Chapter 10: Ashes and Rebirth
Lina stared up at Zelgadis in disbelief. It was him, but it wasn't him. "Rezo did this to you, didn't he?" she said, anger beginning to surface.
Zelgadis didn't answer her. Instead, he hoisted her into the air and threw her into the shallow fish pond. She landed painfully with a splash, goldfish flopping all around her. "Oww! What's the big idea?" she yelled, pulling a goldfish out of her hair. Lina's inner alarm went off when he didn't answer, and instead of waiting, she ducked and rolled across the water, scrambling out of the pond.
Zelgadis landed with a splash where she had been moments before, and turned slowly. "You're quick," he observed, and then leapt at her once more.
"Zel! Snap out of it! It's me, Lina!" she yelled as she raced back through the garden, searching desperately for a weapon. Spying a rake leaning against one of the garden sheds, she grabbed it. Whirling around, she whipped the rake out, catching Zelgadis across the chest and shoving him back.
"Get away from me!" she yelled, nervously stepping backwards towards the palace.
Rubbing at the new rip in his black clothing, Zelgadis glowered at Lina. "You're always destroying my clothing, Lina. It makes me angry," he said, reaching for her. Lina tried to bat him away with the rake once more, but it broke on contact with his stony forearm. He laughed as he grabbed the rake handle and twisted it out of her grasp. "Normal weapons won't work against me, you stupid girl!" he paused to bark out.
Lina, however, always had been a practical sort of person, and didn't waste time listening to Zelgadis' evil monologue. She took off as fast as she could for the main palace, screaming at the top of her lungs. "HEEELP!" she yelled. She thought for a moment that she might make it, when a breeze brushed by her cheek. And then, suddenly, the next thing she felt was an explosion of pain as her breath was forced out in a gasp. She clenched her eyes shut against the tears that leaked out, feeling as though she had hit a stone wall. But as she opened her eyes, she realized that the barrier she had hit was actually Zelgadis' knee, rammed into her stomach. With a dry heave, she fell to her knees and bowed over, gasping for breath.
"You won't get away," Zelgadis said darkly, staring down at her with his jaded eyes.
Lina turned slightly, trying to look at Zelgadis, still gasping for breath. But for all her effort, when she saw his face she still couldn't recognize him.
"My my! You should save that sort of affection for someone who would really appreciate it!" Zelgadis leapt away from Lina as a dark bolt of energy blasted the ground where he stood. There was the familiar pulse of energy, and Xellos stepped out before Lina, his staff held ready. "Are you injured?" he asked her quickly.
"Xellos…" she managed to wheeze, motioning feebly at Zelgadis. "He's…"
Xellos cut her off curtly, pointing his staff at the chimera who now circled them. "I can feel the controlling spell," he said, the mocking smile dropping from his face. He waved his hand with a quick motion, and suddenly, sitting around Lina were the other Celestial warriors, still in their dining-hall chairs. They looked taken aback, as if they had been pulled out in mid-action from the meal. Gourry was even holding a drumstick.
"What is this, Xellos?" came Valgarv's irritable growl, standing. "Is that Zelgadis?" he then asked, his thick eyebrows lifting slightly as he spotted the chimera.
Sylphiel rushed to Lina, placing her hands on the younger girl's stomach. With a gasp, she looked up at Zelgadis. "He's—"
Xellos nodded at Sylphiel. "He's possessed. I'll need your help to break the spell. Valgarv, Gourry, if you'll look after the ladies?" he said with a salute, and then disappeared without warning.
"But isn't that Zelgadis?" Gourry said, throwing down his drumstick and kneeling beside Lina. "He's one of us," he said in confusion. "He's our friend!"
Valgarv shrugged slightly. "If you say so," he grumbled, picking up Vessegace and waving its flames to life. "Friend or not, I'm glad Xellos didn't forget our weapons." With a grin, he leapt towards Zelgadis, twirling the staff over his head. "Let's get to know each other!" he snarled, bringing the weapon down.
Zelgadis smirked, and with another leap, cleared Valgarv's flaming attack and landed behind him. "So it seems the last Celestial Warrior was found after all." Rushing forward, he punched at Valgarv, who blocked the attack with his staff. "But that won't make a difference," he sneered as he whirled with lighting speed and landed a foot in Valgarv's side, sending him flying. "I am the strongest!"
Gourry stood up slowly, releasing his blade and lowering the hilt before him. The sword of light flared to life in his hands as his face formed a grim expression. "Zelgadis wouldn't hurt Lina or her friends," he said, dropping into a guard position.
Zelgadis narrowed his eyes. "You'll never beat me, Gourry. Just hand over the girl, and I won't rob this nation of its leader."
Gourry's grip tightened around the handle of his sword, and he stepped forward, glaring at the chimera. "Protect Lina and Sylphiel, Valgarv," he said, his voice taking a note of command. "I'll deal with him." Gourry held the blade of the sword of light before him, the tendrils of white energy licking at his long bangs. "Your fight's with me now," he said solemnly to Zelgadis, inviting him to attack.
Zelgadis smiled, lifting his hands as he crouched into an attacking posture. "Your funeral," he said simply, and sprung at Gourry.
The two warriors raced forward to meet. Whether Gourry or Zelgadis would have won the duel could never really be known. The emperor's skill with the sword was unparalleled, and with his shining blade of light, he held perhaps the only weapon known to man that could truly damage Zelgadis' rock-hard skin. On the other hand, Zelgadis was the master of hand-to-hand combat, his demonic speed and skill with his fists unmatched by any other. Had the fight been fair, the outcome might have been vastly different.
Xellos, however, didn't believe in fighting fair, only in fighting to win. Zelgadis' rush was halted by the staff that materialized before him and caught under his chin, dangling him in a deadly lock directly in the path of Gourry's thrust.
