I don't own Slayers. Never will. Wish I did. I don't really care if the information here is wrong from the novels; this is set in the verse of the anime, which tends to be different in case you can't tell. So, origins are different but probably not personalities.
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Slayers SILENCE
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Episode Seven:
"Immortal Ice! The Gift That Was Bestowed On Him."
This is your gift from me. Even if we weren't meant for eternity, I know you will be.
Dynast looked over to the hooded mage and the Trickster Priest with little concern shown on his face. He advanced a bit, stopping just two feet from Vrumugun. It was a cold silence for a moment before the Supreme King spoke.
"You know what I will do."
Vrumugun barely even nodded, his eyes looking at the frosting ground.
"Regrets?"
The mage didn't move. "...Many."
"Last words?"
Vrumugun shook his head.
Xellos gave out a small laugh. "As interesting as this whole situation has developed, I'm afraid my Mistress will have to disagree, Lord Dynast."
The Supreme King didn't flinch. "I should not even ask why Zelas doesn't like it."
"Probably not," Xellos replied. "Well, Mr. Vrumugun, you can try to make your escape! This time, I'm able to help you."
"Rather, you were ordered to," the mage murmured.
Xellos smiled. "Of course."
Vrumugun stood up, still not facing Dynast in both fear and respect. He faded into the Astral Plane, but was immediately thrown back out onto the ground. Appearing right after was a woman in armor and blue hair in a braid.
"Sherra," Vrumugun managed to get out as he got to his feet, looking at her in surprise.
"Who else?" Sherra spoke, giving Xellos quickly a glare before focusing back to the mage. "This time, there's no Red Priest to help you."
The group within Sai Sanctuary had managed to go through the temple. Mostly, it was fancy looking and just very big; it wasn't really a maze or anything.
They had arrived at the last room, wide and empty aside from a pedestal at the very back wall. It looked similar to a church, minus the seats and decoratives.
"I guess the spell might be up there," Amelia pointed out the stand. "Are you sure you'd be able to read it, Mr. Zelgadis?"
The chimera nodded. "It's worth a try. I'm pretty confident, though. I've been studying different languages."
"All right! So let's hurry up and check it out!" Lina beamed, running on ahead of everyone else. They followed her up to the pedestal.
On top of the stand was a tablet, covering its entire top. It was in the shape of a bird, made out of red marble. Chipped into it was some kind of writing. Lina looked at it for not even a minute and she got a mixed expression.
"..." she explained.
Zelgadis cleared his throat and looked at the pedestal. "Sylphiel, come here. You're the one learning the spell; I'll read it to you."
Sylphiel walked up to the pedestal, looking over it right next to Zelgadis. "So you can read it?"
"Yes. It's yet another one of those lost written languages. I actually learned this years ago with Rezo. It was a major legend then about an ultimate white spell known as the Phoenix Flare. Supposedly, it could cure almost any curse, disease, or injury with no problem. It takes a great white magic user to even try to use it, though." The chimera paused to scan the text for a moment. "As far as it looks like, Sylphiel would need an amplifier for this spell to be in control. I doubt her staff could help her much here. It helps your Recovery spell and concentration, but it won't help with this particular spell."
The priestess frowned a little, but she nodded. "I don't know where we could find any amplifiers for me on such short notice, though."
Zelgadis shrugged at her. "It can't be helped. You'll have to learn it for now. We'll worry about accessories afterwards."
Lina waved her hand a bit. "Waaaait! Why didn't Rezo come here in the in first place? This was here within the barrier during his time."
"Good question; Sylphiel and I got through without having to go through the stupid ceremony," Zangulus pointed out.
"Back then, Rezo was... well, I guess you could call him a little more sane, if that's the right word. He respected the law. Besides, I think he was already on a different lead that seemed more convincing at the time," Zelgadis explained. "There isn't much known about the Phoenix Flare except right here."
Amelia looked at her chimeric companion in curiosity. "Has anyone cast the Phoenix Flare before?"
"Probably. It's not impossible; I can read it, for starters. I doubt anyone in Mei City has, though. This place is for honeymooning," Zelgadis answered. He turned his attention back to Sylphiel. "At any rate, it draws power from the Fire Dragon King, I do believe. Right here, it says..."
Zangulus yawned and stretched a little, obviously bored with the whole ordeal. "Guess I don't blame Vrumugun for not coming. I'm going back outside. Magic really isn't my forte. You guys can stick around if you want."
Sylphiel glanced up for a moment. "You'll wait for us, right?" she blurted out, then blushed a little for being overly concerned.
The Xoana king gave her a funny look. "Of course I will. See you outside."
Gourry stood up and waved his hand a little. "Hey, wait up; I'll come, too. I didn't really get what Zel's been talkin' about, anyway."
Zangulus shrugged in response, continuing on his way outside.
"So, uh... you have been taking care of Sylphiel, right?" Gourry asked, looking a little worried.
Zangulus arched a brow. "Yeah, of course. At this point, I don't think I even want to do otherwise."
"'Cuz... well, I'm just warning you, okay? Don't take her for granted," Gourry said seriously. "Sylphiel's really nice and I can't be there for her and stuff; I know you have Martina an' all, but try to make some room for Sylphiel even when this is all over, okay?"
The dark haired swordsman glanced at the other man with a frown. He honestly hadn't thought much for the future.
What would Sylphiel do when this was over? Just go back to her uncle's? What would he do?
