Author's Notes: Ok, before I forget AGAIN, I want to thank my darlin friend Amber for beta-reading this monstrosity. I would also like to thank my muse, Xellos.
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Ummm....yea...
Also, I'd like to state that though I'm trying to stick as close to the true Slayers universe as I can, I do bend, break, or make up a few rules along the way. Not MANY, but a few (more in later chapters than in this one). Oky? Oky. Goodness. Oh, and for those of you going through Lina, Gourry, and -- most importantly -- Xellos withdrawal, this is the chapter for you!
Disclaimer: I STILL still don't own Slayers. T'is depressing, I know.... well, for me anyway.
* Chapter * 3 *
During his weeks of travel back to Seyruun, Zelgadis thought a lot about what had happened in the Mystics' Cave and about what lay in front of him. He wondered about how he could get word to Lina, since he knew he would need her help to cast this spell. He was sure she would help him; the problem would be finding her and Gourry, since only the gods knew where those two had wandered off to in search of trouble.
He also wondered about Faiths' use of Xellos' favorite phrase. If that damned Mazoku had influenced anything about this spell, it was definitely reason to cast suspicion on the integrity of his cure. But though Zel looked over the spell enough to have it memorized, he couldn't find a flaw anywhere in it. So, though Zelgadis' rather paranoid nature wouldn't let him believe that Faiths' parting words had been a coincidence, he had accepted that the spell was the real thing.
Now he was just a day's walk from Seyruun, and he found that thoughts of seeing Amelia again had begun to vastly outnumber his thoughts about the cure he was finally so close to. Though night had fully fallen, Zel didn't want to stop and sleep. His demon-sharp night vision, as well as the light from the nearly-full moon hanging above, made the well-traveled road quite clear to him as his feet pounded along the packed dirt.
He ran on through the night, and he reached the gates of Seyruun just as the sun was starting to brighten the sky. The guards were just opening the gates to take up their positions outside when he stumbled to a stop in front of them. Two of them stepped forward as if to stop him from entering, but a third young man looked up and recognized Zelgadis. He walked over to the other guards and told them that it was alright, that he recognized the chimera as a friend of Princess Amelia's.
Are you headed for the palace? the young guard asked Zel, and Zel gave a curt nod as response. The guard ushered Zelgadis into the city and the chimera thanked him. The young man smiled and said he was glad to help. I'm sure Princess Amelia will be happy to see you, he said as Zel took off towards the palace. When he reached the palace, more guards awaited him, seeming determined to keep him from his goal.
Look, I'm here to see the princess, I'm her friend. If you won't believe me, go tell her that Zelgadis is here, he snarled, frustrated to be detained when he was so close to his goal. One of the guards went into the palace to deliver the message to the princess, and Zel was kept waiting outside. He was almost tempted to draw his sword, or to blast the guards out of his way; but he knew if he did that, it would take him even longer to get to Amelia. He paced the ground in front of the palace, feeling like a caged animal; when from the top of the stairs he heard the voice that had filled his dreams for so long.
Amelia cried joyfully as she caught sight of him and ran down the stairs, almost tripping in her haste to get to her beloved. Zelgadis spun around and ran to hold Amelia in his arms. The dark-haired princess was crying as she fell into Zel's strong arms and buried her face against his neck. Zelgadis, you're back, you're really here, she sobbed, holding onto him tighter than he realized she COULD grip. When she finally loosened her grip and looked up at him in confusion. You're back, but you...you're still like you were...are you going to leave again? she asked, fear creeping into her voice. Zel smiled slightly and shook his head. Reaching into his tunic, he pulled out a pink band with a bright blue ball attached to it, and he handed the wristband to Amelia. The princess took it, staring at it in wonder.
I'm back because I found what I was looking for, Amelia. I found my cure, he said. Amelia gasped, then smiled broadly, then looked slightly confused.
But, if you found it, why are you still...? she trailed off, not quite knowing how to say it. She didn't think there was anything wrong with the way Zelgadis looked, but she knew he was still oversensitive about it. Zel's eyes grew serious.
