The Sacred Arms

The Sacred Arms

Chapter 1: Haunted! The Ghost of Seiluun

"'The demon towered over the burnt city, howling in triumph. The townspeople hid in the ruins of the once great Sairaag. Zanaffar circled the destruction, fanged jaws open in a silent laugh at the helpless and despairing.

"Then a light rose from the wreckage, a tall figure facing the terrible beast. In his hand he carried a magical weapon. It glowed like a star, made of a pure, holy light that banished the shadows and restored hope to the townspeople. The Swordsman presented himself before the demon, preparing to deliver a blow from the hands of the Gods Themselves.'"

"Jeez! 'Hands of the gods?' Who wrote this crap?"

Amelia Wil Telsa de Seiluun stumbled, bumping into Gourry Gabriev at the unexpected interruption. She was quick to right herself before her elder noticed. "L-Lina-san," she exclaimed, trying to hide her clumsiness with anger. "This is a piece of history. Zanaffar—"

"Was also beaten by us, don't forget." Lina Inverse finally glanced behind her, sweeping a loose lock of flaming hair over her shoulder. "So don't go thinking this guy is any more amazing then we are." She turned back to the wooded path.

The entire group pondered this silently, the only noises coming from the forest animals, their own footsteps, and Prince Philionel de Seiluun's white stallion. Amelia shared a worried glance with Sylphiel Nels Rada. The priestess shrugged, unwilling to argue with the formidable sorceress. Amelia, somewhat hurt, returned to the book. "'The man faced the demon alone, taking with him only his thin leather armor and his sword.'"

Lina scoffed, flipping another strand of hair, nose tipping up. "Leather indeed." She spat the words out, quite unimpressed with the statement. "Just proves how smart Gourry's blood-line is."

Amelia considered her words a moment. "But he fought Zanaffar alone," she pointed out, eyes still on the book. Gourry and Sylphiel leaned over her shoulder, inspecting the ancient text for themselves. Lina didn't turn, but she flinched just barely. "He didn't have magic or Flagoon or the Bless Blade." The three hadn't noticed the red-head's unsettled state.

But the fifth member of the group did. With crossed arms he slowly moved closer until he was walking beside the sorceress. A soft, thoughtful hum made his presence known. He smiled inwardly as Lina realized he was about to—

"That's very true, Amelia." Zelgadis Graywords nodded, eyes closed as if in great concentration. "He did beat Zanaffar by himself, didn't he?" He opened one eye, meeting Lina's desperate plea. Above all else, she hated being made a fool of, especially when it came to her own abilities and powers. "You needed two sacred swords and a magical tree, didn't you Lina?"

Amelia, Gourry, and Sylphiel all glanced up at Zelgadis' words, the girls already beginning to smile. Lina had spent the last four days of their journey to Seiluun making sure no one forgot about her defeating the resurrected Zanaffar. Zelgadis, being the only one quick enough to think of responses as well as being more stubborn than their leader, had taken it upon himself to burst her ego whenever he had the chance. With Rezo dead—and all the Rezos at that—the chimera had become very easy to live with. So as Lina began to stutter a reply, all were ready for the verbal bashing. "Heh heh, c-come on Zel," she started awkwardly, plainly not wanting the confrontation. "This wasn't just Zanaffar, ya know. It was Rezo's clone, too, and--"

"And you beat the original with one shot."

"Yeah, one Giga shot," she pointed out. Lina took a long, deep breath. Sylphiel stepped closer to Gourry; she still wasn't used to the volumes her new friends could reach. Amelia's eyes darted between the two, waiting for the continuation of the battle. Gourry merely watched, confused, but deciding it would be better to stay silent for the time being. Her courage gathered, Lina turned on the smug chimera. "And I didn't see you doing much to help anyway, Zelgadis."

The corner of his lip twitched in a sort of half-smile. "That's because you spent most of the time knocked out cold by Copy Rezo."

"I SEE!"

The entire group stumbled at the outburst, having completely forgotten about the newest member to their traveling party. Prince Phil sat tall upon his horse, nodding with his arms crossed as if having come to an important conclusion. "I see, I see…."

Amelia was the first to recover, being the most accustomed to her father's exclamations. "You see what, Father?"

The Prince kept nodding as he spoke. "That's why Lina-san wasn't there when I arrived." He burst out laughing, startling all again, save his daughter and the old--and by now quite deaf--stallion. "For a moment back there I thought she had been in real trouble!"

Lina moved as if to attack the Prince, but Zelgadis was in the way. "Move it, Zelga--OOOOWW!!!" The sorceress abruptly howled in pain, her arm aching where she had attempted to knock her friend away. The chimera only sighed, shaking his head.

Once the noise had quieted, Amelia raised her book, half pleading and half asking. "Can I keep going now?" She smiled as Lina grunted an affirmative, rubbing her wrist carefully.

"Where was--oh here! 'The man faced the demon alone, taking with him only his thin leather armor and his sword. Zanaffar gazed upon him hungrily, but the knight was firm. With a loud cry, the great Swordsman ran at the beast, his weapon swinging in the bright blur about him. Zanaffar answered his challenge, and the two met amid the ruins of Sairaag.

"'A holy light filled the night as the brave hero struck. With one fierce blow, the Demon Beast Zanaffar fell.

"'From the monster's body rose a evil miasma, choking those close enough to breath it. The knight came forward, fearlessly entering the poisonous fog. Moments later, the miasma began to fade, a wind springing forth to collect the fumes. With the pure power of his bravery'-- I'm sorry! That's what it says, Lina-san! 'With the pure power of his bravery, the knight grew a mighty tree. He called the tree Flagoon, which means "Great Power", and with a holy fire burned the demon's body.

"'The brave man was then forever known as the Swordsman of Light, and he took up residence with the people of Sairaag.'"

Amelia paused, taking a breath. "Is that really how it happened?" she asked Sylphiel.

"Yes," the priestess answered without hesitation. "It was one of my ancestors who wrote that book. It's been in my family for years."

"Family treasure..." Phil mused softly. "A beautiful thing. Such wonderful things should never be destroyed."

Lina groaned. "I don't know why I put up with this...."

Gourry blinked. "Put up with what? I think Prince Phil is right."

"First of all, Gourry," Lina shot back loudly. "You don't think. Second--"

"Never call him a Prince!" Sylphiel finished.

Amelia suddenly smiled in an all-knowing way. "Lina-san puts up with us because she is a true believer in justice!"

Lina sagged against Zelgadis's shoulder. "Actually," she said confidentially to the sorcerer. "I'm just going along to get the money Phil-san owes me."

Zelgadis grinned. "You just don't want anyone to know about how you can't handle a little demon lord all by yourself."

"Oh!" Lina jerked as if shot with a mono bolt. "Is everyone here against me?"

The group continued to argue, eventually breaking up in laughter. Unnoticed, the branch of a nearby tree was bowing under a weight that was not it's own. A strip of dark fabric slipped between the leaves, for one moment exposed before the owner pulled it back in. With a soft swoosh, the limb jumped back into place.

It was the argument that attracted her attention, the voices quite out of place in the uninhabited forest. At first she had mistaken them for an enemy, but logic pointed out that not even trolls were that loud when hunting. So she carefully approached, years of self-trained instinct silencing her movements. Finally she came upon the path, just ahead of the group, hiding carefully on a thick tree branch.

Tanith carefully tucked a loose strand of hair back into her dingy brown hood, pulling the camouflage cloak tighter around her small body. She huddled against the tree's trunk, waiting to get a glimpse of the noisy travelers.

She nearly fell off her perch with the large man's sudden outburst. At the head of the group, he was a huge, overwhelming sight. His head was covered in sharp, black hair, and he was dressed in white with a long cape. For a moment Tanith thought he might be royalty--the crown certainly looked real--but his escort seemed very strange.

Standing at the back of the group was a tall, blond man. He was blinking with a confused expression, one partially hidden by long bangs. His heavy armor and weapon easily identified his occupation, just as the outfit of the dark-haired girl beside him placed her. The priestess and swordsman I can understand, she thought, wondering briefly at their twin dumbfounded faces. But she doesn't look like she could handle any of the troubles traveling with a King, or whatever he is, would bring. And the…knight…looks very lost. Equally puzzling was the young girl in white who was dressed as a sorceress. However, despite her obvious "maturity", she looked altogether too young to have known any real spells. The same went for the not-so-endowed red-head in pink and black, who was now trying to get at the big man on his horse, running into the young man beside--

The red-head suddenly howled in pain, gripping her arm after striking the caped man. Tanith quickly released her cloak to clutch the tree limb, in her surprise nearly falling again. She shifted carefully, steadying herself.

And a good thing, for when she looked at the young man, she nearly fell a third time.

He was clothed in a well-worn gray cape, tunic, and pants. What startled her most was his face: dark green-black stones were scattered across his pale, blue-green skin. His hair was a bluish-violet, flaring out on either side of his head and covering one long, slitted eye. The tips of pointed ears could be seen, and his arms and legs seemed a bit longer than was normal. Heavens, is that a....Tanith leaned forward slightly, slowly opening her mind.

