Back-Up Copy Chapter 5
Jun. 26th, 2011 03:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eastofthemoonSorry for the long wait, but here's the next chapter. We're almost done believe it or not just a few more chapters to go.
Also, thanks to my beta readers for looking over this.
Title: Back-up Copy
Series: Slayers
Rating: PG
Summary: Zelgadis searches one of Rezo's labs and makes an unimaginable discovery.
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
The chimera weaved through the trees. It stopped once it found a stream to drink and rest. As it bent for a mouthful of water the pain returned, and the chimera hissed until the stinging ache subsided. Trails of blood ran down its arm. Those people had injured it. What was that? A fireball? The creature recalled knowing that spell before, but the memory was as fleeting as the breeze that blew through the clearing. It ran its fingers over the wound and poked them into the hole. The creature rubbed the blood between two fingers. It was annoying. It use to know how to be rid of wounds and pain.
A memory lingered. There was a teacher. Healing was his specialty. He had taught the creature many things. Words automatically formed in the chimera's mouth. A healing spell formed in the creature's hands and flowed into into the wound. The pain subsided. The chimera relaxed and lingered in the warm memory. Now it remembered. When it awoke in the cellar, it knew it had to kill the traitor. The creature wasn't sure why it desired to do so.
Now the reason was clear. The traitor, Zelgadis, had stolen the life of someone precious. The chimera bent and drank a mouthful of water. The cold liquid ran down its throat, and it felt good. A rustle caused the chimera to whirl around in time to see a man a few feet away, holding a bow and arrow. The man screamed and ran off.
Stupid man. The chimera thought as it lie on the grass. It needed to rest before it would strike again.
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Lina stabbed the thin ball of yolk of her fried egg. She was grumpy. It had cost an arm and a leg to pay the innkeeper for the destroyed room and so called 'physiological damages' done to the innkeeper's cat thanks to the explosions. "What a load of bull," Lina muttered. The infamous cat who had a nervous breakdown sat on the windowsill cleaning its front paws and fur. She chewed her eggs violently.
Normally, she wouldn't have bothered to pay so much money, but the innkeeper wasn't buying the, "We got attacked by a possessed chimera," story, and she was too tired at the time to care. She had thrown a pouch of gold coins at the innkeeper so she and Amelia could crawl back to bed.
Lina stole a sausage from Gourry's plate just as Zelgadis and Amelia entered the room. "How are you feeling, Zel?"
Zelgadis rotated his shoulders. "Better, thanks to Amelia."
"Good, so any ideas what the hell attacked you last night?"
Zelgadis pulled up a chair. "There's no doubt in my mind that thing was my old body."
"But, why did it look so different?" Amelia asked as she recalled the abnormally long hair and claws.
Zelgadis shrugged. "No clue, but it must be somehow due to the spirit that's controlling it."
"Which leads to the question of how your chimera body got possessed," Lina finished.
"I thought you guys put up protection wards against that kind of stuff at the old lab?" Gourry said as he sliced his ham.
"We did," Amelia said with a frown. "And it seemed odd that the spirit was only interested in attacking Mister Zelgadis."
"Maybe it's an old enemy," Gourry replied. "We do have a habit of making those, and there's a long list of dead ones."
Lina tapped her fork on her plate. "Possible, but it would seem a huge coincidence to run into one here in the town of nowhere. What do you think, Zel?"
Zelgadis poured himself a cup of coffee. "The chances are minimal, however, I'm not eliminating that possibility. It did have a strong desire to get revenge on me for some reason." He sipped his tea. "And before you ask, no, I didn't recognize that spirit. Believe me, I would have already told you if I did."
Lina sighed. "That's what I figured. Damn, why did we have to run into trouble just when we were relaxing?" She stuffed her mouth with bacon and gulped it down with her coffee. "We'll have to head to the lab as soon as everyone is done eating."
"Right!" Amelia agreed. "The best place to look for clues to fight whatever evil has taken over Mister Zelgadis's body would be there."
"Not to mention," Zelgadis added, "we'll have a better understanding of what may have caused all this. But before that," Zelgadis turned his head to Gourry. "Do you mind having a sparing session with me later?"
Gourry nodded. "Sure. It's been awhile. It doesn't hurt to keep our skills sharp."
Zelgadis lower his gaze back to his tea. He refused to repeat his fear in front of the girls. The fear of being stabbed carelessly while in a fight like last night. The sparring session will refresh the his sword skills he had before his transformation into a chimera. He concentrated on the thought as he ignored the twitch of worry that hammered at him like a woodpecker.
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Amelia traced her fingers along the burnt marks on the latch door leading to the cellar. Their suspicions had been confirmed. Someone destroyed the protection wards and sneaked into the lab.
"Do you think it was a sorcerer?" Gourry asked.
Lina clasped her chin. "That seems to be the case, although how these wards were destroyed is disturbing."
Amelia nodded. "A normal sorcerer would have just tried to deactivate them, but these are burned. It's like they were set on fire. Whoever did it had a lot of power."
Zelgadis knelt and lifted the latch. "Then we know whoever did it is probably the main suspect of getting my old body possessed."
"But, it doesn't explain how they knew your body was here," Amelia added. "This place was top secret, and you yourself only discovered it a few months ago."
The shaman nodded. "That's what bothers me."
Lina climbed down the steps, tucking her hair back behind her ears. "Well, we're not getting any clues standing here. Let's return to the scene of the crime."
Lina scanned the area, as the group entered the lower chamber. She took in the scene before her and tried to picture what had taken place. "Your body is gone, but it doesn't seem the culprit left any footsteps-"
"Miss Lina!" Amelia gasped suddenly. "Look, the jar! It's been destroyed."
Zelgadis rushed to the spot Amelia pointed to. He growled at the broken pieces of pottery. "So much for giving the jar to Pokota." At least I still have the notes. That will have to do.
