The Mermaid's Curse
Chapter Ten: This is my Curse
As Sylphiel and Lina's voices carry across the waves, Zelgadis and the other captive crew members are unaware of their companions escape from the island. The soft song Lina sings tickles Zelgadis's ear and makes his heart ache, but he dismisses this as regret for his stupidity. It's still a mystery as to whether or not his actions will do any good here.
"Your eyes are black again," Zangulus points out from his cage across from the moody man.
Put out by the keen observation Zelgadis glances away from the crew, taking a seat on one of the benches. Xellos has caged them separately, locking Zelgadis in his own cell as the others occupy the two other cells across from him. The cursed general is smart, no doubt wishing to avoid possible violence when he comes to fetch Zelgadis.
A stretch of silence grows between everyone, with the metallic clank of the metal bars and creaking wood offering unwanted commentary to their sorry state. When a crew member emerges they all watch him expectantly, but the cursed mage only sets to work mopping the slimy deck, grinning at them with unwelcomed pleasantry.
Eventually the filthy and degraded Filia breaks the silence. "Thank you Zelgadis," she says honestly, turning to face him in her cell.
"For what, Xellos might still have you all killed," Zelgadis speculates gloomily.
A low moan from the ship answers and Filia waits for it to pass.
"Xellos has never been one to lie or go back on his word," Filia admits reluctantly. "I'm sure you've known him long enough to be aware of that."
"It was reckless," Vrumugun bites, still upset that Zelgadis disregarded his advice. While he doesn't blame Zelgadis for this mess in particular it's just one more thing to be upset about. "Xellos takes advantage of loop holes in even the simplest negotiations. Look at what he did to the captain."
Passing by, the cleaning crew member rattles the cell door with his sticky old mop. The rag is so dirty it probably doesn't serve to clean anything. "I doubt ye' were there so it be best ya shut your trap concerning such matters."
"Come to think of it, when Lina set out as captain of the Island Chieftain none of us were a part of that crew," Luke leans back casually on one of the benches, rocking precariously with the rolling waves. "She can be such a fool sometimes."
He is swiftly smacked upside the head and sent sprawling to the muck covered floor.
"Lina is no fool," Melina reminds him with a narrow glare. "No doubt she had reasons."
"She most certainly did," the crew member butts in again. "It's Chezem by the way, you lovely wench." The talkative sailor has long blond hair and jagged teeth he flashes proudly for Melina to see.
"Watch it mate!" Luke is up in an instant placing himself between the love of his life and the leech.
Chezem chuckles and backs away clearly amused. "It be two months ago, when Xellos and the Guilds finest were ordered to recover a stolen artifact. Unfortunately, we traced that there culprit as far as the Taforashian Islands. Since Lina be a mermaid, Xellos enlisted 'er help to avoid unnecessary dealings with the clan of sea witches residing there in the murky depths."
Chezem leans forward on the mop making those watching him feel slightly uneasy. He somehow remains upright despite the rocking ship, creating an eerie effect. "The red head agreed," he grins sharply. "The sea devil too had a vendetta against our prey. As you probably of guessed we were after Rezo who stole from the guild years prior without our knowledge. Who knows how long it'd been missing before they noticed." Chezem seems awfully happy for someone who is admitting that the order he works for did something careless and stupid. "When we reached the island, Rezo won't there, but we found the treasure. Xellos knew what a find it be, but Lina warned us not to take it . . . We did anyway."
"Why?" Zelgadis asks. Given the storytellers demeanor it is apparent that the crew was well aware of the risks.
"Mostly cause' of the power gems and amplification stones we found dar'," Chezem answers. "I'm sure even yee be aware of how valuable they ar, especially to the guild."
"It's what started that needless war," Val seethes moodily. He's still taking his defeat from Xellos badly, but at least he is engaging in the conversation from his shackled corner of gloom. Beside him Gravos and Jillas don't say a word, but as soon as their leader speaks they take interest.
