Hot dog, another chapter done! I'm so proud of me...HA, just kidding. This chapter could have been longer and I know it. I just got kinda lazy. No, just kidding again. Something told me it was time to end chapter 2 and so I did. I bet you all are happy that I have another chapter out, aren't you? I'm quite proud of myself. I think I'm actually getting back into the swing of things, believe it or not. I told you all I found my direction, didn't I? Yes I did. Well, I have to go now. I have a Japanese midterm in less than an hour. Wish me luck, minna-san!
Disclaimer: Guess what! I've stolen the rights to DBZ. It's now mine! HAHAHAHA-no, it's not. I'm just messin' wit ya. Wait, you mean you didn't believe me for a minute?!?!?! Well, I guess my acting abilities were wasted on you all. Ok, well, I guess I don't own DBZ and that Toriyama Akira-san does...I'll hate him forever for that but revere him for creating such a magnificant show...
----------------Judgment of the Heavens------------------
-3 weeks later-
Gohan looked over the parchment in his hands, looking over the list of which books had piqued his interest. It was a fairly long list, written on a piece of paper borrowed from the Warrior-Mages. They had been most helpful in explaining the workings of the library, never failing to answer his questions or provide him with something he needed. Instead of reading all of the books when he found them, Gohan decided to look at all of them, scan briefly what was contained in their pages and, if the subject of the book caught his interest, write down the title of the book.
Gohan found through his search of the library that many of the books were just records of the treasury, census reports, and the like, significantly decreasing the number of books that Gohan had to go through. But even with the number of books eliminated from his search, Gohan spent almost all of his time in the library, looking over all of the books. He had complied a list finally, a list of books that contained detailed explanations of the society on Cresilia and books that held its history, including a history and explanation of the magic used by few.
With his list finished, Gohan knew he had to hurry if he was to find the key to getting him and Videl out of there. His main concern was finding a way to get the Ring of Hanoi off of around his neck. Once he got that abominable thing off, he would be in a much better place to try and escape.
Gohan also hoped that he could find a way to become immune to the magic that the High Priests held. Having not been born of Vegetasei, Gohan had no knowledge of how to block the magic used by the High Priests of Cresilia. If he attempted to escape, he would have no way to protect himself against the power of all the high priests combined, assuming he was as important to Milena as he thought he was.
Fingering the metal collar around his neck, Gohan set off to find one of the books on his list, hoping to find a solution to his problem in one of those books. He wandered off towards the stacks, ambling slowly as he walked. He headed off towards the location of the first book on his list, focused on the task at hand. The hope that he could find his freedom in the Royal Library lived inside of him and he wasn't going to stop looking for the key to his escape until he couldn't go on anymore.
Gohan quickly found the first book on his list, taking it over to one of the few tables that littered the library. Gohan sat down at the table, pulling out one of the chairs and sitting down with sigh. Looking at the book, he noted that he had started with a detailed history of Cresilia.
The perfect introduction, Gohan thought as he opened the book, thankful for the language spell that Saloman had cast on him, and began to read. Gohan didn't know how long he had sat there, reading about the formation of Cresilian society. He read with fascination about the beginning, about how Cresilia used to be a planet full of small nations, all of them vying for control of the planet and its resources.
He learned about the Great War that took place 50,000 thousand years before that destroyed the society and the Sorcerer who built it back up. Gohan's interest was piqued when he read about the legendary Sorcerer Dakaran. According to what he had read, Dakaran was the last of a race the Cresilians called Sorcerers, a being full of great magic.
The Sorcerers, according to the book, had taught many of the civilized and upper class people of Cresilia about magic and how to use it, accounting for why the High Priests were so proficient in the arts of magic. Gohan got the impression that there was no magic on Cresilia until the Sorcerers had arrived.
