Once Upon a Time
A Slayers Fic
by Hotaru
Disclaimer: ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (don't they look like ants?) *grin* Slayers aint mine... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Notes before beginning:
For that one reviewer who seemed quite earnest in his plea... may I know the reason. If it happens to be a good one, I may concider it. But of course... one has to wonder why read 9 chapters before writing that, right? So, if you could please explain, it would be most helpful.
Chapter 11
Merlina kept quiet about her encounter with the boy. She would have to find information and she was sure none of the Mazoku would tell her anything. There was a reason why all this was happening, and she'd get to the bottom of it. Zelas still sent her out on information gathering missions. But as it was, she wasn't sent to Seerin. There wasn't much to see there and Zelas was more interested in the activities of the Dragons.
During her free time, she was learning some more magic. She would need to know more and be even stronger than what she was presently. Well, she was just trying to learn how to teleport. Her dad had asked her why and she had simply said that it was probably quicker than flying, right? Besides, she wanted to know all types of magic. So he helped her. It was harder for Merlina because she was still part human. Her Mazoku side made it easier for her to learn, but by a bit.
"Lina-chan," said Zelas one day. "how's your magic getting along?"
"Dad says I'm doing pretty good for a half mortal." she said with a smile at Zelas.
"You are extremely talented, Lina." said Zelas. "I've honestly never seen anyone with your tenacity. Teleporting is such a hard thing to accomplish. It's hard also since it drains you of magic. But I think you'll be able to accomplish it." She took a sip of her wine.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" asked Merlina as she sat primly on the floor looking at her.
"Well, I'm here to give you a new mission." she said. "I want you to go to Kimbala and see what the Dragons are doing."
"OK." said Merlina. She got up to go. Just as she got up and got ready to leave, Mesphisel came in.
"Mistress, I have news for you." he said. Merlina bowed to both of them and quickly left. Zelas liked to be alone when she listened to her subjects concerning missions and stuff.
"Be ready in five minutes, dear. Mesphisel will take you to town." Zelas called after Merlina. Then she turned to Mesphisel. "Well? What has happened so far?"
"Mistress, you know Merlin has been summoned early this morning." started Mesphisel. Zelas nodded and urged him to go on with a slight movement of her hand. "He has been unlocated until about three hours ago when we felt him use his power. He is now back here."
"Do you know where he was?" asked Zelas.
"He was in Seerin, mistress." said Mesphisel.
"Seerin, huh? And that is where the summoning took place, right?" she asked again.
"Yes, ma'am." he said.
"You may go now." she said as she dismissed him. "Remember to take Merlina to shore."
Long after her Priest left, Zelas sat on her chair, thinking about what was happening.
*****
Merlina ran into her room threw open the closet and grabbed any bag in there. She hurriedly threw her money bag in it and changed into merchant clothes instead of the priestess garb she wore in the house. She buckled on her sword, grabbed her staff, shouldered her bag and opened the door just as Mesphisels knocked.
"I'm ready." she said, slightly out of breath.
"Good." he said. He touched her shoulder and then the two vanished.
*****
"I'll be back at sunset." said Mesphisel as he dropped her off at Kimbala. "Either Merlin or I will be here. Be on time."
"I always am." she said as he vanished. She sighed and began to look for an open coffee shop. She had the whole day to have fun and explore. It was just right after dawn right now.
As she walked, she rumaged in her bag for her money. Then she looked at her bag. This was the bag were she put in all her notes concerning Xellos and Seerin. She hid them here so that nobody would find it. She found a small newspaper stand and bought an edition to read.
First she skimmed the headlines for anything that would be related to Dragons. The town was a nice looking place and it seemed entirely peaceful at these hours of the morning. She turned back to her reading when she saw all of a sudden a small article at the bottom of the page. It spoke about an arrest in Seerin concerning a teenager of about 18 years of age. He had been caught by the Dragons when trying to perform a summoning.
'A summoning, in Seerin?' she wondered to herself. 'Why there?' She thought a bit. Then she hid the article in her bag and went to the rowdier parts of town to gather some information for Zelas. She had to find this first before beginning her own chase. Or else, Zelas would get mad and stop her visits to the mainland.
*****
Xellos grunted as he was thrown into the dungeon. He hit the floor hard and just lay there in a heap. He was too tired and worn out to even move. The dragon guards locked the door and left him in there. They would deal with him later.
After a few minutes, Xellos stirred. He moved a little and then slowly got up. The summoning had taken a lot of energy. He had found the area to perform the rite and then drew all the necessary diagrams on the floor. It was in a small plain outside of Seerin. He had bought a magic amplification talisman and had set up a barrier around him so that the Dragons wouldn't be able to interrupt. He had done it at 2 in the morning, when most people were deeply asleep. He had gone by the guards earlier dressed as a merchant selling some pastries at an extremely cheap price. The dragons had bought it and eaten it up. It had been so easy to drug them. Nihl had taught him some valuable things. Which lead back to the whole question... Merlin as Nihl,... why?
Anyway, he got up and then rested on the small, dingy cot in the corner. It was softer than the floor. He laid his head back and rested, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.
Casting the summoning had taken more energy than he had thought. Merlina had made it seem so easy. Just stand there, recite and hang on. Her tired face had given no hint as to how stinkingly painful it was to hold on. It just looked like you needed a lot of energy. Well, he had been able to cast the spell, but he had collapsed in the process. Since he had fallen down unconscious, his magic barrier had given out, and somehow, the dragons had found him, and dragged him over here.
'Wonder... wonder if I managed to summon Merlin?' he asked himself as he stared at the oppresing blackness around him. 'I'm pretty sure I finished the incantation... So, if I did call him, where is he?' He got up and stretched, trying to work out the knots. He tried to sleep, but he couldn't. He noticed that they had taken away his haversack. So all his notes had been taken away from him. The greedy people. They probably wanted his notes to perform their own summoning or something. Well, that was just a thought. He had left it back at the field. They might have it. Then again, they might have overlooked it.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a left over pastry from before. He wouldn't eat it. After all, it would make him sleep and he didn't want to do that now since he could use it for something more practical. He levitated it and put it outside on a little table. Perhaps if the guard ate it up, then he would fall asleep and then he could see if he could steal the keys.
