Slayers: Clouds!

by Incantrix

The novel continues after more than a year! A friend betrays, so what's Lina going to do? The secrets of the Cloudminders revealed... The continuing grand adventure...

8. Chapter 8: Tests! The Tribulations of a ...

---o--o--o---


Slayers: Clouds!

Chapter 8:
Tests! The Tribulations of a Sorcerer!


---o--o--o---


"Your highness. You called for me?" It was already dark when the captain of the guards was relieved of his shift by his lieutenant.

"Kerchef. Good." The voice was coming from the other side of the velvety curtain, where the Sheik was being tendered by his servants. The Sheik did not usually welcome visitors inside of his private courtyard except for his most trusted of colleagues, and only in daytime.

"The time has come, Kerchef. Maximilian has seen that Lina Inverse will be here within a day's time. Please prepare for her."

"I understand," said Kerchef, bowing politely to the open doorway. "I assume that she is here to see the City of the Clouds?"

"Hai," said the Sheik. "We don't have a choice in the matter. You know what there is to do."

Water splashed from the sounds of a body hitting a pool of water. Most people might have been concerned for the Sheik, of an elderly drowning man swimming so late at night. But as captain of the guards Kerchef sighed at the sound and resumed back to his duties.

"Time, Lina Inverse. The time is now."


---o--o--o---


Desert. Lots of Desert. Not a stick of green in sight.

"You know," said Lina, "I'm sure glad Jocko gave us all these supplies for tracking down his brother's murderer." She bit into her apple again, polishing off the ruby-reddish snack. "You know, I would have to say that Aermark was a very kind gentleman."

"And," added Filia, "his brother included directions to the Sheik's city." The shrine dragon had her trusty map out again, tracing an outlined route through the desert. "Supposedly, this route runs right through the middle of a wasteland." Filia's eyes glazed over in excitement. "To the Sheik's city, a center of endless riches beyond the wildest of dreams."

"Hai," said Sylphiel, to the left of the chaotic sorcerer, "it will be a beautiful city. But Lina, it might not have been a good idea to accept Jocko's offer under such circumstances, especially since we're already on a mission to find the City of the Clouds."

"Aremark was going to show us something that morning. If he were alive, I would feel a bit better about what's going on," said Lina. "However, I'm sure that whoever is trying to stop our progress along the way is also responsible for Aermark's death. We already know where and when the City of the Clouds is to appear, I'm sure we'll be able to unravel our mysterious nemesis along the way."

Lina took a second to look back at her loaded camel. "Beside, there was no way that I going to turn down such a job for nothing! Look at all this food Jocko gave us!"

The shrine maidens froze in their tracks and sweat dropped.

Lina stopped for a second, scurrying through one of the many burlap sacks that was tied to her camel. "Hey, you know where my other bag of apples are? I could swear they were here. And that water skein, I know it was full a few hours ago…"

"Maybe you should ration your foodstuff a bit better," said Filia. "After all, we wouldn't want you to waste away to nothing!"

With her own supplies ransacked, Lina was already over to the dragon shrine's camel. "Maybe, I put them here, or possibility in here. Gee, I don't know where they could be…"

"Yea, go ahead…its not like you're going to find anything," said Filia, clearly unhappy at the redhead's searching. "Should I mention that I also don't have any food or drink?"

"But why?" Lina continued to look through the burlap bags of her companion's possessions. "Where's that food that you been hiding!" The redhead started chanting obsessively. "Come out! Come out, wherever you are!"

"Don't you see? There isn't any!" answered Filia. "Because someone ate all of it already."

Lina gulped. "Well…err…I guess I was hungry!" The sorcerer lightly tugged at her small waist in her defense. "Its not my fault that I'm a growing woman!"

The sorcerer was searching one the last bags for food, a light-tanned leather satchel. The bag was very old., It's softened yet unrefined lines were clearly a couple of generations out of date. "Ah-hah! Now I know where you've been hiding!"

"Wait a minute!" interrupted Filia, "Don't go in there! I've got…" The blond reached out, pulling the sorcerer away from the satchel. During the unexpected tumble, out tumbled a matching leather-bound book.

"Aack!" Filia tried to catch the falling book, but she misjudging the timing as it tumbled out of her hands to the ground.

"Anno…how clumsy of me!" Lina reached down to pick up the fallen book from the dusty soil, cleaning off the cover with the back of her fingers.

Filia turned as white as a ghost, prying the leather volume from Lina's arms. A worn leather strap was buckled down, keeping the ancient book from flying apart or from unwanted eyes. "Here, let me get that for you. It's quite a dirty little thing and I wouldn't want for you to get your hands dirty…"

However, Lina's grip was rock solid as she stared at the cover. Noticing the familiar image from before, she rubbed years of soil away with her forefinger. The leather cover had darkened from the years of wear, inlayed with small greased-over oil picture.

"Can't tell what this blasted thing is, maybe…" said the sorcerer, continuing to wipe at the palm-sized picture with her moistened finger, removing years of grime. At last truth revealed itself, the discovery only made her blink in surprise. "Oh my…"

"Lina? What is it?" asked Sylphiel while coming closer. "Did you find something?"

"I think," answered Lina, turning the front of the leather book over for Sylphiel to see. "That I found something quite interesting. Very interesting, indeed."

The sorcerer had removed years of black soot, illuminating the rich colors of a minutely detailed oil-painted inset. It was aerial view from a high point, possibly from some mountaintop peek or bridge. Taking up the right side was the unmistakable image of a dragon -- to be precise a golden dragon, his pike weapon out as he readied for an attack. The golden dragon was at attention, snarling as if battle were to start, fulfilling the wishes of its superior. Those were Details that Lina would always remember from not too long ago.

Behind the golden dragon, yet farther away and to the left was the magnificent city, a floating city. The City of the Clouds to be precise, there in the sky…

Filia almost fell over her own prevention was to lean onto a rock for support. She spun her head around at the two other ladies, almost immediately in sorrow. "Lina…Sylphiel…I know that you're wondering…" Other words came to mind, but she stood there agape, other words never leaving her mouth.

Sylphiel pointed to the dragon book. "Wow, it looks like a golden dragon defending the castle…"

"Hmmm…could be." The sorcerer thumbed the leather strap, prying the volume open. "But then you can never tell a book by its cover."

"No! Don't!" Filia raced towards Lina almost immediately, but she was too far away as the sorcerer opened the dragon book open for her eyes to see.

Lina sweat dropped. "Is this some kind of joke!" The sorcerer pointed within the pages of the book, clearly disturbed by its contents. Even Sylphiel, who was standing behind Lina, was staring down in contempt at the contents of the volume.

"You don't understand, Lina," pleaded Filia, holding her hands up in defense. She cleared didn't embellish her begging at the moment. "There are certain…things involved!"

The redheaded one pondered loudly, turning the open book around for Filia to see. The rune writing that had once been so prominently written was now unreadable; its ink run amuck because of water damage.

"WHAT!!" If Filia was aghast before, now she was in total shock. "How did it…?"

Lina flipped the open book to Filia, bemused with the whole lot. "I have no idea why you're carrying around such a useless relic, Filia. We know the City of the Clouds is connected with dragons somehow…but, really now. You could have left this silly thing at home." The sorcerer turned to Sylphiel. "Time to get going?"

"Hai." The purple shrine maiden nodded as they packed Filia's camel back up in an organized manner.

The dragon maiden stared into the open book in disbelief. "But…how? I could swear…" She was looking slightly down the road at Lina and Sylphiel when her tail shot straight up from underneath her shirt.

"Namagomi!" A feeling swept over Filia as she turned her head around. "Where are you!"


---o--o--o---


"Did someone call?" A cloaked figure behind a boulder grinned. "Now, you didn't think I'd let the cat out of the bag just yet, would I? How careless of my little dragon to do such a thing."

He patted himself on the back, congratulating himself. "Now Lina, this all is…a secret. Its not the right time now," he said to himself, disappearing back into the ethereal plane. "Soon...I shall say…soon."


---o--o--o---


A few hours later of the scorching desert, and everyone was at wits end…

"Uuugggghhh…" moaned a certain well-known sorcerer, the moisture unable to pour out of her body since she could sweat no more.

"You know, Lina," said Filia, "A little bit more conservation with the food, and I'm sure we could have made it to the Sheik's city with supplies to spare. Just because you ate all our supplies-"

Lina's stomach growled.

Filia's eyebrow twitched as she turned around, walking backwards along the dusty path. "As I was saying," she scolded, "just because you ate all the food and drank all of our water…"

"Did you mention water?" responded Lina, panting like an exhausted dog. "Because I could really go for a really nice large glass of the stuff right now." She suddenly took listen to something in the distance. "You know, I'm sure I could hear the sound of water falling in the distance.

"Actually," said Sylphiel, "I hear the sounds of water as well. It's like a lot of water, falling from some immense height…" The shrine princess took a second to suddenly wipe away the moisture that had landed on her face.

"My, my," said Filia, rather speculative. "So, you've both joined together on a hallucination trip. That's just great."

Lina's eyes were looking up. "Yea…yea, you can tell me that all later…how about if we walk to that waterfall sound, I'm buying a drink." The sorcerer seemed more under an enchantment than anything.

"Sounds good. I'm almost excited." Sylphiel was equally tuned out, her sight glued to the sky, looking around for rain clouds or other sources of water.

The two of them stopped in their tracks, each with eyes the size of saucers. It wouldn't have gotten Lina or Sylphiel's interest even if a naked Gourry had dropped between the two of them.

"What in the world has your attention, bakas…" Still backpedaling, this only made the shrine dragon lady to turn around towards their destination. "Oh my Cepheid…"

It indeed was a gigantic waterfall that stretched for miles and miles to the very edge of the horizon. First, its height was amazing -- the waterfall was at least a thousand feet high. Huge amounts of water were gushing over, the resulting misting from such a great height was enough to saturate miles and miles around. But it wasn't the sheer height of the waterfall that dwarfed their eyes but the very width of it as well, running miles and miles to the left and right far over the horizon.

Smack dab in the center of their view was an enormous city, lush in greenery and water. Supporting buildings were simple square rectangular structures, capped with a curved tower or two, their walls covered with healthy crawling vines. Tan color walls matched the sand almost perfectly, occasionally the towers were inlayed with a shade of red and yellow, their bottoms lined with huge shrubs of the same greenery.

But at the very center of the city held a magnificent central building, so high that it almost climbed the waterfall behind it. Many of its terraces supported gardens of their own, covering the huge exterior of the tower. Its main spire leaned over the waterfall so much that it eventually arched over the top of the waterfall to dry land above the waterfall, to another higher palace of glory, a magnificent round golden dome.

Water was spraying off everywhere: off of cliffs, other buildings, and other high points, misting the view of the magical city with a glimpse or two of a rainbow, as well as a pond or two. In fact, the entire area was surrounded by a series of manmade canals, whereas lakes of water created a boundary for the outer edges of the city, protecting it so.


---o--o--o---


"Water! I see water," said Lina, dashing unexpectedly forward, leaving her traveling companions behind. "That means it's time to get down there now!"

"Wait! It could be dangerous!" shouted Sylphiel, running after her friend.

Filia didn't know what to make of the whole matter. "Of all the things I do…" She sighed, running after the two other crazy ladies. "Hey, wait up!"

The sorcerer found it immediately, the fountain by the entrance of the city. It could only be made by the most skilled of craftsmen, for it was three tiered, like mushrooms on top of mushrooms, spraying its precious water everywhere. The fountain looked so inviting that Lina had to cup her hand, reaching out and drinking its precious liquid…

"Lina, what are you doing?" Sylphiel looked at her apprehensively. "You really shouldn't be drinking their water, it may not be a good idea."

