Chapter 12: Decisions

The ocean waves were not kind to the ship, and Xellos chanted a new mantra, trying to keep the vessel afloat. It was as if the storm was alive and consciously trying to smash the boat into driftwood. No matter what spells he cast, he couldn't get the storm to abate. The ship was still drawing ocean's fury like a magnet. Why, that's it! he suddenly realized. It's useless to fight the storm itself. It never was directed at us, only at the ship! Xellos allowed himself a small smile as he refocused his energy on the ship itself, trying to locate the source of the curse. The small moment of distraction proved to be a deadly one, though, as once again the waves smashed into the ship. Losing his purchase against the railing, Xellos felt himself being lifted into the air.

A pair of arms hitched around his waist and dragged him back down to the deck. Sputtering, he looked over his shoulder to see Valgarv grab and the railing once more and shove him against it. "Pay attention, magician!" the other warrior barked.

"Now now, there's no need to get upset, Valgarv. I've located the source of our problems, this will only be a slight delay in our journey."

Valgarv glared at the grinning magician, as if his golden gaze alone could pierce Xellos' smiling mask. "You're an idiot. There's no point in finding the first artefact if we have no priestess to use it!" he snarled.

Xellos pursed his lips. "You're no fun at all, Valgarv. At least Zelgadis has a sense of humour," he grumbled. "The others will be safe. I can still sense their life force. Don't underestimate Sylphiel's powers." Another wave rocked the ship, ending their conversation as both men grabbed for the railing and tried to stay upright. "I knew I should have paid more attention to Filia's anti-curse lessons," he mumbled to himself. A hand slammed into him painfully, knocking Xellos' forehead into the railing. Picking himself up, he cracked a furious eye open at Valgarv. "What did you do that for?"

Valgarv shrugged. "Filia, right? If you weren't listening to her lesson, she probably maced you. I thought it might help jog your memory."

Xellos rubbed the back of his head as the memories clicked in place, and he gave Valgarv a broad smile. "True enough! Now excuse me, I have a curse to break." Shutting his eye, he grinned darkly and lifted his staff once more.

- x – x – x -

Lina, Zelgadis and Sylphiel lay sprawled inside of the sparse shelter that the small outcropping offered, panting with exhaustion. Zelgadis finally sat up, glancing at the darkened clouds outside. "It looks like the storm is finally letting up," he told the two girls. "Maybe that fruitcake managed to do something after all."

Lina nodded, helping Sylphiel into a sitting position. "How are we going to contact the ship? For all we know, they think we're drowned." She wrung out her hair, sending a splatter of water across the rocky floor. "We would have, too, if not for you," she said, turning to Sylphiel. "Thanks. I still can't believe it though! You dived in after us?" Lina said to the healer. "I wouldn't have expected that from someone like you."

Sylphiel coughed and shivered, doing her best to squeeze the water from her own robes. "Someone had to do something, Lina," she explained. "I… I guess I thought it was time to start being a warrior, too," she mumbled. The hand slapping at her back caused her to jerk forward with surprise, and she looked up to see Lina beaming at her.

"You always were a good warrior, Sylph. You saved our butts often enough, you didn't have anything to prove. Still, thanks a lot," she told the healer with a look of true gratitude. She lowered her voice and leaned in, whispering to Sylphiel quietly. "If it wasn't for you, I might have lost Zelgadis."

Sylphiel smiled as she glanced at the chimera, who was still scouting the entrance to the tiny cave they had taken shelter in, trying to spot their ship. "So you've finally sorted out your feelings for each other, Lina?" she whispered back with a tiny smile.

Lina pulled back with a look of surprise; speaking about her relationship still made her feel embarrassed. Then, lowering her eyebrows she leaned back in and peered at Sylphiel intently. "What about you and Gourry? Have you told him how you feel yet?" Seeing Sylphiel's blush, Lina scowled at the other girl and poked her in the arm firmly. "Sylphiel, you know how dense Gourry is! If you don't tell him how you feel, preferably a couple of times and with a baseball bat, he's never going to figure it out himself."

"Baseball…?" Sylphiel began in confusion, but Lina shook her head wildly.

"Never mind. Just… tell him how you feel, okay, Sylph? Don't wait for it to happen by itself."

Sylphiel wrung her hands together nervously and toyed with her soggy robes. "I'm not like you, Lina. I can't just say those sorts of things so easily." She jumped as Lina's hand reached for her own and held it up in a tight clasp.

"Sylphiel Nels Lahda, if there's one thing you proved today, it's that you're no coward. Just believe in yourself, and things will work out. Promise?"

Smiling hesitantly, Sylphiel gave Lina a quick nod. "Yes, you're right, Lina. I'll do it!" she said with determination. Then she paused, and asked nervously "Can you explain a little more to me about this 'baseball bat' process?"

"I think I see the ship!" Zelgadis called to them, gesturing for them to join him and thankfully ending the conversation before Lina could impart her romantic wisdom to her naïve companion.

- x – x – x -

"I can't believe you made it out of that alive," grumbled Valgarv as his watchful eyes darted over the ocean, searching for more threats.