Tanith was very different from all other sorcerers she had met. The Shaman magic she used was as much mental as mystical, as well as unlike anything a normal human would know. With a little effort, she could "look" at someone with a sort of magic sight, showing her the abilities hidden beneath the skin.

The priestess is very strong in White, and there seems to be….The dark-haired girl was surrounded with a bright silver light, the signature of white magic, but she also had faint traces of lighter, rainbow colors around her. Shaman magic then. That seems strange for a shrine maiden, but….

The young girl was a fair mix of Shaman and White magic, and a closer inspection showed a thin, green string of light connecting the area of her heart to the large man: a tie of blood. They're related! But they look nothing alike! Tanith shook her head, startling a bird nearby.

She froze, waiting to see if the travelers would notice. They didn't. Be more careful, she scolded herself. Getting caught wouldn't do her any good, especially now. The reminder of her current, uneasy situation brought her back to her spying.

The last three proved to be a series of surprises that caused her to fall back against the tree, shaken very badly, her stomach cruelly jumping into her throat.

The tall, blond man had only the faintest traces of magic, something that most likely meant he'd had a sorcerer for an ancestor. What shocked her was the weapon, the sword that he carried. It glowed with a blinding red astral light, nearly hiding the man's presence with its own. Tanith had of course heard of the Sword of Light, along with the tales of its power, the most famous now being told by the royalty's daughter. The fact that this man was traveling with a King and shrine maiden didn't surprise her, but to be with the other two….

The red-head had more power than even the Sword, glowing a deep, blood red. Within her crimson aura were traces of silver, faint rainbow, and….

Oh hell! Is that gold? The Lord of Nightmares….For a moment Tanith nearly fled, the idea of facing so powerful a sorceress pushing at her instinct to run. But instead she looked closer and found, to her great relief, no line connecting the sorceress to the Nightmare Lord. Just very powerful then. For a moment….

Tanith calmed herself quickly as the group passed beneath her perch, the young girl still reading. The last one, the strange man, proved to be what the spy had originally guessed. A chimera with shaman magic…golem, demon, and…human? Strange. Usually the ones powerful enough to create a chimera don't want their "toys" to be able to think for themselves very much. I wonder if the girl is controlling him….

But there was no line of control between the red-head and the chimera. There was, however, an old connection from the man that had been broken recently--in the last few months, at least. This discovery calmed her a bit more. If the sorceress freed him, then his presence makes a bit more sense. He may owe her something. The group no longer frightened her; with explanations for the chimera and red-head, the "King's escort" looked more normal.

Tanith listened as they began to argue again, hoping to pick up a few more bits of information. She stayed just long enough to get a few names before pulling in her cloak and slipping away. Gourry, the swordsman…well that at least makes sense. Prince Phil must be the King of Seiluun, if I remember right. So the girl must be Princess Amanda, or Amelia, or something like that. And Lina….

Tanith landed carefully on the ground. She straightened her hood and cape before starting off away from the path. I'll have to remember that.

On the seventh day of travel, the group finally reached the outer gates of the kingdom of Seiluun. They all paused, taking in the sight of the immense city, giving Zelgadis time to adjust his hood and face mask. But as they came closer, everyone noticed the abnormally large number of guards at the gate. They were stopped with spears and swords. "Halt!" the leader ordered, standing at the back of the group. "State your business in Seiluun."

Phil urged his mount forward, glaring down at the soldiers. "What's all this about?" he thundered.

The guards' stone expressions faltered and fell, relief replacing frozen fear. "Majesty!" they cried as one, and each then tried to tell their king of the city's troubles.

Lina quickly became fed up with the hysterics and silenced them with several sharp words. Phil nodded a slight thanks, the soldiers standing bewildered. "Now, Captain," the Prince started, facing the leader. "What seems to be the trouble?"

The man approached carefully, casting Lina a wary glance. He was fairly tall but built strong, the gray hair of his head and face cut short and clean. His blue armor sparkled with several gold metals. "We've been having all sorts of strange problems, Sire," he began, helping Phil dismount before handing the stallion over to one of the squires hiding in the back. The Captain led the group into the city as he told the events of the last month. Lina noticed a fearful air about the people, justifying the gravity of the situation that had the soldiers in a near panic.

"Just after you left, Majesty, several trolls attacked the outer farms," the Captain explained. "No one was hurt, but it happened again three nights later, and twice more after that. Then, about two weeks ago, a group of nearly twenty attacked the guard station by the western gate."

"Trolls are hardly a threat to our guard, Captain." Phil smiled with confidence, waving his hand as if to dismiss the topic as trivial. "Is this why you sent a messenger off to drag me away from my mission of justice?"

"Nobody invited him to barge in," Lina muttered.

The soldier cleared his throat carefully. "Normally I'd agree with you, Sire, but these trolls were…strange."

"How so?"

"Well…." The Captain seemed reluctant to explain. He had served Prince Philionel for many years and knew the king did not understand the ways of things other than "just" and "unjust." But then he caught a glance from the loud red-head; she was listening, and so were the hooded man and the priestess. "They were working together, Sire. And not just in attacking; they seemed to know where to hit us, where we were weak." The Prince looked as though he was taking the matter a bit more seriously, and the Captain's confidence grew. "Also, a few got into the town before reinforcements arrived. Sire, they were heading for the old Earth Temple."

Amelia cocked her head, turning to her suddenly disturbed father. "What's in the Temple?"

"A sacred item, Amelia," he started, rubbing at his beard. "One that is supposed to increase magical ability." The Prince crossed his arms in thought, ignoring Lina's hungry, questioning eyes. "No sorcerer has been able to unlock its secrets, though. And the trolls may have been after it? This is truly a problem then, isn't it?"

"Worse than you think, Phil-san," Zelgadis spoke up, holding Lina with one hand to keep her from running off to storm the temple herself. "Trolls not only don't work together, they can't, mentally, without a leader. And they have no magical ability to enhance."

Sylphiel cleared her throat, interrupting with a soft, "Excuse me? Perhaps we should find a place to discuss this?"

The priestess was obviously worried, more than normal, and that fact was able to pull Lina from her foolishness to the problem at hand. "I agree. Is there someplace we can go to talk, Phil-san?"

"A room in the palace, I suppose, but I won't be able to join you." He smiled down at Amelia. "My daughter will speak for me while I tend to the Court and Council. Captain?"

The soldier stepped forward. "Yes, Sire?"

"See to my friends, will you? And give them any information they may need."

Lina stared after Phil as he left, clearly shocked. "I didn't think he could actually be serious," she mused.

"Father does that in real emergencies," Amelia answered, grinning widely.

"He wasn't serious with Copy Rezo," Zelgadis pointed out.

"Well, that wasn't--"

Lina clamped a hand over the girl's mouth. "If you dare say that wasn't an emergency," she hissed. "I'll toast you!"

"So, list off the problems again, Captain."

Captain Layion stood in a relaxed attention near the door, facing Lina, who leaned against the closed window. Gourry sat cross-legged on the floor near her feet, the other girls and Zelgadis in large chairs around the room. Other than the window, a lamp in the corner served as the only light source. A table off to the side held several empty plates from the group's finished meal. Layion was still trying to get over the amount of food eaten when Lina broke his train of thought.

"Well," he started, pulling together all the information from reports and his own experience. Something told him that nothing would get by this strange, comical group, especially Lina Inverse. Her identity had come as a surprise: sorceress, fugitive, heroine, and now friend of the King. If anything, she could solve his problems. "First was the random farm attacks--"

"Coordinated or not?" Lina interrupted.

"Not. Maybe four in a group, at most."

Lina nodded. "Go on."

The Captain shook off his nervousness. He suddenly felt very much like a cadet again, being grilled by a senior officer. "A little over two weeks ago the coordinated attacks on the western gates started. Those have been happening about every few nights since."

"Just the west wall?" Zelgadis was the one to ask this time, now unmasked. Layion, to their small surprise and relief, had not found the chimera as disturbing as they had feared.

"Yes. No other gates even reported seeing a troll." The room was silent for several moments before Layion spoke up, a hint of fear plain in his voice. "There is one other thing…" he started hesitantly.

Lina looked at him sharply. He hadn't mentioned anything else to Phil. But that might be a smart move, Lina reminded herself wryly. "What 'other thing?'" she asked, as calmly as possible.

Now the Captain flushed with embarrassment. "There have been reports of ghosts for the past two nights. But the men have all been on edge from the trolls," he went on when Lina looked to speak. "They're tired from constant watch. And there are so many stories about the object in the temple--"

"Wait wait wait!" Lina interrupted, holding up a hand. "Let's take this slowly, okay?" She waited until Layion calmed and nodded. "Tell me about this ghost first, then the sacred object."

The Captain took a deep breath, fears and embarrassment fading. She was taking him seriously. "The men near the temple have reported seeing a figure in a dark cloak and hood. The first night he just sort of circled, as if he was trying to find a way in. He kept hiding, and most of the guards thought they had imagined it. Still, with everything going on, they reported it."

Layion's eyes fell, searching for the words to continue. The events that he had been a part of were still frightfully vivid. "Last night I went to the temple myself. Just after midnight it appeared. For awhile it was just a shadow, circling the building. Then it got very brave and came out into the open."

Amelia and Sylphiel were spellbound, watching the Captain with wide eyes. "What did you do?" Amelia whispered.