I need your help, and Lina's help, to cast the spell, he said. Of course, that would require finding Lina first, he muttered.
Oh, that shouldn't be hard! Amelia said brightly. We can ask Xellos-san to send her the message!
Zelgadis exclaimed. That self-serving Mazoku? Amelia looked slightly upset.
Yes, Xellos-san. He would stop by every few months and tell me that you were doing alright; didn't you know? Amelia asked, clearly confused. Zelgadis burned with anger.
That damned Mazoku was watching me? Following me? And I didn't know it!?' he thought, growing more and more furious by the moment. Amelia looked worried.
Ummm...come on Zelgadis, let's go inside and sit down, she said, glancing around nervously at the guards. She led the still fuming chimera into the palace and down a number of hallways till they reached a medium sized sitting room of sorts. Amelia led Zelgadis to a deep blue couch and sat him down, perching on the cushion next to him. What's wrong, Zelgadis? she asked quietly. She knew he didn't like Xellos-san, but she didn't understand why he would get so upset just because the Mazoku had told her that Zel was doing ok.
Xellos....was...FOLLOWING me?! he cried, anger flashing in his eyes.
Of course not! purred a smooth tenor voice from the far corner of the room. Zelgadis looked up as the purple-haired priest himself stepped out of the shadows. I would just peek a bit every few months, he said, his trademark smile plastered across his face. I assumed you didn't want Amelia-san here worrying that you had been killed. I was just trying to do you both a favor, he said, holding up his hand in a half shrug and smirking at Zelgadis.
You never do anyone a favor unless you get something out of it, Xellos, Zel snarled.
Hmm, you have a point. Oh well, no use worrying about that!
Amelia said before Zelgadis could lash out at the priest, Could you possibly find Lina-san and give her a message for us? To come here to Seyruun? she asked. Xellos pondered the request for a minute before he turned to Amelia.
he said with a grin.
Why not? Amelia and Zelgadis demanded simultaneously. Zel didn't like Xellos, but he DID need to get the message to Lina, and he couldn't think of any other way.
Because it isn't necessary. I told her a week ago that she was needed here. She and Gourry should be here in a day or two. The Mazoku grinned at the stunned pair in front of him. Well, if you need anything else, I'll be around! Xellos said with a wave over his shoulder as he walked to the door. Zel and Amelia were too stunned to say anything as he walked out and shut the door behind him. Two seconds later, though, the door opened a crack and Xellos popped his head back in. Now you two children behaaave yourselves! he said as he opened one eye and smirked knowingly at them in a way Zelgadis distinctly hated. Amelia simply blushed crimson.
she exclaimed, but the Mazoku had already retreated out the door.
* * *
Two days passed and there was no sign of Xellos. Zelgadis wasn't sure if he should be thankful or worried, then he decided that he should be both. Around noon, word arrived at the palace of more visitors for Princess Amelia: a Gourry Gabriev-san, and Lina Inverse-san herself. Amelia and Zelgadis rushed out to meet their friends. Amelia leapt into Lina's arms and gave the red-head a tight hug.
Oh Lina-san! It's so wonderful to see you! she cried. Zel and Gourry grinned and shook hands, slapping each other on the back. When Amelia finally broke away from Lina, she turned and gave Gourry a hug as Lina and Zel smiled and embraced for a moment. The four friends turned and walked into the palace, following a long hall down to the sitting room that Amelia had first brought Zel back to. As they walked, Lina turned to face Amelia.
Now what's this about a situation here that requires my presence? the red-head asked, And what kind of compensation can I expect? she added with a sly grin.
I don't have much, but if you really want payment that badly, I'll give you what I can, Zelgadis broke in. Lina turned to look at him, clearly confused.
What are you talking about, Zel? Last week, Xellos showed up and told me and Gourry that there was a situation in Seyruun that required my attention right away--
Oh, Lina-san! We have the most wonderful news! Amelia cried. Before she could go on, however, Lina glanced at Zel and grinned.
Zel, you sly dog. Did you FINALLY ask? she queried, elbowing the chimera. Zelgadis blushed and ducked his head.
Nothing like that that, Lina, he muttered.
