The Mermaids Curse
Chapter 2: Wandering Flame
In Amelia's mind bold red sails dance for her again between the rolling thunder and crushing sea. Like so many times in her sleep, this dream comes to remind her of that mysterious day. As the ship vanishes from her view the song of sorrow echoes in its absence.
"While up aloft in storm,
From me his absence mourn,
And firmly pray arrive the day,
He's never more to roam."
The young sixteen year old woman wakes with a start as the song's verse ends in her heart and mind. "Gracia," Amelia asks aloud before remembering the truth. It has been several years now since her sister left. For nights she laid awake, after Gracia's departure, blaming herself for not being strong enough to make a difference.
Years later Amelia knows better. The life led by their father and the life Amelia wishes to live would not do for Gracia. Amelia's goal is to carry out justice for her people, just as her father has as the prince of this new land. The gift she has of healing is also to her benefit in seeing her ambitions flourish.
Sitting up in her bed, Amelia slaps the sides of her face a few times before starting her day. In hopes to bighting her mood and erase the uneasy dream, Amelia begins to sing a catchy sailor tune.
"Oh, the ocean waves do roll,
And the stormy winds do blow.
We old sailors are skipping at the top,
While the landlubbers lie down below, below, below,
Oh, the landlubbers lie down below."
Dancing to the words, Amelia begins to do some light morning exercises before she stops. As she thinks about the words she wonders how such a lively tune could be so dismal. "I feel sorry for the landlubber's," she says aloud to herself sheepishly.
At hearing Amelia's song, the ladies in waiting are easily alerted to their charges wakeful state and knock at the door. But they are not the only ones there to greet Amelia this fine morning.
"My dear Amelia," Philionel hollers as he bursts into the room.
"Daddy!" Amelia jumps high as her father catches her and spins her around.
"Are you ready for today!" he asks as the maids begin to prepare Amelia's clothing.
"Yes," Amelia pumps her fists close to her chest. She is no longer the grieving child she once was. Her heart is full of hope and love and the burning passions of justice.
"Now I know Xellos Metallium is a . . ." Philionel scrunches his nose and squints his left eye, as he tries to think of something nice to say about the general priest.
"Complex person," Amelia suggests quickly.
Phillional snaps his fingers and claps his hands. "Well said daughter, and yes, I know Xellos is a 'complex' gentleman, but we will make the best of this celebration to his benefit. It's a special occasion for him having been ordered off on this noble crusade. Whatever it may be and we may not see his face for quite some time."
"Daddy this isn't the first time he's been sent away," Amelia is scurried along by the other ladies behind a screen as she prepares to get dressed. "In fact, didn't he just return from an arduous quest? I almost feel sorry for him."
"It is a bit soon to be sending him away again, but such are the times," Philionel scratches the back of his thick dark hair and is more than happy to agree with Amelia. "Look on the bright side, there will be plenty of food and you have received a stunning new dress."
"Daddy, I well know that you're only interested in the food," Amelia is about to laugh until the maids begin to tighten the corset. Now, Amelia isn't an extremely thin young woman, she's got muscle and is broadly built like her father. "I don't think I'll have that luxury while wearing this 'thing'. What is this Daddy?"
"It is the latest fashion in the Alliance," he answers. "If it is that uncomfortable I'm sure you can forgo the corset."
"Thanks, I think I will," they remove the corset. "No one in these parts knows about this 'corset' contraption . . . there is no need to impress anyone." It wasn't as if Amelia was overly concerned with the opinions of others anyway.
Another knock at the door cuts their conversation short. "Sir, the Greywards brothers are here with your order."
"Oh, so they both decided to visit," Philionel walks to the door. "Don't be long Amelia, I'm sure you'd like to mingle with them again as well."
In a flurry of hair and clothing, Amelia and the maids work fast. It isn't everyday that the Greywards brothers come by.
Downstairs both young men are having a bit of an argument. At first glance one wouldn't be able to tell, but to Philionel, and the ever dutiful butler Hector, it is quite apparent.
Having never been a patient person, Posel set about trying to entertain himself only to accidently break off one of the nearby candle fixtures. Upon realizing that the fixture would not magically repair itself or reattach itself the young man begins to panic bringing his problem to Zelgadis. The older surrogate brother is furious with Posel, adding one more stress to his already heavy back. Zelgadis is intimidated by the large ruler of this territory, which is Phillionel, and feels a debt to him as well. Even something as simple as a broken light fixture is enough to send him in to tizzy.