"Aye, yet when the city sank, the guild lost their chance in retrieving anything the conventional way," Chezem reasons. "As I were saying, after setting sail in the direction of Rezo, Lina was kickin' and screaming about us stealing the treasure. She became exceedingly dangerous and difficult to deal with after castin' off, so Xellos dropped her off on an island, which happens to be that very same one we left them on today. Xellos is fair though. He paid the witch in full, not breaking his promise with 'er and feeling no remorse in leaving 'er there since it were never discussed in the original deal."
Everyone has been drawn completely in by the scallywag's story and no one says a word. Gourry appears a little lost, but he understands the important bits.
"It not be until after that when we discovered the curse and needed someone to tell us how to break it," Chezem shrugs. After laughing to himself, the dashing man flashes a grin at his captive audience, obviously showing off. "Ironic ain't it?"
"I heard a little about Rezo stealing something," Zelgadis says actually knowing full well what the item is. Chezem doesn't need to know that though. The very ring Rezo gave his mother which she in time gave to him, was the item stolen from the guild. Gracia was right about one thing, the ring certainly was cursed after Rezo included it among Taforashia's forbidden treasure. "But, was that the only reason the guild would send its very best?"
"Ye are too observant for yur' own good," Chezem begins to mop the floor again. "Guess that's why Xellos finds ye so interesting. Yes there were other reasons. Rezo always was one of the greatest sorcerers to ever live but he ne'er share is' findings with the rest of us. I'm sure the guild wanted to get some answers from em'."
"As I recall Xellos killed him," Zelgadis grunts, gripping his knee.
"That he did," Chezem chuckles. "Guess it weren't all that important eh! I'm sure Xellos thinks he can find some of those answers elsewhere," the man offers Zelgadis a cruel glance, looking at him as if he is a thing rather than a person. "Otherwise Xellos wouldn't ave' killed em' so easily."
"For all you know his master ordered him to kill Rezo," Filia responds curtly. "Personally I think he just lost his temper." The once proud dragoness glances to the floor, struggling with Xellos's claim at their being similar.
"I believe it is the curse," Melina crosses her arms.
"Ha, are ye really ones to judge?" Chezem laughs mockingly. His laugh abruptly stops as soon as Xellos's foot hits the first step down to the brig. "Looks like it be time," Chezem sighs and steps aside.
Xellos gazes at Chezem curiously. "Amusing yourself with bedtime stories and relaxed speech?" he asks the crew member. "You are part of the alliances finest, a higher dialect is expected."
"I was merely practicing the speech patterns of a pirate in case the need arises," Chezem answers easily. All the be's, ye's, and aye's are missing and he sounds completely different for it.
"I see," the General doesn't show whether he's irritated or pleased, it is difficult to tell. First Xellos glances at the captive crew all of whom give him icy glares or curse him outright. Filia's gaze is the sharpest though, if it weren't for the magic cage holding her she'd be pummeling him to death.
"Shall we be going then?" Xellos asks as if Zelgadis has a choice.
Zelgadis knows that whatever is about to happen will probably be worse than he can imagine right now. As Xellos grabs Zelgadis's arm, Gourry steps forward.
"Where are you taking him!" Gourry demands, gripping the iron bars with a vice grip.
"Were you not paying attention, but then again you have always been a simpleton Gourry," Xellos throws Zelgadis at his crew and shuts the cage. "Zelgadis is going to help us undo the mermaid's curse."
"You aren't going to hurt him?" Gourry asks with a narrow gaze. The man doesn't trust Xellos for good reason.
Hearing Gourry speak out on his behalf is somewhat endearing to Zelgadis. Here is a man he's only known for a couple days and he's actually speaking up on his behalf. Even if it is pointless, it's still touching in a foolish way.
"I'm not going to kill him," Xellos answers. "After all that was the deal we struck."
"I don't believe you," Gourry frowns and can read past Xellos smiles better than any man alive. "Whoever he is, you can't hurt him!"
Everyone there nearly falls to the ground as Gourry admits this. Even Xellos's crew waver as Zelgadis hangs his head low in shame. So much for Gourry remembering all the trouble they have been through together.
Chuckling, Xellos teeters a little, but all and all is rather pleased. "You don't say," Xellos holds the side of his head in an attempt not to give in to outright laughing at the blond man. "Well, whether you believe me or not is beside the point."
