Disclaimer: Slayers, Lina Inverse, and all other mentioned characters that are used in this story (Other than the ones I came up with) all belong to Kanzaka-sama! He gets all the credit. Hence this is why it's a fanfiction, of course.
Also the song bit the Proserpina sings along to is Weirdo by New Order. It's on Youtube if you want to check it out. I of course have no rights to that song, but it's just sung in this fanfiction.
And enjoy amigos! Also a shout out to the people on the other side of the world: Happy new years! It's the year of the fire tiger, right? May you all be blessed with the courage, strength, and positive energy to overcome any evil or obstacles in your life! May 2022 have that tiger energy!
Chapter Ten: And we're off! Oh look who decided to pop in!
We had scaled a great distance though the thicken of woods as Zelgadis took lead of our pack of four. He held his compass in front him, keeping the direction strong to the north. "We should be approaching the boarder to Kalmaart shortly-!" I heard him shout. "-Maybe in a few hours, if we keep up with this pace!" I huffed as I kept up with the rest; I could my knees wobble as I climb upwards on a steep hill. I whimpered loudly as I kneel down to the ground, catching my breath. I sensed something hovering above me, shooting my head up, I see Gourry beaming over me as he held out an outstretch hand. I took it, and he boosted me to my feet, there I swayed for a bit; my legs begging me to stop moving.
"Hold on Lina." He lowers himself to his knees, facing his back towards me. I caught on to what his gesture was; a piggy back. I leaned on his back and hug his waist with my legs, and hung on to his broad shoulders. I bobbed and bounce as he jumped back on to his feet and set off in a quick pace to catch up with the other two. I started too chuckled as Proserpina stopover, just to look at me, shaking her head. Zelgadis wasn't even paying any mind; he was still in full gait, weaving his way throughout the trees.
"Well that looks like more fun than a barrel of monkeys, huh?" She amused as she playfully step in front of Gourry. "I'm so jealous of you." She contoured her face into that of an chary one as she placed her wrist to her forehead.
"What are you going on about?" I arched an eyebrow as she placed a longing expression in her deep, golden eyes. "It's nothing." She sniffed. "I just I wish I had a boyfriend that would carry me as well-"
"SHUT THE HELL UP-"I went to swoop at her, but she was too quick, and my body weight (granted I don't weigh much, and it's mostly the mantle, I swear) almost made Gourry trip midstride. I could hear her hoot as she dashed back to the direction Zel treaded into. It's also great that he had noticed that we were lagging behind, no thanks to shenanigans. He stood there with a hand on his hip, and the other one held up the compass. He shook his head at us as we gained up from our distance, his eyes narrowing as he noticed that Gourry was carrying me. He looked as if he was going to say something snarky, but with a sigh, he let whatever it was go. "Lina, we need to stop goofing around if we want to make it there before the sun starts to set…"
"It wasn't me Zel." I glared over at Proserpina, who playful stuck her tongue out. I went back to the part golem guy, who had folded his arms, like he was some kind of disappointed dad. "We can save the horseplay for later." With that, he resumes the designated direction; his stride was lengthier as we marched to keep pace. Time felt it had flew on so quickly, and eventually Gourry started to tucker out as he slowed down. He stopped and swooped for me to leap off of him, after that he posted up to a tree, panting to catch his breath.
"Are we even close?" He gasped as he glared at Zelgadis who avoided eye contact as he waltz past him.
"No." The blonde scoffed as he hit the back of his head against the rough bark. "But I'm tired. Can we take a rest?" Good luck with that Gourry, I could tell that Zelgadis was in one of his little moods, and the way he rolled his eyes at Gourry's request makes me feel like it going to be a while until grumpy ass is over what's gotten that chip on his shoulder in the first place. "Again! No." See what I mean, I listened in as Gourry continue to protest. "Come on Zel. Just for a bit. My legs are sore."