In the end the two agree on simply hiding the horrible thing in a large potted plant by the door. Hopefully by the time it is discovered they will be long gone. All of this transpires before Phillionel has stepped out of his daughters room.
"And here I thought you were the honorable type," Posel smirks.
"Well, you certainly are one to talk, are you not the one usually pursuing such loyal idealism. And don't you dare push this problem on to me Pokota," Zelgadis seethes back in a harsh whisper, using his brothers nick name. "I'm not the one who broke the fixture after all."
"Mister Zelgadis and Mister Posel," Philionel booms as he stomps down the spiral stairs. Since Philionel is technically royalty he had the choice of living in a large estate with a double spiral staircase, but the ever doting man refused to be honored by something so frivolous and requested a humbler home. Even then the territory insisted he live where they currently reside, which is a slight step up from what the middle class live in. "I'm overjoyed that you meet my order on such short notice. I assumed since Sir Metallium had just returned from a trip that we wouldn't be requiring any new gift, but the head of his order has been keeping him plenty busy as of late."
"It is our pleasure sir," Zelgadis bows and presents a hefty sized case to Philionel. The large man carefully sets the lavish case on ground before opening it. Inside lies an elaborate staff with an enchanted red orb gracing its forked top. "The truth is that we had prepared this for his previous expedition, but failed to complete it in time. I'm sure he will be impressed."
"Extraordinary work, both of you," Philionel jumps to his feet and hugs both men tight. Unprepared, the men are slightly lifted off the ground by the prince's show of gratitude. "Your skill in wizardry and alchemy is exemplary, Ha! Extraordinary, I wish you could witness the look on his face as he opens this, I shall give you a detailed account afterwards my lads!"
Eventually, Philionel drops the boys that he treats as sons and carefully hands the heavy case to Hector. The butler stagers a bit, but manages to carry the prized gift to the waiting carriage.
"Sir, if you don't mind my asking," Pokota ignores the warning glare Zelgadis is sending his way. "Do you know why Xellos has been traveling so often? I have always been under the impression that his first duty was to you?"
"Ah, that may have been Sir Metallium's first objective when my family was established here in this mysterious land, but his primary goal has always been to his order," Philionel's smile softens as he carefully laces his hands behind his back. "My family no longer requires his protection which is for the best. I do not wish to be entangled in the Order of Wizardry more than I must."
It takes all of Zelgadis's will power to remain placid for the duration of this unpleasant topic. Zelgadis despises the Wizardry order and, even more so, Xellos himself.
"Thank you for the opportunity again sir, we appreciate the business and everything else you have provided for us," Zelgadis quickly changes the subject and bows to Phillonel. In response to the 'respectable' response, Philionel laughs and hugs Zelgadis.
"You need to be less stiff Mister Zelgadis," Philionel's hardy laugh makes Zelgadis's ears ring. Beside them, Pokota snickers, knowing perfectly well that Zelgadis absolutely loathes being touched in every shape and form.
"Mister Zelgadis, Mister Pokota, good morning!" Amelia races down the stairs only to trip on the second to the last step and fall flat on her face.
"Amelia!"Philionel and Pokota race forward to help her back up as Zelgadis rolls his eyes. Zelgadis has seen Amelia topple down all forty nine stairs and bounce back like nothing has happened, so he is not worried in the slightest.
As Pokota helps Amelia to her feet he blushes involuntarily. Her new dress is amazing and it has a rather low neck line to boot. "You look amazing!"
"Why thank you Mister Pokota!" Amelia smiles and turns to face Zelgadis. "What do you think Mister Zelgadis."
"It's nice," he says with a glance that lasts less than a second.
"Mister Zelgadis, you can be so rude sometimes," Amelia firmly plants her hands on her hips and glares at him. But even with her frightful glare she is still smiling a little.
Slightly taken off guard, Zelgadis softly apologizes. Here he has been doing his best to remain proper and polite only to be called out by Amelia with crystal honesty. As can be expected, Pokota is stifling a laugh once more even with his pride slightly snuffed. Anyone can tell that Amelia is attracted to Zelgadis, and everyone else can see that Pokota is drawn to Amelia. It is a sad love triangle in the makings which Pokota desperately hopes will disappear once his awkward teenage years are over.