"Hang on, do you--" Gourry began, just as they neared the arch that led to the outside of the sanctuary. Something close to a scuffle was surely going on outside.
"--hear that?" Zangulus finished, his stare going on to the exit of the temple. "What the hell's going on out there?" Immediately, the swordsmen ran through the arch.
"He has accepted his fate, Xellos. If you wish to join, I have nothing against that," Dynast spoke calmly and precisely.
Xellos waved his index finger a bit. "Now, now; you know I only live to obey like any good mazoku. She throws the stick; I'll go play fetch." He smiled.
"Permission to ignore Xellos?" Sherra asked a little dully to her lord.
"Granted."
Sherra had a sword appear in her hand as she threw an energy blast toward Xellos just to distract him. She teleported past his defense against it and stood before Vrumugun. She glared at him as a last farewell before she started to grow a glowing blue orb of light in her hand. The mage stood there, waiting for it.
She threw it. It would have been on target if Xellos hadn't appeared, put his arm around Vrumugun, and disappeared. Tricky, as usual.
Sherra growled. "We're merely here to tie up loose ends. Keep out of this, Xellos!" she spat at the other mazoku.
Xellos appeared, letting go of a surprised Vrumugun. The Mysterious Priest put an arm behind his head, as if embarrassed. "I'm afraid I cannot! Alas, my Mistress wants him alive because of those loose ends."
"Do go on," Dynast ordered.
"Call it an advantage over you if we keep Mr. Vrumugun alive and well," Xellos replied, opening his eyes with a sly grin. "I know you wouldn't agree with me if I asked you to leave him alone."
"Xellos, leave," Vrumugun snapped at the mazoku priest, his glare set upon him. "I will live."
"Just not the way either of us want," Xellos elaborated. "Come now; you think I want you frozen, Mr. Vrumugun?" He laughed at that.
Dynast held out his hand. "If you wish to interfere, then by all means. Zelas knew the risk of putting you in between us." He fired a simple blast toward the priest, who disappeared with Vrumugun again to evade it.
Sherra growled and leapt into the Astral Plane. Soon enough, Xellos was forced out of it, managing to drop Vrumugun toward the lake, who immediately floated above it in reaction. Sherra dove out of the plane, charging at the mage and ignoring Xellos.
"Howling Blast!"
The general of Dynast put up her arms to defend against the sudden attack, letting out a hiss of annoyance. She was barely affected by it, but it slowed her down enough to let Vrumugun float back to land.
"What now?" Sherra demanded.
"Good question," Zangulus agreed as he ran out from the temple, Howling Sword in his hands. "Gourry, you better get Lina and the others."
The blond, however, was confused. For a good reason. "What's going on?!"
"Wish I knew, but get them!" Zangulus yelled, bringing his enchanted sword down at Sherra. It was easily blocked.
Gourry nodded hesitantly, running back inside. "Be careful, Zangulus!"
Sherra landed in front of the Xoana king, lifting a brow. "A human wants to duel with me?"
"I don't normally go around challenging women, but I'll make an exception when it comes to people attacking Vrumugun," Zangulus remarked, charging again.
Unlike his battles with Gourry, Sherra was much more wild, her broadsword swung perfectly but each swing was harder than the next. Zangulus managed to block with extreme difficulty, barely able to get in any of his own attacks. Sherra wasn't going to get tired anytime soon; Zangulus, being only human, was already starting to ache in trying to defend himself.
Xellos disappeared again with Vrumugun from one of Dynast's blast. The Supreme King didn't look angry or anything; he just continued his brief attacks. Vrumugun, sourly, shoved Xellos away from him with a glare.
"Leave," Vrumugun snarled. "I have already accepted this years ago!"
"Not quite, I noticed, or you wouldn't let me rescue you each time Lord Dynast throws something at us," Xellos pointed out. Vrumugun started to argue, but the mazoku cut him off. "Whoops! Save now, yell later!" He grabbed the other by the wrist and they disappeared before the attack could hit either of them.
Zangulus fell back during his battle finally, nearly exhausted from Sherra's furious slashes. He blocked her blow, locking swords.
"For a human, you're not so bad at this," Sherra commented. "Shame you have to die. I personally don't care for your friendship with Vrumugun. All the more reason you should suffer!"
"I've heard of people not particularly liking him much, but I never would have imagined that a mazoku would resent him, too," Zangulus grunted, barely able to hold up the sword. It started to spark with violet electricity, glowing black. "Howling Blast!"
Sherra skid back a few feet from the attack, barely even singed from it. She looked up, then evaded an Elmekia Lance just in time from Lina, Gourry, and Amelia's entrances.
With an annoyed sigh, she put her sword away. "Everything's gone to hell," she muttered. The general vanished.
"Mr. Zangulus! Are you all right?" Amelia called out, running up to the dark haired man.
"Not really. I just got my ass kicked," he grumbled, getting to his feet with the princess's help. "Zelgadis and Sylphiel still reading that thing?"
Lina frowned. "Hey, Zel has to read it to her and make sure she's totally getting it. It's a difficult spell. The Ragna Blade didn't come in one day, y'know!"
"I know I shouldn't interrupt any conversations that include magic and stuff, but we gotta help Vrumugun and Xellos," Gourry pointed out.
Zangulus swore quietly, stumbling forward. Lina followed shortly and pat his shoulder, shaking her head at him.