If they brought magic to Cresilia, then did they bring all of the magical artifacts with them as well? Did they bring the Ring of Hanoi I wear around my neck? Gohan wondered. In his searching, Gohan had found books solely based on magical artifacts. He had looked up the Ring of Hanoi in each book he had found, dismayed to find that none of the books even mentioned the small collar.
From the amazing abilities of the ring, Gohan knew that it had to be a well-kept secret among the Cresilian society, so it wouldn't have been printed in any books. Gohan's instinct told him that these Sorcerers were the beings that brought most of the magical artifacts to Cresilia.
Maybe if I find a book on the Sorcerers, I can learn of the secrets of this damn collar, Gohan thought, wishing for a way to get it off. With a mission in mind, Gohan decided that he could wait to read about the history of Cresilia and stood up to go searching for a book on these Sorcerers. He turned around and immediately jumped with surprise.
There, standing not 2 feet away, was a young man who looked about his age. His vibrant blue eyes sparkled with amusement as he tossed his somewhat long, straight blond hair over his shoulder in a very feminine gesture.
"Well, I was waiting to see how long it would take you to notice me," the mystery man said, his voice smooth and confident.
"How long have you been standing there?" Gohan inquired, his defenses rising as he automatically lowered himself into a fighting stance, though he had no power to back it up.
"Oh, for a while now. You've been so absorbed in your reading that I thought I was going to have to smack you upside the head for you to realize I was behind you," he said, smiling, "And I don't think you need to try and intimidate me with that stance of yours. You're wearing the Ring of Hanoi around your neck; you don't have any power to attack me with." Gohan was shocked out of his fighting stance, looking at the young man confused.
"How did you know that I had the Ring of Hanoi around my neck?" Gohan asked.
"Well," the man answered, "First of all, I can see it. And, secondly, I know what it is. My name's Jasmore and I am an apprentice to the High Priest Ranthyl. I've been working under him for the last 200 years, learning all that he has to give me. I will be his successor when he passes on to the Great Unknown.
"So, being apprenticed to a High Priest, I know of the Ring of Hanoi and I know that you wear it around your neck. I also know that you're name is Gohan and that you come from a planet called Earth. I also know something else: that Queen Milena's Sacrifice is your mate and that you're half Saiya-jin," Jasmore said with a small smirk on his face.
"Well, good for you that you know so much about me," Gohan snapped, "But what do you want with me?" Jasmore simply smiled and walked up to Gohan so that he was inches away.
"You interest me, Son Gohan. You interest everyone who knows you're here. You have so much power, so much conviction…all of if locked away behind the Ring of Hanoi," Jasmore said, fingering the collar around Gohan's neck. Gohan backed up a few steps, very aware of the proximity of Jasmore.
"But, why?" Gohan asked, still very confused, "Why do I interest you? Why do you care?" Jasmore sighed and backed away as well.
"You're the only one who can save us, Gohan," Jasmore said in a small whisper, "Without you, we have no hope. Nobody, except you, can do anything to stop Queen Milena."
"But, couldn't one of the High Priests try and stop her?" Gohan asked, leaning against the table.
"We could, but nobody dares to do so. All of the High Priests, except for Head High Priest Saloman, do not want Milena to succeed. We all know that if she does, her reign will be full of darkness. The High Priests wouldn't dare do anything against her…not with Saloman supporting her. He's stronger than all the High Priests combined. But, you could do something about it."
"But I can't," Gohan argued, "I'm not strong enough. I don't have the ability to block your guys' magic attacks. I'd be useless against someone like Saloman." Jasmore shook his head.
"That's where you're wrong, Gohan. You can do something. We all know it. Just no one knows quite what that something is. We can all sense your importance. It surrounds you like a bright cloud. Only you possess the power, Gohan. Only you can stop her," Jasmore explained. Gohan could hear the desperation behind the man's voice, realizing for the first time that not everyone wanted Milena to succeed.
"How many others feel the same as you and the High Priests?" Gohan asked. Jasmore smiled.