"Now Amelia, don't torment him, I'd say he has a higher sense of propriety than most," Philionel winks at Zelgadis before making his way to the door. "Don't be strangers lads, you are always welcome to my estate."
"Goodbye, Mister Zelgadis, Goodbye Mister Pokota!" Amelia swings along after her father who catches the clumsy girl just as she is about to trip on the small step into their carriage.
"Bye Amelia," Pokota waves as they disappear towards the town's fort.
Zelgadis settles on a small wave.
"Such decorum," Pokota huffs.
"I could inquire the same thing of you," Zelgadis walks down the paved path leading to the house. "Where are you headed?"
"I'll be going to port in order to add embellishments upon Lady Light," Pokota shrugs as he follows after him. "I should be able to accomplish more since most everyone is sitting in on the festivities."
"Any excuse for a good time," Zelgadis sighs. Neither of them needs to ask the other why they won't be attending Xellos's farewell party. There is a place set aside for the commoners to join in on the day's events, but they won't have any part of it. Amelia and Philionel use to request that the brothers have fun with everyone else, but it became quite clear early on that Zelgadis and Pokota disliked Xellos immensely despite his part in their rescue all those years ago.
For Zelgadis, it is to the point of hating the trickster.
Hours pass and near the harbor, the cities ceremony is ending with the party well underway. "Lord Seyruun, this Magician's staff is exceptionally well made," Xellos smiles as he inspects the gift with an unopened keen eye. As expected, the general priest is as unreadable as ever, which is disconcerting to Amelia, but her years in Xellos's presence has taught her a thing or two about how to remain civil even when uncomfortable. "Did you order this from the magistrate," one eye slightly opens cueing Philionel and Amelia that the wizard's interests have indeed been perked. For better or worse.
"I ordered it locally," Philionel answers honestly refraining from giving the makers names. The creation of a magician's staff is not a simple construction. Only a powerful and gifted magician who has been trained should be able to accomplish the task. Philionel has known of the Graywards' skills for a long time now, but Zelgadis is insistent that no one realizes just how knowledgeable they are.
Philionel has gladly honored Zelgadis's request, but in return for not prying he will request ambitious projects such as this from time to time.
"He has exceptional skill, be sure to tell me their business address in the future that I might make a request," Xellos raises the staff in show as the people applaud the exquisite gift.
Amelia claps with them, outwardly enthusiastic, but griped with sudden worry inside. She too is aware of Zelgadis and Pokota's abilities. Apparently this staff is much more impressive than anything else they have made; otherwise Xellos would have requested their address previously. In the past, Xellos has treated their gifts as little more than political bartering chips, which in part is what they are. But Philionel is also generous and no matter how distasteful Xellos may be he still appreciates what the mysterious magician does in these sometimes dangerous parts.
For a time, the party passes by Amelia like any other festive gathering she is invited too. Playing the part of the perfect hostess it is easy to see that she enjoys what she does genuinely, especially when taking time to speak with the citizens.
Her time is cut short when Xellos requests her presence outside overlooking the sea. While this is something new for Amelia, she doesn't let on that the attention bothers her. Instead she focuses on the waves crashing against the lengthy wall that stretches beneath her. Memories of dead men float to the surface in her mind's eye, catching her off guard. Perhaps she didn't slap her face hard enough when she woke from that nightmare.
In her mind she can hear the words begin to sing,
"From Tower's chill to Deadsfall,
I'll wander, weep and moan,
All for my jolly sailor,
Until he sails home."
Meanwhile at the shipyard, Pokota is happily chalking a rune as he attempts to create a non-manpowered energy source to power his Lady Light. Once he is satisfied, Pokota places a blue stone at the center of the rune and begins to sing a song. The words are ancient and in a tongue few know, unless they happen to be from the royal family line of Taforashia. The city is a mystery, vanishing over a decade ago somewhere across the sea.
For Pokota, it feels like ages since he fled that small but rich land, abandoning his father and home. Only to be hunted down and nearly killed at sea seven years prior.
Zelgadis saved his hide that day and he is grateful, but the prince is growing restless. He wants to return home. No matter what the danger may be.