Sylphiel's scream rang out through courtyard as the two duelists met. Unable to stop his momentum, Gourry's sword bit cleanly through Zelgadis' side, sending a spray of copper blood onto the moonlit stones of the walkway. As he landed, the emperor turned angrily, his expression furious. "XELLOS!" he bellowed as the magician released the struggling chimera, letting him fall in a messy heap onto the ground below.
Xellos frowned slightly, his eyes shut as he studied Zelgadis' motionless form. Sylphiel rushed forward, her healing magic at the ready, but the magician held her back. "He needed to be mortally injured. Facing death is the only way to break a hold this strong." He shrugged slightly. "Now either Rezo will have to release him, or die with him."
Lina stumbled forward, leaning heavily on Valgarv as he half-dragged her forward. She glared at Xellos, making her way to where the fallen warrior lay. "Bastard!" she managed to cough at the trickster, pushing him out of the way to rest at Zelgadis' side. There was a silence as Lina turned him over gently, paling at the amount of slick, copper blood that ran into the stones around him.
Zelgadis' eyes fluttered open and focused on Lina. His face twisted into a grimace, and he reached for her neck. "You… will… die…" he wheezed. But as his fingers closed around her slim neck, they trembled. Instead of squeezing her fragile, exposed throat, he stayed his hand, and then moved it to Lina's cheek. A trail of glistening blood followed the path of his touch as he caressed her face. "Messed up… didn't I…" he managed, his eyes closing. "I'm sorry, Lina…"
"Sylphiel!" Lina cried desperately, grabbing Zelgadis' bloody hand tightly. The healer broke free of Xellos' grasp and the gentle glow of her healing magic rose from Zelgadis' side. The others watched in silence until the glow faded, breaths held.
"It was a terrible wound," Sylphiel sighed as she sat back, exhausted.
Lina shook her head, squeezing the chimera's hand tightly. "He's strong," she muttered, staring at Zelgadis' still features intently. Lowering her head to his ear, she took a deep breath. "I believe in you, Zel," she whispered. "I know you'll make it." He gave no reaction, and she growled slightly. "Don't you want to hear my answer, you jerk?" The moment afterwards seemed to stretch into an unbearable eternity for Lina, as she waited for his reply. Finally, there was a soft exhale, and his hand moved against hers. Lina couldn't keep the smile from her face as she leaned back and looked down at Zelgadis, blinking back tears.
"Lina…" he said, looking back at her with his turquoise eyes, his own eyes that reflected his soul and will, and not just the empty moonlight.
"Zelgadis!" she said again, her smile growing wider. "What do you have to say for yourself?" she chastised him softly, cradling his head in her arms.
He stared at her for a moment, his eyes clouding over as he smiled weakly at her.
"Your nose is running, Lina."
"IDIOT!" came her ear shattering scream.
- x – x – x -
Evening passed and morning followed, and it truly felt like a rebirth for Lina as she rose the next day. The five celestial warriors of Cephied had finally been united and, generally speaking, were in good health.
In the days that passed Lina did not have much of a chance to meet with the others. It was as if Rezo had been able to sense the failure of his plan, and the border attacks intensified greatly. It was decided that Cephied would have to be summoned, and as quickly as possible. So while Zelgadis was recovering, Gourry was doing his best to hold the kingdom together, with the advice of Xellos and Valgarv. Sylphiel took it upon herself to prepare Lina for the intricate rituals that would be involved with the summoning ceremony, which was to be held in the shrine of Cephied.
It was the fourth day since their intensive schedule had begun, and Lina found herself once more before the giant golden statue of the phoenix, supposedly in meditation. Today's the last day of purification, she thought to herself, remembering what had been taught to her. Sylphiel had read the ancient scrolls to Lina, explaining the need for constant bathing, prayer and solitude for five days before the summoning could be attempted. During this time, Lina had only been allowed to see and talk with female servants as part of the purification process. I'm glad that I'm at least able to see Sylphiel still, she thought to herself tediously. Rubbing at her arm, she noticed that her skin was peeling off in flaky white patches. She suppressed a groan and straightened up again quickly as she heard the doors of the shrine opening behind her.
"Lina, we're here to take you to the purification bath," came Sylphiel's voice.
Turning around, Lina saw Sylphiel and one of the dark-haired handmaidens standing at the shrine entrance, waiting with a red silken robe. She rolled her eyes at them. "I'm going to turn into an alligator if I have to take any more baths. My skin is itching like crazy and I'm leaving a white trail behind me when I walk!" she complained as she got up.
Sylphiel giggled and motioned for the other maiden to drape the robe across Lina's shoulders. "This is almost the last bath you have to take for the ceremony, Lina. Tomorrow's the big day after all."
Lina sighed wearily. "Tell me again what I need to do?" she asked as they led her towards the bathing house.
Sylphiel nodded slightly. "At dawn, you'll be anointed and dressed in the ritual robes. Afterwards, you'll proceed from your quarters to the courtyard, and greet the five Warriors. After each of us pays you homage, you'll enter the shrine together with your handmaidens, and approach the brazier alone."
Lina nodded. "And then I say the words, right?" she asked.
"Yes," Sylphiel agreed as they entered the bathhouse, closing the doors behind them. "I hope you've memorized them properly."
"Source of all power, light which burns beyond crimson flame, let thy power gather before me. Right?"
Sylphiel smiled as she handed Lina's robes to the other maiden. "Very good, Lina! That's exactly what you have to say. Afterwards, the brazier should light with Cephied's holy fire. Then you have to throw the scrolls in, and Cephied will be summoned." Helping the young girl into the bath water, she kneeled by the side of the small pool and sat back. "Do you feel ready?"
Lina snorted as she relaxed in the hot water. "Not really… no one seems to know what happens after Cephied arrives," she said worriedly. "What if it wants to kill me or something?"
