Slayers: To the End...
By Hotaru
Disclaimer...
You know, I never found out who invented Slayers, cause I'm so amazingly lazy. But I don't mean anything against them. So... hurray for them, cause Slayers's is an awesome series. BTW, in case you haven't noticed, I'm implying that I don't own Slayers...
^_^
Chapter 7
Conversations and Invitations...(Version 7.1)
[Somewhere in the world, although it's not really the world, since they aren't on earth, but it sort of is, cause they are there...]
Fate and Chaos were having tea. That in itself wasn't very abnormal or out of the norm. They had tea together every other day. Sometimes, Death would also join them, but today, it was just the two of them. They were having biscuits with raspberry preserves, and were sitting across from each other across a metal table, that floated in mid air. Chaos was represented as a tall slim lady with blonde hair and jet black eyes. Fate was represented by a slightly shorter lady (but just as slim) with curly blue hair and purple eyes, and elfin ears. That wasn't abnormal either. What was abnormal, was how Fate was reacting.
"You told her WHAT???!!!???!!!" shouted Fate.
"Hehe... I already told you." said Chaos timidly.
"Repeat it..." said Fate dangerously.
"I told her she'd find her true love..." said Chaos. "Is there anything wrong with that?"
"In this case, yes," said Fate. "Why won't you ever consult with me before making such an important decision?"
"I'm Chaos, what do you expect?" answered the taller one. "And is it really that important?"
"Yes," said Fate as she calmed down. She sighed and rubbed her temples. "You know, I bet you do all of this just to annoy me, right?"
"Such are the ways of Chaos," said Chaos mysteriously, her eyes flickering with unknown secrets.
"Oh, just shut up," said Fate as she took a sip of tea. "OK, so, do you know who the heck is her true love?"
"I thought you'd know." said Chaos. Fate stared at her. "You mean you don't?" Fate stared at her some more.
"What do you think?" she said after a while.
"Oh... haha!" mock laughed Chaos.
"So, what were you planning to do if, hypothetically speaking, I knew who her true love was?" asked Fate.
"Simple." said Chaos. "If he has potential, turn him into my other Chaos Knight. I do get two, don't I, for being special?"
"Yes, you can say it that way," said Fate with a sigh. Chaos could be so childish at times.
"Could you let me call him?" asked Chaos. "Please?" So like a child.
"What if I say no?" asked Fate.
"You wouldn't," said Chaos. "You're too much of a romantic to say no. Besides, you owe me a favor!" Fate sighed. Beaten by a child, how humiliating.
"Anyway, what else did you tell her?" asked Fate.
"I told her she'd be able to find a cure for Zelgadis and Xellos's curse." said Chaos.
"YOU SAID WHAT???" screamed Fate. Chaos quickly covered her ears. "HOW COULD YOU MAKE UP SUCH A LIE AS THAT????" Chaos unplugged her ears.
"Ouch," she said. Fate took a few more calming breaths.
"How?" asked Fate.
"But, you see... I know something you don't know." said Chaos in a sing song voice, and giggled
happily, as little childish girls often do.
*****
[Somewhere in Seyruun]
"Did you hear?"
"Hear what?"
"Did you read the newspapers?"
"B. Times?"
"Yeah, Bandit Times."
"No. What happened?"
"You remember that Dramatta? Kicked the bucket two years ago?"
"Don't even say her name, pal. We're all lucky she died off."
"That's the thing. Rumor has it, she's alive and killing bandits again."
"WHAT? Lina Inverse, alive?"
"Sh... don't say her name."
"We're doomed. Doomed, doomed, doomed."
And as it was, Lina Inverse's fame spread quickly before her, but only on the bandit level. The rest of the world was just slow and news of Lina traveled at a snail with arthritis's pace. But soon, everyone would know. Soon... very soon...
*****
"Lina, may I ask you a question?" asked Zelgadis as he watched her Burst Rondo the bandit before her.
"Shoot, Zel." said Lina as she waved good bye to another bandit.
"Why are you going by Lina now?" asked Zel. It was the second day since they had left town to go to Seerin. On the first day, she had quietly bashed bandits, but today, she had seemed to gone crazy and identified herself as Lina.
"Oh," said Lina as she got on her horse. Zel handed her the reins. "I just felt like it. I decided that it was about time I went out of hiding. Face the world head on... all that type of stuff."
"Oh, OK." said Zel as once again they started to gallop. Lina thought for a while, thinking back on the dream she had last night...
[FLASHBACK]
Lina stared at the enemy before her. Turquoise colored eyes stared back. All of a sudden, she moved forward, catching the enemy by surprise, and shot a fire ball at it. The shadow jumped out of the way at the last minute, but couldn't evade the Balus Rod she threw right after at a different angle. She could just taste victory in her mouth. Now for the finishing blow. She launched a hit at him, only to have him disappear and fade away when she connected, which meant that she went flying through. She landed face first on a trampoline the color of vanilla.
"Ouch," she said, not because it hurt, but because it just seemed like the right thing to say at that particular time. She stayed face down on the trampoline for a while, until she felt someone jumping up and down right beside her. She looked up and saw Queen Chaos Amph jumping up and down.
"Hello, Knight of Chaos!!!" said the little girl in a voice that could only be described as 'chirpy'.
"How do you do, Queen Amph," said Lina, remembering the other's name. "May I ask why I'm here?"