"Okay, I don't get it," Gourry replied. "Who would destroy the jar? I'm no sorcerer, but wouldn't that be an important item for research at least?"
Lina nodded, cursing at herself for not thinking of better ways to guard the jar. "I know a lot of sorcerers that would rather lose their hand than let that be destroyed."
"Maybe it wasn't a sorcerer," Amelia replied. "Maybe someone heard about the jar and decided it was too dangerous to keep around."
"Possible, but that doesn't explain why they took Zel's body, or how they got passed the wards," Lina replied as she moved next to Zelgadis to examined the jar pieces. "And how did they find out about the jar in the first place? It wasn't exactly public information." Lina snarled, pulling at her hair. "Arrg! This whole thing makes my head hurt!"
"Perhaps I can shed some light on your mystery.""
The group whirled around. Yet, no one was astounded to see a calm Xellos leaning against the bookshelf. Zelgadis narrowed his eyes. "I should have known you would pop up sooner or later."
Xellos clapped. "My, my, so this is your human body? Well, I must congratulate you." He grasped his staff and tapped it as he stepped forward. "Although, I can't understand why you would willing give up all that extra power in your chimera body for a simple human one." Xellos shrugged. "But I suppose that's an aspect of human nature I can never understand."
"Cut the philosophy, Xellos." Lina folded her arms and then moved forward until she stood nose to nose with the mazoku. "What did you do, Xellos?"
Xellos folded his arms. "Let's see, should I tell you the whole story, or just part of it? Hmm…decisions, decisions."
"No time for jokes, Xellos." She yanked his shirt collar. "So, start moving those lips, or Amelia will be singing love songs for the next hour."
Amelia grinned evilly.
"This is kind of twisted," Gourry commented.
Xellos sweated as Amelia hummed a bit to warm up her voice and wiggled free. "All right, all right!" His stomach lurched at the thought of the songs the princess of love and justice would know. "There's no need to be uncivilized."
"Just tell us," Zelgadis snapped.
Xellos cleared his throat. He snapped his fingers to summon himself a cup of tea. "Well, I had originally come here to destroy that Hellmaster jar you found."
"How could you," Amelia protested. "We could have used it ..."
"I could have taken and destroyed the jar the minute you four found it," Xellos quickly injected. "But I deemed it easier to wait until Mister Zelgadis was finished with it. Consider it my payment to you for finishing off that mutated piece of the Dark Lord kept in the last Hellmaster jar."
"How generous of you," Lina remarked sourly.
The mazoku priest sipped his tea. "And if you keep interrupting me, I won't be able to finish my story."
Amelia wanted to debate further, but Zelgadis clasped her shoulder and shook his head. He was angry as well, but they needed to learn what had happened to his old body.
"As I saying," Xellos continued. "I had waited until you four had used the jar to move Mister Zelgadis's soul into his new body. After that, I entered and destroyed the jar, but an unpredicted outcome occurred." He added sugar to his tea. "It would appear another soul had been stored in that jar."
"We know," Lina replied. "We were going to deal with it when we came back, but I'm guessing you beat us to it?"
Xellos shook his head. "No, I did nothing to it, but the spirit had decided to make itself at home in Mister Zelgadis's old chimera body."
"Who's the spirit?" Gourry asked.
"No clue," Xellos replied. "It did however appear to have a personal grudge against you, Mister Zelgadis."
"That's old information," said Lina as she took a seat in a chair. "And you just let the spirit walk off in Zel's old body?"
Xellos' tea cup vanished. "Destroying what was contained in the jar was not part of my orders. Besides, it hardly seemed dangerous."
"You mean to you," Zelgadis growled back. "So, let me see if I understand this. You let loose some unknown spirit that wants to kill me, and possesses my old body?"
"That would be the correct," Xellos said with a curt nod.
"And you didn't warn us of this earlier because … ?"
"I was late for an appointment. I only came to inform you now because of our past history."
"Of course," Lina moaned. "And I'm guessing you're not sticking around to give us a hand."
Xellos grinned. "Afraid not. It's not part of my orders, but I am curious to see how you four handle it."
"So, we're your entertainment now?" Lina snapped, pondering if it was possible to break Xellos's neck.
Xellos' reply was a silent grin.
Zelgadis glared and turned to Amelia "Hey Amelia, how about some of those songs?"
Amelia threw a fist in the air. "Sure thing! Girls who are in love ..."
"On second thought," Xellos said, backing away with sweat dripping from his forehead. "I just remembered an errand I have to run. Have fun killing the murderous monster." With a sharp pop, the priest disappeared.
Lina groaned as she buried her face into her hands. "Terrific." She looked to the shaman who was tapping his chin. "Zel, do you have idea who or what could have been kept in that jar?"
Zelgadis shook his head. "For all I know it could have been an unwilling victim in one of Rezo's experiments."
"That doesn't explain why it's after you," said Amelia.
Gourry stared up at the ceiling. "Hey, what if the spirit wants revenge against Rezo, but since he isn't here anymore it has to go after Zelgadis?"
"That's possible," Zelgadis slowly added. "But even if that is the case, we still don't know how to destroy it."
Lina nodded. "You said that strong magic or magical items can hurt you, right?"
"Right, but finding magic that strong is hard to find. If we still had the Sword of Light this would be a lot easier."
"Why don't we look around the lab here?" Gourry suggested. "Maybe Rezo stored something we could use here."
"Not likely since Zel has searched this place from top to bottom." Lina climbed to her feet. "But it wouldn't hurt to double check this place. Who knows, we might find something useful."
"That would be a stroke of luck," Zelgadis commented. "And we could use a little of that."
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The group searched the entire lab, only to find nothing more than Rezo's notes on old remedies for blindness and poor eyesight, and some plans for future experiments. When they returned to town, the group split into two. Lina and Amelia went into town to ask the locals for information. There was a chance one of the townsfolk had seen the chimera, and if they did, they might have noticed something useful. The probability was not high, but they had nothing else to go on.