The blue chimera huffed as he glares in the blonde's direction. "That's not my problem. You're the one who decided to carry Lina this far." You know, I'm impressed; Gourry did carry me this far, where most guys, minus the two chimeras, would have tapped out a half of mile ago and left me behind in the woods. I actually felt bad for him, so I walked up to Zelgadis, standing in front of him as his eyes narrowed to the point where they were almost close. "What now, Lina?" He stopped in his tracks, folding his arms around his slender torso. "Do you really think I'll give in to you asking? Think again?" Ooof! Sorry Gourry but I tired, I didn't get far, but at least I made the attempt. "Beside keep in mind, that we are in bandit territory. Which is why I want to keep moving" The blonde let out a small cry as he stood his aching body back to standing. Proserpina approaches him, in a more empathic level as she tapped his arm, gaining his attention.
"I think what you did for Lina back there was dope." She commented, bending down to the ground. "So I think since we can't afford to take a pit stop, I'd figured I'll take one for the team." I was confused at first but when she gesture for him to piggy back off of her, I had to laugh. Not because I doubt her ability to carry him (Which she probably could), But that the fact it was a girl carrying a guy would be so odd looking for anyone who doesn't understand the situation.
"Hell no!" He seemed somewhat offended by her gesture at first, but as soon as he did a quick look at Zelgadis tracking some distance as we waited, he changed his mind. "Fine." The attitude hung heavy on his tone as he placed his legs kindly around her lower back. I snorted ass he let out a quick shriek as Proserpina shoot up and began to talk a rapid stride. I snorted as I jog behind them. Gourry held on to her shoulders tightly as his eyes were as wide as they can be.
"A GIRL IS CARRYING ME! HOLY SHIT!" I chortled more as Proserpina caught up with Zelgadis, who almost tripped over himself while he did a double take on her carrying him. I burst out laughing when I saw his face; He stood there, mouth agape, his eyes were wide as Gourry who matched his expression looked back at us. Proserpina spun around, causing Gourry to yelp. "What?" She called, as Zel stared and I cackled as I snapped my knee.
"Lina…" I heard Zelgadis sighed deeply. "I don't know…"
"What is it" I chuckled as I waited for his say. "I don't know," He murmured. "If I should be alarmed or astounded right now..." He moved forward with his last words, I guess if I was him, I may have my curiosity stirred up by now. Though it has always been a challenged reading Zel anyways, and I think a lot has to do with what has happened to him. I don't think he was always this offset, I even seen more and more rare bits of his personality leak out from time to time. There are times he is a bit rough on himself, but he's improved, bit by bit.
"That doesn't seem to be easy for you to decided?" I maintain my sped as I walked up to his side. He purse his lips together as he eyed where both Gourry and Proserpina where. "It's not every day that we run into someone like her." He gazed quickly as his compass, checking the direction. "I can't help but to wonder..."
"About what?" Come on. Say it. I know you can! He looked at me, seemingly wary about something, or how to put it in words. I watched as his eyes flickered in their direction before he opened his mouth. "She's a rather peculiar and not your atypical assortment when it comes to chimerism, at least from what I observed. So I wonder if her society is advance enough to turn me back…" I fought the urge to snicker out loud as I turned my head to grin. "I just don't want that to be the first thing I asked though..." Normally you would, or you had when the opportunity of when you think there was a chance, you went for it. "So what's stopping you?" There was a stillness as he seem too have stiffen his posture, his eyes shifted nervously. "I don't know. It's not easy to say…" Yeah it is. You just won't say that you want to make her acquaintance, or maybe more. Who knows! That isn't my call, not now at least. Besides she kinda just got here not that long ago. Maybe a week at most, it feels more than that. I'm not expecting anything right away, but it's funny how things are certainly taking shaped. I glanced over to the other two; Gourry bobbed as Proserpina plowed right though the trail we were all sent on. My eyes went back to Zelgadis, who I caught watching Proserpina in a form of awe.
