Author Note: I do not own Slayers, nor do I claim to. I thank all of you, who reviewed. You are amazing! I know it has been a while since my last update, but I will probably have this story finished by December. Just a warning this chapter is going to get dark. Beware! Thank you and please review. I love to read peoples input. Enjoy!

Chapter 7: Betrayal

Shouldn't she be back by now contemplated Phibrizo as he sat bored in this throne room. He was currently spacing off staring at one of his many paints on the walls, while he waited for Lina.

In the center of the throne room, a mass amount of black energy began to gather. Phibrizo took his disinterested eyes of the painting, and turned his attention to what was forming in the middle of his throne room.

After a huge cloud dark electric energy cleared, Phibrizo could see the teleporter.

A gorgeous tall woman stood before him. Phibrizo instantly recognized her when he looked into her eyes. Her eyes were blacker than the deepest night. Her hair shined like a sea of gold. He had only met her once in a different form. There before him stood none other than the Lord of Nightmares (LON) herself.

Phibrizo immediately stood up from his chair, after realizing who had appeared before him. He knelt in front of his creator.

"Mother, what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of your visit?" said a knelling Hell-master.

"You may rise my son," spoke a booming voice of authority and power.

Phibrizo stood up and stared at his creator.

"The reason for my visit is to discuss some of your recent actions you have taken. I want to remind you that Lina Inverse is on loan to you. She is still my creation. So, don't get to comfortable with the idea that she is your," spoke the golden lord.

"But, she is has been changed into a monster, she is no longer human, may I be so respectfully bold to ask how is she still your?" asked a curious Hell-master.

"My son, do you think it was a coincidence that no one was with my Lina? Do you know why it was so easy for you to take Lina under your wing?" she asked.

Phibrizo merely shook his head no.

"It is because I have allowed it so. Lina is a child of chaos. The first day she cast the Giga Slave those so many years ago when she was 12, was the day she became a creature of chaos. In other words, she belongs to me," stated the goddess."

"Are you saying that you want her back?" questioned Hell-master.

The women laughed at Hell-masters accusation before replying, "Oh, I will take her back; however, for now she will be on loan to you. I have great plans for my Lina.

Lina teleported outside the doors of the throne room. There she saw her master talking to a beautiful blond haired woman with a glowing gold ora of power around her. The red head didn't recognize the woman and decided it would be a good idea to keep her presence unknown as she listened in on her master's conversation.

"This is simply a reminder that you need to start looking for a replacement and soon. For I will be taking what is Mine, after Ruby Eye's plan is executed."

"I understand Mother I will start looking for a new general," said Phibrizo.

"Good," replied smugly as the golden goddess teleported out of Hell-Master's layer.

I felt Lina's presence, before Mother was finished speaking, I wonder if she heard us speaking. I'm sure she did, thought Phibrizo.

What the hell was all that about? Who was Master talking to? That woman sure did seem familiar. Oh well I guess I will have to ponder on this later Master is calling.

"Lina! You're back! How did the first step in the mission go?" asked Phibrizo.

"It went well Master; however, the humans are getting suspicious of my behavior," reported Lina.

"But, the mission itself went well. The people of Seyruun of have experienced the real power of a golden Dragon first hand. I think this is the beginning of destroying the humans' faith they place in the dragon race."

"Then I propose that we get the next plan into effect," replied Hell-master.

"Yes, I agree. I have already gotten the group to split up. Gourry and Sylphiel are going to Sairaag to get the bless blade. Amelia, Zelgadiss, Philia, and I are going to visit Martina."

"Oh, how I miss my big sister," chuckled Phibrizo.

"I suspected that you will pick them off in groups?"

"Yes Master. I will need the help of Xellos and Sherra.

My group will travel by foot to Zoana. Sherra will need to send a group of lesser demons and other monsters. She will then need to fight Zelgadiss. With the distraction of bandits, monsters, and Sherra no one will expect me to be the true traitor of the group. I know Xellos has a thing for Filia, and wants to take her as a pet, so I say allow him to capture her, and get her out the chaos. That way our strongest member is out of the way.

Zelgadiss and Amelia will be easier to deal with, once Filia is gone.