"Most of the people on the planet do. Only a few support Milena in her ideas. Most don't want her to ascend to the throne. They're all afraid, Gohan. Nobody wanted Milena as Queen. And, if things aren't changed, she will be. It's time this planet changed its ways. Cresilia has been going under a slight revolution for thousands of years, now. Only now is it apparent that the eve of change is upon us," Jasmore said.
Gohan sighed, feeling trapped. The last time he had felt like this, it was in his battle against Cell. Gohan hadn't wanted to fight, but knew he was the only person who could defeat that evil monster.
Why must life force me into these situations? Gohan wondered to himself, thinking about what Jasmore said.
"But, I can't do anything. The only way I'd be able to do anything would be without this collar around my neck. Is there anything you could do to get it off of me?" Gohan asked. Jasmore shook his head.
"That's the unfortunate thing," he said, sighing, "The only person who can remove the Ring of Hanoi is the person who placed it there in the first place. Since Head High Priest Saloman was the man who first snapped it around your neck, he would have to remove it himself. But, he would never do that." Gohan growled in frustration.
"Well, there has to be a way!" Gohan snapped, "There has to be something written on this stupid ring!" Jasmore looked at Gohan confused.
"Written?" he said, prompting a response from Gohan.
"Well, I was reading a book on the history of Cresilia and something about the Sorcerers caught my eye. It said that with the arrival of the Sorcerers came all of the magic that now exists on Cresilia. I figured that they must have brought a good portion of the magical artifacts that are now here to this planet.
"I've tried to find information on the Ring of Hanoi in books on magical artifacts, but considering how powerful this collar is, nobody would know of its existence. Therefore, there would be no information about it in the generic books on artifacts. I'm figuring that if I could find a book about the Sorcerers that maybe I could find a way to get the Ring of Hanoi off," Gohan explained. Jasmore nodded his head, understanding Gohan's logic.
"Well, we could always ask Ranthyl about where to find a book on the Sorcerers. There's a small room in this library that contains all of the special and rare texts on this planet. Only the Queen and the High Priests can go in there for you have to have the key to get in," Jasmore said.
"So that's where that door goes," Gohan exclaimed, "I was curious about that when I found the door a few days ago. But, on the subject of asking High Priest Ranthyl about the book, I'm afraid you'd have to do that yourself. I can't go anywhere except for the library, my room, and the path in between the two places. You'd have to bring him here if we were to discuss any findings." Jasmore nodded.
"All right, then," Jasmore said, "Why don't you wait here and I'll retrieve Ranthyl. He'll search the smaller room for anything and tell us if he finds anything." Gohan looked at Jasmore with a questioning gaze.
"Why would he do that?" Gohan asked. Jasmore smiled slyly.
"Because…he'll do anything I ask of him," Jasmore said, walking off. From Jasmore's words, Gohan got the distinct feeling that the relationship between Jasmore and Ranthyl was more than just teacher and apprentice. Blushing at the thought, Gohan expelled it from his mind, thinking about the new hope that just presented itself to him.
If Ranthyl can find how to get this Ring off, then I can get myself and Videl out of here and destroy Milena, Gohan thought hopefully, biding his time until Jasmore returned with Ranthyl. To pass the time, Gohan sat back down and resumed reading the history book he had carelessly left of the table.
Once again engulfing himself into the culture of this highly evolved planet, Gohan found that time flew with ease and it seemed like mere moments until he heard footsteps approaching him. Looking up, Gohan saw that Jasmore had returned and standing next to him was a slightly older looking man. Gohan stood up and walked over to them, bowing at the older man.
"I am pleased to meet you, High Priest Ranthyl," Gohan said. Ranthyl smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine," Ranthyl said, "I was wondering if I was ever going to meet you. I'm sure Jasmore has told you all about our interest in you and your power." Gohan nodded.
"Yes, and Jasmore told me that you might be able to help me find information on how to remove the Ring of Hanoi without having Head High Priest Saloman do it himself," Gohan said. Ranthyl nodded.
