Slayers: To the End...
By H. Kim L.
(if you haven't noticed, i like writing my name differently every time...)
Disclaimer...
You know... I wish I could work in the companies that do the animes and stuff! That would be so fun! I might even meet the creators! I bet being a seiyuu is very fun... oh yeah, Slayers doesn't belong to me...^^
Chapter 12
Pillow Fights and Catharsis...
"Idiot! Fool!"
"..."
"Nothing to say for yourself? No excuse? Nothing?" There was silence... Madabar paced in front of Megrim, her tail swishing angrily behind her, as it whipped to and fro. "You go and kidnapp Xellos... and allow him to escape! But you steal his staff, so, good for you. Then, I send you to go after him again, and what do I see?" Megrim did not say a word. His clothes were in tatters, and there were still smudges of ash and dirt and dust on him. There were a few new scars on his face where the orb's shards had struck his face and run gashes into his once smooth skin.
"I had to get you out of there, you know..." said Madabar. "You do know what you'd be right now, had I not saved your sorry butt from Inverse and the Priest. You'd be dust, ashes, whatever except whole and complete! Oh, and of course, I can't forget a broken staff. You had to go and get his staff broken also, I suppose, to make your humiliation complete? To go down in style?"
Megrim seethed under the tirade, and what was worse, he knew that she was right. How he hated it when anyone other than him was right...
"I don't even know why in the world Zelas stuck you with me!" seethed Madabar. "You're an incompetent fool, Megrim! From now on, you're not going out! Oh, and Zelas is in the other room, waiting to talk with you." Megrim's face paled. He nodded stiffly and entered the side room. He knew his sister was going to make Madabar's tirade look like a pep talk. So, he walked slowly towards his doom.
Megrim opened the door and winced as he took a whiff of the smell. She had been drinking again, but more than usual. The whole room stunk of grapes and wine. Wine and Zelas were a pair that just didn't separate, unless she was drinking orange juice... Anyway, wine was a good indicator of what mood she was in. Lot's of wine meant either, very good mood, or very bad mood. And guessing from the way her eyes glinted like steel and the tense atmosphere of the room, she had been drinking because she was in a bad mood...
"Sit." she said, her eyes cold. In her hand, she held an elegant wine goblet, half filled with wine. He gulped and quickly sat on the stiff wooden chair in the room. She was wearing a long evening gown type of dress. A dress that fit like a glove, and trailed behind her like a pool of blood. In case you were wondering, the dress was indeed, blood red. How fitting, wouldn't you think?
"What is the meaning of what I've heard?" she asked quietly. Too quietly for Megrim's tastes. "Correct me if I'm wrong. You swiped Xellos, and tortured him, going against orders if I may add, trying to get your power back. You take his staff. He escapes. You go after him again. Attack Seerin. Get a bunch of our minions killed, and you don't even come back with Xellos. Or Lina, or a hostage or a whole and unharmed staff?" Megrim nodded. He hoped he'd just die and vanish, to not have to deal with this.
"How dare you even come back?" she hissed. "By the way, the room is sealed. You can say what you wish. Scream as loud as you can, and no one will hear you...brother..."
"Forgive me, Zelas." he said softly.
"Forgive you?" she said softly. She laughed, a mad almost insane laugh. Coming from her, it almost sounded happy. "It's nice to know you haven't lost your sense of humor." Megrim strove to put on a brave face.
"I'm sorry." he said. "It won't happen again."
"You know, that's so true. It won't happen again. And you know why?" she took a long sip from her glass. Megrim gulped. "No guesses? Oh well, I'll tell you. That, is a secret! Well, no... not really. Nice getting to talk to you before you die!"
Madabar looked up at the sudden inflection of power that came from the room. Bright light could be seen under the door and all of a sudden... nothing. Zelas had gone, and nothing was left. For a few seconds, she almost felt, sad...Sure, he was an incompetent fool, but no matter what, no one deserved to have to deal with Zelas like that. Just another reason to add to her list of Reasons Why I Should Kill Zelas. She smiled... time was almost up for the Beastmaster.
Zelas frowned. She needed a spy into Madabar's group, to make sure it went well. Who could she send? She flipped the little jewel that contained her brother. She stared at it thoughtfully, and a small plan formed in her head. She flipped the jewel once more into the air.
*****
"We finally made it to Seyruun!" said Lina as she made it to the top of the hill. It was a very pretty view. Seyruun lay before her, looking so serene and peaceful... Xellos and Zelgadis rode up after her.
"It's been years since I've been here." she said quietly. Xellos looked at her happily. Lina hadn't really said anything about the kiss since the other night. He didn't mind, not too much... well, that's what he told himself. Lina seemed, like herself. Violent, and on the move and cute and studious at the same time, which meant, of course, no talking about emotions.
Zelgadis looked at Lina and thought about different things. He thought back to the three million times he had tried to talk to her. Every time, though... something had happened.
FLASHBACKS...
#1
"Hey, Lina!" said Zelgadis. "Can I have a word with you?"
"Sure!"
"Um, I was wondering, have you been..." started Zelgadis.
"Yeah?" asked Lina, she asked as she looked back at him.
"Well... about... Lina watch out!" said Zel.
"Huh, what? Aaaaagh!" screamed Lina. She ran into a low hanging branch.
#2
"Lina are you better now?" asked Zel. Lina just looked at him. The bump on her forehead was gone, due to Zel's white magic abilities. Not that Lina couldn't do white magic. She was to lazy to cast it on herself.
"Thanks." said Lina with a smile. This time, she made sure to keep looking ahead. "Anyway, you were saying something?"
"Yeah,... I was wondering..." started Zel once more. "About... well, a something you said..."
"Yeah?" asked Lina.
"Ne Lina, you're it!" said Xellos as he ran by her and tagged her. He also took her journal.
"Xellos!!!!! Give that back right now!!!!" shouted Lina as she spurred her horse after Xellos. "XELLOS!!!!!" Zel was left staring at her retreating back.
#3
They had set up camp that night. What was so amazing was that neither Lina nor Xellos were about. He shrugged. Now he couldn't really talk to her. He sighed. When was he ever going to be able to talk to her? It was almost as if Lina were trying to avoid him... maybe he should try asking Xellos... yeah right!
END FLASHBACK...