"Don't sound so disappointed," Zelgadis replied as he paced the deck of the ruined ship. "What was Xellos doing, anyway?" he added with a growl. "His magic didn't help at all when we needed it!"

"Now now, you shouldn't be so upset, Zelly-boy," came the trickster's reply. For once, he didn't pop out of thin air, but rather took the more conventional method of walking as he emerged from the cabins below. While his jovial attitude remained firmly in place, Xellos' lack of energy hinted at how weary the purple-haired magician actually was. "I did manage to keep this ship afloat. Fortunately, the amateurish curse that ambushed us was only focused on the ship. You were probably safer in the ocean after all," he added with a grin.

"Amateurish? You call THAT amateurish?" Lina exclaimed, pushing her bangs out of her face in disbelief. "If that's your idea of shoddy magic, I don't want to meet whoever wasted us head on!"

"We might not have a choice," Valgarv cut in, pointing over the railing of the ship. The others joined him as he surveyed the shoreline. Standing among the cliffs stood a solitary figure cloaked in sweeping black robes. "I'd bet a whole month's loot on that being the source of our troubles."

Lina narrowed her eyes at the figure on the shore. "A warrior of Shabranigdu?" Noting the silence, she nodded quickly. "Well that's tough luck. There's one of them and five of us." She noted the tense, weary silence of her warriors and turned towards them, planting her hands on her hips. "I say we kick some butt!" she yelled.

Zelgadis nodded and cracked his knuckles. "Yes. We're the warriors of Cephied. Let's teach this person some respect," he said as the ship touched against the rocky shoreline.

"You want to teach me respect," called a voice from above. This was immediately followed by the high-pitched sound of feminine laughter. A figure leapt down the rocky cliff side to stand before them.

Zelgadis narrowed his eyes as the woman smiled back at him with feral anticipation. "I don't normally hit women, but for you, I'll make an exception," he told her flatly.

Ringing laughter was her reply, as the woman lifted a hand over her mouth. "So I see, Zelgadis Greywords. I'm honoured to share the same rank as your very own beloved Priestess. Or have you forgotten that incident already?" she replied with a smirk.

Zelgadis exhaled quickly and balled his fist in fury at the woman's insult, but Lina sprung out before him, leaping in front of the others.

"You're gonna pay for that, bitch!" she yelled as she drew Gourry's sword.

The figure threw back her cloak, revealing her scantily-clad form. "I doubt that, little girl, because I am Martina Zoana Mel Navratilova, the Mistress of Curses!" This caused everyone to pause and facefault as the figure cackled.

"I don't understand," murmured Sylphiel in shock.

"Don't understand what?" Martina said, thrown off track.

"You're wearing so little… and yet your clothing still manages to clash." Sylphiel put her hand over her mouth and gave a tiny apologetic bow as she said this. The other Celestial warriors of Cephied closed their eyes solemnly and nodded in agreement at the healer's assessment.

Martina's face grew red with anger. "W-why you!" she sputtered. "Fine! I had a whole monologue prepared just for our first meeting, but with an insult like that, you don't deserve to hear it!" she screeched. The blue kanji for "curse" blazed out from her palm as she sent a blast of energy towards the group.

Sylphiel was already reacting, throwing up a protective barrier around them, but Xellos' warning came too late. "She uses curse magic, a physical barrier won't—" his words were cut off as he thrust his own staff before himself and grit his teeth, falling to his knees while the energy rippled around him.

"Guys!" Lina yelled worriedly. She turned around only to see the other warriors also frozen in various states of shock, paralyzed by the force of Martina's curse.

"It's no use," Martina laughed. Lina spun around and brought Gourry's sword before her, realizing she was the only one who remained free. "The magician knows, but he's too weak to do anything," she said triumphantly. "No one can escape my curse once I've turned my eye towards her!" she crowed, looking directly at Lina.

Lina narrowed her eyes and pulled the pin out of the sword. "Well then, I guess I'm just going to have to poke your eye out, huh? HIKARI-O!" she yelled, as light blazed out of the handle.

Martina took a step backwards, her eyes widening in fear. "You have the Sword of Light!"

Lina was simply trying to hold on to the sword, her hands shaking as she struggled to contain the surging power of the blade. I didn't know it was so tough! How does Gourry do it? She gripped the handle tightly, trying to steady the wavering spurt of light into a solid blade as she had seen Gourry do.

Noticing her efforts, Martina smiled and regained some of her confidence. "You can't even use it properly, can you? It won't help," she sneered, and with another flamboyant gesture, sent her curse magic hurtling towards Lina.

"I'm not gonna die. Not here, and definitely not by you!" Lina yelled, swinging the sword upward to meet the blast. As she spoke, the blade lengthened and brightened, responding to her resolve and absorbing the blast completely. Lina held the sword in check as it twisted and churned, mixing with the magic of Martina's curse. Ugh… it hurts… she thought to herself, struggling to control the wild magic. This looks just like when Gourry caught Vessegace's fire! An idea suddenly overrode her sense of panic, and focusing her concentration, she swung the sword around like a lacrosse stick and released the pent up energy.

"What the—" cried Martina as her own magic doubled back and slammed into her, sending her sailing into the cliff with a slam.