"We'll deal with it. Amelia, help 'im out, all right?" Lina ordered. "C'mon, Gourry!" The blond nodded, running with his partner.
Dynast had grown tired of this shortly after it had begun. He stood there for a moment, ice erupting from the ground at Xellos and Vrumugun. Again, the Trickster Priest grabbed Vrumugun and evaded the oncoming attacks. The priest smiled again as an Elmekia Flame was aimed at the Supreme King, who shieled against it immediately.
"The famed Lina Inverse," Dynast spoke with mock respect. "You have a tendency to involve yourself with the dangerous sorts, Vrumugun." He grew a little smile that was directly the opposite of warm and welcoming. "I suppose I shall take my leave for now as Sherra has." The Supreme King gave a brief bow. "Good day." With that, he vanished.
Xellos teleported in front of Lina with Vrumugun. "I did a good thing, Ms. Lina! Oh, yes I did! I saved our dearest Mr. Vrumugun!" The Trickster Priest spoke like he deserved the biggest party in the world.
"What? You're actually helping us now?" Lina asked, baffled.
The mazoku raised a brow. "Helping? You?" He bursted out laughing. "Oh, dear no! Only the best for Mr. Vrumugun, or so says my Mistress."
"I won't bother asking you for questions," Lina sighed. "Vrumugun, you on the other hand..."
The mage averted eye contact, remaining as he normally did. However, he was noticeably trembling with fright. Lina frowned. She would get information from him when they settled at the next town.
It scared the sorcery genius, really. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that Vrumugun could have looked so frightened.
They had regrouped after the incident. Sylphiel apparently had learned the spell, but trying it was out of the question with no amplifier to help her. They would have to wait for it.
The next town wasn't far off, but the weather was taking the turn for coldness. It was like it was already winter, the ground being covered with frost.
Inside the inn, the group was gathered at a bedroom for more privacy and comfort. It was quiet for a moment as Sylphiel gave tea to various people.
When Vrumugun accepted his, she looked at him. "Careful; it's very hot." He ignored her and took a long sip anyway.
Lina sighed and drummed her fingers on the desk. "Okay... can we start with playing twenty questions?"
"That's question one! The answer: yes," Xellos said brightly.
The sorceress glared. "Not you! Vrumugun."
The mage didn't even look at Lina. "There is no need. I will tell you what you wish to know." He didn't look very emotional, but he was still obviously shaken up by Dynast's apppearance.
"Lina, just take it easy on the questions," Zangulus warned, glancing to his friend in concern. "I'm not much happier about this."
Lina shrugged. "I'll do my best. Okay, for starters: what's your connection with Dynast?"
Vrumugun almost winced. "That is a very long story."
"I'd love to hear it!" Xellos input his feelings. Somehow, nobody cared.
"As long as the story might be, I think everyone wants to hear it," Lina said, a little softer. "Look, if it's a long one, then try this: why is Dynast after you?"
"That is also a part of it."
Lina groaned angrily. "Do you know who created these freaky monsters?!"
"Like before, that is a part of the story," Vrumugun replied. Before Lina could blow her top, he continued. "However, because I have little chance of escaping this time from exchanging information and because I have no way of convincing any of you out of this quest... I suppose it should be best if I tell you all. It is, however, very long."
"Fine," Lina said with a shrug.
Gourry snored. Amelia poked Lina in the shoulder. "Ms. Lina, look at Mr. Gourry. Shouldn't we wake him up?"
Lina rolled her eyes a little. "Look, no offense to Vrumugun, but if we listen a long story from him I don't blame Gourry."
"Just hope he picks up something during the sleep," Zelgadis suggested. "Go ahead."
Vrumugun set his empty tea cup on the desk, his eyes lowering. "...Once, at a cottage not so far from Sairaag, there was a girl named Samantha. How we ever came together, I cannot even remember to this day. But there was a day of death from an accident not so far away..."
He paused, his eyes looking a little more emotional. This is your gift from me. The mage shook off the words, and continued.
Vrumugun laid his head on her shoulder with a gentle smile. They were embraced, standing at the gazebo in the garden. It was her garden.
"Vrumugun... I can come, can't I?" she murmured gently.
"Of course," he said with a slight nod. "I would not have it any other way, Samantha."
Samantha smiled softly, kissing his cheek. "I'm glad. I couldn't stand it if you were away." She pulled down his hood and pet his hair, which was just a little shorter than her length of maroon strands. "Why did you choose to work for him?"
"I feel sorrow for him since her death," Vrumugun admitted. "He loved her so. I do not work for him out of pity, but for the sake of Rubia, I suppose. She was like my own sister."
Samantha shuddered a little. "He just seems so... different since Rubia died. I don't know how to describe it. And his studies on immortality? You know that's dangerous."
"Samantha," Vrumugun began seriously, "I trust Halcyform with my life, and Rezo the Red Priest will be there, as well. I have nothing to fear."
...Even if we weren't meant for eternity, I know you will be.
"Wait a minute! Halcyform?" Lina demanded, interrupting already.
Zangulus shot her a glare. "Lina, sit down and listen!"
Lina ignored him. "You knew Halcyform?"
Vrumugun nodded slightly. "I am surprised that you do. We can ask each other questions a little further in the story, Lina."
The sorceress grumped a little, nodding and settling down at her seat.
"Ah, Vrumugun; right on time," Halcyform greeted his new assistant. "And this is the lovely Samantha Flagoon?"
