Slayers: The Meaning of Life
Part 17: Standing Outside the Fire
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
N: Our author and her companion have wandered into the kingdom of Firestorm in search lodgings for the night. Little does XellAn know she's about to run into an old acquaintance...
Voice: Halt!
N: XellAn stops and looks around. A man in the royal guard uniform of Firestorm stands behind her, a sword pointed squarely a her heart.
Guard: Judging by your manner of dress and your very appearance, you are a Mazoku! Mazoku are forbidden in the city of Firestorm!!
me: Why me...? ^^;
Guard: You must appear before the princess. She'll decide what to do with you. Come quietly, or I'll be forced to kill you.
me: *sighs* ...Guess I have no choice... -_-
N: She follows him through the town, the sleeping Hellmaster cradled in her arms. He leads her into the palace and up to the empty throne. Another guard approaches.
Guard 2: *stammering* Um...uh...Mazoku-Sama, I...I...I'm supposed to take the child away from you...
XellAn: *laughs* You'll do nothing of the sort! Lord Hellmaster would kill you, were you to disturb him.
G 2: ...B-but...
me: Beat it!
N: The first man is soon at her side, ready to drive his sword through her. She shifts Phibrizio, holds out one hand and smiles.
me: Ice Arrow.
N: The poor man is instantly encased in a large chunk of ice. The other guards back nervously away. Some one from behind them laughs.
Girl: *to the frozen man* I admire your bravery!
N: A girl about XellAn's age with long black hair and violet eyes steps around the frozen guard.
Girl: Those who are brave may not live long, but at least they live.
N: XellAn looks perplexed. All the guards get down on their knees.
Guards: Princess Phoenix!
XellAn: *blinks* ...Lily?
Princess: *equally perplexed* I know you?
me: You don't remember. I'm not surprised.
Lily: Who are you, Mazoku?
me: I should say likewise. You certainly weren't a princess when I knew you.
Lily: I asked first.
me: My name is XellAn Metallium.
Lily: And the boy?
me: This is Phibrizio. You may knwo him better as Hellmaster.
Lily: You've brought the Hellmaster here!?
me: *shrugs* he's not going to kill any one.
N: Princess Phoenix, commonly known as Lily, is instantyl on guard, She draws her sword. XellAn, however, is clearly amused. She casually pushes back Lily's blade.
me: Don't be stupid. Your sword is no match for black magic, especially not the magic of Beastmaster Zelas. Anyway, I may be half demon, but I'm still your best firend.
Lily: *muses over this* ...My best firend...Mia?
me: Haven't heard that name in forever...
Lily: Wow, it's been a long time! What're you doing here?
me: Your guard arrested me because I'm Mazoku and now Zelas is gonna slaughter me for missing curfew again.
Lily: Oh boy...
Voice of Zelas: ...Oh XellAn...
me: Kuso! _
V of Z: It's past your
me: Forgive me, Juuou-Sama. I was arrested in Firestorm and Hellmaster is asleep. May we have permission to stay here tonight?
V of Z: *sighs* I suppose. This damn quest of yours is more trouble than it's worth.
me: Arigato, Juuou-Sama.
Lily: You're on a quest?
me: Yeah. I'm trying to find the meaning of life.
Lily: Hm...*looks ponderous* The meaning of life...There's so much to that. Let's have a cup of tea while I think about it.
N: Lily leads XellAn into a sitting room furnished with several plush chairs and a cherry coffee table.
Lily: I can show you a room for Meiou-Sama, if you'd like.
me: *glances at the sleeping demon* No, I'd rather he stay here. If he wakes and doesn't know where he is...
Lily: I get your drift. Have a seat.
N: XellAn sits in a cushy red chair, Phibby cradled in her lap. The Hellmaster snuggles up in her arms, a smile on his face.
Lily: Why is Meiou-Sama with you?
me: I am his keeper. When his life was given back, I was made his keeper.
Lily: Oh.
N: The princess claps her hands and a young man appears at her side.
Lily: Aiden, bring in tea for us please.
Aiden: Yes, Princess. *bows*
Lily: Now then, you're looking for--
Dolphin: *materializes* HELL-OOOH! ^^
me: Dolphin? What are you doing here?
Dolphin: *shrugs* I got bored. Ooo...Where are we?
Lily: This is the royal palace of Firestorm. I am Princess Phoenix. Who are you?
Dolphin: *grins* We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year.
Lily: Huh?
N: But Dolphin is too far gone. She laughs slightly, wraps XellAn's scarf tighter around her and glances distractedly about.
me: *shakes head* Eh...Dolphin?
Lily: *puzzled* Who is that? How did she get here?
me: That's the Mazoku Lord Deep Sea Dolphin.
Lily: Kaiou-Sama...What's wrong with her?
me: She's insane.
Lily: That's sad.
me: She's actually pretty cool, once she talks to you. But any way, you know the meaning of life?
Lily: It's a lot of things. Friends are a vital part. Without some one to care about, there is no meaning. And make sure you're happy.
me: You sound like Slyphiel. -_-
Lily: I didn't know you knew her.
me: *shrugs* we've met. But that's beside the point. Continue.