Sylphiel sighed slightly. "I hardly think a God would want to kill his own Priestess. Cephied is our patron deity, Lina, you just need to have more faith."
"He's your patron God, you mean," said Lina flatly, scrubbing at her back. "I'll consider him a good friend of mine though if he doesn't eat me and really grants me three wishes."
Sylphiel smiled at Lina, folding her hands in her lap. "I wish you would take this more seriously, Lina. Of course you'll get your three wishes. It has happened before; both the Priestesses of Dark Star and Vorfeed summoned their beast gods and were given three wishes successfully." She frowned thoughtfully as she spoke. "Do you know already what you're going to wish for?"
Lina exhaled and leaned back against the bath, steam rising into her face. "Well… I haven't actually decided on my third wish yet. I know I'm going to wish for the Kingdom of Sairoon to be saved. And of course I'm going to wish Amelia and myself back to the real world. But the third wish…" She closed her eyes.
"You're going to wish for Zelgadis to return with you?"
Lina's eyes shot open. "I couldn't do that! Not without asking him first!" she exclaimed. "Besides, he's always been self-conscious about his skin. Maybe he'd prefer if I wished him a cure." But that just feels wrong, she thought as she said it. Zelgadis wouldn't be himself without his skin. I don't think he really minds it anymore. I know I don't.
Sylphiel gestured to the maiden, who brought a few towels to the bath-side. Helping Lina out from the pool, she waited until the redhead finished drying herself and wrapped a robe around the young girl. "Honestly, Lina, I think he would rather be with you than have a cure," she said softly. "Maybe you should ask him tomorrow, before you enter the shrine."
Lina nodded, uncertainty and the fluttering of hope and nervousness mixing in her belly. "I… I want him to stay with me, Sylph. But I can't force him." She sighed and ruffled her wet bangs agitatedly. "Oh, forget it! It's no good to worry about problems that don't even exist yet!" She squared her shoulders and faced Sylphiel with a smile. "We might as well just do it and see what happens next."
Sylphiel smiled back at Lina. "I think you're very brave, Lina. I'm so proud that you're our Priestess," she said, bowing gracefully to the younger girl.
Lina blushed and hit Sylphiel on the arm good-naturedly. "Oh, lighten up, Sylph. I'm gonna miss you too," she mumbled. "But if I ever hear that you're crying when you're thinking about me, I'm going to find a way to come back and yell at you. Besides, you'll have Gourry all to yourself after this."
As they stopped before the doors to Lina's quarters, the young girl leaned over and gave Sylphiel a hug. "I'll see you tomorrow."
The healer stared at the closed door for a moment, filled with mixed feelings of happiness and sorrow. "Good luck, Lina," she whispered, and continued down the hall.
- x – x – x -
Lina regarded herself in the long mirror. It was the morning of the ceremony, and as expected, she awoke at the crack of dawn, had yet another purifying bath, and was now clad in ceremonial robes for the summoning of Cephied.
"You have got to be kidding me," she said out loud as her reflection stared back at her.
"Uhm… are you ready, miss?" asked her dark-haired handmaiden uncertainly.
Lina whirled around, glaring furiously at the poor maid. "Whose stupid idea was this? I can't go out in public dressed like this!" She gestured at her ceremonial robes angrily.
"I think it looks very… fetching… on you," the maid began nervously with a sweatdrop, as Lina's eyes narrowed into tiny slits.
"Fetching? IT'S A CHICKEN SUIT, YOU TWIT!" Lina screamed, gesturing with one winged arm at her outfit. And indeed, for all practical intents and purposes, her description was fairly accurate. The dress itself was quite stylish, fashioned out of beautifully embroidered red silks and flowing white veils. The overall effect was ruined, however, by the accompanying accessories Lina was required to wear. A long, tacky cape sewn together from dyed red feathers hung down her back and was tied to her arms. Attached to her waist was a heavy silk tail, also adorned with the ugly feathers. Strips of bamboo had been wrapped around her feet to form huge, oversized shoes in the shape of bird talons. But most of all, the upper half of the costume was composed of a huge hood shaped like a bird's head. Lina's tiny face was dwarfed by the enamelled beak that surrounded it. The embroidered eyes of the costume were sewn wide open with a surprised expression, making it look as though the unfortunate creature had swallowed Lina's head and was choking on it.
"I think it's supposed to be a phoenix, my Lady…" tried the maid again.
Steam began to rise out of the nostrils of the costume's huge beak. "Get me Sylphiel. Right now." Lina's eyes glinted dangerously as she glared at the maid, and with a squeak, the unfortunate woman ran out. A few moments later, Sylphiel rushed in.
"Lina, are you… oh my," she said, covering her mouth. Unfortunately she wasn't fast enough to completely cover her smile, and Lina's scream of frustration could be heard all the way to the palace gate.
"SYLPHIEL! I can't wear this! Who designed this costume anyway?" Lina moaned, as the older girl tried to comfort her gently through the feathers.
"Well… the only instructions actually given in the ancient scrolls state that the Priestess must be purified and dressed in the court's best finery," Sylphiel said, poking at the hood carefully. "How the court decides to interpret that depends on the emperor and his advisors."
Lina clenched a feathered fist. "Gourry? No way, even he couldn't have come up with something this stupid. Someone must have planned this," she growled. "Whenever I find out who it was, he's going to know a new world of pain."
Somewhere in the court, Xellos sneezed.
Sylphiel put her hands on her hips, regarding Lina's costume critically. "Well… I guess you're right, Lina, it will be hard for the other warriors to concentrate on the ceremony if they see you in that," she said.
Lina grinned malevolently, turning back to the mirror. "That's all the excuse I need," she said, reaching for a dagger on the table with a glint in her eye.
