"We are here... gathered today to mourn the loss of one of the greatest ally to the cause of good this world has seen," Prince Phil began. "If it weren't for her... well... none of us would be alive today." Amelia stood to the side, quietly sniffing, one hand firmly clutched around Zelgadis' stone worked hand. Gourry stood quietly, somberly in black armor and black clothes. Xellos had offered to create a 21 cannon salute with something called the 1812 Overture playing in the background to honor the fallen sorceress but Filia had pounded him for the thought of a mazoku honoring Lina. Sylphiel and Luna were holding Lina and Gourry's two year old son, Carrot, by both hands. They both knew that this would be a hard time for the child, As for Naga... she actually dressed up for the first time. Deep within, she had respected Lina as a rival of sorts. Amelia was worried for her sister, as she believed that Naga hasn't gotten over the shock over the bloody death of their mother. There were a few other guest that came to the funeral, some of them who knew the sorceress in passing. There was Huey the Golem maker, standing in for his father, Marlene the raiser of dragons, the princess and prince of Alto and Baritone, Miwan of Femile... and a few more. Others such as Martina with Zangulus conspicuously absent, Vrummigan taking his place at her side were present. Millgasia from the Katarrat Mountians was there, his cloak drawn over his head as well as the old "Warriors of Justice" who had travelled far to see the Legendary Warrior of Justice... and to get back the sword from Gourry. As for Jillas and Grabos, they were back in Filia's pottery shop, trying to take care of the egg of the reborn Val. The mood was somber, quite somber. That was until Xellos came up with his 'tribute' to Lina. Filia fought the urge to groan before Xellos winked at her and started up a song. A song that would soon be known as the Ride of the Valkyries. Somehow, Xellos knew how to be tactful and this music was DEFINATELY something Lina would like. After the music died down, with all the guest wondering where did the music come from, Amelia went up with her tribute, saying something on the lines that bandits beware, because Lina is dead doesn't mean they can get away with things of great injustice and such and such... Zelgadis fought the urge to groan as Xellos staggered off, looking a shade of green that they hadn't thought even a mazoku could turn. Then it was Gourry's turn. Everybody who knew Gourry hoped that he wouldn't do something stupid like say something really dumb at his wife's own funeral. Gourry walked up to the platform. Everyone was hushed at the thought of Gourry upsetting the ghost of Lina Inverse. He opened his mouth, and said, "I loved her very much." Then, retreated into the crowd. Everyone could feel the emotion from those simple words and nodded appreciatively. Then it was Naga's turn. If Lina were somehow watching this from wherever she might be, she would have noticed that Naga was walking with a style unseen in a long time. She walked with the grace and dignity of a princess. She stood, looked over the crowd and said in a quiet voice, "I loved her with all my heart. I wish it could have been more. Thank you." Filia nodded, understanding. "She loved Lina more than life itself," she whispered to herself. Soon shortly, all of Lina's close friends and family went up and gave their respects. With that and done Prince Phil stepped up to the podium again. "Lina Inverse, if you're hearing us right now, know that we all cared for you. And I for one, hope to ensure that your legacy is never forgotten." With a clap of a hand, he summoned two servants. With that the two servants headed towards a large object that was covered by a large cloth, obscuring it. Once there the servants removed the cloth to reveal a large marble statue of Lina on a large marble block. It was big, flattering, and took some liberties with the chest. But it was Lina. "May this statue be a testimony of our thanks. For your contributions to justice, I believe this will go a long way to help the world to see the way we see you," Phil declared. "Soon in the future, you will not be known as a destroyer, but a savior. May Celphied bless us!" A roar of appreciation flodded the area as Gourry slipped away. <><><> Gourry's hand clenched and then relaxed as he sighed. A hand laid on his shoulder. "Want to talk?" He looked over at the crown princess, Naga and sighed. "What about?" "About Lina, the woman we both loved." Gourry chuckled mirthlessly. "I loved her. She was part of me." "As with me," Naga said, letting him sit down beside her. "And I will never forget her." "Neither will I. She has saved me as many times as I saved her," Gourry said, signs of anger, frustration becoming evident in his face. "If only he can't come to attack us..." "I remember all the times we've been together.... I thought Lina had finished off Joyrock," Naga said with a sigh. "Great grandpa Rowdy must be rolling in his grave if he knew what happened," Gourry added. Naga nodded, as a couple others came to join them. "Gracia... I hope you don't mind the company," Prince Phil said to his older daughter. "Not at all," she said, letting the burly prince sit down. She hadn't flinched when her father spoke to her by her old name. "Sis?" Amelia began. "Now that all this is done... do you think you will be able to return to Seyruun? I mean... with Lina-san gone..." Naga shook her head. "I don't know. I don't know at all." "I think I'll head back to Zephelia, take care of the shop we owned," Gourry said quietly. "It's going to hard now that Lina's gone. But she told us to be strong. 