Disclaimer: We do not own Slayers, and we're not making any money off of this.
SPECIAL NOTES: This fanfic is written by Nathan J. Urbansic, a good friend of mine who does not have an FF.net account of his own and is currently unable to possess one. Hence I am posting this as a proxy with full permission from the true author.
Please still feel free to review, but keep in mind that all compliments go to Nate. Thanks minna. Enjoy!
ALSO: This is set in a universe parallel with the NEXT storyline. However, a few subtle differences occur, and slightly different choices are made. This just goes to show you that it really is the little things in life that create who we are... And what we become.
SLAYERS NiXT:
Nobody's Perfect
Chapter Two
Candles spread intermittently across the tables and walls flickered provided the only light, their flames flickering in a timeless dance. The light played gently off the faces of those within. At one table were seated four travelers who quietly sat, their heads bowed in thought and reflection. Together, a golem, two princesses, and a rogue swordsman mourned.
The soft creek of an old staircase nearby caught the attention of the group. They turned to watch a poor, young soul slowly descend the stairs and walk up to an empty seat at the table. Even in the dim light, it was clear that her eyes were red from countless tears. She smiled weakly to the onlookers and sat. Zelgadiss noted the Sword of Light now hanging from her belt where her own blade had been. Already the air was heavy and thick with unsaid words.
Lina looked at her companions' sullen faces one by one then paused a moment, her own head bowed slightly. Suddenly she perked up, forcing a smile. "Hey, what's everyone being so down for? This isn't like you guys."
"Miss Lina," Amelia spoke up, "you don't have to force yourself for us." Lina contemplated this for an instant and her head drooped again. Silence fell.
"What I can't figure out is what was Phibrizzo doing with Gourry in the first place?" Zangulus queried no one in specific.
"Phibrizzo kidnapped him in order to lure us to Sairaag." Zel replied.
"No," Lina interrupted, "he wanted to lure me to Sairaag."
"But why?" Zangulus asked.
"Does it matter anymore?" she said, staring into the flame of the candle at the center of the table.
"Miss Lina…"Amelia tried to comfort her.
Lina sighed softly and clenched her fists. "But one thing remains true," her voice unexpectedly streaked with a loathing rarely seen, "he's going to pay."
All were startled by this, not for the fact that Lina was angry but for the fact that they were seeing hatred within this young girl that they had never seen before. It was obvious that disagreeing with Lina at this point would prove most unhealthy.
"I agree," Zel spoke sternly, looking around with his cold, calculating eyes, "something has to be done. It's not like we can just let him get away with it."
"Yes!" Amelia leapt from her chair, fired up. "Not only do the Laws of Justice insist upon it, but also the laws of friendship and common decency demand a harsh vengeance upon a monster such as he!"
"Guys," Lina said faintly, touched by their words of support.
"I may as well help." Zangulus said with a confident sigh. "It's the least I could do."
"Thanks guys," Lina said, her eyes moistened by unshed tears.
"Well, that said." Zangulus stood and grabbed up his sword.
"You're leaving?" Amelia asked the rogue.
"Yeah, I'll make my own way there. Besides, I already have someone I'm traveling with."
"It better not be a woman," Martina muttered under her breath.
"What was that?" Zel asked her.
"Huh? Oh! Nothing!" Martina blushed.
Suddenly the door to the small inn flung open with the dramatic flare of a pre-planned entrance, minus the lightning in the background. A cloaked figure strode silently in.
"Ah!" Amelia gasped when she saw the face of the newcomer.
"I believe you're already familiar with Vruumugun, here." Zangulus introduced.
"But as you can see," Vruumugun added, removing his hood, "I am the original." Sure enough, there was no crystal in his forehead, indicative of Erris's copies.
"I….you…..er…." Amelia sputtered out, quite confused by this turn of events.
Vruumugun smiled at her mental struggle. "Erris never paid me for the use of, well, me, and when I went to collect I met up with Zangulus here. Of course by then one of her own cheap copies had killed her, so I never did collect."
"We scrounged what there was left to be had from Erris's and decided to travel together until either one of use came up with a good enough reason not to." Zangulus finished. "You know, for a sorcerer, he can prove pretty useful."
"For a swordsman," Vruumugun replied, "you can prove pretty useless."
"Hey!"
Everyone smiled as Zangulus struggled in vain against an obviously quicker mind.
Lina got up from her seat and walked over to the two rogues, extending her hand to Vruumugun. "After dealing with all those copies, it's nice to meet the real thing."
Vruumugun accepted the outstretched hand. "Lina Inverse, the pleasure is all mine."
"So, you're headed to Sairaag as well, ne?"
Vruumugun looked at Zangulus cluelessly. Zangulus nodded. Vruumugun chuckled softly. "Looks like I am."
"Speaking of," Zangulus spoke up, "we must be off."
Zangulus and Vruumugun headed towards the door, but just before leaving, Zangulus turned to face Lina and smiled, "If you show up, and I've already finished the job, you owe me dinner."
Lina smiled back assuredly. "You're on."
With that, the two travelers departed.
Lina stood where she was for a moment and then sighed. "I'm turning in." She walked to the steps. "I'll see you all in the morning." A weak smile.
"Eh?" Amelia said, confused at this unexpected action of Lina's. "G-Good night!" Lina ascended the stairs and disappeared.
A minute of uncertain stillness passed.
"She's still forcing herself," Amelia said somberly.
"Can you blame her?" Zel replied.
Again, silence fell.
End of chapter two. To be continued...