"Score!" yelled Lina, leaping and pumping her hand into the air as the sword of light sputtered and died out. Her attack broke the hold that Martina held over the other Celestial warriors, and they quickly formed a protective ring around Lina.

"I'm going to kill her," Zelgadis growled darkly.

"Not if I get her first," answered Valgarv as his staff flared to life.

Martina managed to pick herself up shakily from the surrounding rubble and looked at the malevolent warriors facing her with an expression of panic. "It looks like we'll have to continue this battle another day. Don't think I'll go easy on you next time!" she cried as she threw a bottle before her, which exploded and masked her figure in a thick cloud of black smoke. As to be expected, when the clouds cleared, the curse mistress was nowhere to be seen.

"Damn, she got away with a cliché," Lina grumbled to herself with annoyance.

A pair of stony arms encircled her and held her close. "Are you okay, Lina?" It was Zelgadis' voice, filled with concern.

Lina blushed, pushing herself away and trying to rid her face of the goofy smile she was sure she was wearing. "Of course I'm fine! I just saved the rest of you, I'm the one who should be asking that!" she told him.

"Hmm, I didn't realize Gourry left you with the Sword of Light, Lina dear," said Xellos as he tapped his chin. "How very astute of you, to be able to use it so capably! It takes most people years to master the power of the Sword of Light."

"Really?" said Lina, picking up the fallen blade and carefully inserting it along with the pin back into the hilt. "I was just playing it by ear, I don't really have any idea how to use this thing. Not the way Gourry does, at least."

Xellos' smile dropped. "All that power, and she doesn't have any idea of how to control it?" he mumbled to himself.

"Better not piss her off," whispered Valgarv to the magician, who grew a huge sweatdrop.

- x – x – x -

After the ordeal with Martina, the small party set off to travel over land to the next settlement. Though they had managed to successfully reach the shores of Kataart, their poor wrecked ship was done for. It was nearing nightfall when they finally reached a small shepherds' village lying in the snowy foothills of the expansive mountain country.

Kataart was a land that had known peace for over a century. The villagers they came across welcomed them with open arms, providing each of the warriors not only new supplies, food and shelter, but also an invitation to stay for the night. The hospitality was gladly accepted by the weary travelers, and it allowed them to hear the legends passed down through the generations of the village inhabitants.

This was how Lina first learned of the story of the priestess of Vorfeed, as she sat next to the crackling fire and listened to the village elder relay the tale in the aftermath of their pleasant dinner.

"Ah, the Priestess of Vorfeed," said Reika, the village matron, as she warmed her hands. "That is a story which I have not told for many moons," she added. "In those ancient days, our country did not know such peace as we do now. The kingdom of Sairoon had gathered a large army and attempted to conquer our people. Things might have gone very badly, if not for the intervention of the priestess, who called upon the holy power of Vorfeed to save us."

"Hold on a second," Lina said as her brow knitted in confusion. "Sairoon, the southern kingdom? You mean Kataart and Sairoon were at war?"

Reika laughed, the aged lines on her face disappearing in the firelight and the amused expression making her appear much younger than she really was. "Oh yes. The Four Kingdoms have always been torn by warfare, my dear. Do not worry, the conflict is long in the past, when Sairoon was ruled by a less reasonable Emperor than the current one. We are quite friendly with the neighboring kingdoms these days."

Lina sighed with relief, but still felt a small measure of surprise as she mulled over the new information. Nothing is black and white here, is it, she thought to herself. Noticing the old woman's silence, she quickly spoke up. "Oh please, go on! I want to hear more."

Reika nodded and stared off into the fire, her voice taking on a singsong quality as she told the tale. "Sairoon was a terrible power in that time, and its soldiers were merciless. Our people knew despair; we thought Vorfeed had abandoned us. But then, a ray of hope was sent to us from another world." The old woman smiled and shifted slightly. "The legends say the girl was a mere child, barely a woman, and yet blessed with the beauty of the gods and the wisdom of the elders," she said. "She gathered to herself the five warriors of Vorfeed, and summoned the great beast god to save us all. It was said that her final wish was to grant eternal peace to the kingdom of Kataart." Reika bowed her head respectfully. "The seas churned and the mountains rose as Vorfeed granted this boon. The rocky cliffs protect us by sea, and the tall mountains protect us by land. Since that time, no country has tried to invade Kataart. To this we are eternally grateful."

Lina leaned forward as the old woman concluded her story. What Luna said… there was a priestess here before, from our own world. That must have been her. Amelia and I aren't the first! "And she really did all this by summoning Vorfeed, huh?" The old woman nodded, and Lina felt a confident smile break across her face. "Well, if she could do it, so can I," she said.

Reika smiled comfortingly. "Your journey will be a difficult one, if what you say is true," she told Lina. "I am sorry that our village can't assist you in your quest, but we are a simple people. Perhaps you should travel to the city of Atlas, if you wish to find this artefact that you speak of. Surely they will know more about the ancient legends than we."

Lina nodded, a smile lighting her face as she beamed at the old woman. "Thank you so much! I can't believe how helpful you're being. I think you're one of the first people I've met who hasn't tried to kidnap or murder me!" she joked.