- x – x – x -
"What's taking them so long?" asked Zelgadis with irritation as he squatted in the palace courtyard. The other male warriors surrounded him, equally bored as they waited for the women to emerge.
"Maybe Lina's having trouble putting the robes on properly," Gourry offered. "I needed help getting dressed this morning too," he said, gesturing at his formal silk attire.
"You need help getting dressed every morning, Gourry," Zelgadis answered sourly.
"Oh yeah… well, it's hard being emperor," the blonde said with shrug.
Xellos shook his head slightly. "My my, you all just need to learn a little patience. I'm sure our darling Lina will look absolutely fabulous when she arrives," he said with a tiny smile. "I would be more worried about what she's going to wish for. Even if she asks Cepheid for the things we agreed upon, that still leaves her with one free wish."
The other three paled as Xellos brought up the subject. "You… you mean we're going to let that girl have one wish for whatever she wants? Anything? Anything at all?" asked Valgarv with a note of panic in his voice.
A feeling of doom descended on the others as the sound of the opening doors of the Priestess' chambers filled the courtyard.
Sylphiel emerged first, walking quickly to join the other celestial warriors below. Following at a more leisurely pace behind her was the procession of Lina's handmaidens, clothed in flowing white robes and carrying the flying standards of Cephied. There was a moment of silence as everyone waited for Lina to emerge, and when she did, a gasp rose up from those watching.
"Hey, that doesn't look like what you suggested, Xellos," rang Gourry's confused voice across the courtyard.
Xellos, who had been staring at Lina with something as close to a look of surprise as he could manage, facefaulted and felt a huge sweatdrop forming as Lina glared daggers at him from the top of the steps. He quickly bowed and stepped behind Gourry nervously.
After a moment of murderous contemplation, Lina decided that it would be better to forget about her plans for revenge and focus on the upcoming ceremony. Taking a deep breath to clear the nervous butterflies that suddenly rose in her stomach, she descended the stairs slowly.
The Celestial warriors formed a line before the entrance of the shrine. As they shuffled into order, Gourry stepped to the front and Lina approached them. Bowing formally to her, he straightened and gave her a delighted smile. "Hey Lina, you almost look as pretty as Sylphiel!" he said, regarding her modified robes minus the chicken accessories. "I guess you do have a chest after all!"
Lina felt her brow tick, but took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Gourry, it's a special day, so I'm not going to hit you for that. But try not to open your mouth too much unless it's important," she told him.
"Oh, okay Lina," he said, smiling as cluelessly as always. "I just wanted to tell you thanks for helping my kingdom out. I know you didn't need to." His face took on a more serious expression as he regarded her. "It also hurt you a lot. I'm sorry about that, Lina," he said. "I guess I'm not the smartest emperor that Sairoon's ever had, but I'm definitely one of the luckiest!" With that, he kneeled before her and bowed deeply.
Lina raised an eyebrow, blushing slightly as the realization struck her. He's the Emperor… emperors don't kneel before anybody! The blush deepened, and she leaned over and helped Gourry to his feet. "Thanks, Gourry," she said shyly with a smile as he stood again. They hugged briefly, and then he stepped to the side.
Sylphiel was next, and the two girls smiled companionably as Lina approached her. They hugged spontaneously, and for a moment Lina felt a sense of regret. "I wish my older sister were more like you," she said to the healer as they parted.
Sylphiel shook her head at Lina. "Oh no, Lina… watching you has taught me to be more self-confident. Perhaps your sister is part of the reason you're so strong."
Lina smiled thoughtfully. "Thanks, Sylphiel," she said finally. "You always have a way of making me think twice about things. Maybe we're rubbing off on each other!" The girls giggled, and then with a bow, Sylphiel stepped out of the way.
Next came Xellos, his eyes closed as always and a small smile on his face. "So you're the reason for the costume, huh?" Lina said to him dryly.
Xellos' grin grew wider as he rubbed the back of his head. "Now now, Lina, it wouldn't do any good to get angry right now. Think of it as a challenge you managed to overcome."
Lina quirked an eyebrow at the jester in amusement. "Kind of like dealing with you in general, huh?"
"Guilty as charged, my dear Lina!" Xellos answered, spreading his arms wide as he bowed dramatically. "I must admit, you're quite amusing to look after. It's been truly a pleasure working with you, Lina Inverse."
Lina nodded slightly, slapping Xellos on the shoulder appreciatively. "Thanks a lot for all your help, Xellos. You always seem to pop up in those tight spots to save me." She smiled with satisfaction as Xellos' face paled slightly. "In fact, maybe I should give you a hug to show how much I really care," she said again, spreading her arms wide.
Beads of sweat popped up on Xellos' forehead, and he gave Lina a very fast bow. "T-that's quite enough, Lina dear, I… urk… appreciate… your kind thoughts!" Sweating heavily, he stepped away from her with a look of relief.
Lina smirked with satisfaction. Got him! she thought to herself, continuing forward. She found herself looking up to Valgarv's wiry frame. Unlike the others, he had not chosen to dress in ceremonial robes for the occasion, and was still bedecked in his bandit jacket, with Vessegace slung over his back. "Always prepared, huh, Val?" she asked him with a smile.
Valgarv shrugged slightly, regarding the sky overhead with a narrowed gaze. "It's a peaceful day. We're in the middle of a rare religious ceremony. If I was leading in Elmekia, I'd launch an attack right now." He fingered his staff as he glanced around the courtyard.
Lina sighed and crossed her arms. "Hey, lighten up, Valgarv. Like you said, it's a ceremony we're never going to get to see again. Why not just sit back and enjoy it for once?"
Valgarv glared at Lina, a frown on his face. But, as they stared each other down, the tension slowly leaked out of Valgarv's form. Eventually, he barked out a rough laugh, one of his rare smiles lighting his features. "You're one tough chick, Lina." With an evil grin, he let his eyes travel up and down her dress, smirking. "Maybe I should have taken you up on that strip poker game after all, eh?"