"Are you interested in her just for that?"
"No… Why?" I dunno buddy. I just had a hunch. Plus I want to mess with his head, so here we go!
"Are you attracted to Proserpina?" HA! I think my question may have stroke a nerve, because he look so bowled over! Awe, what's wrong? Did I hit too close for home? He began to blushed madly as his gaze darted back and forth, seeing if anyone was listening.
"Who wouldn't be and why are you even asking me this?!" He hissed though his teeth as he turns from a flushed pink to a bright red. I knew it. He won't admit it. I get it, it's a guy thing, you know. I don't blame him; I know if I was a dude, I'd probably go after her. It's not hard to notice that woman's beauty, that behind her friendly face, she is still delimited in mystery despite the transparency. If I was Zel's shoes, I would take on the same approach, now his intentions and if he grows on her, which I can't say. I mean, last I've to note of is I thought there was a thing between him and Amelia, but I think he knows his boundaries with that. I don't think they would take it that far, at least not Zel. Having rock like skin is his biggest mood killer; a part of me believes that he would reserve any kind of interest he had until he was back being full human. There is something that has came about and I sniffed it out before it was made out; I think Pokota may develop a crush on Amelia as well, and Zel is not liking the competition that he is bring up to the table. When I see Zelgadis when he watches the two in action in front of him, I see a bit of him shut off, like someone hitting a power switch. I can see Proserpina being the one that could turn that back on, just saying. Not like I'll pressure Zel into how he should neither feel, nor am I making any calls. I think Proserpina being here, may complicate things even more, or provide a better since or self or direction. I just see something maybe that no one else has caught on to, something unspoken. Like I should know, I'm no expert on the emotional stuff. Look at me, Ms. Not ready to have sex, and here I am trying to poke and prod at what my best friend fancies. I wouldn't shame him though. Chimeras need love too, you know. "I can't speak for them." There was an amount of truth for that. Zelgadis peeped at me from over his shoulder, his face still flushed. I did my best to smile as ingenuously possibly can. Which I'm pretty sure he didn't buy it, oh well. I can't speak for him either, as long as we have known each other for. I'm just here to root him on, if that's the case.
I watched as the sky swirled with the colors or the sunset as a golden orange made the green canopy above seem like it was set ablaze! More of the day had phase on as we progress more and more each passing moment. There was a point where Gourry decided it was time for Proserpina to put him down.
"Hey. I think I can walk now." She stops and he places his feet on the ground. I giggled as he wobbles a bit, regaining his posture and stride. Proserpina stretches and continues behind him, catching up to both Zelgadis and I. I astonish at the level of stamina that woman has, and I thought Zel was at the top! We trotted to a point in the road, where he came to a sudden halt; his head darted to the right as he ears perked on a sound.
"Someone's there." I couldn't see anyone, but I started to feel a creeping sensation that we were being watched. Proserpina and Gourry took places behind us, and Zelgadis and I watch intensely as a shadowy figure emerged from the woods.
"Well hello Lina." Said an oddly, familiar nasally voice; my visions focus as Xelloss came into view. "It has been a while hasn't it?" Not that long, maybe at least a year or so ago. His robe swaying as he moved towards us. He tapped his staff on the ground as he came to a standstill. He head tilted in a curious manner as he took observation onto something. "There is somewhat of a change about, would you say?"
"Xelloss, what do you want now?" Zelgadis already seem impatience with the priest presence. The monster turns his head and nodded at the chimera. "Oh just nothing really! I was just seeing what you all where up to. That's all!"
"Why are you here-"
"Oh Xelloss-!" I spoke loud enough to shout over Zelgadis, nudging him with my elbow hoping he would take the hint and let me do the talking. "It's nothing really special. Just a stroll along in the forest, looking for mushrooms." I can play coy too; we are dealing with the infamous trickster after all.
"Is that so?" He levitated a bit above us, a smirk formed on his lips. "Well it seems that you have a new tagalong in your party. Care to introduce her?"