"Well, I can try. I don't know if I'll have any success, but I will look Gohan," Ranthyl said, turning to Jasmore, "I'm going to look through all of the special and rare texts, Jasmore. Stay with young Gohan and answer any questions that he might have about us or this planet." Ranthyl put his hand tenderly on Jasmore's shoulder as the younger man nodded.
"Ok, Ranthyl. Good luck," Jasmore said. Ranthyl smiled at Jasmore before walking off, his priest robes trailing behind him. Gohan's suspicions on the nature of the relationship between Ranthyl and Jasmore were confirmed as he watched the small exchange between the two. Jasmore watched Ranthyl until he disappeared behind the stacks, finally turning back to Gohan. Jasmore smiled at Gohan before sitting down at the table that Gohan had been sitting at, motioning for Gohan to sit down as well.
"Well," Jasmore said after Gohan said down, "Are there any questions you have for me? I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability." Gohan smiled and nodded.
"Ok, I have a question for you…"
***
For a week, Gohan, Jasmore, and Ranthyl went through the same routine. Ranthyl, when he had time, would do research on the Sorcerers in the private room in the library and report to Gohan and Jasmore if he had found anything. Jasmore and Gohan, for their part, played an elaborate version of 20 questions, with Gohan asking Jasmore about anything pertaining to Cresilian culture.
As the week wore on, Jasmore and Gohan got to know each other more and Jasmore asked Gohan questions about his life on earth. Eventually, they reached the subject of Videl and Gohan began to get wistful.
"Sounds like you really love her," Jasmore said, smiling sadly at Gohan.
"Yeah, I do. I mean, she's my soul mate. I'm supposed to be together with her for the rest of my life," Gohan said, sighing, "If only I could see her again." Jasmore looked at Gohan, taking in the sad expression on his face.
He must be missing her so much. I wish there was something I could do to help him, Jasmore wondered. In the short time that Jasmore had known Gohan, he had become to consider him one of his close friends. Jasmore was constantly amazed at Gohan's never-ending curiosity and intelligence. At first, Jasmore had respected Gohan because of it, but that respect quickly turned to friendship as Jasmore became closer to Gohan. After a couple of seconds of thinking, Jasmore thought of an idea.
"I'm pretty sure there's a way that you can see Videl," Jasmore said. Gohan turned his head sharply towards Jasmore.
"Really? Are you serious?" Gohan asked, his voice demanding answer. Jasmore nodded.
"Yes, I'm serious," Jasmore said.
"But, how can that be?" Gohan said, "Saloman put spells on me so that I can only go from my room to here." Jasmore smiled.
"I know for a fact that those spells can be reversed for a short period of time. Granted, the only way to permanently remove the spells is to have the caster remove them himself, but anybody who knows the spell can deactivate it for a short period of time. Long enough for you to be able to see Videl again for a short while. Ranthyl knows the spell. He'll cast it for you if I ask," Jasmore said with conviction, "And I'll find a way to get past the guards." Gohan looked at Jasmore with shining eyes.
"You'd do that…for me? Why?" Gohan asked, speechless.
"Because," Jasmore said with a small smile, "You deserve it. I'll talk to Ranthyl about it later and I'll get back to you about it tomorrow." Gohan didn't mutter a word after Jasmore finished talking, his mind not able to wrap around that there was a possibility that he could see Videl. Happiness filled his heart once more at the thought of seeing her. The two sat in complete silence, neither of them saying a word, until Ranthyl returned, ready to report to them on what they had found.
Jasmore looked at Ranthyl as he told them of his meager findings, noticing the still hopeful look in his eyes as he spoke of what he found, confident that he could find the key to remove the Ring of Hanoi. Jasmore smiled as he looked at his teacher, knowing himself lucky to learn from such a man.
I love you, Ranthyl, now and forever, Jasmore thought to himself as he let himself get swept away in the conversation between Gohan and Ranthyl, proud that he was part of something bigger, something that would save the universe.