"PWWWFFFFTT! Salty! This stuff is horrible!" Lina sprayed the fountain water out her mouth, wiping away the foul traces of salt. "I think its sea water!"

A crowd of the locals formed around the strangers, pointing and motioning at the ladies. "She drank from the eternally cursed spring," said one of the locals. "Oh dear, why would that crazy young girl to do such a thing…" Clearly the whispers were getting louder, as the news traveled fast in the Sheik's city.

Lina was still spitting the salt out of her mouth when Sylphiel came to her side. "Are you ok?" She took a second to look over Lina's disgust in the water. Satisfied that she was ok, Sylphiel let out a little sigh.

A curious commotion from the crowd suddenly hushed the group. A few of the Sheik's guards appeared, armed with pikes and other lengthy weapons. They were simply dressed with light one-piece tunics and running moccasins for footwear. Tied at their waists were scimitar swords, their huge blades quite menacing.

Tailing the guards into the fountain area was Filia, with a look of grave concern on her face. "Anno, Lina, you really shouldn't run off like that." It was a slight scolding from the dragon, but anyone would think that Filia was more relieved that Lina was OK.

The Sheik's guards motioned to Lina with their hands to move away from the edge of the fountain. The sorcerer was still playing a bit, examining the purity of the salty water. Which to her magical touch seemed like seawater to her.

Lina turned around to her new company. "Oh, hi guys. Care to join me here for a drink?"

"You are the one who has drank from the springs of mortality?" asked the closest guard.

Lina swore. She just remembered one of her outset adventures with Naga, how she had almost taken a dip into another cursed spring. Luckily, a local pointed out the harm from bathing in such waters. But this fountain wasn't labeled with any warning signs, guarded, or anything. Just like the other one, it seemed like a typical normal spring. Man-made, however…

"Yep, that's me," she stuttered. Well, this didn't sound like too much a pleasant conversation was going to happen. "But it doesn't look like I've turned into a toad or anything, have I?"

"No, not yet." The other guards giggled at Lina's comment. "But, you and your traveling companions will have to come with us. You are required to see the Sheik."

Suddenly frightened, Sylphiel clasped her hands together. "Oh Lina, what kind of trouble have you gotten involved in now?"

"Whatever it is," said Lina as she rubbed her knuckles together in earnest, "I'm sure that I'll be able to take care of it rather easily." If the guards were going to attack, they would have done so already. Instead, they seemed to be mostly amused by Lina drinking the fountain water, as if she were a fool.

The purple shrine maiden turned back to the Sheik's guards, pleading for leniency. "Couldn't you just make an exception for her at the moment? I mean, there's no reason to harm Lina, is there?"

The guards laughed. "Us? Harm her? You've got to be kidding." They waved their hands in jest. "We have no intention of harming any of you. But those who drink from the sacred fountain are given a banquet of their choosing before their sentence is carried out."

"A banquet!" Lina grabbed one of the guards by the arm and cozied up to the poor guard like a best friend. "I like banquets…a lot!"

"Um, miss." The guard sweat dropped. "Perhaps if you didn't look at me like a turkey sandwich, I would very much appreciate it," he said. "Are you ready to come to the Forbidden Palace?"

Lina nodded an affirmative, dragging the Sheik's guard towards the palace. "Uh-huh, I want to eat!"

"Lina?" asked Filia, coming around from the side. "Where do you think you're going? Without us?"

"Oh." The sorcerer stopped in her tracks. "Hey, buddy? How about if we bring those two along?" She looked back at her starving travel companions. "You know, maybe your Sheik could use a few more harem girls?"

The lead guard eyed the ladies for a bit, causing both of them to blush. Filia was so flushed over with embarrassment that her tail stuck out, her pink bow flapping on the ground. Sylphiel was quick to see the tail, and moved over a foot to hide the view.

"You two also want to attend the royal palace?" said the lead guard. The girls smiled a kawaii look while tilting their heads a bit. "I believe the Sheik will have use for you ladies, I'm sure about that."

The shine maidens did not look all that happy as more guards escorted them to the palace. "Keep your shirts on boys," said Filia, "we're going…"

With the all of the ladies and guards leaving, the crowd talked among themselves. "Why, why would they ever want to go to the royal palace?" said one of the townspeople.

"You know the story, my friend. Whoever goes to the Forbidden Palace gives up their will, never to return. For they must live the rest of their lives by the sea."

"Aye, I've heard of that fish story…"


---o--o--o---


Zelas Metalium was an unusual higher Mazoku. She actually, on occasion, left her homeland and went to the land of humans. After all, as a Mazoku, she liked to feed on fear of humans -- in places other than her home island.

But in turn, being cooped on Wolfpack Island had its advantages. She was safe to rule of an area of land and ocean, which would scare the jeepers out of travelers alike. To say that the land was gloomy would be an understatement. Thus, it was quite easy to scare up an appetite.

But she wasn't home now but out and about in the desert, in the human world. She was overlooking human souls by a cliff side opposite of the Sheik's city. Yes, this was quite unique way to enjoy the desert.

The greater beast was laid out in a summer lounge chair, watching through a thick pair of eyeshades. Most of her body was covered in a sexy black one-piece suit that showed of plenty of leg, a wide brimmed sunhat to keep her head out of the sun. Her minor minions were feverishly working her over, the shapeless creatures were like little black clouds, still too young to fight and be part of any battle, but old enough to obey her simple orders of comfort.

For being in a treeless wasteland, the sun's rays were never going to reach Zelas. Above her head was a large black umbrella, blocking most of the sun's rays. Beyond that, a huge pentagon tent covered four of the five sides with immoveable walls, so even if she could see out into the sunny city below, it was still quite dark inside of her cave.

"Keep it going," said Zelas to her minions. "I'm almost comfortable…"

One of the shapeless black morphs was busy tugging a rope up and down, spinning a fan above its master's head. Another unnamed one was busy painting Zelas' nails a nice ruby color that clashed with the rest of the greater beast's outfit. Zelas didn't actually mind the Shabby color, even if it didn't match the rest of her dreary avant-garde complexion.

With little to do but sit there, Zelas thought about the previous events. It was this cloud business, and she knew how much of a pain it was to the Mazoku. Philbrizzo's mess and plaything, Zelas had called it. He had told her the details some years back during an unusual meeting on the Astral plane. It was a meeting that she didn't even care for, but as a lower member had to attend. Not that she could blow off such a thing before, but she could easily qualify the situation as not her problem.

But then Philbrizzo was out of commission. And as the date approached for the re-appearing of the Cloudminders, she knew that it could have the recuperations. Only if she had not taken the proper steps to keep it in check.

Zelas knew that Xellos had uncovered the rest of the secrets of the Cloudminders already -- he was there during their initial encounter, right after the war of the Monster's Fall. And, so far, her priest-general had followed her details precisely with dealing with the humans.

And speaking of her minion, Xellos appeared on the rocky ledge and walked into the shaded pentagram tent. "Good afternoon, my lord," as he bowed slightly in a sign of respect. "You have requested my appearance?"

"I did." She held out her hand as a minor minion took to it with a final round of nail polish. "I assume you are still tracking Lina and her companions?"

"I am, my lord. Lina approaches this location as we speak."

"Fine. Do what is necessary to complete our objectives."

Xellos sneered. "Oh, so the Cloudminders-"

"You were not supposed to open the can of worms." Zelas tapped the edge of her lounge chair with the tip of her nails. "Their interference has lead to…complications."

"I do have some leeway in the situation, don't you think so?"

Zelas turned her head away from looking at her subordinate, disgusted with the whole matter. "You are dismissed."

"Hai." Xellos nodded and disappeared into the Astral plane.

The shapeless figures got back to work on pleasing Zelas, like nothing had happened. He knows, surmised Zelas, he's on to something after all…

The minor minions suddenly stopped their work, dropping their attention to Zelas. They raced across the room settling into a perfect row, as if getting ready for an inspection. The greater beastmaster herself sighed, lowering the sunglasses from her face, not at all happy to hear from her second visitor of the hour.

"You really shouldn't be here. I'm always flabbergasted by your timing, in fact."

"And your actions are complicating matters." The deep voice shook from the back of the tent, its glowing red energy rather apparent. "This is a simple assignment. I would have sent Xellos to attack Lina Inverse immediately."

Zelas sighed. "I'm not surprised you think that way with my priest-general. Xellos is best utilized when he uses his own methods. A direct approach is a desperate course of action, even to order it to him is a useless command." She turned back around. "One does not use a knife blade showing, to stab someone in the back. It should come rather…unexpectedly."

The voice came forward as it rumbled on a bit more. As it did, the minor minions shook. "My forces are coming in as well. Some are already here and I have assisted in other diversions already."

"I know." She picked up the file from the table and did her own nails out of boredom. "Xellos knows of your actions by now. There is no use hiding from him."

The voice chose to ignore Zelas' objections. "Do not forget our intention here and the necessary course of action. The Cloudminders already know that Philbrizzo and his powers are no longer here. Do not forget that."

Zelas glared into the back of her tent, wordlessly.

"The task at hand is your only objective, Zelas. I am asking you much more than suggesting you stop them."

"And, what else are you in turn going to do about it?"

"Very well. I will have someone attend to the matter as well. But this is the last time I interfere. The next time, it is your own sacrifice that will be next." The glow of red eyes that had come out of the darkness finally faded back into nothingness. "Do not disappoint me."

Zelas' minions finally stopped shaking, choosing to return to their servant duties in taking care of Zelas. "It appears," she mumbled, "that we are heading for a showdown. Either way, it spells the demise of one Lina Inverse."


---o--o--o---


Lina and her escorted company walked along the streets of the Sheik's city, amazed by its wealth and prosperity. A marketplace was on every block, a restaurant and inn at every intersection. As they progressed through the city, the people looked out from their windows and doors, taking peeps at the strangers before disappearing back into their homes.

"They are sure curious of us," commented Sylphiel. "I have to wonder why."

"It's a thriving city, with plenty of food and water," said Filia, "Not too many civil problems in my opinion." The shrine dragon sighed. "I so envy a place like this."

Lina scanned the marketplace to her left as they walked escorted toward the waterfall cliffs. The crowd hushed as they walked on by, peeking away from their daily business. "I can usually smell when something is up. Call it a hunch. And my hunches are up placing a bet right now, even stronger than what happened at Turnip's casino."

The other ladies nodded, as they continued their walk toward the waterfall cliffs.

"Over there," pointed the guard, "by the lift." His direction was to a box that was like a large basket, well able to hoist a large cache of supplies. The ancient cable car was more than large enough to hold the ladies and their escorts. Attached to the sides of the car were many long lines, strung up straight into the sky to a hole right into the bottom seemingly floating path to the Sheik's palace.

A more distinguished guard came over to meet the guests of the Sheik as they all entered the open cable car. "I am Kerchef, the captain of the Sheik's guards. By our order of royal laws, you have been asked as our distinguished guests to join the Royal Highness this evening at dinner. We have already been preparing your quarters for some time."

Kerchef was dressed no different than the other guards, except for a fist-sized red jewel that shone in the front of floppy hat. His physical appearance was a bit older, his goatee grayer but short. His skin weathered like fine leather from the endless sunny days. But Lina could tell it by Kerchef's demeanor and how his men listened to every word from the captain's mouth that he was the leader of the Sheik's troops.

"So," asked Lina, "the Sheik has been expecting us?"