"Hi!" she said. "Don't you want to jump with me?" Lina sighed and got up and started to jump up and down. Suddenly, she realized that this was a very nice way to get rid of anxiety and worries, by pounding them into the trampoline! So she jumped harder and harder on the stretchy cloth, and ended up going higher and higher. Her eyes turned fiery (more so than before) and sparks emitted from a glowing aura that had gathered around her. Queen Amph looked at her and sweat dropped, while keeping a hand up all the time to keep her tiara from slipping off her head.
"Hey, Lina," she said. "I think it's about time we left the trampoline. But Lina didn't seem to be paying much attention to her. So Queen Amph (also LoN, just in case you didn't catch that...^.^) snapped her fingers and froze Lina in mid jump.
"Huh?" asked Lina as she saw herself floating in mid air. "What happened?"
"I have to talk to you," said LoN. "Things we didn't discuss yesterday. What are you planning on doing?"
"I'm planning to take up my former identity and warn all my friends in Seerin to watch out for any of those weird people." said Lina plainly.
"Sounds good," said the golden haired girl as she floated up and was beside her. "What else?"
"Find out what happened to Zelas and Xellos." she continued.
"Good," said the little Queen as she nodded her head seriously, still holding her crown. "What else?"
"Um... Dragon Slave the people who kidnapped Xellos into next week?" asked Lina not quite
sure.
"Perhaps." said Queen Amph. "Would you like to know the love of your life now? Or should I save it for later?"
"No time for romance now," said Lina as she waved her hand in a dismissing manner. "I have things to do, people to save..."
"Oh... OK," said the girl. "Opening ceremony is in four days from today. Invitations will be going out. Who do you want to receive one?"
"I'm allowed to invite people?" asked Lina surprised.
"Yes," said the queen. "Of course, after all, being knighted is a very special occasion. Of course, your sister didn't want to invite anyone..."
"Um... well, I guess it'd be nice for the gang to be there... and Rhea's family too" said Lina
"OK, that's Amelia, Gourry, Zelgadis, Filia, Xellos, Sylphiel, and Naga? And Rhea, Riza, Rowan and their parents?" asked the Queen while she scribbled on a notebook that appeared from nowhere.
"Yeah," said Lina. "I guess that's it."
"O.K.," said LoN. "Next order of business. Zel's cure..."
"Yeah, about that," said Lina.
"Well, as soon as you have your powers, you'll be able to incant his cure, because you'll have the power to. There's a catch, though."
"Yes?" asked Lina.
"You need someone else to do it with." said the deity. "Like, another Knight of Chaos."
"And, um... where am I supposed to find another Knight of Chaos?" asked Lina skeptically. LoN smiled secretly.
"Wait the four days. I'm pretty sure I'll find another one for you by then. But when you do, you'll be able to turn him back human, and turn him back chimera if Zel wants it, so long as the two knights and the one worked on concede." said LoN with a glint in her eyes.
"Sure!" said Lina. "Whatever. Truth be told, that's not on my high priority list at the moment."
"Next is Xellos's cure." said the girl. She slowly brought both of them down on to a green couch.
"May I know what his curse is?" asked Lina.
"You will know in four days." said LoN.
"Then why bring it up?" asked Lina. "Just to make sure. He's not going to die from it or something, right?"
"No, he won't die from it." said the being. This was so fun! If only Lina knew what surprises lay hidden for her. "For this curse, only you will be able to cure him from it. But, as usual, there's a catch. You have to find out what it is."
"Blah," said Lina as she snapped her fingers. "And Xellos probably won't tell me, right?"
"He doesn't even know," Amph smiled. Lina raised an eyebrow.
"Oh well," she said. "I'll figure that out also. Now..."
"Now, here is the manual for your new magic!" said the queen with a smile. She brought out a child's coloring book.
"That?"
"No, um... jeje... oops..." said the child as she hid the book and brought out another one. This one was thicker, and had a rich chocolate brown leather cover with a gold design embossed on it. The pages were gold edged, and gave it an aura of sophistication and antiquity. It was very nice. And written in very nice handwriting. Unfortunately, she couldn't read it.
"So, how am I supposed to read this?" asked Lina, with sarcasm in her voice.
"Well," said LoN. "It's quite simple. You learn! Every time you need to send me a note, send it like this, so nobody can read it. You'll get the hang of the language. Every once in a while, the characters will change, but such is the nature of Chaos. You'll be fine." Lina took the book.
"Anything else?" asked LoN. "Your dream time is nearly over, you know."
"One more thing," said Lina. "Can I tell people that I'm your knight now?"
"Sure, no problem!" said the girl and snapped her fingers. Lina found herself in her room, having just woken up from her dream.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
"Hey, Zel?" asked Lina when they had stopped for a break for their horses. Zel was resting against a tree while keeping an eye on the horses who were taking a drink at a nearby brook.
"Yeah, Lina?" asked Zel. The afternoon was very peaceful, and even though they had encountered a few bandits here and there, they had covered good ground so far. A few more minutes, and they would be on their way to Seerin once again.
"I have news for you. I think you'll be happy." said Lina.
"Really?" asked Zel.
"Yeah, let me think of how I can word it..." said Lina. Zel looked at her curiously. He had no idea what it could be. Lina walked around the tree as she thought. She suddenly stopped in front of Zel.
"You're invited to my swearing in as Knight of Chaos in a few days in Dreamland." said Lina. "And if lucky, with another Knight, we'll fix your Chimera problem. See, I told you that all that research would pay off!" Zel froze. First of all, Lina as the Knight of Chaos? The end of the world was coming. Next of all, a cure, for him! A real cure, that Lina had. Not Xellos, who might be lying, or a complete stranger he couldn't trust, but Lina, his traveling companion.