Layion carefully straightened his uniform's navy shirt, smoothing down wrinkles that weren't there. "We called a greeting, a warning, a challenge--nothing worked. He--it--just stood there, staring at us. The men…." He visibly swallowed his pride. "We were too afraid to do anything. We didn't want to stay, but we weren't about to leave the temple either."

"And it didn't do anything else?" Lina questioned.

"No. It stayed for maybe an hour. I finally got some of the men to try to approach it, but it hid when they came close."

"Hid?"

"Yes."

Lina nodded thoughtfully. "Then it probably wasn't a ghost--or a Mazoku, for that matter." She locked gazes with the Captain. "Either one would have simply disappeared, or would have attacked." Layion nodded but didn't reply, and Lina continued. "Now tell us about this item."

"It's called the Seed of the Earth and supposedly dates back about two thousand years." He shrugged. "There's not much about it in any records, except that a priest brought it here for safe keeping. It's been in the hands of the priests of Seiluun ever since.

"There are legends about it," he continued. "But there are so many--there's no way to tell which are true, if any of them are."

"What are the legends?" Gourry asked curiously.

Lina snorted softly. "Like you'd understand them."

Layion ignored the comment. "There are several. One says it's the eye of some monster entrusted to us by the priests and brings bad luck to any who hold it. Another says it's haunted; some of the soldiers thought the caped figure was the ghost."

"What about the magic enhancing abilities?" Amelia spoke up. She was leaning forward in her seat, obviously fascinated by this object that had been under her nose for so long without her knowing.

The Captain shook his head. "It's all just speculation and legend," he answered apologetically. "There are many theories, but no sorcerer has ever been able to do anything with it."

Layion stopped, and Lina decided that was the end of his tale. She forced a cheerful smile, hurrying to usher the Captain out the door. "Well, thank you very much, Captain Layion. If you don't mind, we'll be taking it from here."

The soldier blinked, confused, as the short red-head began forcing his well-built figure out of the room. "You…you'll take care of it?" he asked meekly.

"Yes yes, don't worry about a thing. We won't mention it." She winked. "Just please leave the ghost to us, and you handle the trolls, okay?"

Layion smiled with obvious relief, glad to be free of the burden. He left the room without further coaxing. "Thank you very much, Lina-san."

The sorceress waved his words aside with her hand, grinning with self-confidence. "Thank us by convincing Phil-san to give us a big reward."

The Captain laughed, worries lifting. "Lina-san, I will pay you from my own pocket if you can solve this for us." He saluted, then waved good-bye before shutting the door.

Lina immediately became serious, stalking back to her place by the window. They were all lost in their own thoughts for several moments before Zelgadis spoke to the red-head. "Are you thinking what I am?"

"That this ghost is the one controlling the trolls?" He nodded, and Lina allowed herself a long moan. "Just when things were starting to quiet down….If only we could get outta this." She smiled bitterly. "All this sounds too dangerous--and familiar--for me to ignore."

"Um…Lina-san?"

The sorceress looked up, surprised that one of the others may have actually been following the conversation. "What is it, Sylphiel?"

The priestess sat with her hands held tightly in her lap, shoulders hunched up by her ears. She spoke to the floor. "About the item in the temple…."

Amelia leaned forward. "Do you know more about it? I've never been in there."

Lina grew impatient as the priestess stuttered on a reply. Zelgadis spoke before the red-head could scold her. "Sylphiel, if you know, it could help us figure this out."

Sylphiel nodded, comforted by the reassurance in his voice. She took a deep breath, willing herself to look at her friends. Gourry offered her an encouraging smile from the floor.

"What Layion-san said was true, but my father told me more about it. There was some sort of cult in the south that it belonged to. About fourteen hundred years ago a sorcerer attacked them and stole it."

"Fourteen hundred, huh? Wasn't that Kaika?" Lina nodded at the priestess's affirmation. "The guy who made all those golems and attacked in the Coastal region." The story wasn't a well known one, and that was the extent of her knowledge. "Did your dad say how it ended?"

Sylphiel shrugged. "Not really. He just said it was assumed Kaika was beaten by the cult's fighters. But the Seed wasn't the only talisman lost; it was one of the Sacred Arms."

Amelia cocked her head. "Sacred Arms?"

"Five sacred items said to enhance magical ability," Zelgadis answered. "Rezo mentioned them once. Three are housed in temples, the other two are hidden; no one knows where they are." He met Lina's curious eyes, answering her unasked question. "Rezo didn't go after them because it's said they only work together. The Philosopher's Stone would be easier to find than searching for five items, plus fighting off any soldiers guarding them."

Lina nodded, trying to form a plan. "What happens if whoever this is gets hold of them?"

Sylphiel wrapped herself in her arms. "Legend says that, once put together, the bearer will be able to cast a terrible spell, one capable of wiping out an entire city."

"Huh. That's not so bad," Lina scoffed. "Dragon Slave can do that, Mega Brando can--and you've seen that happen. Hell, even a few Fireballs could with a very powerful sorcerer!"

The priestess shook her head, eyes wide with the knowledge she held. "No. No, Lina-san. This spell is more powerful than all of those!"

The room grew quiet as Lina and Sylphiel stared at each other, the latter willing her friend to understand with her gaze alone. Amelia finally broke the spell, asking in a frightened voice, "How powerful is it?"

Sylphiel started with the sound, releasing her grip on her shoulders and confining her hands to her lap. Her eyes lowered slowly to the ground, silently praying.

"It…it's s-supposed to be more p-powerful than…than G-Giga Slave…."

Lina sank back against the wall. She suddenly felt as if someone had punched her in the stomach. More powerful than Giga Slave? She slowly turned to Zelgadis, hoping he could contradict the shrine maiden's statement. "Zel…have you ever even heard of this…?"

The chimera shook his head, gaze unfocused. "How could it be possible?" The question wasn't directed at anyone, spoken to the air as if the gods could hear and answer. "To pull it off….It would take an incredible amount of power. No human could handle it."

"Nothing could handle it!" Lina protested. "There's no one that strong! Not even Rezo could have…." The group fell into silence again. Lina and Zelgadis were both feeling dizzy by the amount of power being suggested. Sylphiel and Amelia seemed to pick up on the desperation of this news, knowing only what normal spells could cause and shuddering at the thought of something worse.

Gourry was the only one unfazed by the revealed horrors. He glanced curiously from face to face, unsure whether to speak or not. Then something Sylphiel had said a moment before popped to the front of his thoughts. If I can change the subject, maybe everyone'll calm down, he decided. "Hey, Lina."

She faced him slowly, preparing to attack at the slightest sign off stupidity. After all, she needed something to take her frustrations out on. "What?"

The blond swordsman clasped his ankles, leaning forward a bit. "What about the Arm thing-a-ma-giggies?" he asked innocently. "Don't we have to fight that ghost-thingy or something?"

Lina took a very deep breath, fingers balling into fists. "Gourry, if there was one time to keep your big mouth--"

"Lina wait!" Zelgadis interrupted, jumping to his feet, interposing himself between her and the knight. "He's right."

Lina blinked, utterly confused and equally surprised by the chimera's sudden movement. "He is?"

"Yes," he answered, turning to Sylphiel. "Didn't you say that the spell can only be cast with all the Arms found?"

The priestess nodded rapidly, hope returning to her eyes. "Yes, that's true!"

"So if we can get at least one," Amelia concluded. "The bad guys won't be able to use this super spell?"

Lina smiled. "Great! Then we can find all of them after this one. Good job, Gourry." She punched him--not at all softly--on the head, then laughed as he collapsed.

"By the way, Sylphiel-san," Amelia asked her friend. "It's really amazing how you know all that stuff about the super spell and the Arms."

"Um, well…that is…." Sylphiel stuttered, blushed, and played with her fingers. "Well, actually…I st-stole a c-couple of the b-books from the library and…."

Lina, Zelgadis, and Amelia sighed loudly, knowing they should have guessed as much.

The Sacred Arms

Chapter 2: Confrontation! The Sacred Arms Mystery

Lina huddled against the hard stone, shivering and thanking the gods that spring was coming soon. Sylphiel was beside her, looking more miserable than the sorceress felt. Both were wrapped in their capes, perched on a small balcony just above the door of the temple. The area around them was deserted, the full moon making it easy to see everything in the small courtyard but shadowing the streets and allies. A cool wind blew, chilling Lina further. Damn it! How come these ghosts and demons can't just come out during the day? Don't they know I'm freezing? When this is over, I'm taking a long, hot bath.

The group of five had set up around the courtyard, sending the guards off to watch the city gates for trolls. Lina and Zelgadis had decided that the best course of action would be to lure the "ghost" out into the open, then surround it. If it came down to a fight, Sylphiel could guard the door, Amelia would prevent escape into the city, and the rest would--hopefully--capture the thief.

"L-Lina-san?" Sylphiel's voice was barely louder than the wind. Lina couldn't tell whether she was shaking from cold or fear. "How long d-do you suppose we will h-have to w-wait?"

"I'm not sure. Not too much longer, I think," she answered truthfully. Lina checked the sky, trying to judge the time. The moon was setting now, having come from behind the temple and moving towards the city, directly across from their hiding spot. "It's been a couple hours, and Captain Layion said it came around midnight."