'She' came before us and told us not to worry," Amelia remarked. Prince Phil blinked. "You saw Lina's ghost?" "Something like that," Amelia admitted, "You wouldn't believe what we saw after witnessing Lina's death and the death of her killer." Prince Phil nodded, and turned to see the Mazoku Xellos walking up to them. "I'm afraid that I can't be here much longer. Beastmaster believes that there was a conspiracy to kill Lina. She wants to know who's responsible for this." "Any ideas on your part?" Naga asked curiously. "We are sure that neither Dynast nor Dolphin ordered the attack. And considering that we were dealing with a Mazoku that was supposed to be head points to a possibility that an outside force must be responsible." "But who would be outside the place where the barrier was? It doesn't make any sense!" Phil "Xellos, if you're hiding something..." Gourry growled. Xellos smiled. "Surely you don't remember what I've been doing with the other Mazoku generals and priests, do you?" "You're referring to this being called Muu, aren't you?" Zelgadis answered, having joined the conversation. "You were sent to spy on him." "Exactly!" Xellos cheered, waving red sun fans around. The others sweatdropped. "I hope that you do succeed in finding who wanted Lina-san dead. As for me," Amelia said, "I'll will return to Seyruun, and make a proclimation to all that I, Amelia Wil Tesla Seryuun, will carry on Lina-san's work in destruction of bandit gangs... in a more orderly fashion of course." "That's my daughter!" Prince Phil beamed. Luna walked by and sat down. "Well now... this certianly is quite a wake." "You never seem to be down and out for long, do you Amelia?" added Filia. "No, I guess being me, I never get depressed that easily!" Amelia beamed. "So... what are you going to do, Miss Luna, Miss Filia?" "I'm headed back to my shop. Without the Temple of the Fire Dragon King, I'm not sure if I'll be able to rally any golden dragon support," Filia answered. "Myself? I think I'll float around a bit, doing this and that." Luna stretched. "I'll be mainly in Zephelia, but it's been ages since I've done any adventuring." "But Sylphiel and I will make sure that my brother-in-law and my nephew will get all the support they need." Amelia blinked. "Isn't Sylphiel going back to Sairaag?" "Sylphiel has volunteered to help out with taking care of Carrot," Luna said, casting a sly look at Gourry who missed it, as well as Amelia. Zelgadis was hardpressed not to choke on the flask of wine he had under his cloak, Filia went red and Phil was roaring with laughter. Even Naga was howling. Not the semi insane laugh, but something more human. "Um... ok," Amelia said, not knowing what the humor was about. "Well as much as I wanted to stay here," Xellos began, "I have to report to Zelas immediately. As for when I'll be back, that's unfortunately a secret." With that he phased out. "There goes the most insensitive idiot I've ever dated," Luna muttered, noticing the stares she got. "What?" "He dated you? I thought he was checking up on Miss Filia," Amelia remarked. "Ano... I thought you were dating his boss," Gourry said without thinking. Luna actually flushed. "It's a strained relationship, but we get along quite intimately." Filia sputtered. "Let's hope that namagomi doesn't try to seduce me, the womanizing jerk." "I wouldn't doubt it... he always did have a thing for blondes." Filia emitted a strangled cry as she upturned her nose in a huff. "Well this conversation has gone pointless," Zelgadis remarked as he got up to leave. "Zelgadis-san," Amelia said, grasping his arm. "Don't leave now." "I'm sorry... but I got a lead for a cure. Supposedly... my... great grandfather left it to me, as atonement." "But Zelgaids-san," Amelia said, as she was held back by her sister. "Let him go. He needs to do this," Naga said gently. Without further comment, Zelgadis left the group. And soon, one by one, the group left, not knowing what tomorrow would hold for him. <><><> Years had passed, but in those many years, many things happened. Sylphiel had come to Zephilia to bring comfort and support to Gourry and his son. Then it turned out that Sylphiel was giving Gourry more than just comfort. Zelgadis did come back, partially cured. Still rather impenetrable, but lacking the stone protrutions on his body. It was also discovered that he was the first immortal. As immortal as one can get without getting one's head cut off. But it turned out that the cure was not even developed by Rezo, yet by someone from the outside world who had been keeping track of the more... interesting characters of the lands within the former barrier. Zelgadis had foregoed tracking down his mysterious 'benefactor', and instead returned to Seryuun. Amelia had grown into a lovely young woman with the attitude of Phil, the figure of her mother and the laugh, unfortunately, of her elder sister. It seemed to run in the female side of the family. As for Naga, she decided to explore the lands, trying to find legendary relics. But still, it wouldn't be the same. Then one day, when Filia paid a visit to Zephilia, she had discovered that Sylphiel had gotten pregnant.... by Gourry. The pair had worked things out. Gourry knew Sylphiel loved him even after he had married Lina, and over the years, she had become a mother to his child. Their relationship worked. Fortunately, Gourry and Sylphiel viewed each other as husband and wife, and not just having Sylphiel as a replacement for Lina. The pair loved each other deeply, as deeply as Gourry loved Lina. Thus they had a son together, to which Gourry named Marron. For the moment, peace