He'd get to see Amelia today. He saw her in his dreams a few days ago, during the Chaos thing... She'd looked very nice. He was glad that Gourry and her were doing so well. Gourry was an excellent bodyguard. Maybe after all this crazyness, he'd stick around Seyruun for a while. Travelling by yourself wasn't the healthiest thing. Now, to remind Lina to turn him back into a human being...
Lina smiled. She looked back and waved laughed.
"Bet you can't beat me to the palace on horse!" she shouted as she spurred her horse onward.
"Hey!" exclaimed Zel, before he galloped after her. Xellos also galloped after her, smiling. He could feel Zel's exasperation about not being able to talk to Lina.
Zel beat them all to the palace. Lina pouted as she rode up.
"Good race, Zel." she said. Her hair was a mess and was now flying all over the place in the wind. Xellos rode up, slowly.
"Hi!" he said with a smile. They finally went into the palace and greeted Amelia and Gourry, who had arrived the day before.
"Miss Lina! Mr. Zelgadis!" shouted Amelia as she ran to hug the two. "Oh, and hi, Mr. Xellos." feeling a little uncomfortable around him.
"No hug for me, Amelia?" asked Xellos in a joking manner, his predictable grin on his face. She looked down. "Just joking, princess!" He grinned again. Amelia all of a sudden got more businesslike as Gourry came wandering in, a chicken leg in his hand.
"Yo, Lina! What's up, Zel?" he asked as he waved the food at them. "Hello.... um... oh yeah! Xellos!"
"Hello to you too, Gourry." said Xellos. Zel nodded. Lina stared. He was waving a grilled piece of chicken, marinated with Seyruun palace's special sauce... Her mouth watered. She smiled impishly and vanished from sight as she went to the kitchen to get some food. She reappeared three seconds later, with a whole plateful of food. Then, she said hi to everyone.
"Hello!" she said as she tore into another piece of chicken. Amelia sweatdropped. Gourry smiled and took another piece from her plate. At least, he tried to.
"Mine!" said Lina as she whirled around. She ran into Xellos, who was close behind her. Xellos steadied her and the plate. "Oh, thanks..." she mumbled, all red in the face. Xellos smiled at her.
"No problem, Lina!" he said chirpily. With that, he took a piece of chicken and disappeared.
"Xellos!" shouted Lina, trying to be mad and angry. For some reason, she couldn't restrain a twinkle in her eyes and the slight turning up of the corners of her mouth. She laughed a bit. "Fine, take it!" she shouted in mock anger as she shook her fist at thin air. Xellos's laughing voice could be heard.
"OK!" she said as she turned around to face three shocked people. "We'll talk after supper! Lot's of things to do! See ya! Call me when it's time for supper!" she said and she marched to a guest room around there.
"Um... lead Ms. Lina to a guest room, please." said Amelia to a servant who was near there. He nodded and quickly followed Lina.
The three stood there silently.
"Ne, Lina has changed a lot." said Amelia. Gourry thought for a while.
"You know..." he started. "That's true! She isn't as flat chested anymore!" Amelia and Zel sweatdropped.
"No, I meant as in personality wise..." said Amelia weakly.
"Oh, not really." said Zelgadis. "She's about the same as before."
"I agree with Amelia!" said Gourry. "She didn't fireball me yet!"
"That's because you haven't insulted her or her body yet." said Zel dryly.
"But I didn't do that before either!" he said innocently. He looked thoughtful while he chewed a piece of meat. "She's changed! Well, in that, at least. But she's still the spunky, and overly active Lina we used to know! Besides, she said to call her for supper, so she's still the same as before."
"That's true," said Zel, amazed that Gourry was talking halfway seriously at the present moment.
"Um... Mr. Zelgadis?" asked Amelia, looking a little worried. "What's Mr. Xellos doing here also?"
"Oh, didn't you notice him at the Knight of Chaos thing?" asked Zel.
"Yeah, I saw him there." said Amelia. "But why is he travelling with you? And why are you three together? I mean, isn't it dangerous?"
"I don't know." said Zel. "I think I trust him a little more."
"What about Xellos? Why wouldn't you trust him? He seems like a nice guy!" said Gourry.
"Don't you remember all the times he tricked us?" asked Amelia.
"He did?" asked Gourry. He scratched his head, as a question mark appeared above him. "You know something strange? I don't remember that!" Amelia and Zel sweatdropped.
"Anyway, he's not really a Mazoku anymore..." said Zel. "I mean, he's like Lina, a little. Both are Chaos's Knights. That changes one, I'm sure. Besides, he works for L-sama now, not Beastmaster."
"Yeah, but before, he always had a little secret agenda..." said Amelia, not quite sure what to take of Xellos's changes. "I mean... I don't know... I guess if you and Ms. Lina trust him, I can too, for the time being..."
"You know something?" asked Gourry all of a sudden. Zel and Amelia looked at him strangely, expecting something stupid.
"What?" asked Zel trying to sound interested.
"You know... if it weren't the fact that it's Lina we're talking about..." said Gourry. Zel sighed... he obviously hadn't realized they were talking about the Mazoku... or ex-Mazoku. "... it seemed to me, that well... not that I'm an expert in these things..."
"Yes?" asked Amelia, encouraging him on.
"... but I remember my sister acted weird just like Lina did... my older sister, that is... and my mom said something weird..."
"Yes?" asked Zel. If he wasn't careful, he'd get lost in the deluge of words bursting forth from Gourry's mouth.
"...not that that has anything to do with it...Anyway, if it weren't Lina, I would almost think she was... what was that word again? oh yeah!... flirting with Xellos!" Amelia stared at Zelgadis, who stared back at her. For once, Gourry had something quite intelligent. And sort of made sense. After all, had been anyone else, they would all have agreed, she was flirting. With Lina, though... it was different. Lina didn't flirt... at least, not the Lina they knew... Lina, flirt? Yeah right! But, had it been someone else... yeah... it was possible. But Lina? Nah...
*****
Lina hummed to herself softly as she put her stuff away. She was wearing her trademark adventurer's clothes... but in a castle, they felt akward. Which was why she had her other clothes to fall back on. Cloak and tights came off, soon replaced with loose shirt and pants, and of course, her long white researcher's coat.... yeah, the one that was sleeveless and had huge pockets. She stared at herself in the mirror. She smiled.