"Then let one of us go with you, that way we can make sure you don't break your word," Gourry says proudly, as if the answer is so simple.
"Please just stop talking," Zangulus moans behind him.
"I'm afraid I cannot do that," Xellos replies, nearing Gourry and looking the insightful man in the eye. "There is a reason I put him in a separate cage. I couldn't very well have you all trying to escape at once now could I?"
Gourry glares back, with a snide smile on his face. "Can't blame a man for trying," the blonde says softly.
"No I can't," Xellos admits as if it really is a shame. With a flick of his wrist, Xellos smashes the tip of his staff through the bars, nearly slamming it into Gourry's gut. If it weren't for Gourry's amazing reflexes he'd be sprawled out on the soggy floor in agony. "But that doesn't mean I can't punish you just because I feel like it."
With this warning Xellos turns with his crew, heading topside.
"Is it just me, or is Xellos acting more aggressive than usual," Gourry asks.
"No," Filia sighs. "It's not just you."
When Xellos's crew are about to set out, a group of provoked mermaids waits for them, their heads bobbing eerily up and down in the otherwise calm waves. They do not attack, but the ferocity in their eyes is clear and unmoving. Most of them are intently watching Xellos, waiting for him to make a move.
"I was afraid it might come to this," Xellos sighs as if he actually thinks an army of mermaids might cause him a slight headache. "Luna if you are wise, you will allow me passage. I have no intention of stealing the treasure or claiming your lives."
"And what good do you think visiting the treasure will do you?" the mermaid identified as Luna speaks calmly. Zelgadis has the distinct impression that she is just as ferocious as the person standing beside him.
"My only goal this trip is to undo the curse you and your ilk placed on this crew and myself," Xellos replies. "We have the final piece of the treasure Rezo stole and his grandson is about to return it in his stead." Showing off a bit, Xellos shoves Zelgadis roughly forward. The captive's response is a hard jab at Xellos with his elbow.
Luna's eyes narrow. "And the mermaid's blood?" She asks cryptically.
"Your dear sister Lina provided it for us," Xellos answers coolly. A smile twitches at the corner of his lip.
In turn, Luna offers her own smirk. Her dark maroon bangs hide the sea witches eyes, but Zelgadis has the distinct impression that she is looking at him.
"You may pass into the treasure room, but do not expect to come out as free men," Luna says.
"If you insist on attacking us I can assure you that I will not leave a single witch of your miserable clan alive," Xellos promises icily.
"We'll see," Luna grins accepting the challenge.
While Xellos and his men slowly row past the aggravated mermaids, the crew silently waits in the Island Chieftain.
"That's just great Gourry, thanks to you I'm feeling guilty we let the fool go off with that slimy ill begotten bastard," Zangulus complains.
"What I can't believe is that you don't remember his name," Vrumugun sighs heavily.
"Heh," Gourry sheepishly rubs the back of his head. "Come on guys, I'm sure I'll remember it soon. Don't tell me, don't tell me . . . it's . . . is it, Lulu?"
"That's a girl's name," Melina reminds Gourry in her common apathetic manner.
"Oh right, right, is it David?"
"No," Gravos and Jillas actually have the heart to answer the blond man since no one else there is willing to entertain an answer.
"Boot Strap Bill?"
"No."
"William?"
"No."
"Are you sure? He seems like a William to me."
Jillas and Gravos give up and don't say anything.
"Zangulas?"
"That's my name!"
"Rezo?"
"What the hell Gourry?"
"Fireball!" a shrill voice screams from somewhere on deck.
"Is it fireball?" Gourry asks in excitement.
"No, it isn't you imbecile, that's Lina's voice!" Val springs to his feet as everyone pushes and shoves each other to reach the door of the cage. The men grab at the outer bars searching for any glimpse of the red head, while the women wisely back themselves into the corner.
Seconds later a large blast of splintered wood flies through the air as Lina and Pokota jump down to their level. "Well I'll be, they managed to fit you all in a cozy cell together," Lina beams brightly as she looks down at the men sprawled on the ground.