The old woman smiled. "Think nothing of it, my dear. I only hope you are able to bring the same peace to Sairoon that our priestess granted to us."

Zelgadis' quiet voice cut across their conversation. "I'm sorry, Elder Reika, but can I ask you a question as well?"

The old woman turned towards him and nodded slightly.

Ignoring Lina's questioning gaze, he spoke earnestly to Reika. "Do you know what happened to the priestess after she summoned Vorfeed?"

Reika nodded, smiling at the chimera. "Of course, young man. All of the people of Kataart know this legend. The young woman was returned to her own world after using her three wishes."

Despite the noises around them, an almost deafening silence fell between Lina and Zelgadis as they looked at each other. He reached for her hand and held it tightly, his eyes worried and full of doubt.

Lina leaned in and squeezed back, trying to push her own fears away. "Don't worry, Zelgadis," she whispered to him. "We'll find a way. I promise. I'm not going to leave you." He leaned his head against her, and they took comfort in each other's presence as the chill of the night air descended.

- x – x – x -

Amelia sat in the carriage, looking out of the window listlessly as the scenery flashed by before her. She shivered involuntarily, and drew back from the window. "It's so cold here," she murmured, rubbing her arms.

"The kingdom of Kataart is unnaturally cold and barren, my lady. It has been this way ever since the priestess of Vorfeed cursed the land with her final wish over a century ago."

Rezo's cold voice cut through the chilly air, doing little to warm the carriage they were traveling in.

"C-cursed?" asked Amelia uncertainly. She felt nervous and uncomfortable around Rezo, who had been in a foul mood ever since Martina's shamefaced return. She thought it was understandable, seeing as how Lina's group were now in danger of reaching the artefact before them, but it didn't make Rezo's presence any easier to tolerate. The man was fearsome when he was angry, and not even his polite mannerisms could dispel the dark, brooding aura he was emitting. "I thought the Priestesses of the beast gods were supposed to protect their kingdoms…" she trailed off.

Rezo seemed to be able to hear her thoughts, as he turned from the window and smiled slightly at the young girl. "Do not trouble yourself with these legends, my lady," he told her. "You are much wiser and more generous than the other priestesses, both past and present. I am confident that you would not make such a mistake."

Amelia smiled despite herself, her eyes softening as she regarded Rezo's tall figure. I shouldn't be afraid of him, she thought to herself. He's the only one who's always been there for me. She comforted herself with this thought as silence settled in the carriage once more, Rezo apparently uninterested in carrying out any further conversation.

The wagon finally rolled to a halt as they reached the camp that had been set up in the foothills near the city of Atlas. After helping Amelia down from the carriage, Rezo bowed curtly to her. "Excuse me, my lady, but I have business I must attend to." With a swish of his red robes, he turned and made his way towards his tent, leaving Amelia alone before the carriage.

"My lord Rezo!" cried Eris as she rushed out to greet him. "You've finally arrived!"

Rezo pushed the dark-haired woman aside brusquely, scowling with annoyance. "Take care of the Priestess, Eris," he told her curtly, before disappearing into his tent.

Eris stared after Rezo's retreating figure forlornly, her eyes watering as she regained her footing. Blinking back her tears, her expression hardened and she turned on Amelia with an ugly look. "Well, you heard him. Let's go," she barked, grabbing the younger girl by the elbow and dragging her into another tent.

- x – x – x -

Inside of his tent, Rezo was standing over Martina, who was kneeling on the floor despite the obvious pain of her injuries.

"I failed this time, but it won't happen again!" Martina squeaked, not daring to look up into the closed eyes of the sage.

"Disgusting woman," he breathed, turning away from her. "Your incompetence never fails to astound me, but we need you alive for the Summoning. Consider yourself lucky," he told her coldly.

"My lord!" Martina squeaked, her eyes widening with panic. "Just give me another chance, they won't escape me this time—" she began.

"They will not escape you, because you won't be going," he cut her off. He gave a low whistle, and a growl answered him from the corner.

Martina stood up and whirled around in shock. "You're going to send him? B-but he's no better than an animal!" she screeched, her pride overcoming her fear as the bulky form emerged from the shadows. "I protest! I demand to have another chance!" she yelled, her blue eyes shining with barely contained anger.

"You've already proven your worth," Rezo said flatly. "Now be silent or I'll reconsider my previous decision." Ignoring Martina's sputtering, he turned towards the crouched, bestial figure who now kneeled on the floor before him.

"Gaav."

The huge man snarled, lifting his head slightly. His eyes shone with a feral light as he waited for Rezo's next command.

"Go. Find the warriors of Cephied. Destroy them. They must not retrieve the artefact. Do you understand? The Priestess of Cephied must not be allowed to have it."

The man grunted once, his unruly red hair falling around his head like a lion's mane. Tensing his muscles, he rose to stand, his full height towering over even Rezo's frame, making the sage seem tiny in comparison.