"My, my, my... who are we smiling for?" asked Xellos as he popped into the room. Lina turned around, her smile replaced by a skeptical face.
"Don't you ever knock?" she asked in an annoyed tone of voice. Xellos grinned.
"NWB! No way baby!" he said with a smile. Lina stared. "Something wrong?"
"No... nothing." said Lina as she shook her head. "It's just that you usually don't say things like that."
"Just trying to fit into my new role as one of the most chaotic people in the universe and an ex-mazoku who can all of a sudden survive someone screaming into his ear 'Life is beautiful'." Lina looked at him, her face turning serious.
"Is it hard?" she asked. She sat down on her bed. "I mean, does it take time getting used to all of this?" Xellos looked thoughtful for a while.
"I don't know. I guess a little. I didn't have such a wide gamut of emotions before... now, I can feel other things and even enjoy them at times. Like laughing..." he said. He sat down across from Lina on a chair.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" asked Lina. She couldn't really say she understood what he was going through... but he was the chosen one for her, and she'd start off on the right foot with him.
"I don't think there's much..." said Xellos. "You've already done enough, Lina chan..." Lina blushed at that. The sudden use of that name brought back memories she hadn't dealt with yet. She looked down shyly. Xellos was surprised to see the delicate red shade tinting her cheeks.
"Wow... Lina Inverse, blushing?" he asked softly, in a teasing tone. She got even redder.
"Am not," she said with out much conviction. He got closer to her and lifter her chin up with his finger.
"Yeah, you're blushing...!" he said in a childlike voice. Lina rolled her eyes and bopped him on the head. "You know, that's one of the things I haven't felt yet."
"You should give it a try," said Lina sarcastically as she stood up and controlled her reactions. But she couldn't control the expression of her eyes and how they twinkled with repressed mirth. Xel followed her around. Lina abruptly turned around to face him.
"You said I did enough already..." she said hesitantly. "As in good or bad?"
"Good, Lina chan, don't worry." he said with a smile.
"What is it with calling me Lina chan every three seconds?" asked Lina.
"Cause it suits you!" he said. His eyes also glittered, and Lina smiled. She rolled her eyes once more.
"ANYWAY..." she said. "What did I do?" She was curious. He said she'd helped him, and she wanted to know how, so she could repeat it or know what to stay away from. Of course, this was only to start off on the right foot, and yeah... get to know him better, and all that junk... uh huh!
"You really want to know?" asked Xellos.
"Of course!" she said. She looked around casually and decided to be honest with him on some aspects. Just open up a little. "I want to help you... so that it's easier for you." Lina walked to her dresser and started to buckle on her talismans. Xellos felt himself get serious. Lina was serious about it... she really wanted to help him... he felt,... oddly touched... moved. It made him feel happy. So far, it seemed to be going all right. Well, he wouldn't be the one to break it if he could.
"Well, sore wa himitsu desu!" he said. Lina rolled her eyes once more and threw a pillow at his head after putting on her talismans. Xellos, who had his eyes closed in the trademark position to deliver the phrase, didn't see it coming and got hit in the face.
"Lina, that wasn't nice!" he said and threw another pillow at her. Lina, who had turned her back on him got hit.
"Oh yeah!" she said in a challenging voice. She grabbed more pillows and wacked him with it. Xellos laughed... Oh, the sound of laughter was great! And so was the feeling one got when they laughed, full of satisfaction and contentment... he grabbed more pillows and retaliated with his own attack. Lina shrieked and ducked the onslaught of pillows. She ran and jumped on to the bed and tossed the covers on him. He got entangled and then she jumped on him and whacked him with a pillow.
Xellos, who was under the covers at the moment, squirmed around, trying to get out. When he felt Lina's weight on him, he smiled evilly. He pushed her back with all his might, and got the tables turned, as he was now on the top and her under the covers. And... he was pinning her arms down. Lina laughed and tried to get free, but Xellos didn't let go. He manouvered her hands so that he could hold them with one hand... she had such slim wrists... Lina, of course, struggled even harder, but to no avail. And then, to make sure that Lina wouldn't accidentally kick him, he pinned her feet down with one leg.
"Hey, Xellos... what are you planning?" asked Lina as she tried to get free. Her voice was muffled from the covers. Xellos grinned. "Let me go!"
"Nope!" he said. "Not until you plead for mercy and state the Xellos is the coollest!"
"Never!" she said jokingly. Xellos grinned.
"So, playing tough, are we?" he asked evilly. Lina felt the hairs on the back of her head rise, even though it was getting hot under the blanket. All of a sudden, she couldn't feel him on top anymore, but when she tried to move, she found that he had placed a spell on her to not escape.
"Xellos!!! Come here right now, or else..." she said.
"Or else what?" cut in Xellos as he took the blanket off her. She gasped. There was her bed, but it looked modified... with clasps for one's wrists and ankles. She gulped.
"Um... Xellos? What are you planning?" she asked nervously. He just grinned and moved her to the bed, clasping her to it. "Xellos..." she asked, not quite sure. She was put spread out on the bed. He slowly took off her socks, reveiling dainty little feet. Lina stared at him... no... Xellos wasn't like that... she hoped... He wouldn't...
Xellos grinned at her... he was really enjoying all the fear and excitement coming from her. He impishly got close to her and kissed her nose. She mega blushed.
"You'll see," he whispered huskily. Lina felt her heart skip a beat. She tried to take a big calming breath... Xellos wasn't a perv, he wouldn't do anything indecent... she hoped. Xellos took something from his cape. Lina's eyes widened when she saw what it was... a feather... And it wasn't one of those pathetic looking excuses for a feather. It was one of those huge, fluffy ones... the ones that they probably filled feather blankets with. The one that if it barely touched you, would make you flinch and giggle. That type of feather!
"No, please... no...!!" she said. Her heart sped up. He nodded and grinned evilly. He soflty ticked the soles of her feet with the feather. Lina bit on her lip, trying to bite back a laugh. Her fingers clenched. Xellos ticked her a little more. Her right foot, the one being tickled, lurched as her body decided that it definately did not want more of it and tried to get free. Finally, Lina burst. She giggled and laughed, and tried everything she could to break free.
"Ne, Xellos..." she gasped. "Stop it!" She broke out laughing so hard that tears leaked from her eyes. He stopped and Lina calmed down. He whispered in her ear...