I could hear Proserpina groan as Gourry and I stepped to the side, while Zelgadis held his ground. His distrust for the monster is placed within reasoning. Xelloss glided towards her, slowly encircling her as he landed back on the ground.
"Aren't you certainly a sight for sore eyes?" Since when monsters where this smooth? Then again, this is coming from the guy who loves sending crazy mix signals. Proserpina narrowed her eyes at him, as if she was catching a funk off of him.
"What's your deal, bro?" She didn't seem thrilled in encountering him, or mostly because this guy was not getting the rule of personal space as he gotten really close to her. "Interesting." He muttered to himself. "What is your name?"
She was silent, until Gourry opened his mouth. "I think her name is Persephone." I guess it's a good thing he is always butchering her name. She somewhat cringed as she side look at him. "That was close to it though." She mumbled. Xelloss floated to Zelgadis, who look askance as the monster began to question him.
"It must be serious if you are here." He noted as he tapped on Zel's forehead, causing the chimera to hiss and take a full swing at him. Even with his abnormal speed, he still missed. Xelloss vanished and reappeared behind me, where he was propped up on his staff.
"So Lina…" He began as he flicked a speck of dust off his white glove. "What can you tell me about your friend?"
I blinked. "She's new around here." I know he isn't going to leave it at that. He flexed his fingers as he stretched out his lengthy arm. "I believe you are right!" He chimed. "I've never seen her here before myself, and I've been here myself for quite some time." He pointed a finger at her choice of attired, which she had equipped a black, fitted leather jacket at some point. "Beside you're choices of clothing screams outsider! You could be from a different area in the world, yes?" She again said nothing and his eyebrow twitched. "Do you know what land you're from? Maybe the city?-"
"I'm from an island." She finally spurted out as irritation gotten to her. Xelloss smiled wildly as he clapped his hands together. "Fantastic!" He cheered. "She does speak the language. You could of said so yourself, Lina." He glided towards her again, His face a foot away from hers. He took a sharp inhale, as if he was trying to sniff her out.
"Do you know which island?"
"Why so many questions?" Proserpina didn't budge from the spot as Xelloss gain a tad closer to her, his lips curled more into a sneer as he tilted his head. "What give you the strange idea that I would want to talk to the likes of you?" Oho! Xelloss face twitched as he opened his mouth to retort. "What do you mean, 'the likes of me'? I'm just a wondering priest."
"Yeah, what's wrong with Xelloss?" Gourry butted in as awkward as usual. Both Zelgadis and I exchange nervous glances as we shot a fierce look in his way. Gourry held up his hand in a defense position. "What?" He asked. "Is he a problem that I don't know about?" We both groaned together. "Gourry," Zelgadis said in a sharp tone. "Have you forgotten what exactly Xelloss is already?"
"A priest?" Ugh! Here we go with the sudden case of the stupid. I watch Zel get weak in the knee as I grab my hair, gritting my teeth.
"He's a monster you dumbass!" I whacked him hard in his head. All the time we have encountered Xelloss, and your freaking telling me that this Jelly fish for brains doesn't not remember the history or nature of the man who claimed himself as just a wondering priest to the new girl, who doesn't seem fooled right away, unlike Gourry, she seems to be capable of reading Xelloss in some way. Gourry heard me, and stood there in disbelief. His finger tapping his chin as he was trying to recall something that was there, but wasn't at the same time.
"Oh!" He exclaimed as he held up his finger. "That's why Filia hated him so much!" Oh gods. That's one of the reasons; the rest is that he was involving in an event nearly a millennium ago, where he nearly wiped out her ancestors. I peeked though my fingers; at some point I had covered my face to hide my embarrassment. I can't believe this guy completely brain farted on what he was.