"That's some impressive magic you're demonstrating their kid," a young woman says from behind Pokota. Startled out of concentration the magic evaporates from his grasp and the small blue stone shatters.
"Lina, I think you messed him up," a man with gorgeous long blond hair says. At first Pokota refuses to turn, he is angry with himself and this Lina person. No, he isn't just angry he's furious!
"It's all for the best, I'm sure," Lina says with a shrug. "He probably didn't know what he was doing anyway. Could've hurt himself."
"For your information, inquisitive snoop, I know exactly what I'm doing," Pokota turns in a rage and stomps towards the voice. Unbeknownst to Pokota, he is slightly unprepared for the object his irate steps lead him to.
A petit teen with orange hair and red eyes waits with crossed arms, clearly not bothered by Pokota's outrage. "Sure you do," Lina grabs her hips and leans to one side, giving him a grin that suggests she knows better.
"You know nothing; in fact you shouldn't even be here!" Pokota is screaming at her by this point. The smug and conceited expression on her face is grating and demeaning.
"By whose command?" Lina asks.
"The lord of this land that's who, Prince Phillonel Seyruun!"
"He sounds important Lina," the man nudges the girl beside him and even she seems a little perturbed by this news.
"Yeah Gourry, he is actually," Lina laughs nervously before looking up at Gourry's oblivious expression. Hitting the large blond man, Lina can hardly contain her irritation. "You don't even know who he is do you numskull!" Gourry's silence reveals all and Lina hits him again. "He's one of the most important figure heads in the Alliance!"
While the two bicker amongst themselves Pokota's anger is quickly replaced with curiosity and mild irritation. Now that he watches them he cannot hope to take them seriously. "Who are you ?" he finally asks.
Harsh words and idiotic blabber abruptly stops as the two companions actually consider the young man's question.
"I am . . . Smithy," Lina finally says as Pokota rolls his eyes. "And this is . . . Smith," Lina points to Gourry.
With a heavy sigh Pokota shakes his head. "You do realize, idiot, that I am already well aware of your names? What I wish to know is who you brazen commoners think you are? What business do you have in this shipyard?"
Rather than addressed Pokota's rudeness, Lina has the arrogance to answer his question with brazen honesty. "We're in the market for a new ship, and this elegant beauty seems to be just my cup of tea," Lina tries to smile, but she is not taking kindly to being called an idiot.
"Then it is my duty to regretfully inform you that this ship is not on the market!"
"But she's such a pretty boat," Gourry says dreamily. He is on the deck's floor rubbing his cheek gently against the wood. With a steady hand, Gourry smoothly caresses her, admiring every nail and plank he sees.
"Honestly," Pokota awkwardly stares at Gourry before addressing Lina. "What is the point in coming aboard a ship that is not only unfinished but marked off from civilian use?"
"Actually, I can tell that this ship is sea worthy. You're probably just adding the finishing touches, am I right? I need to 'borrow' a ship so I can go find treasure since my last ship was destroyed," Lina scratches the back of her head and refuses to look Pokota in the eye.
Pokota stares at her.
"Didn't you destroy the last ship yourself?" Gourry whisper loudly enough for Pokota to hear.
"It was a miss calculation on my part, an accident, now shut up Jellyfish for brains!" The harsh woman stomps a heavy boot onto his back.
"Seriously, you expect me to believe that flatty?" Pokota is exasperated beyond self control and has slipped into a more comfortable speech which includes and is not limited to name calling. It doesn't help that he has very little self control to begin with. "You're insane, traversing to one of the most heavily guarded forts on this side of the ocean in order to acquire a ship that you are simply wishing to use for a hobby?"
"Ff-ffa-FLATTY!" Lina cries not hearing anything else after Pokota's demeaning nick name. With a flaming red face that nearly matches her fiery hair the young woman is overcome with anger. Seeing her in such a furious state is strangely satisfying to Pokota and he is in no way intimidated by it. While her anger builds, his desire to see her burst heightens.
"Yeah, you heard me, you must be the queen of flat," he crosses his arms.
"That's it you die!" Lina barks. Swiftly reaching for her sword, Lina removes the weapon smoothly from the aged sheath before proceeding to lung at an unprepared Pokota.