Vrumugun gave a nod. "Indeed she is. It would not trouble you if she were to remain here with me, would it?"
"Nonsense; we would love more company," Halcyform replied with a deep chuckle. "I'm sure you both know of Rezo the Red Priest. He should be here shortly; he also mentioned bringing an assistant."
Samantha smiled a little, just to be friendly. She didn't quite trust him yet. "We're happy to be here, and we're anticipating Mr. Rezo's arrival. Vrumugun has been waiting to meet him for awhile now since we've heard of the miracles he's done."
Vrumugun had managed a smile to ignore his blush. "Halcyform, I wish to apologize for Rubia's sudden death..."
Halcyform flashed a sudden look of pain and anger, but it quickly passed. He smiled, albeit a little darkly, to Vrumugun. "I don't blame you for being sorry," as he said in reply. "Ah, why don't you two become comfortable? Rezo shall be here soon."
The young mage eyed Halcyform for a moment. For some reason, he found himself unable to forget that expression. He nodded and took Samantha's hand guiding her into the mansion further.
"Loooook, no offense or anything, Vrum, but couldja hurry it up a bit?" Lina requested. "I don't feel like having the chance of Dynast popping up to try to kill you or whatever he's up to."
Vrumugun paused, but he nodded. "Forgive me. I have not really dared to recall those days for many years now."
His gaze turned to the floor, but he continued to speak.
"It was interesting to meet Rezo, actually. Along with him was apparently a mazoku by the name of Tiiba. Samantha was reluctant to stay by that point, but Rezo ensured her that he was relatively harmless. It seemed that he discovered a way for..." Vrumugun stumbled on his words for a moment. "...Not immortality... slowing his aging; Halcyform was not interested. I was left to study and attempt to find different means of bringing back the dead and immortality. Samantha tried to stop me... I wish I listened.
"By the next few months, a strange illness occured at the edge of Sairaag, around where Halcyform's mansion was. In the next few days, I found myself ill with it."
Vrumugun rubbed his forehead, trying to write. His penminship was quickly becoming far more shakey almost to the point of becoming mere scribbles. His stomach twisted with pain suddenly as he dropped his quill and turned away from his work, vomitting on the floor mixed with blood.
He cursed himself silently. Only two months did he start to work for Halcyform and he was already ill. It was strange, too. Not even Rezo was able to use his spells to heal him.
Vrumugun hoped it would finally go away within the next few days or so.
After having cleaned up his mess, the assistant felt his stomach give way to pain. He clutched it and disappeared into the Astral Plane, leaping out to find himself landing outside with a loud retching noise.
"How were you able to do that?"
Vrumugun looked up, surprised. It was Rezo.
"You noticed?" Vrumugun managed to get out, despite feeling fatigue rushing over him.
Rezo smiled gently. "I'm able to see into the Astral Plane. Never have I met someone able to actually travel through it. Only legends hint of that ability. Perhaps when you are well, you would show me?"
Vrumugun winced. "I make no promises."
"I suppose that'll suffice as a yes," Rezo mused. "I'll aid you inside. You're becoming worse as it is."
"I have not finished..." Vrumugun began lamely to try to not evade work.
Rezo shook his head a little. "I'm sure Halcyform will understand. Come along, now."
Where Vrumugun had even drawn the illness from was beyond anyone's knowledge. No one knew what the virus was at the time until Halcyform and Rezo began to look over all of the symptons. Samantha, despite any requests not to, continuously worked hard to try to bring the assistant back to proper health. Try as she did, Vrumugun only seemed to become worse.
Vomiting blood, white magic ineffective, a form of a black curse set on him, eating at the insides, quickening of breath, and a feeling of extreme coldness despite how many blankets he may have had.
A day or so went by as Rezo and Halcyform drew blood from Vrumugun to study what he had...
Garnia was concluded to be the case.
Zangulus recognized the name. "Garnia! That's what Sylphiel--" he began.
"Isn't that the place with the goat guy and the witch and that closet thingy and the big lion?" Gourry pointed out.
Almost everyone stared at Gourry, astonished at his totally off topic...ness.
Amelia decided that it was safer to just ignore the comment. "That's what Ms. Kira said that Ms. Sylphiel had."
Vrumugun slowly nodded. "Indeed. Garnia was not well known in those days, but it immediately became so shortly after..."
Vrumugun was barely awake at the time, shivering where he laid. He had tried on several occasions to continue his work with little luck. No white magic nor any usual way of curing his sickness could help him.
While it was difficult to listen to the people around him, he had managed:
"Please, Mr. Rezo! Mr. Halcyform; can't you do anything for him?!" Samantha begged. "He's dying! I don't know how much longer he can stand this..."
Rezo shook his head sadly. "I can't think of any way that my white magic could be any help to him. The illness repels it. There's nothing I can do for him."
However, Halcyform had a solution, and for some reason Vrumugun swore he heard him smile. "I may have a way, but it shall be difficult. Still, I do have Rezo here to help me. I should be able to do it. But... I will have to speak to Vrumugun and you about it, Ms. Samantha. It involves him having to die in the first place."
Vrumugun opened his eyes just slightly to peer at them. He weakly brought his arm up to wipe some sweat from his forehead. Despite feeling so cold, his body was giving off the feeling as if he was in a desert. "...Then speak..." he barely even let out.