Once Xellos has captured Filia he should take care of Gourry and Sylphiel, while Sherra and I take out Zel and Amelia. Even if for some reason this doesn't go as according to plan I will still look like their friend."

"Lina, it sounds like you have got it all figured out. I will brief Dynast and Zellas of this plan, and get their assistance to execute this plan. It takes five days to get to Zoana. Perhaps if the plan is put into effect on the second day?" replied Hell-master.

"That sounds good. I must return Master encase, one of my friends decides to come check on me."

"Very well, on the second day expect to see Sherra," replied Phibrizo.

Once the conversation was over, Lina teleported back to her room in the castle.

When Lina got back to the castle all was quite. She decided to think about, who she had seen with Phibrizo today.

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That woman looked very familiar. Who was she? What did she mean I will be taking what is Mine? Master needs to look for a new General? What the hell am I? Chopped Liver? He plans to get rid of me does he? Well, I am going to prove to him, that I am not replaceable.

Lina continued to think about this topic until the dawn.

The sun had risen, and she had heard people begin to wake up and move about the palace.

Lina walked down stairs to see Amelia was already up and drinking her morning tea with Filia.

"Good morning Miss Lina," said a smiling Amelia.

"Morning, Amelia, Filia," said a sounding sleepy Lina.

"You're up early Miss Lina, couldn't sleep?" asked Filia as she took a sip of her tea.

"Yeah, I couldn't, I kept having horrible dreams," said Lina faking a yawn.

A servant girl appeared by Lina. Miss Inverse, the food is not ready, may I start you off with some coffee, or would you like tea?" asked a scared servant girl.

She expected Lina to bite her head off for not having the food right in front of her.

"Coffee would be great," replied Lina as she smiled at the girl.

As the girl walked out of the room she thought, who took over Miss Inverse's body. Last time I didn't have the food ready she screamed and yelled like I had just stolen her horse or something. She told me the next time she came back that I better have the food ready, next time she comes down for breakfast or else. I don't know how Queen Amelia can be her friend. Maybe she got laid? Who knows shrugged the servant girl, it's defiantly better than getting my head bitten off.

The servant girl soon came out with Lina's coffee.

"Thanks," she said to the servant girl.

Defiantly better than getting my head bitten off.

"I'll be out with the food for breakfast in a few moments," replied the servant girl.

"Sounds good," replied a cheerful Amelia.

Lina nodded in confirmation before addressing Amelia.

"So, where is Zelgadiss Amelia?" questioned Lina.

"Oh, he went out with some of the soldiers to get supplies for our trip, and lots of food for Filia and you," replying cheerfully to Lina's question.

Oh great…Damn she sure is cheerful. It's making me sick. I don't know how Xellos was able to ever stay around our group very long without throwing up.

"Why are you so cheerful today," asked Lina, while pretending to sip her coffee.

"I am just so happy to see all of you! It is so nice! And we are going to go on a big adventure just like old times. Defeating monsters and spreading justice. You know being a princess is pretty boring compared to the adventures we use to have."

"I guess so," replied Lina as she leaned back in her chair.

Zelgadiss decided to make his entrance He kissed his wife and sat at the head of the table.

"Well, all of the supplies are taken care of, and we are ready to go after breakfast," said Zel.

"Good, glad to hear it hun," said his wife.

"So, are we taking a carriage, or we traveling on foot to keep a low profile," asked Filia.

One of the questions I wanted to know, thought Lina.

"I think it would be better if we walked. It's better than sticking out like a sore thumb, with 10 guards and a carriage," stated Zel.

Good, that will make the plan go so much smoother. There is always that one solider that gets a way, that you don't account for, thought Lina.

"That's a good idea, we wont stand out that way," confirmed Lina.

Two servant girls came out with eight massive trays of food.

They laid down the food and quickly left the room before the hungry lions attacked.

"Did someone say breakfast," came the excited voice of Gourry, as Sylphiel followed behind.

Gourry sat between Sylphiel and Lina. After sitting down he started piling food on his plate.

Damn another repeat of last night, but this time I have to be more convincing that nothing has changed.

During the chaos of breakfast Mil came down to sit with the group.

Breakfast continued on just like old times. Gourry, Amelia and Lina fought for food, while the other three watched in amazement at how much the three could consume.