Lina stuttered, feeling herself turning red, but before she could come up with an appropriate reply, Valgarv yelled and stumbled forward.
"Damn! It was a joke!" he grumbled, rubbing at his leg as Zelgadis glared over his shoulder. Turning back to Lina, he gave her a wry grin and bowed to her. "Seems lightening up can be dangerous for my health," he told her with a smirk. His smiled smoothed into something more genuine as he looked down at her. "I could learn to like it, though," he said. "Thanks. For…" The lanky bandit stopped to consider his words for a moment. "For showing me my choices," he chose finally, stepping aside with a smile.
Lina held her breath as she approached Zelgadis. Finally… she thought, as she looked at him. He stood before her, his arms crossed. "What, no witty commentary right now?" she asked him with a grin.
Zelgadis looked back at her, without returning her playfulness. Instead, he reached out and took her hand, grasping it gently. "You look beautiful, Lina," he said, his eyes never leaving her face.
Lina felt a slight blush rising to her cheeks, and she squeezed his hand lightly. "Zel… about that time…"
He looked down quickly, ashamed. "I'm sorry, Lina. About not listening to you. You were right. I thought I could take on Rezo by myself." His hand tightened on hers slightly. "All I did was hurt you in the end."
Lina placed her other hand around his and brought his knuckles to her lips. Closing her eyes, she kissed them, and then looked up and smiled. "Not about that, stupid," she said softly. "That wasn't your fault. And it wouldn't have happened if I had your courage," she said, pushing forward and ignoring her nervous fears. "I meant about our other conversation. About what you said… in Elmekia." Zelgadis looked up at her quickly, his breath stilling. His face looked slightly pale, and the worry in his eyes almost made her want to giggle with embarrassment. "I meant I wanted ask you something in return," she said quickly.
"Anything, Lina." he said, allowing a note of hope to leak into his voice.
"Well… I… uh… you… uhm…" She looked at the ground, flustered as she struggled with her words. Suddenly his free hand was under her chin, tilting her head up.
"Lina." He smiled at her. "This isn't like you."
Flushing, she nodded quickly and took a deep breath. "Will you come back with me?" she burst out in a quick rush. There was a moment of silence, and Lina felt her face grow red. "I-I mean, only if you wanted to. It's not like I'm asking you to marry me or anything. Though I guess I am asking you to leave your home, your country, all your friends and your family behind… Oh God, what am I thinking? I just thought that maybe we could—well, you know, with that last wish I had, maybe we could--"
Her voice was muffled as Zelgadis pulled her into a tight embrace. "You can stop talking now," she heard him say with a note of amusement. Her face grew even more flushed as she returned his hug uncertainly.
"Uhm… yeah… but… uh, what about the question?" she mumbled nervously, feeling foolish as she hid her cheek in his shirt. She felt his hand on her head as he stroked her hair gently. He pulled back and kissed her softly, and Lina's mind went blank. His lips are made of stone… but they're so warm, she thought to herself distractedly. When he finally pulled away, her eyes were still closed, and a goofy smile was stuck on her face.
"Does that answer it?" he asked her gently.
"Mmm… wha? Answer what?" she mumbled, opening her eyes dazedly.
Zelgadis laughed then, pulling her into another hug. "You sound like Gourry!" he snickered. That brought Lina completely out of her trance.
"What? Gourry? Oh… you fool," she told him, but without a hint of annoyance as she returned his squeeze.
"Okay you two, break it up," interrupted Valgarv as the other Celestial Warriors watched them with amused smiles.
Lina grumbled under her breath, flushing slightly as Zelgadis pulled away from her reluctantly. "Yes, Lina," he said, grinning at her with an amused expression. "In case that wasn't clear enough, I'll come back with you." He took a moment to pause as a dazzling smile broke across her face. She's beautiful, he thought to himself. I'd follow her anywhere. Sighing slightly, he bowed before Lina and stepped aside, clearing the path to the shrine. "Well… let's get this over with," he said.
Nodding, Lina turned around and took a last look at the Celestial warriors, all who were in various states of smiling and waving and goofing off, as usual for them. She grinned and flashed them a victory sign, and with a deep breath, stepped forward into the darkened shrine. Behind her, the small procession of handmaidens marched towards the ornate shrine doors, each one handing off their flag to a warrior before following Lina inside. The doors swung shut with a sense of finality, and everyone outside waited nervously for the summoning to begin.
- x – x – x -
Lina took a deep breath, suddenly feeling very small. Sunlight from the opening in the shrine's roof provided the only light in the room, and it shone down on the huge golden statue of Cephied. Four of her handmaids formed a short column to the dark brazier before the statue, while one stood behind her, handing her the ancient scroll that she was to read.
"Thank you," Lina said distractedly. As she moved one foot in front of the other, the glow surrounding the statue seemed to intensify. Lina's breath caught in her throat. It felt as though she had drunk more of Filia's tea, but without the confusion and disorientation. Instead, everything seemed to be growing clearer with each step she took towards the center of the room. Dimly, she noticed a dull red light surrounding her. This scroll really is magic! she thought in amazement. It wasn't until Lina stood directly before the brazier that she realized the light was coming from her own body and not the scroll. Carefully, she unwrapped it and held it up before the brazier.
"Light that burns beyond crimson flame," she began in a quavering voice. The eyes of the phoenix statue started to glow with the same dull red light, and a sparkling electricity filled the air. Lina felt the hairs rise on the back of her neck. It's true! It's really true! she thought as she took a deep breath to continue.
The gasp of her handmaidens distracted her momentarily, but when she tried to turn, Lina found herself frozen to the spot. The crackling energy around her intensified a hundredfold, suddenly becoming painful. I've got to finish the ceremony! she thought, fear striking at her. "Let… thy power…" Each word became more difficult to pronounce, and doubt began to plague Lina. Something's not right!
