Chapter 2: Chimera Hunt
Zelgadis finds a gold mine of information at the temple, the ancient ruins are a great challenge to decipher and the artifacts are a joy to study. In comparison, searching these old texts is just like reading for pleasure rather than reading books assigned by a teacher. Instead of merely reading for a cure, he now reads for the simple purpose of gaining more knowledge. He can use the same study techniques he acquired in his melancholy hunt, but put them to a different use.
As Zelgadis searches the temple and other smaller shrines in the surrounding area, Zelgadis looses track of time. Occasionally Zelgadis runs into a wayward troll or bandit, but Zelgadis merely whips out his magically infused chimera gadgetry and fries his foes like a chicken on a stick.
These magical items are made from some of the remains of his previous body, the only things left and they certainly come in handy. If anyone were to steal them though, they would explode. Just like the gems Lina wears on her shoulders. Zelgadis doesn't want them falling into the wrong hands even if it mean losing them forever.
One item is a magical armor created from his 1/3 rock golem part and the other gem is a magic enhancer provided from his blow demon part. The only thing he wasn't able to transfer into an item was his chimera forms enhanced speed and heightened senses. The hearing and eye sight abilities are the only things he has included in his new body, thus the reason for his slit like monster eyes and slightly pointed ears.
After a week of studying passes, Zelgadis successfully uncovers the secrets to healing the blind, calling upon the element of diamond from the earth, cooking dragon cuisine and other random bits of information. Zelgadis doesn't realize it, but he is still searching for ways to become stronger. Not for the sake of destruction, but to protect what he feels he ought to.
But protecting what you ought isn't always so clear.
The only other information Zelgadis gathers from his excursion is from the beasts that occasionally attack him. Apparently there is a new bandit league in the country, which is giving the local thugs a run for their money. Zelgadis figures that it is only a matter of time before Lina finds them and wipes them off the face of the planet. Just like all the other bandits.
As Zelgadis travels into a nearby settlement, after his search in the temple is complete, he takes on a couple of odd jobs around town to earn some more coinage for his purse. Most of his income is attained through his work for Seyruun, but he has slowly been cutting his ties with the country. He doesn't want to be tied down by anything or anyone. In this current town he heals a few people and fights off a couple of bullies for a farmer, nothing too difficult. But peace and quiet only last so long.
Rumors of the new bandit league begin to circulate in the town soon after his arrival. Apparently this group of evil is roaming the area, causing a ruckus. According to the rumors many soldiers and mercenaries have tried to destroy the gang, but none have come back alive, leaving a very vague description of the bandits. Even those in the towns who are attacked are unable to describe their oppressors. In the end, all that can be said is that the mysterious group is shrouded in dark cloaks and covered from head to foot.
Zelgadis stays in the town as word of the bandits becomes more and more frequent. It is only a matter of time before the bandits hit this town and then Zelgadis can offer his services. The shamanist sorcerer can be a shrewd business man. Lina would give him a run for his money though.
As expected, the town is attacked ruthlessly one night and the outer homes are ransacked. No one is killed, but no one gets a clear look at their foes either.
True to form the town offers Zelgadis a large sum of money for his services and he gladly accepts the challenge. It doesn't take him long to track the infamous group down. A bandit gang this large cannot move very quickly and apparently they feel no need to hurry.
Without warning Zelgadis charges into the bandits camp and starts burning everything down. All goes smoothly until the identity of the bandits are revealed.
"You won't take us down so easily!" The bandit leader named Salit calls as he swings his two long knives at Zelgadis. The leader is covered head to foot and his features cannot be seen. The entire gang is dressed in similar fashion. They are completely hidden under layers of clothing.
"Then you should start working a little harder," Zelgadis says, tartly smiling as he easily parries the attack. Training with Gourry has certainly paid off.
"You don't know who you're messing with," Salit says as he throws his hood aside. Zelgadis tries not to let his surprise show, but he silently curses under his breath. The man is a chimera, and from the looks of it he is part human and part ogre. The other members begin removing their cloaks, men, women, and children, revealing their chimera nature. The leader continues. "You will rue the day you challenged the honor of the Striking Family!"
Swiftly scanning the scene, Zelgadis knows that he can easily take them all out, but he has lost his will to do so. Chimeras are extremely rare. One either becomes a chimera in order to become stronger in compliance with their own will or they are advantage of in the name of science, like him. Obviously, this group is most likely the later, since there are children amongst them. Another thing Zelgadis knows is that it is difficult for a chimera to make an honest living in this world. Basically your only choices are living underground working for a sorcerer or becoming a mercenary of some kind. Zelgadis remembers such days bitterly.