Samantha looked at him, surprised for a moment before she smiled gently at him. "I'm so glad to see you awake." She glanced back to Halcyform. "What was it that you were telling us?"
He shook off his impressed expression that his assistant was even awake. "Ah... as it is, his body cannot handle the illness. There is no cure to speak of... but I may have a way to raise him from the dead. I've been working on it for quite awhile now, and even if I have found a way, I have some doubts that it'll be successful. I require many things."
"For instance?" Rezo prompted.
Halcyform seemed hesitant to go on. "It will take some preparation. I need a highly leveled mazoku that would even agree to such a thing. Even then, we would need a good way to bargain with it to do this for us. To find one who is willing is going to be difficult." Vrumugun squinted at Halcyform. Why was he still smiling?
"I will ask Tiiba," Rezo simply said. "Prepare whatever else we'll need... that is, if either Vrumugun or Samantha are willing?"
Samantha looked at her love questioningly. Her eyes told him that she would do anything to make sure the she still had him. Vrumugun himself didn't want to do it. He looked away for awhile before giving a silent nod of approval; he would do it if only for the sake of Samantha.
"Very well then... it will take only a day for preparation. As for the mazoku showing up and Vrumugun able to live that long is questionable," Halcyform spoke. Yet, he smiled.
Vrumugun wasn't too sure what went on during the rest of the day or the next one, as he slept on. Even if he awoke, he was only half awake, barely able to concentrate on looking at anything as his sight blurred. He heard muffled voices here and there, but there was no way for him to tell who was who.
Only one line and one voice was he able to hear clearly, and that was from a visit from Samantha's sister, Sharon:
"It's your fault this happened; this is killing her, too. I won't forgive you."
She probably knew that he was awake at the time, which is why she said so aloud.
He wasn't sure how long it had been since he rested, unable to eat anything at all considering his constant retching. Vrumugun was feeling much weaker than usual. Unfortunately, the day came for him to finally rise from his bed.
"Vrumugun, please. Get up... we have a mazoku," Samantha spoke softly, gently helping him up to his feet. He shook, barely able to even sit up on his own.
"Resorting to such creatures... demoralizing..." Vrumugun mumbled to her. "You do not care?"
Samantha shook her head. "Of course not. I'll do anything to help you live."
For once in a long while, the mage smiled at her. "Thank you... Samantha love..."
She could only smile weakly back at him. "I'd do anything to save you. You should know."
"Perhaps I should..." he replied quietly as he was guided away from the bed slowly. "...What were the mazoku's terms?" Vrumugun almost choked, feeling much more ill now that he was actually moving.
Samantha shushed him softly. "I will tell you in time. For now, keep on going."
She led the ill man away to the the basement, where the cure would be given. They paused within the room as Vrumugun felt Samantha shiver at the sudden temperature change in the room. The two moved on to stand before Halcyform, Rezo, and...
Vrumugun squinted a little. He didn't recognize who it was.
"Supreme King Dynast Grausherra," Halcyform supplied the mage with the information. "If we settled for any lower, it would be possible that this entire thing would fail."
The mage quietly grunted in understanding.
"Take off most of his clothes," Halcyform ordered with a wave of his hand. "If possible on your own, go inside this glass container, Vrumugun. Dynast, Rezo, help me prepare."
Vrumugun winced noticeably as he attempted to stand on his own, almost failing. He felt bitter about this, really. If whoever ruled this world felt that his fate was to die, then he shouldn't have tried to evade it. However... he also felt that he had to live because that was what Samantha wanted of him.
And yet, there was something she wasn't telling him.
She gave him a sad little smile, taking off his cloak and shirt, but left the rest on. "You can go," she whispered.
He looked at her, hesitating. The mage lifted the brooch that formerly held his cloak together, handing it to her. His voice felt empty, almost monotone as he spoke, "Let this represent our eternity together, whether I return to you or not."
She accepted it, still having that little smile directed at him. Vrumugun scowled at receiving no response, weakly moving himself to the glass container. Within it was a table, which he was directed to lay upon.
Where Dynast looked uninterested, Rezo had a concerned and simply revolted look on his face on the whole ordeal. Halcyform remained happily amused by it all.
Halcyform took out a dagger, growing that smile that Vrumugun remembered when he came to move into the mansion two months ago. He loomed over Vrumugun, chuckling softly. "I just want you to know something in case you don't come back." The mage only lifted an eyebrow painfully in curiosity. "I gave you the illness from the day you came." Before another word was exchanged between the two, Halcyform sunk the dagger into Vrumugun's heart.
There was a drawn out silence in the room, almost in disbelief. In Xellos's case, it was simple amusement.
Lina laughed weakly. "Oh, come on! You're not really dead! Are... you...?" She sulked. No; of course Vrumugun wouldn't joke about it. He never made a joke about anything. "So... is it anything like when Phibrizzo brought back the dead?" She glanced at Sylphiel to see if she accidentally inflicted any pain. None was noticed, but Lina was sure she just brought back some old wounds. Her gut twitched in guilt.
"Not quite," Vrumugun replied simply, his eyes seemingly drawn elsewhere in the room than actually focused on any of his companions, yet he spoke nonchalantly. "Garnia was originally created from Zanaffar's miasma by Halcyform. He tried many experiments in bringing people back from the dead. I was his first actual success and his only. Using the illness, one must die while still containing Garnia to be able to come back to life."
