Part Two Another Rezo?

Xellos quietly sipped the herbal tea that Fillia had made for him. He could feel strength slowly returning to him. Unfortunately, it was not his strength. It was a human's strength. Xellos once more caused Drrael for turning him into a human. He was useless as a human. He couldn't do anything without his Mazoku abilities. He sipped his tea again. Amelia finally came down. Her eyes were red, seeing how she had been crying all day, but Fillia had been able to convince her she needed to hear the explanation. They came down one by one, ordering their dinner as they came. Xellos knew that once everyone was down, he would have to explain everything. Gourry was the last to come down from his room.

They quietly ate dinner, observing the empty space where Zelgadiss would have sat. Xellos finished off his tea and took a deep breath.

"Okay Xellos," Lina said. "What's going on? Who is Drrael, and that Kotowa creep?"

"I think it best I explain Drrael first. What I am about to tell you has never been told to a human before. Only the children of Shabranigdo and Cepheid know this legend. Fillia-san, please be sure to let me know if I skip over anything. When the Lord of Nightmares created this world, long before the staff was thrust into it, She prepared herself to make the Mazoku. She had just finished making the Ryuzuko, and Shinzuko. As She let out the energy for the Mazoku to be made, a large piece of it broke away, becoming aware of itself. That piece of energy, became Drrael. Drrael, who is far more powerful than all Mazoku combined. At first, the Golden Eye Lord let Drrael live, and do as he wished--" Fillia cut in.

"By doing so, She knew that the Ryuzuku and Shinzuko would have to be altered. By making beings who wished order, and setting them up against those who wish chaos, She can get more chaos than if it was just pure chaos. However, in order for that to happen, She needed to make the Ryuzoku and Shinzuko equal with the Mazoku. It took a long time, but She was able to take away the same things from my people that was taken from the Mazoku."

"Thank you Fillia-san. As I was saying, L-sama let Drrael do as he wished. It soon became apparent that Drrael had only one purpose. He ate people's souls. Any soul he could grab was his dinner. The more souls he ate, human or dragon, the more powerful he became. Finally, Shabranigdo and Cepheid agreed to put aside their differences and fought Drrael together. I am told by those who study it that it was a wonderful battle. Apparently Chaos and Order can work well together." Xellos glanced over to Fillia, who kicked him under the table. Grimacing only slightly, he went back to his story. "When the battle was over, Drreal was defeated. Imprisoned in some sort of dimension. Shabranigdo and Cepheid went back to their war. It wasn't long after that when the great staff was thrust into the world." Taking another deep breath, Xellos continued. "Some time ago, I've forgotten how long, Drrael was able to escape his imprisonment. He started to attack the Mazoku and Ryuzoku. L-sama heard the pleas of Her children for help. She, Herself came down. She imprisoned Drrael once more, telling him that should he return to our world again, She would take care of him Herself." He stopped, but Fillia continued.

"You must be getting old Xellos. This happened one thousand years ago, and though Drrael only attacked Ryuzuko and Mazoku, his presence was felt here in the human world." Xellos raised an eyebrow. "When L-sama came down to deal with Drrael, there was a lot of energy that was expended and used. In the highly energized situation, it was perfect for a piece of Shabranigdo to be reborn. That was how the Koma War started."

Xellos sat back. His memory must be slipping to forget that. Everyone looked at them in silent shock. He once more continued. "Not to long ago, Drrael somehow freed himself again. Once more he decided not to got for the humans first, but he did think it was best not to go straight to both the Mazoku and dragons at once. Considering that he is a Mazoku himself, he went to the remaining lords, Dynast, Beatmaster, and Deep Seal Dolphin. When none of them agreed to work for them, he went to the other Mazoku. Only one said yes. That was Kotowa, but I'll explain him later. With only one follower, he took what he called revenge on the Mazoku. He yelled about how if we didn't exist, then he would not have suffered. I fail to see his logic. With a wave of his hand, all Mazoku were turned into humans. Though I don't know for sure, it was rumored that he did something to the Mazoku lords. But with no more opposition from the Mazoku, Drrael continued to do his soul eating. Somehow, he thinks that if he went after the dragons next, L-sama would come again, and he knows that he doesn't want to face Her again. Controlling the Lesser Demons, trolls, and other nice fellows out there, he has started attacking human villages, one by one. Though I believe he could easily take out an army, he doesn't want to draw any attention to himself. I was in one of the towns he attacked trying to get my wits about me and how to fight him. That was when I learned that I was human, for I tried to fight the demons. I could do nothing. I was beaten pretty badly, as you saw, but I still had the enchantments I placed on my staff and jewels centuries ago. I knew that I would need help, so I went after all of you."