In the meantime, Zelgadis and Gourry went to the wide yard behind the inn to spar. The swords clanged as they dueled. Gourry had decided to use the old sword. He was persistent in it becoming a proper weapon. Bits of rust flew as he blocked Zelgadis's sword, but it surprisingly held up well.
Zelgadis found he wasn't as fast as he was in his old chimera body. He feet felt as heavy as lead as he leaped and jumped out of Gourry's path. That didn't infuriate him as much as how he would catch himself starting to block Gourry's sword with his non-stone skin. It was a dangerous habit. At the end of the sparring session, Zelgadis was dripping with sweat and sat on the grass in exhaustion. I need to strengthen my muscles. He accepted the wet towel offered to him by Gourry. "Thanks," he muttered.
The swordsman sheathed his weapon and took a seat next to him on the damp grass. "Ten times."
Zelgadis froze. Gourry continued. "That's how many times I caught you almost using your skin as a shield like you use to."
Zelgadis ran his hand through his hair. So, Gourry had noticed. "I'm trying to break the habit."
"That's good, but when you're in the middle of a fight your muscle memory takes over and there's a good chance you'll fall back to your habit and then ..."
"Get myself injured or worse." Zelgadis had not wanted to admit the grim truth. The truth was, if Amelia hadn't been there when the chimera attacked, he'd probably be dead now.
Gourry patted his shoulder and offered a smile. "You're a good swordsman, Zel, but you need to update your style. You're too used to relying on your stone skin, which you don't have anymore. It's a dangerous habit for a lone traveler."
Zelgadis's eyes narrowed. "You're saying I should quit traveling?"
Gourry shook his head. "If you travel in a group you have someone to watch your back, but you'll be in trouble if you're alone. You could travel with Lina and me while you worked on changing your sword style. I'll help you."
Zelgadis sighed. He appreciated the offer, but his pride winced at the notion of having to be protected like a helpless maiden. They've always watched each other backs before, but now he would require extra protection. It made him feel useless.
"Course," Gourry continued. "Your other option would be to just stay in one place until you've mastered your new style." Gourry gulped down the water from his canteen. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do, Zel, but I had to tell you the truth."
Zelgadis nodded. Deep down, he had known he would need to retrain himself on his swordsmanship. He didn't want to admit to himself aloud that he wouldn't be able to travel alone while he did it. The mere thought of some low-life bandit finding him while he traveled and managing to stab him because of his old habit made his blood boil. "I appreciate the offer, Gourry, but I'm going to have to think about it."
The swordsman was ready to respond, but was interrupted by Lina's yell. "Hey guys!" the sorceress waved as she and Amelia approached them.
Zelgadis climbed to his feet. "Were you able to find out anything?"
"Not much," said Amelia. "Some of the townsfolk did think they saw something last night, but the creature moved too fast to get a clear look at it."
"However," Lina quickly added. "We ran into a man who said he saw a weird animal this morning while hunting in the woods." She folded her arms. "And his description matches our possessed friend."
"Where did he see it?" asked Zelgadis.
"Near a stream," Amelia replied. "But he said he would be willing to take us where he saw it. He sounded rather desperate for someone to take care of it."
"Can you blame him?" said Gourry, wiping his face off with the towel. "I wouldn't want that thing running around my town…um no offense, Zel."
Zelgadis waved his hand, not bothering to pay the comment any mind. "So, we might be able to find where it's hiding?"
"Yes, but what do we do once we're there?" asked Amelia, frowning. "We don't have any strong magical weapons at the moment."
Lina nodded. "And that thing could cause a lot of damage if we take a few months to track one down. What do you think, Zel? You're the expert on this thing."
Zelgadis cupped his chin. "As much as I don't want to admit it, my chimera body was strong, but not indestructable. I was vulnerable to high-level magic."
"What about Zel's vine spell?" Gourry asked. "Wouldn't that have an effect?"
"It would," Zelgadis replied. "I can certainly attack mazoku with it. However, the spell doesn't last very long. It would be easier if we had strong magic spells to attack it."
Lina sighed. "So, our best plan is to keep throwing spells and using Zel's Astral Vine at it."
"Wait," Gourry replied. "That spirit is just possessing Zel's old body, right? So, why not have Amelia use one of her white magic spells to exercise it from the chimera body?"
"You mean 'exorcise'," Zelgadis corrected. "But that isn't a bad idea."
"It could work," Lina muttered. And I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier. "What do you think, Amelia?"
"It's worth a try," Amelia replied. "And with the power of justice on our side, I'm certain we can free Mister Zelgadis's chimera body."
"You know I don't really want it back, right?" Zelgadis replied sourly.
"You have a knack for ruining dramatic moments, Zel."
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"How much further is it?" Lina asked as she ducked under another branch. They had been walking in the woods for over an hour. Bad enough she got mud on her cape and new boots, but her feet were becoming sore from climbing over the rocks and dirt.
The hunter pointed ahead. "The monster was a little over this hill." He turned and tapped on his beard. "Ya sure you kids want to find this thing? I've seen mother bears more friendly."
"We have to!" Amelia declared. "In the name of justice."
"I don't know much about justice," the hunter replied. "But I know a critter that's ready to ripe ya head off. Don't say I didn't warn ya."
Zelgadis grabbed a boulder for support as they climbed the hill. He heard Gourry make a comment to Lina, but he tuned out the conversation. He had been mentally debating on what to do once this was over. Zelgadis could travel with Lina and Gourry as he trained, but he couldn't help but feel he would be a third wheel. Plus, his pride cringed at the idea of depending on others for protection. Then there was plan B, rooting himself in one place.
That seemed bizarre. He'd been a nomad all of his life. The longest he ever lived in a single place was for a few months. Granted, just because he stayed in one place while he trained, it didn't mean he had to stay there for the rest of his life. Yet, where would he go? He had no home he could return to like Lina or Amelia.