"Plead for mercy?" he asked. Lina took a deep breath and calmed down.
"No," she said bravely. Xellos tickled her left foot. This time, her body spasmed as she burst out into more squeals. She tried to ready a spell, but it was close to impossible to recite one while squealing and laughing like crazy. He smiled but didn't let up. She was wrenching against the cuffs holding her in place now. Her breathing was ragged as she tried to get free. And now, he started to do both feet at a time. Xellos winced. He though Lina had been loud before, but that was before... He was so glad he had put a silence spell on the room. Had anybody else heard all the noise, they would of course, assume the worst of him and Lina. He stared at her dainty little toes, they were so cute! Of course, Lina would Fire ball him if she found out.
"Stop!!!" she cried out, tears running down her cheeks. "Xellos...fine, fine! I yield!!!" Xellos mercifully stopped his torture on her.
"You say anything?" he asked innocently. Lina tried to take deep, calming breaths.
"Fine... mercy..." she said as she gasped for breath. He smiled.
"Yatta Lina!" he said. "See it wasn't that hard. Now, let's try the next part!" He got closer to her.
"First, let my hands go." she said. Xellos smiled.
"No spells..." Lina promised. He let her hands go. She sat up and grinned ruefully at him as she massaged her wrists. "You big meanie." she said and stuck her tongue out at him. He did likewise.
"Well, I'm waiting." he said. He took one of her wrists and started to massage it so that the soreness would leave. Lina blushed. She got a wicked plan. So, Xellos thought that he had won, huh? We'll see about that.
"And my feet too." she said. Xellos shrugged and undid them also. Lina smiled. Now, to put her plan into action. She stood up and pushed Xellos down until he sat on the bed. She sat across his lap, her eyes half lidded, but in a, shall we call it, "sexy way"? Xellos gulped. Lina had a predatorious look about her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her mouth close to his ear.
"Xellos?" she whispered into his ear. Xellos felt himself shiver this time. Is this what Lina felt when he whispered in her ear? He hadn't realized that there were emotions so powerful. "You are so, so amazingly..." Here she cut the words and kissed him lightly on the cheek, in a playful, almost coquettish way. She broke the small kiss and stared into his amethyst eyes"...gullible!" She pushed him down and in a twinkling of an eye, snapped him to the bed, hands and feet as she leapt up and did the victory pose at him. "Got ya!"
"Lina!" he said, his eyes unreadable. Unreadable, due to all the emotions zooming in his head. It was like a catharsis. He was enjoying all of the emotions that Lina had been giving off. The fun, the almos playfulness around her, the shrieks and squeals were great, and then, when Lina sat on his lap... the feeling of drowning in her eyes. When she kissed him lightly, he felt as if he were floating, as if the world was all right. It felt like the joy of a promise kept and fulfilled. It felt delicious, exquisite, delicate. He nearly went drunk from the overdose of feelings... and then, a sort of disappointment when she cut it. And all of a sudden, he was just Xellos once more... ex-Mazoku who didn't understand the use of emotions yet. Just plain, boring, Xellos, who nobody really trusted. He felt empty after the emptying of all the feelings.
"Sorry, I just couldn't resist. But, you're amazing also... and OK, when you're not annoying me like crazy, you're cool" she said with a smile. Xellos smiled also and ported out of the clasps. He fixed her wild hair a little.
"You too!" he chirped. She blushed. He laughed. "See you at supper?"
"No need to ask twice!" she said. She picked up the blanket and Xellos fixed the bed and grinned. Lina looked at him and blushed demurely. He smiled and vanished from the room. Lina fixed the bed and smiled. That had been fun. She fell on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She sighed with contentment. That had been really fun. Although...
It had gotten her thinking. What was her relationship with Xellos, exactly? She couldn't just play around forever. Sooner or later, she'd have to talk to him, seriously. One of these days. And then, find out how he felt about her. And then?... well, we will see...
*****
Xellos thought. That had been the most fun he had in ages. Not even torturing someone when he was a Mazoku had brought on such a pleasure. He really had to do that more often, if she didn't fireball him first. Which meant, he'd have to talk to her. But that was another day, when he felt ready... he'd tell her the whole truth, how he felt about her, and he'd see what she'd say... perhaps he should wait until he learned to deal with disappointment. You never know, and even though she was the one for him, she might not think so, or wish that to happen... He sighed... all these feelings were well and good, but really, they caused more than happiness. Somebody forgot to tell him that hurt was included in the package.
*****
Zelas stared at the girl in front of her. The Lord of Nightmares was so impudent! To arrive here to decide something so important in the guise of a girl. Fate stood in between them, a die in her hand.
"Well, ladies," she said cooly. "We are here to roll the die. You know what happens. Odd, Zelas gets her way. Even, Amph gets her way." Both agreed. Fate tossed the die high up in the air. It spun in the air, a die made of silver with onyx stones. And the die fell and fell and fell... Fate looked at the runes on the die.
"The outcome is this, the number is 5." she stated calmly. "Let Zelas's will color my actions until the time is up." The runes were in a language none of them knew except Fate, to avoid tampering. Zelas smiled triumphantly. She was about to rub it in, when she saw the LoN's face. She was smiling! Now, what was the silly Queen of the Frogs up to?
AUTHOR'S NOTES...
SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, I wasn't expecting to finish this chapter so soon. Of course, I hadn't counted on a day and half free from classes...^^ So, here's the next chapter. Some play and teasing here and there. Ending on a serious note... I'll write some serious chapters now... at least, that's what I'm planning to do...^^ Once again, thanks for all the reviews!
Happy Labor Day! God Bless You All, and until next time!
As usual, R and R, and C and C are very welcome! Ja!
Oh, and if you have any cool quote that you want me to put up, send it to me, and I'll see what I can do, although I can't promise putting everything up...
Oh, and thanks to my rp friend, who goes by LinaChan, for helping me get the idea for the pillow fight. You're amazing and cool and all those wonderful adjectives that are majorly flattering... yeah... all that! Like I say, "Sos coolation!" That's a mix of Spanish and heavily accented english spoken by those who are learning. ^^
Sincerely,
Hotaru Kim. L.
The Sneaky Chibi Otaku Geek...
Quotes...
"To imagine the thoughtlessness of a thoughtless thing is useless." -Wendell Berry
"Whoever said "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." was a big fat stinking liar!" -me
By H. Kim L.