Zangulus was silent in deep thought. The thought of his best friend actually having been dead before and probably should be dead bothered him a little, but not quite as much as something else on his mind. He closed his eyes, shaking his head as he just decided to listen for the time being.
Amelia looked troubled at the entire subject. "Why was Alfred able to come back, then?"
"Rubia never had Garnia is the thing," Zelgadis pointed out. "Neither did Alfred or Dilgear that we know of. How could that be possible?"
"It is difficult, really. You noticed that both Alfred and Dilgear were not themselves. They were deformed and twisted in their anguish and regret; they wished for death in different ways," Vrumugun spoke.
Lina looked disgusted. "So Halcyform basically tried to bring them back as a test whether or not to see if it'd work for those who never even had the illness?"
Vrumugun nodded slowly. "Exactly. However, so far it has proved unsuccessful. To go into further explanation, I would have to tell you how exactly I am even alive today."
Xellos grew his smile, actually speaking for the first time in awhile. "Do go on, Mr. Vrumugun. Other questions can wait until the end."
Slowly, he opened his eyes. The first thing Vrumugun noticed was that he wasn't as cold anymore, but still shivered. He still felt weak, but not the same way as when he was ill.
Quickly, he sat up, eyes wide as he felt his chest for the killing blow Halcyform gave him. The wound wasn't there, but he knew that he had died.
His head turned, watching two people in the room outside of the container. Dynast and Samantha. Vrumugun looked on concerned, and felt slight anger toward both of them for the entire ordeal. Did Samantha even know what Halcyform did to him?
Dynast peered at Vrumugun, obviously having noticed him, but with little care. His eyes trailed back to Samantha, speaking simply and straight to the point, "You know that it will never last for an eternity."
Samantha held the brooch closely, owning the same sad smile she had the day Vrumugun died. "I know," she replied. "As long as the spell is there, he'll live on?"
"Forever."
She nodded, holding out the brooch, letting go of it, watching it shatter on the floor with a smile.
Vrumugun's heart sunk, turning his head away. Of course. He should have expected it. Always a twist in the plot, wasn't there? Once he died, he'd be brought back only to live forever or at least for years further than any man was supposed to live. Samantha wouldn't, thus she ended their love.
Best to remain unemotional from then on. It would hurt less at the very least; after all, what good was a dead man with feelings?
He felt himself hating that smile of Samantha's from then on.
The following day, Rezo often checked upon Vrumugun's health. It wasn't becoming much better or worse than when he first woke up. The Red Priest would often give him a sympathetic look whenever he arrived, but Vrumugun was indifferent. Rezo even offered food, but the mage ate very little.
On the day after that, Dynast and Samantha arrived again. The former love walked to the control panel, glancing to the Supreme King with a bit of worry. "You promise to keep him alive?" she made sure.
He didn't even nod. "The terms of agreement were that if I were to keep Vrumugun alive, I would receive your sister as my general. I do not break my word."
Vrumugun eyed Samantha. So she even sold her sister, Sharon, out?
"All right... Step in the pool," Samantha murmured.
The Dark Lord stepped into a pool that went to his waist, which had led to a stream that went into Vrumugun's container, leading up to the conclusion easily for the mage: they were connected enough so that he would remain alive forever. Still, he felt weak, but he was alive...
Then what was Samantha doing?
The girl smiled softly to Vrumugun, speaking with haunting words that'd remind him of the day, "This is your gift from me. Even if we weren't meant for eternity, I know you will be."
She pressed several buttons until Vrumugun finally stood up with widened eyes. "Samantha, what are you doing?!"
"Sealing your gift," she spoke.
Vrumugun weakly hit his fist against the glass. "Stop! Samantha!"
She ignored him then as he felt a sudden rush of what felt like melted ice flowing through him. It wasn't exactly pain, but it was a repulsive feeling. He tried to hit the glass again, but Samantha continued to ignore his silent pleas.
He wasn't sure how long it lasted, but Vrumugun could no longer feel the coldness anymore. The mage didn't feel quite as weak, but it didn't feel right, either.
His cold eyes glared at Samantha in stillness before the entire glass was covered in ice, forming from his uncontrollable anger. It shattered almost immediately as Vrumugun stepped out toward her.
"Why?" was all he asked.
Samantha smiled again. "It's strange. I can't live without you, so I didn't want you to die. I didn't want to die right away either then... but I wish I were dead now, too. But I wanted to protect you from Halcyform."
"Did you know that he caused all this?" Vrumugun asked, frightfully calm.
She nodded. "He told me after he brought you back. So I want you to fully benefit from it. You know that my sister, Sharon, has always been the best warrior in Sairaag. She's the only one to survive Zanaffar thus far. She agreed to becoming a mazoku for you, too. So you can live immortality because we sacrificed a lot for you."
"I never wanted this," he muttered softly, shaking his head. The cold mage grabbed her wrists, glaring at her. "I never wanted this; I only agreed because it is what you wanted!"
Samantha winced at his cold hands. "Strange. I only agreed because of you, and you agreed because of me..."
"You ended it! All because of what you wanted, and now you change your mind!" Vrumugun couldn't remember when he felt such fury. He wanted to remain unemotional, but it was building up too quickly. His rage was exploding...
The mage didn't realize it right away, but Samantha's body began to freeze over with ice rapidly. Yet, she smiled, even as she was frozen by Vrumugun.
He looked at her, horrified as he dropped her from shock. That was an even worse mistake.