"But what about Kotowa?" Fillia asked. "You seem to know him."

"Yeah, and how is it he got control of Zel?" Lina added. Sipping some water, Xellos took another deep breath.

Ignoring the fact that Amelia was starting to cry again, Xellos started again. "As you may have guessed, Kotowa was originally under Gaav. Once Gaav was killed, his followers more or less split to follow another Lord. But Kotowa, refused, saying that Gaav was so powerful that he would come back some day. Kotowa was always truly pathetic. He barely had the right to be called a Mazoku. However, by agreeing to follow Drrael, his powers were increased. My understanding of it is that any soul who had an unusual death, like Gaav and Phibrizo, could have been eaten by Drreal in his imprisonment. By agreeing to follow Drrael, Kotowa was infused with all of Gaav's power, from before he was melding with a human. Facing Kotowa is like, in many ways, facing a fully powered Gaav."

"But how is it that you know him?" Fillia repeated.

"And why did he take Zelgadiss-san," Amelia sobbed.

"I met Kotowa when Beastmaster Zelas sent me to work temporarily for Phibrizo. As I spied on Gaav, I met him. He only knew me as Xellos, and didn't bother looking up who my employer was. Basically, we both just rubbed wrong. He didn't like my superiority, I didn't like his inferiority." He took another sip of water. "According to what Kotowa said today, he was sent to spy on Rezo. He probably knew everything Rezo knew, including Zelgadiss and his programming. That's my guess as to why he knew a spell to control him. If Rezo was still around, he'd probably control him instead, but his descendant appears to be next best thing." Amelia was suddenly on the table. Xellos immediately sweatdropped.

"SUCH AN EVIL FIEND MUST BE STOPPED!!" she yelled, tears flowing from her eyes. "OUR ALLY OF JUSTICE MUST BE RESCUED FROM THE ENEMY'S TERRIBLE CLUTCHES, AND WE MUST HOLD NOTHING BACK AS WE GO TO THE BATTLEFEILD WITH HONOR AND JUSTICE IN OUR HEARTS! WE WILL DEFEAT THIS CREATURE OF EVIL AND SAVE OUR ALLY'S SOUL FROM HIS CONTAMINATING PRESENSE!!" Xellos quietly grabbed his staff and slammed it to the ground, going to his room.

The next morning, Gourry yawned. They had all set out at daybreak, deciding to go to somewhere he couldn't remember the name of in order to find clues about this Kotawo and Drrael. Stretching the kinks in his neck, he put his hand on his sword, just in case something happened. There was some sort of tension in the air, like something actually was going to happen. Suddenly, there was an explosion in front of them. Standing before them was Zelgadiss with his new sword already drawn. Gourry pulled out his own sword.

"Light." Behind him, that Katowo was floating, smiling as Zel's red eyes fell onto them.

The fight began.

Gourry was amazed at how Zel was able to fend off both, himself, Lina, Amelia, and Fillia. If anything, it appeared that Zel was winning. The whole time, Kotowa floated there, making all sorts of two-bit commentary. Gourry raised his sword to parry Zel. Zel changed direction at the last second, going down on one knee and punching Gourry hard. Falling back, he dropped his sword. Zel grabbed it, the light coming back again. As the Sword of Light glowed into existence, Gourry noticed that it was far longer and all around deadlier looking in Zel's hands than in his own, or Lina's. Probably due to the fact that Zel was a sorcerer and a swordsman. Xellos came over.

"I may not be able to fight," he said, putting his hand on Gourry's stomach, "but I can do this. Recovery."

Lina watched in horror as the Sword of Light responded to Zelgadiss' commands. Kicking away Amelia, and hitting Fillia with the pommel of his original sword, Zel advanced on Lina.

"This should be fun," Kotowa said. "You know, I've never gotten such a delicious meal."

"Quiet in the peanut gallery!" Lina shouted. However, Kotowa had succeeded in distracting her, as Zel kicked her in the stomach. It was very familiar to the time way back when they first met. Zel had fought her to get an orihalcon statue, doing the same thing. Only this time, with Zel's armor, she was hit by metal, and the force of stone. She couldn't tell which was worse.