"Wait," commanded Rezo confidently, despite Gaav's monstrous size. "Do not fail me, Gaav. Do not return without the artefact." His intonation relayed his underlying threat very clearly, and the large man ducked his head once. Gaav strode towards the entrance of the tent, pausing to glare at Martina and growl in her direction. The woman squeaked and scooted backwards quickly, stepping out of his way. Then with a speed and grace that was hardly conceivable for his huge bulk, Gaav was gone, leaving only the flapping of the tent's fabric in his wake.

- x – x – x -

As morning dawned the next day, Lina and the warriors of Cephied set off for the city of Atlas. With the horses provided to them by the kind village, they made good time and arrived at the city gates by early afternoon. The contrast between the warm, balmy kingdom of Sairoon and the harsh, cold climate of Kataart could not have been greater, and Lina was thankful for the thick furs that the villagers had provided them with. Lina was amazed by the difference between the two capital cities. She hadn't realized how ornate Sairoon's elegantly painted Chinese architecture was. The sprawling city of Atlas was as harsh as the country's climate, filled with rough, squat stone buildings, dusty streets and scowling inhabitants. Xellos took it upon himself to procure a map for the group, since he appeared to be more familiar with the surroundings than any of them.

When Xellos finally returned, they gathered inside of one of the city's small pubs, planning their next move. The magician spread the map on the table before them and divided the city neatly into three quarters. "Well, we really have no idea what we're looking for," he said simply. "I think you'll all agree that this city is much too large to cover together. We'll have to split up and look for clues about this artefact."

Valgarv nodded and glanced at the rough outlines Xellos had drawn. "Which are the slums?" he asked. His gaze followed Xellos' outstretched finger, and he gave a curt nod. "I'll take that area." The former bandit narrowed his eyes and cracked his knuckles. "I know how to deal with scum."

Xellos nodded, and pointed to another area on the map. "This part of the city contains the libraries and temples. I believe that would be my area of expertise," he said with a smirk.

Zelgadis nodded and placed his hand on the last area. "That leaves the marketplace. Lina and I will cover this section," he said.

A slight sigh interrupted them and they turned to face Sylphiel, who was staring at the map with a slight blush. "Umm…" she said uncomfortably, playing nervously with her fingers.

Lina let out a sigh as she regarded the older girl. "You can come with us, Sylphiel. Zel and I could use the company," she said with a smile. "It's probably safer for you that way, too. It looks like most of the women in this place are growing hair on their backs instead of their heads," she added. "You'd probably get jumped by the first barbarian you came across if you set out alone." This caused Sylphiel to blush even more furiously as she mumbled a halfhearted word of thanks to Lina. It had the opposite effect on the redhead, who instantly felt bad at her lack of tact. "Hey, Sylph, I didn't mean that you couldn't go off alone if you didn't want to…" she fumbled.

Sylphiel shook her head and rolled the map shut. "No, you're right, Lina. I really don't know how to protect myself. I'll stay close to you and help however I can," she said quietly.

Xellos frowned, lifting his eyebrows and leaning in towards the others. "While I know you will regret missing my charming personality, I'm afraid I won't be able to use my powers to teleport to any of you while we're searching." His fingers drummed the table in annoyance. "Obviously the warriors of Shabranigdu know that we're here. I would advise you all to exercise caution during your investigation."

"So how are we going to stay in touch?" Zelgadis asked, looking around at the others.

"We'll just have to pick a time and a place to meet," Xellos answered.

Valgarv stood up, hefting his staff over his back. "This place looks as good as any. When do you want me back?" he asked impatiently. Everyone turned towards Lina and waited.

"What, you want me to decide?" she said, surprised. "Well, okay. Let's meet back here in time for dinner," she said. This caused everyone else to facefault.

"Lina dear, we're going to need at least a little bit of time to look for some clues," Xellos said cautiously.

Lina glared at her friends. "I mean in the evening, you idiots! Just because I like the occasional afternoon snack doesn't mean we'll be having an early dinner!"

"Occasional?" came Valgarv's mocking snort. He quickly stood up and backed away from the table as Lina directed her glare at him, fingering Gourry's sword. "I'll return at dusk!" he said hurriedly, and dashed for the doors.

"Great. Everyone ready to go?" Lina said, returning her attention to the table.

The magician nodded and also stood, collecting the map from the table and tucking it away in his robes. "Very well, Lina my dear. Do try not to be too naughty while I'm gone. You wouldn't want to give poor impressionable Sylphiel any bad ideas," he said as he poked Zelgadis in the ribs, producing an automatic knock to the head.

"Don't worry about us, we're not the perverted ones in this group," Lina added with a smirk. "Now get lost, fruitcake. We have a marketplace to cover." With that, they parted ways.

- x – x – x -

"Ugh! This is getting us nowhere!" Lina sighed and blew onto her fingers, watching as the small white puffs of her breath rose into the air. "I'm starving and freezing, and we still haven't found anything!" she complained. "Let's rest a little, there's a bench right there."

Zelgadis rolled his eyes, but directed the two girls to the small bench underneath one of the worn and dirty monuments in the city. "Fine, take a break," he said as his companions sat down wearily.

"Look, Zel, you might be an iron man but my feet are killing me and I bet Sylphiel's are too," Lina said with a large sigh as she leaned back. "Who would've thought this place could be so big?"