Samantha shattered against the floor, just like his brooch that ended their eternity together.
He fell to the floor amongst the frozen pieces, shaking in silence. Vrumugun had ended it as well. Not only did she end it, but so did he. Out of the fit of his rage, he killed her.
It hurt less if he just remained unemotional. Swallowing his grief, he slowly stood up, turning to look at Dynast.
He didn't look very pleased. He didn't look like anything, really. Just... uninterested.
"You've killed my employer," the Supreme King pointed out. "My general's sister. While I have agreed to keep you alive forever, there is more than one way to keep you living in eternal ice."
Vrumugun stood. He didn't move, feeling possible... fear. It was true. Now that he was linked with Dynast, the demi-god was able to keep him living any way he wanted. So the mage waited for his fate.
It didn't come.
"Gaav Flare!"
Dynast blocked off the attack, his eyes trailing over toward Rezo. "I suppose you've ended your agreement with Halcyform?" the Dark Lord assumed.
"Yes; I refuse to work with him knowing he has done this sort of thing more than once," the Red Priest replied. He turned his head to Vrumugun, frowning a little. "Escape for now; I will do my best to find you again and help you if at all possible."
Vrumugun seemed unwilling to budge, his eyes looking at Rezo emptily. He didn't even move when a dagger nicked him in the arm from Sharon, who was from then on named Sherra. She ran inside with an expression of fury, sword in her hand. She ran at Vrumugun, about to swing, but was blocked off by the Red Priest's staff.
"I swear I'll do the worst things possible to you, Vrumugun, that even the Lord of Nightmares will flinch at!" the new general of Dynast hollared at him, pushing against the Red Priest.
"Vrumugun! Leave!" Rezo shouted at the mage, sending a Blam Blazer at Sherra, who evaded it with ease.
The cold man stood there, feeling only slight fear of the Supreme King and Sherra. The Dark Lord was against him for what reason, though...?
Vrumugun let out a shaky sigh before disappearing onto the Astral Plane.
"I currently cannot recall how much longer it was until I ever met Rezo again. Perhaps a few months; I am not sure. I was hiding away for awhile in fear of almost everything, although Rezo did say I had changed quite a bit and took a more cold turn of life. On a more useful note, he did tell me that Lord Dynast seemed interested in only sealing me in ice rather than killing me, which was worse than death to live in silence forever. The reasons... I did not learn right away.
"Two years, after Zanaffar's defeat, Lord Dynast and I met again. I had spent about a year and a half with Rezo and Tiiba, teaching Rezo how to travel the Astral Plane and in return I was taught to better control myself as I was not used to my body being so different.
"Once I left, I found myself drawn to Tilika, which you may know is not far from Rahns, where we did meet for a second time."
Vrumugun knelt before a gravestone, his eyes looking glazed. He was there for over an hour and he was still not sure what he could say or possibly even think for his former love. While he did well about feeling close to nothing about the incident, he still felt worse than guilt for killing her. It was a stupid accident from feeling uncontrollable rage and inability to control his new strength for ice magic, but still it was his fault for not being able to have command over his emotions like he wanted.
He had control now, but... it was certainly too late for that.
The cold mage looked up and over his shoulder, having sensed someone exiting the Astral Plane. Not many people had learned the technique often, as only dragons and mazoku were capable of the difficult spell.
Of course, he knew now who he was looking at was a mazoku, formerly a human. He didn't look very surprised.
"Sherra," Vrumugun murmured. "Why are you here?"
The general glared. "I have my rights to pay my respects to my dead sibling."
"I see..."
"Besides, Lord Dynast sent me here on business as well," Sherra told him. "He said that you may as well know why you're a target."
Vrumugun wasn't enthralled. "Other than the fact that I am linked to him and had killed his employer."
Sherra gave a loud growl. "Because you know that Halcyform is immortal and how that is possible, and you know that Rezo has Tiiba under his command rather than rightfully with Beastmaster Zelas. Seigram is a traitor as he works for Gaav, which neither of us had done anything about, and the sudden disappearance of Tiiba was a surprise to the mazoku as I found out which we also did nothing for. The entire incident is to remain a secret; your activeness will ruin that."
"I will refuse to follow you, Sherra," Vrumugun spoke coldly. "As I am guilty as charged of that, I cannot go with you. You know that Halcyform has spread the virus. I intend to stop him before he can inflict anymore harm than he already has."
"Then consider yourself endangered for the rest of your life," Sherra spoke before she suddenly disappeared, leaving Vrumugun to his thoughts and the gravestone of Samantha Flagoon.
"...And?" Lina prodded.
"I have answered your questions," Vrumugun told her flatly. He turned away, looking uncomfortable.
Sylphiel frowned. What was she supposed to say about that story? It was so... depressing. The worst of it all, it hadn't even ended yet.
"Hang on; not all my questions," Lina cut in. "Look, I'm... sorry that all happened to you, but we need to clear this up."
"Understood," Vrumugun confirmed.
Lina nodded. "Okaaay. First of all, how the hell does Zanaffar fit into this? That happened exactly one hundred and twenty-five years ago!"
The cold mage spoke, "And I am one hundred and fifty years old."
Almost everyone's jaws dropped at that revelation.
"Well... he is immortal," Zelgadis reminded. "But you did mention that Zanaffar's miasma fits in with it."