With a yelp, Pokota scurries across the deck and down the steep plank toward the docks. While Pokota runs, Gourry is attempting to stop Lina and snatches at the flailing woman. Grabbing her is no trouble, but even after having a firm grip, Lina proceeds to drag Gourry with her as she scrambles after the short teen across the dock.
When Lina begins chasing Pokota, Amelia and Xellos have just reached the top of the walled fort with the young woman's gaze lost in the dark sea.
"You seem distracted my dear, is there anything the matter?" Xellos leans forward forcing Amelia to wake from her haunting thoughts and into his scary face. This is enough to snap her easily back into reality.
"I'm fine Mister Xellos," Amelia smiles stiffly.
"I am glad, you certainly have grown into a fine young woman," Xellos turns towards the sea causing Amelia to automatically do likewise. This time the girl refrains from looking down for fear of what she might see there in the mysterious depths.
"Thank you, that's quite kind coming from a man whose accomplishment are far more numerous than can be named," Amelia lets the wind refresh her, helping relax the tension she feels.
"A true and astute observation to your credit, but tell me Miss Amelia," Xellos does not turn to face her, but she feels like he is looking directly at her. "It is no secret that I am impressed by this staff," he twirls his new treasure lightly, allowing the sun's rays to burn brightly off the ruby adornment at the top. "Can you enlighten me as to who constructed such a specimen?"
"Yes, I could, but your behavior concerns me," Amelia answers honestly. It never pays to be dishonest with Xellos. Treading carefully, Amelia does her best to protect her friends while remaining polite to a powerful ally. "Is it wrong allowing others outside your sect to create such treasures?"
"Do not be concerned, such craft is free to be practiced by anyone who is well trained," Xellos answers. "I can assure you that this craftsman has more than enough skill."
As the wind brushes by, Amelia sighs in relief.
"If you desire to protect this person, I will honor your wish and not question you more on the subject," Xellos's tone and expression remains unchanged. "In return I have a simple desire and condition." Now he turns to face her. "Before I leave will you do me the honor of singing for me?"
"But what about mermaids?" The song of the mermaids is still bothering her.
"I am impressed that you still remember that warning. Rest assured that there are no mermaids in these peaceful waters."
Nervous, does not begin to describe how Amelia feels at this seemingly simple request. But she is not about to back down, not when she may have offended him. With the wind aiding her breath, Amelia is about to sing before a sharp yell echoes across the stone battlements.
In quick unison, Xellos and Amelia's heads snap towards the port where they see a blaze of fire sail harmlessly off towards the sea. Even if there is no apparent damage that does not mean such antics will be ignored.
"Men, sound the alarm we have unlawful activity down at port," Xellos leaves Amelia to stand their watching as he immediately sets about organizing his men.
Squinting her eyes, Amelia races to the far edge of the fort in order to see anything below. She can just make out a young woman dragging a large blond man behind her as she chases Pokota around with a drawn magical sword.
"Mister Pokota," Amelia cries out as she swiftly turns. With an unsteady step, she attempts to race after Xellos but her foot catches on a deep crack forcing her to stumble backwards. Slamming her back hard against the short wall Amelia screams and topples over the side and towards the rough sea below.
As she plummets towards the sea Amelia screams in terror.
Gourry lifts his head and releases Lina's small breast and waist as he searches for the source of the shrill cry. Locating the sound, Gourry watches in horror as a small girl falls from the battlement. Just before she hits the rocks she manages to say a prayer and surrounds herself with a holy shield. The shield lasts just long enough for her to bounce harmlessly off the jagged stones and plop into the sea.
Gourry does not hesitate and dives into the water after her.
"That sounded like . . ." distracted by the familiar scream, Pokota turns towards the fort in time to see Amelia bounce into the sea and Gourry dive into the water. "Amelia!" Pokota cries and starts to take another path towards his possibly drowning friend. Luck is not with the lad as Lina speedily dashes in front of him. The female magician's eyes dance with vengeance as the excitement of catching her prey off guard clouds her better judgment. "Let me pass, she needs me!" Pokota pleads.
"Not until you take back what you said," Lina raises a hand with a spell of flame flickering at her finger tips.
"I do not have time for this, let me pass!"
"No! You immature callous whelp!" Raising her hand and spell high above her head Lina is about to unleash her fury.
But she is cut short.
