloss.
"That's better!" he smiled. "About Val. His future is his choice, I think. His life has been hell as a Dragon, up until now. I have waited hundreds of years for him, so what's a hundred more, right? I'm in no rush.and I'm fine if he decides to remain a Dragon. My promise holds, I'll not let anyone else use him again. I hope that satisfies you, Filia-kun?"
Val stepped forward and looked at the Mazouku Lord, "I-I meant what I said, you know!"
"I am sure you did. You honor me beyond words, Ancient Dragon. Can I tell you something else? Ah.good, I can.Until I can be absolutely sure that a completely successful transformation can occur, it won't happen. In all of time no Ancient ever served the Mazouku, but you, and I do not consider Valgaav to have been a success. Perhaps it's a blend that's not supposed to be, eh? So give me some time and you too.You really haven't explored all the possibilities of life as a Dragon.I understand you have admirers! Hey, you may find that you are happier this way. One year, then we'll talk again, okay?"
"A year! Won't you be staying.or visiting before that?" Val asked in a worried tone.
"Oh absolutely! Wild Dragons couldn't keep me away! Besides the hospitality is second to none at Filia-kun's." he giggled.
"Xelloss! Y-You...Ah I just can't say it now!" Filia screamed in mock- frustration.
He chuckled and asked no one in particular, "I don't see that irritating little Yoyo girl around. Did something.tragic happen to her?"
"No. Disappointed? She and Nahga teamed up, but for some reason Nahga was in a big hurry to leave, so they are both gone. No messages either," said Zelgadiss.
Xelloss nodded and shifted over to Gourry and Lina, who were seated in the front row. Gourry shook his head and said,
"There's something wrong with Lina.every since she used that spell the last time."
"I know.I am most sorry for you, Lina. Does it help to know that L-sama is watching over you? She particularly wants you to be.protected, let's say. Why else would She keep returning the Sword of Light to Gourry?
Zelgadiss moved to stand behind Xelloss, "Lina, is there a problem here?"
Lina looked up, "Yes! There is!" but the words failed to materialize, ".But I guess it's got to be a.secret, doesn't it Xelloss?" she spat in frustration.
Xelloss closed in on Lina and knelt before her. "Perhaps only you can understand why I must keep so many secrets, hmmm? But I can help you gain control over that power seething inside of you. I can contain it for you, if you let me?"
Lina nodded.
Xelloss remained on his knees. He pressed his palms together, eyes closed, face serene. A dark vapor enveloped his long slender fingers. With one hand, he enfolded the mist into a tight ball. The other hand cupped Lina's chin.
"Close your eyes, Lina. Oh, don't worry, you won't remember this at all..." Xelloss smiled reassuringly.
He popped the tiny dark mass into his mouth, leaned forward and pressed his lips to Lina's.
Gourry made a move toward Lina, grabbing at his sword. Zelgadiss stopped him, "Hold on.he's transferring something to Lina."
Lina's eyes snapped open revealing a pair of glowing red coals. She tried to push Xelloss away, but he held her still with his free hand. The glowing faded, grew dark, and then passed. Lina's eyes closed. Seconds ticked by.
"Ahem." said Zelgadiss, "I believe that's long enough Xelloss. And I think Gourry agrees. She does have to breathe!"
SH-LINK
Gourry withdrew his sword partway.
Xelloss released Lina, who collapsed. Gourry caught her before she hit the floor.
"Lina? Lina! Hey, LI-NA are you in there?" He gazed into her face with concern.
Her eye's fluttered open. Gourry's nose was touching hers.
SLAP OUCH!
"GOURRY! Just what are YOU thinking? Hey! What's going on here? Xelloss? You're back among the living? Whoa.I've missed something haven't I? Stop yacking at me all at once! One at a time.Oh forget it. Amelia, if this is some kind of party.it's time to eat, right?"
"Yes, Miss Lina! There's a whole banquet laid out." began the Princess.
"Well, everyone.What are you waiting for? Let's go eat!" shouted the redheaded sorceress grabbing Amelia's arm.
"Hoy, Lina! Wait for me!" laughed the tall swordsman.
"I guess we'd better follow Lina," sighed Filia to Val, who agreed with a shrug.
"Looks like Lina's going to be okay. But tell me, Xelloss, was that ALL necessary?" Zelgadiss asked frowning.
"Well.you know that.that's a secret!" grinned the Mazouku, sidestepping a fist to the face.
THE END
Chapter 21 - Story's End
It is lurid and melodramatic, but it is true. - D.H.Lawence
Amelia had insisted on a funeral for their lost comrade, Xelloss, to be held in Seyruun. No one had the heart to argue and possibly held out the notion that it could help 'heal the pain' and bring closure to this last episode in their lives.