"Really!?" asked Zel, fighting hard to keep his voice emotion less, well, at least not sound too hopeful. He didn't quite succeed.
"Yeah," said Lina. "Congratulations, Zel!" she said as she stuck out her hand to him. He shook it. But then couldn't help himself and hugged her.
"Thank you Lina," he said and let her go. Then he got serious. "But, did you have to become Knight to do it?"
"Yes," she said with a sad smile.
"You do understand its implications, right?" asked Zel. Lina nodded and tried to blink back her tears. And Zel felt his happiness dissipate. "I'm...I'm sorry, Lina," he said. "I never wanted this to happen to you." It was enough that Lina had a special affinity with the Lord of Nightmares, but she had been scared spitless of that affinity. After the Phibrizio encounter, Lina had been worried about LoN. Who wouldn't. LoN, so chaotic, so dangerous, and now, Lina trapped with her.
"Is there some way to reverse it?" asked Zel. Lina looked shocked.
"No," she said. "It was an oath. Besides, if I weren't Knight, how would I help you turn back into a human?"
"I never meant for you to have to live almost an eternity as Knight of Chaos, Lina," said Zel seriously. "Believe me, if I could find some way to reverse your decision, I would do it. My cure is important, but not enough to condemn you."
"Don't worry about it, Zel," said Lina with a smile. "I thought carefully about it. And well, the Lord of Nightmares isn't as imposing as I thought she was." 'Especially considering she usually looks like an eight year old girl' she thought to herself with amusement.
"Are you sure?" asked Zel.
"Very," said Lina. "Now, let's go. It's time to get moving." Zel stood up and whistled to call the horses.
"By the way," said Zel. "As Knight of Chaos. Can't you teleport?"
"I'd try, but the manual said that unless Chaos wanted me there, it might not always work. It's... no joke intended... chaotic in its manner of transportation. I have to learn a little more first."
"OK," said Zel. "Let's go." And so, the two riders kept on their journey. A little farther down the road...
"Lina," whispered Zel as they walked their horses so that they wouldn't get exhausted.
"Yeah, Zel?" asked Lina just as quietly.
"Don't look behind us, but there is a huge alligator running after us." said Zel seriously, not quite sure how to take it.
"A What?" asked Lina, her voice raising a few decibels. Zel shushed her.
"Do you have any idea why an alligator is following us?" asked Zel. Lina was about to say no, when she decided to think for a while. She stopped her horse and had it turn around. Zel tried to stop her, but oh well... Lina looked at the huge alligator running to her.
"Hello, Mr. Melfynusti?" she asked softly, just in case she was wrong. Small chance of that, though... there was only one alligator/crocodile she knew that was that huge.
"Greetings, Inverse," said Melfy as he stopped in front of her.
"Is there something I can help you with?" asked Lina nervously. Behind her, Zel stared at the
alligator.
"Hey, Lina," he started. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Oh, Zel, this is Melfynusti. Mr. Melfynusti, this is my friend Zel." said Lina.
"Oh, how do you do?" asked Zel, his calm returned. After all, if Lina wasn't worried, then he had no reason to worry either. Besides, it seemed as if they knew each other.
"Nice to meet you," said the alligator before looking at Lina. "Inverse, I have a request to make of you."
"How can I help you?" asked Lina, watching all her manners.
"I would go with you and see what happened to Zelas and Xellos." said Melfy.
"Are you sure?" asked Lina. She wasn't exactly sure of what she should do. After all, he was a Mazoku, but then again, he wasn't a normal Mazoku either... "May I ask the reason why?"
"No, you may not," said Melfy coolly. Lina thought about it for a while.
"Sure, but on one condition." said Lina. "You can't attack me or my friends."
"Mazoku's honor," said Melfy solemnly. "I don't mean it in an oxymoron type of way." Lina nodded.
"Um... do you have a human form or something?" she asked. Melfy nodded and transformed before the two of them. In the place of the huge animal, was a man that looked to be in his late 30s or early 40s. He had gray silver hair and flat gray eyes. His complexion was light, like Xellos's, and was garbed in a splendid lightning blue cape with silver trim. His shirt and pants were both sea green, with a silver sash at his waist. His hair was long, reaching to his waist and was tied into a long braid. He carried a long pike made of a bluish colored material that gleamed in the afternoon light.
"You're, Melfynusti?" asked Lina, surprised. She hadn't expected to Mazoku to look so...so... so, distinguished or regal, almost. Zel was also surprised.
"Yes, I am him," said the alligator turned man. "But please, do call me Melf, instead of Melfynusti. I don't know what Zelas was thinking of when she called me Melfynusti."
"Sure, Melf," said Lina hesitantly. "Um, let's go." Melf muttered a spell under his breath and began to float. The horses didn't even blink an eye, they were so used to things flying near them, like robbers and bandits. One more couldn't matter much.
"Yes, let's be on our way," he said, as serious as usual. And the three continued on their journey. The second day was over.
*****
It was the third day after Lina had left for Seerin. By now, all the bandits knew Lina Inverse, the Dramatta, Bandit Spooker, Dragon Slayer, and Bane of all Restaurants was back. Amelia read the newspapers. She was in a city near the edge of what used to be the shield and was starting an embassy for Seyruun in there. So far everything had gone fine. Gourry had gone out to buy supplies for their trip back to Seyruun, so that she could report. But the newspaper was very surprising to say the least. The headlines said, "LINA INVERSE, Alive once more?"