"Thy power… gather…" she tried again, feeling as though she were a fly trapped in a pool of honey. The suffocating feeling rose, and then with a crack, the scroll in her hands burst into flame. Lina yelped in pain and dropped it, and it fell to the floor in a smoking pile before the brazier, which remained dark. "No!" she said, as Cephied's statue lost its unearthly glow.
"Oh yes," came a soft voice from behind her, and gritting herself against the pain, Lina forced her body to turn. She gasped as she saw her handmaidens, scattered across the floor, their sightless eyes open and staring at her grotesquely. Standing above them was the dark-haired woman who had helped Lina prepare for the ceremony earlier. She was still clad in the pure white robes of the handmaidens, but the smile on her face was dark and malevolent. "This ends with your death," the woman said, crossing her fingers before her.
The crackling energy in the air sparked and danced, and blue veins of lighting rose between the woman's hands.
"Why?" gasped Lina as she watched with a sense of foreboding.
"Because I am Eris the Black, and I serve my lord Rezo!" she said, smiling as a blue character symbol blazed forth from the base of her throat.
Lina felt her throat constrict. "You're a warrior of Shabranigdu!" she gasped out.
"Very good!" Eris laughed softly as the power around her built, sending her hair flowing upwards in static spikes. "And you, my dear Priestess, you will know the power of lightning!" She extended her hand towards Lina, and the energy around her roared to life.
- x – x – x -
Zelgadis looked towards the closed doors of the shrine, thinking quietly to himself. I wonder what Lina's world is like? He smiled, then, thinking that he'd soon find out. "I wonder if Cephied will allow it," he mumbled. A cold shock suddenly ran down his spine, and he focused his attention on the shrine doors.
"Hmm? Hey Zelgadis, what's the matter?" asked Gourry as the chimera stiffened next to him.
"Something's wrong." Zelgadis glared at the doors of the shrine and strode forward.
"Wait! Zelgadis! You can't interrupt the ceremony once it's started!" Sylphiel rushed forward to stop him. "We don't know what might happen!"
Valgarv moved in his way as well, blocking the path to the shrine doors. "None of us have been to a beast god summoning ceremony before. How do you know something's going wrong?"
Zelgadis growled in frustration and pushed his way past both of them. "I can feel it. I don't care about the ceremony, I think Lina's in danger." He grabbed the handles of the shrine door and gave them a tug.
Everyone looked on, surprised, as the doors didn't budge. He pulled again with a grunt, and still the doors didn't move. "Why are these doors locked?" he growled, stepping back from the shrine entrance.
Gourry stood next to him, his expression serious as he drew his sword. "There are no locks on these doors."
- x – x – x -
Inside, Lina watched as the spiral of lightening came arcing towards her almost lazily. It was as if she was watching the events unfolding on a video in slow motion. She noticed distractedly that the bolt of energy was very strong, and that it would probably kill her as she guessed it had killed the other women in the shrine.
This is just great. Maybe I'm unlucky in shrines, she thought as the lightning drew nearer. But last time it was in the shrine of Shabranigdu. That was pretty stupid of me. Why is Eris so strong here? The mental cogs in Lina's brain began to whirl faster as she considered the problem. We're in the shrine of Cephied! That should mean she can't have all of her power. Or maybe, that I… She made her decision quickly, as there was no time to think about any other option. Clasping her hands in front of her, she tried to concentrate as Sylphiel had instructed her. I don't know any white magic like Sylphiel, or black magic like Xellos. What can I do? "Cephied! Help me!" She concentrated on the voice she thought she had heard on Mount Taikyoku, the demand for freedom. "Light which burns beyond crimson flame, let thy power gather before me!" she yelled desperately.
"What?" Eris's cry rang out across the shrine.
Lina didn't hear her. The feeling of searing heat was consuming her body, and as she opened her eyes, she realized that she was once again glowing with the dull red light. Distantly, she noted that Eris's attack had struck her, and flickering strands of lightning were dancing all about her. But she felt no pain, as if the attack was simply bouncing off of her skin like drops of rain. The feeling of being consumed by fire engulfed her, demanding to be released, and unable to control it any longer, Lina spread her arms towards Eris.
The blast which followed shook the temple to its foundations, causing dirt and dust to fall about them. Eris barely managed to cross her arms protectively and raise a lightning shield before the beam of red power struck her, flinging her back across the shrine. Her body knocked the doors open, and she rolled several times before coming to a stop on the ground outside, at the feet of the surprised Celestial warriors of Cephied.
"What's going on?" roared Valgarv as he brought his staff forward, turning towards the shrine. The others followed his example, all preparing their magic as Lina approached them.
"Lina?" asked Zelgadis, fear touching his voice. "Is that you?"
She was unrecognizable to the others. The red light still surrounded her, and her flaming red locks stirred in a breeze that didn't exist. Lina ignored her friends, her gaze focused on the prone figure of Eris alone. "You have no power here, warrior of Shabranigdu!" she said, her voice echoing strangely. "How dare you interrupt the Summoning. How dare you!"
Eris raised her head, coughing weakly, and rose to her knees. A look of fear chased across her eyes, and she scrabbled backwards as quickly as she could.
"Warrior of Shabranigdu?" said Xellos, one eye cracking open as he pointed his staff towards Eris.
"Rezo!" the dark-haired woman cried out suddenly, the fear in her voice evident. "I failed! Save me, my lord, I beg of you!" As she spoke, the all-too-familiar chains of Rezo's energy began to rise about her, and Xellos cursed under his breath, sending an arc of dark power towards her. But it was too late; the black energy struck nothing as Eris faded from view, spirited away by Rezo's magic.