"Lina-san!" Lina looked up to Zel. He had seethed his own jewel sword and was holding the Sword of Light in his hands above her heart. He looked down at her with those glowing red eyes. Lina stared back. In slow motion, she watched a tear fall as he brought the sword down to her. As the sword came, down, it suddenly shifted as Gourry tackled Zelgadiss.

Caught by surprise, Zel dropped the sword, which Gourry quickly reclaimed. Gourry and Zel were about to go at it when Kotowa shouted, "Stop!" Zelgadiss reheated his sword, turned to Kotowa and bowed. Lina's stomach twisted seeing Zel controlled like that.

"I'm impressed, Xellos," Kotowa said. "It appears that these humans are actually skilled. I must admit," he said dramatically, "that I thought you wouldn't be able to beat Zelgadiss. After all, he was programmed by Rezo. Rezo was brilliant in his programming. Allow me to show you." Switching to Rezo's voice, he continued. "Zelgadiss, Rezo Program: Change-Phase II."

Lina felt her heart wrench as Zelgadiss screamed in agony. The jewels in his armor glowed, his armor somehow changed as Zelgadiss' body did. Loosing his helmet, they watched Zelgadiss transform. The stones on his chin melded into one, as did the ones on his cheek. His hair grew longer, and more stones appeared by his nose, which elongated slightly. From his back came two large rocks that pointed to the sky (think Godzilla).

Everyone stood there in shock as Zel stopped screaming, and started to take deep breaths. Behind Kotowa, Lina watched Fillia sneak up on him. She brought her mace down on his head with all her might. Zelgadiss grunted, like he felt it, and retaliated by jumping over and hitting Fillia as hard as he could. She fell unconscious quickly and headed for a tree. Xellos appeared by her side, taking the brunt of the impact.

Damn! Two at once. Now what do we do? Lina thought. She looked over to Gourry and Amelia. An idea formed in her head. Making eye contact with Gourry, he understood. "Amelia!" Lina shouted. Amelia turned and looked to her. "Go and check on Fillia and Xellos, they'll need a healing spell!" Amelia nodded and went to the broken tree where Fillia and Xellos lay. Lina started throwing spells at Zelgadiss. She knew that lower level spells wouldn't hurt him, and she didn't really want to find out how strong this new "Phase" was by getting hit. So she stuck to long-range attacks.

"That won't do much good, you know," Kotowa said. "Long range only makes your torture last longer." Lina started to understand what he meant as Zel started to counter and throw spells of his own. All of them far more powerful than he had ever thrown before. Lina saw Gourry get into position. It was time.

"Dark Mist!" Using the fog, Lina charged at Zelgadiss, her sword drawn. As she approached, Zel grabbed the sword, like she figured. "Digger Bolt!" The sword became a conductor, knocking Zel aside. The mist finally cleared as Gourry came down behind Kotowa, slicing off his arm. Much to Lina's surprise, however, it was Zelgadiss who cried out in pain. Kotowa turned to Gourry, knocking him aside.

"Was that it?" He reached down and picked up his severed limb. Putting it back on the stump, the muscle and sinews rejoined and made his arm whole once more. Even his clothes seemed to sew back together, like nothing had happened to him. "Nice try," he said mockingly. Once more, he changed to Rezo's voice. "Zelgadiss, Rezo Program: Change-Phase III."

Lina turned to Zel, who started to scream in agony again. The large stones that were on his back suddenly sprung out of his back, producing two gargoyle like wings. His nose elongated and melded with his mouth to form a feral like snout. His ears stretched out, with stones starting to grow within them. His hands no longer had five fingers, but three, and his feet, which no longer had shoes, had only two toes. On each knuckle was stone. Snarling, Zelgadiss turned to Lina.

"Wait," Kotowa commanded. Zel turned and bowed. "Talk to them." Zelgadiss stood straighter and tilted his head slightly. Lina cringed. The only time he had ever tilted his head like that was when he was asking her a question. And yet, here he was, doing it for Kotowa. DAMN IT!!! Just what kind of hold does he have on Zel?? she thought. Kotowa continued.

"Drrael, our master may feed on souls and spirits, but I am still a Mazoku. I need agony, fear, and torture. By speaking you will inflict the greatest torture imaginable on two people in this congregation." Zelgadiss bowed.