"So, I see you are putting my lessons to good use." said a voice in the dark at the foot of the bed. Xellos started since he hadn't realized that there was a figure there. Well, he hadn't realized that it was Merlin/Nihl who happened to be there.
"Nihl?" he asked softly. He didn't want to wake up anyone who might be down here, including the guard.
"You should have put more of that herb in. Had you killed the Dragons, they wouldn't have found you. A dead enemy isn't much of an enemy, you know." he continued.
"What are you doing here?" asked Xellos.
"I was summoned. Not that I usually respond, but the circumstances are different." he said. "So, what would you like to know?"
"Where's Merlina?" he asked. "What did you do to her?"
"She is better off without you and you are better off forgetting her completely. You won't see her again. Well, not unless..." Here, Merlin trailed off.
"Unless what?" asked Xellos.
"You don't want to know." he said. Xellos could feel the coldness in his voice. "Anyway, concidering that I'm a pretty nice guy..." His voice was kind once more. He snapped his fingers and Xellos found himself out of the dungeon and back on the field where he began the rite.
"What..." he started.
"Teleportation." said Merlin. "Now, remember this. That was the last favor I'm going to do for you. After all, you were very kind and helpful to her. You won't see Merlina again, but she's doing quite well, so don't worry. Now,... I must be off. I, too, have duties."
"Wait!" said Xellos. He stopped and turned to look at him.
"You do realize I'm a Mazoku, right?" asked Merlin as he gave him a smirk.
"Yes, sir." said Xellos softly. He took a step back as the wind began to pick up around Merlin.
"Good. You shouldn't forget that either." With that, Merlin turned around once more and then vanished.
Xellos looked at the ground, not quite certain what to do. He saw his pack over beside a bush. Merlin had dropped him off at the point where the summoning had taken place. He picked up his bag and set out walking, not caring where he was going.
Was what Merlin said true? That she was doing fine? But... he wanted to see her and make sure. What had they done to her? Was she turned into a full mazoku? Or did they have her locked up somewhere, where ever it was that Mazoku hung out? His steps took him to the city. It was beginning to dawn. He hurriedly went to his room and locked the door. As he sat down on his bed, he pulled out the staff that Merlina gave him. He twirled it in his hands experimentally and watched it spin expertly in his hands, his fingers nimbly controlling the staff. Merlina had taught him that. She had taught him many things for show, not just to fight. She had told him when he complained about the futility of learning how to kick the staff in the air so that it spun and to catch it that... "Fighting is not just about poking people in the eye with the sharp end of a stick, or raking your knives down their stomach. It's like being a magician. You have two purposes or goals. One is to get it done, like pulling a rabbit out of a hat or defeating a foe. Your other goal is to entertain whoever is watching. A fight is supposed to be interesting. Now, try it again!"
He put down the staff and tried to rest. This always happened to him. He'd go off to find her and try to save her... and something would happen. She'd run away again. She'd get captured. She'd disappear, and once more... he was left behind trying to figure out what to do. What would Merlina do had their places been switched? He changed into his pyjamas and fell asleep. He would have to think some more and think deeply before doing anything else. All his earlier actions had been done with out much thought, as if he were ad libbing on stage. This time, he'd look at the script and be ready.
*****
Merlina smiled from the depths of her robe. In the rowdier parts of Kimbala, anyone could sell you information. It all depended on two things: how much money you offered them, or how painful you could make their lives be. It was a lucky thing she knew how to apply both principles.
She had been walking by herself not even five minutes when two men came to her and pushed her into a dark alley way. Their demands had been simple. Either she gave them her money, or they'd take her life and then her money and then her dignity, although not necesarilly in that order. Merlina simplified things for them. They'd give her information and she'd let them live. If not... well... she could go both ways. Considering that she had pinned one of the men to a wall with two daggers and held the other at bay with the sharp end of her sword pointed at his neck, it was pretty easy for them to figure out what was best for them.
Now that she had gotten some information from them, all she had to do was double check it against a few more sources. She smiled fearlessly as she walked the streets. Some of the pedestrians stayed away from her. It was usually advisable to stay away from mysterious cloacked figures, whether they were a guy or a girl. The fact that she was unknown added to their caution. She then turned left and entered a small store where she bought some bread and asked about the information she had. Satisfied that it was correct, she left the area and then to the outskirts of the city. She still had time till her dad or uncle would come for her. In the meantime... Her smooth white hands reached into her bag and took out the bread she had saved and ate it ravenously.
"Yummy." she said as she leaned against a rock and smiled as she felt the comfortable sun land on her skin. She drew back the cloak and let her red hair shimmer and warm up in the afternoon sun. She then took out the newspaper she had read that morning and looked at the small article concerning the arrest that took place yesterday at Seerin.
'Seerin...' she wondered. 'What was the guy doing in Seerin that he got arrested?' She knew a bit about Seerin. She knew that there were a few dragons there, but they didn't do much to bother the Mazoku. Zelas had mentioned them in passing when naming some locations where dragons were found. Actually, dragons were found in every city, but not all places had a temple. Take for example, the city where she had found her father, in Senarry. It had dragons and a temple. But it wasn't too big of a town. It wasn't too important of a town. But it had the dragon temple and it was considered a city.
A faint memory stirred within the recesses of her mind. There was something very significant about that fact, but everytime she grabbed at it, it would disappear. It was like trying to grab a fish in water. She could feel the tendrils of her thoughts escaping her like a slippery fish or like whisps of smoke. How frustruating...