"No!" cried Lina, rushing out from the shrine. But as she stepped into the daylight, the red glow around her dissipated quickly, and she tripped and fell towards the ground.
Zelgadis was, fortunately for her, very quick, and caught her before she could land painfully on the hard earth. Picking her up quickly, he looked over her in concern, checking for wounds. "Lina! What happened?"
Lina groaned, her eyes cracking open. "Oww… my whole body hurts. I haven't felt this bad since I first came here," she moaned, putting a hand to her head. "The ceremony was broken…" She sat up suddenly, narrowly missing a collision with Zelgadis' chin as he pulled his head back quickly. "The handmaidens! The girls who came with me! They—"
Sylphiel emerged from the shrine, her face pale and drawn. She moved over to Gourry and leaned on his arm for support. "I'm sorry, Lina. They're all dead," she said quietly. "It looks like she electrocuted them somehow. There's nothing I can do."
Lina collapsed back into Zelgadis' arms, closing her eyes in defeat. "Why do people always have to die because of me?" she said, covering her eyes with the palm of her hands. "Somehow Cephied protected me in there. But I didn't summon him. I failed!" Another groan rose as she considered the next problem. "And the scroll… the holy scroll of Sairoon for the summoning. It's gone! It burned up before I finished the incantation, but the holy fire didn't light." Motioning for Zelgadis to put her down, she landed on her feet unsteadily and tried to stand upright. "It's gone, and so is our chance to summon Cephied!"
Silence descended on the small group as they realized the impact of her words.
- x – x – x -
Lina and Zelgadis sat together under a small gazebo overlooking the fish pond. The funeral palanquin carrying the murdered shrine maidens had been burned earlier in accordance with the rituals of the kingdom, and afterwards Lina had asked for some time to think. The others left her alone respectfully, except Zelgadis, who accompanied her to the gardens.
"So what are you going to do now?" he asked her after a while.
Lina let out a long sigh. "I don't know, Zel. I never really thought about what might happen if I couldn't summon Cephied. Actually, when I first came here, I thought I'd just fall in, find Amelia, and jump right back out." She leaned over and squeezed his hand gently. "In a way I'm glad that didn't happen," she told him with a warm smile. But her smile faded as she looked down at the pond, watching the goldfish chase each other. "Still, I never considered the possibility that I might have to stay here. I guess I was just too impulsive… like usual."
Zelgadis placed his arms around her shoulder and pulled her against him. "Would it really be so bad to live here with me, Lina? I know we could manage together." He dropped his face to the top of her head and inhaled slightly, nuzzling at her hair.
Ignoring the warm, fuzzy feeling that being in his embrace brought, Lina sighed. "Zel, stop distracting me." She grinned at him as he sulked playfully, releasing her. "But that leaves the problem of Amelia. She's still here, still in trouble, out to get me, and now…"
"The attack in the shrine." Zelgadis growled under his breath. "I can't believe we were so careless. I should have noticed her sooner."
Lina shrugged at him slightly. "First Rezo, and now Eris. It's not that I don't trust you guys to protect me." A frown marred her features, and she crossed her arms across her chest. "But what if she actually manages to summon Shabranigdu?"
"She'll wish to hurt you?" Zelgadis said, his eyes narrowing.
Lina shook her head vehemently. "No, it's not that. It's… well, you remember the second time we were at Mount Taikyoku? Filia showed me some visions then." She turned and faced Zelgadis, her expression serious. "I don't think Amelia would hurt me. We're friends. I know she remembers that, no matter what it might seem like. But Rezo… that's a different story. He's using her to get Shabranigdu. She's the one who's going to end up getting hurt if she summons a beast god, not me!"
Zelgadis nodded slightly. "I still think you're not safe from her. But at least we both agree that the summoning of Shabranigdu has to be stopped." Leaning on the balcony, he contemplated the pond morosely. "But how?"
Lina joined him, resting her elbows on the balcony and placing her chin on her palms. "Good question."
They rested there for some time, both thinking silently about the looming problem that stood before them. Soon, the sun reflecting off of the sparkling surface of the pool began to send Lina into a stupor, sleepiness descending over her features. She felt her head nodding forward and her eyes fluttering closed, and caught herself in time. Her eyes flew open, and she found herself staring back at her reflection in the water. But its eyes were closed, and it seemed to be regarding her with a half smile. "AAAAAAAAH!"
Zelgadis jumped and glanced around quickly, his fists up as Lina backpedaled. "What is it, Lina? Who's there?" he yelled, glancing at Lina in concern.
Lina gasped, catching her breath, and then let out a low growl. Rushing back up to the balcony, she leaned over, making Zelgadis stare at her in confusion. He decided shortly that sometimes it was for the better not to question Lina's actions as she doubled over the railing, giving him a fantastic view of her posterior. The momentary distraction ended when she yelled triumphantly and righted herself with a wet splash, grasping Xellos by his hair and hauling him out of the water.
"What the hell are you doing hiding in there, pervert?" she snarled, glaring daggers at Xellos.
"Oh, hello, Lina dear! How wonderful to see you on such a fine day like this! Why, and Zelgadis! Imagine seeing you both here," he began. He was promptly silenced by the rocky fist that descended on his head.
"What do you want, Xellos?" Zelgadis said, drawing his hand back and cracking his knuckles.
The ever-smiling magician quickly picked himself off the floor, and with a snap of his fingers, was as dry and unperturbed as ever. "I couldn't help but overhear your little chat," he began conversationally. Lina let out a loud snort. Xellos cleared his throat slightly and smiled. "Well, yes, hmm, as I was saying, I thought I might be able to offer you a solution."
Lina put her hands on her hips. "Would it involve your painful demise?" she asked him pointedly.
Xellos frowned slightly. "No, of course not, Lina dear."
"Darn. Well, what the hell, let's hear it anyway."