"Really, it's quite alright," Sylphiel said uncomfortably. "You don't have to rest on my account. I just wish I could be more helpful." The unusual amount of travel was actually wearing visibly on the former courtesan, but she refused to stop and rest unless Lina forced them to.

Lina regarded the other girl worriedly. Sylphiel kept pushing herself too hard, as if trying to mould herself into some sort of hardened warrior like Zelgadis or Valgarv. While Lina approved of the older girl's new spurt of confidence, the attempt to be something other than true to her gentle, maidenly nature was obviously taxing. Lina noted Sylphiel's fatigue with increasing concern, demanding stops more and more frequently as the hours passed. Unfortunately for her, Zelgadis was as dense as Gourry when it came to dealing with Sylphiel's needs. The only thing the chimera understood was that Lina's constant demands for rest were beginning to annoy him.

"I hope Xellos and Valgarv are having more luck that we are," he said with irritation as he crossed his arms and leaned against the monument. "The little that we have managed to see of this place is full of a whole lot of nothing," he added with boredom.

"Hey, can the commentary, Zel. I can't help it if I have a delicate constitution," Lina hedged, glaring at him.

This caused Zelgadis to grin despite himself as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Delicate constitution, huh? Well, princess, I guess we'll have to put you on a diet of soup and bread crumbs," he laughed.

Lina scowled at him briefly and giggled as the tension leaked out of their tiny argument. She gave him a small smile. "Well, even if we could move faster, it's not like we've found anything useful here so far. We could always come back and try again tomorrow, but I don't think we're even looking in the right place," she grumbled.

"Umm, excuse me," Sylphiel interrupted.

"Huh? What's up Sylph?" Lina asked, turning around. The older girl had stood up and was looking over their heads at the monument they were resting against.

"I think you're wrong, Lina. Take a look at this," Sylphiel breathed as her eyes lit up, pointing at the stone above their heads.

Lina and Zelgadis both stood up and turned around, regarding the monument.

"Hey, you're right! There's something written here," Lina said, her eyes widening as she scrambled onto the bench and began to rub at the stone with the sleeve of her coat. Quickly, she cleared off the thick layer of dirt and grime, revealing the faded carvings below. "Can either of you read this?" she asked.

"I can make out some of it," answered Sylphiel, resting her palm against the stone and carefully tracing the letters. She squinted in concentration, studying the runes. "It's definitely about the Priestess of Vorfeed," she said after some consideration. "There's no mention of an artefact, but it does say something else…" She scanned the stone further. "I think it tells of the place where the Priestess of Vorfeed returned to her own world. It's the top of a sacred mountain called Dragon's Peak," she said.

Lina slapped her fist into her palm. "Alright, way to go Sylph! That sounds like a great place to start looking, better than in this crummy city at least!" she cheered.

Sylphiel blushed and smiled at the other two. "No, don't thank me yet. Xellos should be here to translate these markings, I'm really only guessing," she said shyly.

"Don't be so modest, it's annoying. Besides, I'd rather have your company over the pervert's any day," Lina said. Taking a glance at the sky, she frowned. "It's still early though. The other guys won't be coming back to the pub for a while," she grumbled.

Zelgadis nodded impatiently. "Xellos still has the map. Knowing the name of the mountain won't do us any good without it." He paced around the monument irately. "Should we make our way back to the pub, or stay here?"

Lina crossed her arms and snuck a glance at Sylphiel. An excited flush coloured her cheeks, but it didn't hide the fact that the other girl was still unusually pale and weary. Nodding, she made her decision. "Listen, Zel. We don't have any time to waste, not if the Rezo and his goons are out looking for this artefact too. Why don't you go and try to find Xellos and Valgarv, and bring them back here?"

Zelgadis turned instantly, fixing his piercing gaze on Lina. "And leave you here alone? You're kidding."

Lina scowled. "I won't be alone, Sylphiel is here. Don't you know we took on a whole village of zombies by ourselves? One little marketplace isn't going to do us girls in," she said, smiling brightly. "We'll just wait for you to get back. If you don't find them in time, just haul those lazy bums out of the pub and bring them here."

Zelgadis regarded her uncertainly, but Lina waved her hands at Zelgadis wildly, shooing him away. "Stop worrying! We'll be fine! Now go, every minute you spend here thinking about it is a minute you could be doing!" she said firmly, glaring at the chimera.

With a sigh, he nodded. Leaning down, he gave Lina a quick kiss on the cheek and disappeared into the throng of people. Lina put her hand on her cheek and turned bright red. "No fair, that was a hit and run!" she mumbled when she recovered, and plopped down onto the bench next to Sylphiel.

- x – x – x -

Amelia rolled her eyes and signed heavily as she made her way through the dirty city streets behind Eris. I think my ears are going to bleed if I have to listen to Eris tell me one more time about how wonderful Rezo is, she thought to herself, glaring into the back of her unwilling guardian. "Miss Eris," she said finally, unable to take any more of the older woman's rambling. "I know Rezo asked you to take me through Atlas, but do you think we could go back now? I'm getting a little tired." Tired of listening to you, she added silently, but wisely kept those thoughts to herself as the black-haired woman whirled on her.