Zelgadiss, dressed in somber grays and a black cloak fastened by his old round clasp, stood at the podium gathering his thoughts. He coughed and began,
"We all agreed to speak today. To say something meaningful or recount a fond memory or issue an apology or a pardon. SIGH
Ok, then would you like to begin, Amelia?"
"Thank you, Mr. Zelgadiss," she said drying a stray tear with her soft handkerchief and continued, "I am so sorry my healing magic couldn't save you. And so, I promise to devote time each day to the study and improvement of my skills. I am equally sorry for my mistrust of you and for treating you so unjustly. That's unseemly for a Princess who fights for JUSTICE and stands for RIGHTEOUSNESS.
And I know that this is all too late, but.I want to thank you for your precious gift. You bought together my sister and father and me for first time in years. And that unjust law is changed, did you know? I don't have to get married until I'm 60! My sister's gone on her honeymoon or something like that, but she thanks you too. You've made two dreams come true. sniff Um. I'm starting to ramble, now.I'd better sit down, Mr. Zelgadiss?"
Zelgadiss helped her find her chair before she collapsed. He returned to his station at the podium, "Ah, Gourry, are you ready?"
Gourry's handsome face was drawn in sadness. For minutes he simply stood, fingering his sword's hilt. Then he cleared his throat and began, "Twice you have returned my sword to me, my SWORD OF LIGHT, the second-most important thing in my life."
He glanced over at Lina and went on, "Thank you, Xelloss, I'm proud to say you were one of my best friends. I'll.miss you."
Gourry could not speak any more. He nodded in the direction of Zelgadiss and returned to sit beside Lina. Without waiting for Zelgadiss, Lina jumped to the podium and looked around.
"I HATE YOU, XELLOSS! I hate you for posing as our friend and using us all the time. I hate you for . teasing me. I hate you for helping me. I hate you for giving me my dream of limitless power, then binding my soul to a Demon Lord Gasps,????. I hate you for saving me and leaving me in your debt. I hate you for dying and leaving us like this. I sure wish you could be here and feed off all this delicious hate and hurt you've caused. 'Cause I miss you..."
Zelgadiss stood aside, shocked at Lina's harshness, but was particularly concerned about her words "binding my soul to a Demon Lord". He understood the rest. She was dealing with her hurt and pain her way. "That's what this is for, right? To work out feelings?"
"So, Ah, Filia? Val? Would one of you like to go next?" Zel asked.
Val stood. Sigh
"A day or so ago, 1/3 of my lifetime, Xelloss told me a story. Sorry, mom, I promised not to tell you at the time he was with me and you were busy in the shop. Well, here goes. The Mazouku and Gods were at it again, some war. The Ancients were staying out of it. Xelloss was an ambassador, let's say, to the Ancients. He advised them to remain neutral. Let the others fight and wear each other down, then the Ancients could easily defeat the last side standing, be it Mazouku or God. Something like that. I didn't understand his angle, how he was to gain if the Gods won, but, hey, he has his secrets.you know.
Anyway, he wasn't with the Ancients that day. When the Golden's came and .murdered all of them. He arrived, but too late to stop the massacre. But he tried to protect a small conclave of young and injured Ancients at the edge of one settlement. He removed one small boy and hid him in a cave. When he returned to save others, but they were already dead. He, ah.said he kinda went all dark and .he had a word for it I don't remember, something Mazouku do to call on demon lords for guidance and power. And in his rage he took a stand. He stationed himself on a mountain peak, and awaited the bloodstained Goldens' return home. They came flying, and with his hand, he drew a line in the sky, a single spell that killed them all.
When he returned to the land of the Ancients to look for the boy, he found that the cave was empty. He searched for years, but the 'Ancient', ah...signature was gone. He eventually gave up hope, but he did not forget. The traitorous Demon Lord Gaav, who was responsible for having Xelloss called away that day, had found the boy. That boy was me, and you know the rest of the story. When Xelloss claimed that he couldn't kill Valgaav after he/I turned down his offer to join him, it wasn't because of a 'misjudgment' on his side (though it made a good excuse, neh?). He simply could not kill him/me, the last Ancient, then, or ever.
Val paused a moment to look around at the startled faces, Filia's particularly, then continued, "Xelloss, you've been my protector, my foe, my victim, my friend, and my mentor. Being the last of anything is so.stupid a thing to be, so.feeble. Sorry, Mom, that's just how I feel.
It's too late now, but I wanted to say.if.after this was all over...for all your trouble to save me, I would have pledged my life and soul to you! I would have served you as the Mazouku you protected me from. But now...guess there's no chance of that happening, huh? Well, now I'm just the last. The last of nothing that matters anymore."