---------------------
::Sings in a sing-song voice:: I finished another chapter! I finished another chapter! ::Stops singing, but can't contain excitement:: Aren't you all proud of me? I am too! Well, I better go! Until next time!
Disclaimer: Guess what! I've stolen the rights to DBZ. It's now mine! HAHAHAHA-no, it's not. I'm just messin' wit ya. Wait, you mean you didn't believe me for a minute?!?!?! Well, I guess my acting abilities were wasted on you all. Ok, well, I guess I don't own DBZ and that Toriyama Akira-san does...I'll hate him forever for that but revere him for creating such a magnificant show...
----------------Judgment of the Heavens------------------
-3 weeks later-
Gohan looked over the parchment in his hands, looking over the list of which books had piqued his interest. It was a fairly long list, written on a piece of paper borrowed from the Warrior-Mages. They had been most helpful in explaining the workings of the library, never failing to answer his questions or provide him with something he needed. Instead of reading all of the books when he found them, Gohan decided to look at all of them, scan briefly what was contained in their pages and, if the subject of the book caught his interest, write down the title of the book.
Gohan found through his search of the library that many of the books were just records of the treasury, census reports, and the like, significantly decreasing the number of books that Gohan had to go through. But even with the number of books eliminated from his search, Gohan spent almost all of his time in the library, looking over all of the books. He had complied a list finally, a list of books that contained detailed explanations of the society on Cresilia and books that held its history, including a history and explanation of the magic used by few.
With his list finished, Gohan knew he had to hurry if he was to find the key to getting him and Videl out of there. His main concern was finding a way to get the Ring of Hanoi off of around his neck. Once he got that abominable thing off, he would be in a much better place to try and escape.
Gohan also hoped that he could find a way to become immune to the magic that the High Priests held. Having not been born of Vegetasei, Gohan had no knowledge of how to block the magic used by the High Priests of Cresilia. If he attempted to escape, he would have no way to protect himself against the power of all the high priests combined, assuming he was as important to Milena as he thought he was.
Fingering the metal collar around his neck, Gohan set off to find one of the books on his list, hoping to find a solution to his problem in one of those books. He wandered off towards the stacks, ambling slowly as he walked. He headed off towards the location of the first book on his list, focused on the task at hand. The hope that he could find his freedom in the Royal Library lived inside of him and he wasn't going to stop looking for the key to his escape until he couldn't go on anymore.
Gohan quickly found the first book on his list, taking it over to one of the few tables that littered the library. Gohan sat down at the table, pulling out one of the chairs and sitting down with sigh. Looking at the book, he noted that he had started with a detailed history of Cresilia.
The perfect introduction, Gohan thought as he opened the book, thankful for the language spell that Saloman had cast on him, and began to read. Gohan didn't know how long he had sat there, reading about the formation of Cresilian society. He read with fascination about the beginning, about how Cresilia used to be a planet full of small nations, all of them vying for control of the planet and its resources.
He learned about the Great War that took place 50,000 thousand years before that destroyed the society and the Sorcerer who built it back up. Gohan's interest was piqued when he read about the legendary Sorcerer Dakaran. According to what he had read, Dakaran was the last of a race the Cresilians called Sorcerers, a being full of great magic.
The Sorcerers, according to the book, had taught many of the civilized and upper class people of Cresilia about magic and how to use it, accounting for why the High Priests were so proficient in the arts of magic. Gohan got the impression that there was no magic on Cresilia until the Sorcerers had arrived.
If they brought magic to Cresilia, then did they bring all of the magical artifacts with them as well? Did they bring the Ring of Hanoi I wear around my neck? Gohan wondered. In his searching, Gohan had found books solely based on magical artifacts. He had looked up the Ring of Hanoi in each book he had found, dismayed to find that none of the books even mentioned the small collar.