Kerchef sweat dropped. "Hardly," answered the captain. "Strangers are exceptionally rare in these parts, even if there has been a recent 'influx' of them in the last few days. Many of the nobles are concerned over the rumors of legends and lies, but that is expected every sixty years or so. Such foolish tales."

"So," asked Filia, "you don't believe in such fairy tales?"

"Hardly," said Kerchef. "I have never seen the golden snakes of the sea, nor floating cities. It's all a bunch of hogwash." The captain watched as his men finished loading a couple of baskets of supplies, thus cupping his mouth and turning his head upwards.

"LIFT!"

The basket jerked a bit as the thin lines tightened. The uneven swaying turned into a steady pace as the basket went up into the air.

"Why couldn't the Sheik live down here with his people?" asked Lina, looking out onto his grand city.

Kerchef nodded. "The Sheik prefers his privacy from other. Only the royal guards come down from above the waterfalls and rule. If there are any problems to be decided, they are handled by me."

"By you?" snickered Lina, mocking at Kerchef a bit. "Why is that?"

The captain grinned. "You will learn that in good time, Ms. Inverse."

The sorcerer sweat dropped. "Huh…how do you know my name? I haven't told anyone about our identities." Behind her, Filia and Sylphiel shrugged their shoulders.

"Ahhh, that is the work of the Regent, Maximilian. Our wizard and second in ruling has known for some time about your arrival. He has informed the Sheik and myself of your timely visit."

Filia rubbed her chin for good measure. "Is that so…"

The lift finally finished its ascent into the air, leveling to the outside ground floor. The cable car had taken them most of the way up the waterfall. A wide path that snaked up the rest of the floating path to the upper palace. The lower palace was now behind them, its roof just below their feet.

"We use the lower palace as an administration center, and to store supplies for our city garrison." Kerchef pointed to a highest spire among the lower palace towers. "Maximilian's laboratory is up in that tower."

"I thought sorcerer's have their laboratories underground," said Sylphiel, looking at the gleaming spire. "You know, because of dangerous things like legacies."

"True," answered Lina, "But sometimes they have high locations. You didn't see Rezo's grand tower, his very last home before he released Shabranigudo. Not much is left of it, I'm afraid."

"Well, some humans are more foolish than others," said Filia. "Having such a laboratory so close to his city, I would think that Maximilian would know better."

Kerchef did not want to start an argument with his guests, preferring to keep his mouth shut. He led them up the rest of the path with a couple of other guards, to the entrance of the domed palace.

"Please, this way." It took all of Kerchef's strength and his two underlings to swing up in the double-set of swinging doors to the Forbidden Palace. Once the golden doors budged, they swung suddenly inward, revealing the spender of wealth inside.

"Magnificent…" Sylphiel and the others were struck dumb by the sheer grandeur of the dome's interior. The palace was completely hollow, its walls were framed with gilded gold and ornate white trim, with colored cut glass filling the rest of the interior. Most of the cut glass was opaque blue or green, with an occasional splash or red or orange.

"It feels like…I'm under the water," said Filia.

"How can this view be so realistic," followed Sylphiel. "It would have taken the artisan years to complete such a work."

Kerchef looked up. "This is the illusion I bring to you, those who dwell on the surface…" A double set of guards emerged out from the far velvet-curtained entrance, surrounding the outer walls of the dome. Their stoic nature gave all signs that they were loyal to Kerchef and the Sheik. "This is a place visited by few individuals. Those who visit the Forbidden Palace are esteemed ones, indeed."

Lina tapped her foot impatiently. "Come on, boys. I haven't got all day here." She could just imagine the pompous Sheik, dressed head to toe in the most lavish of silk robes, adorned by countless rubies and diamonds. He was probably a well-mannered individual of lust, the desert years had given him the countless knowledge of the lands, the high level of royalty had supplied him with the manliness of looks.

A guard near the far entrance spoke up so everyone could hear. "I present our royal one, known as the fairest ruler among the lands, king of the water and those who see it as it sparkles in the light, Sheik Uzumara!"

The red velvet curtains pardoned and out stepped a fishman.

"WAHH!!" Lina's chin seemed to hit the ground as she turned to Kerchef. "Is this some kind of joke!"

"Why, no!"

"You've got a fishman," exclaimed Lina, "running one of the richest kingdoms in the world. Are you…crazy! Nuts! On the Mazoku's payroll!"

The Sheik cross his human-like arms yet didn't answer to the accusations. For a Sheik, he was taking everything in stride.

"Ahh, Lina? I don't think this is a joke…" said Filia.

"A Sheik…" said Sylphiel, unable to help herself from pointing, "is suppose to be an aged gentle old man…with a white beard, with…whiskers…" Her body gave out as she collapsed unconscious onto the ground.

"Sylphiel!" Filia ran over to the passed out shrine maiden to revive her.

"Are you kidding me!" Lina pouted with both her hands glued to her waist. "I grilled some dried fish over a campfire a few days ago. The only thing that guy is good for is dinner! And on my plate, if he wasn't so old!"

Kerchef looked down on the petite redhead. "It would be wise if you addresses the Royal One properly, Ms. Inverse."

The Sheik was indeed an elder fishman, with white beard and whiskers that matched his lack of head hair. Around his wrists and wide neck hung exquisite jewelry of rubies and treasure of the sea -- black pearls the size of small fists that spoke of immense wealth, all laced with extra splashes of gold.

Uzumara coughed ever so politely. "Lina Inverse and companions to the great sorceress…" he spoke, his voice dark, deep, and very serious.

Filia stepped forward, politely bowing to the leader. "Thank you for having us in your home, Sheik Uzumara. We hope that you are pleased with our presence."

Uzumara pondered a bit at the shrine's dragon's introduction. "Hmmm, very well…and you are?"

With Filia's help, the purple-haired one managed to regain her composure. "Syphiel Nels Lahda, shrine maiden." She neatly bowed.

"OK buddy," said Lina, clearly thankful that the introductions were over. "How about some information."

"Very well, my short tempered friend." The Sheik clapped his human-like hands together, motioning the velvet curtain to open behind him. "Please come with me," said Uzumara. "I promise to explain all that is here."

Lina shrugged her shoulders, turning to her companions. "Oh, I can't wait to hear this fish story."


---o--o--o---


The Sheik escorted Lina and her guests outside of the Forbidden Dome, with Kerchef following in the rear. The five of them were on Uzumara's private landing, a balcony of sorts. A small wading pool took up the center of the marble balcony; it looked important that the Sheik was close to water with the hot desert sun beating down on them. Around the edge of the balcony were potted tropical plants, built into exquisitely carved gold-leafed planters that also served as railing for the landing.

The private balcony was above one of the largest dockyards and cities that Lina Inverse had ever seen. This island of the Forbidden Palace was small at best, the golden dome took up most of the land. To either side were the waterfalls, of seawater falling off into the dry desert.

But facing her beyond the island of the golden palace, were countless grounded dockyards and ships from around the world. The docks were manned -- no, they were run by fishman, the men of the sea. Trade, in all its glory, was fast as furious, as one ship traded barter supplies; other ships traded with the fishman themselves. It was nothing more than a trading post, multiplied a dizzying amount of times. All run by dedicated fishman, all guarded by the Sheik's men.

A trading ship was coming in fast. It was caught in the grip of the water, its very currents racing over the waterfalls. Just before the point of no return, an army of swimming fishman ensnared the trading ship in a web of line. With perfect precision, the ship was ensnared and brought safety into the docks by the Sheik's men.

Who says you can't sail off the sea, were the stories that made legends. The land was flat, they say. And if you sailed far enough, you would eventually fall right off into the sea of chaos. But in this instance, if you missed the dock city of the Sheik Uzumara, you would surely lose your ship, your cargo, as well as your precious life.

And if an enemy ship came lo and behold, the fishmen would suddenly wait on dry land. The enemy vessel had no choice but to drift swiftly towards the waterfall. Lina could just imagine the crew on those ships, unable to attack or even dock with the Sheik's city, swearing at first, then later praying to the fishman for their lives.


---o--o--o---


"Please, have a seat." A few chairs were scattered around while the Sheik walked back into his wading pool. "I need the water, Ms. Inverse. I am an old fishman, and it does help." The sheik watched as the ladies took their seats around the wading pool. "Not many people have been to this private landing, the fewer the better."

"Ah, I see…" said Sylphiel. The other girls waited for Uzumara to start his story.

"It all started a long time ago. My mother was a widowed fishwoman in her own right. She lived along the upper cliffs of the waterfall, among the great many treasures collected over time. One day, she rescued two young sibling boys and their father. You know one of those boys as Kerchef, the royal captain to our guards. The other is Maximilian, our trusted Regent and wizard."

Kerchef was next. "Myself and Maximilian had been lost in the watercliffs, as we were stranded on top of an island where the golden palace is today. Our Mother was gone and our Father was weakened."

Uzumara looked out. "And my mother appeared. She took care of the weakened man and his two very young sons, capturing them food and supplies in the ravenous rocks. It took quite a while, but my mother was finally able to retrieve enough supplies to fashion a rope from the top of the waterfall to the bottom."

Kerchef continued. "My father was finally rested enough to plan a life for us. But we were penniless and without our home, so we began to live at the bottom of the waterfall, at first growing crops and then setting up an inn and finally a small village. When we were little, I used to play with Uzumara almost every day, climbing the rope to the island and playing among the waterfall currents. But my father was always thankful for his savior, and so he would climb the rope and visit every day as well. He had fallen in love."

The Sheik coughed. "And in that time, my mother fell for Kerchef's father as well."

"Oh…how sweet" said Sylphiel. "A love story!"

Lina shot the purple shrine maiden a dirty look.

"In time, they hatched much of the dual world that you see here today. With my mother's help for treasure hunting, Kerchef's father was able to build the little town into the successful city on the lower plains under the waterfalls. The people of this region were so thankful and rich with my stepfather's rule, that they made him Sheik of the lands."

"In turn, my father's love for Uzumara's mother…" said Kerchef. "So, when my father died of natural causes some years ago, he will decreed that Uzumara run the Sheik's empire. We, in turn, maintained the cover all of this time."

A gust of wind blew by Lina's face, she was in shock over the lengthy tale. "But then…you mean to tell me, that they, the Sheik's citizens don't know you're a…fishman!"

Uzumara nodded. "Correct. But there's much more to that, Lina Inverse. We have spent countless years maintaining the balance of man verses fishman. Much of my extended family runs the trading here. There is harmony among all here."

Filia squinted her eyes, in disbelief. "That's sounds great and everything, but this isn't reality. What's to prevent one of those loyal guards from speaking the truth?"

"Because," said Lina, "I would bet that the royal guards are fishman as well, just to be on the safe side."

"Lina!" said the purple shrine maiden, interrupting the conversation. "You shouldn't say that about these people!"

It was Kerchef who motioned his hands to settle down. "Well, some of the guards true identities are as fishman, that much is true. However, a few of us…"

Lina looked up. "Hmmm?"

Kerchef coughed again. "Well, you see -- some of us more than attached to this way of life. We have families with them, but like Uzumara." Lina's face turned white at Kerchef's comments. "It's a different world here, Lina. This land and its riches have been at peace for many of years."

"I see." The sorcerer came closer to Uzumara, as if in her way, asking for something. "So, how about that feast that Kerchef promised me! I'm starving!"

Everyone else facefaulted.

"Why," asked Sylphiel, shaking her head in disgust, "does she have to ask about food! Can't something else be on your mind?"

Kerchef went behind the fishman Sheik and whispered into his gill. "Ah…so…" answered Uzumara to the Captain's news.

"He's got ears?" whispered Sylphiel, to the other shrine maiden.

Filia shrugged in response. "I guess so. He's got to hear us somehow."