"Why in L-Sama's name are you blasting holes in your ship!?" Luke screams up at her despite being a muddle of limbs on the mucky floor.
"And miss seeing you sprawled on your asses?" Lina asks gleefully before turning to the women in the other cell. "Looks like you guy's had the right idea."
"It's good to see you captain," Filia sighs as Pokota unlocks their cell.
"You too," Lina nods and smiles. She is somewhat partial to this motley crew of misfits despite her rash actions. "Get yourselves ready we're going after Zel!"
"That's his name!" Gourry yells, poking out of the man pile and sending them sprawling again. "It was on the tip of my tongue."
"Gourry dear!" Sylphiel races past Lina and launches herself at the blond, hugging him close.
"Sylphiel?" Gourry asks dumbfounded as everyone watches in bafflement. "Is something . . ."
He is cut off when a harsh slap echoes through the air. Everyone stares at the normally calm dark hair woman in shock. Even Lina blinks several times. Couldn't Sylphiel have waited just a little longer before letting this drama unfold? She sighs; this is why it was always a risk traveling with woman onboard a ship.
"Don't worry me like that again," Sylphiel reprimands him, with tears glossing her eyes.
Still a little out of it, Gourry slowly smiles and holds Sylphiel close. "I'm sorry."
Before Filia can sigh at the romantic sight, Lina clears her throat and attempts to will away the red tinge to her cheeks. "Yeah, yeah, that's great," she says with a casual wave of her hand. "But we don't have time for this!"
"We've got to save Zelgadis," Pokota agrees, following after Lina as she leads the way outside. This time she uses the stairs.
"So what's the plan Miss Lina," Amelia asks. They don't know each other extremely well, but Amelia is surprisingly taken to Lina's extravagant and daring ways. After being powerless for so long, Amelia is more than ready to fight back.
"Yes Lina, do tell," Gracia plants her hands firmly on her hips and releases a haughty laugh that makes nearly everyone present cringe. "How do you plan on saving Zelgadis from cursed men who cannot die?"
"I'm going to slip into the chamber and grab Zelgadis, when I have him I'll signal you guy's to attack the cave and fire the cannons on them when they attempt to flee," Lina explains.
While the plan is incredibly simple, no one there doubts its validity. If something else comes up they'll just face it like they always have, even if it winds up with them locked in a prison cell. Amongst themselves the crew begins discussing their own plans, like what weapon's they'll need and who should man the cannon's. Gravos and Jillas eagerly take up that job.
"I don't see why we need to rescue Zelgadis," Milgazia breaks in, silencing the crew immediately.
Everyone, except his apprentice and perhaps Gracia look at him in shock.
"Why?" Pokota asks with heavy anger and sarcasm. "You're asking why? Because that monster Xellos has him!"
"From what you told me, Xellos never said he was going to kill him," Milgazia calmly points out. "In fact didn't Zelgadis insist on a safe return home for Miss Amelia, Mister Pokota and himself during his negotiations?"
"Well, yes," Pokota is left stammering. "But after all Zelgadis has done for us it wouldn't be right for him to face Xellos alone."
"Mister Zelgadis went to all of the trouble to save us and protect the crew, how could we not want to intervene? It isn't right that he suffer, my just heart will not allow it!" Amelia says proudly.
Pokota feels a familiar jealousy bare weight on his shoulders and Lina nearly rolls her eyes at the young people.
"I got the feeling that Xellos was going to hurt him," Gourry speaks up. "There's something off about him. He isn't the same general we first met. I think Lina's right."
"And what if something were to happen to Amelia and Pokota during this fight, or to any of us? What would that make of Zelgadis's sacrifice?" Milgazia asks. While his words are harsh, his face displays a sincere concern for the conflict they are facing. "We should prioritize what Zelgadis intended so we can attack Xellos without restraint. I'm sure your clan, Miss Lina, will be helpful to this end."
"It really depends on what kind of mood Luna is in," Lina admits with a nervous laugh. "But you're right, my family is furious at the moment and they're ready to fight Xellos . . . there is one thing that might stop them though . . . and that's why I need to go get Zelgadis."
