Hell's Breaking Point
Chapter XVIII – The Secret Of The Spirit Disintegrator
Disclaimer: Slayers-tachi wa atashi no mono jyanai... Urururu...
Lina : ...ignore her please... Please!
Xellos was assigned a peculiar errand by the Lord Of Nightmare. At first, it was just a simple taunting game but as time goes by, the errand became more extreme until it turns to a resurrection of an old foe... (Mostly L/G and Z/A) - Takes place after Next and before Try.
Japanese Words:
Oka-sama : Mother aka L.O.N.
Oni-san : Big brother
Mazoku : Evil race/Monster
Juu Ou : Beastmaster
To-chan : Dad
Ka-chan : Mom
Ne-chan : Big sis
'…….' Is for Phibby's thoughts
…… Is for Gourry's thoughts
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Lina-san!"
"Amelia!" both Lina and Zelgadis shouted in unison.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So you're saying that Phil-san hurled you in the air with his freakishly strong strength and then you just levitated the rest of the journey here?" Lina said, still having a hard time processing and chewing the fact. After Amelia's arrival, the Slayers plus the Inverse family decided to have a little discussion while sitting together on the Inverse's sofas.
"Uh-huh!" Amelia beamed, feeling very proud of her and her father's teamwork.
Lina turned to Zelgadis who was sitting beside the princess, "Is that...possible?"
The chimera crossed his arms, "The term "impossible" is lost in this universe,"
The sorceress gave him a hard glare but he just shrugged his shoulders at her.
"Well, whatever!" Lina started, "The main question is; how did you know we were here? I didn't recall telling you..." she asked Amelia in a demanding tone.
The princess' smile widens, "Do you remember the time in Rezo's lab where Sylphiel-san used her crystal rod to figure out which path to take?"
Lina pondered this for a moment before her mouth went agape, "...Y-you mean..." Amelia nodded.
Zelgadis too caught the hint as he turned to the girl beside him, "...how?" he asked with wide eyes.
"She did the same trick on the world map!"
Lina and Zelgadis gave her a disbelief look, "...and the rod just gracefully landed on Zefielia?" they asked in an unsure tone simultaneously.
"Yup!"
Once again, the sorceress turned to the chimera.
"Let me rephrase, the term "impossible" is so lost in this universe..." he replied in a deadpan tone after regaining from the shock.
Lina fought the urge to "hurt" her stone companion (since Luna and her parents are just beside them).
"How long have you three known each other?" the three of them faced the new voice. It was Lina's mother.
"About two years," the three answered.
"Ah, I'm sorry for bursting into the house like that earlier," Amelia bashfully spoke towards the Inverse family with one hand behind her head, "Sorry. It's just that when I finally made it here, I heard someone said that the waitress of hell was murdering Lina-san at her house," Lina and Luna exchanged quick glances before letting out small coughs, "So I quickly asked for directions and, well, you know what happened," Amelia ended with a small laugh.
Ms Inverse smiled sweetly, "It's okay, dear," she said as she batted her hand. Mr Inverse too gave her a grin. It seems that the two of them didn't find the "waitress of hell was murdering Lina-san at her house" rumor disturbing... The said "waitress of hell" just remained stoic with a small smirk plastered on her face...
The princess gave the three a sheepish smile before returning her attention back to Lina, "That's right, Lina-san! Sylphiel-san is very upset with you!"
A look of pain and discomfort crossed the sorceress' face, "...o-oh..."
The chimera could only gave her a concerned look.
"How could you just leave Seyruun like that without telling her anything! She was ready to help you save Gourry-san and yet you just left her behind!" Amelia continued, slightly angry at her.
Lina shook slightly, "Eh? Y-you mean, she wasn't angry at me for loosing Gourry again?"
Amelia gave her a bewildered look, "Hmm? Angry for what?" she asked again.
"N-nothing! Nothing! Just kidding!" the sorceress waved her hands franticly. But she couldn't help but smile sadly, ...I see... ...thanks, Sylphiel... I promise you I won't mess up this time...
"But Amelia. With you being here, does that mean the havoc in Seyruun has settled down?" the chimera suddenly asked. Lina's parents and sister didn't make those confused look that Gourry usually wore which mean the news about a being wrecking havoc in Seyruun have spread even to Zefilia.