Except, Zelgadis thought, Amelia did say I could stay in Seyrune. He dug his feet into the loose dirt for traction and climbed up. It was not the first time Seyrune entered his mind. He instantly thought of Amelia's invitation when Gourry suggested he stay in one place for awhile. It had always felt like a place he could rest his feet when he became weary of traveling. Maybe staying there is the best option, and Amelia would be there. I wonder if she could suggest someone I could spar with in Seyrune?
"Hurry up, Zel!" Gourry called. "You're falling behind."
The shaman shook his head. "Right, sorry."
At the top of the hill, the hunter stop. His hands shook slightly as he grasped his bow. "This is as far as I'm willing to take ya. If you head straight ya'll be at the stream where I saw the monster."
"Got it," Lina replied. "Be careful on your way back."
"Same to you, missy." The hunter turned to make his way back down the hill. "But I'm telling ya, that's not an ordinary animal."
"No kidding," Gourry muttered.
"We should be quiet from here on out," Zelgadis stated. "We don't want it to hear us coming."
Lina nodded. "Amelia, we'll fight the chimera and try to keep it in one place while you get your spell ready."
"If we can keep it in one place," Gourry remarked, reaching for his sword. "That thing moves fast."
"We still have to try," said Amelia. "Just be careful."
Zelgadis made an opening through the bush and gestured for the rest to follow. They silently marched forward. The only sounds that were uttered were the tweeting of birds and the chirping of a cricket. Zelgadis carefully scanned the area for any sign of his old body.
He suddenly heard the soft trickle of running water. Recalling the hunter's description, Zelgadis turned and gave the sign to halt. He moved first and ducked behind a large oak tree and peeked around it.
There it was, sleeping next to the stream. Zelgadis felt like he was facing a panther as he watched the chimera's body rise up and down with each breath. The silence was vital now. In his old body, Zelgadis could hear the smallest step even while sleeping.
He waved, and the three three joined him behind the tree.
"It's asleep," Lina whispered with glee. "This was a nice stroke of luck."
"Give me a minute," Amelia replied. "I'll have a spell ready to exorcise the spirit."
Gourry sniffled. "Uh … Lina. I have a prob … blem."
"Not now Gourry. This is kind of vital."
"B … but I'm g-going to s-neeze."
Everyone instantly paled.
"Just hold it!" Zelgadis demanded.
"I … I can't."
"Count backwards or hold your breath or something."
"T … that's for … hiccups!"
"Miss Lina," Amelia cried quietly in terror.
Gourry's head moved back. "Ah-"
Zelgadis jumped and pinched Gourry's nose. "HOLD. IT. IN!"
Gourry froze. It was an eternity until Gourry's shoulders relaxed. "It's gone, thanks Zel."
"You jellyfish brain!" Lina snapped, scratching her nose. "T … that was t … too ... ACHOO!"
The chimera bolted. Its eyes instantly landed upon the group.
"Nice going, Lina," Zelgadis replied with a glare.
"Uh, sorry."
The chimera snarled wildly and threw a fireball. The group rolled and dodged out of its path. Lina tumbled on the ground, chanting under her breath. Once she was facing the chimera's back, she sat up and threw it. "Elmekia Lance!"
The chimera raised its hand. "Holy Resist!" it shouted.
A flash of light exploded as the spell collided with the shield.
"It can cast shields now?" Lina thought bitterly.
The chimera rested its gaze on Lina. "You'll regret that."
The voice made Lina jumped. It sounded more human now. Did it have more control over itself?
The chimera charged. Gourry jumped in, blocking the chimera's claws with his rusty sword. "You're not touching Lina!"
The chimera smirked. It was the first human-like expression the group had seen on the creature. It laughed as it gripped Gourry's sword. It pulled forward and swung it hard backwards. Gourry was thrown and slammed into Lina.
"Ow!" Lina cried from under him. "Watch it, Gourry!"
The chimera grinned as it approached them.
"Now, Amelia!" Zelgadis cried.
"Megiddo Flare!" Amelia aimed and shot the spell. The chimera howled as it hit. The area was engulfed in a bright light. As it died, Amelia and Zelgadis choked as they stared at the still much alive chimera. "That hurt!" it hissed.
"It didn't work!" Amelia gasped. "But why ..."
The chimera leaped. Its claws grew as it headed directly for Amelia.
"Dug Haut!" Zelgadis cried.
Giant stone spears sprung from the ground and circled Amelia, protecting her in a barricade. The chimera jumped back in shock.
"What are you doing?" Zelgadis called as he lifted his hand from the ground. "Aren't I the one you're after?"
The chimera's eyes narrowed. "Quite right." It charged towards the shaman. Zelgadis finished casting. "Astral Vine!" Zelgadis blocked it's claws with his sword. The chimera gripped the blade. Drips of blood appeared from its fingers.
It's working! Zelgadis thought. He tried to pull his sword free to strike again. However, the chimera kept its grip. Zelgadis growled. It was almost taunting him with how much stronger his old body was compared to an ordinary human. Suddenly, the chimera surged its right arm forward.
"Zel! Watch out!" Lina gasped.
There was no time to move as it grabbed onto Zel's throat.
Zelgadis gasped for air as the creature's grip tightened. He was forced to dropped his sword. The chimera dangled him in the air like a toy. It laughed. "At last! I shall have vengeance!"
Zelgadis coughed. "W-what vengeance?"
The chimera glared and its face closer to the shaman. "You killed a person I loved! You will pay!"
Lina's jaw dropped. Her memory suddenly went into overdrive, suddenly recalling where she heard that voice before. It couldn't be? "Eris, is that you?"
The chimera tilted her head at Lina. It paused, as if processing the information. "Eris? Yes. YES! That is my name!"
Also, thanks to my beta readers for looking over this.
Title: Back-up Copy
Series: Slayers
Rating: PG
Summary: Zelgadis searches one of Rezo's labs and makes an unimaginable discovery.
