Rivers and Rapids, The Infamous Raft Ride
"One way to get up to the northlands quickly," began Xellos, "Is to ride that river over there. It flows from the mountains directly to the south, all the way up into the uncharted forests of the north. We can get off of it there, and then search for the hideout of your enemy. See, I can be trusted to help out too. Just because I am a Mazoku, doesn't mean that I can give you guys a hand some times." He opened one eye.
"Well, since I don't want to walk the whole way and we don't have the energy to fly the entire length, I guess we'll take Xellos's way. But if this turns out to be a trap you Mazoku, I'm going to have to fry you! I need to rescue Noel before it's too late. Before they kill him to simply gain that Chaos Key," replied Mina.
Xellos told her, "Well, you may or may not have to worry about that. They may go about it quickly, or they may have to take their time in order to get the key. It all depends if my plan to deter them comes to fruition or half fruition. One small delay can mean the difference between life and death for your dear Noel."
Mina, wondering what the tricky Mazoku had done now, glared at him. "And just what do you mean by a plan coming to fruition or half fruition? I've never heard of such a plan? Also, which one was it? Did your idea to stop the spirits or delay them end up working or not? If you don't tell me now you Mazoku…"
"Sore wa himitsu desu," responded Xellos, "But do not worry. With this raft we will get there in half the time we could have walked. So just concentrate on using your magic. We'll need it if we're to kill the forces that lie in wait inside the caves where Belladonna is lurking. So stay sharp all of you." He gave a chilling giggle. The only thing that stopped Mina from Fireballing Xellos was the knowledge that he'd like it.
They got on the raft as Xellos kicked it into the water. Then, he transported himself onto it as well using the Astral Plane. It was a tight squeeze, but they managed to make it on. Only Chisa had to sit on Mina's shoulder. First of all, she was in cat form and cats hate water. Second, she didn't want to be too near Xellos. She didn't trust him at all, but kept silent so he wouldn't find out what she really was if he wasn't paying too much attention. From what she saw anyway he was more interested in Mina as well.
'I saw the human first my dear Mazoku. I will not allow this pure heart to be corrupted by your evil. But she was right, you'd follow us even if she kicked you to the curb. It is best that you stay so I can keep my eyes on you. Mina's soul is not your plaything. She will never join the Mazoku in a fight against the human race. If you try anything to harm her, I will personally claw your eyes in,' thought Chisa as she sat.
Xellos mused, 'There is more than meets the eye with that cat. I believe her to be a spirit of sorts. She can have her fun thinking that I don't know anything, but it'll all be over soon. Too bad I think that Mina will have the same judgment calls as Lina Inverse; the girl would make a fine servant of the Mazoku. But I guess I can depend on being able to manipulate her into destroying the enemies of humans and Mazoku.'
Suddenly, Mina felt a tug on her sleeve. She turned around to see Shawn looking worried. "Uh, Mina-sama? Is that running water I hear? And, is it going faster than it really should be going?" She began to listen to the sounds around her. It did seem as if some fast moving water was around here. Also, the water spirits were trying to get her attention. Something wasn't right about this river, she knew it now.
"Oh gods!" called out Victoria, "Look ahead! We're heading straight for the rapids!" The entire crew spied the water moving faster and faster, and the rocks were now sticking out of the riverbed. Victor and Sandi grabbed paddles, Victoria and Shawn waited to cast Recovery should they get tired, and Mina went to act as scout. She figured that it would be best to spy on the terrain ahead to give proper warning to the two paddlers. If they had to make a lot of sharp turns, it may cause trouble. Thus, they would be prepared.
"Oh my. Seems I was right. This will get you all up north faster. Well, I'll be waiting at the end of the river. Good bye and see you later," Xellos taunted. Then, he teleported himself to the Astral Plane in order to watch the five flailing humans and one cat shaped spirit trying to get out of such a sticky situation.
Mina screamed, "Xellos! When I get my hands on you you'll be sorry!" But just then, she let out an ear piercing screech. Looming before them was a tall waterfall. If it weren't for the one tiny fact that she was an orphan, Mina would have started calling for her mother about now. However, she very well couldn't.
Victor and Sandi were trying in vain to paddle backwards so they could get off at the shore near where they were now. Victoria and Shawn did the same with their hands. Mina attempted to cast Bomb di Wind at their backs in order to add to the traction. However, that proved to be futile. The falls were creeping up on them little by little. Finally, after Shawn broke down and began calling for his mother, Mina thought of the simple answer of using Levitation to get them off of that raft. So after Victor had grabbed Sandi's arm, much to her disdain, they were able to fly away as their raft crashed down the steep rocky cliffs below.
S...S
Mina and her friends landed a ways down the river. Chunks of the broken raft were still floating by and the team's tempers weren't cooled off yet. All of them had one thing on their minds…give Xellos what's for upon his return. He wouldn't get away with what he'd almost done to them; he nearly got them killed.
Soon, said Mazoku reappeared. "Well now, that was a close call, wasn't it. I'm sorry, I forgot there was a waterfall on that river. But at least all of you made it out ok. I mean, you do need to rescue your prince now. What would happen if you died and Amelia and Zelgadis had no idea that they needed to send a second force out to save their only son? Then the Key of Creation would be in Belladonna's hands."
"You forgot?" Mina yelled, "You forgot? That's all you can say for yourself is that you forgot! I'm going to give you what's coming to you. Aunt Amelia taught me this little trick. Just remember that life is wonderful Xellos. All of us are going to work together and make this world a nice happy place where all races and countries live together in peace and harmony for all times. No one will have to fear again and the world will be one big happy loving place for the rest of eternity." With that, Xellos became sick and fainted.
Teefa's Last Words...
Yup, we got Xellos at long last. Don't ask about it...little inside joke.
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