'Lina?' wondered Amelia. 'The things these people will make up. Lina died years ago...' She wiped a tear from her eyes. Lina, that brave and fiery sorceress; It wasn't fair that someone with such vitality and life would die so early in life. She read through the article, though, quite curious as to the contents.
'Let's see... seen traveling with one man, some others say two men,... knows magic.... hasn't used her trademark magic though, like the Dragon Slave... people say she's traveling to the east...' Amelia smiled as she put the newspaper down. Some people were just so willing to write anything to get a scandalous response from the people. And Amelia smiled, and packed her bags. Gourry would be back soon and they would go to Seyruun.
*****
Gourry decided to have a snack. He was very hungry. After all, buying so much food for their journey had sparked his appetite. He spied a little outdoor cafe. He decided to go there and have a little snack. After eating three chocolate parfaits, five chocolate and strawberry covered bananas and a milkshake of strawberries and bananas, he noticed the newspaper. The headlines...
"LINA INVERSE, Alive once more?" he read softly. "Lina, alive?" his voice was hopeful. Could they be talking about the same Lina he knew? The one who died two years ago? He had to tell Amelia! He grabbed the newspaper, the packs of food, left money for the bill and ran to the little hotel they were staying at.
*****
Amelia looked at the two notes in her hands. One was addressed to Gourry Gabriev. The other was to her, and it was written in black, fancy handwriting. She set down Gourry's and shakily opened her letter up. A little frog had appeared out of nowhere with the two letters, had set them on her hands and then disappeared without a trace. She unfolded the letter.
"To her highness, Princess Amelia Wil Tesla de Seyruun:
You have been invited to Ms. Tirla Celina Inverse's swearing in as official Knight of Chaos in three days. You will be immediately transported to the Dreamrealm at the correct time. Please by asleep in three days at midnight so as to not miss such a momentous occasion. Thank you. Queen Chaos Amph (The Lord on Nightmares)" And Amelia stared and stared at the letter in her hand, her face pale as vanilla ice-cream.
*****
In another town...
Filia smiled at the pieces of pottery. She had spent forever on them, and now, after firing them in the kiln, they looked perfect like all her other creations. She picked one up, since it had cooled already. This one was a vase with handles in the shape of fleur-de-lis. It had a slender neck and the rim was designed in such a way that it looked like flowers. The whole vase had a feeling of springtime in it. The other one, was a small bowl with stars and moons designed all over it in relief. Both were beautiful. The customer was sure to like them. Now, to add the color. She put the two down and turned to her cabinet with varnishes and was about to get a Prussian blue color, when a little frog with little gold wings appeared in front of her. She screamed. The frog blinked back and dropped a letter on her hand and disappeared.
"What was that?" she asked herself as she sat down with the letter in her hands. It was addressed to her, Filia Ul Copt. She brushed her golden hair aside and read the letter inside.
"Nani?" she exclaimed. "LINA INVERSE!!!???"
*****
Sylphiel looked at the little frog in front of her. She pointed her wand at it.
"I'm warning you," said Sylphiel as sternly as she could. "Stay back!"
"Ribbit?" croaked the little frog before it dropped a letter on the ground and then left calmly behind a few rocks. Sylphiel sighed. All was well. She didn't really want to kill the poor little frog, but sometimes, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. She approached the letter carefully. It was addressed to her! What an intelligent little frog! She read the note and fainted. The frog peaked from behind the rocks and sweat dropped before disappearing.
*****
Rhea looked at the letter in her hands.
"Mom, Dad, Riza, Rowan! Look!" she cried as she ran to them. "It's about Ms. Tirla!"
*****
Zelgadis rode along beside Lina and the flying Melf.
"Yo, Lina," he said.
"Yes?" asked Lina.
"I take it the invitations are out?" he asked as he waved a note to Lina. Lina read it and smiled
lightly.
"I guess so," she said. In the distance, the town of Seerin came in view. She smiled lightly. She'd
get to see her students soon.
*****
And in some unknown place, Xellos was sleeping fitfully. The past two days had been very tiring for him. Finally, he was able to sleep, and what happens? The Lord of Nightmares calls on you, what else?
"So, Xellos," said the little girl with golden hair. "I have a mission for you. Are you willing to accept?" And Xellos stared.
"Lord of Nightmares?" he asked. She nodded. Hastily, he kneeled, showing respect and reverence to the deity. What in the world was going on?
Author's notes...
Finally, this chapter is finished!! Yeah!! Hurray!! Hope you liked it! This chapter was fun to write!! Anyway, the next chapter will be about Xellos. And to Chibi_Tenshin, sorry, no romantic scenes yet. I promise, they will be out. Remember, this is first of all an adventure, second a humor fic, third a romance. So yeah, I'm working on the next chapter. Have fun! You guys are awesome!!! I'm so glad you guys like it and are reading it! Thank you!!!! Please Read and Review. Comments and Criticisms are extremely welcome also!!!
Sincerely, Hotaru Kimiko Lai
PS, I have a question for you all... What does Shakespeare's epitaph say?
PPS, Yeah, I know it's a weird question... but oh well. Do any of you know? If you do, please e-mail me or drop me a note! Thanx!!!
Quote
"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
-Poor Richard's Almanack
By Hotaru
Disclaimer...