Lily: I guess...hm, just...make the best things last forever. Don't forget who you are.
me: You're not sure, are you?
Lily: No. But I hope, whatever it is, I'm living it.
me: *smiles* I'm sure you are.
Lily: Still, there will always be regrets...
me: Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking.
Lily: I guess. You sure took some chances, didn't you?
me: What do you mean?
Lily: You're half and half, right? What if neither race wanted you?
me: Que sera sera...*shrugs*
Dolphin: *humming as she investigates the room* Everything here is do pretty...
N: The mad demon stops in front of XellAn. Without saying a word, she gently lifts Phibrizio out of the Demi-Mazoku's arms. She lays the child-demon on the floor, pulls off the scarf and covers him with it, still humming all the while.
Dolphin: *softly*... A dream unthreatened by the morning light could blow this soul through the roof of the night...
me: *hides a smile* Dolphin-Chan, you're so good to him.
Dolphin: I am his Nee-Chan. He was my little baby brother once...But the child is grown, the dream is gone...
N: Lily blinks. Deep Sea Dolphin is very surreal and everything she says is a double entendre.
Lily: Kaiou-Sama?
N: But Dolphin doesn't answer, just smiles vacantly and hums some more. Then she begins to sing.
Dolphin: *singing* Home, home again, I like to be here when I can. When I come home cold and tired it's good to warm my bones beside the fire. Far away across the field the tolling of the iron bell calls the faithful to their knees to hear the softly spoken magic spells...
Lily: Crazy or not, she's sure got the right ideas.
me: What do you mean?
Lily: Look at her. She's just living her life. Every one should be free to live their life the way they think their life should be.
me: *nods* Yes. That, however, is only part of the secret.
N: XellAn sips her tea while listening to Dolphin singing. The princess falls silent as she too listens. Deep Sea's voice is lilting and melodious and the two teenagers are soon asleep.
Dolphin: *still singing* We call them fools who have to dance within the flame, who chance the sorrow and the shame that always comes with getting burned. Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you're standing outside the fire...
N: She materializes out, leaving the three sleeping companions to their dreams...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: asleep is what i'd like to be right now...it's midnight...
how was this, L-Chan? okay? you'll be in the next chap too...
notice how i make Dolphin speak mostly in Pink Floyd lyrics (which i don't own the rights to). i think it's a good image for her. most of their songs were about insane people.
i also don't own rights to Garth Brook's "Standing Outside the Fire"
Part 17: Standing Outside the Fire
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
N: Our author and her companion have wandered into the kingdom of Firestorm in search lodgings for the night. Little does XellAn know she's about to run into an old acquaintance...
Voice: Halt!
N: XellAn stops and looks around. A man in the royal guard uniform of Firestorm stands behind her, a sword pointed squarely a her heart.
Guard: Judging by your manner of dress and your very appearance, you are a Mazoku! Mazoku are forbidden in the city of Firestorm!!
me: Why me...? ^^;
Guard: You must appear before the princess. She'll decide what to do with you. Come quietly, or I'll be forced to kill you.
me: *sighs* ...Guess I have no choice... -_-
N: She follows him through the town, the sleeping Hellmaster cradled in her arms. He leads her into the palace and up to the empty throne. Another guard approaches.
Guard 2: *stammering* Um...uh...Mazoku-Sama, I...I...I'm supposed to take the child away from you...
XellAn: *laughs* You'll do nothing of the sort! Lord Hellmaster would kill you, were you to disturb him.
G 2: ...B-but...
me: Beat it!
N: The first man is soon at her side, ready to drive his sword through her. She shifts Phibrizio, holds out one hand and smiles.
me: Ice Arrow.
N: The poor man is instantly encased in a large chunk of ice. The other guards back nervously away. Some one from behind them laughs.
Girl: *to the frozen man* I admire your bravery!
N: A girl about XellAn's age with long black hair and violet eyes steps around the frozen guard.
Girl: Those who are brave may not live long, but at least they live.
N: XellAn looks perplexed. All the guards get down on their knees.
Guards: Princess Phoenix!
XellAn: *blinks* ...Lily?
Princess: *equally perplexed* I know you?
me: You don't remember. I'm not surprised.
Lily: Who are you, Mazoku?
me: I should say likewise. You certainly weren't a princess when I knew you.
Lily: I asked first.
me: My name is XellAn Metallium.
Lily: And the boy?
me: This is Phibrizio. You may knwo him better as Hellmaster.
Lily: You've brought the Hellmaster here!?
me: *shrugs* he's not going to kill any one.
N: Princess Phoenix, commonly known as Lily, is instantyl on guard, She draws her sword. XellAn, however, is clearly amused. She casually pushes back Lily's blade.
me: Don't be stupid. Your sword is no match for black magic, especially not the magic of Beastmaster Zelas. Anyway, I may be half demon, but I'm still your best firend.
Lily: *muses over this* ...My best firend...Mia?
me: Haven't heard that name in forever...