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
The chimera weaved through the trees. It stopped once it found a stream to drink and rest. As it bent for a mouthful of water the pain returned, and the chimera hissed until the stinging ache subsided. Trails of blood ran down its arm. Those people had injured it. What was that? A fireball? The creature recalled knowing that spell before, but the memory was as fleeting as the breeze that blew through the clearing. It ran its fingers over the wound and poked them into the hole. The creature rubbed the blood between two fingers. It was annoying. It use to know how to be rid of wounds and pain.
A memory lingered. There was a teacher. Healing was his specialty. He had taught the creature many things. Words automatically formed in the chimera's mouth. A healing spell formed in the creature's hands and flowed into into the wound. The pain subsided. The chimera relaxed and lingered in the warm memory. Now it remembered. When it awoke in the cellar, it knew it had to kill the traitor. The creature wasn't sure why it desired to do so.
Now the reason was clear. The traitor, Zelgadis, had stolen the life of someone precious. The chimera bent and drank a mouthful of water. The cold liquid ran down its throat, and it felt good. A rustle caused the chimera to whirl around in time to see a man a few feet away, holding a bow and arrow. The man screamed and ran off.
Stupid man. The chimera thought as it lie on the grass. It needed to rest before it would strike again.
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Lina stabbed the thin ball of yolk of her fried egg. She was grumpy. It had cost an arm and a leg to pay the innkeeper for the destroyed room and so called 'physiological damages' done to the innkeeper's cat thanks to the explosions. "What a load of bull," Lina muttered. The infamous cat who had a nervous breakdown sat on the windowsill cleaning its front paws and fur. She chewed her eggs violently.
Normally, she wouldn't have bothered to pay so much money, but the innkeeper wasn't buying the, "We got attacked by a possessed chimera," story, and she was too tired at the time to care. She had thrown a pouch of gold coins at the innkeeper so she and Amelia could crawl back to bed.
Lina stole a sausage from Gourry's plate just as Zelgadis and Amelia entered the room. "How are you feeling, Zel?"
Zelgadis rotated his shoulders. "Better, thanks to Amelia."
"Good, so any ideas what the hell attacked you last night?"
Zelgadis pulled up a chair. "There's no doubt in my mind that thing was my old body."
"But, why did it look so different?" Amelia asked as she recalled the abnormally long hair and claws.
Zelgadis shrugged. "No clue, but it must be somehow due to the spirit that's controlling it."
"Which leads to the question of how your chimera body got possessed," Lina finished.
"I thought you guys put up protection wards against that kind of stuff at the old lab?" Gourry said as he sliced his ham.
"We did," Amelia said with a frown. "And it seemed odd that the spirit was only interested in attacking Mister Zelgadis."
"Maybe it's an old enemy," Gourry replied. "We do have a habit of making those, and there's a long list of dead ones."
Lina tapped her fork on her plate. "Possible, but it would seem a huge coincidence to run into one here in the town of nowhere. What do you think, Zel?"
Zelgadis poured himself a cup of coffee. "The chances are minimal, however, I'm not eliminating that possibility. It did have a strong desire to get revenge on me for some reason." He sipped his tea. "And before you ask, no, I didn't recognize that spirit. Believe me, I would have already told you if I did."
Lina sighed. "That's what I figured. Damn, why did we have to run into trouble just when we were relaxing?" She stuffed her mouth with bacon and gulped it down with her coffee. "We'll have to head to the lab as soon as everyone is done eating."
"Right!" Amelia agreed. "The best place to look for clues to fight whatever evil has taken over Mister Zelgadis's body would be there."
"Not to mention," Zelgadis added, "we'll have a better understanding of what may have caused all this. But before that," Zelgadis turned his head to Gourry. "Do you mind having a sparing session with me later?"
Gourry nodded. "Sure. It's been awhile. It doesn't hurt to keep our skills sharp."
Zelgadis lower his gaze back to his tea. He refused to repeat his fear in front of the girls. The fear of being stabbed carelessly while in a fight like last night. The sparring session will refresh the his sword skills he had before his transformation into a chimera. He concentrated on the thought as he ignored the twitch of worry that hammered at him like a woodpecker.
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Amelia traced her fingers along the burnt marks on the latch door leading to the cellar. Their suspicions had been confirmed. Someone destroyed the protection wards and sneaked into the lab.
"Do you think it was a sorcerer?" Gourry asked.
Lina clasped her chin. "That seems to be the case, although how these wards were destroyed is disturbing."
Amelia nodded. "A normal sorcerer would have just tried to deactivate them, but these are burned. It's like they were set on fire. Whoever did it had a lot of power."
Zelgadis knelt and lifted the latch. "Then we know whoever did it is probably the main suspect of getting my old body possessed."
"But, it doesn't explain how they knew your body was here," Amelia added. "This place was top secret, and you yourself only discovered it a few months ago."
The shaman nodded. "That's what bothers me."
Lina climbed down the steps, tucking her hair back behind her ears. "Well, we're not getting any clues standing here. Let's return to the scene of the crime."
Lina scanned the area, as the group entered the lower chamber. She took in the scene before her and tried to picture what had taken place. "Your body is gone, but it doesn't seem the culprit left any footsteps-"
"Miss Lina!" Amelia gasped suddenly. "Look, the jar! It's been destroyed."
Zelgadis rushed to the spot Amelia pointed to. He growled at the broken pieces of pottery. "So much for giving the jar to Pokota." At least I still have the notes. That will have to do.
"Okay, I don't get it," Gourry replied. "Who would destroy the jar? I'm no sorcerer, but wouldn't that be an important item for research at least?"
Lina nodded, cursing at herself for not thinking of better ways to guard the jar. "I know a lot of sorcerers that would rather lose their hand than let that be destroyed."
"Maybe it wasn't a sorcerer," Amelia replied. "Maybe someone heard about the jar and decided it was too dangerous to keep around."