"As you command, Master," he replied. Lina was briefly aware of Amelia crying out and then falling into tears, continuing her healing spell. Lina looked on in shock. Any mind control spell she had ever seen or learned usually involved altering the victim's voice in some way. Whether it be deeper, more hoarse, or even overlaying your own voice. But as Zelgadiss talked, it was the same voice that he had always used. No difference whatsoever. If it weren't for those glowing red eyes, Lina would think that Zel was following Kotowa by his own free will. Lina's will hardened.

"Darkness beyond twilight," she started.

"Oh, no you don't!" Zel yelled. "That's enough!" He charged as Lina continued the spell. Just before he reached her, Gourry dove at him, getting ready to fight.

"A Dragu Slave won't work on Zel, you realize," Kotowa stated. "He's almost as strong as a Mazoku Lord right about now." Lina ignored him, continued to chant.

"MAY THE FOOL WHO STANDS BEFORE ME BE DESTROYED BY THE POWER YOU AND I POSSES!! DRAGON SLAVE!!" Lina finished. She suddenly turned around and aimed the spell at Kotowa.

"What??" he shouted, surprised. "Zel, here!" Lina watched in horror as Zelgadiss tossed Gourry to where Amelia had finished healing Xellos and was starting on Fillia. With Gourry out of the way, Zel opened his great wings and in one flap found himself in front of Kotowa and the rushing Dragu Slave.

"Zel!" Bringing his wings in front of him, Zel dig his toes into the ground. It hit. The energy seemed to stop as it tried to push through Zel's wings. Grunting, Zel flexed his wings until he opened them, splitting the Dragu Slave in half, sending both parts harmlessly away.

"…Very good Zelgadiss!" Kotowa said. Zel turned and bowed. Lina felt the urge to hurl as Kotowa patted Zel on the head like an obedient dog. "Now then, I believe you were in the middle of something?"

"Of course, master," he replied. Turning to Lina, he slowly walked to her. Lina didn't know what to do. The only other spells she had bigger than the Dragu Slave were the Giga Slave and Laugna Blade, neither of which she wanted to use on Zel. There was nothing she could do. Nothing but to stand there and accept her fate.

"You of all people should know," Zel said, walking slowly. Some unseen wind blew, sending his black cape into the air, "that I need nothing in this form. I do not need food. I do not need water nor sleep." He stood before her, looking down with his glowing red eyes. "I need no friends," he put his hand gently on her cheek. "I need no love."

"Today, Zelgadiss." In one smooth motion, his grip on Lina's face hardened and he threw her, by her cheek to were everyone else was. He started chanting.

"Darkness beyond twilight, Crimson beyond blood that flows." Lina looked to him in horror. Time seemed to slow down as he continued. "Buried in the stream of time is where your power grows. I pledge myself to conquer, all the foes who stand, before the mighty gift bestowed in my unworthy hand. Let the fools who stand before me be destroyed by the power you and I poses. Dragu Slave." Lina was surprised he said it all so calmly. Her contemplation of the after life was cut off as her hand was grabbed and Xellos slammed down his staff, making everyone go to safety.

Kotowa watched as Xellos, with everyone in some sort of contact with him, teleport away. Just as the last images of them disappeared, the Dragu Slave hit, obliterating the tree and surrounding countryside. He turned to Zelgadiss.

"Since when could you cast a Dragu Slave?" he asked. Zel shrugged.

"Magic learning capability is increased." he said shortly.

"I see. So, Xellos. You still have a bag full of tricks. We'll see about that."

Amelia hugged her knees as she stared into the fire. It had not been a good day. Zelgadiss-san was controlled and attacking them. Xellos-san couldn't do anything to help them. Fillia-san and Gourry-san were hurt, even though they were fine now. Lina-san was just too quiet. It was a silent meal. Now Xellos and Fillia were trying to come up with a plan for taking down Zelgadiss-san without hurting him. All agreed they needed to take out Kotowa, but doing so seemed to hurt Zelgadiss-san. It seemed hopeless. Suddenly, Lina-san stood up, slamming her fist into her other hand.

"I've got it!" Everyone looked at her. "When I was fighting Zel, he seemed regretful, even though he held nothing back!" She turned to Amelia. "Hey Amelia, Zel has a crush on you, doesn't he?" Amelia turned red.