You know, I never found out who invented Slayers, cause I'm so amazingly lazy. But I don't mean anything against them. So... hurray for them, cause Slayers's is an awesome series. BTW, in case you haven't noticed, I'm implying that I don't own Slayers...
^_^
Chapter 7
Conversations and Invitations...(Version 7.1)
[Somewhere in the world, although it's not really the world, since they aren't on earth, but it sort of is, cause they are there...]
Fate and Chaos were having tea. That in itself wasn't very abnormal or out of the norm. They had tea together every other day. Sometimes, Death would also join them, but today, it was just the two of them. They were having biscuits with raspberry preserves, and were sitting across from each other across a metal table, that floated in mid air. Chaos was represented as a tall slim lady with blonde hair and jet black eyes. Fate was represented by a slightly shorter lady (but just as slim) with curly blue hair and purple eyes, and elfin ears. That wasn't abnormal either. What was abnormal, was how Fate was reacting.
"You told her WHAT???!!!???!!!" shouted Fate.
"Hehe... I already told you." said Chaos timidly.
"Repeat it..." said Fate dangerously.
"I told her she'd find her true love..." said Chaos. "Is there anything wrong with that?"
"In this case, yes," said Fate. "Why won't you ever consult with me before making such an important decision?"
"I'm Chaos, what do you expect?" answered the taller one. "And is it really that important?"
"Yes," said Fate as she calmed down. She sighed and rubbed her temples. "You know, I bet you do all of this just to annoy me, right?"
"Such are the ways of Chaos," said Chaos mysteriously, her eyes flickering with unknown secrets.
"Oh, just shut up," said Fate as she took a sip of tea. "OK, so, do you know who the heck is her true love?"
"I thought you'd know." said Chaos. Fate stared at her. "You mean you don't?" Fate stared at her some more.
"What do you think?" she said after a while.
"Oh... haha!" mock laughed Chaos.
"So, what were you planning to do if, hypothetically speaking, I knew who her true love was?" asked Fate.
"Simple." said Chaos. "If he has potential, turn him into my other Chaos Knight. I do get two, don't I, for being special?"
"Yes, you can say it that way," said Fate with a sigh. Chaos could be so childish at times.
"Could you let me call him?" asked Chaos. "Please?" So like a child.
"What if I say no?" asked Fate.
"You wouldn't," said Chaos. "You're too much of a romantic to say no. Besides, you owe me a favor!" Fate sighed. Beaten by a child, how humiliating.
"Anyway, what else did you tell her?" asked Fate.
"I told her she'd be able to find a cure for Zelgadis and Xellos's curse." said Chaos.
"YOU SAID WHAT???" screamed Fate. Chaos quickly covered her ears. "HOW COULD YOU MAKE UP SUCH A LIE AS THAT????" Chaos unplugged her ears.
"Ouch," she said. Fate took a few more calming breaths.
"How?" asked Fate.
"But, you see... I know something you don't know." said Chaos in a sing song voice, and giggled
happily, as little childish girls often do.
*****
[Somewhere in Seyruun]
"Did you hear?"
"Hear what?"
"Did you read the newspapers?"
"B. Times?"
"Yeah, Bandit Times."
"No. What happened?"
"You remember that Dramatta? Kicked the bucket two years ago?"
"Don't even say her name, pal. We're all lucky she died off."
"That's the thing. Rumor has it, she's alive and killing bandits again."
"WHAT? Lina Inverse, alive?"
"Sh... don't say her name."
"We're doomed. Doomed, doomed, doomed."
And as it was, Lina Inverse's fame spread quickly before her, but only on the bandit level. The rest of the world was just slow and news of Lina traveled at a snail with arthritis's pace. But soon, everyone would know. Soon... very soon...
*****
"Lina, may I ask you a question?" asked Zelgadis as he watched her Burst Rondo the bandit before her.
"Shoot, Zel." said Lina as she waved good bye to another bandit.
"Why are you going by Lina now?" asked Zel. It was the second day since they had left town to go to Seerin. On the first day, she had quietly bashed bandits, but today, she had seemed to gone crazy and identified herself as Lina.
"Oh," said Lina as she got on her horse. Zel handed her the reins. "I just felt like it. I decided that it was about time I went out of hiding. Face the world head on... all that type of stuff."
"Oh, OK." said Zel as once again they started to gallop. Lina thought for a while, thinking back on the dream she had last night...
[FLASHBACK]
Lina stared at the enemy before her. Turquoise colored eyes stared back. All of a sudden, she moved forward, catching the enemy by surprise, and shot a fire ball at it. The shadow jumped out of the way at the last minute, but couldn't evade the Balus Rod she threw right after at a different angle. She could just taste victory in her mouth. Now for the finishing blow. She launched a hit at him, only to have him disappear and fade away when she connected, which meant that she went flying through. She landed face first on a trampoline the color of vanilla.
"Ouch," she said, not because it hurt, but because it just seemed like the right thing to say at that particular time. She stayed face down on the trampoline for a while, until she felt someone jumping up and down right beside her. She looked up and saw Queen Chaos Amph jumping up and down.
"Hello, Knight of Chaos!!!" said the little girl in a voice that could only be described as 'chirpy'.
"How do you do, Queen Amph," said Lina, remembering the other's name. "May I ask why I'm here?"