Lina's stomach growled. "So," she said, covering her tummy in a motion of embarrassment, "how about that meal your men promised me, huh?" She gritted her teeth, ready to bite into the tasty fish. "I wouldn't mind some seafood tonight?"

"Very well." The Sheik let out a grin from a mouth that could swallow the diminutive sorcerer in one gulp. As he beamed, Uzumara snapped his fingers twice, scattering his attendants into the balcony area and barked out orders. "A banquet in your honor is being arranged as we speak for this evening. After all, we can let our little guest be hungry."

"Ahh…" Lina stared at Uzumara in fascination. "No! Of course not!"

"Good," said the Sheik, rubbing his black pearls for good measure. "I can imagine that you are tired from your journey. Please rest in the private chambers that that been arranged for you." He pointed back towards the dome. "One of my servants will show you the way to the lower palace."


---o--o--o---


As the strangers turned around and followed one of the Sheik's many followers, Lina was smiling like a cheshire cat, her two companions were less than enthusiastic.

"That went well," said Lina.

"Sure, " answered Filia, staring down at the redheaded sorcerer, "it went swell for you. Mind you that it usually spells 'oh crap!' for later? And weren't you supposed to be sentenced?"

"Oh, relax!" answered back their fiery one, "If something comes up unexpected, I can always zap them with a dragon slave or two." She flicked a tiny fire in her hands, something a little more advanced than a light spell, but nevertheless it was strictly show in tell. "And don't forget, we've got Sylphiel here as backup with a dragon slave as well."

"Anno…" Sylphiel looked for a place to hide under Filia's sudden gaze, but was rather 'in the open.'

"You?" said the blond, staring down at the purple shrine lady, "can cast Dragon Slave?" The dragon gave the other shrine maiden a look from head to toe. "But you're not a chaotic sorcerer!"

"No, I'm still a shrine maiden," answered Sylphiel, "who just happens to specialize in Dragon Slave."

The servant led them into the lower palace came to another extravagant set of double doors, inlayed with the famous scene from the War of the Monster's Fall. These doors were a lot smaller then the ones on the Forbidden Palace. With little fanfare, the servant pushed the double set of doors wide up. A stream of light came out from the inside of the room, almost blinding the traveling ladies.

"Your room, ladies," said the servant as he led them into the plushest of apartments. The huge sitting room was ablaze in light from the countless balcony and three walls of windows that faced out onto one of the many waterfalls. Sheer white curtains fluttered over the window walls, leaving no room for paintings or anything else. The lounge chairs and stools were like billowing clouds: overstuffed, luxurious, and upholstered over in the finest of silk.

"Oh wow…" Sylphiel let herself collapse into one of the couches, her small body disappearing in the silken cushions. "This is so nice…"

The attending servant coughed as he posted out his hand, his palm up as if waiting for something.

Lina blinked. "Ummm…" The sorcerer quickly unclipped her cape, tossing her exterior clothing over the servant's head. "Now, I need them cleaned by dinner. Got that?"

The attendant sweat dropped, uncovering his head. As he was leaving the room, the dragon maiden caught up with him near the door.

"Excuse me?" said Filia, dropping a few coins into his other hand, sending him on his way.

"Huh?" asked Lina, looking at the dragon lady. "What was that all about?"

Filia sighed. "Oh nothing." The blond dropped her travel bag into her room. "I need to freshen up a bit, so excuse me while I attend the Sheik's onsen." Exiting the suite, Filia seemed drained from the whole day; she was in some serious need of detoxifying off of Lina.

The redheaded sorcerer shrugged, collapsing back into the soft couch next to Sylphiel. "Ahhh, I really do need some time off my feet." She reached down with her hand, loosening one of her boots until it fell to the floor. "It's like I haven't relaxed in ages."

The purple shrine maiden turned over to face her companion. "Lina…do you think something is up with Filia? I know I've never met her before this week, but…she seems rather distracted with something ."

"Hmmm…" Lina was busy squirming around with her other boot, trying her hardest to get it off her foot. "I do suppose she's thinking about something. After all, little Valgaav isn't traveling with her. I'm sure she's worried sick about him."

Sylphiel leaned over. "Of course she's worried! What mother wouldn't be concerned about her son!"

"Yea, I know. But you're right, there's something else," said Lina. "Remember that book we saw from Filia's knapsack earlier this morning? The one with the dragon on the front?"

"Uh-huh. It had a bunch of runic writing but the ink was smeared. We couldn't understand any of the words nor images."

Lina blinked. "Yep, that's true. But when I was focusing on the very page when I first opened the book, it was clear. I could swear something…that those unmistakable images were of dragons, not golden ones but of…ancient dragons."

"Ancient dragons!" said Sylphiel, turning her head up. "Are you sure?"

"And a second later, that image was gone." Lina twisted in the couch, the redhead was unable to get comfortable in the seats of luxury. "I didn't want to bring it up with Filia, because it brings up a lot of past history with her. A lot of history." Lina saw Sylphiel squirm in her seat but continued. "I know there's Valgaav now, for as far as I know Filia's unborn son is the last of the ancient dragons."

"Uh-huh."

Lina twisted her body up from out of the cushions. "I know, the connection is just too striking. But there's also something else going on here that I can't explain. One, Filia isn't telling us the truth about the City of the Clouds. She knows a lot more about what's going on."

The purple shrine maiden nodded in agreement. "Hai, but what do we do about it? You don't seem to want to ask her out of the blue, do you?"

"No, I can't." said Lina. "If its something that she could have told us, then we would have known it already. Therefore, it has to be something important, also because Valgaav isn't with her. I have to assume she is risking quite a lot to be here." Lina turned her body again, muttering.

"Do you suppose…that little Valgaav is in trouble?"

"Possibly…stupid plush sofa, I keep sinking in between the cushions!" Lina felt the entire couch vibrate a bit, as if someone was shaking it slightly. "What's…going…on!" she said, feeling her own body for clues.

"But…I didn't feel a thing," said Sylphiel.

"…Lina? Are you there?…Hello?" The voice seem to come from the waist of the sorcerer. "Lina?? Anyone?…"

"Ummmm," said Sylphiel, pointed to Lina's midsection, "I think you have a call."

"Who? Where?…" It took a second for Lina to feel her own body and pull out the mirror from Turnip's security room. She frowned, recognizing the face of Gourry in the magical reflection.

"When are you guys going to get here! You're at least a day late!" said the sorcerer, taking it out on the poor swordsman. Lina was clearly angry and concerned at the same time. "We've got only two days to make it to where the City of the Clouds is showing up, and you guys are off to Cepheid knows where?"

The swordsman was speechless during the interrogation. That hesitation cost Gourry a chance to talk, for the mirror was suddenly in the mitts of the princess from Saillune.

"Hey Lina!"

"Amelia! Where in the world are you guys!"

"Gomen! But you wouldn't believe what we've been through these last couple of days…" Amelia pleaded her case as she told the story of the great airship and the attack of Biru and the bone dragons. "…and then we crashed here, and we're all ok, however…" Amelia had described the important details about their new friend Em and Gourry's heroic action."

"What about Zel…" asked Lina, interrupting the princess from Saillune.

The princess sniffled a bit if a ragweed flower was nearby. "Something's wrong with Zel…I…" Lina hung her head in silence, keeping quiet. "He says its normal for him to have skin lesions…but I think something wrong…" Amelia's eyes began to tear as one formed in the corner of one of her eyes.

Lina nodded, acknowledging Amelia's news without saying a word. "Is he there right now?"

Amelia twisted her head around. "No, he's resting in his room." She could barely swallow her words as she spoke them. "But Lina, we're definitely in some kind of trouble here." And Amelia spilled the rest of the short tale. "I don't suppose you know what we can do."

"Actually…" said Lina, putting on a slight grin of satisfaction, "I do have an idea."


---o--o--o---


Filia opened the door to the private changing area for the woman's onsen and spa; a small room with castle-like walls. The place had the atmosphere of roughness to it: the uncut marble walls, the mirrors were not perfectly rectangular, but odd magical shapes of pentagons and hexagons. To the left were an assortment of wooden cubbyholes for clothing and fresh towels, on the opposite side were the twin brass sinks and a variety of bath oils and lotions.

Instead of changing like other humans, she decided to morph out right of her clothes to human skin. She could never get used to her naked human self, she felt so cold without her scales. Just like her dragon self, her human body needed periodic cleaning. And the cold marble floor was frightening to touch, her bare toes curling up like evening rose petals.

Filia reached for one of the many white terry robes that hung on the wall. She was sure to pick one of the human-sized robes, other robes were not quite her size but for more for a 'roundish' fish body type. Nodding her head, she wrapped herself in the terry robe, comforting her slightly shaking body.

She looked at the sampling of bath mixtures for a small bamboo basket. They varied in flavors: from the locals fruits such as strawberries and coconuts, to other exotics like juniper and lavender. She noticed a couple of exquisite crystal bottled concoctions, simply labeled 'Sheik's Reserve.' Curious, Filia picked up the bottle and removed the glass top, exposing the scent to her nose.

"My Cepheid! This stuff smells like the rotting seaweed!" she muttered. Her thoughts reminded her that the Sheik was a fishman. "This stuff must really attract the minnows!" With a sense of urgency, she placed the special reserve back into its corner location. No way, she thought, was the Sheik's horny pheromones going to be on her body.

The blond picked a couple of the other bath mixtures from some of the more casual looking items. No use in taking any more chances with the weird shampoos. The blond quickly continued on inward to the indoor spring.

The large onsen took most of the larger squarish room. The rough stonewalls were a jigsaw of roughly cut marble and granite. The water was steaming beautifully, slightly white from the churning of minerals within its depths, as it eroded away the natural rocks. Indeed, it looked quite inviting to enter. After taking a look back, Filia disrobed and quickly dipped into the steaming water.

"Ahhh…" She leaned back onto a towel on the edge of the pool stretching her body out. In her rush, she had skipped the washing part, preferring to dive right into the onsen. Yea, like that would matter…

Filia closed her eyes, letting the soothing hot water circulate around her body in the most soothing of manners. It was almost like sea the chaos was underneath her great weight, softening her on the most comfortable of journeys. Maybe, just maybe, there was something about this human shape that pleased her after all…

A stir of water to the right of her focused her attention back to reality. She crept her eyes open a bit, surprised by the visitor. A young maiden was settling into the water opposite of Filia, her purplish hair was mostly wrapped around her neck and chin, hiding her face.

"Ummm…Sylphiel?" Filia arched her neck upward to see who she was, feeling out with her magic senses on who it was.

"…Uh no!" The voice was feminine, very polite and noble. In fact, a bit too polite…

Strange, it didn't feel like a human at all, she told herself. In fact, it was a very familiar feeling, like deja vu. And as soon as it started goose bumps ran down the back of her neck. Filia felt it on the tips of her fingers and toes, as her once hidden tail shot right out of the water like a periscope.

"XELLOS!"

"Anno…"

Her mace was lying right next to the pool, as if it had an 'in case of emergency tag' attached for such use. In one swoop, the dragon lady picked up the very mace and with the same motion, smacked the Xellos in drag squarely in the face. The trickster priest had a glass chin all right, he was quite unready for the assault. Xellos sank like a rock into the steamy water, hitting his head on bottom of the onsen with a loud thud.

He emerged out of the water a second later, splashing around a bit. "That could be painful…if I had felt it…" He was out of his cross dressing look but in simple purple swimming trunks, soaking on his back like a little school kid. So content, that he was gurgling a little bit of water out of his mouth like a fountain, with a look of bemusement on his face.