Lily: Wow, it's been a long time! What're you doing here?
me: Your guard arrested me because I'm Mazoku and now Zelas is gonna slaughter me for missing curfew again.
Lily: Oh boy...
Voice of Zelas: ...Oh XellAn...
me: Kuso! _
V of Z: It's past your
me: Forgive me, Juuou-Sama. I was arrested in Firestorm and Hellmaster is asleep. May we have permission to stay here tonight?
V of Z: *sighs* I suppose. This damn quest of yours is more trouble than it's worth.
me: Arigato, Juuou-Sama.
Lily: You're on a quest?
me: Yeah. I'm trying to find the meaning of life.
Lily: Hm...*looks ponderous* The meaning of life...There's so much to that. Let's have a cup of tea while I think about it.
N: Lily leads XellAn into a sitting room furnished with several plush chairs and a cherry coffee table.
Lily: I can show you a room for Meiou-Sama, if you'd like.
me: *glances at the sleeping demon* No, I'd rather he stay here. If he wakes and doesn't know where he is...
Lily: I get your drift. Have a seat.
N: XellAn sits in a cushy red chair, Phibby cradled in her lap. The Hellmaster snuggles up in her arms, a smile on his face.
Lily: Why is Meiou-Sama with you?
me: I am his keeper. When his life was given back, I was made his keeper.
Lily: Oh.
N: The princess claps her hands and a young man appears at her side.
Lily: Aiden, bring in tea for us please.
Aiden: Yes, Princess. *bows*
Lily: Now then, you're looking for--
Dolphin: *materializes* HELL-OOOH! ^^
me: Dolphin? What are you doing here?
Dolphin: *shrugs* I got bored. Ooo...Where are we?
Lily: This is the royal palace of Firestorm. I am Princess Phoenix. Who are you?
Dolphin: *grins* We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year.
Lily: Huh?
N: But Dolphin is too far gone. She laughs slightly, wraps XellAn's scarf tighter around her and glances distractedly about.
me: *shakes head* Eh...Dolphin?
Lily: *puzzled* Who is that? How did she get here?
me: That's the Mazoku Lord Deep Sea Dolphin.
Lily: Kaiou-Sama...What's wrong with her?
me: She's insane.
Lily: That's sad.
me: She's actually pretty cool, once she talks to you. But any way, you know the meaning of life?
Lily: It's a lot of things. Friends are a vital part. Without some one to care about, there is no meaning. And make sure you're happy.
me: You sound like Slyphiel. -_-
Lily: I didn't know you knew her.
me: *shrugs* we've met. But that's beside the point. Continue.
Lily: I guess...hm, just...make the best things last forever. Don't forget who you are.
me: You're not sure, are you?
Lily: No. But I hope, whatever it is, I'm living it.
me: *smiles* I'm sure you are.
Lily: Still, there will always be regrets...
me: Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking.
Lily: I guess. You sure took some chances, didn't you?
me: What do you mean?
Lily: You're half and half, right? What if neither race wanted you?
me: Que sera sera...*shrugs*
Dolphin: *humming as she investigates the room* Everything here is do pretty...
N: The mad demon stops in front of XellAn. Without saying a word, she gently lifts Phibrizio out of the Demi-Mazoku's arms. She lays the child-demon on the floor, pulls off the scarf and covers him with it, still humming all the while.
Dolphin: *softly*... A dream unthreatened by the morning light could blow this soul through the roof of the night...
me: *hides a smile* Dolphin-Chan, you're so good to him.
Dolphin: I am his Nee-Chan. He was my little baby brother once...But the child is grown, the dream is gone...
N: Lily blinks. Deep Sea Dolphin is very surreal and everything she says is a double entendre.
Lily: Kaiou-Sama?
N: But Dolphin doesn't answer, just smiles vacantly and hums some more. Then she begins to sing.
Dolphin: *singing* Home, home again, I like to be here when I can. When I come home cold and tired it's good to warm my bones beside the fire. Far away across the field the tolling of the iron bell calls the faithful to their knees to hear the softly spoken magic spells...
Lily: Crazy or not, she's sure got the right ideas.
me: What do you mean?
Lily: Look at her. She's just living her life. Every one should be free to live their life the way they think their life should be.
me: *nods* Yes. That, however, is only part of the secret.
N: XellAn sips her tea while listening to Dolphin singing. The princess falls silent as she too listens. Deep Sea's voice is lilting and melodious and the two teenagers are soon asleep.
Dolphin: *still singing* We call them fools who have to dance within the flame, who chance the sorrow and the shame that always comes with getting burned. Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you're standing outside the fire...
N: She materializes out, leaving the three sleeping companions to their dreams...
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
AN: asleep is what i'd like to be right now...it's midnight...
how was this, L-Chan? okay? you'll be in the next chap too...
notice how i make Dolphin speak mostly in Pink Floyd lyrics (which i don't own the rights to). i think it's a good image for her. most of their songs were about insane people.
i also don't own rights to Garth Brook's "Standing Outside the Fire"