A/N: Standard disclaimer, no rights of ownership, etc. etc. If you like this story, make sure to check out its sequels. There are a whole crazy mess of them now. Also view the accompanying fanart at my website, www.vejiitasei.com.
You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.
Reviews are welcome!!
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Amelia gasped and he knew she had spotted what he had seen: the ground was crawling with demons and lesser Monsters. Trolls were stoking the fires and scorching the earth, effectively blocking the path from the city to the sea. What's going on? Amelia whispered, turning her eyes on Zelgadis.
I don't know, but I think that you had better tell your father. I'm going to find Lina, he said.
she agreed, and began to dash off. Before she could get away, Zelgadis reached out and caught her by the wrist, pulling her close to him. He rested his chin for a moment on the top of her head and held her briefly in an awkward embrace.
Be careful, he murmured. You don't know if any Monsters are already inside the castle.
she whispered in return, planting a quick kiss on his cheek before she dashed away from him. He felt his cheeks burn in response and he slowly raised his hand to his face, fingers touching where she had pressed her lips to him. He stood there, dumbfounded, for several moments more before he finally gathered his wits about him and took off in search of Lina.
he shouted, banging on her door.
Shut up! I'm getting dressed! he heard her scream from inside.
It's an emergency! he yelled back. You need to hurry!
What is it, dammit! she screeched. Can't you tell I'm busy?
The entire plain to the south is covered in Monsters! Zelgadis announced, then took an alarmed step back as Lina burst through the door, holding her shirt closed with one hand.
she gasped, ruby-colored eyes wide.
It's just like I said- the plain is swarming with Monsters and lesser demons, he replied. I really think you should go take a look.
The door was immediately slammed in his face, and he could hear things inside the room being knocked over. I'll be out in a minute, Lina growled from the other side of the door.
Zelgadis mumbled, and leaned against the wall to wait.
Five minutes later Lina emerged, annoyance written clearly across her features. Now, what's this crap you're telling me?
It's not crap, it's real. Come with me and you'll see, he snapped in return.
She grumbled but followed his lead, letting him take her to the ramparts on which he and Amelia had first witnessed the amassing forces of evil. He landed and gestured toward the plain with a sweep of his arm, watching her face intently. She rolled her eyes and walked forward, her smug expression falling away as she saw what lay before them. Oh my god, she whispered. There's hundreds of them.
Actually, closer to one thousand, a voice said behind them, and they turned to face Xellos. The Monster smiled at them and appeared to take in the sight of the fires. You, Master Zelgadis, forgot to tell Miss Lina that I would be rejoining her later.
So? What are you going to do about it?
Xellos sighed. Oh, dear. You're still angry at me? Is it because I kissed Amelia?
Lina gurgled, eyes nearly bugging out of her head. When did that happen?
Zelgadis pursed his lips and tried very hard to ignore the fact that he was quickly turning the color of a beet. When she was sick, he growled.
Xellos laughed brightly. Zelgadis was very, very upset, and he played a nasty trick on me. I got back at him and forced him to vent his anger by kissing Amelia. That's all.
Lina smacked Xellos on the arm as hard as she could. You bastard! she cried, scowling at Xellos. Her expression slowly changed into one of conspiratorial camaraderie and she smiled at Zelgadis. You sly dog, Zel, she murmured. Have the hots for the Princess, do you?
Zelgadis stammered, eyes widening as his face flushed even more deeply. I-I-I don't know what you're talking about!
Oh, come on, Lina said with a raised eyebrow. Everyone knows Amelia's been in love with you for years.
Zelgadis said, blinking furiously. He felt disoriented, as if someone had hit him over the head.
Lina chuckled, still looking at him from under half-closed eyelids. Hee hee.
Zelgadis spluttered, unable to form a coherent reply, and was saved by Xellos, who tapped Lina gently on the shoulder.
Um, Miss Lina?
What do you want, Xellos? she snarled.
Don't you think you should be paying attention to the angry evil hordes?
Lina blinked at Xellos for a second, then appeared to feign disinterest. Oh, those guys, she said in a bored tone. I guess I could take a second look, although I don't see anything to get worked up over.
Zelgadis was about to tell her exactly what she should be worrying about when a figure materialized in the air in front of them. There are plenty of things to get worked up about, the figure said as it began to solidify. Your impending demise, for example.
Who the hell is this? Lina grumbled, planting her hands on her hips and tilting her head to the side.
That's Orkalym, Xellos chirped.
The person that floated before them was a tall man with long, blue hair. His piercing green eyes surveyed them sharply and a smile twisted his cruel mouth. At his side hung a huge curved blade and a whip made of white leather. Hello, Xellos, the man said.
Miss Lina, I would like to introduce you to Deep Sea Dolphin's general. Orkalym, this is Miss Lina. I believe she needs no introduction.
Orkalym said, narrowing his eyes and crossing his brawny arms over his chest. Very well, Xellos, you can go now. You've done your part.
And what would that be? Lina said, turning on Xellos angrily.
The trickster priest laughed and scratched the back of his neck. Oh, my mission was merely to make sure you all gathered here. I think I shall stick around, however. I have a feeling this could be fun to watch.