"Possible, but that doesn't explain why they took Zel's body, or how they got passed the wards," Lina replied as she moved next to Zelgadis to examined the jar pieces. "And how did they find out about the jar in the first place? It wasn't exactly public information." Lina snarled, pulling at her hair. "Arrg! This whole thing makes my head hurt!"
"Perhaps I can shed some light on your mystery.""
The group whirled around. Yet, no one was astounded to see a calm Xellos leaning against the bookshelf. Zelgadis narrowed his eyes. "I should have known you would pop up sooner or later."
Xellos clapped. "My, my, so this is your human body? Well, I must congratulate you." He grasped his staff and tapped it as he stepped forward. "Although, I can't understand why you would willing give up all that extra power in your chimera body for a simple human one." Xellos shrugged. "But I suppose that's an aspect of human nature I can never understand."
"Cut the philosophy, Xellos." Lina folded her arms and then moved forward until she stood nose to nose with the mazoku. "What did you do, Xellos?"
Xellos folded his arms. "Let's see, should I tell you the whole story, or just part of it? Hmm…decisions, decisions."
"No time for jokes, Xellos." She yanked his shirt collar. "So, start moving those lips, or Amelia will be singing love songs for the next hour."
Amelia grinned evilly.
"This is kind of twisted," Gourry commented.
Xellos sweated as Amelia hummed a bit to warm up her voice and wiggled free. "All right, all right!" His stomach lurched at the thought of the songs the princess of love and justice would know. "There's no need to be uncivilized."
"Just tell us," Zelgadis snapped.
Xellos cleared his throat. He snapped his fingers to summon himself a cup of tea. "Well, I had originally come here to destroy that Hellmaster jar you found."
"How could you," Amelia protested. "We could have used it ..."
"I could have taken and destroyed the jar the minute you four found it," Xellos quickly injected. "But I deemed it easier to wait until Mister Zelgadis was finished with it. Consider it my payment to you for finishing off that mutated piece of the Dark Lord kept in the last Hellmaster jar."
"How generous of you," Lina remarked sourly.
The mazoku priest sipped his tea. "And if you keep interrupting me, I won't be able to finish my story."
Amelia wanted to debate further, but Zelgadis clasped her shoulder and shook his head. He was angry as well, but they needed to learn what had happened to his old body.
"As I saying," Xellos continued. "I had waited until you four had used the jar to move Mister Zelgadis's soul into his new body. After that, I entered and destroyed the jar, but an unpredicted outcome occurred." He added sugar to his tea. "It would appear another soul had been stored in that jar."
"We know," Lina replied. "We were going to deal with it when we came back, but I'm guessing you beat us to it?"
Xellos shook his head. "No, I did nothing to it, but the spirit had decided to make itself at home in Mister Zelgadis's old chimera body."
"Who's the spirit?" Gourry asked.
"No clue," Xellos replied. "It did however appear to have a personal grudge against you, Mister Zelgadis."
"That's old information," said Lina as she took a seat in a chair. "And you just let the spirit walk off in Zel's old body?"
Xellos' tea cup vanished. "Destroying what was contained in the jar was not part of my orders. Besides, it hardly seemed dangerous."
"You mean to you," Zelgadis growled back. "So, let me see if I understand this. You let loose some unknown spirit that wants to kill me, and possesses my old body?"
"That would be the correct," Xellos said with a curt nod.
"And you didn't warn us of this earlier because … ?"
"I was late for an appointment. I only came to inform you now because of our past history."
"Of course," Lina moaned. "And I'm guessing you're not sticking around to give us a hand."
Xellos grinned. "Afraid not. It's not part of my orders, but I am curious to see how you four handle it."
"So, we're your entertainment now?" Lina snapped, pondering if it was possible to break Xellos's neck.
Xellos' reply was a silent grin.
Zelgadis glared and turned to Amelia "Hey Amelia, how about some of those songs?"
Amelia threw a fist in the air. "Sure thing! Girls who are in love ..."
"On second thought," Xellos said, backing away with sweat dripping from his forehead. "I just remembered an errand I have to run. Have fun killing the murderous monster." With a sharp pop, the priest disappeared.
Lina groaned as she buried her face into her hands. "Terrific." She looked to the shaman who was tapping his chin. "Zel, do you have idea who or what could have been kept in that jar?"
Zelgadis shook his head. "For all I know it could have been an unwilling victim in one of Rezo's experiments."
"That doesn't explain why it's after you," said Amelia.
Gourry stared up at the ceiling. "Hey, what if the spirit wants revenge against Rezo, but since he isn't here anymore it has to go after Zelgadis?"
"That's possible," Zelgadis slowly added. "But even if that is the case, we still don't know how to destroy it."
Lina nodded. "You said that strong magic or magical items can hurt you, right?"
"Right, but finding magic that strong is hard to find. If we still had the Sword of Light this would be a lot easier."
"Why don't we look around the lab here?" Gourry suggested. "Maybe Rezo stored something we could use here."
"Not likely since Zel has searched this place from top to bottom." Lina climbed to her feet. "But it wouldn't hurt to double check this place. Who knows, we might find something useful."
"That would be a stroke of luck," Zelgadis commented. "And we could use a little of that."
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The group searched the entire lab, only to find nothing more than Rezo's notes on old remedies for blindness and poor eyesight, and some plans for future experiments. When they returned to town, the group split into two. Lina and Amelia went into town to ask the locals for information. There was a chance one of the townsfolk had seen the chimera, and if they did, they might have noticed something useful. The probability was not high, but they had nothing else to go on.
In the meantime, Zelgadis and Gourry went to the wide yard behind the inn to spar. The swords clanged as they dueled. Gourry had decided to use the old sword. He was persistent in it becoming a proper weapon. Bits of rust flew as he blocked Zelgadis's sword, but it surprisingly held up well.