The priestess shuddered. "Just like a horror story…."

Lina was right. Moments later one of the shadows directly across from the two hidden girls moved and detached itself from the buildings. It stood at the edge of the courtyard.

It was just as Layion had said; cloaked in a dark brown cape and hood, held together with a leather clasp at the throat. The mantle was long enough to drag a bit across the ground and big enough to hide any trace of a person underneath. The moon was at its back, leaving a black hole where the face should have been.

"Just like a horror story ," huh? Gods, this is creepy. A sudden wind made it hard to tell if the cloaked figure was looking around or standing still. Apparently satisfied, it slowly began to cross towards the temple, cape stirring up dust as it walked.

Well, that at least means it's real and not a spirit, Lina noted smugly. Can't fake that. She grinned to herself, not even turning as she asked her friend, "Are you ready?"

"Y-yes."

"Good." Almost here. Come on, you! Lina waited until the figure had crossed the middle of the square. She stood up, a Flare Arrow already forming, and launched it at the creature's feet. It wasn't meant to hit, only scare.

Somehow the intruder knew the attack was coming before it struck. The "ghost" leapt back just before the ground lit up in front of it, making no sound as the five fighters surrounded it. It surveyed them each in turn, still hidden beneath the hood, finally facing Lina.

The sorceress grinned. "Where do ya think you're going?"

Tanith felt immediately wary when she realized there were no soldiers guarding the temple. She had stayed in the shadows for a long time, watching, hoping the trap would somehow give itself away. But nothing had happened, and finally the bait was too good to take.

The sudden surge of energy had warned her of the coming attack, allowing her to react quickly. It was soon obvious that the Arrow hadn't been really aimed at her, which was why she hadn't fled immediately.

Now I wish I had, she scolded herself, realizing she was surrounded. Then shock took over as she recognized the travelers from several days before in the woods. Well, hopefully they're working for the king and will listen to reason, she prayed silently, facing the red-head. Better try to hide what I am for a few moments more--

"Where do ya think you're going?"

Keep your voice low and as raspy as possible, Tanith instructed herself. Try playing the "dark and scary" for awhile. That priestess looks ready to faint. Feeling a bit more confident, she spoke.

"Stand aside," she commanded softly.

The red-head let out a short bark of laughter, hands on hips in a cocky pose. "Sorry, pal, but if anyone is getting any magic item, it's me." She grinned.

Damn. That's not going to work. Tanith considered Lina's self-assured expression. Behind her the two men moved a bit closer. This is no good. Damn, what now?

"What, no response?" Lina pouted in mock disappointment. "This isn't going to be much fun if you don't even fight back."

Tanith stood as straight as she could. Everyone's counting on you, she reminded herself. Now was not the time to back down. "Stand aside," she repeated, putting more force into the words.

Lina cocked an eye, a bit surprised. This…person…had to be a sorcerer; how else could he control trolls? And most sorcerers loved to play mind games and have verbal battles--gods knew she, Zel, and Rezo all had. Perhaps it's time to be a bit more serious….

"What do you want with the Seed?" she demanded, crossing her arms. "Or are you here for the tour?"

Tanith felt a moment of confusion, unsure. There was no easy way to reply; she couldn't very well explain to this strange group something she just knew inside. In any case, they probably didn't know what they were up against. Keep it simple, Tanith decided. Either get them to back off or get yourself away; you can try again tomorrow.

"My business is no concern of yours," she answered slowly, trying to make her voice as cool and detached as possible. "Unless you have reason to be here, stand aside."

Before Lina could retort, Amelia seemed to decide that this creature fell under the category of "unjust." "Evil villain!" Her exclamation caused everyone to jump in surprise. "You dare to attack a holy temple and steal a sacred relic. Such an act is unforgivable!" Tanith turned slowly, staring at the girl from under her hood. "I, Princess Amelia Wil Telsa de Seiluun, warrior for the side of goodness, shall punish you--"

The young sorceress's speech was cut short by a long, inhuman howl. Before any of the group could move, a horde of nearly ten trolls descended on the square. Lina cursed, dodging just in time to miss a spiked club aimed at her head. Sylphiel shrieked somewhere behind her, and Zelgadis was casting a spell across the courtyard.

Tanith cast a quick fire spell, incinerating a monster that had gotten past Amelia. They must have broken through the city guards. She faced another troll, raising her hands for another attack. To her surprise, the creature stopped in mid-step, suddenly wary. Apparently rethinking its target, it turned to go after the swordsman. Tanith was bewildered, but knew better than to waste a gift.

The red-head and priestess had abandoned the door to the temple, one blasting everything in sight while the other tried and failed to cast a Flare Arrow. As several more trolls entered the square, Tanith slipped unnoticed into the shrine.

The battle wasn't a tough one. Zelgadis moved easily from one opponent to the next, flame spells leaping from his hands like fireworks. Gourry wasn't far, cutting the monsters into pieces too complicated to regenerate. Zelgadis didn't worry about the others; Amelia was stronger than the others gave her credit for, Sylphiel could simply create a barrier if things got too hard for her to handle, and Lina….

Zelgadis smiled to himself, catching a glimpse of his friend. She was cursing and slaying trolls, eyes blazing as they fell into charred piles. After Shabranigdu and Zanaffar, this is an easy workout.

It wasn't long before the courtyard was silent again. The townspeople had wisely stayed in their homes, and only ashes being blown away in the wind told of the battle. Lina brushed dust off her shoulder armor, smiling in clear satisfaction. "Well, that was a nice workout," she declared, echoing Zelgadis's earlier thoughts.

"Lina-san!" Amelia ran up to her elder, eyes wide with worry. "What about the ghost?"

"Aw, hell." Lina spun around to face the temple, anger quickly boiling. How dare that sorceress sneak away while they were fighting! "Where'd she go?"

Zelgadis came up beside her, pointing to the roof of the shrine. "Up there."

The cloaked figure stood easily on the peak of the building, one white hand poking out of the dark fabric, a small trail of gold escaping its fist. The sorceress held it up before them, fingers uncurling to reveal an emerald stone. It spun slowly on its chain, light reflecting from the full moon off it's smooth surface.

"Hey, sleezoid!" Lina shouted, shaking a fist in threat. "That thing's mine! Give it back right now!"

"You've lost," the figure stated plainly, ignoring the red-head's claim on the item. "Worse creatures will threaten your lives if you continue on this quest." The sorceress paused long enough to tuck the jewel somewhere within the large cape. The brown material swirled as she turned. "Back off now; this battle does not concern you."

"Hey! Hey, wait!" Lina's cry came too late, the figure disappearing off the other side of the temple. A quick spell launched her to the roof, but the sorceress had already melded back into the shadows. A moment later, Zelgadis was beside her. The two stared across the city, hoping to catch some sight of their escaped adversary. "Damn," Lina finally muttered, hands on hips, voice displaying her frustration where her expression was angry. "She got away."

"You sure it was a girl?"

Lina nodded. "Her voice, even if she was trying to disguise it."

Zelgadis silently agreed. He let his eyes wander for a moment more, thinking he saw the cloaked figure, then realizing the movement as laundry left out. He turned to the red-head. "Now what, Lina?"

"Lina Inverse does not give up so easily," she hissed. "If trolls are the best she's got, she'd better be ready to get beaten very badly."

Tanith carefully placed two more logs on her small fire, squinting as a light breeze blew smoke into her face. Straightening from her crouched position, she surveyed the small clearing she had chosen for her camp; the foliage was thick and would make noise if anyone--or anything-- tried to get to her. The trees were tall, hiding all signs of her camp except from someone flying directly over her.

Satisfied, Tanith removed her cloak before seating herself between the large roots of a giant oak. With great care she straightened out her knee-length, white skirt, shifting to make herself more comfortable. Tearing or even fraying the only clothing she had would be unacceptable; she didn't have the time or money to replace them. Such is the life we lead, she thought, smiling sadly. It was a saying out of her past. The last time I heard it was right before--

She crushed the thought before it could reveal itself. To keep the memories away, Tanith pulled her small pack to her, spilling the contents into her lap. These were, sadly, the only things she owned: nine silver pieces (barely enough for a meal, if she ever chose to enter an inn), a spool of thread for fixing clothing (pine needles took the place of an actual needle), a handful of glass-like stones, and half a loaf of bread. Also among the items were a pearl comb engraved with tiny birds (an item to be hidden quickly with raw memories still present), and the Seed of the Earth.

Tanith put away everything but the Seed, running slow fingers over the medallion. The green stone shone brightly, set into a ring of gold shaped like a strange, elongated cat. A chain was fastened to the top at the back of the feline's head, just behind a small, spiraling horn. Its kitten lips were pulled in a gentle smile as it lounged around the jewel. Tanith stared in awe at the detail of the cat's fur, tiny limbs, and almost child-like face.

This is no seed. A seed brings about new life. Tanith felt a tinge of sadness and sympathy. This is a memorial, a symbol of the death of a great sorceress.

Tanith knew the true history of the Seed, a fact that could not be said about the group she had so recently encountered. "Stupid people," she muttered, clutching the Sacred Arm. " Those five have no idea what this means…."