"Why?" Milgazia asks again in a heavier tone. Unlike his question to Amelia and Pokota which was kind, his attitude changes now that he's cornered Lina.
"Cause it's the right thing to do . . . and I agree with Gourry."
"You're keeping something from us," Milgazia has lost all politeness. "We cannot kill them unless Zelgadis breaks the curse. There is no point in rescuing him before that point or are you suggesting we fight Xellos as he is? He is hardly the man he was and while weaker, he cannot die and is more than willing to kill us. You are a practical person, there is no reason for you to take such a risk for the reason's I've mentioned, so if you are still insistent on this endeavor what is the reason?"
Lina goes pale and looks angrily at the ship's deck. She's always appreciated the elder dragon's council but sometimes she wonders why he leaves his position of prestige among the dragons to follow her around. "We're wasting time. . ."
"Indeed we are," Milgazia says. "You feel guilty about something for that boy, do you not? Tell us what it is. None of us are about to back down now, whatever this reason may be."
Glancing around the crew, Lina debates whether or not to tell them. In part she doesn't feel like it's her place to tell them, Zelgadis should be the one. Then her eyes fall on Sylphiel, who simply looks at Lina knowing full well what she is hiding and simply nods her head. Lina losses her stubborn will to fight at this point and nearly roars in frustration.
"Fine! But I'm going to make this fast so listen up," Lina barks, flushing angrily. "I . . . I didn't give Xellos my blood, he only thinks I did."
Upon hearing Lina, the crew looks at each other in confusion, but the more intelligent among them pale as they realize the stakes. Amelia gasps as her fingers slowly reach up towards her mouth. "Miss Lina . . . how could you . . ."
"In other words . . ." Lina looks towards the unseen treasure, "Zelgadis can't break the curse and Xellos may very well kill him for it."
Inside the chamber, Xellos and his crew's cure is close at hand. Sharp pain stings Zelgadis's hand as the general priest thinly slices his pale skin. Grudgingly, Zelgadis lets Xellos unsympathetically smear his blood against the stone wall. The dark red offers a stark contrast to the bright treasure littered around him and bright water shimmering in bubbling pools.
Zelgadis doesn't really understand why he must put his blood on the wall, but apparently Xellos is being cautious. While Rezo was immune to the curse, the priest did extend the same curse onto the ring. Since Xellos killed Rezo, Zelgadis is the next best thing available, unless he wants to retrieve the old man's corpse rotting in the bowels of this place.
Holding his hand tight, Zelgadis glances around the room searching for a possible escape route. Scattered among the piles of gold, dark pools of water lap lazily against the coal black rocks. For a treasury one might expect clean prestigious walls of the finest quality, it is surprising to see the once impressive chamber reduced to moldy black with protruding rocks and broken columns. This place used to be so beautiful, but now it is no better than a broken corpse clinging at treasure needlessly.
After Xellos is satisfied he repositions the knife. Still clutching his hand, Zelgadis watches in horror as Xellos raises the knife and slices at his own hand. Instead of seeing gushing blood, Zelgadis watches a black mist rise and flicker from Xellos's pale palm.
"It didn't work," a crewman says.
Immediately they all look at the one seemingly responsible individual.
Zelgadis.
The young man can easily read the murderous intent in their white eyes as they glare at him. Still grasping his aching hand Zelgadis slowly takes one step back, his mind searching for an explanation and logical defense. All of his reckless actions have led him here, to this moment, and while expected Zelgadis isn't about to give in.
Xellos is waiting for that answer with the same intensity as his men as Zelgadis clings to his only defense.
"I assume you did not lie about your heritage," Xellos asks Zelgadis calmly.
"No I did not. I am the grandson of Rezo Wiston," Zelgadis manages to keep his agitation in check. Silently Zelgadis repeats what Amelia and Pokota told him about the curse earlier that day. It seems so long ago now. "What exactly is required to undo the curse, it is in my best interest that this curse is lifted."