She suddenly realized that the only way to figure the mystery out would be to 1.) ask Merlin or Zelas or 2.) ask that Xellos kid. The first option was out. Something in her stopped her from being open about Xellos. Besides, she reasoned to herself, she would learn the art of keeping secrets. The second option was hard also. First, she'd have to find him. Then, she'd have to decide just how much she'd tell him. And it would probably be hard to get him to open up to her concerning the small, but estremely vital, details that eluded her. She rested a bit and then exercised a bit to pass the time until they came to pick her up.
*****
That night, while doing her research, Merlina came across a strange list. She was doing some research on Mazoku to see what more she could learn. Sure, Zelas told her a bit, and Merlin did too... but that was from their viewpoint. The human viewpoint was just as informing and interesting. She saw that some time ago, people had been very eager to summon Mazoku. For instance, there was the political reason. You need someone killed and blamed on others? If you were strong enough, you could summon a lower Mazoku and send them to kill. It was done quite a few times in the history of heirs in a kingdom. She remembered seeing this list when she was looking where to cast a summon. She then looked at the list of places that came with it. This was the reason that Seerin had looked so familiar! It was in the list! There was Trystanine and Senarry and Seerin. These were all places that she had gone to... But why had she not realized it until now? It was as if the memory had been repressed. She frowned thoughtfully. What other memories did she have repressed? Could Xellos be one of them also? She quickly wrote down the places and the bibliography to be able to look things up later. She looked at the next place on the list. It was.... Zephyria. And that would be in a week. If Xellos was trying to summon a Mazoku for some reason... A scenario began to play in her mind.
Xellos had been looking for a girl called Merlina Quertwen, of about her age with similar looks. There was the tiny, slim chance that it wasn't her, so she had to be prepared. So, the girl had vanished five months ago. The same time she had cast her spell to find her father. She used to live as a human. So to any other human she'd have vanished because she went with her dad. The places which Xellos mentioned, Senarry and now Seerin... those where the places that summons could be done successfully...
She shook her head and tried to clear her thoughts. She put her books away and carefully hid her notes. She jumped onto her bed and took out the crystal ball she had bought. There had been two, one for her and one for him. She didn't dare use it now since she didn't want Zelas to know about it. She'd use it the next time she was out. She'd perfect the art of teleporting and that way, she would have a greater freedom to pursue her little... quest. She had a bit less than a week. But then again, Merlina Quertwen was an ace at everything she put her mind to... well... except white magic, but that wasn't her fault.
*****
Xellas had decided one thing. Merlina wouldn't have wanted to be with the Mazoku in any way, shape or form. She would have fought against it. Well, his theory was that she was caught by the Mazoku. When a demon takes notice of you, you can't escape easily, and Merlina probably hadn't even seen it coming. He'd go and find her. Which meant summoning Merlin up for some information. He'd pretend to be interested or something. Anything to get his attention and become his 'friend'. He could fake wanting to join the Mazoku ranks as a human helper or something along those lines. Perhaps a human informant or something. Which he could do. He'd be fine. The other option he had was to ally himself with the dragons for protection and help in case Merlin or any other Mazoku got mad at him. Either one would work. It would be better if he had the aide of the Dragon's, but considering his record... and his reasons, they might not help him. But, he had thought up a brilliant plan. Well, not brilliant, but it would suffice.
Xellos smiled to himself cheerfully. He walked merilly down the road whistling softly. He used his staff as a make shift walking stick. He still had the ingredients. He was fortunate that Merlina's flask of dragon blood was so big. It meant that he wouldn't have to kill one anytime soon. He continued on his way north, to Zephyria.
*****
After three days...
Merlina teleported into Zelas's chamber when it was time for her daily talk with her.
"Tada!" she cried with a smile, right before she sank on her knees trying to catch her breath back.
Zelas looked up, a half amused smile on her face.
"I see you finally got the hang of it." she said with a wry look on her face. Merlina shakily got up and grinned at her.
"Yeah..." she said as she walked unsteadily to her chair and sank down on it.
"Well, may I offer my congratulations..." said Zelas with a smirk on her face. Merlina laughed tiredly. "Anyway, rest a bit before I send you on your next mission. Or else, you'll be too tired to do anything.
After Merlina had rested a bit, Zelas gave her a small letter.
"There is an informant in the city of Seyruun. I want you to go there and give this to him. Then you'll have the rest of the day off for yourself."
"How will I know?" asked Merlina.
"Code." she said. "You will be at a cafe called Seyruun's Garden at twelve o'clock. You must be by yourself at a corner. He is told to look for a red head with a ruby necklace. He will tell you that he likes your necklace. You are to say that they are quite rare and precious. Made from crystallized drops of blood."
"Um... OK." said Merlina. "I can handle that. Don't worry about a thing."
"Good." said Zelas. "I knew I could trust in you. Remember, don't tell anyone else about this."
"Sure thing." said Merlina. Merlin then teleported into the room.
"You called, Lady Zelas?" he asked as he bowed.
"Yes." said Zelas. "Please take Merlina to Seyruun and pick her up, as usual, at sunset."
"Of course." he said and bowed again. "Let's go, Lina chan!" The two left the room. Zelas smiled.
*****
The message was passed. The other spy had left soon after receiving the letter, and Merlina found herself with about six hours of free time to waste. She grinned as she bought for herself two peach pastries, an ice cream, strawberries and cream, some fruit yoghurt and a big glass of orange and strawberry juice to finish. She ate daintily but fast, her silverware blurring in the air. But she ate politely. There was no drop of cream or juice spilled. The plates were left gleaming and looked as if she had licked them clean. (She hadn't.) And when she finished, she took her cloth napkin and dabbed daintily like a lady at her lips. There were a few dishes before her, all stacked on each other looking neat and tidy. There was not a drop of juice left in her glass. She smiled and then paid for her snacks and left a small tip.