Amelia started to frown, "...no. Seyruun is still a mess but the only reason why I'm here right now is because Sylphiel-san had told me to come, in her place," her hands on her knees bunched into fists, "To be honest, her white magic is much more superior than mine. That's why right now, it's much better that's she's in Seyruun than me, to tend to the wounded..."
"What did Phil say about you leaving?" that quickly got Zelgadis to be decked by the Inverse siblings. Lina cringed as her fist contacted with the rock hard skin while Luna just acted like nothing happened. The chimera rubbed the purple, super aching spot where Luna had punched him, shocked out of his wits how a girl had managed to hurt him badly before mouthing out a "what?". Lina's parents just gave him a you-have-no-tact glare.
Amelia didn't seem to be fazed by the fact that the Inverse family was currently glaring daggers at the chimera, "To-san didn't object since he knew that I wanted to help Lina-san save Gourry-san just as bad as staying in Seyruun for the sake of the people... But he said not to worry since he'll work twice as hard with me away," she replied in a soft tone as she stared at her fists.
Giving the chimera a final glare, Lina turned to look at the depressed princess, "Look, Amelia. Even if Sylphiel's white magic is greater than yours that doesn't mean the people doesn't need you. You're the princess of Seyruun, not Sylphiel," the mentioned of the princess of Seyruun caused Lina's parents to let out a small gasp (they didn't saw that one coming), "The people needs a leader to support them. Someone they can drew out the strength to continue on living," she placed a comforting hand on Amelia's shoulder, "Someone like you. Now, you may not have a high level of leadership yet, unlike me," Luna raised an eyebrow and let out a small scoff, "but between us all you have the most high sense of compassionate and justice towards innocent people," Luna managed to mutter "unlike you", "and that's what the people want from their leader, kay? So, stop this pity-yourself fest right now and buck up. This is very un-Amelia like of you. Look!" she pointed a finger at the startled chimera, "Even Zel is becoming more angst-ing because of you,"
Amelia looked at the slightly blushing Zelgadis and smiled, "You're right, Lina-san! This is no time to be depressed. To-san is working hard back in Seyruun so I'll work hard here too! Because we have a companion to save, right?"
Lina gave her usual grin, "Right! Besides, with you here, I have more confidence in saving that jellyfish Gourry!" she patted her shoulder in a friendly manner, I gotta thank Sylphiel for that one too!
"...Gourry...?"
Everyone turned to Mr Inverse.
"Now where have I heard..." he then let out a sharp gasp before slamming his fists on the table, shocking everyone in the room ,"Lina!"
"...y-yes?"
"Did you manage to grab the Sword Of Light from him?"
"E-ehhhhh?" It was his daughter's turn to slam the table with her fists, startling the others once again, "To-chan! You know Gourry?" her face blazing red.
"That doesn't matter!"
Yeah right it doesn't matter! Gourry meet up with to-chan...it's as if, as if... her heart thumped even louder at the thought. There's only one reason (to the current Lina that is) why a man sees your parents and that's...marriage! That sneaky jellyfish! When did he-? "Of course it matters! What did you two talk about?" her voice raised to a panicky level, face still burning red.
"I told you it doesn't matte-...oooohhh," her father suddenly grinned mischievously. Lina's panicky level raised a notch.
"Oooohhh," Now it was her mother and sister's turn. Lina gulped.
Luna was the first to start the "Embarrass Lina Like Hell" mission, "So, this Gourry really is her man!" She made a feigned surprised look.
"What?"
"Oh, my Lina! I'm so proud of you!" her mother butted in as she wiped a small tear of happiness from her eye.
"Hei, hei, hei, wait a minute!"
"Ah, now I can stop worrying about getting you to settle down and start a family of your own," her father mumbled to himself a little too loudly as he crossed his arms on his chest and let out a sigh of relief.
"TO-CHAN!"
Zelgadis and Amelia looked at each other, blinked a couple of times, then turned back to the Inverse family and grinned. Perhaps they too could join in the fun.
"I always wondered when you would finally tell your parents about this, Lina,"
"That's right, Lina-san! Stop denying it anymore and start embracing the wonderful fact!"
The sorceress turned to glare threateningly at her two companions with gritted teeth, "Zel! Amelia!" she growled menacingly.
At first Zelgadis and Amelia just jerked away from the scary sorceress but soon they couldn't keep in their amusement anymore and started to let out a hearty laugh. The Inverse family (minus Lina) then soon joined in the laughter much to Lina's discomfort.