The cries of soldiers can be heard calling as they near the port. Swiveling their heads towards the town Lina curses beneath her breath. "I'll return to teach you how to properly treat a young lady," Lina calls as she races away, jumping the wood planks with nimble feet.
For half a second Pokota stares after her, confused by her sudden retreat, but quickly takes advantage of her disappearance and races towards the dock closest to where he can see Gourry and Amelia.
The large blond man has successfully reached Amelia in the icy depths. Desperately trying to escape the large dress that is weighing her down, Amelia quickly becomes tangled in the heavy clothe and starts to sink when Gourry reaches her. Without asking permission, Gourry takes out his knife and cuts the fabric free, allowing him to easily grab her arm and push her towards the surface.
The two swim to the dock where Pokota is waiting for them. The young man reaches down and grabs Amelia, hoisting her onto the wood planks. Immediately she begins to cough violently, as Gourry tumbles besides her and breathes heavily on his back.
"Thank you Gourry," Pokota is extremely grateful and nods to him, acknowledging that the man is noble unlike his companion. He pats Amelia gently on the back as she coughs up water, catching her breath as she gradually recovers.
"I'm just glad she's okay," Gourry sighs. "It's never a good idea to swim in a dress."
With a quizzical expressions, Amelia and Pokota eye the large man in wonder, but they do not comment.
"Mister Gourry is it?" Amelia turns to face the blond and looks down at him with a warm smile. "Thank you so much for cutting me free, I doubt I could have made it if you hadn't been there."
"Miss Amelia, whatever are you doing in you're under garments?" Xellos says as he races with his small group of men to the dripping wet companions. "Didn't I leave you on the battlement?" He looks up as realization dawns on his face. "Falling has always been one of your special gifts my dear, but even I'm astonished you have survived this daring feat." There is little shock or concern in Xellos's voice, in fact he appears amused. Turning to Pokota he addresses the matter that brings him, and Amelia, here in the first place. "Pokota I assume that misdemeanor of casting fire into the sea was not your making."
"No sir, I'd never do something so irresponsible! A sea witch did that," Pokota yells out in frustration and slight desperation.
Xellos's eyes fall onto Gourry, who is staring up at the general with a curious expression. The blond dimwit has the inkling that he has seen Xellos before, but he cannot quite place his name or face. On the other hand, Xellos recognizes Gourry immediately. "Gourry Gabrieve on your feet sir, if you please."
Carefully, Gourry gets to his feet, and eyes Xellos cautiously. Even Amelia and Pokota are slightly aware of the conflict forming around the two men. "You know him Mister Xellos," Amelia asks with narrowing eyes.
"Yes, he is from a well known mercenary family and has made off with the family heirloom," Xellos answers before turning to some guards. "Bring me some irons."
"Mister Xellos you cannot possibly arrest this man, he saved my life!"
"Saving a life is worth far more than a petty family theft," Pokota reasons. Amelia nods her justice loving head, happily agreeing with Pokota's statement.
"Mister Gabrieve is also a known companion of the famous Lina Inverse who is seen by many as a dangerous pirate and witch," Xellos clamps the iron shackles hard on Gourry's wrists. "Is one good deed enough to redeem a man who has committed years of wrongdoing?"
"But you know that isn't true," Gourry comments to Xellos with stern eyes and a heavy brow. Even though he doesn't remember Xellos well, he knows enough to be cross with him.
"I'm surprised you would be capable of recalling such events," Xellos smiles. "Take him to the holding cell and search the town for Miss Inverse, I highly doubt she would go far or leave her friend behind."
"Amelia, my daughter!" Philionel races to his daughter who immediately begins to plead with him to save Gourry from this injustice. Even Pokota knows that this must be solved by a trial, it will take time to sort out Gourry's innocence, but the young man agrees with Amelia completely. Why should this man, who has just saved someone, be hauled off to prison? It just isn't right.
And what's more, is Gourry's behavior. He doesn't fight back or offer any resistance, which only confirms his blamelessness.
Meanwhile, no stone is left unturned in town as Xellos's soldier's race up and down the streets searching for Lina Inverse. With a pounding heart Lina darts from crate to crate, doing her very best to remain out of sight. Perhaps jumping into the water would have been a more logical escape route, but she hates to resort to such measures in a town she is unfamiliar with.