Once finished, she wondered what to do. As she walked, she thought of an idea. She walked to an empty lot and seeing that no one was there, she then practiced her teleportation skills. First she did small distances, or like a meter or two. This helped when she would fight. It would definately throw her enemies off guard. The only problem was that she easily got tired. She stopped and leaned against the wall. Once she had gotten her breath back, she practiced again. And she spent the whole afternoon doing that, only stopping to catch her breath for a few seconds.
*****
The end of the week was finally here. Merlina felt like a coiled spring, ready to let herself loose and fly off to figure out what was happening in Zephyria. She didn't mind that Zephyria was the town that she had grown up in. Most of the people might recognize her, but now, she could blast them to itty bitty pieces if she felt like it. Well, OK, she could do that before also, but she was more polite back then. Speaking of said things, she looked at her staff. The small wisp of pink inside the jewel had turned a bit more... red. It looked quite pretty, Merlina thought. It was like having caught a tendril of smoke. She shook her staff. As usual, the wisp moved with it.. There was something about the red wisp that she couldn't quite put her finger on, but she didn't mind. She'd remember later, if it was important. She put her sword on carefully. She rarely used her sword to fight with. It meant having to clean blood and gore off her sword later on. She used the staff more often, but she was still a good swordsman. Anyone who thought differently soon learned the wrongness of their convictions. She ran out her room and shut the door, making beeline for Zelas's chamber. She passed a few Mazoku on her way. They all stayed out of the way she was going and refrained as much as possible from looking at her. Seeing her eyes shimerring gave some of them goosebumps. She was a little early today because she was eager to get this over with. She stopped at the door. There were no guards or Mazoku around here. Zelas could take care of herself. Usually, by the time she arrived, the door was opened for her. Today, it was closed. She heard a faint mumbling. Immediatly, she quieted down and made her presence as small as possible. Pressing her ear to the door, she calmed her breathing so that she could hear what was going on.
Now, spying wasn't that big a deal for Merlina. Afterall, the better informed you were, the better you'll be able to look after yourself. Zelas heself had taught her that. She did while looking for information all the time. This was the first time she had spied on Zelas, though. A month ago, she wouldn't have dared. But now, with the possiblity of having a surpressed memory and other little secrets floating about she wanted to know the truth. And since she couldn't get the truth from Zelas by talking face to face with her...
She could only hear small snatches of the conversation. But she recognized the voices. One was Zelas, of course. The second was her father. He sounded subdued while Zelas sounded angry. Her eyes widened as she caught her name being spoken.*** Her father mumbled something else and then there was utter silence. Scared, Merlina walked away as fast and as silently as she could. When she made it to the other end of the hall, she walked normally, making sure that her footsteps and the clacking of her staff made some noise so that it seemed as if she had just come. By the time she had arrived, the door was opened.
"Hello, Merlina. Come in," said Zelas. She didn't look as if she had been angry 20 seconds ago. Her eyes were cool and calm, looking pretty cold. "It's nice to see that you're always so punctual." Merlina sweated slightly.
"You know me." she said weakly. "I try my best."
"OK, today, I need you Zephyria." said Zelas. She watched Merlina carefully for any change in her expression.
"Zephyria? Oh, OK." said Merlina, trying to look as calm and controlled as Zelas. "I know my way around there."
"An informant will come to you." said Zelas. "They will give you a note, which you are to bring to me as soon as you are picked up."
"Yes, ma'am." said Merlina.
"You are not to read the note, as usual." said Zelas with a smile. "It will basically concern some political matters that you have no need to worry about."
"Yes, Zelas." said Merlina obidiently. "How will the informant find me?"
"You will stay at the home you used to live in." said Zelas.
"No problem." said Merlina.
"Now, go." said Zelas. "You have five minutes before Mesphisel takes you on shore."
"Mesphisel?" asked Merlina. "Where's dad?"
"Merlin is doing something else for me." said Zelas. Merlina nodded and left. Something was bothering her. She wondered if her dad was OK. She wondered if she should even care if he was OK or not... she wondered whether she should even do this... But that was a crazy idea! To even wonder about obeying Zelas...
*****
Xellos looked at the town. He was back in Zephyria, and truth be told, it felt nice to be back. He looked about him. Some children stopped and stared at him. Some seemed to recognize him, some didn't. He wondered where most of his classmates where. But what he wanted to know the most... was where his mother was. He passed by his home. It was still as big and clean and impressive as before. He couldn't imagine living in such a costly place again. The garden looked like it was being taken care of, so he assumed his mother was around somewhere. There were a few nagging questions in the back of his brain. For example... why hadn't his mother looked for him while he was gone? There had been no news concerning the disappearance of two kids or anything similar. He continued to walk. This wasn't his home anymore, and he had no reason to be here.
He went on walking. He was trying to concentrate. Today, he would cast ths summoning. He would try to call Merlina this time. It had hit him as an idea on the way here. After all, Merlina had been half Mazoku, so surely, she could also be pulled to where he was. It was worth a try, at least. He walked on, not even imagining what was to come.
End of the Chapter
***Isn't it interesting how you can't hear what people are saying, but if someone mentions your name, you can clearly hear it, even though you're reading or working? *grin*
Author's Notes
To everyone who is reading this, thankyou for all your continued support in your reviews and small little notes of encouragement. Well, this is going to be the last chapter that comes out quickly cause classes are going to start very soon. Which means that I have a lot of work to catch up on. For example, I am learning French and Greek. (Don't ask... I just went crazy while deciding my schedule...) So, if you don't see a chapter in a month or two or five, please realize that I haven't fallen off the world. I'm just buried under a pile of homework. Every once in a while, I'll push a note from my place under the pile asking for some oolong tea (caffeine source, can't stand coffee) and a small bite to eat. *grin*
If you wish for an e-mail written to you so that you don't have to check once every day to see if I have had enough time to type, just drop me a note. (either a review or e-mail will do) (This is my evil, wicked terrible plot to encourage all of you to review... mwahahahahaha!!!) ^.^
Take care, everyone! Until then!