She slipped the item back into her pack, pulling the dark cloak around her as a blanket. A voice from long ago rose in her mind, belonging to a kind and very old friend.

"It's call the Seed of the Earth, and it is as old as our following. It was worn by Mage Terynn, one of the original Mages. The Seed was blessed after she died, gifted with the power and knowledge of the Earth Spirit, Bephimos. It was used for many generations to train the Chosen Ones following her. It represents Mage Terynn's sacrifice and her love for the earth."

"Selfless sacrifice…" Tanith whispered, staring up past the trees to the star-filled sky. She spoke to the tiny points of light as if they could listen and answer. "That was my destiny, once. Now…now I'm fighting alone with no clear enemy and a bunch of stupid humans sticking their noses where they shouldn't."

Tanith paused, suddenly realizing what she had said. It was the first time she had referred to these people as "humans" out loud. All this fighting, and all the memories coming back….They're making me think like a Ruumin again and not a poor, wandering girl. Ever since that night--

Again she fought down her own mind, refusing to release the memories she had spent eight years trying to hide. Not now, she told herself. Not with these battles coming up, not with my duty to fulfill. I…I….

Tanith curled up within her cape, closing her eyes. The fire cracked loudly, startling a mouse that had crept to the edge of the clearing. It scampered into the bushes. With slow, trembling hands, Tanith moved her headband, freeing the pair of long, pointed ears from their fabric prison. They jumped away from her fingers, sore from a long day of being hidden and eager to stick out on either side of her head once more. The skin of her back, just along her shoulder blades, began to itch and tingle, another reminder of the non-human blood that flowed through her. Tanith choked on a single sob that fought its way past her lips. No others followed, much to her relief, and she pulled the hood over her head. Sleep mercifully came soon after, but not before her mind could finish it's thoughts from before.

That night…when I killed them all….I can't handle it now…

…Not now, and not ever….

"Okay, Sylphiel. Spill it. Anything you know about the Arms, the Temples, everything."

The priestess glanced up doubtfully. They were sitting in Amelia's room, the only place big enough for them all to fit and not be interrupted. Sylphiel sat beside the princess on the bed, Gourry cross-legged on the floor. Zelgadis rested easily in an over-sized chair, his hard expression of closed eyes and crossed arms contrasting with the soft pink cushions. The red-headed sorceress was in her usual standing position by the window. Bright morning sunlight slipped through the heavy curtains. "But you must know more than me, Lina-san," she answered meekly. "All I know is what I've read."

Lina considered this. "I know there are supposed to be five, and I have a pretty good idea of where to find one of them. And I know that no one really knows where they come from."

Sylphiel nodded, trying to gather what little information she had on the relics. "Well, they are related to a cult that turned from worship of the Dragon Kings," she began hesitantly. "Supposedly, each one has the carving of a mythical beast on it." She gripped her hands in concentration. "The Gauntlet of Fire is supposed to be in the city of Mabran. One of the books mentioned the Wind Gauntlet being in a city by the ocean, but I don't know which one."

"That's pretty much what I know." Lina sighed, somewhat disgusted with her own lack of knowledge on the subject. Sorcery genius, and I can't even find one of the most famous sacred items in the world. "How 'bout you, Zel?"

The chimera shook his head. "Just what I told you before," he replied. He opened one slitted eye. "I was too busy looking for the Stone to research the Arms."

Gourry, for once paying a bit of attention, cocked his head inquisitively. "Why don't we go back to that big place with all the books?"

"Rezo's library?" Lina shook her head. "No time. And if Rezo didn't think the Arms could help him, he may have the books packed away somewhere." She shrugged helplessly. "The explosions would have destroyed it all anyway. Or blown them away."

Amelia had been silent the entire morning, deep in thought. Now her head came up, eyes bright. "Rana!"

The group turned to her. "Rana?" Sylphiel repeated.

"What the hell does that mean?" Lina added.

"The City of Rana." Amelia explained. "Just now, when you said blown away, I remembered something one of the priests told me long ago."

"So, spit it out already!"

Amelia grinned, glad to finally be helping. "The priest told me he once visited a Temple of the Wind in Rana before he came here. He had studied some item there and wanted to see the Seed." The princess beamed, enjoying the pleased expressions on her seniors' faces. "Rana is just a five day journey from Mabran by cart, shorter if we fly most of the way."

"And Mabran's nearly two weeks from here, unless we really push it," Lina put in, eyes sparkling with the anticipation of the upcoming adventure. She wrung her hands greedily. "Just think of how powerful I'll be once I get these Sacred Arms. Nothing will be able to stop me!"

Zelgadis sighed, standing from his chair. "If we're hoping to beat our caped friend, we'll have to leave immediately. She's already got a head start on us."

"Yes, yes, yes, let's go." Lina bounced towards the door, grin stretching from ear to ear. "Pack up and meet outside in half an hour. If you're not there," she warned, "I'm leaving ya!"

"Empty." Lina sulked through the doors of the temple in Mabran. "I can't believe it's empty. How could she have beaten us here?" Lina turned her forlorn eyes on her friends following her outside. "How could she do this to me?"

Amelia and Sylphiel looked similarly disappointed. "Maybe we just left too late," the former suggested softly. Best not to upset the sorceress when she was in one of those moods. "We can still beat her to the Wind Temple."

"I know, I know," Lina growled to herself. "I just can't stand thinking some third-rate troll-user is beating me."

Zelgadis leaned closer. "What was that?"

"Nothing."

Gourry came up on her left. "Hey, Lina?"

The sorceress grounded her teeth together, not willing to listen to the swordsman's idiotic comments. "What?"

"Didn't you say we missed that person?"

"Yeah."

Gourry jerked a thumb over his shoulder, indicating the temple behind them. "Then why is she standing over there?"

The group whirled. Sure enough, the dark cloaked figure was perched on the roof, a mirror image of their first encounter. Lina felt her anger growing; that this girl should think she was good enough to not only beat them to the temple but to actually wait for them to catch up was too much. I'll get her for sure this time.

"Nice of you to wait," she called up acidly, making her anger clear. "Why not do us a favor and hand over the Seed and Gauntlet while you're at it?"

The figure shifted slightly as if unsure. "I don't have the Gauntlet," she finally admitted.

Lina blinked, suddenly puzzled but willing to play along. "Well then, who does?"

The sorceress shrugged. "The trolls beat me here. I came just before you."

Now Lina was completely lost. But I thought she was controlling the trolls! her mind cried. She cast a look as Zelgadis, but his wary attention was focused only on the cloaked sorceress. Slowly, Lina came out of her fighters position. Somehow she knew the girl wasn't lying. Perhaps I've been wrong.

The hopeful thought came and went. Best not to trust anything for now. There was only one question she wanted answered now: "Why did you wait for us?"

The sorceress shifted again. Finally, after a few moments of hesitation, she answered. "To warn you one last time." Her voice faltered on the first few words, but her courage quickly grew. She's listening. They weren't involved with the trolls. Maybe you can convince them to back off. "You don't know what you're up against, and it would be best if you didn't get yourself involved with the Arms."

Oh no, you don't. "I know perfectly well what I'm getting into," Lina replied loudly. "I know all about the power that comes when the five are brought together." She glared darkly. "I've seen too many greedy bastards causing trouble to let another go by."

Now Tanith was angry. This red-head didn't know the first thing about the. Forget it, she told herself. If they want to risk their necks, let them.

"Fine," she answered out loud. "Do as you wish. But if you get in my way again, you'll pay." Before the group could react, she was gone, off the roof and into the forest.

Lina didn't bother to follow this time. We'll see about that, she silently retorted. We'll just see.

Zelgadis stared at the spot where the girl had been, thoughts jumbled and senses in a whirl. He'd gotten a sudden chill, listening to her voice. Something just felt wrong about the sorceress, a feeling he couldn't place or describe. He'd felt for a moment as if the ground had fallen out from beneath his feet, then leapt back up to shove his stomach into his throat. We have to beat her to the next temple, an inner voice told him. Whatever game she's playing, it can't be good. He barely heard Lina's command to get going, following absently as he tried to control the warnings of his mind.

The Sacred Arms

Chapter 3: Capture! Who Is This Tanith Person?

As Lina approached the Wind Temple, she felt more prepared. Gourry walked at her side, hand resting on his sword hilt. Behind them were Amelia and Sylphiel, both looking tired but determined as Zelgadis guarded their backs. The last three days of their four day trek had been plagued with troll attacks. All agreed that their enemy--whether it was the cloaked sorceress or someone else--had decided they were getting too nosy.

That girl did warn you, Lina's conscience reminded her. It too had harassed her during the excursion west, serving as the part of her that was hoping for an ally. She said we shoulda stayed out of this. She's probably just trying to stop some other sorcerer.

It's too much like Rezo, Lina argued with herself. He was willing to release Shabranigdu, even knowing the consequences. She's after the most powerful spell in the world. Who knows what her motives are?

Maybe the same as yours, she contradicted herself. Remember, she wasn't the one who attacked first.

Unless she's controlling the trolls.

You can't be sure of that.

Lina shook her head violently, Gourry looking at her inquisitively. She ignored him. This is no time to be arguing with myself, she scolded silently. Better to act now and ask later.