Zelgadis found he wasn't as fast as he was in his old chimera body. He feet felt as heavy as lead as he leaped and jumped out of Gourry's path. That didn't infuriate him as much as how he would catch himself starting to block Gourry's sword with his non-stone skin. It was a dangerous habit. At the end of the sparring session, Zelgadis was dripping with sweat and sat on the grass in exhaustion. I need to strengthen my muscles. He accepted the wet towel offered to him by Gourry. "Thanks," he muttered.
The swordsman sheathed his weapon and took a seat next to him on the damp grass. "Ten times."
Zelgadis froze. Gourry continued. "That's how many times I caught you almost using your skin as a shield like you use to."
Zelgadis ran his hand through his hair. So, Gourry had noticed. "I'm trying to break the habit."
"That's good, but when you're in the middle of a fight your muscle memory takes over and there's a good chance you'll fall back to your habit and then ..."
"Get myself injured or worse." Zelgadis had not wanted to admit the grim truth. The truth was, if Amelia hadn't been there when the chimera attacked, he'd probably be dead now.
Gourry patted his shoulder and offered a smile. "You're a good swordsman, Zel, but you need to update your style. You're too used to relying on your stone skin, which you don't have anymore. It's a dangerous habit for a lone traveler."
Zelgadis's eyes narrowed. "You're saying I should quit traveling?"
Gourry shook his head. "If you travel in a group you have someone to watch your back, but you'll be in trouble if you're alone. You could travel with Lina and me while you worked on changing your sword style. I'll help you."
Zelgadis sighed. He appreciated the offer, but his pride winced at the notion of having to be protected like a helpless maiden. They've always watched each other backs before, but now he would require extra protection. It made him feel useless.
"Course," Gourry continued. "Your other option would be to just stay in one place until you've mastered your new style." Gourry gulped down the water from his canteen. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do, Zel, but I had to tell you the truth."
Zelgadis nodded. Deep down, he had known he would need to retrain himself on his swordsmanship. He didn't want to admit to himself aloud that he wouldn't be able to travel alone while he did it. The mere thought of some low-life bandit finding him while he traveled and managing to stab him because of his old habit made his blood boil. "I appreciate the offer, Gourry, but I'm going to have to think about it."
The swordsman was ready to respond, but was interrupted by Lina's yell. "Hey guys!" the sorceress waved as she and Amelia approached them.
Zelgadis climbed to his feet. "Were you able to find out anything?"
"Not much," said Amelia. "Some of the townsfolk did think they saw something last night, but the creature moved too fast to get a clear look at it."
"However," Lina quickly added. "We ran into a man who said he saw a weird animal this morning while hunting in the woods." She folded her arms. "And his description matches our possessed friend."
"Where did he see it?" asked Zelgadis.
"Near a stream," Amelia replied. "But he said he would be willing to take us where he saw it. He sounded rather desperate for someone to take care of it."
"Can you blame him?" said Gourry, wiping his face off with the towel. "I wouldn't want that thing running around my town…um no offense, Zel."
Zelgadis waved his hand, not bothering to pay the comment any mind. "So, we might be able to find where it's hiding?"
"Yes, but what do we do once we're there?" asked Amelia, frowning. "We don't have any strong magical weapons at the moment."
Lina nodded. "And that thing could cause a lot of damage if we take a few months to track one down. What do you think, Zel? You're the expert on this thing."
Zelgadis cupped his chin. "As much as I don't want to admit it, my chimera body was strong, but not indestructable. I was vulnerable to high-level magic."
"What about Zel's vine spell?" Gourry asked. "Wouldn't that have an effect?"
"It would," Zelgadis replied. "I can certainly attack mazoku with it. However, the spell doesn't last very long. It would be easier if we had strong magic spells to attack it."
Lina sighed. "So, our best plan is to keep throwing spells and using Zel's Astral Vine at it."
"Wait," Gourry replied. "That spirit is just possessing Zel's old body, right? So, why not have Amelia use one of her white magic spells to exercise it from the chimera body?"
"You mean 'exorcise'," Zelgadis corrected. "But that isn't a bad idea."
"It could work," Lina muttered. And I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier. "What do you think, Amelia?"
"It's worth a try," Amelia replied. "And with the power of justice on our side, I'm certain we can free Mister Zelgadis's chimera body."
"You know I don't really want it back, right?" Zelgadis replied sourly.
"You have a knack for ruining dramatic moments, Zel."
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"How much further is it?" Lina asked as she ducked under another branch. They had been walking in the woods for over an hour. Bad enough she got mud on her cape and new boots, but her feet were becoming sore from climbing over the rocks and dirt.
The hunter pointed ahead. "The monster was a little over this hill." He turned and tapped on his beard. "Ya sure you kids want to find this thing? I've seen mother bears more friendly."
"We have to!" Amelia declared. "In the name of justice."
"I don't know much about justice," the hunter replied. "But I know a critter that's ready to ripe ya head off. Don't say I didn't warn ya."
Zelgadis grabbed a boulder for support as they climbed the hill. He heard Gourry make a comment to Lina, but he tuned out the conversation. He had been mentally debating on what to do once this was over. Zelgadis could travel with Lina and Gourry as he trained, but he couldn't help but feel he would be a third wheel. Plus, his pride cringed at the idea of depending on others for protection. Then there was plan B, rooting himself in one place.
That seemed bizarre. He'd been a nomad all of his life. The longest he ever lived in a single place was for a few months. Granted, just because he stayed in one place while he trained, it didn't mean he had to stay there for the rest of his life. Yet, where would he go? He had no home he could return to like Lina or Amelia.
Except, Zelgadis thought, Amelia did say I could stay in Seyrune. He dug his feet into the loose dirt for traction and climbed up. It was not the first time Seyrune entered his mind. He instantly thought of Amelia's invitation when Gourry suggested he stay in one place for awhile. It had always felt like a place he could rest his feet when he became weary of traveling. Maybe staying there is the best option, and Amelia would be there. I wonder if she could suggest someone I could spar with in Seyrune?