Oh? Well, what then? Lina demanded.
My cure, Zel said simply. Lina's eyes flew open wide.
You...you finally FOUND it? she asked in shock. Zelgadis nodded. Gourry scratched his head in obvious confusion.
You sure don't LOOK cured, Zel, he said, staring at the chimera and poking at Zels' hair. The blond swordsman suddenly found himself jerked away form Zelgadis as Lina grabbed him in a head lock and mashed her fist into his head.
Jellyfish brain! Zel must have found a spell or a magic item that he can't perform or use himself. That's why I got called here, she said with a toss of her hair, What with my extensive knowledge and unmatched sorcery skills, I'm the best person for any kind of magic job! Zel sighed.
Well, that's basically right. I have the spell, but the way it's set up requires the assistance of two other sorcerers, or in this case, sorceresses. One sorceress who specializes in white magic and one sorceress who specializes in black magic, preferably people who I'm close to, he said.
Well then, let's take a look at this spell and see what we got! Lina exclaimed as they reached the door to the room and Amelia opened it. They filed into the room and pulled some seats around a low table that sat by the sofa Zel and Amelia had been sitting on a few days earlier. Zel pulled out the sheaf of papers that Faith had given him and spread them out on the table. Lina and Amelia immediately began to investigate the yellowed sheets and the few scribbled notes that Faith had written in the margins. Gourry looked at a few pages too, though he of course had no idea what any of it meant.
Lina muttered, This looks like it could really work.
It had better, Zelgadis grumbled. Under his apparent irritation, though, his friends could see the nervous worry flicker across his face.
It will work, I'm sure it will! Amelia said. She glanced down at the paper she held in her hand. It won't be easy, but it will work, she said, a bit softer, and more determined.
So...ummm...when are you gonna do this? Gourry asked. The other three looked back at the papers spread on the table and thought for a moment.
I'd need at least a few hours to look over my part of this, Lina said, It's fairly complex, but not half as tough as the Ragna Blade. If Amelia and Zel are ready, we could probably do this tonight. The four friends sat in silence for a moment. The implication of what Lina had said was setting in. If all went well, then by tomorrow morning, Zelgadis could be human again.
It's something of a humbling thought, isn't it? said a new voice.
Zelgadis growled, but the priest paid the chimera no mind and continued speaking as he walked over to the table and picked up a sheet of paper.
To think, purred the Mazoku, glancing at the paper, That your years of searching might well be over in a few hours. Sort of anti-climactic, don't you think? Just a few words, and POOF! Your whole life will be changed, again. Zelgadis snatched the paper away from Xellos and glared at the purple-haired priest.
Keep your hands off this, the chimera growled. Lina, Amelia, and Gourry looked back and forth between the two men as if it were a Brass Rackets match.
Oh don't you worry Zelgadis, the priest said, smiling brightly, I'm not going to try and take this away from you! Not after I went through all the trouble of helping little Faith to find it in the first place! Zelgadis gaped at the Mazoku.
You...you WHAT? WHY!? Zel finally managed to demand once he found his voice.
I helped Faith to find the information needed for your cure. Though to be fair, she did most of the work, since she is the only one who can access the information there; I just gave her the information I had on you and your condition, Xellos said quite cheerfully. Oh, don't worry, the spell is quite valid. Faith has a rather endearingly sadistic sense of humor, but she could never do something to actually harm another. Though she IS a quick study when it comes to the minor irritations! he added with a shrug and a laugh. Zelgadis stared at him, fuming.
Even if you're telling the truth...WHY would you do that? Zelgadis demanded. Xellos smiled his most charming smile and shrugged.
Sore wa, he said, shaking a finger at Zel, Himitsu desu. The chimera clenched his fist and looked as if he were about to lunge at the Mazoku, when Lina stepped up and placed her hand on Zel's arm.
Come on Zel, Lina and Amelia say that the spell will work, so what difference does it make if Xellos helped this Faith person find it? Gourry said.