With her patience running dry fast, Lina searched for the source of her embarrassment beside her and yelled, "This is all your fault Gour...ry..." But of course, he wasn't there beside her anymore.
Anguish and hurt flashed in her eyes and she instantly drooped her head. The laughter stopped abruptly at the sorceress' action only to be continued by an eerie silence since at the moment no one, not even her parents knew what to say to her.
"J-just," Sadness was clear in her voice, "Just stop this. I don't want to waste anymore time..."
"Lina," Hesitantly, she looked at her father, "Tell us everything," his voice was dead serious for the first time on that day and Lina slowly complied. She told them everything, from their first encounter with Hellmaster to the conversation she had with Xellos before she and Zelgadis had journeyed here.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So that's why you came back here," her father started speaking again as he cupped his chin. Her mother and sister were still silent and Lina was grateful for that, since she knew that her family knew that she despises being pitied, "Well then. As much as I want to brag that I can fight a Mazoku only armed with my fishing rod, this is clearly way over my league. So, Luna. Handle this will you?" His oldest daughter nodded.
"I'll go make dinner then. It's already dark outside," her mother spoke in her usual cheery manner.
"I'll help you then, dear," her father too took his leave and walk beside his wife.
Surprised by her parents' calm behavior, Lina called out to them, "...Ka-chan? To-chan...?"
The two of them stopped walking, turned and smiled at their daughter, "Don't mind us, Lina. If we listen more to the conversation, it'll be even harder for us to stop ourselves from going after that Hell brat by ourselves. But naturally we won't since the guy is your prey. It's just that...urghhh," her father suddenly punched his fist to his other opened hand, "I just want to punch him once!"
"Now, now, dear. You're going to help me cook dinner remember?" her mother said calmly before leading him towards the kitchen.
Lina could only smile at the two figure before they vanished inside the kitchen, Thanks to-chan, ka-chan...
"I wouldn't mind going after Phibrizzo and destroy him, but where's the challenge in that?" It was Luna's turn to speak as she stifled a yawn.
Zelgadis and Amelia just stared at her, wondering if what she had said was true or if it was just a joke.
But Lina knew better. Before the Hellmaster incident in Sairaag, Luna would probably have said something different but now, Hellmaster was part human. That makes it much easier for Luna to destroy him since she is the Knight of Ceiphied. But that doesn't mean the sorceress can't glare at her older sister's arrogance.
"If I let you go, you would probably kill Gourry in the process," Lina mumbled to herself.
"I guess that's why we're now discussing about a new plan to save your Gourry, right Lina?" her sister smirked at her.
Panic, Lina hid her face beneath her hands.
Luna ignored her, "Hmm, I guess that's my cue to tell all of you about an ancient invention created by," Lina peeked slightly between her fingers, "Shazal Rugandi,"
Lina fell forward at the mention of the name, surprising her two companions, Why must I encounter another one of Shazal Rugandi's invention...? Ughh, this is going to be a repeat of that Shadow Reflector incident...I wonder what happened to Naga's and my shadow? A chill crossed down her spine, "C-can we really trust the guy's invention...?"
Luna quirked an eyebrow at her, "You have any other idea?"
"...no,"
"Then please shut up,"
Lina let out a squeaked "yes ma'am".
"Let me continue. This particular invention was a weapon named the Spirit Disintegrator," the sorceress quickly became curious at the sound of the name, "and as you might guessed, it was used to disintegrate spirit from a physical body completely, specifically, the spirit of a Mazoku," Luna finished as she wiggled her forefinger.
"You mean, it has the effect like the astral spells?" the chimera asked.
Luna nodded slightly, "Well, as a matter of speaking, yes. Only..."
There's always a catch, isn't it... Lina thought skeptically.
"Only the strength of this weapon is based on the user's will so the power will vary from strong to ridiculously weak since a human's will can change through different situation,"
"And since there's the astral spells as its competitors, which is not based on the users' will but on their magical ability, the weapon was then thought as useless and was sealed away..." Lina finished her sister's statement dryly.
"Well yes, it would be ashamed to destroy such an...eccentric creation..."
Amelia blinked, "So, what's the purpose of him creating that?"
"...as a hobby...?" both the Inverse siblings answered together.
"If it's useless, then what's the point of using it against Hellmaster?" Zelgadis asked in a tired manner.
