Slayers: Final
Chapter 8
Beware of Angry Fire Demons and Perverts
I feel like trash.
I just told the only person who had ever shown me anything beyond normal friendship that I do not love her.
But, it is for the best. I have to lessen the blow. I have to make sure that no one will miss me when it happens. I have to become the cold, heartless swordsman I once was, before I met any of them.
I feel like trash.
She cried throughout the night. She tried to hide it, and for the most part, succeeded as no one in the camp heard her I believe. But to my overly sensitive ears, it seemed like she was sobbing uncontrollably against my shoulder.
And what is worse is that I let myself feed off of her misery.
We are moving north again, still a week and more away from the mountain range. I avoid everyone now, talking only when spoken to and even then in just short, concise answers. I can't let anyone else get close to me. I can't let anyone else be hurt due to my departure in the near future.
Sooner or later a demon will come along, then I can set my plan into motion.
I feel like trash.
What did I do to make Mr. Zelgadis hate me? I replay all the conversations we have had over the last month, but nothing comes to mind.
I feel like trash.
I cried all night. I couldn't help it. It felt like my emotional skeleton got ripped out of me, so I just collapsed. I still can't believe it.
This whole adventure has been nothing but a disaster. Friends have died, friends have been hurt, and I don't even know if the Light Warriors will be together for long. Mr. Zelgadis won't even look at me, and Gracia is too busy being her pompous arrogant self, and Ms. Lina is in a coma. Even Boco, the chocobo drawing our sled, seemed a little depressed, offering only unenthusiastic 'kwehs' and whistles.
And I can't do anything about it. I haven't felt this helpless since the time HellMaster was killing me as I lied limp in Zelgadis's arms. I good way to die, I suppose. But, right now, that doesn't seem like a possibility. There must be something I can do! I just haven't thought of it yet. Yeah, that's it! It'll all come together in time. If we can all hold together long enough for that to happen, though.
The future seems as bleak as the darkening sky. It'll rain soon, even the sky feels like weeping I guess.
CRACKOW!
What the? Was that thunder? It couldn't be. . .it sounded so close yet the clouds are still miles away!
BOOM!
I was swiftly lifted off of my feet and landed some distance from where I was a moment ago.
Attack? I thought as soon as I came to my senses. When my vision cleared, I could see that we were under attack! From someone we haven't seen since the darkstar gate, Ragnazzo.
He was floating in the sky, glowing videly red, even redder than his fiery robes, he must be pissed! He began launching energy projectiles at anything that moved, scattering the caravan like sand in the wind.
Garirand ordered his men to gather as many refugees as they could and head for the enclave without him. Trusting their commander they began their task without question. In a matter of moments the incredibly disciplined unit gathered the terrified people into several small groups and started to head to the west, to sanctuary.
Gracia? Where is my sister? I can see Mr. Zelgadis and Garirand, but Gracia is nowhere in sight. I hope she didn't get hit in the first barrage. . .but, I won't be able to do anything for her if I get myself killed standing out in the open like this.
I found some cover in a shallow, but thick with tangled weeds, ditch. After surveying the battle field, I saw that Ms. Lina was the most vulnerable, lying in the open with nothing between her and a grisly death. Boco, still reined to the sled, become petrified and simply slumped over, fainting away.
Mr. Garirand and Zelgadis, busy facing down the demon, didn't notice Lina's predicament, and soon began the fight in full.
"You killed my master!" the crazed demon shrieked, launching himself into an offensive fury, sending energy balls in almost every direction conceivable. While not as powerful as a full Demon Lord, Cagnazzo is still very power and dangerous, he could kill us all if we aren't careful!
Well this warrior and justice is not going to let anymore friends die! I lept from my hiding place and began launching protection spells at Garirand and Zelgadis first, as they were the most in danger form Ragnazzo's attacks. I don't think the spell will hold against a direct hit, but at least it'll offer some protection against glancing blows and flying debris kicked up by the numerous explosions. Mr. Garirand and Zelgadis, now realizing they are a little more better off than they were, began to fight in earnest as well.
I then began to cast the spell on Ms. Lina but, to my ultimate horror, a stray bolt of energy detonated right next to the sled, shattering it and sending Lina and Boco flying limply in different directions. Boco landed with a sickening crunch and settled with his neck bent at an angle that wasn't natural. Lina, though, landed in the same ditch I was just hiding in.