"Xelloss!" Zelgadis shouted and the priest turned his head to him, his smile faded somewhat as he watch the seething chimera approach him. "What business do you have here anyways? Other then harassing new comers…" Oh! Get him Zel! He folded his arms as Xelloss began to chuckle." Oh you should know better by now, Zelgadis." He snickers even more. "Because, that's a secret!" And with that, he grabbed his staff, tapped the ground, and vanished from the spot! Typical Xelloss, what do you except from the monster who claims himself as the trickster priest?
"He's gone!" I smack Gourry in the head as hard as I could. "Yes dumbass, he's going back to report to his master!"
"Who was that dude?" Still fuming, I snapped my head at Proserpina. "Xelloss, right? That's what Zelgadis called him. What's his deal?"
I gazed at her. "I take it that you weren't fooled by his appearance, huh?" I rubbed my chin as Proserpina cast a look that would have said 'Duh'. "How could you tell?" I know, by the way she is looking at me, that she was expecting her answer, and not to asked a question, especially after asking one. I have my reasoning, and I wanted it to be easier for me to explain anything for the following. She sighed and placed her hand on her hip. "He had such a dark aura about him. It was like he was possessed." Hm. So there is a possibility that she could be gifted with the ability to see a monster's energy.
"That's what I thought." All three of them looked at me in a puzzled manner. "You see, Xelloss is a type of monster, a high ranking one at that. They're like the bad guys around these parts. "
"Well that would make sense of him having such a dreadful aura." Her eyes darted around for any more sign of Xelloss. "I don't trust the possessed."
"I'm not quite sure if he would be consider as possessed." Zelgadis added as point us back in the direction to our designation. "That's his actually body, or more so an earthy apparition."
"So it's his tangible vessel?" That's one way to put it. Xelloss may be psychical, but he doesn't bleed, or have internal organs like we do. It's more like an illusion that is human like in appearance. She seemed to have cringed at this. "Ugh. They are even trickier here then I except." Proserpina staggered behind and bit and heaved a great sigh as she wiped out something behind her ear. I heard the snapping noise as she took in a great amount of smoke and exhaling it.
"If he's a bad guy, then why didn't he attack?" Look, Xelloss works in mysterious ways, sometime they are in his own accordance, other times its directly out of his own master, or if he was working under another's influence, like Lord Fibrizo for a example. I don't think he is under Deep Sea's order, he didn't seem so. It was like he was gathering information to relay back to a greater source. The warrants are
"Is Zelas Metallium involved as well?" I failed to realize that I said that out loud, because next thing I knew, I had a blue color guy in my line of sight. "I was thinking of the same thing." He gave a wary look at Proserpina. "If that's so, then how much danger do you think she is actually in? If she and Deep Sea are both involved, then is this really worth risking ourselves to tag along in this?" I get where he is getting at, but there is something that tells me that it's not as bad as it sounds. Like we have faced must rather worst things, like the Dark Lord for one. We all have faced fiends far worst then the two other monster queens that normally mind their own business, until now. Though there is no direct proof that she is involved as well, all we have are assumptions until we run across something that proves otherwise. Besides, we could also really use Zels' help, with his wits and ability to navigate (I'm not half bad, but I've gotten lost a few times. Let's not talk about that okay), we can get there in less time. I did my best to talk him in with this, other than me knowing about him being able to change back. Another thing is this strong hunch that once he finds out he can go back to being human, he is going to be up her butt (Not psychically. Come on guys, don't think that way) and do what he can to make certain that was possible. Though there is that unshakable feeling that something more my happen, a bit where some major changes are coming. Anything that Xelloss makes himself known in, would be consider as a serious deal. I'm under the impression Zelas is trying to 'play it safe' and obtain information about her first, like what she is capable of, in her fullest potential before they consider any kind of call that considers her a threat. I tilted my head as I watched her moved with us; is she really a walking risk? She can't be, at least to what matters to her that is. I can't make that call yet. I need to poke more in her to see what makes her tick before I even consider her a danger myself. She hasn't given a reason. Though I still have a yearning to see more of she is able to do.