"You think this is funny!" Filia was about to transform into dragon mode right there when she looked up for clearance; the short ceiling in the room would have most certainly caused damage to the palace. She thought a second about transforming back into her clothes, but the onsen would ruin her human threads. She cursed, diving her body back up to her neck in the steaming water.

"You filthy namagomi! Don't you have someone else to bother?"

Xellos leaned his head back next to the edge of the wading pool by Filia. "Me? I wasn't the one who needed help earlier today. Am I right?"

"Baka!" The dragon blushed a deep red, sidestepping the Mazoku's question. "Get out of here, now!"

Xellos turned his head toward Filia. "I can't do that right now, little miss dragon. You see, I still don't know your part is in all this." He grinned a happy smile. "You know, the part about leading Lina on falsely about the Cloudminders. Do tell."

Filia's face didn't change for one bit, as she pointed out at the open doorway. "That is enough! You have done nothing except make my life miserable. Following us down here, for Pete's sake." She turned her back at Xellos. "Don't you have some humans to scare up and feed on?"

It was trickster's turn to ignore Filia. "My dear dragon, can I ask you…a personal question?"

"Go right ahead. It doesn't mean I'm going to answer it." She turned her nose up, as if ignoring the purple priest.

Xellos popped in to right behind Filia's ear for a close look. She could feel his presence on the back of her neck, but didn't dare turn around and face the monster.

"Tell me…how is little Valgaav holding up? You're such a kind and caring…dragon." Xellos added a little oomph that made Filia's mouth go dry. "For I can't fathom why you would travel down here while leaving your precious one in the hands of someone else." He turned his head so Filia could catch a look. "And I right? Hmmm?"

The blond turned white as newly fallen snow. "You are…incorrigible! Inhuman to a fault!"

"Why, thank you!" The mysterious priest was enjoying every minute of his interrogation, as he skimmed the water in front of Filia on his back. "So, I am right after all. About…you intentions?"

She bit down on her lip, resisting to swipe uselessly at the Mazoku. Frustration flourished in the pit of her stomach, the pain bellowing up like a bad meal. "You have no right to…interfere, before. I could have handled Lina on my own."

"Now you're a liar, Filia. I had to intercede earlier today, just in case." The Mazoku flicked his hand on the top of the water skimming it a bit, turning away from the dragon. "We can't have Lina interrupting the party once the Cloudminders show up."

Filia turned her head at the Mazoku. "If you're expecting me to say thank you, forget it."

"Yes, I know." The mysterious priest stepped out of the onsen and grabbed a towel to dry off. Filia could see that his body was perfect from the waist up; his purple shorts hid some of his magnificently toned lower body. "But I didn't do it for you."

"…" Filia just stood there, agape at the mysterious priest's words.

"I did it, because…that's a secret." Xellos was enjoying every minute. "Just remember, Filia. When the moment is there…you will know what to do." And at that, he winked and disappeared.

Filia stared at where Xellos had stood, waiting for the answers to appear in her mind. Violated. Used as a tool, a pawn in a game that she no wanted no part of.

Still, the repercussions…Valgaav…

No! Thought Filia, she would not give in to those who defied her right for peace and happiness. The pain that came with fulfilling her task at hand was indeed great, but that pain was a small price to pay for long-term tranquility. In the end, it might come down to a single decision.

For now, Filia hoped the path she was made now was for the right choice. She hoped.


---o--o--o---


The precious library and laboratory of Maximilian. Stark could be the number one way the wizard liked his private tower, the spire that presided over the Sheik's city. It had a brightly lit interior, with walls whitewashed and covered with tanned and faded tapestries of the time. The usual collection of glass jars and bottles ran on shelves behind him, all stacked along the back of a laboratory bench. He looked out a window and could see that his little apartment of power did indeed dwarf most of the city except for the golden domed Forbidden Palace.

Above his lab level in the tower, was another floor of iron staircases and walkways. The tower walls at this level were lined with many ancient wizard texts -- however impressive the collection looked, it was not all that remarkable. For Maximilian was a superior wizard at best, his level not extraordinary but more than adequate for Regent to the Sheik's city.

But the real prize of the wizard's collection was in the center of the upper level, his real study and love. Iron walkways from all sides led to a center table, shielded by some of Maximilian's best protection spells. On one side of the table was an unmistakable pair of chaos stones. Natural light reflected through these fine quartz-like jewels, clearly translucent against the iron table, their value immeasurable.

To the other side of the iron table was a set of five chaos boxes; extinguished and not at all active like other chaos boxes that Lina and her companions had seen. But the collection of these chaos boxes ranged from a large two foot model to one as small as the chaos stone itself. And in the back, was a sixth chaos box, engraved ever so more delicately. Instead of the normal box, it was more tubular with a handle, and a set of levers. This was the prize of Maximilian's collection.


---o--o--o---


Maximilian certainly dressed the part of a wizard -- a simple quarterstaff of ironwood, a tan robe that matched his grayish slick-backed hair that had once been black. He was neither young nor old by other standards.

One item of normality he refused to wear was a wizard's cap, for the hot sun would have certainly melted the silken hat right off his head. He relied on the simplicity of a straw hat, the brim was almost as wide as his shoulders. It looked silly even to the Sheik, but the huge hat protected his head from the fiercest of desert conditions.

The Regent was not admiring his favorite collection, but was thumbing his fingers through his many shelves of spell books. For such a knowledgeable wizard and brother to Kerchef, the older man was a forgetful soul, never finding the proper spell book at the right time.

"Hmmm…" he pondered, "now where was that book of protection go…" as he leafed through a row of manuscripts that were more like pamphlets. A sudden urge came over him to look up from his crouched position, taking a second to look over his shoulder. The wizard could just make out the outline of a human, standing over his protected chaos collection.

"Hey! You there!" Maximilian shot up like a rabbit, scampering over to the stranger. Shock turned to surprise at the stranger who invaded his sanctuary, nevertheless Maximilian didn't attack on sight.

"Do you know who I am?" boomed the stranger, his red eyes not on Maximilian but on his chaos boxes.

The wizard was able to say something when the stranger threw up his open hand in response. "Don't say a word, my friend. If you were to answer, it will be your last." Maximilian took an abrupt step backwards, watching the stranger lower himself so his eyes were level with the chaos stones. "Your collection is quite impressive. Many of times how I wished these items were not loose. They have become more than an annoyance."

"Then you know of chaos stones?" asked Maximilian.

The stranger looked up, annoyed, "Yes I do. They are thorns, causing all of us to bleed one time or another. The tools that they can create are nothing more than an abomination. They were created for one reason -- as a weapon, specifically programmed to destroy Mazoku."

"They can be used for that," answered the wizard. "But, I suppose-"

The ruby-red eyes looked angrily up at the Sheik's Regent. "Be quiet."

"Hai…" The wizard tried to say something else but was cut off.

"Then you are a fool." The stranger shuffled around the display of chaos stones and boxes, ever so closer to the wizard. "Now listen to me very carefully, for I have something that you must do, Maximilian. And remember, your very life is in my hands…"


---o--o--o---


"Lina! Are you almost ready?" said Sylphiel.

Filia was helping Sylphiel pin a lovely corsage of light blue and white flowers on her chest. "Now, stay still. This should hold the arrangement in place."

Each of the Sheik's guests was required to attend in proper attire for this evening's formal banquet. Most guests were nobles already, wealthy enough to afford the most lavish of eveningwear. Luckily, as guests of the kingdom, the Sheik insisted on footing the tab for the ladies attire for the evening. Kerchef had made sure that Lina and company had been personally taken care of by the city's finest tailors. The royal jeweler came later, supplying them with priceless silver and gold accessories from the Sheik's very own private collection.

Sylphiel's choices matched her demeanor, as she picked out an exquisite dark blue silk patterned with the light outline of desert wildflowers. Based on the shrine maiden's choice in materials, the royal tailors knitted an exquisite full-length dress. The neckline was extremely high, almost like a collar, its edges beaded with silver. A set of the same silver beading ran down like buttons on a faux jacket front to the waist, where the dress was slightly pleated showing a bit of leg. The arms were made from more of the same silk, but the same flower pattern was stamped out and replaced with fine black chiffon. The arms and wrists were also decorated with the matching silver beadwork. A new silver hairpiece tied the dress together, decorated with a row of silver beads, their elegant hanging tear shapes sparkled with diamond dust.

"Please, be careful," said Sylphiel, "I don't want to put too many holes in this lovely new dress."

"Nonsense, the Sheik will understand a hole or two. After all, he did send us these corsages as well."

When the royal tailors came before, Filia was overwhelmed with the sheer choices of silk, each bolt presented was finer than the one before as each sample was more and more translucent in the light. "Bring me something special," she asked, time and time again. Finally, the tailors presented Filia a sample of silk from the most revered bolts of in all the kingdom ever to be produced. This was the essence of it, for Filia was delighted with such of choice.

Her dress was layers and layers of the whitest of silk, its surface inlayed with the finest crisscrossing of golden thread. The neckline plunged to an elegant level, keeping most of the dress just covering the shoulder. The waist was tied in more of the same, the bottom was laced like spider web in more layers of the golden thread; until the very bottom of the dress was entirely gold. Finally, her arms were wrapped in the same silk, slit vertically and joined by small pearl fasteners.

The blond dragon had also removed her large globe earrings for the evening, choosing to wear a set of the largest diamond earrings ever seen. Her hair up, kept back by single ring of a freshwater pearl on the hairpiece.

"I can't believe how well of a job the royal tailors did with these outfits. Its as if they knew of our exact personalities," said Filia. The two ladies had switched jobs, now it was Sylphiel pinning a corsage onto Filia's chest.

"Hai, you're telling me…now for Lina."

As if on queue, the door to Lina's bedroom opened. "Well, that was easy!" said the sorcerer. "I sure made quick work of those boys for them!" The sorcerer was dusting her hands as if polishing off a tasty meal.

"Wha??" spoke up Filia. The shrine ladies didn't understand what Lina was talking about. But their eyes did the walking, for both of the shrine maidens were suddenly quite upset. "Kerchef is going to be here in less than fifteen minutes, and you're not even dressed for tonight!"

"So! Its not like I wanted to play dress up in front of the fishman and friends!" Behind her still on a display hanger was Lina's elegant forest-green cocktail dress. Earlier that day, Filia had made Lina pick out a single bolt of fabric for the base of her eveningwear.

"Are you sure you want that color?" asked Filia before, when Lina had her hands on that nasty green bolt of silk. "Its rather gaudy, I would think." The dragon tugged out a pink sample from the bottom of Lina's rejection pile, just to make sure. "I still think this matches so well, Lina. It would look so beautiful on you…"

"Are you kidding me?" shuddered Lina. Pink. Anything but pink. Still, thinking that the darkest and ugliest of colors could never be made into an elegant dress, Lina didn't think of the consequences as she picked the gaudy green…

This time, Lina Inverse was proven wrong. Up to the finest of challenge, the royal tailors even surprised themselves, designing a dress that matched Lina Inverse's personally as well as her lack of bodily shape. The top of the green dress was designed to sash across her chest, adding to the region where needed. The asymmetrical outfit bared her left shoulder, tied by a broach of gold and emeralds. The velvety-silken fabric continued in folds farther down, laced with beaded emeralds and then an occasional ruby.

"I'm not wearing that…thing!" said the sorcerer, pointing to the dress as if it were the second coming of Shabranigudo. "Its hideous! Horrible! And the worse thing…is that it squishes my chest!"

"Lina!"

"But it's unnatural! I don't look like that! No matter what the Sheik's tailors say, the built in bra-thing in that…thing pushes my breast together!"