"Hurry up, Zel!" Gourry called. "You're falling behind."
The shaman shook his head. "Right, sorry."
At the top of the hill, the hunter stop. His hands shook slightly as he grasped his bow. "This is as far as I'm willing to take ya. If you head straight ya'll be at the stream where I saw the monster."
"Got it," Lina replied. "Be careful on your way back."
"Same to you, missy." The hunter turned to make his way back down the hill. "But I'm telling ya, that's not an ordinary animal."
"No kidding," Gourry muttered.
"We should be quiet from here on out," Zelgadis stated. "We don't want it to hear us coming."
Lina nodded. "Amelia, we'll fight the chimera and try to keep it in one place while you get your spell ready."
"If we can keep it in one place," Gourry remarked, reaching for his sword. "That thing moves fast."
"We still have to try," said Amelia. "Just be careful."
Zelgadis made an opening through the bush and gestured for the rest to follow. They silently marched forward. The only sounds that were uttered were the tweeting of birds and the chirping of a cricket. Zelgadis carefully scanned the area for any sign of his old body.
He suddenly heard the soft trickle of running water. Recalling the hunter's description, Zelgadis turned and gave the sign to halt. He moved first and ducked behind a large oak tree and peeked around it.
There it was, sleeping next to the stream. Zelgadis felt like he was facing a panther as he watched the chimera's body rise up and down with each breath. The silence was vital now. In his old body, Zelgadis could hear the smallest step even while sleeping.
He waved, and the three three joined him behind the tree.
"It's asleep," Lina whispered with glee. "This was a nice stroke of luck."
"Give me a minute," Amelia replied. "I'll have a spell ready to exorcise the spirit."
Gourry sniffled. "Uh … Lina. I have a prob … blem."
"Not now Gourry. This is kind of vital."
"B … but I'm g-going to s-neeze."
Everyone instantly paled.
"Just hold it!" Zelgadis demanded.
"I … I can't."
"Count backwards or hold your breath or something."
"T … that's for … hiccups!"
"Miss Lina," Amelia cried quietly in terror.
Gourry's head moved back. "Ah-"
Zelgadis jumped and pinched Gourry's nose. "HOLD. IT. IN!"
Gourry froze. It was an eternity until Gourry's shoulders relaxed. "It's gone, thanks Zel."
"You jellyfish brain!" Lina snapped, scratching her nose. "T … that was t … too ... ACHOO!"
The chimera bolted. Its eyes instantly landed upon the group.
"Nice going, Lina," Zelgadis replied with a glare.
"Uh, sorry."
The chimera snarled wildly and threw a fireball. The group rolled and dodged out of its path. Lina tumbled on the ground, chanting under her breath. Once she was facing the chimera's back, she sat up and threw it. "Elmekia Lance!"
The chimera raised its hand. "Holy Resist!" it shouted.
A flash of light exploded as the spell collided with the shield.
"It can cast shields now?" Lina thought bitterly.
The chimera rested its gaze on Lina. "You'll regret that."
The voice made Lina jumped. It sounded more human now. Did it have more control over itself?
The chimera charged. Gourry jumped in, blocking the chimera's claws with his rusty sword. "You're not touching Lina!"
The chimera smirked. It was the first human-like expression the group had seen on the creature. It laughed as it gripped Gourry's sword. It pulled forward and swung it hard backwards. Gourry was thrown and slammed into Lina.
"Ow!" Lina cried from under him. "Watch it, Gourry!"
The chimera grinned as it approached them.
"Now, Amelia!" Zelgadis cried.
"Megiddo Flare!" Amelia aimed and shot the spell. The chimera howled as it hit. The area was engulfed in a bright light. As it died, Amelia and Zelgadis choked as they stared at the still much alive chimera. "That hurt!" it hissed.
"It didn't work!" Amelia gasped. "But why ..."
The chimera leaped. Its claws grew as it headed directly for Amelia.
"Dug Haut!" Zelgadis cried.
Giant stone spears sprung from the ground and circled Amelia, protecting her in a barricade. The chimera jumped back in shock.
"What are you doing?" Zelgadis called as he lifted his hand from the ground. "Aren't I the one you're after?"
The chimera's eyes narrowed. "Quite right." It charged towards the shaman. Zelgadis finished casting. "Astral Vine!" Zelgadis blocked it's claws with his sword. The chimera gripped the blade. Drips of blood appeared from its fingers.
It's working! Zelgadis thought. He tried to pull his sword free to strike again. However, the chimera kept its grip. Zelgadis growled. It was almost taunting him with how much stronger his old body was compared to an ordinary human. Suddenly, the chimera surged its right arm forward.
"Zel! Watch out!" Lina gasped.
There was no time to move as it grabbed onto Zel's throat.
Zelgadis gasped for air as the creature's grip tightened. He was forced to dropped his sword. The chimera dangled him in the air like a toy. It laughed. "At last! I shall have vengeance!"
Zelgadis coughed. "W-what vengeance?"
The chimera glared and its face closer to the shaman. "You killed a person I loved! You will pay!"
Lina's jaw dropped. Her memory suddenly went into overdrive, suddenly recalling where she heard that voice before. It couldn't be? "Eris, is that you?"
The chimera tilted her head at Lina. It paused, as if processing the information. "Eris? Yes. YES! That is my name!"
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2011-06-26 08:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-26 09:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-26 11:08 pm (UTC)I really liked the character interactions here. You did a good job of showing the little things that Zel would have to get used to as a human (like not blocking with his arm and feeling a bit emasculated compared to Gourry).
Speaking of Gourry, he's such a cool friend, isn't he? :)
no subject
Date: 2011-06-27 12:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-27 12:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-27 03:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-27 06:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-27 02:14 pm (UTC)Congrats on finishing another part though!