From the amazing abilities of the ring, Gohan knew that it had to be a well-kept secret among the Cresilian society, so it wouldn't have been printed in any books. Gohan's instinct told him that these Sorcerers were the beings that brought most of the magical artifacts to Cresilia.
Maybe if I find a book on the Sorcerers, I can learn of the secrets of this damn collar, Gohan thought, wishing for a way to get it off. With a mission in mind, Gohan decided that he could wait to read about the history of Cresilia and stood up to go searching for a book on these Sorcerers. He turned around and immediately jumped with surprise.
There, standing not 2 feet away, was a young man who looked about his age. His vibrant blue eyes sparkled with amusement as he tossed his somewhat long, straight blond hair over his shoulder in a very feminine gesture.
"Well, I was waiting to see how long it would take you to notice me," the mystery man said, his voice smooth and confident.
"How long have you been standing there?" Gohan inquired, his defenses rising as he automatically lowered himself into a fighting stance, though he had no power to back it up.
"Oh, for a while now. You've been so absorbed in your reading that I thought I was going to have to smack you upside the head for you to realize I was behind you," he said, smiling, "And I don't think you need to try and intimidate me with that stance of yours. You're wearing the Ring of Hanoi around your neck; you don't have any power to attack me with." Gohan was shocked out of his fighting stance, looking at the young man confused.
"How did you know that I had the Ring of Hanoi around my neck?" Gohan asked.
"Well," the man answered, "First of all, I can see it. And, secondly, I know what it is. My name's Jasmore and I am an apprentice to the High Priest Ranthyl. I've been working under him for the last 200 years, learning all that he has to give me. I will be his successor when he passes on to the Great Unknown.
"So, being apprenticed to a High Priest, I know of the Ring of Hanoi and I know that you wear it around your neck. I also know that you're name is Gohan and that you come from a planet called Earth. I also know something else: that Queen Milena's Sacrifice is your mate and that you're half Saiya-jin," Jasmore said with a small smirk on his face.
"Well, good for you that you know so much about me," Gohan snapped, "But what do you want with me?" Jasmore simply smiled and walked up to Gohan so that he was inches away.
"You interest me, Son Gohan. You interest everyone who knows you're here. You have so much power, so much conviction…all of if locked away behind the Ring of Hanoi," Jasmore said, fingering the collar around Gohan's neck. Gohan backed up a few steps, very aware of the proximity of Jasmore.
"But, why?" Gohan asked, still very confused, "Why do I interest you? Why do you care?" Jasmore sighed and backed away as well.
"You're the only one who can save us, Gohan," Jasmore said in a small whisper, "Without you, we have no hope. Nobody, except you, can do anything to stop Queen Milena."
"But, couldn't one of the High Priests try and stop her?" Gohan asked, leaning against the table.
"We could, but nobody dares to do so. All of the High Priests, except for Head High Priest Saloman, do not want Milena to succeed. We all know that if she does, her reign will be full of darkness. The High Priests wouldn't dare do anything against her…not with Saloman supporting her. He's stronger than all the High Priests combined. But, you could do something about it."
"But I can't," Gohan argued, "I'm not strong enough. I don't have the ability to block your guys' magic attacks. I'd be useless against someone like Saloman." Jasmore shook his head.
"That's where you're wrong, Gohan. You can do something. We all know it. Just no one knows quite what that something is. We can all sense your importance. It surrounds you like a bright cloud. Only you possess the power, Gohan. Only you can stop her," Jasmore explained. Gohan could hear the desperation behind the man's voice, realizing for the first time that not everyone wanted Milena to succeed.
"How many others feel the same as you and the High Priests?" Gohan asked. Jasmore smiled.
"Most of the people on the planet do. Only a few support Milena in her ideas. Most don't want her to ascend to the throne. They're all afraid, Gohan. Nobody wanted Milena as Queen. And, if things aren't changed, she will be. It's time this planet changed its ways. Cresilia has been going under a slight revolution for thousands of years, now. Only now is it apparent that the eve of change is upon us," Jasmore said.