"How about this; just tag along to the mountain with us, then find out if you can be normal again or whatever and decided from there if this is worth it or not." I waited for his response, he turns to me, and his eye twitching as his nerves seemed somewhat frayed. "Lina. I'm still here, am I? I haven't turned back, have I?" Well, what are we waiting for, with knees to chest, we hiked more into the woodland.
At some point, I felt a noticeable nag in my tummy; the hungry pains where stirring as my stomach demanded food. Ugh, I barely perform magic and I'm starving. Now that I remember, I really didn't eat that entire great at Pokotas', being that he only had what I consider as snack foods. It would make sense why my appetite is raging at this moment. "Hey Zel." I saw his ears wiggle, taking that as a cue that he was listening. "I hate to be a nag, but I'm hungry."
I could hear him give a breathy chuckle. "Lina, you're always a nag." Oh okay wise ass. I see how it is. "Also you're always hungry! Do you ever miss a meal?" If I had my way, absolutely not! I would have five, no seven! Make that TEN COURSE MEALS THOUGHTOUT THE DAY! I would have the team of the best cooks abroad working around the clock. As of now, I don't, so we have to be creative and think of something as my belly growls ferociously. You see, my little body burns a lot of energy, and now it demands to be replenish from all that treading we done. Zelgadis, on the other hand, didn't seem bother to go without eating for extended periods of time. No wonder he was always skinny as a rail!
"Lina! Can you at least hold out for a couple more hours?" I don't think I can. I sniveled in objection as my lower lip trembled. As I hung my head lowly, something collided with the back on my head. I turn and look at the ground, and next to my boot was what looked like a snack bar of some sort. It looked like some kind of granola, mixed with dried berries and pieces of chocolate? I open its clear packaging and took a nibble out of the corner. It was chocolate, and it taste pretty good. I gobbled it up as I sought out the source that was so kind to toss that up. I watched as Proserpina waved another one in front of her, and I flexed my fingers like a kid saying more. She throws that one and I catch it. Gourry takes note of the commotion and attempts to snatch the bar from my grasp!
"No way! It's mine!" The game of keep away took off as Gourry swooped in trying to grab my fist as I held on tightly to the granola. We kept this up for a length amount of time, until Zelgadis had shouted at us.
"Will the two of you knock it off?!" This cause me to loosen my grip a bit, which was enough for the snack slipped out of my hands as Gourry, ran off with it. I had the mind to chase after him and get it back, but another one that Proserpina had was handed over. This one had more chocolate in it, even better looking than the previous one. I greedily open it and gnaw at it as Zel turn his head back, shaking it in the process. "Those two are like wild animals at times..." Excuse me but who are you calling an animal?! I glared at him, and I knew he sensed it as he did a quick look around his shoulder. He knew he was pushing me. I guess this is what I get for prodding in his head. I gazed at the forest canopy as we continued being guided by probably one of the most of the moodiest guys I've ever known. Zelgadis lead in silence as He stayed in his own thoughts; boredom crept up on us, even Proserpina who lagged behind us, had her strange ear muffs on, she hummed along to a song that I did not recognize at all. Her voice wasn't that bad, from what I could make out since she sang rather softly to herself. It was way better then what I could do that is.
The other day I came across
Someone I knew and he was lost
I don't care what we have done
You never will believe it.
It's a life that's made for me
Where I can be completely free!
So as long as I obey this sound,
That echoes all around!
Just like the ocean or the sea
Just like the blood that burns in me
Someone like you cannot be free
Just like a lock without a key!