Let's just go get ready, ok Zelgadis-san? Amelia said, tugging on Zel's other sleeve. Reluctantly, Zelgadis turned and followed the others out of the room, leaving the grinning Xellos behind. As Zel cast a glance back over his shoulder, the Mazoku gave a friendly wave and tipped his head, grinning. Zel slammed the door behind him.
* * *
The sun was just starting to set when the four friends gathered in the room that had served as Zelgadis' bed chambers during the month he had stayed in Seyruun. They were pouring over the final details on how the spell was to be performed when Zel turned over one of the sheets and noticed something written on the back of the page. He didn't know how he could have overlooked it with the thousands of times he'd gone over the spell. Amelia looked over his shoulder to see what had gotten his attention (since he was staring intently at the page, his hand shaking slightly), and her face promptly flushed. Lina looked up and snatched the piece of paper away from Zel to investigate.
Oh my... she muttered. Gourry looked up from the corner.
he asked, coming over to see what was going on.
Lina said, a slight blush covering her cheeks, While me and Amelia are performing the spell, Zelgadis is supposed to be lying on the bed. We already knew that; but we didn't notice that he's supposed to be...well, not wearing any clothes. Gourry looked thoughtful for a moment and stooped to look at the sheet of paper.
Hmm...well, what's this? the swordsman asked, pointing to a note scribbled in the margin. Lina looked down and read aloud the note written, presumably, by Faith.
Please note, she read, While it says that he can't be wearing any clothes, it never says that the more vital areas can't be covered with a sheet.
I can't believe I never SAW that there before, Zel grumbled, his cheeks tinged red. Lina looked up at Zel, then back down at the paper and continued to read.
I'm sorry for not mentioning this earlier, but I didn't want you getting all worked up before you had to worry about it, Lina paused in her reading, She makes it sound like she JUST added this! the red-head commented.
Somehow, I wouldn't be too surprised, Zel muttered, heaving a deep breath. A look of worry flickered across his face. You wouldn't back out of doing it because of this, right? I mean, I'm not crazy about the idea, but-- Zel was cut off by a wave of Lina's hand.
We'll just make sure you have a sheet or something, Lina said, despite the pinkness of her cheeks. At the moment, the only person not blushing was Gourry, and Lina suspected it was simply because he was too stupid to know how to blush. Now, aside from this last-minute information, does everyone know their parts? Lina asked. Amelia and Zel nodded. Gourry looked a bit disappointed.
Don't I have a part? he asked. He may not have been the most clever of men, but that didn't mean that he liked not having a part to play in such an important event of his friends' life. Lina sighed and glanced at Zelgadis.
Well, since you're the only other man, and have already seen Zel in the baths and stuff, you can be in charge of the sheet, she said. Gourry, given a new sense of purpose, beamed and nodded happily. Zel sighed and shook his head while Amelia patted his shoulder reassuringly.
Well come on people, let's get this show on the road, Lina said, grabbing Amelia by the elbow and half dragging her out of the room. Gourry, you are also in charge of letting me and Amelia know when Zel is ready. Ok? Gourry nodded seriously, reflecting on his added duties. Lina dragged Amelia out of the room and shut the door.
Inside the room, Zelgadis sighed and undid the clasp on his cloak, draping the fabric over a chair in the corner. He pulled off his shirt and draped that over the chair as well.
Have you found a sheet, Gourry? the chimera asked. Though he kept his expression calm, inside Zels' stomach was twisting in knots of nervousness, questions and worries racing through his mind.
Right here! Gourry said proudly, holding up a pale blue bed sheet he'd dug up, probably from a dresser drawer. Zelgadis nodded and sat on the bed, pulling off his boots and unclasping his belts. Finally, he stood and unlaced his trousers, discarding the last of his clothes and taking the sheet from Gourry. Zel laid down on the bed and spread the sheet across his lap. He was tempted to spread it over his whole body -- he hated his skin being visible -- but he decided that for the sake of the spell, it was better not to chance it. Besides, if the spell worked, then he wouldn't have to be ashamed of his skin anymore, and the important parts would still be covered. Zelgadis nodded to Gourry.