But why is Deep Sea Dolphin after Lina? Zelgadis asked, eying Orkalym warily. Just what they needed- another damn Monster general chasing after them.
Deep Sea isn't, really, Xellos explained. She's actually acting on behalf of Dynast. The Monster community is still pretty touchy about the death of Hellmaster. Not that he's particularly missed, but it's sort of a pride issue.
A wry smile passed over Lina's features. So, Orkalym, what makes you think you can beat me when not even Phibrizzo could?
Zelgadis warned. He really didn't want to make the Monster general any angrier than he was already.
She sighed and nodded. All right, all right. Hey, Xellos, are you capable of blasting this guy away?
Of course. He's only a general, one of several. Even with Anemony's assistance I could still beat him.
So what would it take to get you to do so and save us a whole lot of trouble?
Xellos laughed. I'm afraid you couldn't, Miss Lina. After all, I'm just along for the ride. I'm really not supposed to interfere.
Do you people know that I'm still standing here? Orkalym said, obviously annoyed.
Oh, I'm very aware of it, Zelgadis answered.
Shut up! Lina cried. I'm not done talking to Xellos!
Orkalym bared his teeth and raised his hand, and panic rose in Zelgadis' throat. He stepped in front of Lina and braced himself, calling the magic to him as quickly as he could. Balus Wall! he shouted, and the shot aimed for Lina bounced harmlessly off his barrier. Panting, he turned and glared at Lina. Will you please pay attention? he gasped.
Lina, wide-eyed, turned to face Orkalym. I guess you're serious, she said, face ashen.
Of course I'm serious. All of Deep Sea's minions are serious, unlike that fruitcake over there, Orkalym growled. At any rate, now that I have your attention, I would like you to know that I will not be making the same mistake as my brethren. I am here to smash you quickly and once and for all.
Lina put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow. All right, fair enough. How do you propose to do that?
Well, I figure if I blow up Seyruun while you're in it, that should do the trick.
Oh! Very clever! Xellos said, clapping softly.
Why Seyruun? Zelgadis interjected.
Orkalym scowled, his thick blue eyebrows drawing together tightly. It's the white magic capital of this continent. It can't hurt to blast it into oblivion.
Again, a wonderful plan! Xellos cried.
Shut up, Orkalym growled, directing a blast at Xellos. The trickster priest reached up and grabbed the spell, crushing it to nothingness in his hand. His amethyst eyes opened a fraction and a chuckle started deep in his throat.
Now, now, Xellos chastised. It doesn't look good when you attack your superiors.
Zelgadis felt the blood leave his face. Orkalym's blast had been a powerful one, and Xellos had quashed it as if it were no more than an errant moth. He found himself hoping fervently that Xellos would just stay out of the fight altogether. He didn't know how strong Deep Sea Dolphin's priest and general were, but he did know that if Xellos joined their side, Lina didn't stand a chance unless she wanted to risk casting a Giga Slave. Lina, we should go, he whispered, grasping her upper arm lightly.
I know, she hissed back. But we can't just abandon Seyruun.
Don't worry, Xellos said, sticking his head between them. Orkalym isn't the sharpest knife in the rack. He's strong, no doubt about that, but I wouldn't concern myself with him.
Why are you telling us this? Zelgadis said with a scowl.
Hey! I'm still here! Orkalym shouted.
That, my dear Master Greywords, is a secret, Xellos replied, straightening up. Oh, heads up, he said, his eyes opening a fraction as he gestured with his staff. Zelgadis and Lina whirled in time to see a woman with long, white hair launch into the air and fire a bolt of magic at them. Lina cried out in effort as she cast a fireball, canceling the other woman's spell.
Who's that? Lina demanded, readying herself for another attack.
That would be Anemony, Xellos said. Well, you two have a good time.
What? You're leaving? Lina shrieked.
Good riddance, Zelgadis muttered.
Xellos tilted his head to the side and smiled, reaching up and tracing Lina's cheekbone with a finger. She scowled, but didn't pull away from his touch. I'm afraid I have to, he replied.
Why, you smarmy, she growled, but was interrupted as he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
Until later, Xellos said with a wave, and disappeared from sight.
Lina blinked, blushing furiously. What. . .where. . .but. . . she stammered.
Watch out! Zelgadis bellowed, jumping in front of her, sword drawn. Astral Vine! he cried, parting the beam of magic with his blade.
Lina dropped into a fighting stance and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. She's strong, she muttered.
No kidding. We should find Amelia and Gourry, Zelgadis answered.
Well, then, Lina breathed, eyes focused on the white-haired woman suspended in the sky above them. Let's get out of here!
Zelgadis gurgled as she grabbed him by the back of the collar and dragged him along as she ran. He grunted as she pulled him over the stones, finally vaulting over the edge of the rampart and dashing across the courtyard. It took him a few moments to free himself of her grip, but once he did he ran with all his might, his heart pounding in his chest. Orkalym was bad enough, but he was beatable. Even Anemony might be vanquished somehow, but he really didn't see any possible way they could beat the two Monsters at once. At one point in time he had considered Kanzel and Mazenda to be trouble, but these two new Monsters were even worse. What are we going to do? he panted, keeping stride with Lina.