After breakfast was over, Zelgadiss spoke up saying, "I think we should start heading to Zoana. That way we can be half way by tomorrow."

"Alright, guys lets pack up and head out. We will meet back up here, once we get done with Martina, and getting your sword," said Lina cheerfully.

"Alright, sounds good," said the group.

Milgazia and Phillionel watched the group leave in different directions. "Remember if you get into trouble I will be watching you from the astral plains", called Mil.

"Safe travels, friends, bye," waved Phillionel.

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Lina and the group had been walking all day. The day had been uneventful, no bandits, nothing. The group had been carrying on like they use to. It felt like old time. The group had stopped to camp for the night. The group had finished dinner and sat around the fire.

"It's so nice to travel with you again Miss Lina," said Amelia.

"Yeah it really is Lina, Filia it feels like old times," confirmed Zel.

"Yeah, I miss you guys. The adventures we've had have been amazing" said Lina.

"They have," said Filia.

Lina looked at her three friends. Zel had his arm around Amelia, while she rested her head against Zel's shoulder. Filia was sitting to her left. She was using a stick to play with the fire.

"It's crazy, how we all use to run around together. I honestly didn't think you two would grow some sense and get together, but you did," said Lina as she addressed Zel and Amelia.

"Me neither, life sure has an interesting way of surprising us," said Filia.

"Well, I am glad we got some sense knocked into us, it's been a great seven years," said Amelia as she looked up at Zel.

"It has," he replied and kissed her on the lips.

"Hey, guys save it for the bed room," laughed Lina.

Amelia blushed and stuck out her tongue to Lina.

"Yeah, it is funny how life turns out. I thought you and Gourry would be together, "said Ameila to Lina.

"Life is fickle like that, and besides I don't think Gourry ever understood me the way I would want my man to," replied Lina.

"So, are you seeing anyone Lina?" questioned Filia.

Lina looked embarrassed and said, "No, are you?"

Filia seemed embarrassed as well and retorted hastily, "No, No, I am not."

"You and Milgazia seem pretty close," stated Zel.

"Would you two stop! There is nothing going on between Milgazia and me," said Filia.

"Girl's in denial," said Lina.

"You both need to stop. It is late by the way, I think we all need to go to sleep. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."

"Alright," said Amelia as she yawned sleepily.

The group decided to drop the topic of Filia's love life and go to bed.

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The next morning they started there journey to the kingdom of Zoana. There had still been no signs of disturbance, but that was going to soon change.

It was a couple of hours after noon, before a group of bandits showed up.

Show time, thought Lina.

A group of 30 men surrounded the group. These bandits weren't your typical group of bandits. Most of them had been skilled warriors before going rouge.

"I suggest that you give up all you valuables and you may leave here a live," said an ugly middle age man, with an eye patch on. He looked like he needed a bath.

Guess he's the leader. Man I would think Sherra could have done better than this group.

"Do you have any idea who you messing with?" questioned Lina.

Swush was the sound made as a voice answered. However, it was not the voice of the bandit boss, instead the voice of Dynast's general.

"Actually, we do Lina Inverse, and this is where you will die," said Sherra with a cruel smiled.

Twenty more Lesser Demons appeared behind her.

"Excuse me, but really can you please have some more creative lines than that," said Lina.

"You will not hurt Miss Lina," said Filia.

"Your fight is with me!" roared Filia as she fired a laser breath at Sherra.

"Shit guys, this is bad. We need to split up, Zel and Amelia you take the lesser demons, I'll take the bandits," said Lina.

Filia and Sherra were fighting in the sky. Both throwing attacks at each other, while Zel and Amelia disposed of some of the lesser demons.

The only sounds that could be heard from affair were spells being cast.

Xellos watched the battle continue for a few minutes before stepping in. He teleported behind Filia as Sherra threw another attack Filia's way.

Filia felt Xellos' presence behind her and said, "Xellos what are you doing here?"

The attack was coming at Filia and before she could move out of the way Xellos grabbed her neck with one hand and her arms with the other.

"What are you doing Xellos? Let me go!" cried Filia.

The blast was approaching with rapid speed, if it hit her, it wouldn't kill her, but it would severely injure her.

Xellos continued to hold Filia like a shield. He said nothing as the blast approached. He just held her and wore his signature smile.