In her mind, Lina ponders the reasons as to the heightened security. Never in her travels has she raised such a commotion, at least, not this quick in the game.
Unable to see any better options within running distance, Lina quickly darts into a blacksmith shop. Shutting the door quickly behind her, Lina glances around the room in search of a place to hide and is left sorely disappointed. Whoever runs this business is incredibly tidy, in fact she has never seen a smithy so well kept and clean. With another curse, Lina ducks further into the room, she only needs to wait until the ruckus dies down to procure an easy escape.
"Who are you?" Zelgadis asks as he watches the red head woman scurry by him.
Taken by surprise, Lina jumps and unsheathes her sword. Her eyes lock onto his and she immediately feels a familiarity there. For a moment she nearly lowers her sword at the kinship she feels, but pushes it aside when she assures herself that it is impossible for her to know this man. Walking quickly towards Zelgadis, he is forced to back away until he runs into a holding rack.
"I have no reason or inclination to harm someone I just met," Lina says lifting her sword to his chin. "It's for the best you forget that I was ever here." Weighing her options well, Lina decides that it would be best if he simple forgot she was here and fell asleep. In a soft silky voice, Lina weaves a spell in hopes to do just that. She sings,
"While up aloft in storm,
From me his absence mourn,
And firmly pray arrive the day,
He's never more to roam."
Zelgadis does not react in the way she hopes. Instead of being passed out on the floor as he should, Zelgadis merely appears irritated and uncomfortable. The only effect her spell has on him is seen in his eyes, which turn completely black aside from the ice blue of his iris.
Taking advantage of her wonder, Zelgadis grabs a sword from the rack he has run into and swat's Lina's sword away from him. With ease, he begins to attack her with a simple forward thrust. Awkwardly, Lina blocks the blows as she attempts to back away from him. The tide is quickly shifting and it is not in her favor.
"You're not bad," Lina huffs spinning to the side. "But I've never been a woman to be caught off guard." Changing her footing Lina, attempts to go on the offensive, but with matching steps Zelgadis easily reads her every move. Like a reflection, the two pivot and step in balance to each other's swords. When Lina begins to move with more confidence so does Zelgadis as each begins to realize the true level of skill exemplified in their opponents moves.
" I'm impressed," Lina admits as Zelgadis's blade whizzes past her ear. Taking advantage of the close quarters maneuver, Lina slides down the length of his sword till she reaches his ear. "A girl could be caught by you," Lina whispers like a blade into his ear. She is merely returning the gesture of his sword.
Zelgadis blushes madly and spins away as she does likewise. "Not that I would dare!" Zelgadis bites softly. While his stance remains firm his dark eyes waver nervously.
"I take it your single then," Lina winks. "Well aren't you in luck, I'm a beautiful young woman waiting for a strapping young hero to sweep me off my feet."
"Are you daft?" Zelgadis attacks again more vigorously this time, his ability to hold back is beginning to wan. "You are my opponent. Is this really an appropriate time to flirt! You should be giving this fight your all!"
"Well, it's not a real fight when you're holding back," Lina points out evenly.
Taking this as an invitation, Zelgadis runs up on top of some neatly stacked crates, taking the advantageous higher ground. While slightly impressed, Lina runs quickly below and grabs at a ladder leading to the loft. Without concern for repair, Zelgadis attacks the ladder just as Lina scampers past him.
"No rules now," Lina laughs and races towards an opening at the far side of the structure. It is used to load outside goods into the loft for storage.
Swinging up onto a wood plank connected to the furnace, Zelgadis spins and hoists himself into the loft. He easily lands in front of Lina, blocking her escape route.
"I doubt that a beautiful woman, such as yourself, can break as many rules as my roguish brother has," Zelgadis smirks.
With a disgruntled smile, Lina skips along the wood beams. Happily, Zelgadis follows after her with just as much speed and precision. When they land on the same beam the two are once again forced to cross blades.
"I hate to say it, but I think you might be more practiced than I with a blade," Lina huffs as she shimmies backwards along the plank. "You really were holding back weren't you?"
"If I'm as good as you say why are you smiling?" Zelgadis asks.