"That it is," Xellos agrees. A smile returns to the general's smooth face, which makes Zelgadis realize that Xellos for a brief moment is seemingly out of character. A frown does not suit his features and Zelgadis fears that the general is on the brink of doing something . . . rash again.
"In order to undo the curse we must return that which was stolen, offer our blood as atonement on the walls, as well as the blood of a mermaid," Xellos says. Somehow he remains calm, unlike most of the rest of his crew who are becoming fidgety. "We returned all of the treasure," the crew nods. "We offered our blood," again everyone nods. They don't really need to nod; Xellos knows perfectly well that none of the people present have slighted him. It would be impossible for them to do so. But there is one person who could. "And Lina gave us her blood," Xellos points to a specific spot on the wall. Nothing has slipped by Xellos, he believes nothing could.
This bit concerning Lina surprises Zelgadis. Would Lina offer her blood so easily to this man, without a fight? That does not seem like the vengeful Lina Zelgadis has come to know during their short but trying time together. For Zelgadis, this is the portion of Xellos's explanation that feels the weakest.
"And she freely gave it, without a fight?" Zelgadis asks raising a slim eyebrow.
For some reason, the way Zelgadis words this question is enough to make even Xellos appear dubious. Better than anyone, the cursed man knows how deep Lina's dislike for him seeps. Why would she wish to relieve him of the curse and betray her clan? Xellos knows that Lina fears her sister Luna far more than him. "Yes," Xellos answers slowly.
"And you did not think to question her at the time?" Zelgadis asks in irritation.
"I was in a rush as you may recall," Xellos reminds Zelgadis in a near giggle appalled that he let something so simple slip past his notice.
"Is she really a mermaid?" Zelgadis asks.
"Yes, she is by far the most intriguing sea witch I've ever had the pleasure of working with, I'm sure you would agree," Xellos grins.
Despite himself, Zelgadis turns a shade of red, but continues quickly. "Was she in her sea witch form when she gave you her blood?"
Everyone there is looking at Zelgadis, and then each other, with stupid expressions. They are slowly coming to realize the same thing their general has. Is it really that simple?
"No," Xellos admits with a stiff grin. "She was not in the beguiling form of the sea."
"That may be the reason," Zelgadis reasons in dry humor. "Out of water, mermaids are merely humans with immense magical ability. Am I wrong in my reasoning?"
"I admit, it is the most logical explanation," Xellos says. "I would expect nothing less from you Zelgadis Greywards. Seems you remember a thing or two from your late grandfather?"
"Then we must capture a mermaid and forcibly take her blood," Seigram grunts and turns towards the crew to decide who they might dispatch to accomplish this treacherous task.
The rest of crew cheers, their heavy and murderous stench momentarily redirected.
Standing unmoving, their general doesn't share in their revelry and devises a plan that is much less time consuming. "Hmm, bring me some magical irons," Xellos requests and immediately a crew member produces some. Apparently the Order's finest warriors are trained to always be prepared for taking people into custody.
Seigram gazes at Xellos cautiously, his glowing eyes dimming. He does not know what his general is thinking and it concerns him.
A heavy dread grows in the pit of Zelgadis's stomach. Without understanding why, he begins to back away only to be snatch violently by Xellos. Quickly, Zelgadis fights back by blasting a fire spell in Xellos's face, but the inhuman man is unfazed. Slamming the young man in the gut with the staff he helped create, Zelgadis keels over as Xellos fastens the irons tightly against his wrists.
"What are you doing," Zelgadis gasps as Xellos drags him across the floor of jagged rocks and broken tiles.
"Why, taking the logical course of action," Xellos replies merrily. The casual tone and boisterous grin is enough to make Zelgadis feel nauseous and forget the pain in his abdomen. "Nail an iron pike into the stone above the pool," Xellos orders his men.
Struggling with all his might, Zelgadis is easily dragged to one of the small pools of water that litters the cavern floor. It happens to have a rock jutting out beside it making it the perfect place for Xellos's plan. Eyes wide in fear, Zelgadis realizes what the malevolent general is up to.
"Have you gone mad, it will never work," Zelgadis promises, trying his best not to sound as desperate as he feels.