was in the air. But then, without warning, trouble began. For reasons for the moment unexplained, there was much Mazoku activity from the North, originating from Dynast's territory. There were a few clashes as some Mazoku got into trouble, but with Xellos' help, our heroes were able to determine what happened. It seemed that out of nowhere, the remaining forces that were under Gaav made a surprise attack on Dynast forces. Despite their small numbers, Gaav's minions fought well enough to allow the main bulk of the attacking forces arrive. They were Disc Monsters, led by the Monster Lord Muu. Disc Monsters. Created by a long forgotten civilization beyond the barrier. Soon, Dynast had to flee as Muu located his body. Genki and company soon arrived in the frozen north to do battle with Muu. Dynast was not so lucky. Despite fleeing, he ended up being the first victim of Muu after Muu reclaimed his body of a monster dragon. As such the forces of Dynast were in disarray, not knowing how they were being beaten. But nevertheless everyone that lived within the barrier found themselves on the defensive. Even the Ryuzoku and Mazoku had put aside their eternal struggles to combat Muu, who was intending to destroy both Mazoku and Ryuzoku. Muu had heard of the Mazoku ever since his "creation" five hundred years after the War of the Monster's Fall. He had heard of their plans to revive the Dark Lord Shabranigdo, with the intention of reducing all existance to nothingness. How was he to rule if everything is to be destroyed? As for the Dragons, he knew they were the enemy of the Mazoku race. He also knew they were considered be the followers of the Dragon Lords, and would do anything to preserve peace in the land. A being as bad as Muu would be considered a threat to the peace. But it was soon determined that Muu was the one behind Lina's assassination. After all, Lina possessed that one spell, the spell that could destroy everything. If there was one thing that Muu feared more than the Phoenix, it was Lina Inverse and her own chaos spell, the Giga Slave. Thus, the whole war turned into a "Gang Up on Muu" senario. Each side took heavy losses. The humans, and notablely, the heroes, suffered the worst casualties. First, before the whole offensive began, all contact with Naga was lost. Following that was a surprise raid on Zelphilia, in which Gourry died a hero's battle in preventing Muu from entering the capital city. After the battle, Sylphiel took the two children and escaped across the ocean, led by Deep Sea Dolphin. Other fates were apparent. Zelgadis dissapeared but was found earlier with his head cut off, a sure sign of death in the immortals. When Seyrrun was raided, Amelia encountered General Durahan who used his soul drinker technique on her, drawing out her spirit and dispersing it. Phil died also, leading a sucidial charge to prevent Muu's forces from reaching the retreating townspeople. Filia and a horde of Gold Dragons managed to launch a sneak attack on some of Muu's forces, but Filia failied to return alive. With word of her death, Jillas and Gravos fled from the fighting, taking the unhatched egg of Val with them. Jillas though did continue producing various explosive products for the various armies to use. Luna was presumed dead when they found a female skeleton amidst a group of dead Golden Dragons, but some thought they still saw her alive. Xellos was never heard from again as he followed his masters orders of eliminating all of the Mazoku, all of them former minions of Gaav, who were aiding Muu. As for his master, Beastmaster Zelas, it was for sure she left her residence on Wolf Pack Island, but her whereabouts are unknown. The war soon ended, as Muu was sealed away by the powers of the Phoenix for who knows how long. But it was a war with long lasting scars. Because of this war, the Mazoku race was almost nonexistant to a point. The Dragons almost became extinct. Humans took over most duties and soon, a new world empire grew. The war against Muu, which would be known as the "Second War of the Monsters' Fall", was soon left in history as other events have taken place. Far in the west, lies a continent where sorcerers were known for evil deeds then good ones. It was up to a young good hearted, yet perverted, Sorcerer Hunter and his friends to stop them. In the middle of the ocean, lies an island known to man only as the "Accursed Island." In the newly reborn continents of the east, the study of natural spirits or "Craymels" began as both a source of magic and technological support. And elsewhere, tales were spun about a wandering trio who caused havoc among various populations of elves, especially the female ones. They rode a strange horse, made of iron and spat fire that could down giants, creatures of the undead. It was said to be unstoppable. But it didn't even sound like a horse. Some said it meowed like a cat. In other parts of the western continent, where magic was slightly more abundant in the pesantry, two girls, a prince, two treasure hunters and a coniving con artist sought the Ultimate Power, to help restore a fallen country. As for the Disc Monsters, who knows what happened to them? Some things slipped onto obscurity while other things began to grow more into place. A kingdom began mining and processing a strange source of power called Bincholite, and using it for fuel, amidst other things. Little did anyone know, there would be a new menace appearing when the new millenia hit, a thousand years after Muu arose. And thus... begins a tale of an era beyond the days of Lina Inverse and company... a tale of a new group of Slayers... brought together by fate...