Val fell into his seat head in hand. Filia continued to stand Zelgadiss nearby. Then Filia moved to the podium and spoke, addressing a missing team member,
"I am having a problem with this. I'm not ready to talk about. you yet. Mostly my problem is with this clasp. You gave it to me to call on you, remember? And it worked! I called out your name, and PRESTO! There you were, and you brought backups too, all of you came. So now that you are.gone.why do I still feel this.power coming from the clasp? It feels like a.pulse. What happens if I call out your name now? Who will come? Well, let's try it, okay? XELLOSS! There I said your name without feeling nauseous!"
Xelloss hadn't been expecting that. He'd been sniffling and giggling alternately from the back-most row. His black cloak completely covered him and shadowed his face. Once he saw Zelgadiss staring at him dead-on, but he slid lower in his chair and the moment passed without incident. Now he was mulling over Val's meaningful words. Then Filia cried out his name."AHHH!"
"My, my Filia-kun, I'd forgotten all about that clasp!" Xelloss gasped as he appeared directly in front of Filia and tucked the offending jewelry into the hidden recesses of his cloak.
Zelgadiss had been standing beside Filia, when Xelloss suddenly appeared inches away. He cried out, "Xelloss! You bastard, what happened to you!"
Then he uncharacteristically wrapped his arms around the Mazouku. "Gods, why did I do that?!" he mentally slapped himself, released the shocked man and leaped backwards ten feet in one smooth movement.
Xelloss wide-eyed in surprise scanned the faces of his 'friends', then with a familiar smirk said, "Well, Zelly-kun, you know that.that's a secret!"
Lina remained transfixed, thinking, "Does no one else see it? Is it only me? Oh please, not just me! That clasp and now his staff and.inside me, the new power pulsing in time with those." Then, in a moment of supreme clarity the truth was apparent to her. She now knew the location of the 4 of the 7 pieces of Ruby eye Shabrinigdo. One, she and Rezo destroyed. Another was in the Ruby-topped staff Xelloss carried. A third was contained in the clasp Filia had held. And the forth was hidden within HER, his Knight. Lina sat in silence, as her companions demanded explanations.
"Okay, O-KAY! It's not ALL a secret! I can tell you quite a lot, in fact. First, yes, I really did die, but miraculously Amelia bound a tiny bit in an Astral spell and sent it to the Astral Plain," smiled the purpled-haired man. Xelloss bowed to the Princess and kissed her palm.
"L-sama herself remarked upon your amazing healing powers. So I thank you, I owe you my life. Oh and there's no need to apologize for mistrusting me. In fact, promise me that you will continue to be suspicious of Mazouku.we are a devious race.its part of our nature!"
Xelloss elevated off the floor and continued, "So, skipping on ahead a bit, L-sama re-created me and voila! The new and improved Xelloss!"
"Improved? How so?" asked Zelgadiss distrustfully.
"Well.I have a new title. Want to hear it? Of course. Well, you may call me Xelloss the Lord of Dreams. Like it? I chose it myself."
Being pretty quick to the draw, Zelgadiss yelped incredulously, "You're now a Mazouku LORD?"
"Yup! New name, new job, and new clothes!" he laughed while swirling round to show off his new black cloak, boots, and lavender tunic.
"What, no hair change?" smirked Zelgadiss.
Xelloss shook his silky hair, sank to the ground, and sidled closer to the Chimera. Zelgadiss tucked his hands into his crossed arms and peered at the Mazouku with his one visible eye.
"My, my, Zel-kun, what are you expecting?" then softly in Zelgadiss' elfin ear, "You're the one who hugged me."
Th-That was different." began Zel angering.
"Calm down. I have something for you. First let me apologize for tricking you with a cure hadn't the ability to really perform. Until now."
GASPS
Xelloss handed the gaping Chimera a small metal vial strung with a long leather thong. "This contains everything you need to undo Rezo's enchantment. All of it, appearance and strength and abilities."
"Xelloss!" whispered Zelgadiss, "And the catch is."
"So smart! The catch is.the vial cannot be opened for one year. I think returning to human form and weakness is a mistake. I've told you before.I had hoped that the body switch would help that sink in, but.that was not my best moment.Well it's up to you now. One year, no searching, no lonely vigils.do something with your life, live a little, okay?" Xelloss smiled and slapped Zelgadiss on the shoulder.
Zelgadiss stood holding the vial then slipped the thong over his head and said, "I'll think about it. I promise you that!"
Next, Xelloss turned back to Filia, who had remained in stunned silence since his sudden appearance. "Hi, Filia-kun, I brought you back something from my stay at L-sama's."
He removed her old mace from that hidden dimensional pocket and grinned, "It's rested whole and hale beside my staff all the time. Cozy, neh?"
She smiled shyly and grabbed the weapon. Holding it threateningly the Dragon lady demanded, "Feels good to have it back. Now, about Val.You promised to protect him. You can't take him now. I won't let you!"