Hotaru Kimiko Lai
A Slayers Fic
by Hotaru
Disclaimer: ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (don't they look like ants?) *grin* Slayers aint mine... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Notes before beginning:
For that one reviewer who seemed quite earnest in his plea... may I know the reason. If it happens to be a good one, I may concider it. But of course... one has to wonder why read 9 chapters before writing that, right? So, if you could please explain, it would be most helpful.
Chapter 11
Merlina kept quiet about her encounter with the boy. She would have to find information and she was sure none of the Mazoku would tell her anything. There was a reason why all this was happening, and she'd get to the bottom of it. Zelas still sent her out on information gathering missions. But as it was, she wasn't sent to Seerin. There wasn't much to see there and Zelas was more interested in the activities of the Dragons.
During her free time, she was learning some more magic. She would need to know more and be even stronger than what she was presently. Well, she was just trying to learn how to teleport. Her dad had asked her why and she had simply said that it was probably quicker than flying, right? Besides, she wanted to know all types of magic. So he helped her. It was harder for Merlina because she was still part human. Her Mazoku side made it easier for her to learn, but by a bit.
"Lina-chan," said Zelas one day. "how's your magic getting along?"
"Dad says I'm doing pretty good for a half mortal." she said with a smile at Zelas.
"You are extremely talented, Lina." said Zelas. "I've honestly never seen anyone with your tenacity. Teleporting is such a hard thing to accomplish. It's hard also since it drains you of magic. But I think you'll be able to accomplish it." She took a sip of her wine.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" asked Merlina as she sat primly on the floor looking at her.
"Well, I'm here to give you a new mission." she said. "I want you to go to Kimbala and see what the Dragons are doing."
"OK." said Merlina. She got up to go. Just as she got up and got ready to leave, Mesphisel came in.
"Mistress, I have news for you." he said. Merlina bowed to both of them and quickly left. Zelas liked to be alone when she listened to her subjects concerning missions and stuff.
"Be ready in five minutes, dear. Mesphisel will take you to town." Zelas called after Merlina. Then she turned to Mesphisel. "Well? What has happened so far?"
"Mistress, you know Merlin has been summoned early this morning." started Mesphisel. Zelas nodded and urged him to go on with a slight movement of her hand. "He has been unlocated until about three hours ago when we felt him use his power. He is now back here."
"Do you know where he was?" asked Zelas.
"He was in Seerin, mistress." said Mesphisel.
"Seerin, huh? And that is where the summoning took place, right?" she asked again.
"Yes, ma'am." he said.
"You may go now." she said as she dismissed him. "Remember to take Merlina to shore."
Long after her Priest left, Zelas sat on her chair, thinking about what was happening.
*****
Merlina ran into her room threw open the closet and grabbed any bag in there. She hurriedly threw her money bag in it and changed into merchant clothes instead of the priestess garb she wore in the house. She buckled on her sword, grabbed her staff, shouldered her bag and opened the door just as Mesphisels knocked.
"I'm ready." she said, slightly out of breath.
"Good." he said. He touched her shoulder and then the two vanished.
*****
"I'll be back at sunset." said Mesphisel as he dropped her off at Kimbala. "Either Merlin or I will be here. Be on time."
"I always am." she said as he vanished. She sighed and began to look for an open coffee shop. She had the whole day to have fun and explore. It was just right after dawn right now.
As she walked, she rumaged in her bag for her money. Then she looked at her bag. This was the bag were she put in all her notes concerning Xellos and Seerin. She hid them here so that nobody would find it. She found a small newspaper stand and bought an edition to read.
First she skimmed the headlines for anything that would be related to Dragons. The town was a nice looking place and it seemed entirely peaceful at these hours of the morning. She turned back to her reading when she saw all of a sudden a small article at the bottom of the page. It spoke about an arrest in Seerin concerning a teenager of about 18 years of age. He had been caught by the Dragons when trying to perform a summoning.
'A summoning, in Seerin?' she wondered to herself. 'Why there?' She thought a bit. Then she hid the article in her bag and went to the rowdier parts of town to gather some information for Zelas. She had to find this first before beginning her own chase. Or else, Zelas would get mad and stop her visits to the mainland.
*****
Xellos grunted as he was thrown into the dungeon. He hit the floor hard and just lay there in a heap. He was too tired and worn out to even move. The dragon guards locked the door and left him in there. They would deal with him later.
After a few minutes, Xellos stirred. He moved a little and then slowly got up. The summoning had taken a lot of energy. He had found the area to perform the rite and then drew all the necessary diagrams on the floor. It was in a small plain outside of Seerin. He had bought a magic amplification talisman and had set up a barrier around him so that the Dragons wouldn't be able to interrupt. He had done it at 2 in the morning, when most people were deeply asleep. He had gone by the guards earlier dressed as a merchant selling some pastries at an extremely cheap price. The dragons had bought it and eaten it up. It had been so easy to drug them. Nihl had taught him some valuable things. Which lead back to the whole question... Merlin as Nihl,... why?
Anyway, he got up and then rested on the small, dingy cot in the corner. It was softer than the floor. He laid his head back and rested, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.
Casting the summoning had taken more energy than he had thought. Merlina had made it seem so easy. Just stand there, recite and hang on. Her tired face had given no hint as to how stinkingly painful it was to hold on. It just looked like you needed a lot of energy. Well, he had been able to cast the spell, but he had collapsed in the process. Since he had fallen down unconscious, his magic barrier had given out, and somehow, the dragons had found him, and dragged him over here.
'Wonder... wonder if I managed to summon Merlin?' he asked himself as he stared at the oppresing blackness around him. 'I'm pretty sure I finished the incantation... So, if I did call him, where is he?' He got up and stretched, trying to work out the knots. He tried to sleep, but he couldn't. He noticed that they had taken away his haversack. So all his notes had been taken away from him. The greedy people. They probably wanted his notes to perform their own summoning or something. Well, that was just a thought. He had left it back at the field. They might have it. Then again, they might have overlooked it.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a left over pastry from before. He wouldn't eat it. After all, it would make him sleep and he didn't want to do that now since he could use it for something more practical. He levitated it and put it outside on a little table. Perhaps if the guard ate it up, then he would fall asleep and then he could see if he could steal the keys.