"Hi!" she said. "Don't you want to jump with me?" Lina sighed and got up and started to jump up and down. Suddenly, she realized that this was a very nice way to get rid of anxiety and worries, by pounding them into the trampoline! So she jumped harder and harder on the stretchy cloth, and ended up going higher and higher. Her eyes turned fiery (more so than before) and sparks emitted from a glowing aura that had gathered around her. Queen Amph looked at her and sweat dropped, while keeping a hand up all the time to keep her tiara from slipping off her head.
"Hey, Lina," she said. "I think it's about time we left the trampoline. But Lina didn't seem to be paying much attention to her. So Queen Amph (also LoN, just in case you didn't catch that...^.^) snapped her fingers and froze Lina in mid jump.
"Huh?" asked Lina as she saw herself floating in mid air. "What happened?"
"I have to talk to you," said LoN. "Things we didn't discuss yesterday. What are you planning on doing?"
"I'm planning to take up my former identity and warn all my friends in Seerin to watch out for any of those weird people." said Lina plainly.
"Sounds good," said the golden haired girl as she floated up and was beside her. "What else?"
"Find out what happened to Zelas and Xellos." she continued.
"Good," said the little Queen as she nodded her head seriously, still holding her crown. "What else?"
"Um... Dragon Slave the people who kidnapped Xellos into next week?" asked Lina not quite
sure.
"Perhaps." said Queen Amph. "Would you like to know the love of your life now? Or should I save it for later?"
"No time for romance now," said Lina as she waved her hand in a dismissing manner. "I have things to do, people to save..."
"Oh... OK," said the girl. "Opening ceremony is in four days from today. Invitations will be going out. Who do you want to receive one?"
"I'm allowed to invite people?" asked Lina surprised.
"Yes," said the queen. "Of course, after all, being knighted is a very special occasion. Of course, your sister didn't want to invite anyone..."
"Um... well, I guess it'd be nice for the gang to be there... and Rhea's family too" said Lina
"OK, that's Amelia, Gourry, Zelgadis, Filia, Xellos, Sylphiel, and Naga? And Rhea, Riza, Rowan and their parents?" asked the Queen while she scribbled on a notebook that appeared from nowhere.
"Yeah," said Lina. "I guess that's it."
"O.K.," said LoN. "Next order of business. Zel's cure..."
"Yeah, about that," said Lina.
"Well, as soon as you have your powers, you'll be able to incant his cure, because you'll have the power to. There's a catch, though."
"Yes?" asked Lina.
"You need someone else to do it with." said the deity. "Like, another Knight of Chaos."
"And, um... where am I supposed to find another Knight of Chaos?" asked Lina skeptically. LoN smiled secretly.
"Wait the four days. I'm pretty sure I'll find another one for you by then. But when you do, you'll be able to turn him back human, and turn him back chimera if Zel wants it, so long as the two knights and the one worked on concede." said LoN with a glint in her eyes.
"Sure!" said Lina. "Whatever. Truth be told, that's not on my high priority list at the moment."
"Next is Xellos's cure." said the girl. She slowly brought both of them down on to a green couch.
"May I know what his curse is?" asked Lina.
"You will know in four days." said LoN.
"Then why bring it up?" asked Lina. "Just to make sure. He's not going to die from it or something, right?"
"No, he won't die from it." said the being. This was so fun! If only Lina knew what surprises lay hidden for her. "For this curse, only you will be able to cure him from it. But, as usual, there's a catch. You have to find out what it is."
"Blah," said Lina as she snapped her fingers. "And Xellos probably won't tell me, right?"
"He doesn't even know," Amph smiled. Lina raised an eyebrow.
"Oh well," she said. "I'll figure that out also. Now..."
"Now, here is the manual for your new magic!" said the queen with a smile. She brought out a child's coloring book.
"That?"
"No, um... jeje... oops..." said the child as she hid the book and brought out another one. This one was thicker, and had a rich chocolate brown leather cover with a gold design embossed on it. The pages were gold edged, and gave it an aura of sophistication and antiquity. It was very nice. And written in very nice handwriting. Unfortunately, she couldn't read it.
"So, how am I supposed to read this?" asked Lina, with sarcasm in her voice.
"Well," said LoN. "It's quite simple. You learn! Every time you need to send me a note, send it like this, so nobody can read it. You'll get the hang of the language. Every once in a while, the characters will change, but such is the nature of Chaos. You'll be fine." Lina took the book.
"Anything else?" asked LoN. "Your dream time is nearly over, you know."
"One more thing," said Lina. "Can I tell people that I'm your knight now?"
"Sure, no problem!" said the girl and snapped her fingers. Lina found herself in her room, having just woken up from her dream.
[END OF FLASHBACK]
"Hey, Zel?" asked Lina when they had stopped for a break for their horses. Zel was resting against a tree while keeping an eye on the horses who were taking a drink at a nearby brook.
"Yeah, Lina?" asked Zel. The afternoon was very peaceful, and even though they had encountered a few bandits here and there, they had covered good ground so far. A few more minutes, and they would be on their way to Seerin once again.
"I have news for you. I think you'll be happy." said Lina.
"Really?" asked Zel.
"Yeah, let me think of how I can word it..." said Lina. Zel looked at her curiously. He had no idea what it could be. Lina walked around the tree as she thought. She suddenly stopped in front of Zel.