Call them in, he said, hoping the swordsman hadn't noticed the quaver in his voice. Zelgadis' nervousness was steadily turning more towards fear as this whole thing became reality instead of just theory. Gourry went to the door and opened it a crack, sticking his head out. Zel heard him calling for Lina and Amelia and he felt his face burn with a blush as the girls walked into the room. His arms were stiff by his sides, and his fists were clenched in nervousness. Uncertainly, Lina and Amelia moved over to the bed, Lina standing on the left side of Zel, Amelia on the right.
Zelgadis took a deep breath. It was up to him to start the spell. This was the moment all his years of searching had been leading up to. With a quaver in his voice, he began.
Great Spirits of Heaven and Earth! I call to thee and ask you to restore balance. My thirst for strength is quenched, I release the desire. Let that which was bound by that desire be released as well! he cried, and a gentle wash of energy filled the room. Next, Lina spoke.
I call upon the power of the Earth! To break the curse of stony flesh, take this living stone back to Mother Earth! False shell, be shed! Lina chanted, and a sharper spike of energy pressed into the room, and Zelgadis felt it course through his body.
Gods! Is it really working?' he thought as a sharp wave of energy crashed over him. Now Amelia was speaking.
I call upon the Holy Light of the Heavens! Free this man from the twisted bonds of demonic hell! Banish the demonic plague from this tortured soul! Demon, leave this man! Amelia exclaimed, emotion pressing into her voice as if she were willing the demon part of Zelgadis to be gone. As she finished, a third wave of energy crashed into the room. Lina, Amelia, and Gourry were having trouble standing, and Zelgadis was barely able to breathe. He felt as though his body was on fire and his skin was molten lava.
Almost done,' he thought, gasping for air. He, Lina, and Amelia raised their voices as one to complete the spell.
Spirits of Heaven and Earth! We call for balance to be restored! Return this man to his true form, let that which was bound to him by desire be released and banished from him forevermore!
As they spoke the last word, it was as if the room had erupted into a windstorm. Lina and Amelia were blown away from the bed and knocked to the floor, while Gourry was blown into the wall. The wind howled in their ears, but above the eerie moan of the unnatural wind, they could hear the anguished cries of their friend.
L-sama, this better be working right!' Lina thought as the winds pounded her.
On the bed, Zelgadis lay in the eye of the storm. There was no wind, only waves upon waves of searing agony. He felt as though his skin was cracking open and pools of molten lava were pouring out of him. He threw back his head as he screamed and writhed. Suddenly, through the pain, he felt as though a great weight had been lifted off of him. But he had barely the time to think about the sensation when a new flood of torment filled him; worse still then the last. It was as though his very soul was being torn to shreds, and all he could do was to try and hold on to consciousness as he felt something tear free from his chest. The world around him blossomed to a brilliant white thanks to the searing pain; and though Zel had his eyes screwed up tight against the hurt, he felt as though he was staring into the sun. He didn't know how much more of this he could stand, and he felt his grip on reality slipping away completely. Then the whiteness was gone, and all was black; and Zelgadis knew blessed nothingness.
* * *
Is he alive?'
He's breathing.'
It worked...it really worked...'
Zelgadis was floating, he felt pleasantly light, and though his thoughts were fuzzy, he could hear voices as if at a great distance. He wondered idly what they were talking about. He didn't really care. He was quite happy floating around. A distant part of his mind commented that this is what Gourry must have felt like in his jellyfish costume. Now Zelgadis was confused; who was Gourry? Why would he wear a jellyfish costume? As he searched for the answers, he felt himself start to grow heavier, and the distant voices drew closer.
How long until he wakes up?
I have no idea. I hope it's soon though.
Me too...I hope he's ok...
Now Zel was struggling to figure out why the voices were so familiar. He knew them from somewhere, he was sure of that. Names floated into his awareness. Lina. Gourry. Amelia. Amelia... At the thought of the name Amelia, he felt something stir within himself, and his fuzzy thoughts registered that she was someone important. He wanted to get back to this Amelia person. But to do that, he had to leave this place, this delightful weightlessness. He didn't want to leave...but he heard the voices muttering again, and he finally managed to connect one of the voices with the name Amelia, and somehow it registered that she must be close by. He felt himself grow heavier, and now he could feel what must be himself, his body. He twitched a hand experimentally, and was delighted when his brain registered that it had moved. He became aware that he also had eyes, and that he might want to open them. With an effort, his eyelids fluttered, and slowly, they opened. A dark haired person was hovering over him, seeming very concerned.