"Tell me, why did you steal from the village," Zelgadis asks. He wants to hear it from their own mouths. No point in jumping to conclusions, when the entire situation is far from his view.
"What do you think?" Salit says. He glares at Zelgadis coldly, trying to smile sarcastically, but failing. "Now be a good little man and leave us be, run in fear like all the other cowards."
Zelgadis wants to kill him then and there, but he refrains. "I will not fight you," Zelgadis says after careful thought, holding back his fierce aggravation. "But I will not run away either."
"Then you wish to die," Salit says as he carefully studies Zelgadis. The purple haired man before him looks like a fool in Salit's eyes.
"My name is Zelgadis Greywords. What if I told you that there is a method to improve your cruel fate," Zelgadis says loudly for all to hear.
Everyone stares blankly at Zelgadis; no mercenary has bothered telling them his name let alone stuck around long enough to carry on a conversation. Usually as soon as their chimera attributes are revealed the enemy runs away and never comes back.
Salit is the first to react. Breaking the awkward silence, the gruff man begins a heartless laugh. Some of the gangs members begin to join in with light chuckles as well, but a few weary souls look at Zelgadis with something likened to hope or at least curiosity. Some know exactly who he is and know a little of his history.
"Is it true?" One young man asks timidly. He can barley be heard over the loud ruckus of unkind laughter, but Zelgadis hears him.
"Yes," Zelgadis says.
Salit stops laughing. "Shut up, you filthy human. We can't believe anything you say." He turns towards his people and clarifies his train of thought. "It is true that Zelgadis was once a chimera, after all even we have heard the great stories about the adventures surrounding the amazing bandit killer Lina Inverse and her lap dog." He turns to Zelgadis and angrily walks up to the sorcerer staring down his nose. As Salit continues he does not bother lowering his voice, even though he is only a couple of inches in front of Zelgadis. "Why should we believe anything you say, friend of the bandit killer, we can get by fine without your pity. We don't need the help of a heartless swordsman like you."
Zelgadis glares back evenly at the taller man. "At least I do not exterminate foolish men who run in fear," Zelgadis can't help, but smile cruelly. "I wouldn't waste my time with them. But you murdered those mercenaries when they held no threat to you."
"We did no such thing," a random member of the crowd says.
"That's right," another echoes. "We let the cowards run."
Instantly a murmur of consent rolls through the group as they agree with their stand. Salit smiles at them encouragingly, before glancing at Zelgadis viciously out of the corner of his eye. "Go ahead and run little human," Salit says for all to hear. "We have no need for your lies."
They are deaf to Zelgadis's logic.
In the pit of Zelgadis's stomach he feels the pangs of hate and disgust begin to boil within him. It is obvious to him where Salit's true intentions lie, but no one here has seen what Zelgadis has or even knows what he does. Besides, no one here has a reason to believe him anyway. The proof of his body is obviously not enough for them.
"If you wish to become human please come with me," Zelgadis says as he turns away in disgust from their leader. "If not, be aware that Lina Inverse will uncover your little family and will not be as lenient as I. Be prepared for that day, I won't say that I didn't warn you." He glances quickly at Salit, goading him slightly.
Daring him to follow.
A few brave chimera's step forward in an attempt to follow the stranger. They must be desperate if they are willing to trust a stranger, but the life of a chimera can do that to someone. One sharp look from their leader though and no one dares move. Zelgadis scoffs, man fears what they can see more than what they cannot. The one these people should fear is Lina Inverse, but Salit is the only monster visible, the people only know one kind of fear.
It is as if they are blind.
As Zelgadis walks on, he feels that he cannot blame them, but he also isn't going to turn his back on them either. All it takes is one hopeful person to follow him and everything will fall into place.
Zelgadis is prepared for what he knows is about to take place.
Shortly after Zelgadis's departure, quite a ways from the chimera camp, Zelgadis is attacked by Salit.
Salit doesn't announce his attack; he doesn't speak a word to Zelgadis as he relentlessly begins his assault. As Zelgadis looks into his opponent's eyes, all he can see is delight in Zelgadis's impending murder.
Each blow is bone crushing and it takes all of Zelgadis's concentration to avoid each attack. Part of him is tempted to fall into his old habits, but Zelgadis no longer has skin of stone to protect him. Even his special amulet isn't enough for these attacks. Leaping to and fro Zelgadis quickly sidesteps each blow, careful not to make an attack of his own. Luckily, Salit is not paying attention to his surroundings or considering Zelgadis's odd strategy of merely dodging him instead of fighting back. But Zelgadis is keenly aware of the young lad who is intently watching.