Luna quickly lightened up, "Ah, but you forget, the different between the Spirit Disintegrator and the astral spells is that the SD effects only the Mazoku unlike spells such as the Elmekia Lance which effects both humans and Mazoku,"
Lina's eyes glinted as she caught on what her sister was implying, "So, if we use this weapon against Phibrizzo,"
"We can destroy him without hurting Gourry-san!" Amelia piped in enthusiastically before she and Lina let out a squeal of delight and exchanged hugs.
Zelgadis too exchanged a smile with the two ecstatic girls before turning to the Knight Of Ceiphied, "So, it's not really that useless,"
"It's rarely used so it is useless," Luna said a matter-of-factly. The chimera could only blink at her laidback answer.
Satisfied with the new information, Lina quickly got up from her chair, grinning confidently at everyone, "Well then! What are we waiting for! Lets move out-!"
"Tomorrow,"
Lina face faulted, "What?" she turned to her stoic sister.
Her older sister shrugged her shoulders in response, "What do you expect. You three just came, it's already dark outside and all of you must be exhausted from traveling here. It's only logical that you would start hunting the weapon tomorrow,"
"But, but, but... We can't waste anymore time, ne-chan! We still have to find the location where the invention was hidden, get it, go all the way to Sairaag and kill Hellmaster once and for all!" she stuttered, torn between obeying her almighty sister and saving Gourry as fast as possible.
"I know where it's hidden," her sister replied calmly again as she put her arms behind her head.
"W-well then-!"
"Go into your room and get yourself ready for dinner," She commanded in the tone Lina fear the most. Her lips curved slightly when the sorceress dashed into her room in lightning speed and closed the door behind her. Her eyes then diverted to other two.
"We'll stay here and behave!" Zelgadis and Amelia shouted simultaneously before averting their gazes away from the scary woman, hushing their thumping hearts.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Night soon fell in Zefielia and by the time Lina (hesitantly) emerged from her room, dinner was already served. Fortunately for the Slayers, the dinner went on smoothly. The food were great and there were less scarfing sounds since Lina had to mind her table manners whenever Luna is nearby (and Luna is always nearby). Her companions found the Inverse family to be quite friendly (even Luna at times) as they chatted and laughed about everything but of course they made a silent pact not to mention Gourry's name in front of the sorceress. All in all, they had a very nice dinner.
Soon midnight came and they decided to retire for the night. Mr and Ms Inverse were sound asleep in their room. Amelia was quietly tossing and turning on top of Lina's bed. Zelgadis was snoring softly on top of a long sofa. Yup, everyone was asleep... Except for the Inverse siblings.
"Lina," the said name jerked harshly at Luna's voice and she almost slipped down the house roof, "What are you doing on top of our roof?" her sister was obviously annoyed.
"L-Luna?" she found her balance but she didn't found her sister. Seconds later, Luna's figure appeared behind the roof edge as she levitated (What? the Knight of Ceiphied must know some basic spells just like her father...) herself upwards before landed beside the fidgeted sorceress.
Sitting down beside her, Luna glared at her, which scared the shit out of her, "I thought I told you to get some rest for tomorrow's journey,"
A startled "eeep" escaped the sorceress' mouth and quickly, she ducked her head from the stare.
Luna sighed, "Don't tell me you can't sleep..." The silence between them indicated that her thought was right and Luna knew why her little sister couldn't sleep; she was thinking too much, "Are you still worry about your Gourry friend?"
Lina gave a small nod.
"He's going to be fine,"
Lina didn't respond to that one
Geez, she's such a worrywart... "Lina. You really like the guy, huh?" Now that got her to respond, by making that idiotic shocked expression of hers. Luna could swear that her little sister was blushing up a storm. She can sense it even though she couldn't see it through the dark night, Ah yes. The denial... "Don't try to hide it from me. I'm your sister. I would know eventually," No respond. With another sigh, Luna decided to change the topic a bit, "Now, tell me how you met the guy,"
Looking at Luna skeptically, it took Lina a while to have the courage to tell her story. About her meeting with Gourry. About he ended up being her protector.
"Protector, huh?" Luna spoke after a while. She didn't mean to sound like she was teasing her... And she really didn't mean to make that muffled guffawing sound...
Lina crossed her arms on her bent knees and laid her head on it, trying to hide the embarrassment, "I-it's stupid, isn't it?"