"So, I see you are putting my lessons to good use." said a voice in the dark at the foot of the bed. Xellos started since he hadn't realized that there was a figure there. Well, he hadn't realized that it was Merlin/Nihl who happened to be there.
"Nihl?" he asked softly. He didn't want to wake up anyone who might be down here, including the guard.
"You should have put more of that herb in. Had you killed the Dragons, they wouldn't have found you. A dead enemy isn't much of an enemy, you know." he continued.
"What are you doing here?" asked Xellos.
"I was summoned. Not that I usually respond, but the circumstances are different." he said. "So, what would you like to know?"
"Where's Merlina?" he asked. "What did you do to her?"
"She is better off without you and you are better off forgetting her completely. You won't see her again. Well, not unless..." Here, Merlin trailed off.
"Unless what?" asked Xellos.
"You don't want to know." he said. Xellos could feel the coldness in his voice. "Anyway, concidering that I'm a pretty nice guy..." His voice was kind once more. He snapped his fingers and Xellos found himself out of the dungeon and back on the field where he began the rite.
"What..." he started.
"Teleportation." said Merlin. "Now, remember this. That was the last favor I'm going to do for you. After all, you were very kind and helpful to her. You won't see Merlina again, but she's doing quite well, so don't worry. Now,... I must be off. I, too, have duties."
"Wait!" said Xellos. He stopped and turned to look at him.
"You do realize I'm a Mazoku, right?" asked Merlin as he gave him a smirk.
"Yes, sir." said Xellos softly. He took a step back as the wind began to pick up around Merlin.
"Good. You shouldn't forget that either." With that, Merlin turned around once more and then vanished.
Xellos looked at the ground, not quite certain what to do. He saw his pack over beside a bush. Merlin had dropped him off at the point where the summoning had taken place. He picked up his bag and set out walking, not caring where he was going.
Was what Merlin said true? That she was doing fine? But... he wanted to see her and make sure. What had they done to her? Was she turned into a full mazoku? Or did they have her locked up somewhere, where ever it was that Mazoku hung out? His steps took him to the city. It was beginning to dawn. He hurriedly went to his room and locked the door. As he sat down on his bed, he pulled out the staff that Merlina gave him. He twirled it in his hands experimentally and watched it spin expertly in his hands, his fingers nimbly controlling the staff. Merlina had taught him that. She had taught him many things for show, not just to fight. She had told him when he complained about the futility of learning how to kick the staff in the air so that it spun and to catch it that... "Fighting is not just about poking people in the eye with the sharp end of a stick, or raking your knives down their stomach. It's like being a magician. You have two purposes or goals. One is to get it done, like pulling a rabbit out of a hat or defeating a foe. Your other goal is to entertain whoever is watching. A fight is supposed to be interesting. Now, try it again!"
He put down the staff and tried to rest. This always happened to him. He'd go off to find her and try to save her... and something would happen. She'd run away again. She'd get captured. She'd disappear, and once more... he was left behind trying to figure out what to do. What would Merlina do had their places been switched? He changed into his pyjamas and fell asleep. He would have to think some more and think deeply before doing anything else. All his earlier actions had been done with out much thought, as if he were ad libbing on stage. This time, he'd look at the script and be ready.
*****
Merlina smiled from the depths of her robe. In the rowdier parts of Kimbala, anyone could sell you information. It all depended on two things: how much money you offered them, or how painful you could make their lives be. It was a lucky thing she knew how to apply both principles.
She had been walking by herself not even five minutes when two men came to her and pushed her into a dark alley way. Their demands had been simple. Either she gave them her money, or they'd take her life and then her money and then her dignity, although not necesarilly in that order. Merlina simplified things for them. They'd give her information and she'd let them live. If not... well... she could go both ways. Considering that she had pinned one of the men to a wall with two daggers and held the other at bay with the sharp end of her sword pointed at his neck, it was pretty easy for them to figure out what was best for them.
Now that she had gotten some information from them, all she had to do was double check it against a few more sources. She smiled fearlessly as she walked the streets. Some of the pedestrians stayed away from her. It was usually advisable to stay away from mysterious cloacked figures, whether they were a guy or a girl. The fact that she was unknown added to their caution. She then turned left and entered a small store where she bought some bread and asked about the information she had. Satisfied that it was correct, she left the area and then to the outskirts of the city. She still had time till her dad or uncle would come for her. In the meantime... Her smooth white hands reached into her bag and took out the bread she had saved and ate it ravenously.
"Yummy." she said as she leaned against a rock and smiled as she felt the comfortable sun land on her skin. She drew back the cloak and let her red hair shimmer and warm up in the afternoon sun. She then took out the newspaper she had read that morning and looked at the small article concerning the arrest that took place yesterday at Seerin.
'Seerin...' she wondered. 'What was the guy doing in Seerin that he got arrested?' She knew a bit about Seerin. She knew that there were a few dragons there, but they didn't do much to bother the Mazoku. Zelas had mentioned them in passing when naming some locations where dragons were found. Actually, dragons were found in every city, but not all places had a temple. Take for example, the city where she had found her father, in Senarry. It had dragons and a temple. But it wasn't too big of a town. It wasn't too important of a town. But it had the dragon temple and it was considered a city.
A faint memory stirred within the recesses of her mind. There was something very significant about that fact, but everytime she grabbed at it, it would disappear. It was like trying to grab a fish in water. She could feel the tendrils of her thoughts escaping her like a slippery fish or like whisps of smoke. How frustruating...