It doesn't take long for the young boy to hastily run away and return quietly with the people from the camp, now Zelgadis has the audience he needs.
"Please Salit, stop this attack. I have no intentions of hurting you or your people," Zelgadis says as he continues to dodge. "Just let me go like the others."
Salit easily takes the bait, "Ha! What do you mean let you go like the others? All the others are dead!" Salit says as he laughs with the swing of his blades.
"What are you saying," Zelgadis says. He takes note that his audience is growing.
"You of all men should know," Salit says, continuing his fight. The chimera is not growing weary at all, unlike Zelgadis who is quickly losing his strength. He doesn't have as much stamina as he use to. What a pain. "The best way to protect this family is to keep the witnesses to a minimum. How do you think we have remained unknown and unchallenged for so long." Finally Salit manages to kick a weary Zelgadis, sending him flying across the moist ground. They have been fighting for over fifteen minutes, perhaps even longer. Salit continues, "Of course, you already knew that, you must have known that when you came here. I'd hate to disappoint your expectations."
Zelgadis uses his elbows to brace himself as he struggles to lift his head. Carefully he watches Salit, and prepares to move if needed, but he's hoping he won't have to.
"Stop Mister Salit!" one man says as he moves out of the brush. He is followed by others and each begins to question their leader. "What's going on? Why don't you let the man go? Is what he said true? Are you a killer?"
Staggering back Salit attempts to explain himself, but his words only bury him deeper. Actions speak louder than words and every word that comes from his mouth does not excuse his battle with Zelgadis; a harmless human who has yet to make a move against Salit.
It is as if Salit has become mute.
Zelgadis speaks up, clarifying the situation for the chimera's, telling them how Salit has most likely been using them for his own power and ego. Their dishonorable leader is at a loss for words, but as his people begin to glare at him something snaps. He begins to attack them in a mad attempt to escape.
Before Zelgadis can scream at them to stop, the chimera clan kills Salit.
Biting his tongue and looking away Zelgadis curses under his breath. He still has a few questions for Salit, but now it looks like he isn't going to have the opportunity to ask them. Apparently this chimera community is pretty high strung.
After Salit is properly killed and the people take their revenge on his corpse, each chimera looks to Zelgadis for an explanation. It takes some time to convince the chimera of his honest intentions, but eventually he persuades them to returns the goods to the town and offers them sanctuary in Seyruun. He has no doubt that Amelia and Prince Phil will take in the chimera's. Zelgadis is also sure to clarify that he will only 'cure' the chimera's who wish to return to their original form. Not all of them are displeased with their new found abilities, but some immediately wish for a cure. Others require a cure as soon as possible; because they are poorly formed and incomplete, slowly dying due to their chimerism.
In Seyruun the chimeras are happily welcomed by the Royal house and council. Zelgadis sets to work immediately on those who wish to return to their human forms. Some of them were originally beast men, and Zelgadis helps them as well.
As the days wear on Zelgadis is sure to ask each of them how and who, turned them into chimeras. None of them have a clear answer.
Their stories begin to all sound the same to Zelgadis. "I was out picking flowers, or I was out farming, or I was chasing after a chicken when all of the sudden someone grabbed me. I was put into a dark cell and forced into a machine. I was transformed into a monster, a creature, a demon, an abomination and so on, but then Salit over powered the sorcerer and rescued us from our prison. He was our leader, but he wouldn't let us go back to our families. Some managed to escape and looked for their families only to return later with news that their families and close friends had all been killed."
Basically this is their story, making Zelgadis wish all over again that Salit was left alive.
When Zelgadis asks them where their prison was, no one can tell him. Each tells him a different story. Some claim it is on the outskirts of the Kataart Mountains, others say it is near a town in Dils, and still others claim that it is in Kalmaart. Obviously, whoever is behind this chimera operation is being careful to put a spell on his experiments, keeping the location a secret. Zelgadis hopes that over time the spell will break and someone will be able to remember something.
Checking over his notes Zelgadis sighs as he rubs his head in frustration at his desk in the Seyruun castle. He technically is still employed by Prince Phil and for his position he is provided an office and work area. It is rare for Zelgadis to use this room, especially recently with his attempts to escape, but it is certainly nice to have for moments like this in his travels. Turning his attention back to the papers and books littered in front of him, Zelgadis reanalyzes his findings. This recent outbreak of chimeras worries Zelgadis. The art of creating chimeras isn't a common practice these days and there are very few sorcerers out there who are capable of accomplishing the process successfully. Of course, not all of the chimeras he's helped have been in stable conditions.