The shrine ladies sweat dropped.

There was a knock at the parlor door as Kerchef let himself in. "Evening ladies." He politely bowed and flashed a bit of a smile. "Its time for tonight's…" The captain looked over at Lina, still in her sorcerer's outfit. At least her cape was clean. "Ms. Inverse, I am afraid that you are not dressed correctly for this evening's function. I must insist that you change into the eveningwear that we have supplied according to your wishes, otherwise-"

A knot of anger appeared over Lina's face, the sorcerer was not used to taking orders. "Let me tell you something, Kerchef. If you think I'm going to get into that…getup!" As she moved a step forward toward Kerchef, each of the shrine maidens grabbed the redhead by her arms, dragging the poor girl back into her own bedroom

"Hey!" said Lina, struggling to get free. "What you do think you're doing!"

The ladies expression could melt ice. "You can't guess?" answered Filia, not even looking down at Lina.

"Now, Lina. This is for your own good…" added Sylphiel.

"Wait a minute! You can't make me wear that thing!" The door behind them slammed closed, leaving a mumbling Kerchef alone in the drawing room, waiting to complete his escorting duties.


---o--o--o---


The Sheik's kitchen, another one of the many crown jewels of the Sheik, was situated in the basement of the Forbidden Palace. Always a very busy place, many a cooks were prepping dishes for this evening's banquet. The selection was heavily seafood: plenty of fish, lobster and crab dishes, as well as octopus and squid selections as well as rarer ones like eel and sea urchin.

The kitchen manager's job was to manage the outgoing platters for each meal. He current task was gathering the silver chafing dishes at his station when the Regent entered the kitchen, sneakily via the back entrance.

"Ahhh, Maximilian," said the manager, "Are you taking your evening meal in your tower tonight, or joining everyone for tonight's banquet? It has been some time since the Sheik has spared no expense for such an affair."

The wizard looked around the kitchen, examining the lavishness of the preparations. The sights made his mouth water. "I shall be attending tonight's ceremony. Have you set aside the Sheik's private reserve of wine for tonight's guest?"

"Yes, my Regent. The marked bottles have been prepped to your specification." He pointed over to a set of the wine barrels in the far corner of the kitchen. "So, my guess is that we are in need more 'members' to our family."

Maximilian ignored the kitchen manager, examining the wine bottles for himself. "You," said the wizard, snapping his fingers for one of the Sheik's lowly servants.

The poor chap was small fellow in his serving uniform, with straight purple hair that covered most of his facial features. Other than that, the servant was nondescript save for his out of place tan shoes.

"Come over here." Maximilian poured the marked bottle of wine into a crystal decanter for serving. "Serve this at the proper time to the Sheik and his guests, immediately after they sit down and not to anyone else. Do you understand?"

The servant nodded at the Regent's orders and swiftly left towards the exit door right behind the wizard.

"Hey," said the manger of the kitchen, calling over his server before he could leave. The kitchen manager looked over the servant from top to bottom, an inspection of sorts. "I don't remember hiring you as a staff member. Who hired you, my friend?"

The servant refused to look directly at his boss. "Kerchef, just yesterday. A few other staff members got sick last night, so I'm filling in. Didn't you get the memo?"

"No, but then servants do seem to come and go as they please," said the manager. "Getting drunk on their savings." He sighed. "Oh, one thing about working here. Where did you get those shoes? They are not part of the standard black shirt-tie-pants uniform that you are required to wear."

"Hai, I will change."

"Anno, but where did you get those shoes?" said the kitchen manager. "They look so…comfortable."

"Uhhh," the servant sweat dropped, "That…is a secret. Excuse me."

Before the kitchen manager could ask another question, a stack of dishes smashed to the ground. The pasty manager scurried over to the damage. That's when he noticed the mysterious servant from earlier was gone with the decanter of wine. "Who cares, I got enough problems…"


---o--o--o---


Xellos appeared on the other side of the kitchen doors, wine decanter and empty wine glass on his waiter's tray. The mysterious priest quickly poured himself a small serving and downed the spirit in one gulp.

"Oh my… he commented, "this will never do. I would hate to see you with such pale complexions." He reached into his bag and took out a couple of crystals, dropping them into the decanter, dissolving on contact with the alcohol. He poured himself a larger taste and downed the wine again.

"Much better," said Xellos, "I could possibly enjoy this if I needed to…" He sat the empty wine glass down.

*hic*


---o--o--o---


"Isn't this wonderful!" said Filia, as she was sashaying across the marble floor.

"You're telling me," answered Sylphiel, her eyes glazed over in awe. "Never have I seen such an elegant evening setting. Have you been to anything like this, Filia?"

"Many times at my old home. But I do think you humans are getting the hang of it."

The two ladies split, opening the way for Lina to step up between them. The sorcerer frowned, her pose showed she was embarrassed by her attire, showing off body and skin alike. "I just want this evening to get this over with, OK? Maybe I can take a platter of sashimi back to my room…"

They were back under the Forbidden Palace, the giant empty dome having been transformed into the evening's ballroom with such spender that could only match the Shinzoku. In one corner, a small orchestra of strings and winds played soft quiet chamber music. Underneath the stage, couples danced to their soothing rhythms. To the other side was seating; a giant half circle table for seating for over fifty guests -- of nobles and their wives as well as fishman and fishwoman. Everyone was dressed with such an abundance of wealth, from jewelry encrusted with so many stones that the floor just sparkled, to the finest silken eveningwear of its time.

"You know, there's something strange I can't seem to point out…" Lina looked at the noble crowd for a second, watching as a noble-dressed man danced with a fishlady, next to a fishman who was with a stunning human woman.

"I think, it's because everyone is a mixed couple!" pointed of Sylphiel.

"Oh my Cepheid, that's just…!" exclaimed Filia.

The Sheik came forward to greet his blushing guests. "I'm surprised you didn't see it before," said Uzumara, stroking his chin with his human-like limb. "This is quite understandable of our unique society."

"You've explained," answered Lina, "how your city survives. Your most trusted leaders and nobles here, marry their very opposites -- where sea meets land." She straitened her garb for a second, quite uncomfortable in her dress. "I've heard of such situations before, where one member of the relationship is a is fishperson and one member is human. But I never seen an entire society based on it."

"You will learn much, Lina," said the Sheik, "about this land." He picked up a cocktail from a server, a drink that Lina thought looked like clam juice. "I know a great deal, in fact. I already know of your quest in search of the Cloudminders., for the Regent has told me so. And about other things…like how that dress looks good on you."

Lina blushed.

A large gong sounded that the banquet was to have begun, getting everyone to sit down at the tables. Kerchef escorted the ladies to a set of chairs to the left of the Sheik, with Lina right smack between Uzumara and Filia, and Sylphiel and the captain were on the opposite side of the crescent-shaped table.

"Ahhh, Lina," said the Sheik, "May I also introduce you to the Regent and Wizard of my kingdom, Maximilian."

The wizard bowed and sat down at the empty seat to the opposite diagonal of Lina. "The tales of your exploits are world famous, Lina Inverse. I do hope you can share some of those stories."

"Hai…" A bit embarrassed, Lina made a grab for the first tray of hors d'oeuvres. The serving tray was placed right in front of her, steaming away. She took more than half of the lobster with truffle sauce for herself and dug right in.

The Sheik blinked as he watched the redhead consume the mass quantities, the most expensive of foods from his lands.

"You know…" said Kerchef, leaning across the table for Lina to hear, "there's plenty of food in the kitchen. I'm very sure that you won't be going hungry after this meal."

"You…sure?" Lina popped another large forkful of food into her mouth, almost inhaling it as if she were the sea of chaos herself. "I've been to plenty of dinners in my time; I've seen quite a few run out of food." She popped a couple of giant shrimp into her mouth like they were candy. "Besides, it's a free meal for me, right?"

Kerchef straightened in his chair. "Hai. I'll be sure to make a note of that in my log…"

Lina didn't bat an eye, turning her attention to the Sheik. "So, Uzumara? What can you tell me about that Turnip fellow who stopped by here? You know, within the last month or two? What can you tell me you traded to Turnip, anyway?"

"Not much," answered Uzumara, "some maps, a few semi-precious trinkets." He was intrigued by Lina's question. "Not that it matters actually, for I believe you have already taken care of him."

"I have?" The sorcerer looked down at Maximilian, who was shaking his head with an affirmative yes. The sorcerer continued her statement with the wizard staring her down. "Besides that point, Turnip had a magical item in his possession before his demise. I have been told that he acquired the artifact from here, your city."

"No, not possible," said the wizard, "We have no use for such chaos items."

Maximilian nodded his head toward Kerchef a bit. The sorcerer barely noticed the nod out from the corner of her eye, only because she was directly across from the two of them. Nevertheless, Lina didn't say a word about it, for it seemed that Maximilian was rather disgusted, trying to blow off the whole matter.

"If you will excuse me, Lina…your highness." The Regent left the table unceremoniously, leaving his linen napkin crumpled over his unfinished meal.

"Well, that was strange," muttered Lina before diverting her attention back to the table. She had pressed the issue, trying catch if someone knew. But she didn't think the Sheik knew…but it was Maximilian, thought Lina that had slipped ever so slightly. She never mentioned that Turnip had acquired the power of over chaos. No, it was the Regent that had spilled the beans on his own…rather smugly, in fact.

The sorcerer sighed as more silver platters of meats and their trimmings were placed on the table. Lina didn't wait one second to fill up her dinner plate with more seafood delectable.

"More wine?" From underneath a collection of nondescript hair was the interrupting sound of a waiter's polite voice. Lina would have missed it if he wasn't so forceful with the offer for drink.

"Yea, sure…" nodded Lina, as the servant of the Sheik poured her some wine.

Lina was too busy washing the second course down with spirits to say anything to the server. When she finished, Lina let out a giant sigh of refreshment, sprawling over her armchair. "That was…so good!" The sorcerer blinked, surprised that the waiter had left her side so quickly.

"Some wine, miss?" asked the waiter, this time to Filia. The server was already lazily holding the crystal decanter next to the dragon's glass, for he was quite distracted by Filia's extravagant choice of evening wear.

"Hai…" said Filia, as a sudden bolt of awareness struck her dumb. Just like before, her tail went up like an antenna as her eyes opened as wide as saucers, looking around the room for her nemesis.

"Xellos," she muttered. "Where are you?" The pink-bow wrapped tail went up so quickly that even our mysterious waiter was surprised. The poor Mazoku lost his handle on the decanter, shattering the crystal wine holder on the ground. He was quite lucky that the blond had overlooked his servitude as he tiptoed away from the party.

"Filia," said Sylphiel, looking up from the table. She was politely motioning with her hands to calm the dragon. "Sit down, you're embarrassing us in front of the Sheik."

The blond sweat dropped, composing herself. To her, maybe it was a sudden aftershock reaction. "Ummm, of course…"

The Sheik was not amused however by the actions of his servant, a distraction from his guests. Other men of the Sheik cleaned up the mess within seconds. Nevertheless, Uzumara didn't let the little matter bother him as he reached into the air with his hands and clapped four times.

"…His royal Sheik requests for entertainment!"

''……amusement for the Golden Dome!"

The far doors swung open, pouring magical white smoke out onto the common floor, as a roar of thunder crashed into the room. Lina nearly jumped unexpectedly out her chair, expecting the worse.

Two identical figures swirled batons through the fog, shooting off an impressive display of light spells throughout the dome. The Sheik's audience loved every moment, oooh'ing and aaah'ing at the theatrical display.