She suddenly realized that the only way to figure the mystery out would be to 1.) ask Merlin or Zelas or 2.) ask that Xellos kid. The first option was out. Something in her stopped her from being open about Xellos. Besides, she reasoned to herself, she would learn the art of keeping secrets. The second option was hard also. First, she'd have to find him. Then, she'd have to decide just how much she'd tell him. And it would probably be hard to get him to open up to her concerning the small, but estremely vital, details that eluded her. She rested a bit and then exercised a bit to pass the time until they came to pick her up.
*****
That night, while doing her research, Merlina came across a strange list. She was doing some research on Mazoku to see what more she could learn. Sure, Zelas told her a bit, and Merlin did too... but that was from their viewpoint. The human viewpoint was just as informing and interesting. She saw that some time ago, people had been very eager to summon Mazoku. For instance, there was the political reason. You need someone killed and blamed on others? If you were strong enough, you could summon a lower Mazoku and send them to kill. It was done quite a few times in the history of heirs in a kingdom. She remembered seeing this list when she was looking where to cast a summon. She then looked at the list of places that came with it. This was the reason that Seerin had looked so familiar! It was in the list! There was Trystanine and Senarry and Seerin. These were all places that she had gone to... But why had she not realized it until now? It was as if the memory had been repressed. She frowned thoughtfully. What other memories did she have repressed? Could Xellos be one of them also? She quickly wrote down the places and the bibliography to be able to look things up later. She looked at the next place on the list. It was.... Zephyria. And that would be in a week. If Xellos was trying to summon a Mazoku for some reason... A scenario began to play in her mind.
Xellos had been looking for a girl called Merlina Quertwen, of about her age with similar looks. There was the tiny, slim chance that it wasn't her, so she had to be prepared. So, the girl had vanished five months ago. The same time she had cast her spell to find her father. She used to live as a human. So to any other human she'd have vanished because she went with her dad. The places which Xellos mentioned, Senarry and now Seerin... those where the places that summons could be done successfully...
She shook her head and tried to clear her thoughts. She put her books away and carefully hid her notes. She jumped onto her bed and took out the crystal ball she had bought. There had been two, one for her and one for him. She didn't dare use it now since she didn't want Zelas to know about it. She'd use it the next time she was out. She'd perfect the art of teleporting and that way, she would have a greater freedom to pursue her little... quest. She had a bit less than a week. But then again, Merlina Quertwen was an ace at everything she put her mind to... well... except white magic, but that wasn't her fault.
*****
Xellas had decided one thing. Merlina wouldn't have wanted to be with the Mazoku in any way, shape or form. She would have fought against it. Well, his theory was that she was caught by the Mazoku. When a demon takes notice of you, you can't escape easily, and Merlina probably hadn't even seen it coming. He'd go and find her. Which meant summoning Merlin up for some information. He'd pretend to be interested or something. Anything to get his attention and become his 'friend'. He could fake wanting to join the Mazoku ranks as a human helper or something along those lines. Perhaps a human informant or something. Which he could do. He'd be fine. The other option he had was to ally himself with the dragons for protection and help in case Merlin or any other Mazoku got mad at him. Either one would work. It would be better if he had the aide of the Dragon's, but considering his record... and his reasons, they might not help him. But, he had thought up a brilliant plan. Well, not brilliant, but it would suffice.
Xellos smiled to himself cheerfully. He walked merilly down the road whistling softly. He used his staff as a make shift walking stick. He still had the ingredients. He was fortunate that Merlina's flask of dragon blood was so big. It meant that he wouldn't have to kill one anytime soon. He continued on his way north, to Zephyria.
*****
After three days...
Merlina teleported into Zelas's chamber when it was time for her daily talk with her.
"Tada!" she cried with a smile, right before she sank on her knees trying to catch her breath back.
Zelas looked up, a half amused smile on her face.
"I see you finally got the hang of it." she said with a wry look on her face. Merlina shakily got up and grinned at her.
"Yeah..." she said as she walked unsteadily to her chair and sank down on it.
"Well, may I offer my congratulations..." said Zelas with a smirk on her face. Merlina laughed tiredly. "Anyway, rest a bit before I send you on your next mission. Or else, you'll be too tired to do anything.
After Merlina had rested a bit, Zelas gave her a small letter.
"There is an informant in the city of Seyruun. I want you to go there and give this to him. Then you'll have the rest of the day off for yourself."
"How will I know?" asked Merlina.
"Code." she said. "You will be at a cafe called Seyruun's Garden at twelve o'clock. You must be by yourself at a corner. He is told to look for a red head with a ruby necklace. He will tell you that he likes your necklace. You are to say that they are quite rare and precious. Made from crystallized drops of blood."
"Um... OK." said Merlina. "I can handle that. Don't worry about a thing."
"Good." said Zelas. "I knew I could trust in you. Remember, don't tell anyone else about this."
"Sure thing." said Merlina. Merlin then teleported into the room.
"You called, Lady Zelas?" he asked as he bowed.
"Yes." said Zelas. "Please take Merlina to Seyruun and pick her up, as usual, at sunset."
"Of course." he said and bowed again. "Let's go, Lina chan!" The two left the room. Zelas smiled.
*****
The message was passed. The other spy had left soon after receiving the letter, and Merlina found herself with about six hours of free time to waste. She grinned as she bought for herself two peach pastries, an ice cream, strawberries and cream, some fruit yoghurt and a big glass of orange and strawberry juice to finish. She ate daintily but fast, her silverware blurring in the air. But she ate politely. There was no drop of cream or juice spilled. The plates were left gleaming and looked as if she had licked them clean. (She hadn't.) And when she finished, she took her cloth napkin and dabbed daintily like a lady at her lips. There were a few dishes before her, all stacked on each other looking neat and tidy. There was not a drop of juice left in her glass. She smiled and then paid for her snacks and left a small tip.