(if you haven't noticed, i like writing my name differently every time...)
Disclaimer...
You know... I wish I could work in the companies that do the animes and stuff! That would be so fun! I might even meet the creators! I bet being a seiyuu is very fun... oh yeah, Slayers doesn't belong to me...^^
Chapter 12
Pillow Fights and Catharsis...
"Idiot! Fool!"
"..."
"Nothing to say for yourself? No excuse? Nothing?" There was silence... Madabar paced in front of Megrim, her tail swishing angrily behind her, as it whipped to and fro. "You go and kidnapp Xellos... and allow him to escape! But you steal his staff, so, good for you. Then, I send you to go after him again, and what do I see?" Megrim did not say a word. His clothes were in tatters, and there were still smudges of ash and dirt and dust on him. There were a few new scars on his face where the orb's shards had struck his face and run gashes into his once smooth skin.
"I had to get you out of there, you know..." said Madabar. "You do know what you'd be right now, had I not saved your sorry butt from Inverse and the Priest. You'd be dust, ashes, whatever except whole and complete! Oh, and of course, I can't forget a broken staff. You had to go and get his staff broken also, I suppose, to make your humiliation complete? To go down in style?"
Megrim seethed under the tirade, and what was worse, he knew that she was right. How he hated it when anyone other than him was right...
"I don't even know why in the world Zelas stuck you with me!" seethed Madabar. "You're an incompetent fool, Megrim! From now on, you're not going out! Oh, and Zelas is in the other room, waiting to talk with you." Megrim's face paled. He nodded stiffly and entered the side room. He knew his sister was going to make Madabar's tirade look like a pep talk. So, he walked slowly towards his doom.
Megrim opened the door and winced as he took a whiff of the smell. She had been drinking again, but more than usual. The whole room stunk of grapes and wine. Wine and Zelas were a pair that just didn't separate, unless she was drinking orange juice... Anyway, wine was a good indicator of what mood she was in. Lot's of wine meant either, very good mood, or very bad mood. And guessing from the way her eyes glinted like steel and the tense atmosphere of the room, she had been drinking because she was in a bad mood...
"Sit." she said, her eyes cold. In her hand, she held an elegant wine goblet, half filled with wine. He gulped and quickly sat on the stiff wooden chair in the room. She was wearing a long evening gown type of dress. A dress that fit like a glove, and trailed behind her like a pool of blood. In case you were wondering, the dress was indeed, blood red. How fitting, wouldn't you think?
"What is the meaning of what I've heard?" she asked quietly. Too quietly for Megrim's tastes. "Correct me if I'm wrong. You swiped Xellos, and tortured him, going against orders if I may add, trying to get your power back. You take his staff. He escapes. You go after him again. Attack Seerin. Get a bunch of our minions killed, and you don't even come back with Xellos. Or Lina, or a hostage or a whole and unharmed staff?" Megrim nodded. He hoped he'd just die and vanish, to not have to deal with this.
"How dare you even come back?" she hissed. "By the way, the room is sealed. You can say what you wish. Scream as loud as you can, and no one will hear you...brother..."
"Forgive me, Zelas." he said softly.
"Forgive you?" she said softly. She laughed, a mad almost insane laugh. Coming from her, it almost sounded happy. "It's nice to know you haven't lost your sense of humor." Megrim strove to put on a brave face.
"I'm sorry." he said. "It won't happen again."
"You know, that's so true. It won't happen again. And you know why?" she took a long sip from her glass. Megrim gulped. "No guesses? Oh well, I'll tell you. That, is a secret! Well, no... not really. Nice getting to talk to you before you die!"
Madabar looked up at the sudden inflection of power that came from the room. Bright light could be seen under the door and all of a sudden... nothing. Zelas had gone, and nothing was left. For a few seconds, she almost felt, sad...Sure, he was an incompetent fool, but no matter what, no one deserved to have to deal with Zelas like that. Just another reason to add to her list of Reasons Why I Should Kill Zelas. She smiled... time was almost up for the Beastmaster.
Zelas frowned. She needed a spy into Madabar's group, to make sure it went well. Who could she send? She flipped the little jewel that contained her brother. She stared at it thoughtfully, and a small plan formed in her head. She flipped the jewel once more into the air.
*****
"We finally made it to Seyruun!" said Lina as she made it to the top of the hill. It was a very pretty view. Seyruun lay before her, looking so serene and peaceful... Xellos and Zelgadis rode up after her.
"It's been years since I've been here." she said quietly. Xellos looked at her happily. Lina hadn't really said anything about the kiss since the other night. He didn't mind, not too much... well, that's what he told himself. Lina seemed, like herself. Violent, and on the move and cute and studious at the same time, which meant, of course, no talking about emotions.
Zelgadis looked at Lina and thought about different things. He thought back to the three million times he had tried to talk to her. Every time, though... something had happened.
FLASHBACKS...
#1
"Hey, Lina!" said Zelgadis. "Can I have a word with you?"
"Sure!"
"Um, I was wondering, have you been..." started Zelgadis.
"Yeah?" asked Lina, she asked as she looked back at him.
"Well... about... Lina watch out!" said Zel.
"Huh, what? Aaaaagh!" screamed Lina. She ran into a low hanging branch.
#2
"Lina are you better now?" asked Zel. Lina just looked at him. The bump on her forehead was gone, due to Zel's white magic abilities. Not that Lina couldn't do white magic. She was to lazy to cast it on herself.
"Thanks." said Lina with a smile. This time, she made sure to keep looking ahead. "Anyway, you were saying something?"
"Yeah,... I was wondering..." started Zel once more. "About... well, a something you said..."
"Yeah?" asked Lina.
"Ne Lina, you're it!" said Xellos as he ran by her and tagged her. He also took her journal.
"Xellos!!!!! Give that back right now!!!!" shouted Lina as she spurred her horse after Xellos. "XELLOS!!!!!" Zel was left staring at her retreating back.
#3
They had set up camp that night. What was so amazing was that neither Lina nor Xellos were about. He shrugged. Now he couldn't really talk to her. He sighed. When was he ever going to be able to talk to her? It was almost as if Lina were trying to avoid him... maybe he should try asking Xellos... yeah right!
END FLASHBACK...