Lina however, frowned at the distraction. "Get ready…" she said, clearly itching for a fight as she turned her hands upward…

"Lina!" said Sylphiel, calming her jumpy companion. "I don't suppose you could calm down a second, hmm?" She pointed out into the excited audience. "Can't you see that the guests of the Sheik are clearly petrified?"

The sorcerer sagged under her own weight. "Well, I was expecting more of a…well, you know…" Lina failed to grasp a conclusion, a real nor fake one. "…Who am I kidding!" She fell back into her seat, crossing her arms in protest. "I'm always going to live up to my potential, aren't I?" she said, as if waiting for the hidden performers to show themselves.

The two figures were of the same build, spinning their batons to and fro like trained elitist, blowing smoke and fire around in patterns of light and dark. As they spun their wooden poles, their staged entrance finally cleared away, revealing themselves as their staged entrance cleared away. And their identity only made Lina's mind boggle.

"Nene!" shouted Lina, again standing up from her seat.

The twin brunette stopped her routine in mid stride, almost dropping her still-spinning showpiece. "Lina?" she said, lowering her guard for the tiniest of seconds.

*WAP*

Mime, quite unaware that her twin had stopped in the most crucial moments of the routine, knocked the end of her own baton right into the back of her sister's head. Nene fell like a sack of potatoes to the ground, knocked out by the blow.

"Hey! Why were you just standing…" Mime's words trailed off as she looked up at Lina, waving with her fingers in a wave, in the sorry manner that could only be described as 'oops, I screwed up…'

The Sheik and the audience were dumbstruck by the twin's performance blunders, unaccustomed to their clumsiness.

Mime stopped the show from continuing with a wave of her arm. She was quickly down on the ground, cradling her sister's unconscious head in her lap. "Nene! Nene! Wake up! Your sister is really sorry, I swear…"

Lina chuckled. "Well, its not all the time I stop the show."

"Enough!" Uzumara clapped his hands again, scattering the servants from the great hall.

Kerchef stood up from his seat, addressing the audience. "Entertainment for this evening is over. The Sheik has determined that it is time for our guest for this evening to submit to the sentence."

"Sentence?" Lina looked at the royal captain, remembering it all. "I thought that you were going to forget about that measly little sentence…" She walked around and pleaded her case to the audience. "And why me? Its not like I've done something wrong!"

"Nonsense," said the captain of the guards. "You have drunk from the waters of the mortality. For that reason, we must enforce sentence on you…"

Lina stuck her chin out. "You know, you're finally pissing me off. If you're going to do something about it, it had better be soon." She cracked her knuckles in delight, rolling up her sleeves on her green evening dress. "I could use a little bit of a burn-off after eating that lovely dinner of yours."

The other nobles seated at their chairs were nearly on the edges of the their seats. Yes, they wanted to run away for of sanity, for they've heard so many of the terrible disasters of one Lina Inverse. But they didn't dare miss the excitement, for the whole scene had been the most compelling tests in years…

Kerchef raised his voice. "And now, as you all know, the sentence for drinking the waters of mortality is that you shall a become a fishwoman. When the first rays of sun shine on your soul this very next morning, Cepheid's will shall have you transformed!"

"Are you kidding me!" Lina gasped. "You couldn't just get it over and try to kill me, It sure would have been a lot easier!"

Uzumara stood up from his chair, enjoying every minute of the public interrogation. "I wouldn't have the chance of seeing you as a lovely fishwoman! Yes, it's because you have such temper -- that fiery hair, those eyes that I just want to loose myself in. This transformation is by my order. For afterwards, you shall become my wife!"

Lina froze like a statue. "…w….wii…wife?"

The Sheik leaned back onto his hind legs and laughed. "That's the thing! You have no choice! Already cursed by the waters of mortality. Waters that won't kill you, but turn you into one of me!" Uzumara stoked his belly in sheer amusement as he chuckled onward.

"Why you…!" Lina's temper quickly escalated to match the flame of her hair. "You really asked for it, Sheik." She took her sweet time, making sure her dress was not ruined by the massive amount of spells she was about to cast.

But Uzumara was undeterred by Lina's actions. He tugged at his waist as he brought a small vial of bluish liquid to light. "Its quite simple, actually. Attack me and you destroy the cure to your fishdom. No, I suppose even you aren't that foolish, Lina."

The sorcerer paused. "OK, let's suppose that is the cure to my affliction. Its also very possible that my shrine ladies friends here could easily remove the poison from my body."

"If you're so sure, then give it a try." The Sheik hid the liquid around his waist. "I don't know it would work, for very few of us from outside of the barrier have that power. However, if you are up to the challenge, I shall give you a chance to regain your freedom from fishdom, so to speak."

Uzumara drew his arms out. "Look among the audience, Lina Inverse. Many of my nobles have lost their husbands and wives to the curse, becoming mixed couples. Many in their lifetimes tried, all have failed. "

"Why…you… "

"They spend the rest of their lives, splitting time between the Ocean and the Sheik's city below. But their life is fruitful and peaceful. Since their family is under my hospitality, they enjoy many of the treasures of this rich city. And so shall you."

"Under your control," said Lina. "Some of them look happy and maybe they are. But their families are here and they are there, and so forth. I would never wish that on anybody." She turned back to the audience. "You all want your freedom, don't you? From the Sheik and his rule?"

The audience whispered among themselves. Their ebbing conversations began to get rowdy. "We want our freedom!" they jeered. "We want to leave this place!"

Lina turned back the Sheik. "If I win, then all of them are free. If you win, I get to play wife and live by your side. Got that?"

Uzumara took a step backwards, unsure what to do. If Lina did pass the pass, it would most certainly mean upheaval in his kingdom. The real secret of fish and men would be out. The city, in all its glory, would be susceptible to raiders of all kinds.

But he looks at the sorcerer and wanted her, deeply. The cost however… The cost was just too high. Never before had he been so attracted to such a figure. He was sure that even gaining the power of one Lina Inverse would-

As he was about to say his words, when the Sheik saw Maximilian peeking his head through the satin curtains. For such a strange occurrence, the Regent looked rather satisfied. Uzumara saw his brother-in-law wave his hand in affirmation, for the Sheik knew now that everything was set…

"Very well. I accept your offer." The Sheik motioned to the velvet curtains, signaling Maximilian to entered the center area. The crowd hushed with anticipation.

"You have two choices," said Maximilian. "They are the challenges we offer. The task of strength gauges how strong your physical body is. On the other hand, the task of wisdom tests the very strength of your mind."

"Oh Lina," said Nene, conscience from the earlier accident. The two twins were huddled next to Filia and Sylphiel, wondering what else was to happen. "Take the task of wisdom!"

"No one has been able to pass the test," said Mime, "It's the test of strength that we have seen before."

Lina nodded. "That's great, because I'm up for the mental challenge!" She turned back to the wizard, ready as ever. "Give me the task of wisdom!"

Maximilian pointed out to the Sheik's men, as they rolled out the covered display. "Our guest tonight has chosen to take the task of wisdom, one that is regarded as the test of spell craft." The wizard paraded around the room as if displaying cue card for a boxing round. "Please be mindful that she is our guest tonight. No throwing of tomatoes. No calling of seafood. Mindful of your manners, everyone." The Sheik's nobles jeered a bit at the wizard's announcement. They were interested in the results, but also the audience was aware of the upcoming spectaculars.

Lina took the step back. For such a calm and delightful formal affair, it was as if tigers were coming to visit and she was the fresh meat. Never had she'd seen an audience change their composure so quickly. Clearly, they did not feel her sacrifice was in vain.

The Sheik's men worked quickly, uncovering a globular target of black stone on a stand of wrought iron. The target was close to four or five feet high, but only a couple of feet around on each side. Its surface had once been polished, was a mess of sword scratches and melted in other areas via the power of magic. The interlaced iron stand held the giant target like an egg in a nest; all of it was bolted down to a small wooden rolling platform.

"Please be careful, Lina," said Mime, watching the setup. "We been here for several times and no one has been able to pass the task of strength. I'm sure that the test of wisdom will be a lot easier…" An expression of bewilderment came across her face as she poked her twin. "Nene, isn't that the same block as last week?"

"Why, I do think so. You don't suppose that the task are the same, do you?"

Lina wiped the sweat from her forehead. "You bakas!" she yelled.

Uzumara chuckled. "My, my, it does seem that the tasks are the same. You are quite correct, Nene. But even relaying that information to Lina will not help her at all!"

"The target is ready and awaits," said Maximilian. "You have ten minutes to shatter or slice stone in half." A hollow gong went off in the distance. "Your time begins…now!"

Lina stepped out into the center of the room. "None of that matters, Regent, it's a piece of cake." She walked around all sides of the globe of stone, admiring its solid structure. The sorcerer then flipped her hair back over and winked, readying herself. "Oh well, here goes nothing…"

*Fireball!*

She shot the ball of flamed energy from her hand right, smack dab at point-blank range into the stone target. The room exploded into a fiery cloud of flame and dust. Nobles and their wives ducked for cover underneath their tables, hiding in fear.

"What in Cepheid is she doing?" said Kerchef, hiding underneath his chair. "The Sheik isn't going to like the redecorating costs of his dome." He looked over at the far wall where gold leaf had melted off into puddles on the ground.

"Oh, she's just warming up," said Filia. "Does this all the time, in fact. Just a few days ago, there was this very large and old bridge north of here. I believe it was The Bridge of the Ancients."

Kerchef looked dumbstruck. "Was? But that bridge has been there for eons! It's the only passage that goes north towards the mainland." It was obvious that the bridge was already gone.

Lina looked that the stone target and smiled. "Warm-up time is over. I just didn't want you to be such a pushover…."

"…Fire torments inside; pushes in the light…comes forth to my hand; which burns with frightening rage!"

*Zelas Cannon!*

The immense beam of energy and fire struck the circular's midsection, its crackling sound reverberating throughout the dome. It encircled the globe and attacked it brutally in a wave of fire.

A few of the closest tables caught on fire from the intense blast, the servants of the Sheik were there quickly to extinguish it. The smoke cleared just as fast; for Lina was not surprised when the target reappeared, unblemished as ever.

A gong sounded. "You have three minutes remaining," droned Maximilian.

"No more miss nice girl," Lina's eyebrows arched in concentration as she spoke the chaos words off the tip of her tongue. She needed something that was going to cut, more than reality itself. She needed the power of monsters and gods alike.

"…You, who is part of the king of nightmare; You who is released from universe; A freezing black blade of darkness…Be my power, be my arm; Together we walk on the path of destruction; Crashing down the souls of Gods!"

*Ragna Blade!!*

The sword of chaos, the power of the Lord of Nightmares, crackled in Lina's outstretched hands. Maximilian had never seen such power within the grasp of human hands. It was as if all of everything was ready to strike the target down…

Lina didn't hesitate for one second, running up to the target with candid ambition. She would not become a slave and wife to the fish Sheik. She was going to change history like so many times before, free the people of this city and the one below. She was going to destroy that target…or at least slice it in half.

"AAAGGGHHH!!" She struck down through the black globe of stone with her spellcrafted weapon. There was no resistance, for such a meaningless target didn't have a chance. And before it had begin, it was over.

Lina looked at her blade of chaos and then at the block of stone. At first, she couldn't figure it out. The target was untouched, just like before. In her hands, the chaos blade was a lot shorter now, as streams of energy warped around its cutting edge. She saw it flickering as if wind were blowing out its chaotic flame. No, she thought, how could I have been so naïve…as she traced the drifting energy back to the intended target...

She looked into her hand, realizing that the Ragna Blade was still active in her hand. But the tiny weapon was disappearing fast, until it was a wee-little blade the size of Sylphiel's flare arrow. Before she could act, her blade disappeared right before her eyes.