Turning serious again, Luna copied her sitting position, It's not what I think that's important... "Do you think it's stupid?"
"...well, of...course... I don't need a protector... I can take care of myself," Lina answered stutteredly which meant not all of her found it stupid.
"Well, Lina. A normal girl would squeal in delight if a handsome guy offers to protect her. I guess you're not normal then,"
"That's not called a normal girl. That's a hormone-powered girl. Besides, the main problem is not the "protector" bit, it's the way he sometimes treat me as a little kid,"
Luna gave her a slightly shocked look, "So, you want him to treat you as a woman. My, my, Lina. Aren't we grown up already," she smirked at the last part.
The sorceress jerked away, completely startled at her sister's words, "N-no! Not like-!" She shook her head vigorously, fighting the blush that's trying to take over her whole body.
"I take it you two are close then?" Luna quickly twisted her statement in a more not-too-personal way.
"Too close..." Lina's high-pitched voice turned into a dull tone, void of everything but her sadness and regret, "That's the reason why he's in this predicament in the first place...because he's the closest one to me; a target weakness..." she gritted her teeth before ducking her head beneath her folded arms. Everything was her fault...
Luna looked at her sister, slightly surprised. It's very rare to see Lina open up like this, So...she's blaming herself for this... She decided that now is a really good time for a sister-to-sister talk, "Everyone has their weaknesses, Lina. They can be either love ones, friends, family, prized possession, you name it... If you're wondering about my weakness, all I can say is good luck finding it," She got no respond, not even a sigh of defeat. Luna started to get a little worried, "My point is, it's impossible to be weakness-free. So, instead of worrying about it, start concentrating on how to protect it," Lina's head raised slightly, "Grow stronger, find new valuable and priceless experiences. So that in the future you can use them to protect yourself and your weaknesses without flaw," She placed a hand on top of her little sister's head and ruffled her head gently.
And she smiled, "And you can protect Gourry,"
I'm not her friend, I'm her protector!
A tear fell from one eye and Lina blinked it away, "...I...I...want to protect him," Lina confessed the burdening truth as thousands of memories of her and Gourry flowed into her mind. From the beginning of their relationship...
And I'm her protector, Gourry Gabriev!
...to the part where she had lost him... And she couldn't help but surrendered to her emotions. She cried for her current loss.
One hand made it's way to the sniffing figure's shoulder and gently Luna pulled her sister close, "Then protect him. Be his protector as he is yours," she spoke her wisdom softly. Her smile widen when she felt her sister buried her face in her chest, muffling her cries, one hand clutching the front of her shirt tightly.
...for the rest of my life...
"...Gourry..." Lina sobbed out the name as her gripped on her sister tightened.
Gazing at the brilliant stars above, Luna knew that at the moment, words are unnecessary. But she tried anyway as she softly hushed her little sister's sobbing down with comforting words. Telling her that Ceiphied will watch over Gourry in her absence. And that she herself will watch over her lil sis until she is needed no more.
To Be Continue...
Author's Ranting :
Phew...another chapter finish... Hmmm, about Luna being the "waitress of hell" bit. I don't know if it's just a rumor or an official thing... But I like how the name sounds! Man, there are so many questions about Lina's sis. Can she use magic? How's her real personality? Is she that strict with other people as well? Does she have a cool sword like Lyos from Aqualord (since she is the Knight Of Ceiphied)? Oh man, Luna is so cool! Oh yeah, I forgot to put Spot aka Dilgear in this chapter. Poor, Spot... Well, whatever. He's not an important character anyway.
Spot : (whimpers)
Xellos : Does that make you feel proud of yourself? (smiles)
Nope, not really.
Xellos : Oh, okay then! (whistles to himself)
Lina : Luna, ne-chan! (wails)
Luna : Uhhh, t-that's enough crying for one day, Lina...
Lina : B-but... (still sniffing)
Luna : Quit it! (glares)
Lina : (panicked) Y-yes ma'am!
And there you go. A moment of sisterly love!
Amelia : I want to have that kind of relationship with my sister... (sigh)
Naga : (wearing a mask) ...o-ohohoho...y-you're kidding, right...?
Zel & Xel : Thank god I have no siblings... (stares at each other)
Xel : What?
Gourry : (stares at the Sword of Light) ...siblings... (scoffs)