He'd get to see Amelia today. He saw her in his dreams a few days ago, during the Chaos thing... She'd looked very nice. He was glad that Gourry and her were doing so well. Gourry was an excellent bodyguard. Maybe after all this crazyness, he'd stick around Seyruun for a while. Travelling by yourself wasn't the healthiest thing. Now, to remind Lina to turn him back into a human being...
Lina smiled. She looked back and waved laughed.
"Bet you can't beat me to the palace on horse!" she shouted as she spurred her horse onward.
"Hey!" exclaimed Zel, before he galloped after her. Xellos also galloped after her, smiling. He could feel Zel's exasperation about not being able to talk to Lina.
Zel beat them all to the palace. Lina pouted as she rode up.
"Good race, Zel." she said. Her hair was a mess and was now flying all over the place in the wind. Xellos rode up, slowly.
"Hi!" he said with a smile. They finally went into the palace and greeted Amelia and Gourry, who had arrived the day before.
"Miss Lina! Mr. Zelgadis!" shouted Amelia as she ran to hug the two. "Oh, and hi, Mr. Xellos." feeling a little uncomfortable around him.
"No hug for me, Amelia?" asked Xellos in a joking manner, his predictable grin on his face. She looked down. "Just joking, princess!" He grinned again. Amelia all of a sudden got more businesslike as Gourry came wandering in, a chicken leg in his hand.
"Yo, Lina! What's up, Zel?" he asked as he waved the food at them. "Hello.... um... oh yeah! Xellos!"
"Hello to you too, Gourry." said Xellos. Zel nodded. Lina stared. He was waving a grilled piece of chicken, marinated with Seyruun palace's special sauce... Her mouth watered. She smiled impishly and vanished from sight as she went to the kitchen to get some food. She reappeared three seconds later, with a whole plateful of food. Then, she said hi to everyone.
"Hello!" she said as she tore into another piece of chicken. Amelia sweatdropped. Gourry smiled and took another piece from her plate. At least, he tried to.
"Mine!" said Lina as she whirled around. She ran into Xellos, who was close behind her. Xellos steadied her and the plate. "Oh, thanks..." she mumbled, all red in the face. Xellos smiled at her.
"No problem, Lina!" he said chirpily. With that, he took a piece of chicken and disappeared.
"Xellos!" shouted Lina, trying to be mad and angry. For some reason, she couldn't restrain a twinkle in her eyes and the slight turning up of the corners of her mouth. She laughed a bit. "Fine, take it!" she shouted in mock anger as she shook her fist at thin air. Xellos's laughing voice could be heard.
"OK!" she said as she turned around to face three shocked people. "We'll talk after supper! Lot's of things to do! See ya! Call me when it's time for supper!" she said and she marched to a guest room around there.
"Um... lead Ms. Lina to a guest room, please." said Amelia to a servant who was near there. He nodded and quickly followed Lina.
The three stood there silently.
"Ne, Lina has changed a lot." said Amelia. Gourry thought for a while.
"You know..." he started. "That's true! She isn't as flat chested anymore!" Amelia and Zel sweatdropped.
"No, I meant as in personality wise..." said Amelia weakly.
"Oh, not really." said Zelgadis. "She's about the same as before."
"I agree with Amelia!" said Gourry. "She didn't fireball me yet!"
"That's because you haven't insulted her or her body yet." said Zel dryly.
"But I didn't do that before either!" he said innocently. He looked thoughtful while he chewed a piece of meat. "She's changed! Well, in that, at least. But she's still the spunky, and overly active Lina we used to know! Besides, she said to call her for supper, so she's still the same as before."
"That's true," said Zel, amazed that Gourry was talking halfway seriously at the present moment.
"Um... Mr. Zelgadis?" asked Amelia, looking a little worried. "What's Mr. Xellos doing here also?"
"Oh, didn't you notice him at the Knight of Chaos thing?" asked Zel.
"Yeah, I saw him there." said Amelia. "But why is he travelling with you? And why are you three together? I mean, isn't it dangerous?"
"I don't know." said Zel. "I think I trust him a little more."
"What about Xellos? Why wouldn't you trust him? He seems like a nice guy!" said Gourry.
"Don't you remember all the times he tricked us?" asked Amelia.
"He did?" asked Gourry. He scratched his head, as a question mark appeared above him. "You know something strange? I don't remember that!" Amelia and Zel sweatdropped.
"Anyway, he's not really a Mazoku anymore..." said Zel. "I mean, he's like Lina, a little. Both are Chaos's Knights. That changes one, I'm sure. Besides, he works for L-sama now, not Beastmaster."
"Yeah, but before, he always had a little secret agenda..." said Amelia, not quite sure what to take of Xellos's changes. "I mean... I don't know... I guess if you and Ms. Lina trust him, I can too, for the time being..."
"You know something?" asked Gourry all of a sudden. Zel and Amelia looked at him strangely, expecting something stupid.
"What?" asked Zel trying to sound interested.
"You know... if it weren't the fact that it's Lina we're talking about..." said Gourry. Zel sighed... he obviously hadn't realized they were talking about the Mazoku... or ex-Mazoku. "... it seemed to me, that well... not that I'm an expert in these things..."
"Yes?" asked Amelia, encouraging him on.
"... but I remember my sister acted weird just like Lina did... my older sister, that is... and my mom said something weird..."
"Yes?" asked Zel. If he wasn't careful, he'd get lost in the deluge of words bursting forth from Gourry's mouth.
"...not that that has anything to do with it...Anyway, if it weren't Lina, I would almost think she was... what was that word again? oh yeah!... flirting with Xellos!" Amelia stared at Zelgadis, who stared back at her. For once, Gourry had something quite intelligent. And sort of made sense. After all, had been anyone else, they would all have agreed, she was flirting. With Lina, though... it was different. Lina didn't flirt... at least, not the Lina they knew... Lina, flirt? Yeah right! But, had it been someone else... yeah... it was possible. But Lina? Nah...
*****
Lina hummed to herself softly as she put her stuff away. She was wearing her trademark adventurer's clothes... but in a castle, they felt akward. Which was why she had her other clothes to fall back on. Cloak and tights came off, soon replaced with loose shirt and pants, and of course, her long white researcher's coat.... yeah, the one that was sleeveless and had huge pockets. She stared at herself in the mirror. She smiled.