All three of her friends looked at the scene above them and watched with horrified as Filia took a direct hit from Sherra.

"FILIA," screamed the there in unison as the blast collided with Filia's body.

The blast was powerful enough not knock Filia out. Xellos said nothing to Sherra, just nodded and teleported away.

"Xellos, you coward!" cried Zelgadiss gazing on where Xellos once was.

Sherra laughed. "I think you better start worrying about yourself because none of you are getting out here alive."

Sherra flew forward at Zel as she charged him with her sword. Zelgadiss countered her attack with his own.

Most of the bandits had been destroyed by Lina. However, there were a several lesser demons. The lesser demons approached Lina as did the bandits. Lina had her back turned to Amelia as she fought her adversaries.

Amelia wasn't paying attention. Her attention was focused on Zel. A lesser demon came struck her from behind. His claws went right through her back and into her stomach.

Amelia cried out as she fell and grabbed her stomach.

Lina cried out, "AMELIAAA NNNOOOOOO!"

She sent a fireball at the demon, and upon of the impact the demon was destroyed.

Lina ran over to Amelia. As Lina screamed Zel took his attention of Sherra. A mistake he would never forget. Sherra took the opportunity of Zelgadiss distraction and attacked Zelgadiss with her sword. She had slashed Zelgadiss across his face. He would have a nasty scar across his face probably for the rest of his life.

"Pay attention chimera! You're making this to easy," Sherra said wickedly.

Blood poured out of Zelgadiss face as he fell to the ground in pain grabbing his face.

Two bandits still remained. As Lina was making her way to Amelia, one had ran behind her and tried to stab her from behind. She dodged the attack. Another one stood over Amelia.

"Don't take this personally princess, but killing you, is going to make me a very wealthy man."

The man took out his knife and slashed Amelia's throat.

Lina quickly disposed of the remaining bandits and lesser demons that approached her. She threw fireball after fireball. And when she saw the murder of Amelia she took the same knife that he had used to kill her best friend and cut his throat.

All of the bandits had died as had the lesser demons. Lina hugged her falling friend and cried.

To talk about killing your best friend is one thing, but to see it happen before your eyes is worse than doing the killing yourself because at least you would have known their death would have been less painful.

Lina continued to hold on Amelia.

I am sorry Amelia. I am sorry we couldn't live in the same world. I am sure you wouldn't like the new me. But, my dear friend at least I know you did not have to see the horrors that are about to unfold in this world you love so much. You did not have to see everyone you love die. I'm too far gone to stop here. I have to finish this mission.

She soon turned her attention to Zelgadiss and Sherra. Zel wasn't doing so well. He held his face while using the other one to dodge attacks. He was getting wiry.

"It's been fun chimera, but I've played with my food to long, say hello to Rezo for me," said Sherra as she generated a ball of energy into her hand.

One moment Sherra had been standing above Zelgadiss, then the next she was slammed into a tree by the impact of the blast, that had just hit her.

The dust cleared and there stood none other than Milgazia in front of Zelgadiss.

"I am sorry. I would have gotten her sooner, but Gourry ran into trouble," said Mil.

"You think you can defeat me golden dragon?" asked Sherra as she dusted herself off.

"No, we know we can defeat you," screamed Lina.

She threw a fireball at Sherra, which Sherra dodged with little effort.

"I forgot about you Inverse," said Sherra.

Lina's hands were starting to turn black. She was muttering something under her breath.

Oh, shit! Is Inverse doing what I think she is?

"Ragna Blade!" said Lina as she ran toward Sherra with the sword of chaotic energy.

Time to go!

They stood 30 meters away from one another before Sherra threw a spell to the ground and teleported back to Dynast.

Lina dissolves her sword. She continued to stare where Sherra just stood seconds before.

Zelgadiss stood up, and he glanced over to Mil.

"Looks like we all made it out ali….." he couldn't finish his sentence.

His heart felt like it stopped as he could not believe the sight he saw. Laying 20 meters away was his wife in pool of her own blood.

"AMMMMEILAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Aw! Poor Zelly boy. I know I mean to leave it there, but the next chapter gets even more exciting as the plot unfolds. Hope you liked it! Please review and tell me your thoughts. Sorry again for bad grammar and spelling errors. Thanks!