Zelgadis and Garirand were still fighting the demon, but it didn't look like either of them was gaining the upper hand. Seeing that they were completely preoccupied with their battle, I made a mad dash to Lina, hoping I'll make it to her before Ragnazzo sees me.
I almost made it.
AMELIA!
I saw her get running out in the open out the corner of my eye, and I also saw Ragnazzo take aim and fire.
The bolt detonated at her feet and I lost sight of her amidst the fire and debris. I felt her pain, her suffering, her absolute confusion and fear at what had just happened to her and I let myself feed to regain some of the stamina I had lost fighting the vengeance minded demon. I do anything for her until I defeat the demon, so it is justified as I can't defeat the demon unless I have a steady stream of negative energy flowing into me.
I felt intense pressure around my tail bone, but I couldn't let that bother me now. Garirand was busy holding off the demon with his swords and I took the opportunity to strike at Ragnazzo's exposed back. But then I realized that this may be the best opportunity to start my plan. I began to establish a mental link with the demon, being careful not to distract so much as to give Garirand an chance to defeat it.
But I never got that far.
Multiple flying fish with wicked looking teeth flew out of nowhere and began to rip eagerly into Ragnazzo's flesh, spilling black blood onto the ground.
"What!? What is this!? You think you can defeat me like this!?" the demon screeched as he began to swat away at the attached creatures. But most had begun to let go anyways, zipping along at incredible speed to where Amelia fell. Garirand, began his assault on the demon anew, looking my way in a manner that bespoke his confusion at my apparent refusal to help him.
Now, more curious than mad, at my plan's delay, I watched as the fish-things descended upon the battered Amelia, enveloping her. When they withdrew only a few moments later, they revealed a confused looking but a healthy Amelia! I had my answer as to what happened a second later.
"Ooohohohoho!"
Where the hell has she been hiding?
"Who are you laughing at, BITCH!?" Ragnazzo launched a flurry of punches and kicks on Garirand, sending him flying. Then began to charge up an attack which, more than likely, will directed at the inflatable buffoon.
Now's my chance!
I awoke to the sight of a hundred razor toothed fish (fish! I hate fish!)infront of my face. Thoroughly freaked out, I jumped to my feet, wondering what was going on. The fish disappeared to my relief as soon as I woke up. For some reason, my sister comes to mind.
"Ooohohohoho!" Okay, then.
I thought I was headed to Lina? That's right, she got thrown in an explosion like a rag doll. But then, everything went dark. No time to be asking questions! I need to get to Ms. Lina and help her if I can. . .if she's even still alive.
I ran to the weed entangled ditch where Lina landed, searching frantically through the thick growth. I stepped on something soft and I found her! But she didn't look good, not at all. Her small body was punctured by many splinters, big and small, from the exploded sled. Her skin was taking on a grayish hue, and her lip were turning blue from either lack of oxygen or blood loss. Either one would kill her just as quick if I didn't do something faster.
I started to pull out the larger shards of wood and used small healing spells to close up the wounds. I can only hope that these spells replace lost blood like they do at home. . .I stole a glance at the continuing battle and found that Mr. Zelgadis was just. . .standing there? All the while, poor Mr. Garirand was taking massive abuse from the enraged demon.
I thought I would have to step in when it looked like Ragnazzo was about to deliver the killing blow, but it never came to that. An intense flash of light blinded me. When my vision finally cleared, what left of Ragnazzo was quickly dissolving to dust, next to a visibly shaken Garirand.
I looked around, trying to find the source of the light. I saw nothing on the ground, even Mr. Zelgadis was searching for the cause, even if he does look more than a little annoyed. With nothing on the ground I looked up. And I found myself looking at the hull of a caravel floating in mid-air!
At least, think it is a caravel. It kind of looked like a Seyruun schooner in retrospect. But, with a large spherical object tethered above the deck and a larger than normal rudder that appeared to be made of the same material as a sail. Also, and must peculiarly, was the protrusions jutting out from either side of the impossibly floating vessel. They were roughly ovoid with cut off tops with odd, barely visible circles that made a loud humming sound on top.The most prominent feature however, was the long, silver cannon set on the bow. More than likely that was what caused Cagnazzo's demise.