The Wind Temple was located on the edge of a tall cliff overlooking the ocean. It had been built much like the Fire Temple had: tall wooden doors, dark windows, dull gray brick. Much to Lina's relief, no one was on the sloping roof that she could see through the trees. She cast her followers a look, then came out of the forest.

They walked right into a battle.

The waves and wind had blocked out all sounds of the fight, working to mask the group's arrival as well. The caped sorceress was facing an equally dark, cloaked man. He, however, had no hood, revealing a long, thin face and bald head. His skin had been painted with black stripes, ears weighed down with silver clips and studs. One arm was within his black wrap, the left one dangling at his side. Half-way up his lower arm a band connected him to a long, wicked-looking blade. He smiled, breathing deeply with fatigue, eyes locked solely on the sorceress.

Zelgadis came up silently beside Lina. "What now?"

"We wait," she decided after a moment. "Let's see what they do." Doubt was painted clearly on the chimera's face, but he stayed quiet.

The combatants glared at each other for several minutes before the man spoke. "Such a bad child you are," he chided. His voice was high, his "s's" drawn out to almost a hiss. The one arm shifted within the cloak. "Attacking a temple and a poor man like myself."

"Return the Arms to me," the girl demanded, her own voice tight with something close to panic.

The man grinned. "You don't deserve such powerful toys. You'll only cause trouble with them." In a sudden movement he pointed his blade at the girl, attacking with a Digger Bolt.

But the sorceress was already in motion, dodging easily. Flames sprung from two fingers on each hand, spiraling out towards the man. Her voice rose above the fire and waves, shouting out the name of the spell. "Flame STORM!!!"

Lina glanced sharply at Zelgadis, their surprise mirrored by the cloaked man as he scrambled to avoid being hit. "Flame Storm" was not a Black Magic spell, nor was it White or Shaman. The battle continued, but no more words escaped from the sorceress. Her attacks were based either on fire, wind, and a single, ground-shaking earth spell. Lina was amazed by the girl's speed and grace; her movements seemed almost dance-like.

But the way she moves--like she's not even thinking about it. Her eyes followed the pale hands and swift feet. It's strange, but the smoothness, almost looking instinctual, reminds me Zelgadis….

The end came when the sorceress caught the man off guard with a burst of powerful wind. He was thrown into a tree, trapped between the firm bark and his adversary's hidden eyes.

"Return the Arms," she demanded again.

He shook his head, hissing, "Never."

The girl didn't answer, raising a hand that was alive with flames. The man began to panic, pleading for her to let him live. Lina battled her own indecision, wondering exactly which side she'd rather see win.

Amelia didn't give her the chance to decide. "Lina-san," she hissed urgently. "We can't just let her kill him!" Before the red-head could reply or stop her, the princess ran forward, flying up to the roof of the church.

Tanith jumped as Amelia began to speak. "Sorceress who hides behind the mask of injustice!" she yelled, pointing an accusing finger. "You who would kill a possibly innocent man in cold blood. Such an action is unforgivable, no matter what has been taken from you!" She made a fist, readying a spell. "Prepare yourself! Fireball!"

The sorceress escaped easily enough, but she wasn't prepared for her previous enemy to attack. The Diem Wind caught the back of her leg, sending her to her knees. He laughed in his high, hissing voice. "Fools!" he addressed them all as Lina and the rest of her group came out. "You would seal your own fates!" Before anyone else could respond or react he was gone, disappearing into the woods.

Amelia leapt off the roof, landing next to Lina. She winced at the look in her friend's eyes. "I…made a mistake…didn't I?"

"You idiots!" Tanith answered for her. She was on her feet, still hidden within her dark hood. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Lina crossed her arms, smiling sarcastically. "Yeah, stopped you."

The whole group felt that if they could have seen the girl's eyes, they would have been blazing brighter than her fire had. Truthfully, Tanith was frightened. She was tired, beaten, and the anger in the sorceress and chimera's eyes was enough to silence her own rage. Without another word she turned, fleeing into the trees.

"Oh, no. Not this time." Lina was right behind her, Gourry and Zelgadis on her heels, the others following a moment later. It was soon clear, however, that the sorceress was quickly out-distancing them. Lina cursed, swatting at branches. "Damn it. We'll never catch her at this rate."

"Lina." Zelgadis came up beside her. "I can stop her."

She glanced at him, his eyes causing her mind to flick back to a time when she had once fought the chimera herself. He had passed her with inhuman speed, knocking all breath out of her with a knee to her gut. In the least, the act would put the sorceress down long enough for the others to catch up. It's the only way.

"Okay. Do it."

The chimera nodded, and was gone.

Damn it, damn it, damn it.

A bush blocked her path. She leapt over it easily, stumbled on some uneven ground, and continued to run.

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

Tree branches reached for her. Roots tripped her. Wind blew the dark hood into her eyes. Footfalls crashed behind her.

Damn, it, damn it, DAMN IT!

First that sorcerer, beating her to the temple, then laying in wait for her. He'd attacked her as soon as she had appeared, throwing her off guard, allowing him to steal the amulet. Then they had to show up, making her nervous.

Damn them all.

And now she had lost three of the Arms and was being chased by a bunch of who-knows-what, each of them probably working for her unknown enemy and ready to kill her. She was too worn to fly, and even if she could, an aerial chase and battle was not an ideal situation at this time.

She felt rather than saw the person pass her. Her senses tingled with power, one she knew but had rarely experienced. A demon, a creature born in fire and clothed in night. The presence sent a chill down her back. She felt as though the nightmares and horror stories of her childhood had suddenly risen and solidified. The demon was cutting her off, turning to face her. For one to show up now, when she was in danger of collapsing and surely being overtaken, must have been a hell-sent curse.

Then the realization came.

Oh Gods, the chimera!

And as if in answer to her thoughts a blurred figure rose before her, grayish cape billowing behind him as he approached with impossible speed.

Time froze. Her hood was suddenly gone, arms and legs halted in mid step. Her eyes were locked on the man's bent form. Blue-violet hair covered his eyes, his body a mirror of her own halted movement. Tanith held the dim sense that he was still coming towards her, one knee lifting, aiming to crush her middle. A thousand thoughts spun through her mind in less than a heartbeat, but one cried out above all others.

I've failed. If he doesn't kill me with this hit, the others….Oh Lords, is this it? Is this truly the end? After so long….I'm going to die….

Then their eyes met, and all thoughts were banished.

They were bright blue, deep as the ocean and just as beautiful. What she had once mistaken for a deformed, ugly face was revealed as sharp and smooth, the stones of his golem part rounded as glass from the sea. His expression was one of firm determination, but when their gazes joined it changed to one of surprise, then something close to panic.

It was a feeling she shared. Her instincts cried out almost painfully somewhere within her stomach, begging her to run from the demon. But there was no escape, and fate again dealt her a cruel blow as time returned to normal.

Her breath was gone, lungs brutally crushed, body thrown back the way she had come. Through the pain that left no part of her untouched came the sensation of flying. Her sight was blocked by tears, throat aching at her attempts to scream with no air.

She met the unyielding bark of a giant tree, and head snapped back. Thankfully, the world chose that moment to fade, and Tanith gratefully dropped into unconsciousness.

Zelgadis was standing beside the tree when Lina finally caught up to him. The expressions of his face were unreadable as he stared down at the unmoving form. The sorceress approached slowly, amazed that their prey had been immobilized so quickly. She cast a glance at Gourry, but he was looking at the girl, his greater height allowing him to see over the bushes hiding her from Lina's view. She finally came forward, gazing with shock at the unconscious figure.

The girl couldn't have been much older than Lina, if not the same age. She was slightly taller than the red-head but just as thin and perhaps a bit more muscular. What captured the group's attention, however, was her strange clothing and hauntingly beautiful appearance.

The dark cloak had fallen off, or perhaps been removed; it looked as though she had been lain on her back after hitting the giant oak. Same as me, Lina thought absently. She wore a pair of shin high boots, a knee-length skirt, and a short cape that covered her chest as well as her back, all a dirty white. Her sleeveless, sky blue shirt was cut tight against her body, the neck cuffed in a black band that matched her belt. Several small, leather bags hung from the circlet, and Lina vowed to check them later. She wore five stones as jewelry: dark and light blue at her ears, red attached to a black headband, green at her throat, and opaque white clipped to her cape. Her corn-silk hair fell nearly to her waist, and Lina imagined that, if it hadn't been tangled and dirty, it would shine like the sun itself. Her skin was unnaturally pale, face twisted with the barest hint of pain. "Zel," she whispered, as if speaking loudly would break the glass-like maiden. "What did you do?"

The chimera shook his head, coming out of his own repose. "The same as I did before," he reported in an equally soft voice. A hint of guilt touched his eyes. "I didn't know she was so…small…."

Gourry nodded thoughtfully. "Beating Lina for size is pretty amazing." He cocked his head. "But she's bigger in other ways."

Lina knocked him to the ground.

Amelia and Sylphiel finally rejoined their group, out of breath and looking weary. Their shock was plain on their faces when they saw the girl, the priestess kneeling beside her. Amelia turned to their leader. "What do we do now, Lina-san?"