"Oh, but I think it will, I'm sure Rezo had something like this in mind himself when he did this to you," Xellos smiles. "Perhaps this is how he undid the curse on himself."
The cruel man's crew sets the pike in place as instructed, but they are utterly confused. None of them would ever dare question Xellos out loud, but they do not know what their general is thinking.
Before Zelgadis can attempt and reason with Xellos, he is tossed like a sack into the water. The chain is quickly hoisted into place and secured so that there is no possibly way for Zelgadis to unhook it. He has been precisely placed so that most of his body is submerged, up to his rib cage.
"You bloody. . ." Zelgadis is cut off as his body slowly transforms into something else. Even Xellos is a bit surprised at how drastic it is. With evident pain, Zelgadis refuses to cry out as barb like spikes protrude from his back and his hair turns into sharp needles. His skin becomes a pale blue green with tough scales protruding out of his entire body. Finally, his ears become elongated and pointed while his legs morph into a slim alien fish tail.
Completely spent, Zelgadis sags on his chain and gasps. The gills along his chest are only partially submerged in the water making it difficult to breath.
"What did Rezo do to him?" Chezem softly asks.
"I don't really care," Xellos responds. "I'm simply glad Rezo did something beneficial for me in the end."
Zelgadis would curse Xellos out if he could, but the man fish cannot say anything between his gulps of water and unfiltered air.
Once it appears that Zelgadis's body has stopped changing, Xellos draws out the knife again and attempts to cut the merman's skin. The knife does minimal damage to Zelgadis's scales since they are as hard as rock. Even the original cut on Zelgadis's hand has completely closed and healed.
Unfortunately for Zelgadis, Xellos can care less about hurting him and plunges the dagger deep into Zelgadis's hand. This time Zelgadis screams out in pain.
And every mermaid in the water outside hears that pain.
When Xellos removes the knife from Zelgadis the room becomes completely silent aside from the rippling water and rustle of anticipation among the men. Gesturing to one of his crew, his staff is returned to him and Xellos taps into his caged magic pool.
He grins. One curse has been undone.
"I'm sure the sea witches are waiting," Xellos declares gleefully. "Let us not disappoint them!"
The rambunctious cheer of Xellos's eager men is out done when a deafening rush of water crashes beneath their feet. "Life born of the hardest stone formed of weakest flesh. Let the spell release you and turn you to your home. Become one with my will, become mine," an ominous voice echoes through the cavern.
Zelgadis's burning lungs erupts with an inhuman cry that makes the rough walls shake. In a loud desperate voice, Zelgadis sings a melancholic spell. The pools in the chamber spill out water at an alarming rate and everyone takes a step towards the center of the room or scrambles on top of the piles of gold. Surging at the men, the water grabs and pulls them out of sight as if clutched by large hands. As the room becomes a chaotic storm, an unnatural grin spreads across Zelgadis's pale blue face.
Before more damage can be done, Xellos flies forward in an attempt to halt Zelgadis's unexpected attack. Zelgadis's eyes are no longer his own, but a dark red has overpowered what once was black. Inches from grabbing Zelgadis, the general is stopped short as a monstrous hand grabs his back between pillars of chilling water.
"Gahck," Xellos coughs as he is suspended in front of Zelgadis, completely powerless. The cruel grin on Zelgadis's face stretches unnaturally. Xellos knows that the man in front of him is not the one he knows and is reminded of what he once was. The general feels as if he's woken from a dream, his uncharacteristic impatience and cruelty missing from his mind.
Following their officer's example, the desperate crew attempts to stop the merman, but none of them make it far. One by one Xellos's men vanish beneath the churning waves. The general priest can do nothing as he watches his men picked off like ants by Zelgadis's malicious spell. With all his might Xellos attempts to escape the monstrous hand that has imprisoned him, but the hand has sapped all of his strength like a leech.
"It seems you have made a critical error General Xellos," a familiar old voice echoes from behind him. With no sign of damage or death, Rezo stands in front of Xellos. The hand that is squeezing his newly acquired life away is actually Rezo's. While the rest of Rezo looks human, his shoulder, hand and arm, do not.