Everyone walked down the path with their guard up. Xellos had explained that Kotowa always did things that came to be predictable. If he attacked them two days in a row, then he was going to do so again. Lina was on edge. Though everyone agreed with her plan, she couldn't shake the urge that something was going to go wrong. Though she kept up her bright and cheerful demeanor, it was just a façade compared to the doubt and fear she felt inside. She prayed that Xellos was right and that Kotowa would attack them today. She wanted to get this over with and have Zelgadiss back with them.

Right on cue, Kotowa and Zel appeared. Zel was back to his original chimera form, and Lina somehow felt thankful that he no longer had that ugly helmet on. The plan was on. Fillia and Amelia kept the Lesser Demons Kotowa brought along busy while Gourry and Lina fought Zel. All the while, Kotowa floated above them with his own comments. Lina wished he would just shut up.

"You fight so valiantly against your friend. I wonder if it will be worth it?" Kotowa taunted. "After all, he knows damn well what he's doing, and he knows he can't stop himself. He's going to be an emotional wreck if you can break Rezo's spell." He sighed dramatically. "But then, you probably won't be able to break the spell without killing him. What a shame." Lina really wished she could Dragu Slave that guy to Sailoon or farther.

Zel parried another thrust from Gourry while casting a small shield against Lina's spells. Lina saw that it was the perfect opportunity. "AMELIA! NOW!!!" Amelia replied instantly by planting a great big bear hug on Zelgadiss.

"Zelgadiss-san," she pleaded. "Listen to your heart of justice and return to the righteous path that you followed with us! Let the burning light of your love and purity bring you to your salvation from this monstrous Mazoku, Kotowa! Here me, Zelgadiss-san!"

Zel let out a great big sigh. Grabbing Amelia's cape and lifting her into the air, he looked at her directly into the face with his glowing red eyes. "You know," he said calmly. "I thought Xellos was the fruitcake in our former group. I guess I was wrong. It's you." Lina could almost hear Amelia's heart break as Zelgadiss tossed her aside. That idiot, she thought. Can't she do anything right? Lina decided that if they can't do something right, she better do the something.

Zelgadiss finished throwing Amelia aside. He was about to go back to fighting Gourry when his senses exploded. Everything that he could see, hear, touch, smell, and taste, was a fiery sorceress who had decided that now, in the middle of battle, was a good time to kiss him.

He could see Lina' face, which was so close to his own. Her red hair was falling gently over her forehead and cheek. Her eyes were closed, but he could see tears starting to form at the edges. A wind blew and Lina's hair flew up, dancing and playing around, hypnotizing his eyes. From the corner of his eyes, he could see her pale arms snaking up and around his neck. Her cape soared in the wind, preventing him from seeing anything else. All he could see was Lina.

He could hear Lina's breathing, soft and gentle like a summer breeze. She lost her balance, sliding down, but she quickly regained it. Zelgadiss' jaw dropped. "Please let this work," Lina whispered as she resumed the kiss. His sensitive ears could hear her heart as it quickened its pace, much like his own. All he could hear was Lina.

He could feel Lina as she tried to keep her balance on her tip toes, which made her just tall enough to kiss him. He couldn't help her much because he was frozen as he was. He couldn't move, but Lina did. He could feel her shifting her light weight from one foot to another. She tried to put some of the weight on her arms, leaning heavily on him. The whole while he could feel her torso moving against his. He could feel her arms around his neck, and her hands in his hair. All he could feel and touch was Lina.

He could smell salt, from Lina's welling tears. He could smell the scent of her hair as the wind whipped it into his face. He could smell Lina' scent. The same scent he would use to find her if she got separated from the group. Her perfume of roses hit his nose like a hammer, as did the smell of what she had to eat that morning. All he could smell was Lina.

He could taste Lina, for the instant his jaw dropped, she took the opportunity to provide his mouth with her tongue. He could taste her sugary lips, and her tongue was licking the insides of his mouth. All he could taste was Lina.

Zelgadiss' senses were overwhelmed. He was on the verge of a mental shutdown, but the voice in his head wouldn't let him. The same voice that had been with him ever since he managed to survive his first phase shift. The same voice of his ancestor: Rezo.

She's she's she's she's, was all Zelgadiss could manage.

>She's only using you,< Rezo replied.