Zelgadis-san, are you alright? Can you move? she asked, seeing torn between joy and concern. He groggily recognized her as Amelia. It worked, Zelgadis, it WORKED! she cried happily. Zel wondered for a moment what it was that had worked...then snapped back to reality in an instant when he remembered the spell. His eyes flew open wide and he looked around. He saw Lina and Gourry grinning at him. Amelia put her hands on his shoulders to help him sit up, and he gasped at the contact. But his shock at the sensation of her touch was forgotten in a second when he looked down at himself.
His chest and stomach were smooth and covered with soft, pale skin. Skin. Real. Human. Skin. He raised up his hand to stare at the limb in absolute wonder. He drew a ragged breath and sat up, realizing only at the last moment that a single bed sheet was still all that was keeping him modest.
Could...could you all excuse me for a minute, Zelgadis asked, his body trembling. He caught sight of the full-length mirror that was mostly covered by the door. Amelia looked worried.
You're shaking, she said, worry clouding her eyes.
I'm fine, the spell just took a lot out of me, he replied. Amelia looked from her love to the mirror he'd been glancing at.
Why don't me and Lina-san wait outside, but Gourry-san can stay in here, in case you fall down or something, she suggested, looking to Zel, then to Lina. Meanwhile, the back of her mind had gone into overdrive the moment she'd seen pale skin covering Zelgadis. And then she had seen his face... Gods, he's just as handsome as he was,' she thought. She'd worried that maybe when he regained his human form, he would be somehow less beautiful than the man she had gotten to know. She felt silly for worrying over appearances, but still, the back of her mind couldn't help the thought. Of course, now she saw that her worries had been completely unfounded
Sounds fine to me, Lina said with a shrug and a grin. She couldn't get over the fact that the spell had worked... If I'M this happy about it, Zel must be practically in shock still,' she thought, smiling at her ex-chimera friend. Come on Amelia, she said, grabbing the younger woman by the elbow for the second time that evening and hauling her out the door. They both paused at the doorway again to stop and stare back at Zel before they finally left the room, shutting the door behind them.
Slowly, unsteadily, Zelgadis swung his leg over the edge of the bed. Keeping the sheet wrapped around himself for the moment, he tried to haul himself to his feet. He felt...odd. His body felt strange to him, oddly light, and almost clumsy. He wobbled as his balance threatened to fail him, then his exhausted muscles gave way.
In a flash, Gourry was by his side, the swordsman's arm wrapped around the smaller man's waist to support him. Zel gasped at the contact and a shiver wracked his body. Gourry didn't notice the shudder, though, as he helped Zelgadis over to the mirror. Zel was looking down, almost afraid to look at his reflection, and only dared to look up when Gourry stopped right in front of the mirror. He drew a deep breath to steady himself as he raised his eyes.
A man stared back at him. A man. Not a chimera, a creature, a freakish monster. A man. His hand released its grip on the sheet as he raised trembling fingers to touch his own face, and the man in the mirror copied his motion. His fingers touched skin. Human skin. He stared into the blue eyes of the man in the mirror. Hand shaking, he reached up and ran his fingers though hair the color of dark chocolate. His ears no longer poked out from his hair; and as he looked again at the eyes of the man in the mirror, he saw that the pupils were rounder now, no longer slits.
I'm...I'm me again, he whispered, tracing his fingers slowly along his face. Gourry smiled at his friend as the smaller man stared at his reflection. His arm was still around Zel's waist, and it was a good thing too, as Zelgadis' muscles buckled again and he almost dropped to his knees.