"My, my, my... who are we smiling for?" asked Xellos as he popped into the room. Lina turned around, her smile replaced by a skeptical face.
"Don't you ever knock?" she asked in an annoyed tone of voice. Xellos grinned.
"NWB! No way baby!" he said with a smile. Lina stared. "Something wrong?"
"No... nothing." said Lina as she shook her head. "It's just that you usually don't say things like that."
"Just trying to fit into my new role as one of the most chaotic people in the universe and an ex-mazoku who can all of a sudden survive someone screaming into his ear 'Life is beautiful'." Lina looked at him, her face turning serious.
"Is it hard?" she asked. She sat down on her bed. "I mean, does it take time getting used to all of this?" Xellos looked thoughtful for a while.
"I don't know. I guess a little. I didn't have such a wide gamut of emotions before... now, I can feel other things and even enjoy them at times. Like laughing..." he said. He sat down across from Lina on a chair.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" asked Lina. She couldn't really say she understood what he was going through... but he was the chosen one for her, and she'd start off on the right foot with him.
"I don't think there's much..." said Xellos. "You've already done enough, Lina chan..." Lina blushed at that. The sudden use of that name brought back memories she hadn't dealt with yet. She looked down shyly. Xellos was surprised to see the delicate red shade tinting her cheeks.
"Wow... Lina Inverse, blushing?" he asked softly, in a teasing tone. She got even redder.
"Am not," she said with out much conviction. He got closer to her and lifter her chin up with his finger.
"Yeah, you're blushing...!" he said in a childlike voice. Lina rolled her eyes and bopped him on the head. "You know, that's one of the things I haven't felt yet."
"You should give it a try," said Lina sarcastically as she stood up and controlled her reactions. But she couldn't control the expression of her eyes and how they twinkled with repressed mirth. Xel followed her around. Lina abruptly turned around to face him.
"You said I did enough already..." she said hesitantly. "As in good or bad?"
"Good, Lina chan, don't worry." he said with a smile.
"What is it with calling me Lina chan every three seconds?" asked Lina.
"Cause it suits you!" he said. His eyes also glittered, and Lina smiled. She rolled her eyes once more.
"ANYWAY..." she said. "What did I do?" She was curious. He said she'd helped him, and she wanted to know how, so she could repeat it or know what to stay away from. Of course, this was only to start off on the right foot, and yeah... get to know him better, and all that junk... uh huh!
"You really want to know?" asked Xellos.
"Of course!" she said. She looked around casually and decided to be honest with him on some aspects. Just open up a little. "I want to help you... so that it's easier for you." Lina walked to her dresser and started to buckle on her talismans. Xellos felt himself get serious. Lina was serious about it... she really wanted to help him... he felt,... oddly touched... moved. It made him feel happy. So far, it seemed to be going all right. Well, he wouldn't be the one to break it if he could.
"Well, sore wa himitsu desu!" he said. Lina rolled her eyes once more and threw a pillow at his head after putting on her talismans. Xellos, who had his eyes closed in the trademark position to deliver the phrase, didn't see it coming and got hit in the face.
"Lina, that wasn't nice!" he said and threw another pillow at her. Lina, who had turned her back on him got hit.
"Oh yeah!" she said in a challenging voice. She grabbed more pillows and wacked him with it. Xellos laughed... Oh, the sound of laughter was great! And so was the feeling one got when they laughed, full of satisfaction and contentment... he grabbed more pillows and retaliated with his own attack. Lina shrieked and ducked the onslaught of pillows. She ran and jumped on to the bed and tossed the covers on him. He got entangled and then she jumped on him and whacked him with a pillow.
Xellos, who was under the covers at the moment, squirmed around, trying to get out. When he felt Lina's weight on him, he smiled evilly. He pushed her back with all his might, and got the tables turned, as he was now on the top and her under the covers. And... he was pinning her arms down. Lina laughed and tried to get free, but Xellos didn't let go. He manouvered her hands so that he could hold them with one hand... she had such slim wrists... Lina, of course, struggled even harder, but to no avail. And then, to make sure that Lina wouldn't accidentally kick him, he pinned her feet down with one leg.
"Hey, Xellos... what are you planning?" asked Lina as she tried to get free. Her voice was muffled from the covers. Xellos grinned. "Let me go!"
"Nope!" he said. "Not until you plead for mercy and state the Xellos is the coollest!"
"Never!" she said jokingly. Xellos grinned.
"So, playing tough, are we?" he asked evilly. Lina felt the hairs on the back of her head rise, even though it was getting hot under the blanket. All of a sudden, she couldn't feel him on top anymore, but when she tried to move, she found that he had placed a spell on her to not escape.
"Xellos!!! Come here right now, or else..." she said.
"Or else what?" cut in Xellos as he took the blanket off her. She gasped. There was her bed, but it looked modified... with clasps for one's wrists and ankles. She gulped.
"Um... Xellos? What are you planning?" she asked nervously. He just grinned and moved her to the bed, clasping her to it. "Xellos..." she asked, not quite sure. She was put spread out on the bed. He slowly took off her socks, reveiling dainty little feet. Lina stared at him... no... Xellos wasn't like that... she hoped... He wouldn't...
Xellos grinned at her... he was really enjoying all the fear and excitement coming from her. He impishly got close to her and kissed her nose. She mega blushed.
"You'll see," he whispered huskily. Lina felt her heart skip a beat. She tried to take a big calming breath... Xellos wasn't a perv, he wouldn't do anything indecent... she hoped. Xellos took something from his cape. Lina's eyes widened when she saw what it was... a feather... And it wasn't one of those pathetic looking excuses for a feather. It was one of those huge, fluffy ones... the ones that they probably filled feather blankets with. The one that if it barely touched you, would make you flinch and giggle. That type of feather!
"No, please... no...!!" she said. Her heart sped up. He nodded and grinned evilly. He soflty ticked the soles of her feet with the feather. Lina bit on her lip, trying to bite back a laugh. Her fingers clenched. Xellos ticked her a little more. Her right foot, the one being tickled, lurched as her body decided that it definately did not want more of it and tried to get free. Finally, Lina burst. She giggled and laughed, and tried everything she could to break free.
"Ne, Xellos..." she gasped. "Stop it!" She broke out laughing so hard that tears leaked from her eyes. He stopped and Lina calmed down. He whispered in her ear...
