Instert standard disclaimer here. Everyone should know that I don't own these characters. Except, of course, the original ones. Also chopped the story up into chapters. Sorry if the transitions are rough. If you want to read it without chapters, head over to vejiitasei.com.
Absolution- Part 1, Chapter 27
by the Prime Minister
It had been several months and their mission had been greatly successful. Xellos had sustained little damage, and was feeling rather satisfied with the way things had proceeded. He had never gotten along well with Naiyad, but she was surprisingly docile on the trip, and he had to admit that it felt nice to be with reasonable Monsters after Lina's emotional and volatile nature. It also was pleasurable to be destroying again, something he had always enjoyed. Manipulation and games had their place, but sometimes there was nothing as refreshing as blowing the holy living shit out of something, especially when that something happened to be an annoying dragon. Ority was just as passionless and boring as his master, and the three had traveled at a good pace even when they posed as humans. Once Xellos had nearly had his head taken off by a dragon's Laser Breath when he felt Lina searching for him through the ring, and when he realized it was just her routine check it was almost too late for him to move out of the way. He had managed somehow, but the other Monsters had given him a look and increased their attention of his every move a hundredfold. Xellos was becoming exceedingly tired of being constantly monitored.
Their final destination loomed in front of them, and Xellos was actually excited to get the whole business over with. He was sick of the other two Monsters and their spying, and he was concerned about being away from Lecia for so long. Lina's searches for him had also come to a stop several weeks before, and he knew she would have a fit if she found him checking up on her. Still, he was concerned for her safety as well. He wouldn't put it past the Lords to attack her while he was away, and although she was capable of defeating most anyone, he was still worried.
Hanging in the sky far above the human city, Xellos calmly studied his target. The place was quite breathtaking, actually. The Air Dragon King's influence was obvious in the tall towers and sweeping banners of the city, and the entire layout was that of a hexagram, much like Seyruun. The spirals and height of the towers were amazing, and every single building seemed to be made of the same white stone. The roofs were a rainbow of tile, and many parts of the city were covered with lush vegetation. In the distance the dragons' temple could be seen, dwarfing the mountains it nestled against, and was copied in miniature in the human's city. Xellos turned and grinned at his companions. Let us begin, he said brightly, and opened fire.
His first few blasts of power hit the outskirts of the town, sending the inhabitants running and screaming toward the center. They think the temple can protect them, Ority muttered.
Well, they won't worry for much longer, Naiyad commented as Xellos let loose another round. Smoke and dust began to billow up from between the buildings and Xellos could not help feeling exhilarated at the sight.
You always had a tendency to rush things, Xellos murmured with a smile, opening his eyes so he could better witness the destruction. He pointed a finger and traced the city wall, his smile widening as a ring of fire leapt up around the perimeter. With a gesture of his hand the ring began to slowly tighten, and he could see people running and screaming in the streets, trying to escape the flames. After all, we shouldn't kill them until the dragons arrive and are defeated. It's so much better to watch hope die than mortals.
The other two Monsters began to chortle, and then Xellos happened to look down at the city. The tightening ring of fire had gone out in one spot, and suddenly he felt very, very cold. Icy sweat beaded along his hairline as he squinted at the spot, thinking that there were very few magicians on the planet that could accomplish such a feat, and only one that he knew of in the hemisphere. Leaving the other two behind in stunned silence, he dropped down closer to the level of the rooftops, eyes scanning the fleeing masses of people. The dragons are coming! he heard Ority shout, and a glance at the horizon confirmed it.
What's the matter? Naiyad said, materializing over his shoulder, and then he heard a familiar chant. It was her, it was Lina. For whatever reason, his Lina was in the city, and she was about to open fire.
If you want to stay whole you will move, Xellos said tersely, teleporting out of the way, and watched as Naiyad did the same. They reappeared next to Ority, who was shading his eyes and watching the hordes of golden dragons swarm from the Air Dragon King's temple.
The beam of red energy shot past them and into the sky, taking their breath away with its power. What was that? Naiyad exclaimed, peering at the ground. No one in this hemisphere is such an accomplished magician!
Xellos felt panic rise within him. If they found out Lina was in the city there would be worse trouble for him than golden dragons. I'm sure it was just one of the dragons in human form. I've heard that they sometimes travel amongst the mortals to ensure peace.
Ority scowled, dark eyebrows coming together sharply. But that felt like Lord Ruby-Eye's power, he protested.
Xellos replied, forcing a laugh. My dear boy, have you really been out of battle so long?
Cut it out, Xellos, Naiyad hissed. I felt it, too.
We have larger problems to deal with, he said sharply, pointing at the oncoming mass of dragons. He couldn't let them find out about Lina, and he didn't want her hurt. If he could distract the others perhaps she would have enough time to escape, or maybe he could cause one of the dragons to wound his companions, forcing them to escape and leave the city intact. He could always come back and destroy it himself after he was sure Lina was safe. Don't you think exterminating the dragons takes the highest priority.
Naiyad responded, narrowing her eyes. Ority, go down there.
Ority nodded and teleported, then was back an instant later, face pale, along with another red beam of energy. It's that woman, he panted, drifting closer to Naiyad. What should we do?
Destroy the golden dragons, Xellos said firmly, voice lowering to dangerous levels. I'm pulling rank, and our first priority is to defeat the followers of the Air Dragon King.
Report to Lord Dynast, Naiyad snapped at Ority. Tell him that the Inverse woman is here and request further instructions.
That isn't necessary, Xellos said quietly, eyes glistening.
Shut up, you tainted piece of garbage! Naiyad hissed as Ority disappeared. Your soul is defiled by humanity. You're no longer one of us and as such have no rank.
Power is rank, he answered calmly, eyes cold. He couldn't believe this was happening to him.
Not this time, she spat, and Ority appeared again.
I have orders, he panted, eying Xellos. She's to be killed.
Xellos shrugged. Then by all means, have a go at it, he said with a wave of his hand. I really think she'll stomp you flat.
Ority said, an odd gleam in his eye. You're the one that's supposed to kill her.
Naiyad broke out laughing. Excellent! Leave it to Lord Dynast to be so clever!
We'll see, Xellos mumbled, feeling even more numb and cold than before. The ring on his chest burned into his physical body, and he knew that Lina had searched him out. She knew it was him.
So, Xellos, what will it be? Will you forfeit your own life to keep your human pet alive, or will you destroy her and once again be one of us?
Hush, Ority, Naiyad chortled. Even if he lets her kill him, we'll just kill her after he's gone.
Two birds with one stone, Ority added, and they continued to laugh.
Xellos quickly turned over his options in his mind only to find that there were none. The dragons began to bear down on them at that moment, and Xellos, for the first time in a thousand years, lost patience. You'll wait until I'm finished, he shouted at the dragons, throwing his strongest barrier up with a sweep of his arm. It took a great deal of his power, but it kept both the dragons and their attacks at bay. Satisfied that he would not be bothered, he cast a glance at the other Monsters, hating them, and began to lower himself to the ground, prepared to give Lina her death.