Once finished, she wondered what to do. As she walked, she thought of an idea. She walked to an empty lot and seeing that no one was there, she then practiced her teleportation skills. First she did small distances, or like a meter or two. This helped when she would fight. It would definately throw her enemies off guard. The only problem was that she easily got tired. She stopped and leaned against the wall. Once she had gotten her breath back, she practiced again. And she spent the whole afternoon doing that, only stopping to catch her breath for a few seconds.
*****
The end of the week was finally here. Merlina felt like a coiled spring, ready to let herself loose and fly off to figure out what was happening in Zephyria. She didn't mind that Zephyria was the town that she had grown up in. Most of the people might recognize her, but now, she could blast them to itty bitty pieces if she felt like it. Well, OK, she could do that before also, but she was more polite back then. Speaking of said things, she looked at her staff. The small wisp of pink inside the jewel had turned a bit more... red. It looked quite pretty, Merlina thought. It was like having caught a tendril of smoke. She shook her staff. As usual, the wisp moved with it.. There was something about the red wisp that she couldn't quite put her finger on, but she didn't mind. She'd remember later, if it was important. She put her sword on carefully. She rarely used her sword to fight with. It meant having to clean blood and gore off her sword later on. She used the staff more often, but she was still a good swordsman. Anyone who thought differently soon learned the wrongness of their convictions. She ran out her room and shut the door, making beeline for Zelas's chamber. She passed a few Mazoku on her way. They all stayed out of the way she was going and refrained as much as possible from looking at her. Seeing her eyes shimerring gave some of them goosebumps. She was a little early today because she was eager to get this over with. She stopped at the door. There were no guards or Mazoku around here. Zelas could take care of herself. Usually, by the time she arrived, the door was opened for her. Today, it was closed. She heard a faint mumbling. Immediatly, she quieted down and made her presence as small as possible. Pressing her ear to the door, she calmed her breathing so that she could hear what was going on.
Now, spying wasn't that big a deal for Merlina. Afterall, the better informed you were, the better you'll be able to look after yourself. Zelas heself had taught her that. She did while looking for information all the time. This was the first time she had spied on Zelas, though. A month ago, she wouldn't have dared. But now, with the possiblity of having a surpressed memory and other little secrets floating about she wanted to know the truth. And since she couldn't get the truth from Zelas by talking face to face with her...
She could only hear small snatches of the conversation. But she recognized the voices. One was Zelas, of course. The second was her father. He sounded subdued while Zelas sounded angry. Her eyes widened as she caught her name being spoken.*** Her father mumbled something else and then there was utter silence. Scared, Merlina walked away as fast and as silently as she could. When she made it to the other end of the hall, she walked normally, making sure that her footsteps and the clacking of her staff made some noise so that it seemed as if she had just come. By the time she had arrived, the door was opened.
"Hello, Merlina. Come in," said Zelas. She didn't look as if she had been angry 20 seconds ago. Her eyes were cool and calm, looking pretty cold. "It's nice to see that you're always so punctual." Merlina sweated slightly.
"You know me." she said weakly. "I try my best."
"OK, today, I need you Zephyria." said Zelas. She watched Merlina carefully for any change in her expression.
"Zephyria? Oh, OK." said Merlina, trying to look as calm and controlled as Zelas. "I know my way around there."
"An informant will come to you." said Zelas. "They will give you a note, which you are to bring to me as soon as you are picked up."
"Yes, ma'am." said Merlina.
"You are not to read the note, as usual." said Zelas with a smile. "It will basically concern some political matters that you have no need to worry about."
"Yes, Zelas." said Merlina obidiently. "How will the informant find me?"
"You will stay at the home you used to live in." said Zelas.
"No problem." said Merlina.
"Now, go." said Zelas. "You have five minutes before Mesphisel takes you on shore."
"Mesphisel?" asked Merlina. "Where's dad?"
"Merlin is doing something else for me." said Zelas. Merlina nodded and left. Something was bothering her. She wondered if her dad was OK. She wondered if she should even care if he was OK or not... she wondered whether she should even do this... But that was a crazy idea! To even wonder about obeying Zelas...
*****
Xellos looked at the town. He was back in Zephyria, and truth be told, it felt nice to be back. He looked about him. Some children stopped and stared at him. Some seemed to recognize him, some didn't. He wondered where most of his classmates where. But what he wanted to know the most... was where his mother was. He passed by his home. It was still as big and clean and impressive as before. He couldn't imagine living in such a costly place again. The garden looked like it was being taken care of, so he assumed his mother was around somewhere. There were a few nagging questions in the back of his brain. For example... why hadn't his mother looked for him while he was gone? There had been no news concerning the disappearance of two kids or anything similar. He continued to walk. This wasn't his home anymore, and he had no reason to be here.
He went on walking. He was trying to concentrate. Today, he would cast ths summoning. He would try to call Merlina this time. It had hit him as an idea on the way here. After all, Merlina had been half Mazoku, so surely, she could also be pulled to where he was. It was worth a try, at least. He walked on, not even imagining what was to come.
End of the Chapter
***Isn't it interesting how you can't hear what people are saying, but if someone mentions your name, you can clearly hear it, even though you're reading or working? *grin*
Author's Notes
To everyone who is reading this, thankyou for all your continued support in your reviews and small little notes of encouragement. Well, this is going to be the last chapter that comes out quickly cause classes are going to start very soon. Which means that I have a lot of work to catch up on. For example, I am learning French and Greek. (Don't ask... I just went crazy while deciding my schedule...) So, if you don't see a chapter in a month or two or five, please realize that I haven't fallen off the world. I'm just buried under a pile of homework. Every once in a while, I'll push a note from my place under the pile asking for some oolong tea (caffeine source, can't stand coffee) and a small bite to eat. *grin*
If you wish for an e-mail written to you so that you don't have to check once every day to see if I have had enough time to type, just drop me a note. (either a review or e-mail will do) (This is my evil, wicked terrible plot to encourage all of you to review... mwahahahahaha!!!) ^.^
Take care, everyone! Until then!
Hotaru Kimiko Lai