"Listen, you little brat. Rezo told me to get you out and show you a good time. So we're going to have one whether you like it or not. Now come on, we're going to the market to do some shopping." Grabbing onto Amelia's arm, she began to drag the girl through the streets once more with a scowl on her face.

Amelia groaned and trailed after the woman. She's so smitten with Rezo, she's like a robot! Shaking her arm free from Eris' tight grasp, Amelia glanced at the older woman cautiously. "Do you always do everything Rezo tells you to?" she asked curiously as she struggled to keep up with the woman's long stride.

"Of course!" Eris quickly replied. "I live to serve my lord Rezo. Don't you understand that we share the unbreakable bond of true love?" she said scornfully.

Amelia gulped nervously. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It's just that it's so hard to understand Rezo sometimes." She looked away, her eyes growing distant. "Sometimes I think he doesn't care about anybody, not even me." She missed the look of jealousy that flashed across Eris' face as the older woman regarded the young girl.

"Listen, Amelia. Rezo may seem cold to you, but he's a warm and caring man on the inside. I know this, because he loves ME." She stared pointedly at the younger girl, scowling. "You just think he doesn't care because you don't know him the way I do," she said, as her eyes grew soft and unfocused. "Lord Rezo saved my life long ago," she murmured, clasping her hands together. "Of course he cares about me!"

Amelia brightened slightly as the other woman spoke. "Yes, I'm being silly again, aren't I? I know he cares. He saved my life, too!"

This broke Eris out of her trance and brought her attention back onto Amelia. "That's because you're the Priestess of Shabranigdu, girl. All of us have to protect you," she said with a scowl. "Don't read into things that just aren't there. We wouldn't want Lord Rezo to end up breaking your fragile little heart, would we?"

Amelia blinked and stared back at Eris thoughtfully. "I don't like him like that, Eris," she mumbled as the older woman glared at her angrily. "But… umm… maybe you should think whether or not he likes you like that too?" she warned cautiously. Eris' face turned as red as Rezo's robes, and Amelia panicked as the older woman seethed openly with shock and anger.

"Why you presumptuous little—" began Eris ominously as static energy crackled around her, lifting up the roots of her hair.

"Oh no! Eris, look, it's Rezo! What will he say if he sees us fighting?" Amelia cried out desperately, pointing into the crush of people gathered around the market.

The energy dissipated instantly as Eris whirled around in a panic, her eyes wide. "Lord Rezo? Where?" she cried, searching the crowd intently.

Amelia immediately took off in the opposite direction, losing herself in the crowded streets. "Phew," she gasped as she turned onto a smaller side alley, panting with exhaustion. "I have to thank Lina for teaching me that," she murmured, leaning against the wall and trying to catch her breath. A moment later she sobered, glaring at the ground as she considered her words. No… I won't thank Lina for anything, not anymore, she thought angrily. Feeling tears forming once more, she took off down the street, not caring where she ran. As she careened down the alleyway, she crashed into someone, and struggled when the stranger's arms wrapped around her.

"Amelia?" Zelgadis said with surprise.

Wiping her eyes, Amelia looked up and gasped. "You!" she said, stepping back quickly. "What are you doing here?" she squeaked, staring at the chimera.

Zelgadis narrowed his eyes. "You know what I'm doing here. Or didn't Martina say?" he said harshly. "Tell me, were you the one who gave the order to kill us, or did you let Rezo do that for you?"

Amelia covered her hands with her mouth and shook her head. "No… no, it's not supposed to be this way!" she cried out. "I didn't tell them to kill you! You have to believe me, Zelgadis!"

Zelgadis' stern expression softened as he regarded the trembling girl before him. She didn't look like a vengeful Priestess of Shabranigdu to him, standing alone on the street. Rather, she looked lost, confused, and more than a little scared. Maybe Lina was right, he thought to himself uncertainly. Maybe she's not the threat after all. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Amelia, we only want to help you," he tried.

Amelia's faced clouded over instantly. "We? You're here with her, aren't you? Well, where is she?" she asked, her eyes darting around the street.

Zelgadis sighed and rubbed his temples. "Yes, I'm in the city with Lina, but I'm standing here with you, alone, right now. And no, she didn't ask me to do this, either. Why won't you believe me?" he said. "If you're scared of something, I promise, I can protect you. You don't have to rely on Rezo!"

Amelia crossed her arms and glared at Zelgadis. "You're wrong! Rezo's the only one I can rely on. Lina wasn't there for me when I needed her. Neither were you! Rezo's the only one I can trust!"

The vehemence with which she spat out the words caused Zelgadis to twitch with a slight feeling of guilt. "You're right," he said quietly. "I'm sorry that I wasn't there, whatever might have happened when you first came here. But believe me, if I had known you were in trouble, I would have tried to help you." He extended his hand towards Amelia once more. "Come back with me. I can't change what happened in the past, but maybe we can change the future."

Amelia stared at his outstretched hand indecisively. He's offering me everything I want, isn't he? And Rezo's been so cold…

"Trust me, Amelia. You can talk with Lina and sort things out."