We have to try and get them away from Seyruun, she gasped. They'll be so busy with us that they won't have time to destroy the city.
But they have that army camped out on the plain! Zelgadis protested. They'll smash Seyruun while we're away!
Then we'll have to take out as many as we can before we go, she replied.
Zelgadis looked in the direction she was pointing and saw Gourry and Amelia running toward them. Gourry came to a halt, but Amelia sped right past him, heading towards the ramparts. he cried. Where are you going?
I can't let them destroy the city! she shouted back, taking to the air.
Zelgadis said, turning and following her.
Don't split up! Lina shouted, doubled over from the exertion of the run.
She's right! Zelgadis cast a quick Ray Wing and snatched Amelia's wrist, pulling her back.
Amelia protested, struggling against his grip.
Not this time, he said, voice low. You haven't seen what we're up against. Deep Sea Dolphin's general and priest are here to destroy us.
Amelia paled and put a hand to her mouth. What? Deep Sea Dolphin?
Yes. Her minions are on loan to Dynast, who wants Lina dead for killing his general Sherra.
But what do we do? Amelia said, her voice a half-whimper.
He wanted to throw his arms around her and tell her everything would be all right, but he held himself back. Besides, he didn't know how everything would turn out, and he wouldn't want to lie to her. Lina thinks we can draw them away from the city. After all, they are after her.
But we can't just abandon the city!
It's not that simple, Amelia, Lina said, joining the conversation. They're out there, waiting for us. If we stay and fight them here, the city will be destroyed regardless.
You can't escape anyway, Lina Inverse! a voice said, and they looked up to see Orkalym and Anemony floating above them.
It's them, Zelgadis whispered, bracing himself.
That's right, Orkalym said, waving a finger in their direction. There is absolutely no way you can escape. You see, we've put a barrier all around this city, and unless you can- OW!
Zel felt himself blush for Orkalym as Anemony smacked him upside the head. He's not very bright, is he? Amelia whispered.
Orkalym rubbed the side of his head and grumbled to himself as Anemony silently began to gather power. She's going to cast something big, Zelgadis warned, readying another Balus Wall.
Suddenly the air crackled with released energy, their surroundings reflecting the white light the blast gave off. Zelgadis prepared to cast his spell, but instead of heading towards them, the attack slammed into a building behind them, scattering pieces of stone and wood everywhere. Lina yelled and Gourry covered his body with hers, Zelgadis following suit and crushing Amelia to him. He felt the dull thuds of marble connecting with his skin, but because of his chimera physique he was not harmed. He could hear Gourry's armor clanging as bits of stone rained down upon them, nearly drowning out Lina's angry profanities.
Daddy, Daddy! Amelia cried, straining against Zel's superior weight.
We'll find him, Zelgadis said into her ear, hauling her upright as he stood.
This way! she shouted, breaking free of his grip and dashing off in a new direction. Debris fell all around them as they ran, searching for any sign of Prince Phil. Amelia took a sharp right into a small building and barreled into a back wall. Zelgadis was surprised when the wall simply swiveled, and soon they were in a long, winding series of tunnels.
Are you sure you know what you're doing? Lina cried behind him.
Trust her, Zelgadis answered, and was rewarded with a backwards glance and smile from Amelia.
the princess panted, pushing her way through another wall. They all tumbled into the room after her and found themselves confronted with Prince Philionel and several other men, who were talking heatedly over maps. Amelia cried, launching herself into his arms.
he answered, crushing her to his chest. I was worried!
The attack- it's being staged by Monsters!
I know, I know, he said, trying to calm her by stroking her hair.
And there are hundreds of trolls and best-men outside!
Yes, I know, he murmured.
Zelgadis stepped forward, glancing at Amelia in concern. The Monsters are after Lina. We're going to try and draw them away from the city.
We think that they'll follow me. There's only the two Monsters, Lina added.
But the city, Daddy! Amelia whimpered, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
We'll take care of the city, Amelia, Phil replied. You do what you must. Seyruun can withstand the trolls and beast-men, for justice shall always triumph over such creatures. Do what you must.
Amelia bit her lip and stared at her father for a while, obviously trying not to cry.
We've fended for ourselves without you before, dearest, Phil said tenderly. We'll be all right this time, too. Go and beat those monsters. Show them the might of righteousness.
I will, Daddy, she murmured, looking down at her feet.
Phil put his hand on her back and gently turned her around, giving her a soft nudge away from him. Take care, Amelia, he said, and smiled.
Come on, Lina said, turning and running town the hall, Gourry right behind her. Amelia nodded resolutely and began to follow, and as Zel moved off as well, he felt a heavy hand on his upper arm. Turning, he saw Phil looking at him with a grave expression.
I know she's capable of taking care of herself, Master Zelgadis, but I'd feel better if you watched over her, too. Be sure my daughter comes back to me whole.
Zelgadis felt a burning in his chest and nodded. I will, he replied, and dashed off down the hallway after the others.