"Correct. The mansion and Samantha's home were away from Sairaag far enough so we would not be disturbed," Vrumugun explained. "I do believe that Rezo told me that he had to send Tiiba to collect miasma for Halcyform to work with. It regenerated itself after he modified it into the illness Garnia."
"That at least explains why Flagoon seeds are necessary for part of the cure," Amelia murmured.
"Yes. That is the main and most important ingredient."
Gourry held up his hand. "Um... wasn't Samantha's last name 'Flagoon'? Was the tree named after her?"
Vrumugun paused again, but he nodded. "After the battle with Zanaffar, the Swordsman of Light needed a way to destroy the miasma. I agreed to aid him, as did Rezo. Using a part of the Sword of Light's energy, we created the seed that would plant Flagoon and absorb the miasma. I... named it after her. Hardly anything worthy of forgiveness from her..."
"No one's blaming you," Zangulus jumped to assure that he was still on his friend's side, glancing to the others for a moment. "It happened a really long time ago, anyway."
Vrumugun didn't respond.
Lina sighed. "Okay... another question. If Halcyform brought back Dilgear and Alfred, how and when did he do that? Alfred died after him."
Vrumugun frowned a little at the question. "I cannot say, really. I imagine that Dilgear was brought back before Alfred, but as for the latter... I do not know."
"So what exactly are both Sherra and Dynast after?" Zangulus decided to put in his question.
"Dynast... wishes to freeze me for eternity. A loophole to his contract. He will keep me alive and living forever, just as the agreement states. Sherra, I imagine, is looking forward to do something far worse than that. I cannot even begin to wonder what it would be, however. I honestly never got along with Sherra so well when she was human," Vrumugun replied.
Xellos smiled widely. "I have my own question. Was Lord Dynast fully aware that Seigram and Tiiba were at the mansion when he was?"
"I would not see why not. It was Tiiba who located him, after all..."
As Lina was about to spout out another question, Zangulus held up his hand. "I think that's enough, actually."
The sorceress didn't protest. She shrugged a bit. "Sure; why not? My brain needs to absorb all this, anyway. Why don't we get some food? I'm starved!"
Gourry nodded eagerly. "Yeah! My head kind of hurts from all that talking!"
Lina eyed him, but nodded. "Let's go!" Amelia immediately cheered up and followed the duo out the door for something to eat. Zelgadis followed soon after quite reluctantly.
Xellos pondered for a moment, then smiled. "All right. I suppose you need a break, Mr. Vrumugun," he said pleasantly.
Zangulus glared at him. "Get out, Mazoku," he growled warningly.
"Oh, very well. Ms. Linaaa! Wait for me!" Xellos called after the fiery sorceress, teleporting away to the restaurant below.
Sylphiel looked at the mage in sympathy. "Mr. Vrumugun... will you be all right?"
"No, but I shall manage," he spoke honestly.
Zangulus frowned deeply. "I have one last thing to ask for now. Do you feel anything?" Vrumugun raised a brow at him, as if to insist on him elaborating. The swordsman took off his glove, placing it on his best friend's forehead, shivering a little from how cold the mage was physically. "Do you feel that?"
"I feel it... but not its warmth," Vrumugun answered, actually sounding saddened. "A part of Dynast's curse. I cannot feel any temperature, yet my body is forever cold to anything. It will not change no matter how warm it is..."
"I had a feeling..." Sylphiel said gently. "You never heeded my warnings when I gave you the soup or the tea."
Vrumugun didn't bother to respond with a gesture or a verbal reply.
Zangulus readjusted his glove. "So basically Dynast wants to cover up his mistakes..."
"In a way. The main reason why he agreed to it was for gaining a general. However, because Rezo had Tiiba and Halcyform had his link with Seigram, and Dynast never did anything about either mazoku, only I know what really happened. Seigram is dead, as are both Rezo and Tiiba. Halcyform..." The mage hesitated.
"Alive?" Zangulus supplied.
Vrumugun nodded. "He is alive. How, I do not know, actually."
Lina peeked her head upstairs. "Jeez, what are you guys waiting for? Cheer up and EAT!"
"M-Ms. Lina!" Sylphiel squeaked. "We'll be right there!"
"Good! No use feeling upset! After all, that's what a mazoku feeds on and we can't let our enemies be powerful, right?" Lina pointed out with a wink. "Let's go already!" She ran back downstairs.
"I thought that incident with the dead children proved things got to Lina. Maybe I was wrong," Zangulus half-joked. "Anyway, I guess we'd better go join them before she fries us or something."
Vrumugun nodded slowly in response. The trio began downstairs.
The mage paused for a moment, looking out the window, eyes narrowing.
This is your gift from me. Even if we weren't meant for eternity, I know you will be.
"I wonder if you're happy with the gift you gave me," Vrumugun murmured. "You died with a smile... but it was empty." He closed his eyes.
He had all eternity to think about it.
-=-=-
As any good hearted series, this is to be continued in...
"Duels and Deals! Where The New Contract Is Set."
...where Dynast and Sherra show up for round two, and it isn't
pretty. We all know that our heroes win, but no one dies even if some wish
for death upon another sometimes.
There is a full back story to Vrumugun and his entire life, but that'll no doubt be written only as a sidestory as a good portion of it isn't quite so necessary to the plot. Vrumugun is a "get on with business" type, so wasting time on his one hundred and twenty-five extra years of life to Lina and the others would have been way too long for anyone to sit through.
---
Alba Aulbath
berry@adelphia.net