She's she's shes' she's

>Only trying to get you back with them. She sees you power. She doesn't care about you, but she needs you as an ally.<

She's she's she's she's

>Lying. It's a lie. False. Forgery. It's not truth.<

But she's she's she's she's

>Selfish. Self-centered. She'll toast bandits to get their money, not because they're bandits.<

She's she's she's she's

>She's the one who killed me.<

But it feels like she's she's she's she's

>Keep this up, Zelgadiss. Keep this up and you will kill her.< Rezo mentally smiled. >And I will finally have revenge on this girl for killing me twice.<

I'LL WHAT?? Zelgadiss, finally having his mental capabilities in order, fought Rezo's control as hard as he could. From somewhere, he got the extra strength to actually break free from Rezo, if only temporarily. With his newfound control, he pushed Lina away as hard as he could. In doing so, he understood why he was going to kill her. When his mental processes almost shut down, Rezo started an energy build up that would kill, not only her, but everyone else in the area. He had to get away, but Rezo was exerting his control once more.

>I will have my revenge. Both on that girl, and on the person who wished to enslave us. Kotowa, prepare to meet your end.< Zelgadiss screamed in agony. >Zelgadiss. Rezo Program: Change-Phase X.< He could feel his back stretch and contort in ways it was never meant to as his wings came back, larger than before. He winced as his face elongated and went completely feral in appearance, with his ears long and extra sensitive. His hair grew to a new length, and his hands once more had only three fingers. A new wave of pain came over him as he could feel a long tail come out behind him. His arms and legs altered as he plopped down on all fours, finding it much easer than standing upright. The pain finally ended with Rezo in control and Zelgadiss more monstrous than ever before.

"Gee," he could hear Gourry say. "Zel seems to scream in agony a lot, doesn't he?" He inwardly chuckled as he heard Lina bop him. Rezo turned him toward Kotowa.

">I am no longer your slave, Mazoku,<" he said with Rezo's voice. ">You can no longer control me, nor my descendant. You will pay!<" Rezo made him leap toward Kotowa as a bloodbath ensued while he inwardly screamed.

Xellos watched amazed as Zelgadiss went to another phase more animal like in appearance. He had been worried that the energy build up going on was going to be released, killing everyone, but with Rezo in control, it would appear that they had nothing to worry about. Xellos just wondered what Rezo was doing here. He doubted that, with Drrael eating every soul he could find, Rezo would be able to possess anyone, but there he was, possessing Zelgadiss. Very strange.

Zel/Rezo turned to Kotowa and attacked. Xellos felt a smile grace his lips as he saw the shock on Kotowa's face. Zel/Rezo proceeded to rip him apart. Kotowa teleported a short distance away, looking about the same as Xellos did when he gathered to old group together. The only difference being he didn't look like he was feeling pain.

"Not bad, Rezo," Kotowa said. "Making Zel feel the pain, and not yourself. But I will find some way to control you again. Such power must be for Drrael-sama and Drrael-sama alone." With that said, he disappeared. Zel/Rezo yelled in anger. Actually, howl sounds more appropriate. Turning toward the rest of them, he started to advance. Xellos studied Zel's movements. There seemed to be some sort of battle going on inside Zel's mind for who was in control.

">You,<" Rezo said, looking at Lina with his red eyes. ">You killed me twice.<"

"Ahhhh," Lina said. "Look, about that, um, er, hey! You were the one who resurrected Shabranigdo and Zanaffar. Don't blame me if I had to stop you in order to save the world!!"

">You will die,<" Rezo said. Xellos watched him tense, ready to jump. Lina got a spell ready in hand when suddenly, Rezo froze.

"I will not let you harm her!" Zelgadiss said.

">You cannot stop me! She killed me twice, and she will pay!<"

"I will not let you win this battle!" Zelgadiss screamed. Power dripping from every part of his body, he tried to turn and get away from everyone. Xellos went through a mental list of all the enchantments he had.

Zelgadiss staggered, screaming, and Xellos saw his chance. Running up to him, he placed the jeweled end of his staff into Zel's wide mouth. "Banish!" he commanded. With one final scream, Zel reverted to his normal chimera form in his normal clothes once more. Xellos watched as Zel opened his eyes. They were not red, but the normal blue. Xellos smiled. "Feeling better I take it?" he asked. His answer was Zel closing his eyes and falling unconscious on top of him. He could hear Fillia and the others chuckling. "Why Zelgadiss! I never knew you were so forward!"

Lina walked up, rolling Zel over. "I think we better get him back into town. We're going to need him if we're going to fight Kotowa."

"Allow me," Fillia said, casting a Ray Wing bubble around Zel. "Shall we? There's a town not far from here."
Go to Part Three-Mixed Emotions