"Oh! Well now swish don't make me swish regret returning that swish mace." Xelloss said easily dodging the blows. Then he caught her arm in mid swing and lowered the weapon with a mere glance, effectively demonstrating how ineffectual her attacks really were upon the new and improved Mazouku Lord Xelloss.
"That's better!" he smiled. "About Val. His future is his choice, I think. His life has been hell as a Dragon, up until now. I have waited hundreds of years for him, so what's a hundred more, right? I'm in no rush.and I'm fine if he decides to remain a Dragon. My promise holds, I'll not let anyone else use him again. I hope that satisfies you, Filia-kun?"
Val stepped forward and looked at the Mazouku Lord, "I-I meant what I said, you know!"
"I am sure you did. You honor me beyond words, Ancient Dragon. Can I tell you something else? Ah.good, I can.Until I can be absolutely sure that a completely successful transformation can occur, it won't happen. In all of time no Ancient ever served the Mazouku, but you, and I do not consider Valgaav to have been a success. Perhaps it's a blend that's not supposed to be, eh? So give me some time and you too.You really haven't explored all the possibilities of life as a Dragon.I understand you have admirers! Hey, you may find that you are happier this way. One year, then we'll talk again, okay?"
"A year! Won't you be staying.or visiting before that?" Val asked in a worried tone.
"Oh absolutely! Wild Dragons couldn't keep me away! Besides the hospitality is second to none at Filia-kun's." he giggled.
"Xelloss! Y-You...Ah I just can't say it now!" Filia screamed in mock- frustration.
He chuckled and asked no one in particular, "I don't see that irritating little Yoyo girl around. Did something.tragic happen to her?"
"No. Disappointed? She and Nahga teamed up, but for some reason Nahga was in a big hurry to leave, so they are both gone. No messages either," said Zelgadiss.
Xelloss nodded and shifted over to Gourry and Lina, who were seated in the front row. Gourry shook his head and said,
"There's something wrong with Lina.every since she used that spell the last time."
"I know.I am most sorry for you, Lina. Does it help to know that L-sama is watching over you? She particularly wants you to be.protected, let's say. Why else would She keep returning the Sword of Light to Gourry?
Zelgadiss moved to stand behind Xelloss, "Lina, is there a problem here?"
Lina looked up, "Yes! There is!" but the words failed to materialize, ".But I guess it's got to be a.secret, doesn't it Xelloss?" she spat in frustration.
Xelloss closed in on Lina and knelt before her. "Perhaps only you can understand why I must keep so many secrets, hmmm? But I can help you gain control over that power seething inside of you. I can contain it for you, if you let me?"
Lina nodded.
Xelloss remained on his knees. He pressed his palms together, eyes closed, face serene. A dark vapor enveloped his long slender fingers. With one hand, he enfolded the mist into a tight ball. The other hand cupped Lina's chin.
"Close your eyes, Lina. Oh, don't worry, you won't remember this at all..." Xelloss smiled reassuringly.
He popped the tiny dark mass into his mouth, leaned forward and pressed his lips to Lina's.
Gourry made a move toward Lina, grabbing at his sword. Zelgadiss stopped him, "Hold on.he's transferring something to Lina."
Lina's eyes snapped open revealing a pair of glowing red coals. She tried to push Xelloss away, but he held her still with his free hand. The glowing faded, grew dark, and then passed. Lina's eyes closed. Seconds ticked by.
"Ahem." said Zelgadiss, "I believe that's long enough Xelloss. And I think Gourry agrees. She does have to breathe!"
SH-LINK
Gourry withdrew his sword partway.
Xelloss released Lina, who collapsed. Gourry caught her before she hit the floor.
"Lina? Lina! Hey, LI-NA are you in there?" He gazed into her face with concern.
Her eye's fluttered open. Gourry's nose was touching hers.
SLAP OUCH!
"GOURRY! Just what are YOU thinking? Hey! What's going on here? Xelloss? You're back among the living? Whoa.I've missed something haven't I? Stop yacking at me all at once! One at a time.Oh forget it. Amelia, if this is some kind of party.it's time to eat, right?"
"Yes, Miss Lina! There's a whole banquet laid out." began the Princess.
"Well, everyone.What are you waiting for? Let's go eat!" shouted the redheaded sorceress grabbing Amelia's arm.
"Hoy, Lina! Wait for me!" laughed the tall swordsman.
"I guess we'd better follow Lina," sighed Filia to Val, who agreed with a shrug.
"Looks like Lina's going to be okay. But tell me, Xelloss, was that ALL necessary?" Zelgadiss asked frowning.
"Well.you know that.that's a secret!" grinned the Mazouku, sidestepping a fist to the face.
THE END