Maybe you should sit down now, Gourry suggested, looking slightly worried. Zel slowly nodded, still staring at his reflection. Gourry led his friend back to the bed and Zel sat down heavily. The blonde swordsman went and retrieved his friend's clothing. Slowly, Zel pulled on his pants and indicated to Gourry to call the girls in. Lina and Amelia reentered the room, followed closely by a certain grinning Mazoku.
Xellos cried, You look wooonderful!! he announced as he rushed forward as if to embrace Zelgadis.
Zelgadis bellowed in irritation, using what little energy he had to roll backwards and avoid the priest; unfortunately, he rolled back to the edge of the bed, and his still-upset sense of balance caused him to fall, landing ungracefully on his head. Xellos continued grinning.
Amelia cried, rushing over to him and helping him back onto the bed so he could lie down. Lina calmly walked up behind Xellos and thumped him soundly on the head.
Oh, Lina, the masochist half-moaned. Do it again... Lina blanched, then regained her composure. She was still rather drained from the spell, and didn't feel like fighting with the trickster.
Knock it off, Xellos, she muttered, trying to keep calm.
As ye wish, m'lady, he said with an exaggerated bow.
He's unusually chipper,' Lina thought, wondering what the reason could be. Then it dawned on her that the Mazoku had probably been hanging around when they had cast the spell, and since Mazoku feed on pain, fear, and suffering, he'd probably feasted on the agony that Zelgadis had gone through. Lina sighed and shook her head.
Amelia was watching over Zelgadis, and she stiffened slightly as Xellos approached. The trickster priest had already made Zel hurt himself once tonight, she didn't want it to happen again. Xellos put on his most charming smile and bowed to the both of them. Then, like the Cherisher Cat, he phased out of existence, his ever-present grin being the last thing to fade.
What was that all about? Amelia asked in apparent confusion.
It's Xellos, Lina replied dryly, rubbing her temples.
The friends fell quiet for a moment, then Gourry let loose a loud yawn, which quickly passed to Lina, Amelia, and Zel. I guess we're all pretty exhausted, Amelia commented. Zel nodded his agreement from the bed, his eyes half-closed already. Lina stretched in a very cat-like manner.
Do me and Gourry get rooms? she asked the princess. Amelia nodded and stood to show them to some spare rooms. Saying good-night to Zelgadis, she and the other two left his room, shutting the door behind them.
Zelgadis heaved a deep breath and closed his eyes as exhaustion took hold of him. He dozed off after a few minutes, though his sleep was fitful and something kept bringing his mind back to the edge of consciousness. Suddenly he became aware of another presence in the room and he immediately snapped awake, sitting bolt upright and reaching for where his sword would have been.
You're cure seems to have dulled your senses, Zel-kun, said an amused voice from the foot of his bed. I've been here nearly five minutes, and it's taken you this long to realize it?
What do you want, Xellos? Zel snapped. I'm really not in the mood for your games tonight. He could just make out the Mazoku's exaggerated hurt expression.
But Zel-kun, we could have such FUN! Xellos said, walking around the bed till he was nose to nose with Zelgadis. I know some of the most WONDERFUL games--
And stop calling me Zel-kun, Zelgadis grumbled, backing away from the priest. Now would you go away? I'm tired. Xellos grinned.
In a bit, the trickster said, sitting on the bed and lounging back on the pillows. Zel simmered with barely restrained anger; but he really didn't have the energy to do much more than glare at the Mazoku.
Is there a reason you're here, besides to irritate me? Zelgadis finally asked, since Xellos was humming a merry tune and still laying on Zel's bed.
Actually, yes, Xellos said, propping himself up on his elbow and facing Zelgadis. The silence was deafening.
Well, what is it, Zel hissed. Xellos smiled.
Ah, nothing too important. I simply came to ask you a favor.
You? Ask me a favor? Xellos nodded.
I want you to go with Lina and Gourry when they leave Seyruun, and convince Amelia to come with you...though that shouldn't be too hard, that child would probably follow you to the depths of my master's den if you asked.
Don't call her a child, Zel snarled. And why would I do you any favors? Xel feigned a hurt look.
You mean all our years of friendship isn't reason enough? he asked with a pout. Zel glared at him and shook his head no. Well then, how about because you owe me one? Xellos whispered, enjoying the look of nervousness the that flickered across the humans' face as he leaned in closer to the young man.