"Plead for mercy?" he asked. Lina took a deep breath and calmed down.
"No," she said bravely. Xellos tickled her left foot. This time, her body spasmed as she burst out into more squeals. She tried to ready a spell, but it was close to impossible to recite one while squealing and laughing like crazy. He smiled but didn't let up. She was wrenching against the cuffs holding her in place now. Her breathing was ragged as she tried to get free. And now, he started to do both feet at a time. Xellos winced. He though Lina had been loud before, but that was before... He was so glad he had put a silence spell on the room. Had anybody else heard all the noise, they would of course, assume the worst of him and Lina. He stared at her dainty little toes, they were so cute! Of course, Lina would Fire ball him if she found out.
"Stop!!!" she cried out, tears running down her cheeks. "Xellos...fine, fine! I yield!!!" Xellos mercifully stopped his torture on her.
"You say anything?" he asked innocently. Lina tried to take deep, calming breaths.
"Fine... mercy..." she said as she gasped for breath. He smiled.
"Yatta Lina!" he said. "See it wasn't that hard. Now, let's try the next part!" He got closer to her.
"First, let my hands go." she said. Xellos smiled.
"No spells..." Lina promised. He let her hands go. She sat up and grinned ruefully at him as she massaged her wrists. "You big meanie." she said and stuck her tongue out at him. He did likewise.
"Well, I'm waiting." he said. He took one of her wrists and started to massage it so that the soreness would leave. Lina blushed. She got a wicked plan. So, Xellos thought that he had won, huh? We'll see about that.
"And my feet too." she said. Xellos shrugged and undid them also. Lina smiled. Now, to put her plan into action. She stood up and pushed Xellos down until he sat on the bed. She sat across his lap, her eyes half lidded, but in a, shall we call it, "sexy way"? Xellos gulped. Lina had a predatorious look about her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her mouth close to his ear.
"Xellos?" she whispered into his ear. Xellos felt himself shiver this time. Is this what Lina felt when he whispered in her ear? He hadn't realized that there were emotions so powerful. "You are so, so amazingly..." Here she cut the words and kissed him lightly on the cheek, in a playful, almost coquettish way. She broke the small kiss and stared into his amethyst eyes"...gullible!" She pushed him down and in a twinkling of an eye, snapped him to the bed, hands and feet as she leapt up and did the victory pose at him. "Got ya!"
"Lina!" he said, his eyes unreadable. Unreadable, due to all the emotions zooming in his head. It was like a catharsis. He was enjoying all of the emotions that Lina had been giving off. The fun, the almos playfulness around her, the shrieks and squeals were great, and then, when Lina sat on his lap... the feeling of drowning in her eyes. When she kissed him lightly, he felt as if he were floating, as if the world was all right. It felt like the joy of a promise kept and fulfilled. It felt delicious, exquisite, delicate. He nearly went drunk from the overdose of feelings... and then, a sort of disappointment when she cut it. And all of a sudden, he was just Xellos once more... ex-Mazoku who didn't understand the use of emotions yet. Just plain, boring, Xellos, who nobody really trusted. He felt empty after the emptying of all the feelings.
"Sorry, I just couldn't resist. But, you're amazing also... and OK, when you're not annoying me like crazy, you're cool" she said with a smile. Xellos smiled also and ported out of the clasps. He fixed her wild hair a little.
"You too!" he chirped. She blushed. He laughed. "See you at supper?"
"No need to ask twice!" she said. She picked up the blanket and Xellos fixed the bed and grinned. Lina looked at him and blushed demurely. He smiled and vanished from the room. Lina fixed the bed and smiled. That had been fun. She fell on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She sighed with contentment. That had been really fun. Although...
It had gotten her thinking. What was her relationship with Xellos, exactly? She couldn't just play around forever. Sooner or later, she'd have to talk to him, seriously. One of these days. And then, find out how he felt about her. And then?... well, we will see...
*****
Xellos thought. That had been the most fun he had in ages. Not even torturing someone when he was a Mazoku had brought on such a pleasure. He really had to do that more often, if she didn't fireball him first. Which meant, he'd have to talk to her. But that was another day, when he felt ready... he'd tell her the whole truth, how he felt about her, and he'd see what she'd say... perhaps he should wait until he learned to deal with disappointment. You never know, and even though she was the one for him, she might not think so, or wish that to happen... He sighed... all these feelings were well and good, but really, they caused more than happiness. Somebody forgot to tell him that hurt was included in the package.
*****
Zelas stared at the girl in front of her. The Lord of Nightmares was so impudent! To arrive here to decide something so important in the guise of a girl. Fate stood in between them, a die in her hand.
"Well, ladies," she said cooly. "We are here to roll the die. You know what happens. Odd, Zelas gets her way. Even, Amph gets her way." Both agreed. Fate tossed the die high up in the air. It spun in the air, a die made of silver with onyx stones. And the die fell and fell and fell... Fate looked at the runes on the die.
"The outcome is this, the number is 5." she stated calmly. "Let Zelas's will color my actions until the time is up." The runes were in a language none of them knew except Fate, to avoid tampering. Zelas smiled triumphantly. She was about to rub it in, when she saw the LoN's face. She was smiling! Now, what was the silly Queen of the Frogs up to?
AUTHOR'S NOTES...
SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, I wasn't expecting to finish this chapter so soon. Of course, I hadn't counted on a day and half free from classes...^^ So, here's the next chapter. Some play and teasing here and there. Ending on a serious note... I'll write some serious chapters now... at least, that's what I'm planning to do...^^ Once again, thanks for all the reviews!
Happy Labor Day! God Bless You All, and until next time!
As usual, R and R, and C and C are very welcome! Ja!
Oh, and if you have any cool quote that you want me to put up, send it to me, and I'll see what I can do, although I can't promise putting everything up...
Oh, and thanks to my rp friend, who goes by LinaChan, for helping me get the idea for the pillow fight. You're amazing and cool and all those wonderful adjectives that are majorly flattering... yeah... all that! Like I say, "Sos coolation!" That's a mix of Spanish and heavily accented english spoken by those who are learning. ^^
Sincerely,
Hotaru Kim. L.
The Sneaky Chibi Otaku Geek...
Quotes...
"To imagine the thoughtlessness of a thoughtless thing is useless." -Wendell Berry
"Whoever said "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." was a big fat stinking liar!" -me