The ship landed on it's sled-like skids a hundred yards away on a flat clearing. I found Gracia right next to me (she must have came when I was engage with the ship) and we carefully carried Lina to the most unusual schooner. Surprisingly, Gracia didn't so much as flinch at the sight of Lina's blood soaked clothing, instead she set her teeth and looked straight ahead, with a look of determination in her eyes. Looking at Lina's grey complexion just made even more anxious to get to the ship. Mr. Zelgadis and Mr. Garirand met us there and we waited for our savior to make his appearance. I hope he has something that can help Ms. Lina.
We didn't have to wait long, just a few short moments later a tall figure appeared on top of the ship's deck. He was an elf! I think. If that is what they are called here. His pointy ears and too handsome looks gave that away. His spiky blonde hair glinted in the sun as he smiled and waved at us. He then jumped down to the ground, rolling as he hit to soften the landing.
"Hello! Not too bad timing if I do say so myself! My name's Cid, pleased to meet you all!"
Upon closer inspection (as he got right into our faces and vigorously shook each of our hands) he was not like any elf I have ever seen before. Sure his physical features are elvish, sharp, angular and just plain beautiful but his clothing was something I've never seen an elf wear, or anyone else for that matter. He wore some kind of a blue jump suit with literally dozens of pockets, some looked as if they originally belonged there, others were haphazardly sewn in. The pockets were bulging, filled with all kinds of strange looking devices and some that I could at least recognize, like hammers and screw drivers.
"So what are you, an elf?"
"Mr. Zelgadis! Don't be rude!" Does he plan on making enemies of everyone now? "We are all thankful for your timely help, Mr. Cid."
"Ooohohoho! It wouldn't have been necessary in a few minutes! I was just beginning to prepare a massive summon spell!" Gracia just had to say.
"Oh, what would you have done? Summon an anthropomorphic potato?" Naga looked oddly reminiscent over what was obviously a jab at her skills.
"That's enough Zelgadis! We don't have time for this! Not only are we being rude to our rescuer, need I remind you the Ms. Lina is seriously hurt here!" Whoa. I actually yelled at Mr. Zelgadis! I feel kind bad for it but he really needed that I think.
"A woman's hurt! Out of my way!" Cid dashed pass us so fast to Lina that we actually spun on our heels a few times. He checked her pulse and then gently lifted her into his arms. "She doesn't look good. Come into my ship, I have something that may help her."
We boarded his, uh, vessel and discovered what had to be the tackiest place in the multiverse. Leopard skin chairs, mood lamps, a round bed that slowly rotated for no apparent reason. And mirrors, mirrors of all shapes and sizes were everywhere. What is with this guy? At least he seems to be a nice person.
Cid placed Lina on the bed and hit a button on one of the post that bore a striking resemblance to a human female's leg to stop the bed's spinning. He then began to rummage through a closet. Many things were thrown out of that closet that day, many of those things were just clothing and tools. Others still make me embarrassed just by the very thought of them. Maybe he needed those. . .uh, devises for spare parts?
Finally he found what he was looking for, a flask with what looked to be feathers inside of it. He popped the cork and shook out one feather onto the palm of his free hand.
"What is that?" I asked.
"This, my dear. . .?"
"Amelia."
"Yes, Amelia, this is Phoenix Down, a powerful Elvaan item."
"Elvaan? Oh, you mean like an Elf?"
"Uh. . .sure! Whatever you say! Anyways, this feather can bring someone back from the brink of death! It can't cure old age, of course, but it can increase the speed your body heals by about 2,302 for a brief moment."
"2,302! Wow, really?"
"I dunno. I just made that number up."
". . .."
"Okay, I'll shut up now." With that he crushed the feather in his hand and sprinkled the remains all over Lina's body.
"It may take a while for the effects to be noticed but you don't have to worry about her much anymore."
"Well, now that that is taken care of, Amelia, why don't you clean up Lina, I doubt she'll be in a good mood when she wakes up and when she finds out she has been in the same clothes for weeks it'll only compound the problem." Zelgadis ordered.
"A feisty one, eh?" Cid asked with an odd gleam in his eye.
"You have no idea."
"Anyways, Naga you go outside and grab our gear."
"Why should I, Naga the White Serpent, be reduced to the role of a handmaiden?"
"I saved a bottle of liquor in my pack, you can have it after you are done." She left before he even finished the request. What am I going to do with her? But what really surprised me was the Zelgadis actually offered her the alcohol, especially after the incident in the temple store room.