"You're invited to my swearing in as Knight of Chaos in a few days in Dreamland." said Lina. "And if lucky, with another Knight, we'll fix your Chimera problem. See, I told you that all that research would pay off!" Zel froze. First of all, Lina as the Knight of Chaos? The end of the world was coming. Next of all, a cure, for him! A real cure, that Lina had. Not Xellos, who might be lying, or a complete stranger he couldn't trust, but Lina, his traveling companion.
"Really!?" asked Zel, fighting hard to keep his voice emotion less, well, at least not sound too hopeful. He didn't quite succeed.
"Yeah," said Lina. "Congratulations, Zel!" she said as she stuck out her hand to him. He shook it. But then couldn't help himself and hugged her.
"Thank you Lina," he said and let her go. Then he got serious. "But, did you have to become Knight to do it?"
"Yes," she said with a sad smile.
"You do understand its implications, right?" asked Zel. Lina nodded and tried to blink back her tears. And Zel felt his happiness dissipate. "I'm...I'm sorry, Lina," he said. "I never wanted this to happen to you." It was enough that Lina had a special affinity with the Lord of Nightmares, but she had been scared spitless of that affinity. After the Phibrizio encounter, Lina had been worried about LoN. Who wouldn't. LoN, so chaotic, so dangerous, and now, Lina trapped with her.
"Is there some way to reverse it?" asked Zel. Lina looked shocked.
"No," she said. "It was an oath. Besides, if I weren't Knight, how would I help you turn back into a human?"
"I never meant for you to have to live almost an eternity as Knight of Chaos, Lina," said Zel seriously. "Believe me, if I could find some way to reverse your decision, I would do it. My cure is important, but not enough to condemn you."
"Don't worry about it, Zel," said Lina with a smile. "I thought carefully about it. And well, the Lord of Nightmares isn't as imposing as I thought she was." 'Especially considering she usually looks like an eight year old girl' she thought to herself with amusement.
"Are you sure?" asked Zel.
"Very," said Lina. "Now, let's go. It's time to get moving." Zel stood up and whistled to call the horses.
"By the way," said Zel. "As Knight of Chaos. Can't you teleport?"
"I'd try, but the manual said that unless Chaos wanted me there, it might not always work. It's... no joke intended... chaotic in its manner of transportation. I have to learn a little more first."
"OK," said Zel. "Let's go." And so, the two riders kept on their journey. A little farther down the road...
"Lina," whispered Zel as they walked their horses so that they wouldn't get exhausted.
"Yeah, Zel?" asked Lina just as quietly.
"Don't look behind us, but there is a huge alligator running after us." said Zel seriously, not quite sure how to take it.
"A What?" asked Lina, her voice raising a few decibels. Zel shushed her.
"Do you have any idea why an alligator is following us?" asked Zel. Lina was about to say no, when she decided to think for a while. She stopped her horse and had it turn around. Zel tried to stop her, but oh well... Lina looked at the huge alligator running to her.
"Hello, Mr. Melfynusti?" she asked softly, just in case she was wrong. Small chance of that, though... there was only one alligator/crocodile she knew that was that huge.
"Greetings, Inverse," said Melfy as he stopped in front of her.
"Is there something I can help you with?" asked Lina nervously. Behind her, Zel stared at the
alligator.
"Hey, Lina," he started. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Oh, Zel, this is Melfynusti. Mr. Melfynusti, this is my friend Zel." said Lina.
"Oh, how do you do?" asked Zel, his calm returned. After all, if Lina wasn't worried, then he had no reason to worry either. Besides, it seemed as if they knew each other.
"Nice to meet you," said the alligator before looking at Lina. "Inverse, I have a request to make of you."
"How can I help you?" asked Lina, watching all her manners.
"I would go with you and see what happened to Zelas and Xellos." said Melfy.
"Are you sure?" asked Lina. She wasn't exactly sure of what she should do. After all, he was a Mazoku, but then again, he wasn't a normal Mazoku either... "May I ask the reason why?"
"No, you may not," said Melfy coolly. Lina thought about it for a while.
"Sure, but on one condition." said Lina. "You can't attack me or my friends."
"Mazoku's honor," said Melfy solemnly. "I don't mean it in an oxymoron type of way." Lina nodded.
"Um... do you have a human form or something?" she asked. Melfy nodded and transformed before the two of them. In the place of the huge animal, was a man that looked to be in his late 30s or early 40s. He had gray silver hair and flat gray eyes. His complexion was light, like Xellos's, and was garbed in a splendid lightning blue cape with silver trim. His shirt and pants were both sea green, with a silver sash at his waist. His hair was long, reaching to his waist and was tied into a long braid. He carried a long pike made of a bluish colored material that gleamed in the afternoon light.
"You're, Melfynusti?" asked Lina, surprised. She hadn't expected to Mazoku to look so...so... so, distinguished or regal, almost. Zel was also surprised.
"Yes, I am him," said the alligator turned man. "But please, do call me Melf, instead of Melfynusti. I don't know what Zelas was thinking of when she called me Melfynusti."
"Sure, Melf," said Lina hesitantly. "Um, let's go." Melf muttered a spell under his breath and began to float. The horses didn't even blink an eye, they were so used to things flying near them, like robbers and bandits. One more couldn't matter much.
"Yes, let's be on our way," he said, as serious as usual. And the three continued on their journey. The second day was over.
*****
It was the third day after Lina had left for Seerin. By now, all the bandits knew Lina Inverse, the Dramatta, Bandit Spooker, Dragon Slayer, and Bane of all Restaurants was back. Amelia read the newspapers. She was in a city near the edge of what used to be the shield and was starting an embassy for Seyruun in there. So far everything had gone fine. Gourry had gone out to buy supplies for their trip back to Seyruun, so that she could report. But the newspaper was very surprising to say the least. The headlines said, "LINA INVERSE, Alive once more?"