Gohan sighed, feeling trapped. The last time he had felt like this, it was in his battle against Cell. Gohan hadn't wanted to fight, but knew he was the only person who could defeat that evil monster.
Why must life force me into these situations? Gohan wondered to himself, thinking about what Jasmore said.
"But, I can't do anything. The only way I'd be able to do anything would be without this collar around my neck. Is there anything you could do to get it off of me?" Gohan asked. Jasmore shook his head.
"That's the unfortunate thing," he said, sighing, "The only person who can remove the Ring of Hanoi is the person who placed it there in the first place. Since Head High Priest Saloman was the man who first snapped it around your neck, he would have to remove it himself. But, he would never do that." Gohan growled in frustration.
"Well, there has to be a way!" Gohan snapped, "There has to be something written on this stupid ring!" Jasmore looked at Gohan confused.
"Written?" he said, prompting a response from Gohan.
"Well, I was reading a book on the history of Cresilia and something about the Sorcerers caught my eye. It said that with the arrival of the Sorcerers came all of the magic that now exists on Cresilia. I figured that they must have brought a good portion of the magical artifacts that are now here to this planet.
"I've tried to find information on the Ring of Hanoi in books on magical artifacts, but considering how powerful this collar is, nobody would know of its existence. Therefore, there would be no information about it in the generic books on artifacts. I'm figuring that if I could find a book about the Sorcerers that maybe I could find a way to get the Ring of Hanoi off," Gohan explained. Jasmore nodded his head, understanding Gohan's logic.
"Well, we could always ask Ranthyl about where to find a book on the Sorcerers. There's a small room in this library that contains all of the special and rare texts on this planet. Only the Queen and the High Priests can go in there for you have to have the key to get in," Jasmore said.
"So that's where that door goes," Gohan exclaimed, "I was curious about that when I found the door a few days ago. But, on the subject of asking High Priest Ranthyl about the book, I'm afraid you'd have to do that yourself. I can't go anywhere except for the library, my room, and the path in between the two places. You'd have to bring him here if we were to discuss any findings." Jasmore nodded.
"All right, then," Jasmore said, "Why don't you wait here and I'll retrieve Ranthyl. He'll search the smaller room for anything and tell us if he finds anything." Gohan looked at Jasmore with a questioning gaze.
"Why would he do that?" Gohan asked. Jasmore smiled slyly.
"Because…he'll do anything I ask of him," Jasmore said, walking off. From Jasmore's words, Gohan got the distinct feeling that the relationship between Jasmore and Ranthyl was more than just teacher and apprentice. Blushing at the thought, Gohan expelled it from his mind, thinking about the new hope that just presented itself to him.
If Ranthyl can find how to get this Ring off, then I can get myself and Videl out of here and destroy Milena, Gohan thought hopefully, biding his time until Jasmore returned with Ranthyl. To pass the time, Gohan sat back down and resumed reading the history book he had carelessly left of the table.
Once again engulfing himself into the culture of this highly evolved planet, Gohan found that time flew with ease and it seemed like mere moments until he heard footsteps approaching him. Looking up, Gohan saw that Jasmore had returned and standing next to him was a slightly older looking man. Gohan stood up and walked over to them, bowing at the older man.
"I am pleased to meet you, High Priest Ranthyl," Gohan said. Ranthyl smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine," Ranthyl said, "I was wondering if I was ever going to meet you. I'm sure Jasmore has told you all about our interest in you and your power." Gohan nodded.
"Yes, and Jasmore told me that you might be able to help me find information on how to remove the Ring of Hanoi without having Head High Priest Saloman do it himself," Gohan said. Ranthyl nodded.
"Well, I can try. I don't know if I'll have any success, but I will look Gohan," Ranthyl said, turning to Jasmore, "I'm going to look through all of the special and rare texts, Jasmore. Stay with young Gohan and answer any questions that he might have about us or this planet." Ranthyl put his hand tenderly on Jasmore's shoulder as the younger man nodded.