She was doing some kind of skip along with whatever rhythm the song provided. I watched her dance as she was totally in her grove, I got admit; girl's got some moves to go with the voice. I mean by the way she held a tone and her motions were smooth, it just seem like she had been doing that her whole life as well. I didn't want to disturb her about it, but oh well. I stumbled across a decent sized pine cone, and gathered it. It was at least the size of my hand; I gave it a squeeze as I fling my arm back. It tapped her left shoulder, which broke her from her trance. She slid the muffs off of ears, and gave me a glary guise as I wave my arm at her. She walks up to me, I could a faint tsk tsk with a melody playing within from her headphones that hung around her neck as she drew near.
"That was an interesting performance." I figure a compliment may put an ease to her bothered attitude. It did its magic. "Where did you learn to sing and dance like that?"
She laughs quietly as what appeared to be her in moment of reminiscing. "My dad loved music, so I picked up a little here and there so I could sing covers to him. It made him so happy." That's really endearing to hear. My parents where both adventures like Gourry and me, before they decided to settle down and got involved with business and being now store owners. It could be a passion we pick up from our loved ones that tends to grow on us. Similar to how Amelia walks in her father's footsteps, and how I took on a similar fashion to my parents' lifestyle. Then again, that can't apply to everyone; Gourry never speaks about his family other than a brief mentioning about a great conflict that happens before he left for good. As for Zelgadis, I not quite sure about his relationship with his, being that Rezo may had murder them when he was young. Let's not get into detail about his relationship with the red priest, I'm pretty sure whatever was there may have went downhill when Rezo decided that it was time to make Zelgadis into what he thought was powerful. The one I have with my parents is great, it's just my older sister and I on the other hand, let's go with that as the reason why I'm out here in the first place. It wasn't like I was a bad child; I just got a little bit too greedy for my own good. "He used to take me to live shows and eventually encourage me into performing in front of people. I guess he wanted me to do something that we both enjoy instead of what my mother was doing cramming traditions down our throats." At least her dad wasn't as strict and customary as their mom was made out to be. At least he had her focus on a talent that wasn't just solely magic that is.
"You're pretty good at it. " I wouldn't mind seeing her preformed one day. She went on explaining about how in her world, they would have what was called an "Open Mic" where people gathered to both listen and play music. She kept up with it, until she had to come here that is.
"You should give it go again one day. Get a little extra gold if can pull a crowd." I don't think she was listening to me, for Proserpina was looking directly in the east, focusing on something that her senses picked up on. Zelgadis was also peering in the same direction that she was, his lips moved silently as if he was taking a count.
"Lina! I think we have company!" He called out as a group of bandits came forth, alongside of them were a handful of Trolls. OH GREAT! Trolls are so lovely to deal with, such a bitch to take down completely due to their regenerative ability. They have be the cockroach of the monster world, for no matter how many times you think you have crushed them, more fill in their spot. Both them and the bandits gathered around like an angry mob, sneering and manically laughing as they drawn their weapons.
"So you're that little bitch, Lina Inverse?" I'm going to assume that he is talking to me. I imitated being flattered, cupping my face as I acted as bona fide as I really am!
"Well! That's so nice of you to notice!" I grinned. "That I am her. Here in the flesh." What? I know I got a reputation, and again I could care less about it as well. Most of the simplest of people would tremble at my presence, only because I'm known to have a nasty temper. I do not handle insults about my petite build, and have been known to destroy a city or so due to the results of my anger. Look, no one likes being put down because of how they look, so if you don't want to have you town exploded on you, then be nice when you see me.
"So you're the one who is escorting that little tramp around?" The leader, or at least the one who had pointed me out, was a man in dark red, which appeared to be in his late forties. He wasn't as mangy looking as the other men were, and in comparison, was far healthier looking at that. He wasn't bad off, I've give him that. The guy seemed to be somewhat established.
"You got a lot of gull young lady to be seen with that particular bitch-"Proserpina stepped up, growling as I reached my hand out to stop her. "-Are you aware of the warrant she has?"
"Yeah! So what about it?" Leave it to Gourry to speak when no one is talking to him at all, He stepped forward as well, with his head high, and his hand rested on the hilt of his blade. His confidence alone screamed "Come get some". At least to me, it did.