"Gari-"
"I am afraid that we must split paths for now, Mr. Zelgadis."
"Of course, your men probably need you."
"My men will be fine, they know how to take care of themselves. It is the temple crew that I am worried about. They do not know the way to the next safe house and I fear that they'll get caught up in some trouble before long, with Ragnazzo defeated and all."
"Yeah, the demons my come and investigate, in that case, farewell Captain Garirand."
"Goodbye, Mr. Garirand, may Ciephied's blessing be with you."
"Thank you all, perhaps we will meet again one day." He left without another word. I wonder if we will see him again?
"All right, Cid let's go into your, uh, captain's quarters? I have some questions that need answering."
"This way, good sir!"
They both left and I began my task of cleaning up Lina.
I followed the strange and somewhat annoying elf to his quarters. It was on the middle deck (out of three) and aft. Unlike the rest of the ship though, it wasn't garishly decorated. In fact, it was almost exactly like one would expect a captain's quarters to be like, except for the large opaque mirror in the middle of the room. What possible use could you get out of a mirror you can barely see yourself in?
Cid pulled up a couple of chair and offered me one before he sat down in his. I refused.
"So, what can I do for you Mr. Zelgadis?
"Well, for starters, you could tell me how you so easily defeated that demon." Nothing short of a Dragon Slave or a Rah Tilt, two of the most powerful spells on our world would destroy a demon of Ragnazzo's caliber, much less any weapon I have ever heard of.
"I'm so glad you asked! Have you noticed the large metal bow?"
"Uh. . .yeah." How could you miss it? Besides the large ball floating above the deck, the bow is the most noticeable part of the ship.
"That, my friend is my latest addition to my ship, the Invincible, a Makou Cannon of my own design, I call it "The Mojo Ray"!" Oh great Ciephied. This guy's personality is becoming more and more apparent by the minute.
"What's a Makou Cannon? I somehow get the feeling it doesn't use gunpowder."
"You are quite right, it uses Makou energy. A neat little energy source I discovered while. . .well, that's a long and boring story. All you need to know is that you won't have to worry much about any demon attacks here!" Long and boring story my ass. A slew of negative emotions emanated from the elf as soon as he was about to explain Makou energy. All well, it isn't anything that can't wait for the more important questions.
"What if they attack from behind?" I couldn't help bursting his bubble.
"Well, I, uh. . .indeed. . ."
"So, how did you know where to find us? You are obviously an engineer and your name is Cid. We were told to find you in a city more than a week from here."
"Well, I owed a favor to a priest and he asked me to take my ship and head south east. I wasn't quite done testing my Makou Cannon but he told me I'd have the perfect opportunity if I did as I was asked. And boy did I ever!"
"Uhg. . .this Priest? Does he have a name?"
"Yes, his name is Xellos. Friend of yours?"
"Oh yeah, I can't wait to show him my appreciation for our "timely" rescue." That son of a bitch is dead. I was so close!
"Anything else?"
I didn't get a chance to respond. Amelia burst into the room with tears in her eyes. They weren't sad tears, but instead tears of joy.
"Mr. Zelgadis! It's Ms. Lina! I think she is waking up!"
"Wha-what!?" I almost completely dropped my guard and showed my relief when she said that. But, I can't stop this facade yet. Not when I know we will be facing another demon sooner or later. I just hope it will all be worth this misery I'm putting everyone through.
Amelia dragged me to Lina's bedside, Naga was already there. If eyes were Flare Arrows, then I would be burnt to a crisp the stare Naga was giving me was so intense. She must've found out I didn't really have any booze in my pack I ignored her and instead shifted my attention to a now stirring sorceress.
She sat up abruptly her eyes wild and panicked, her emotions were doubly intense. She looked around frantically, as if searching for something (or someone), I am not really sure if she even noticed us in the room with her. She drew her legs up to her chin and wrapped her arms around herself. Then she softly whispered the most pitiful thing I have ever heard from her.
". . .Gourry. . .."
Author's Notes:
Whew. . .that took awhile, didn't it? So our not so happy group of Slayers are now being hounded by demons, that shouldn't be anything they aren't used to, right? Well, I finally intruded Cid, making many of you happy no doubt (even if he is my own Cid and not an all ready established one from the games). Stay tuned next time for more demons causing havoc, Lina's state of mind since she's woken up (finally) and a little mole-bat everyone likes to call "Mog".