The magician had the foresight to look at least momentarily offended before he continued. "During my time training under Lady Filia, I learned quite a few things about the nature of the world. One is that nothing is truly impossible."
"What's your point?" Lina growled impatiently.
Xellos smiled genially at both of them and wagged his finger in the air. "Only that there might still be another way to summon Cephied," he offered.
Both Lina and Zelgadis instantly gave their attention to the trickster as he smiled patiently at them. "Well? How? This is important, Xellos!" Zelgadis said to him angrily.
"Yeah, spit it out!" added Lina, sucking in her breath.
Xellos laughed and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, you see, the thing is that it's a secret!"
There was a crash as Lina and Zelgadis hit the ground simultaneously. Fortunately for the chimera, his quick reflexes allowed for him to pick himself up almost as fast as Xellos did, and catch said culprit in a chokehold.
"Urg… hey!" gasped Xellos, clawing at his throat as his face turned a shade to match his hair. "I don't know how!" he whined, poking at Zelgadis' belly with his staff.
"Let him go, Zel," Lina said as she dusted herself off, a tick forming above her brow. "So you don't know how to do it, Xellos. Why even bother coming to us then?" she said with exasperation.
Xellos stood up once again, rubbing his throat and giving Zelgadis a grateful smile, which only made the chimera glare more and grind his teeth. "I didn't say I didn't know how to find out, Lina my dear, only that I didn't know," he said with a smile. "If I recall correctly, Filia gave you quite a large bag of her special tea." He smiled helpfully. "You still have some left, don't you?"
Lina paused, her mouth hanging open as a plan clicked into place. "Of course! I'll use the tea to figure out how to summon Cephied!" she said, smacking her fist into her palm. "Come on, guys, let's tell the others!" she yelled over her shoulder as she sprinted back towards the palace, leaving Zelgadis and Xellos standing alone together in the gazebo.
Xellos sighed, a tiny frown on his face. "Not even a thank you," he mumbled in discontent. Then he found himself face-down on the floor once more. "Thanks, Zelgadis!" came his muffled response as the irritated chimera stepped over him to follow Lina.
- x – x – x -
The group was gathered around the dining table, waiting for Lina to come out of her stupor. A half-drunk cup of Filia's tea was steaming on the table before her. Finally, the cloudy look in Lina's eyes began to clear up and she shook her head a few times to clear it.
"I have it," she said, a smile breaking across her face. "I know how we can summon Cephied," she said to the others triumphantly.
A cheer went up around the table, and when it died down, Gourry leaned forward, hope written across his features. "So what do we have to do, Lina?"
"Well, do you want the good news or the bad news first?" she began, drumming at the tabletop with her fingertips.
"Naturally, the good news first!" said Sylphiel eagerly.
"It's possible. That's good news enough," agreed Zelgadis with relief.
"I'm curious as to how it could be done," Xellos added with a smile.
"I want to hear the good news too!" chimed in Gourry.
"What, are you all stupid? What's the bad news?" grumbled Valgarv.
The other warriors stopped at glared at Valgarv, who sweatdropped and finally mumbled "Fine, what's the good news?"
Lina smiled. "All we need to do to summon Cephied is collect two magic artefacts that were created when the other beast gods, Vorfeed and Dark Star, were summoned. I guess something from the other gods' magic powers will act just as potently as the ancient scroll would have."
"So we just have to journey to Kataart and Zelfilia and find these two artefacts, and we'll be ready to go?" Zelgadis asked, a smile spreading across his face.
Lina nodded wildly, a wide grin on her face. "Yeah, it should be a piece of cake! Well, almost a piece of cake."
"Almost?" said Sylphiel cautiously. "What do you mean almost, Lina?"
"That's the bad news," Lina said nervously. "Heh heh, well, see, the thing is, I also saw that the Shabranigdu group wants these artefacts, too. I saw that they already know about them, and will be trying to pick them up, too. So we kind of have to race to get them first." The atmosphere in the room suddenly sunk as rapidly as it had been lifted.
Valgarv rolled his eyes. "I told you so," he said angrily. The collective glares of the others produced another sweatdrop. "Uh, I meant, don't worry, we'll manage it somehow," he fumbled lamely.
"That means we have to set off right away!" she told the others. Looking around the table, she belatedly noticed the weary faces of her friends. Suddenly she felt as though she could physically feel the immense weight of the task before them. Her spirits dropped, and she looked down at her hands. Will we even manage to make it? she thought to herself.
A rocky blue hand covered hers. Lina looked up in surprise, and saw Zelgadis smiling at her quietly. His eyes were serious, and when he spoke, it was softly, and only to her. "We can do it together, Lina."
She smiled gratefully to him, feeling a renewed burst of energy. Slamming her hands on the table, Lina rose to her feet. "Listen up everyone!" she said loudly, pounding her fist on the table. "We're going to collect those artefacts, and we're going to do it before the warriors of Shabranigdu even know what hit them." Placing her hands on her hips expectantly, she looked around the table. "Who's with me?" she demanded in a rallying voice.
Her broad smile soon became infectious, as slowly the faces of her Celestial warriors lit up with her cheer and determination. A collective shout of agreement rose out of them, and they gathered to the new quest with renewed hope and eagerness.
End of Story Arc I
AN: Well, I'd like to extend a very big thanks to my beta reader Chibi Kaz and those of you who have made it this far, especially those who stuck with it despite the huge amount of revisions that I've put this thing through. I only hope that the end result is finally of a quality worthy of your attention. A special thanks to all of the reviewers, in particular Mysticalflame, KittyShampoo and Emperor's Sister, for all of your encouraging words. Without them I would not have bothered to continue this fiction at all.
Things will be getting more serious in the second half of this story arc, but the plot is done. This story will be finished, eventually, so please just keep checking back and leaving those reviews!