She considered a moment. "We can't take her back to the city," she mused. "People would get curious. And we don't want her blowing things up when she wakes."

"Does that mean we can't go back to the temple, either?"

Lina shook her head. "If that guy comes back, we don't want him catching us in the open."

"Lina-san," Sylphiel finally spoke up. "She's been hurt very badly." Her eyes were wide and frightened, worry overpowering any wariness in the presence of the sorceress. "I need to heal her soon."

Lina finally really looked at their enemy, and was surprised she hadn't noticed it before. The girl's breath was shallow and gasping, mouth hanging slackly open. One arm had been unconsciously wrapped about her middle, and Lina wondered if any of her ribs had been broken. Can't let her go and die before we get answers. "Okay, here's the plan." She pointed at each of her friends in turn as she spoke. "Gourry, you and Zelgadis go find a clearing or something for us to stay in. After that, find either food or a stream so I can fish, then gather firewood. Amelia, you help Sylphiel with the healing. I'll help, too, but mostly I'll be keeping watch. Let's go."

The world took its time coming back to Tanith, her senses slowly awakening before her mind could understand their jumbled signals. She was lying on her side, hands behind her. Grass tickled her face and closed eyelids. A fire cracked somewhere nearby, and smoke passed her nose.

She was in pain; her head throbbed with every heartbeat, her back bruised. What happened? Did I fall? What--

Her memory suddenly produced answers, causing her to freeze. The sorcerer, the princess, the red-head, the chimera….Have I been captured? She wanted to jump up, but decided that, until she got her bearings, it would be best if none of them knew she was conscious.

They were talking quietly, their words muffled and indiscernible. Tanith slowly moved her hands: they were bound tight, as were her ankles. Her large cloak was gone. Fearing detection at any moment, she opened her eyes, gazing upon her captors.

The two dark haired girls sat with their backs to her, the swordsman leaning against a nearby tree. The sorceress and chimera were facing her, but neither had noticed her awareness. Now I can study them, she decided. Get a better idea of what I'm up against. She was trying to be determined, but deep inside she was trembling; she was alone against five. Tanith pushed her fears aside, knowing that doubt would only make this harder for her.

By the time she had finished her examination of the group, her fears were not settled. The priestess was very strong in the protection and healing magics, the princess being fairly good both White and Shaman. The swordsman seemed perfectly normal, save the magical blade at his hip. The sorceress--Lina?--was as or even more powerful than Tanith herself, and the Shamanist chimera was perhaps a step below her. But that rock body would make up for what he lacks in magic, she reminded herself despairingly. Bright Spirit, how am I going to get out of this one?

Tanith felt herself growing very small then, as though she was suddenly becoming a child again. The world seemed to shift beneath her, the ground no longer soft with grass but hard, like wood. The night sky faded, casting everything around her into darkness, save the figures before her. Tanith wondered if she were going to faint again, then forced herself back into awareness. She tried to lift her head, get it off the hard forest floor, but a wave of dizziness and nausea forced her still. She heard a voice yelling, but it was not hers or her captors'.

She closed her eyes tightly. It's a dream, she told herself fiercely. It doesn't matter that you're awake; it's still a dream. She opened her eyes slowly and looked up, relieved that the world had righted itself. You've got to keep it together. You've got to get out of this.

Sylphiel turned around then, expression going from worried to surprised when she saw that their captive was awake. "Lina-san."

The group's conversation stopped, but no one jumped up. The red-head gazed across the fire as the two other girls moved besides Gourry. For a moment Tanith's eyes met those of the chimera, and she shuddered. The flickering light made his sharp features even more so, his slitted orbs reflecting the flames with an eerie glow.

"'Bout time you got up," Lina commented, dragging her attention away from the sorcerer. "We've been waiting to get some answers."

Tanith forced herself to breath slowly, trying to dispel the lump that had worked it's way into her stomach. The images of her dream still haunted her, and she took her time in hiding them again. All the while, Lina sat perfectly still, arms crossed and posture relaxed. Don't let her get to you. Her eyes shifted for a moment before returning to the sorceress. Or the chimera. They don't know anything. They can't make you tell them.

Tanith gathered her courage, facing the red-head as squarely as she could from the ground. "What do you want?" she asked strongly.

Lina cocked an eye. "Are you going to answer my questions?"

"Depends on the questions."

The sorceress grinned, apparently pleased with her reply. Tanith felt a flash of anger that she should be enjoying this. "Well then," she started, still smiling. "Can you tell us exactly who you are?"

Tanith considered a moment, debating between truth and lie. Truth won. "Tanith."

"No last name?"

Another moment. "I don't have one."

The grin increased. "Well, I suppose I'd better introduce myself and my companions." She gestured to each in turn. "Amelia Wil Telsa de Seiluun, Gourry Gabriev, Sylphiel Nels Rada, Zelgadis Graywords, and I," she stated proudly, "Am Lina Inverse, sorcery genius."

For a moment Tanith thought to laugh at the title, but something about the name caused her to pause. The name Lina Inverse was very popular in some of the towns she had visited. But it was more familiar than that, and a memory--one that wasn't edged with fear and death--sprang easily into her mind. It was the same, fatherly voice that had reminded her of the story of the Seed in the woods weeks ago.

"Many years after our people abandoned the mainland, a terrible monster attacked our brothers on the island of Mipross. The entire village was destroyed by the demon Joyrock. Only the boy Rowdy, carrier of the Sword of Light, knew of the destruction. He became a powerful sorcerer and lengthened his life to wait for the day that he could undo the damage that had been done. It was written that he got the aid of a powerful sorceress, Lina Inverse, and together they were able to go back in time to save the people of Mipross. However, there is no way to know what time Lina actually came from; because Rowdy went back in time, our records of that event are told from Rowdy himself, for he remembered everything. Do you understand, Tanith?"

She hadn't then, but it made sense now. Judging from Lina's current age and the record of the story, she had met Rowdy maybe two or three years ago. So I heard the tale before it happened for her. Is this the real Lina Inverse?

Only the real one would know the secrets of Mipross, she reminded herself. And maybe that will help my position.

"Lina Inverse?" She tried to sound as disbelieving as possible. "You're the Lina Inverse?"

The sorceress straightened to her full height--it wasn't as impressive as she thought--and flipped her hair with a look of superiority. "The one and only."

Tanith kept her face carefully doubtful. "The bandit killer?"

Lina grinned. "Of course."

"The dragon slayer?"

"That's me." Her head almost seemed to be swelling, the rest of the group turning away with obvious disgust.

Tanith watched her closely. "The savior of Mipross?"

The change was instant, the pride vanishing into a look of shock. Lina stared at her as if she had just said the sky was orange. Her eyes became wary, mistrustful, and almost awed. How in the world…. "How do know about that?"

I need more than surprise. "That was you, wasn't it?"

Amelia glanced curiously at her mentor. "What's she talking about, Lina-san?"

The rest of the group was similarity confused. Gourry scratched his head. "What's a Mipross?"

"Shut up," Lina muttered absently. She stood, walking around the fire to crouch in front of the captive. She spoke softly so only the blond could hear. "What do you know about Mipross Island?"

Tanith held her ground. "Prove to me that you are the Lina Inverse of Mipross Island, and I will answer your questions."

The sorceress thought this over. There was no harm in revealing the story; it wasn't a secret, and if it would get answers….

The only people who would know about it in the first place would be Rowdy, Naga, and the elves themselves. Naga wouldn't say anything, because she wasn't the heroine, and if Tanith knows Rowdy or Meliroon or the others, that should be enough to trust her.

Go for it. "Okay," she agreed, still speaking softly. "What do you want to know?"

"Anything to prove that you were there: who was involved, what you did, and when was it."

Zelgadis watched his friend's turned back, sharing concerned glances with the others. None of them could hear what was being said, and it was unnerving. But they all trusted Lina, and they silently agreed to leave the two alone.

Mipross must be pretty important, Zelgadis thought. I've never seen someone surprise her like that. Not even Rezo's "resurrection" left such a long-lasting expression on her face. Who is this 'Tanith?'

The two continued to talk in low tones, and Zelgadis watched Tanith's face closely. He examined her expression--calm and intent--and found himself oddly drawn by her bright, fire-lit eyes, soft blond hair, and smooth, strangely gentle features. There was something very beautiful about her, but whether it was her looks or her overall aura, he couldn't be sure.

But even as he was fascinated by the girl, some part of him pulled away in--oddest of all--fear. The realization of this sudden emotion frightened him almost as much as the feeling itself did. But despite the irrationality of the situation, the fear continued to grow the longer he stared at her. For a moment Zelgadis imagined he was being torn in two, between wanting to trust and wanting to run or kill--

Zelgadis shook himself, getting a curious glance from Amelia. He pulled his eyes away from the girl, shut them, and folded his arms to keep the others from seeing that his hands were trembling.

What's wrong with me? he wondered, licking his suddenly dry lips. Something like this has never happened before. Why do I feel like two different people? He risked a quick glance at Tanith, reverting his gaze to the fire when the strange instincts rose again. Why does she make me feel this way? I feel like…like….

His eyes sought her again. I feel like…

…like she's going to kill me….