A hand full of the chimera are far beyond help, so Zelgadis has no choice, but to fully transform their forms into chimera's in order to save them. Their human DNA is so damaged that it is impossible to recreate a complete human body for them. In such cases, their only choices are to either remain a chimera or accept a donors DNA for a recreated body that won't look like their original body. Then there are the few patients who are mentally unstable, and cannot survive a soul transfer.
Transforming someone into a chimera bothers Zelgadis, but he gets through it. He doesn't do it alone either. Unlike Rezo, Zelgadis doesn't have a large enough magic pool on his own, even with his enhanced blow demon item. He cannot do the transformations by himself, and receives the help from the white mages of Seyruun.
A swift knock rattles against his door and a white mage of Seyruun steps into Zelgadis's office. Zelgadis doesn't bother looking up, but gives a slight nod of acknowledgment to the man. "Sir, I have the documentation for Terrant here, patient V23. He wishes to remain a Chimera," the mage reports as he carefully places the papers in a specially designated drawer next to Zelgadis.
"That's fine," Zelgadis says as he jots down a note. "Keep an eye on his condition, and let me know if he shows any signs of instability."
"Yes, sir," the man says as he leaves the room. There are a few mages in Seyruun who have the knowledge to change a chimera back into their original forms thanks to Zelgadis. This way, Zelgadis figures that if something were to happen to him, the knowledge will remain available. The mages will be able to save both beast men and humans.
By the time the sun has set for the day Zelgadis has made a decision. He decides to find the sorcerer who is responsible.
His decision is not entirely based on his own personal issue with chimerism, but also his concern for the safety of Seyruun and the countries under the alliance. Whoever this person is, they are kidnapping people and killing their families. Looking at the clock, Zelgadis decides that after eating some delicious food and enjoying a good night's rest he will consult the records of recent deaths and start from there.
It takes over a week to cure the chimeras and acquire enough research of the recent murder cases, but it is necessary for the job at hand. When all the chimera cases are done and dealt with, Zelgadis gets ready to leave. He is nearly out of the palace, when Amelia comes running up to him in a dress. She had an important meeting with some representatives this morning and Zelgadis stares are her in shock as she stands panting in front of him.
"Princess Amelia, this is a surprise," Zelgadis says with a slight smile.
Amelia tries not to glare at him, but it is difficult. She has enjoyed spending time with Zelgadis during his recent stay here and is appalled that he is leaving without her. More than that, he isn't even going to say goodbye. "Mister Zelgadis, why didn't you tell me that you were leaving?"
"I didn't know the time of my departure until this morning. I made the decision only after word of Sahan's full recovery reached my ears. Any other chimera related issues should be simple for the mages here to handle." Zelgadis says, clearly explaining his logic with little emotion on his face.
"But where are you going?" Amelia asks, trying to hold her tongue and not express the other issues she really wishes to address.
"Your father has a full report, but I'm off to investigate the recent string of murders cropping up in and around the Elmekia area." Zelgadis patiently says.
Amelia furrows her brow in confusion. "But I thought Daddy already put men on that case."
"He did," Zelgadis says. "But I asked for his permission to investigate as well."
"I'll come with you then, once I get Daddy's permission, I'll be right back," Amelia says as she quickly flies back towards the castle.
Zelgadis smiles as he watches her, he prefers traveling alone, but he appreciates the young girls' enthusiasm. And yet, this new adventure isn't like his other quests. He knows already, that Prince Phil will say no, it is rare for the kind father to deny his daughter such requests, but there are other issues in Seyruun taking place right now. Zelgadis isn't allowed to know what they are, but they must be important. As the unknown issue churns in his mind, Zelgadis turns away from the palace and quickly makes his way out of the city. As he passes through the streets, he meets a few familiar faces and as they wave at him he waves back in turn. Some of them are still chimeras, but they are happy, no one here will look down on them for their appearance. Seyruun may not be perfect, but it is much more tolerant than most.
If he really wants to, Zelgadis can make this place his home, a few words is all it takes, but he cannot. It isn't his home and his desire to protect something isn't well placed. This city and Amelia aren't enough to change his feelings on the matter right now.
By the time Zelgadis makes it out of the city he is back to brooding. He also hopes that Amelia will not be too upset for being left behind, but it's probably for the best. The last thing Zelgadis wants is for a murdering chimera creating sorcerer to get his hands on Amelia. He doesn't want to see her in pain because of him.
Zelgadis has an excuse for everything.
Author's Note: I was suppose to update this last week, but I forgot since no one reminded me. Oh well, hope you guys enjoy this. Reviews or general comments are always appreciated.