'Lina?' wondered Amelia. 'The things these people will make up. Lina died years ago...' She wiped a tear from her eyes. Lina, that brave and fiery sorceress; It wasn't fair that someone with such vitality and life would die so early in life. She read through the article, though, quite curious as to the contents.
'Let's see... seen traveling with one man, some others say two men,... knows magic.... hasn't used her trademark magic though, like the Dragon Slave... people say she's traveling to the east...' Amelia smiled as she put the newspaper down. Some people were just so willing to write anything to get a scandalous response from the people. And Amelia smiled, and packed her bags. Gourry would be back soon and they would go to Seyruun.
*****
Gourry decided to have a snack. He was very hungry. After all, buying so much food for their journey had sparked his appetite. He spied a little outdoor cafe. He decided to go there and have a little snack. After eating three chocolate parfaits, five chocolate and strawberry covered bananas and a milkshake of strawberries and bananas, he noticed the newspaper. The headlines...
"LINA INVERSE, Alive once more?" he read softly. "Lina, alive?" his voice was hopeful. Could they be talking about the same Lina he knew? The one who died two years ago? He had to tell Amelia! He grabbed the newspaper, the packs of food, left money for the bill and ran to the little hotel they were staying at.
*****
Amelia looked at the two notes in her hands. One was addressed to Gourry Gabriev. The other was to her, and it was written in black, fancy handwriting. She set down Gourry's and shakily opened her letter up. A little frog had appeared out of nowhere with the two letters, had set them on her hands and then disappeared without a trace. She unfolded the letter.
"To her highness, Princess Amelia Wil Tesla de Seyruun:
You have been invited to Ms. Tirla Celina Inverse's swearing in as official Knight of Chaos in three days. You will be immediately transported to the Dreamrealm at the correct time. Please by asleep in three days at midnight so as to not miss such a momentous occasion. Thank you. Queen Chaos Amph (The Lord on Nightmares)" And Amelia stared and stared at the letter in her hand, her face pale as vanilla ice-cream.
*****
In another town...
Filia smiled at the pieces of pottery. She had spent forever on them, and now, after firing them in the kiln, they looked perfect like all her other creations. She picked one up, since it had cooled already. This one was a vase with handles in the shape of fleur-de-lis. It had a slender neck and the rim was designed in such a way that it looked like flowers. The whole vase had a feeling of springtime in it. The other one, was a small bowl with stars and moons designed all over it in relief. Both were beautiful. The customer was sure to like them. Now, to add the color. She put the two down and turned to her cabinet with varnishes and was about to get a Prussian blue color, when a little frog with little gold wings appeared in front of her. She screamed. The frog blinked back and dropped a letter on her hand and disappeared.
"What was that?" she asked herself as she sat down with the letter in her hands. It was addressed to her, Filia Ul Copt. She brushed her golden hair aside and read the letter inside.
"Nani?" she exclaimed. "LINA INVERSE!!!???"
*****
Sylphiel looked at the little frog in front of her. She pointed her wand at it.
"I'm warning you," said Sylphiel as sternly as she could. "Stay back!"
"Ribbit?" croaked the little frog before it dropped a letter on the ground and then left calmly behind a few rocks. Sylphiel sighed. All was well. She didn't really want to kill the poor little frog, but sometimes, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. She approached the letter carefully. It was addressed to her! What an intelligent little frog! She read the note and fainted. The frog peaked from behind the rocks and sweat dropped before disappearing.
*****
Rhea looked at the letter in her hands.
"Mom, Dad, Riza, Rowan! Look!" she cried as she ran to them. "It's about Ms. Tirla!"
*****
Zelgadis rode along beside Lina and the flying Melf.
"Yo, Lina," he said.
"Yes?" asked Lina.
"I take it the invitations are out?" he asked as he waved a note to Lina. Lina read it and smiled
lightly.
"I guess so," she said. In the distance, the town of Seerin came in view. She smiled lightly. She'd
get to see her students soon.
*****
And in some unknown place, Xellos was sleeping fitfully. The past two days had been very tiring for him. Finally, he was able to sleep, and what happens? The Lord of Nightmares calls on you, what else?
"So, Xellos," said the little girl with golden hair. "I have a mission for you. Are you willing to accept?" And Xellos stared.
"Lord of Nightmares?" he asked. She nodded. Hastily, he kneeled, showing respect and reverence to the deity. What in the world was going on?
Author's notes...
Finally, this chapter is finished!! Yeah!! Hurray!! Hope you liked it! This chapter was fun to write!! Anyway, the next chapter will be about Xellos. And to Chibi_Tenshin, sorry, no romantic scenes yet. I promise, they will be out. Remember, this is first of all an adventure, second a humor fic, third a romance. So yeah, I'm working on the next chapter. Have fun! You guys are awesome!!! I'm so glad you guys like it and are reading it! Thank you!!!! Please Read and Review. Comments and Criticisms are extremely welcome also!!!
Sincerely, Hotaru Kimiko Lai
PS, I have a question for you all... What does Shakespeare's epitaph say?
PPS, Yeah, I know it's a weird question... but oh well. Do any of you know? If you do, please e-mail me or drop me a note! Thanx!!!
Quote
"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
-Poor Richard's Almanack