Amelia drew back as though she had been slapped. "Talk it out with Lina?" she said, her voice unnaturally high. "You just want to bring me back to her, don't you? Do you even care about how I feel? Don't you realize that I love you?" she cried out, balling her fists at her side.

Zelgadis dropped his hand. "She's not your enemy!" he said angrily. "But we love each other, and nothing you do is going to change that. I'm sorry, Amelia, but one day you're going to have to accept it."

Amelia trembled, fury filling her as she glared at the chimera. "That's what you think!" she spat out angrily. "I'll summon Shabranigdu and make sure you can never be together!" she cried. "Then you'll see! Then you'll understand!"

Zelgadis glared at Amelia darkly. "You're the one who doesn't understand. Nothing will tear Lina and I apart, not even Shabranigdu," he said quietly.

Amelia sucked in her breath at the intensity in Zelgadis' voice. I almost believe him… she thought as he stood there, defiant. Sadness and jealousy coursed through her body almost painfully, and she squeezed her eyes shut. "I do understand! I understand everything!" she screamed. "You're the idiot, Zelgadis! I don't need Shabranigdu to tear you apart from Lina! You're not even real!"

"What?" Zelgadis stiffened, staring at Amelia. "What do you mean?"

Amelia opened her eyes and glared at Zelgadis through her tears. "You're nothing, do you hear me? Lina loves nothing! You're just a made-up character in a book!"

- x – x – x -

A sense of foreboding filled Lina as she watched the sky settle slowly into dusk. "What's taking Zelgadis so long?" she asked Sylphiel pensively. "Shouldn't he be back by now?"

"It is a very large city, Lina," Sylphiel replied. "Maybe he's just having trouble finding them."

Despite Sylphiel's comforting words, Lina couldn't shake the feeling of wrongness that had settled in the pit of her stomach. "No… this can't be right," she said finally. "Something bad is happening, I can feel it. We have to find Zelgadis right now." She jumped up from the bench and tugged at the older girl's arm. "I know you're tired, Sylph, but we've got to move! Will you make it?"

Sylphiel nodded mutely and stumbled to her feet. As they left the shelter of monument, however, a low growl filled the air. "Lina…" whispered Sylphiel in panic as she sensed the malevolent aura.

"You don't need to tell me!" Lina said, spinning around and scanning the marketplace desperately. "Look out!" With a desperate shove, she pushed Sylphiel and flung herself in the opposite direction. There was a sound of crunching stone, and as the girls looked up, they saw dusty smoke rise from the rubble of the monument they had been sitting at moments before. Lina felt her eyebrow twitch as she eyed the figure crouched within the ruin. "You stupid bastard! We needed that!" she yelled.

"Lina!" gasped Sylphiel as the figure rose. "That's a warrior of Shabranigdu! I can feel it!"

The redhead wasn't listening, however, having already clearly determined that for herself. For the figure had risen from the monument, and there could be no mistaking the massive size of the man, or the bright blue symbol that was blazing from his exposed back. He stood to his full height, causing the already shocked commoners around the marketplace to scream and run. A low growl rose from his lips, and as he smiled, he revealed his fanged teeth. "Priestess," he growled in a thick, rumbling accent. "I feast on your flesh!"

Lina unsheathed Gourry's sword from her belt and pulled the pin from the blade. "Not if I can help it, tiny!" she answered, summoning the blade of light.

"Lina!" Sylphiel cried, terrified. "You can't possibly fight him! He's a beast man!"

Lina gripped the sword and held it out threateningly. "I have the sword of light, Sylph. If this guy wants a piece of me, he's going to be picking pieces of himself off of the floor!"

Gaav's booming laugh echoed through the marketplace. "Girl fight with toothpick!" he growled. "Cannot hurt if you cannot hit," he snarled, and leapt towards Lina with uncanny speed and grace.

"What?" Lina cried out, looking around wildly for her target. "How can something that massive just disappear?" she panicked as she spun around.

"Above!" Sylphiel's cry came out, and Lina didn't wait to find out. She threw herself over the ground, rolling and cursing even as the blade of light sputtered out in her hands.

There was another crash, and Gaav slid a few paces across the street from where Lina had been standing. The momentum of his crash threw him into a few of the braver bystanders who had remained to watch the fight. As Lina sprung to her feet once more, she heard a sickening crunch and turned around slowly. "Oh no…" she breathed, feeling queasy as she took in the sight.

Gaav was rising to his feet, the limp remains of what had once been a human arm hanging from his teeth. He spat out the appendage lazily and advanced on the two girls once more. "Got in way," he rumbled. "Not tasty like Priestess."

Lina felt herself turn a shade of green and choked. "Even I have standards for my meals," she mumbled, backing away. Sylphiel joined her, grabbing onto Lina's hand. "Sylph, I can't even touch him with the sword!" Lina yelled desperately.

"Close your eyes," whispered Sylphiel as Gaav charged them once more. She threw her hand out and murmured under her breath. A pulse and shuddering wave rocked through the marketplace as the force of Sylphiel's power-charged light spell lit up the area like a supernova. Gaav roared in pain and clawed at his eyes, and the two girls wasted no time taking off in the opposite direction.