The gong sounded once again, its tune a death note to the contest. "You…you cheated!" Lina pointed up at the gleaming target, then at Maximilian. "There's a chaos box in there! I'm sure of it!"

Lost was their freedom. The nobles did the next best thing by egging their insults onto Lina and her companions. "Fish! Fish! Fish!" they yelled. The audience was up and standing, cheering for the enchantment of the Sheik to begin right away.

"Fish! Fish! Fish!"

"No!!" Lina tried to run, but the audience around her was angry and upset. The nobles had dreamed for freedom for so long that they couldn't take loosing. Now that the sorcerer had not been unable to deliver, the crowd of nobles wanted blood.

Wide-eyed, The sorcerer couldn't take it anymore. She would have collapsed onto the ground if Kerchef had not caught her in mid fall. With the many escorts of Kerchef and his men, the ladies left the banquet, with all the fanfare of running away from a beheading.

And there was Uzumara, leaning back and laughing all the way.


---o--o--o---


Lina awoke up in the drawing room, from the plush couch that her and Sylphiel had lounged on before. She stirred up a second later, checking her body out for signs…of fins.

"You're not a fish, Lina," said Sylphiel, next to her in the sofa. "I ran all sorts of white spells and such all over you, and I can find nothing in your system. You're going to be…all right."

Lina let out a large sigh of relief. "You mean Uzumara and Maximilian were just putting me on? I'm not sure that I can believe that." She scanned around the room for a bit, looking for that shrine dragon. "Where's Filia?"

"She went to the spa again," said Sylphiel. "I do swear she had the most frightened look on her face, white enough to scare a ghost. But never mind that, I've checked you out quite well and both of us ran a declarify spell on you. There's no poisoning."

"Huh. That's good." Lina eyed the dessert chocolates on the coffee table in front of her, taking a few to munch on. She needed some self-indulging right away. "But didn't Uzumara say the spell was to happen in the morning?"

"Hai. But Kerchef has posted guards all around out room," said Sylphiel. "It's not going to happen."

"Then I have to wonder why they put me through that crazy stunt, just to tell me they have possession of a chaos box armed with its stone."

Sylphiel nodded. "It doesn't make any sense."

"No, it doesn't. The Sheik and Maximilian have been playing with us...but clearly, they want to tell us something as well…something about the power of chaos." Lina took out the chaos stone from her possession. "When their not armed within chaos boxes, the stones themselves are undetectable. Like this little baby." She admired the jewel against the candlelight. "We still haven't cracked the secret to these stone. There's almost nothing in the Aermark's journal about chaos boxes and stones, more like riddles to even bigger questions."

Lina got up and walked into her bedroom, hastily returning with the journal she had retrieved from the depths of the Temple of the Water Dragon King. "See, right here? It's like he wrote directions to enter the City of the Clouds." She pointed to a central drawing of a tablet, with six holes around it in a circle with a larger diamond-shaped hole in the middle.

"Hmmm?" Sylphiel leaned over closer to the sorcerer to take a look. "I don't understand how that could lead to the City of the Clouds. After all, can't you just 'Raywing' up there? From what we've heard, it just floats up there all ready to land upon."

"Or so they say. Actually, I think there's some kind of barrier around the floating city. These directions and this drawing mention the entrance to the Cloudminders. If there's a door, then the rest must be blocked by some kind of wall. I'm very sure of that." The sorcerer pointed to one of the six smaller slots along the rim of the circle of cutouts. "You know, I think it fits…" She still had the chaos stone on the coffee table, as she started to eye what socket the stone was to go in where…

Sylphiel yawned. "I can't take another minute being here, Lina. But alas, we can't do anything until the morning. How about we get some shuteye?" She looked into Filia's empty room, the dragon's bedroom door was wide open. "We each have our own rooms, so I'm sure there will be no problem if we're asleep."

"I guess you're right." Lina stretched her arms over her head in the tired manner. "Just in case, I'm going to change out of this monkey dress before retiring. I want to be up-and-running if anything happens early tomorrow."

"Hai…" The shrine maiden was already in her own room, readying for bed. "Night, Lina…"

"Night, Sylphiel…" sighed the sorcerer.


---o--o--o---


Dreams are a funny thing, thought Lina. She was having that usual dream that she always had. Actually, it was more of a nightmare. A scary nightmare. A frightening story to tell your kids and grandchildren one day. OK, it was a nightmare to one Lina Inverse.

There's our hero, feasting away on her dinner of roast beef, red potatoes, and corn in a quiet inn outside of Saillune. She was quick, making huge dents into the prime red meat, eating the medium sized potatoes by the whole, all while downing mountains of sweet corn with her fork. There was so much food…so much that a disaster began to happen…

Leftovers.

A half a slice of meat was still on her plates, as well as a couple of full potatoes. The corn on her plate…no it was growing on her plate, like its cousin popcorn.

"But I'm not hungry!" she cried while being pushed away from the dinner table. If was as if her own body had said no more food. "But I think I can eat one more potato," she pleaded, "or maybe two…."

"Nonsense!" said Biru. The stern old man was holding a threatening butcher's knife over his heart as it were a holy symbol. "It no longer matters that you were an entire rib of meat, a half-dozen potatoes and a plateau of corn away from finishing your meal. You are no longer a member!"

"No!!" She looked up at the far wall, a silly little drawings of her and her friends. Gourry. Amelia. All members of the 'Clean Plate Club.' And all were revered as conquering heroes of their time.

She looked back at her dinner plate, expecting to see her measly unfinished leftovers. Lo and behold to her surprise, was a full dinner plate of roast beef, potatoes, and corn, all looking rather untouched. "What the hell happened to all the food I ate?"

"Nonsense," said the innkeeper. "Did you think you could at least touch the food, never mind fail the challenge to eat it all! You should be ashamed for wasting away all those calories like that!" She could see in the corner of her eye that one of Biru's servers was ripping her portrait away from the top spot on the wall, placing Amelia's picture in its place.

"No! What are you doing! I ate it all! I swear!" Lina stared at the jam-packed plate of food while her full-stomach turned suddenly queasy. "Oh my…I think I'm going to…"


---o--o--o---


"Lina," said Xellos, from right behind her ear. He waved his staff in front of the little redhead, changing the scenery.

"Xellos! What a surprise!" Lina leaned back in surprise to find herself standing. "What just…happened."

"Oh nothing…" smiled the mysterious priest, "a bad dream. The nasty type." He snickered. "It was great, really. Especially when the pies started attacking you for being so skinny."

Lina stood there, her mouth agape. "Oh," said Xellos, "let's do get on with our little story time. Shall we?"

A large puddle of water appeared in front of Lina and Xellos. To say it was a lake would have been an understatement. She immediately noticed the large vegetables soaking in the magical waters. The lake seemed to hold a special meaning to Lina, as she recognized it immediately.

"The lake…but why?" she questioned. "I've already been here, I don't think it would have helped. Whoever told you about this…for when I see Naga again, I will surely-"

Xellos held his open palms up in defense. "Easy there, Lina. I didn't mean to take you to this place. Your mind brought you here, not me." Xellos stared as a tiniest frog jumped into the water, coming out a second later a rather aged fellow. "After all, you remember these springs?"

"If you turn me into an old woman, I will beat you the crap…"

"Oh, I would never be so cruel."

"Curse you, Xellos. What are you up to!"

The purple haired one saw Lina light up with extreme prejudice. "That is…a secret. Perhaps you want to be a fishwoman after all…"

She twisted around looking for the mysterious priest. But Xellos had left; in fact, the pond was gone as well.

"Where am I now…that jerk…" The land was bare of civilization. She thought about Xellos trying to make his point again, and how it had better have been important. "Curses."

She looked up into the sky at the high clouds, the setting sun, and stared once again. City of the Clouds, she said to herself, the city of that never revealed itself. She sighed, looking up at the city…

The sorcerer felt the sky rumble as the normal clouds nearby multiplied like rabbits, filling the sky with an angry snarl of wind. The city was coming closer now, for it was surely going to be right on top of her…and soon. The blustery weather was making it difficult to stand, but she resisted kneeling to such an entrance.

Cloudminders, Lina said in her mind, why do you hide your identity? Why fight such a battle against the Mazoku? Or do you fight as ancient dragons against your dragon foes?

At her strong request, a winged creature flew from the floating land. She was quite sure that it was…flying. First, it was a black dragon, then an ancient dragon. It morphed in the air, becoming a…golden dragon. And then, it was something else…that she had never seen before.

"Who are you! Mazoku! Shinzoku! Reveal yourself!" Her voice fell on deaf ears, for the flying creature choose not reveal its secrets as it ducked back for cover behind the floating city.

The air shook.

To be precise, the previous would have been an understatement.

"What the…" The City of the Clouds was glowing enormously bright, a beacon of light brighter than the sun had ever been. Lina could no longer stand and watch, it was as if the light itself was pushing her to the ground. Still, above the city grew flashes of blue and green, quite unnatural colors of the sky. All of heaven and the mighty sea had opened up, drawing the power from the sky and space.

And the city exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors. A tsunami of energy approached, growing larger by every second. Not a joyous reunion -- for as the wave crept over the land, all disappeared behind its cloud of visibility.

Lina ran, her legs tired. She raywinged up into the air but was thrown down angrily from the sky. Dropping like a rock, the sorcerer was unprotected as the wave of energy wave struck her from behind.

Blackness.


---o--o--o---


She woke up in a sweat, curled up under the thick comforter. Her feet were dangling free of her sheets by the foot of the bed, she was surprised how cold her toes were.

Lina turned in bed and felt…fat. She had eaten too much of the Sheik's food last night. Or was it the chocolate she snacked on later. Irritated, she wrestled her body around to get more comfortable. The sheets around her waist, her chest, and hips were so unbearably tight, for she couldn't understand why. With disgust and all the feelings of morning sickness, the sorcerer dragged herself up out of bed towards the bathroom.

Strange, she thought, the whole bedroom seemed so much…smaller. She couldn't make hands or tails of her environment as she waddled over to the mirror to wash her face…

"AAAGGGGHHH!!"

She ducked at seeing a stranger in the mirror. She looked up and realized that the stranger was…her. A blond, still human, with long hair as fine as Filia's, possibly with locks that were longer. She was taller. Curvier. Her cheekbones were higher as well as her neck, and then there was her…chest.

Not her old chest, but a chest that could rival anyone's in size. She could swear her breasts were larger than almost any chest she had seen in her life. Her top was closely checked up by her kid sorcerer's shirt, her outfit so tight that it was mid-riffing her bare tummy and the top could barely hold her in her figure. Her waist was still kid-like and tiny, which led to a tight thighs and a perfect set of legs.

Excitedly, Lina grabbed her breasts. Firmly. Real breasts. She jumped ever so little and her chest bounced. A lot. Bounced so hard that she fell backward into her bed, her equilibrium was whacked out.

"What the…?"

She had the killer body, but something else was…amiss. She never realized how difficult it was, the motor control, the coordination. She got off of the bed and tried to walk. Well, at least that was no problem…

Relieved, Lina sighed and smiled happily -- her own wish had come true…but then…but what if I can't do a…she thought. Well, let's try a flare arrow…

But…but…the arm motions and then…thump!…her breasts were in the way! Just as the spell was to go off, it died right in her hands…

The truth hit her like a ton of bricks. "No spells…No dragon slave. I've turned into something worse than…her!!"

"Xellos!!"


---o--o--o---


A hello to The Entry Plug, one of my *thankful* readers. We enjoy each other's stuff so much :p

- Incantrix
incantrix@dreamclouds.com


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