"Her price is nearly fifty million gold pieces." The bandit leader causally stated while he exam his nails. "Do you realize that is enough to own a small castle?" Okay where are you going with this? The man in red stepped towards us. "I'll tell you what, if you hand her over to us now, and quietly, then I'll give you double for your troubles" That's another fifty million to the current amount already offer, making it an outstanding one hundred million gold! That's enough for a being you own duke starter pack!
"I call bogus!" Zelgadis joined in as he strolls up to the trio of us. "I bet you don't even have that amount of gold on you in the first place!" Give it to him to call out a bluff. I managed to give a few claps on that, he was on point, because the leader casted him a sinister glare.
"Aha!" He chief roared when he gotten a better look at the other chimera who recently made himself known. "It's that part rock freak show I've heard about! See boys! This is why we got the trolls in the first place." The corner of Zelgadis's mouth twitched as his hand flexed next to the handle of his broadsword. The tension rose as we all exchange glances with each other.
"Oi. Whaddya say little girl?" You should have never called me that, because first off, sir, I'm no little girl, and secondly, do you really think Lina Inverse is an idiot?
"That's going to be a no." I stared blankly in his dark, beady eyes as I felt a smile crept on my face. "I'm pretty sure what she has in store is way more then what you can even do if you were to even triple the amount. You wouldn't even be able to afford the offer I have to even make me hand her over to the likes of you crooks!"
"Is that so?" I proudly nodded, knowing I have three other badass who are ready for a scrap if that is the case now. "Oh you little arrogant bitch! You will pay you kid! After them boys!"
What? A cliff hanger? Are you freaking serious? Here you are with all that talk about how you love to write battle scenes and all that but YET YOU HAVEN"T BOTHER? What the heck Stevie?!
Yeah I know, I know. Look I'm just going with the flow of the story; beside I had to focus a bit more the salty side of Zelgadis and how he gets annoying at Lina. For some reason, it's so fun to write his grumpy side. Teehee
Author's confession: I know this may be disappointing to the most of you, but sadly I was handed the Zelxamelia package and I could not ship it. It just did not feel right. I had to sit the box back on the conveyer belt and focus on the other shipping. Hey we all have our preference right? I'm a diehard LinaxGourry fan. So I decided to try to be as natural as possible to set it up where other character end falling for each other. I feel like with Zel's personality, it will take a while, but like any guy, he will have some type of interest that can grow into other things. It would be easy for him to fall for Amelia being there are feeling present, but it is also possible for completion to step up and take heed. I feel like if Pokota did take over Duclis body after the events of Evolution, then there is a possibility that Pokota could have grown an interest as well. That may make Zel feel some kind of way, even more against himself due to his chimerism and being a third golem. That may be the biggest intimacy killer for him, in fact, I think it was mentioned somewhere in the novels where he even talks about the consequences of what would happen if a human woman hooked up with him. Seriously it did not seem pretty and it's like oh dude, you feel like an incel because of it. I think that may discourage him to pursuit Amelia if Pokota game was strong for her. She would feel conflicted, and so would Zel, but being that to their current knowledge of no cure or no way to be normal again, he would eventually walk away. I didn't create Proserpina solely for Zelgadis though, but I felt that if she was something familiar, especially being a chimera, then it would help Zel open up a bit faster than if she was human. Again this is my story, so we will see how it plays out I suppose. Her Chimera mixture has a unique purpose, which will soon be revealed later on. That's just me. I still respect people who pair them up, I just think of that as that alterative reality where those events took place to where that does happen. This reality with Proserpina in it may alter some things, and in a progressive where it doesn't put the original characters out of their elements. I feel like he may currently find her attractive, but that doesn't mean he's head over heels. He needs more time before that happens, if that does. Some things are going to happen that may end up shaking that poor boy's world. I'm sorry but not sorry, Zel, but I'm sure this version of you won't be complaining much!