How do you figure that I owe you? Zelgadis demanded, determined not to let Xellos get to him.
Have you forgotten already? I told you that I helped Faith-chan to find that beloved cure of yours. And since it has obviously worked, I'd call that one favor fulfilled.
You also said that Faith did most of the work, since she is the only one who can access the information from the Mystics' Cave. You said that you only gave her background information, which I could just have easily given her, so you didn't really do anything, Zelgadis insisted, still determined not to let Mazoku get the better of him.
Actually, I said that I gave her information on you and your condition, said Xellos, his smile becoming broader, but not friendlier. And it just so happened that I knew a very important piece of information about your condition that you didn't know. In fact, without the little tidbit I gave to Faith, the spell would not have been complete, and you would have been out of luck again. And while it did delight me to no end to watch you try and fail a hundred times over, I decided that I wanted to have you owe me a favor this time.
And why should I believe you? Zel asked. For all I know, you're just taking advantage of the situation.
Ne, Zel-kun, would I do something like that? Xellos asked in his sweetest voice.
Zelgadis replied immediately.
Well, that's true, the Mazoku said thoughtfully, But this is the truth. You could go ask Faith-chan yourself if you wanted, I'm sure that she would confirm my story.
And why would she tell the truth? Xellos shook his head.
I'm sure you saw for yourself, Faith-chan is a terrible liar. She can keep secrets well enough, but she can't lie about them. I've been trying to teach her how to work around the truth more, but she seems fairly hopeless in that manner, the priest said with a shrug.
Why should I even believe anything you've said? Xellos slowly opened his eyes for a moment, stared at Zelgadis, then closed them again as his smile reappeared. Zel gulped; the only times he'd ever seen the Mazoku open both his eyes were when he was genuinely shocked by something, or when he was about to kill someone. The fact that the look in the priests' eyes had been completely different than any he'd seen before did nothing to ease the fear that had blossomed in his chest.
You're human again, aren't you? Xellos asked softly. Zel nodded. Good. Will you do as I have so politely asked? Xellos asked, only the barest hint of a dangerous edge in his voice. Zelgadis considered it.
Xellos isn't trustworthy, he gets us into trouble, and he uses us towards his own ends which probably aren't in the best interest of the world in general...but he doesn't outright lie...' Zel thought, He has helped us from time to time; though only when it suited his needs. And Faith obviously knows him, somehow, so he's telling the truth about knowing her, at least...' His thoughts were interrupted when Xellos poked him in the ribs, trying to prompt an answer.
Are you going to be sending us into danger? Zel asked.
More than likely, the trickster replied with a grin, But I'm sure it's nothing that you and your friends can't handle. Zelgadis sighed.
Fine. I'll talk to Amelia. If she can get away from her palace duties, we'll go with Lina and Gourry, he finally said, reluctantly. Xellos clapped his hands, and for a split second, his smile almost seemed genuine before it flashed back to his normal plastered-on grin.
the Mazoku declared. You'll all be leaving as soon as possible, then.
Why are you so insistent that we all go out together again? Zel asked with a suspicious glare. The Mazoku winked at him.
Sore wa himitsu desu! he said as he phased out, leaving the brown-haired man to hit only the pillows on his bed. Zel growled, then sighed and leaned back on his bed.
Damn that Mazoku, he muttered to himself. I'm sure he's leaving something out about all this. It just doesn't add up, he muttered as he began to drift off to sleep again. Still, it will be nice to travel with Lina and Gourry again...and Amelia... he trailed off as sleep took hold and began to dream of his sweet princess.
End notes: Ok, I thought Zel was fine the way he was, but Mr. Gloom and Doom was never gonna let himself be happy the way he was, so he pouted moped until I write this (it's strange when the characters from your stories begin to invade your life, I know). Well, at least he's happy now, ne? Please R&R if you liked (and even if you didn't, I'm not above making revisions. I consider all writings to be works in progress), and remember, the more reviews I get, the more it inspires me to write and update. ^_^