"You're supposed to be dead," Xellos says quietly with a grin twitching to remain fixated on his pale face. He cannot speak any louder for the grip that is crushing him.
"I am dead, or at least Rezo is no more," the red priest confesses. Around them the water bubbles aggressively producing the bodies of Xellos's fallen men. They are no longer alive. Their skin is pale and clammy with eyes glowing red, vacant of thought or reason. The puppeteer sneers proudly as the water level lowers. "I am the heretic god Shabranigdo."
Xellos's eyes snap open.
"Now it is my turn to repay the pain and agony you dealt to me," Shabranigdo smiles coolly. With a crash, the monsters hand extends, slamming Xellos into one of the cavern walls. "In full."
After eating away at Rezo for eighteen years the cursed entity is finally able to sustain a physical form thanks to the great sage's corpse. For hundreds of years the monster has been feeding a hatred for men and those who think they can wield his magic. Ignorant and proud sorcerers, fooling themselves into thinking they could control him, managed to seal his awesome being of pure magic away into a vessel of silver. While men did their best to use him, their efforts were rewarded with early deaths as Shabranigdo fed off their souls and magic like a parasite.
A ring originally designed to grant its wearer magical protection became the vessel of death, passing on the very spirit of destruction into a host body.
Turning to look at Zelgadis, Shabranigdo grins at the merman who is now gasping by his chain again as the water recedes. "Rezo was right, you were useful after all," he lifts his still human hand and caresses the side of Zelgadis's cheek.
Yes, Rezo has been quite useful to him. It was easy to persuade the blind sorcerer all those years ago. All he had to do was promise him knowledge and power to see. The power of gods. The power to see his light. Sadly, rather than receive the sight Rezo sought, he slowly became a slave of Shabranigdo's wish of tormenting mankind, playing with all that Rezo treasured like a toy.
"Look at your light now Rezo, and know true agony," Shabranigdo says silkily. "I will destroy this world's light just like I took yours."
Starting with this dead kingdom he will rise again and make men fear the name of Shabranigdo once more.
"NOW!" a woman cries, disturbing the fallen god's thoughts. From around the room Lina's crew bursts into the chamber with guns firing, magic blazing and swords drawn. When they meet a crew with eyes glowing red and Xellos pinned to a slimy black wall barely breathing they stop short.
"Uh? Lina was this in the plan?!" Pokota asks as he comes face to face with what looks to be a living corpse. This isn't the curse he remembered seeing when he first learned Xellos's secret.
"If it isn't Prince Posel Taforashia," Shabranigdo says pleasantly, releasing Zelgadis's chin. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm taking the liberty of relieving you of this decrepit kingdom and using it as my first fortress."
Without warning a blazing ball of fire erupts from the god's hand and sends Pokota flying back.
"Rezo you're supposed to be dead, I saw you die," Lina demands. "Who are you?"
"I am Shabranigdo, Lord of destruction. Do make a point of remembering," Everyone takes a step back and a few gasp at this revelation. Chuckling, Shabranigdo is evidently pleased with their reaction, feeding off their fear eagerly. "Zelgadis, be a good grandson and dispose of this sea witch."
Letting out an inhuman roar, Zelgadis breaks his chains and lunges at Lina, dragging her down into the depths.
Author's Notes:
Yes, it's a cliff-hanger. I feel a little bad about that. But only a little.
There is so much I can say about this chapter, but I won't. A lot has changed from the original version I wrote a year ago and I hope I didn't miss anything. When I initially wrote this I was being extremely lazy. It's hard to admit that to yourself when you've spent a year writing something. At least for me it was. So I decided to mess with Lina, starting with Zelgadis trying to kill her. Good first step I think.
Dear reader, I cannot thank you all enough for reading this story. I never thought something I wrote would be enjoyed by more than three people. Yes I have low expectations, but now there are five of you (that I know of). You guys are awesome. Special thanks to Clang55 and HersheyOtaku for reading the early versions of this story and helping me flesh it out. You can thank Clang for the editing and Hershey for the romantic hints that typically make me cringe and twitch uncomfortably.