"Ok, Ranthyl. Good luck," Jasmore said. Ranthyl smiled at Jasmore before walking off, his priest robes trailing behind him. Gohan's suspicions on the nature of the relationship between Ranthyl and Jasmore were confirmed as he watched the small exchange between the two. Jasmore watched Ranthyl until he disappeared behind the stacks, finally turning back to Gohan. Jasmore smiled at Gohan before sitting down at the table that Gohan had been sitting at, motioning for Gohan to sit down as well.
"Well," Jasmore said after Gohan said down, "Are there any questions you have for me? I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability." Gohan smiled and nodded.
"Ok, I have a question for you…"
***
For a week, Gohan, Jasmore, and Ranthyl went through the same routine. Ranthyl, when he had time, would do research on the Sorcerers in the private room in the library and report to Gohan and Jasmore if he had found anything. Jasmore and Gohan, for their part, played an elaborate version of 20 questions, with Gohan asking Jasmore about anything pertaining to Cresilian culture.
As the week wore on, Jasmore and Gohan got to know each other more and Jasmore asked Gohan questions about his life on earth. Eventually, they reached the subject of Videl and Gohan began to get wistful.
"Sounds like you really love her," Jasmore said, smiling sadly at Gohan.
"Yeah, I do. I mean, she's my soul mate. I'm supposed to be together with her for the rest of my life," Gohan said, sighing, "If only I could see her again." Jasmore looked at Gohan, taking in the sad expression on his face.
He must be missing her so much. I wish there was something I could do to help him, Jasmore wondered. In the short time that Jasmore had known Gohan, he had become to consider him one of his close friends. Jasmore was constantly amazed at Gohan's never-ending curiosity and intelligence. At first, Jasmore had respected Gohan because of it, but that respect quickly turned to friendship as Jasmore became closer to Gohan. After a couple of seconds of thinking, Jasmore thought of an idea.
"I'm pretty sure there's a way that you can see Videl," Jasmore said. Gohan turned his head sharply towards Jasmore.
"Really? Are you serious?" Gohan asked, his voice demanding answer. Jasmore nodded.
"Yes, I'm serious," Jasmore said.
"But, how can that be?" Gohan said, "Saloman put spells on me so that I can only go from my room to here." Jasmore smiled.
"I know for a fact that those spells can be reversed for a short period of time. Granted, the only way to permanently remove the spells is to have the caster remove them himself, but anybody who knows the spell can deactivate it for a short period of time. Long enough for you to be able to see Videl again for a short while. Ranthyl knows the spell. He'll cast it for you if I ask," Jasmore said with conviction, "And I'll find a way to get past the guards." Gohan looked at Jasmore with shining eyes.
"You'd do that…for me? Why?" Gohan asked, speechless.
"Because," Jasmore said with a small smile, "You deserve it. I'll talk to Ranthyl about it later and I'll get back to you about it tomorrow." Gohan didn't mutter a word after Jasmore finished talking, his mind not able to wrap around that there was a possibility that he could see Videl. Happiness filled his heart once more at the thought of seeing her. The two sat in complete silence, neither of them saying a word, until Ranthyl returned, ready to report to them on what they had found.
Jasmore looked at Ranthyl as he told them of his meager findings, noticing the still hopeful look in his eyes as he spoke of what he found, confident that he could find the key to remove the Ring of Hanoi. Jasmore smiled as he looked at his teacher, knowing himself lucky to learn from such a man.
I love you, Ranthyl, now and forever, Jasmore thought to himself as he let himself get swept away in the conversation between Gohan and Ranthyl, proud that he was part of something bigger, something that would save the universe.
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::Sings in a sing-song voice:: I finished another chapter! I finished another chapter! ::Stops singing, but can't contain excitement:: Aren't you all proud of me? I am too! Well, I better go! Until next time!