Last time we were introduced to Guts, The Black Swordsman. Vathek watched in amazement as Guts slew a rampaging demon with one swing of his enormous sword. With reports of more demon attacks, Guts joined with Vathek to stop the monsters. On with the show!
Chapter 5: Apologies and Frustrations
I hope he hasn't done anything stupid, thought Irma as she searched the palace for Martin, I'd never forgive myself if he killed himself because of me. She found Martin sitting on one of the many staircases. "Oh," said Martin in a slightly annoyed tone, "It's you. I assume you're here to reject me yet again."
"I'm sorry, Martin," said Irma, "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings like that." "And yet you did," said Martin, "Why did you come after me? Haven't you stepped on my heart enough for one day?" "I thought that," said Irma, "I thought you'd do something rash and pointless."
"Like what?" asked Martin, "You thought I'd jump out a window? Or maybe cut my wrists open?" "Something like that," said Irma as she sat down next to him. "Well let me clear your conscious for you," said Martin, "I'm not that crazy as to kill myself over a girl." "That's true," said Irma, "But you got to admit, you are a bit crazy."
"You're right," said Martin as he finally smiled a bit, "I am somewhat of a mad genius." He sighed before continuing, "I know you'd rather be with someone else, Irma," he said, "But I can't stop feeling the way I do about you. I just wish we could be more than friends."
"Who says we can't?" asked Irma as she held his hand, "The only things I see that are wrong with you is that you keep calling me those stupid names. If you were to stop that, you might just have a better chance with me." "Consider it done," said Martin, "O angel who accidentally fell from heaven." "That's much better," said Irma who smiled as she thought; you got to admit, he has a way with words if he really tries. I really think I'm starting to like him.
Meanwhile…
"Just what are they looking for?" asked Will as she watched Ed and Al ponder over the books of Alchemy that Elyon found for them. "I have a hunch," said Elyon, "I maybe wrong, but I think they're looking for how to create a Philosopher's Stone." "Philosopher's Stone," repeated Cornelia "Is that like a Sorcerer's Stone? Like the one Harry Potter told us about when we were in his dimension?"
"I think the two stones are the same thing," said Taranee, "Different universes, different names for the same object." "From what I know," said Hay Lin, "A Sorcerer's Stone, or in this case a Philosopher's Stone can change base metals into gold. It can also create the means to live forever."
"That's not exactly true," said Taranee, "The stone can create a substance called 'The Elixir of Life,' but once you drink it, you have to keep drinking it. If you stop, you die." "I wonder which it is they're looking to do with the stone," said Will, "Live longer, or become rich?"
"Neither," said Al who was standing behind Will. "How did you get over her without us hearing you in all that armor?" asked a startled Cornelia. "I can be quiet when I need to be," said Al, "As to why my brother and I need the Philosopher's Stone, we need it not for gold or to extend mortal life, we need it to make amends for a mistake."
Before Will could ask what mistake Ed and Al was trying to undo, the air rang out with a shout from Ed: "Damn it! Every time it's the same damn thing!" Will saw that Ed had just cleared through several books, the last one he threw to the ground in anger. "Easy, brother," said Al, "We'll figure it out somehow."
"Maybe, Al," said Ed, "But I'm starting to think it's impossible." "What?" asked Will, "What are you and Al trying to do?" "What we're trying to do," said Ed, "Is make a Philosopher's Stone without the need for human sacrifice."
"What?" asked Cornelia, Elyon and Taranee at the same time. "I'm not sure I heard you correctly," said Will, "But did you say that to make a Philosopher's Stone, you need a human sacrifice?" "That's right," said Al, "Every method of making a Philosopher's Stone my brother and I have come across specifically states that a large number of people must be killed in the process of making the stone."
"It's true," said Ed, "Some methods require the deaths of ten people, sometimes twenty, sometimes more." He pointed at the book he threw to the ground, "That last book stated that at least 100 people must die to create the stone." "No wonder Phobos had those books," said Cornelia to Elyon, "That sounds right up his alley."
"The mistake Al and I are trying to make up for," said Ed, "Was one we made long ago. However, and I can say this for Al as well as myself, I cannot, will not, shall not resort to cold blooded murder to undo that mistake."
"I can feel that this mistake has caused you and your brother much pain and grief," said Will, "If there's anything my friends and I can do to help you undo that mistake, whatever it is, we'll gladly help." "I appreciate the offer," said Ed, "But no thanks." "This is our burden," said Al, "My brother and I would prefer if nobody else were to get involved too much."
Just then a guardsman burst into the library. "My Queen!" exclaimed the guardsman, "Several demons have been seen attacking the outlying villages. Captain Vathek has requested that the army be sent to stop the monsters!"
"Find Caleb," ordered Elyon, "Tell him to assemble the army. March to the outlying villages and assist Vathek." Just then a second guardsman entered the library to report; "My Queen! Demons are attacking the city!"
"Change of plans," said Elyon to the first guardsman, "Tell Caleb to take only two thirds the army to assist Vathek. The rest are to stay in Meridian to fight these demons. Go!" "As you command!" beaked both guardsman, who then turned and left the library.
"I refuse to let this get any worse," said Elyon to herself, "I won't let my people be slaughtered like sheep." "They won't," said Will, "As soon as we find Irma, we're going out to the city and kick demon ass." Cornelia and Taranee nodded in agreement.
"Mind if we tag along?" asked Ed. "It can get pretty nasty fighting demons," said Taranee, "You sure you want to join in?" "Positive,"' said Al. "Then let's go," said Will as they left the library to face the invading demons.
The end of chapter 5. Next chapter, Will and the others learn something disturbing about Ed and Al as they fight the rampaging demons. Please review and I'll see you next time!