Xellos, still trying to figure out Zelgadis' "logic", almost missed the faint life force that appeared behind him. He spun around with his staff in a blocking position that would have halted just about any blow...had an attack actually come.
"What the...?" he opened his amethyst eyes, if only to blink in confusion.
"Ahem." A small voice cleared it's owner's throat, bringing the Mazoku's attention to the young woman kneeling at his feet. Her long black hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back, with ruby fragments and tiny bejeweled blades entwined in the ebony tresses. She was clothed in a voluminous crimson silk over-tunic, with a black silk sash knotted tightly at her waist. Her delicately sculpted hands almost hid the calluses of swordplay, and each long, slender finger was tipped with a sharpened, scarlet nail.
"May I help you?" he queried politely, not loosening his grip on Lina in the slightest. The woman nodded briefly, then opened her vermilion eyes to meet and lock his gaze.
"I have come for the girl, sir." She spoke softly. "And for you."
"Might I inquire as to what for?" The Mazoku kept the barrier of formality tight between them.
"My lord and master has sent me to retrieve your ward, sir, and to extend this invitation to the evening's meal to you." She withdrew a sealed parchment from within the robe, but Xellos went pale upon seeing the insignia in the scarlet wax.
"Lamina..." He exhaled, dropping his stave and sinking into a chair.
"Xellos Metallium, Priest and General of Beast Master Zelas Metallium, your presence is here by requested by Korongar Noddegamra, current leader of the Lamina Clan." She handed him the scroll, observing how he held the unconscious sorceress. "Formal dress is required. I'll allow you to bring her with you when you come." She gave him a knowing wink, then disappeared.
Zelgadis stared at the peak of Mt. Suivusev from his place at the immense volcano's foot with exhausted azure eyes. He still was unsure what had possessed him to use that diversionary tactic; the one that he had only used twice before and still made his head swim every time he tried. Of course, the other two times, he had botched it up...
He had yet to forget how... original? No... overwhelming that kiss had been on his senses as well. At least this time, he hadn't been the one to pass out first. Not only would that have defeated the purpose of the kiss, but it would have been humiliating when he regained consciousness. Considering who he had kissed, it would have been a very painful experience, had he been there when she awoke...
The chimera shook his head and cleared his mind, determined to accomplish the goal that had brought him there. There had to be something about the timeless mountain of fire that had given Sidag Gray Wars reason to write about it, but what? He heaved a sigh and started the long climb to the top, wondering for a brief moment what qualities in the molten rock repressed the use of magic. He considered taking a sample of the stone, then decided against it; if it negated magic, it would probably interfere with his spell-casting ability even away from the source. That wasn't something he was about to chance. A sudden hiss to his left drew his attention to the danger of the mountain.
Pressurized steam, he realized. Strong enough to break through a rock surface. I'll have to be more careful in the future. A few inches closer, and I'd be sporting third-degree burns. He quickened his pace, but no more than three meters later he had to halt again. In actuality, he slipped on a patch of volcanic glass and somehow managed to twist his ankle and slice open his calf muscle on the sharp obsidian. Suivusev's magic-nullifying ability had made his skin vulnerable to the mountain's hazards.
"Shit!!!" he hissed, violently cursing his bad luck. He tested his weight on his injured limb, but the pain quickly caused him to crumple to the ground. Mournfully, he looked at the mountain peak, and fearfully at the base. It would be too far for him to jump down, his wounds would make it impossible. Nor could he attempt to continue to climb; with his luck, his leg would give out on some dangerous ledge and send him plummeting head first to his doom...
He was then extremely shocked by the distinct tingle of Runic Magic at work a mere moment later. He stared intently as aureate gauze formed a kind of cast around his leg, holding it firmly in the correct position while the ancient magic worked it's healing powers.
We will keep you safe, my Caster. The Rune Sigel whispered. Trust in us.
"But... but how?" he marveled. "Suivusev... it's a magic nullifier!"
Trust in us to protect. Wyrd murmured soothingly. You can let us fulfill our true purpose: the protection of our Caster and his or her loved ones. Other Casters used us to sate their own greed... but you are different!
Runes are no ordinary magic! Sigel giggled. We are special!
We are the last Runes in the world. Wyrd stated. We cannot be hindered by anything or anyone but our Caster. Only you are capable of destroying us, but you wouldn't do that, would you?
"No, I wouldn't." Zelgadis admitted.
Good! Sigel cried.
It's time for you to continue your journey, my Caster. Wyrd urged him to his feet. And remember; let no one corrupt you. Even the purest flame in the heart of this mountain can be tainted. Once that happens, it shall only spew forth smoke and ashes, and it will never be clean again.
"What? Never?"
The blood that is corrupted by gold can only be cleansed by blood that is gold. The Mysterious Rune told him.
And the Angel shall rise up from the Heart of Fire
Rise up to Cleanse that which was Corrupted by gold
The Angel will Rise to take Vengeance on the Corrupt
The Bloody Angel of Vengeance from the Heart of Fire...
For some reason, despite the intense heat coming form the volcano, Zelgadis felt shivers run down his spine...