"Because I rarely fight fair," Lina grabs at a heavy chain hanging close by and throws it at Zelgadis. Without waiting to see if her plan is working, Lina grabs another chain and uses it to fall to the floor. By the time she looks up, instead of seeing a straight line to her alternative exit, Zelgadis is standing there with a smug expression on his face. The chain she threw at him is wrapped around his wrist.
"Neither do I. My brother calls me the heartless swordsman," Zelgadis shrugs.
"Well then, let me see just how heartless you are," Lina bites her lip, all playfulness gone as she hears the ruckus of soldiers outside. No doubt the clashing of their swords has drawn the guard's attention. Taking hold of her sword with both hands she sings again causing a warm flame to expand along the tip of her blade. For the moment Lina is defenseless as she casts her spell, but Zelgadis doesn't move in for the kill. Apparently he's not that heartless. "Step aside," Lina commands. "Obviously you have some decency about you."
"I will not," Zelgadis says as he firmly puts himself between her and the door. "I rather doubt you're that heartless either."
"Please move," her sword is complete engulfed in flame now.
"No!" Zelgadis shouts. "I will not allow a dangerous woman like you to freely roam the streets."
"Damn it, there is only one man who deserves death by my flames and it isn't you," Lina curses as Zelgadis looks at her with a curious expression.
"Hands off you flat little whelp," Pokota yells. Lina only has time to raise her head as the young man lands directly on top of her from the rafter above. Immediately, Lina is knocked out cold with Pokota sitting there like a proud monkey. "I believe thanks are in order," and a goofy grin to match.
"More than you know or I would readily admit," Zelgadis drops the sword and opens the back door, hollering to some passing guards. "Why didn't you alert the guards if you knew something was wrong?"
"Pfft, waste of time," Pokota stands and dusts himself off. "Better for me to sneak up on this," he looks down at Lina, not sure what to call her. ". . . flatty, than allow for an easy escape."
". . . do you have something against her."
"Do I ever!" Pokota stomps a foot as he looks up at Zelgadis intently. "Zel, your eyes, what happened?"
Before Zelgadis can pursue the topic further, soldiers trod into the smithy with all manner of weapons pointed at Lina's still form. Rather pointless to direct their sharp objects on her at this point, but Zelgadis is in no mood to question this as Xellos comes to stand beside him.
"Many thanks, Greywards brothers," Xellos compliments them. "You have aided in the arrest of the infamous genius witch Lina Inverse."
"Merely performing our civic duty," Zelgadis stiffly answers not daring to look at Xellos directly.
"It was a pleasure really," Pokota shrugs with a crafty smile.
"Now I can leave town with ease, knowing Lina Inverse is behind bars," Xellos watches as the men drag her out. The brothers do not dare point out that Xellos would probably leave whether or not the town is safe or not. "Zelgadis . . ." the general priest turns fully towards the stiff blacksmith who refrains from looking up.
"Yes sir," Zelgadis asks.
"She did not cause you any harm did she?" Xellos is not concerned in the slightest, which irks Zelgadis to no end. "Miss Inverse is a dangerous woman who uses all manner of power to achieve her goals."
"Thank you for your concern, sir, but I will be fine."
"Very well, until we meet again," and Xellos takes his leave.
As the monster shuts the door, Pokota and Zelgadis stare silently after him. Clinking metal chains still sway from the battle that took place just moments before. With a crash, the damaged ladder chooses now of all times to fall from its precarious perch. Still, the young men do not move.
"I hope he does not come back," Pokota finally says.
"Me too," Zelgadis sighs and the two set about repairing the damage to their shop.
Author's note:
This is the longest chapter (I think) in this story so if you can get through this I'm impressed and rest easy knowing that it will only become much more intense. Just like the original movie this story is perhaps more complicated than the average person might enjoy, but I can't help myself. There will always be many similarities between this story and the original, but it will become more twisted as it goes on. For one thing it seems I have a bit of The Lord of the Rings woven into this. Hopefully this will be a perk rather than a set back.
Now that most of the characters have been introduced I might as well give you the cast. It will help when things get confusing.
Cast:
Lina: Jack Sparrow
Zelgadis: Will Turner
Gourry: himself
Pokota: Will Turner
Amelia: Elizabeth Swan
Xellos: Barbossa/Norington
Rezo: Barbossa/himself
I find it interesting that while Norington and Barbossa are my favorite characters in the original movie I have my least favorite character from Slayers playing the roles.