Lina stood up, startling all their thoughts. "Well, Tanith, now it's your turn." She returned to her seat besides the still shaken chimera. She didn't notice, focused on the now upright captive; Lina had untied her ankles, and the blond was now kneeling on the grass, wavering just barely with dizziness. Zelgadis watched her carefully, his fear vanishing as fast as it had come up, leaving him wary and nervous.

Tanith, however, was very satisfied. Lina had proven herself true, and she felt more confident. I can't completely trust them, but at least now they aren't my enemies. "Go ahead," she said aloud. "I'll answer as best I can."

Lina nodded, arms crossed in consideration. She ignored the inquisitive looks of her friends. There'll be time for explanations later. "Why are you after the Arms?"

"The Sacred Arms are very powerful," Tanith responded immediately. "I can not allow them to fall into the wrong hands."

Lina cocked an eye. "And why not? And what are the 'wrong hands?'"

"The wrong hands would be those who would abuse the power they hold; demon followers, monster worshipers, people like Kaika and Luvika."

Amelia leaned closer to Lina. "Who's Luvika?"

"An evil sorcerer who led a demon revolution about six hundred years ago," she answered. "Nasty guy. Killed lots of people."

"He would have done worse if he'd had the Arms," Tanith added.

Lina nodded her agreement. "What about the other question?"

Tanith looked away. "It's my duty," she answered softly, staring into the forest. "That's all I can tell you."

The red-headed sorceress was clearly displeased with the lack of information, but she let it go. She vowed to find out later. "Who are we fighting? Or do you not know?"

She shook her head. "All I know is that the man I was fighting before was being protected by someone else, someone pretty powerful."

Amelia frowned. "But several of your spells hit him," she pointed out. "The spell must have been pretty weak to let all that get through."

Lina turned on the girl, suspicion plain on her face. "He didn't look very 'protected' to me."

Tanith bit her lip, realizing her mistake. The man had been covered by a barrier, but it had been a wall around his mind, not a magic protection. How can I explain mind magic to them? Will they understand? If I explain it, will they believe me?

"We're waiting," Lina reminded.

The blond sorceress took a deep breath. Tell the truth, she instructed herself. It'll be easier, and maybe they will understand. "Do you know about mind magic? Control spells?"

Zelgadis surprised them all by answering. "Yes." His voice was cold and sounded distant. "We know about control magic."

Lina slapped a hand to her forehead, Tanith mentally cursing herself. Of course they'd know, she scolded herself. The chimera--Zelgadis--has that old, broken control line. It was obviously a touchy subject among the travelers: even Amelia and Sylphiel appeared worried. "Sorry," she apologized meekly.

The red-head waved a hand as if to fan away the topic. "Don't worry, don't worry. You didn't mean anything. Just tell us the point."

Tanith swallowed, trying to regain her composure. "Well, there's more to mind magic than just…those spells. There's control, barrier against control, b--um, and True Sight."

Lina let the slip-up pass. No use trying to get anything the sorceress obviously didn't want to mention out of her. Lina was beginning to believe that Tanith was as stubborn as she was. "Control and barrier I understand--Shamanism stuff--but what's True Sight? I've heard it mentioned before, but no one could explain it to me."

"It's kind of like 'seeing' the magic within a person." Tanith fidgeted, not out of nervousness, but because she was used to gesturing with her hands while speaking. Being unable to was strangely annoying. "By looking at a person with True Sight, you can tell what kind of magic they use, how powerful they are, whether they're being controlled or not, even if they have any living family members."

The group blinked in surprise. "That would be very useful, wouldn't it Lina-san?" Amelia asked.

The sorceress nodded. "Very. And you say that man was being protected from this True Sight?"

Tanith nodded. "If he was being controlled, or even just mind bound to a more powerful sorcerer, it would be easy to shield him from even a long distance."

The listeners thought this over carefully. Finally, Lina broke the silence, a sly grin on her face. "What do you see when you look at me?"

I should have expected that, Tanith thought with a hint of exasperation. The fate of the world could be at stake, and she wants a power trip.

Zelgadis apparently felt the same. "Can we at least decide what we're going to do with her first?"

"Right right right," Lina laughed. "Well Tanith, what do you think?"

They could be helpful, even if you can't trust them completely. But part of her wanted to so badly; she'd been traveling alone for a long time. To have companions again--maybe even friends--would be a welcomed situation. "The last two Arms are in hidden temples. I'm the only one who might be able to find them."

"Does the protected guy and his sorcerer friend know this?"

"No, I don't think so."

Lina grinned. "Then I guess we'd better take you with us if we want a chance of getting these amazing items, hmm?"

To her own surprise, Tanith managed a tentative smile. "I suppose so."

"Great! Now tell me how cool I am!" the sorceress demanded.

Amelia jumped to her feet. "Do me too, please, Tanith-san!"

"How about me?" Gourry asked.

"There'd be nothing to read," Lina replied.

"Maybe you're afraid Gourry-san will turn out more powerful than you, Lina-san," Amelia suggested innocently.

"WHAT? Of course not! That's impossible! The day Gourry's more powerful than me is the day…."

Tanith let the argument drift into the back of her thoughts, thanking Sylphiel as the priestess untied her bonds before retreating to her chosen sleeping area. The sorceress rubbed her wrists, wincing at the few raw spots she had made. If you could have waited, you wouldn't have hurt yourself. She sighed as the fighting between Lina, Gourry, and Amelia turned physical. I suppose I'll have to get used to it, if I'm going to be traveling with them. Just…I hope it's not like this every night…. Amelia was thrown down on top of Sylphiel, the priestess shrieking in surprise.

"Ha ha, serves you right!" Lina crowed.

"Lina-san, no fair!" Sylphiel complained. "I was trying to sleep."

"Well, nobody else is. What's wrong with you?"

"Lina-san…."

Tanith shook her head, retrieving her cloak from her pile of possessions. Ignoring the continuing yelling, she wrapped the cape around her shoulders and lay down, using her arms as a pillow. For a moment she thought of her old teacher. If I could sleep though his snoring, I can sleep though this. And maybe it will prove to them that we're not enemies.

A cold chill suddenly ran down her back. Tanith's eyes flew open, immediately ready for danger. Lina and the others were still arguing, but it wasn't them that captured her attention. One figure remained were he had been during the entire night, sitting across the fire from her.

Zelgadis' gaze was harsh and untrusting, glowing with the fire's light. He didn't turn away as their gazes met and held, and Tanith found herself staring. His sharp features, his bright, blue eyes….It wasn't hard to imagine that he would have been rather handsome, had he been human. But even then, Tanith thought he would have lost that sense of…perfection…about him. His form held characteristics of a demon and a golem, and the most helpful characteristics at that. The slightly lengthy, thin limbs were graceful where one would think them awkward. The slit eyes and pointed ears only enhanced the image of some spiritual being, traits that she shared. Even the stones that rose from his smoothly flawless and pale skin didn't make him seem more hideous; they were distinct, unique, only adding to his dark and--oddly--alluring malevolence. He was sleek, even elegant, and invulnerable.

But even as Tanith was almost hypnotized by the chimera's flawless beauty, she found herself very afraid. She didn't know him, she couldn't trust him, and then there was….

He's a demon, she reminded herself. He's your enemy. He was under the control of some powerful sorcerer. Even if he's not now…you can't be sure.

The chimera continued to stare at her, his expression unreadable in the flickering light. Tanith tried to avert her eyes, but found she was unable to. His own azure orbs were a color to match her own, a testimony to the bond they shared. They were so alike….

No! No, we're nothing alike! We're complete opposites. Tanith closed her eyes, determined to not look and fall asleep. Gourry's voice rose as Lina apparently caught him in some torturing trap. He's a demon chimera. I'm Ruumin. We're natural enemies, no matter how much I can trust Lina and the others.

To resist the temptation of facing Zelgadis again she turned onto her other side. I'll go with them, get back the Arms, then leave. I don't have to stay with them. I can take care of myself. I can live alone.

Before sleep finally claimed her, Tanith had one last thought, one that echoed through her mind, tainting her dreams and haunting her heart.

I'm so tired of being alone….

* * * * * *

The dream was one she had never had before. Usually she had nightmares of that night eight years ago, the night her old life had come to an end. But instead there was blackness, an unending realm of lightless night, and she was floating in the middle of it.

:Don't be afraid. You are safe here.:

"Who are you?" she called out into the dream world.

There was the sound of gentle laughter, a white mist appearing before her. It was shaped vaguely like a person wearing a long cape, but his features were blurred and indiscernible. :This is your mind. Don't you feel safe here?:

"Not when fog people are invading," she retorted, slightly surprised that she felt no fear towards the stranger. "What do you want?"

:For now, only to deliver a message to you, Mage Tanith.: The cloud came forward, the vapor arms wrapping around her small form.

For a moment she tried to escape, but the feeling of safe emanating from the being held her still. "Are you Ruumin?"

The laughter again. :Yes, little sister. I am.:

"What's your message?"

:I came to tell you, little sister,: he whispered into her ear, :That you are no longer alone. You will never be alone again.:

For some unexplained reason, tears sprung to Tanith's eyes. "What do you mean? I…I don't understand…."

:You will soon enough. Everything will be explained. For now, sleep. You have a long journey ahead of you. Sleep, little sister, sleep.:

* * * * *