Chapter 3: Old Faces
Nothing eventful happens to Zelgadis until a few weeks later, when he makes his way into Elmekia and the town Untide. The town is originally named for its untidiness. Looking around Zelgadis is disappointed to find that the town is properly named. It truly is untidy looking, not disgusting or dangerous, just not aesthetically pleasing with all the loose laundry and weeds growing everywhere.
Sitting down to eat, Zelgadis relaxes in the afternoon air, until an unwelcomed guest arrives.
"Why hello Mister Zelgadis," Xellos says as he whips out a saucer and matching tea cup full of some unknown steaming liquid. "Fancy meeting you here."
"Go away Xellos," Zelgadis says as he attempts to ignore Xellos. How long has it been since he last saw this guy? Zelgadis can't really remember. It must be at least two years, back when Lina faced off with Zelas.
"Is that anyway to greet an old friend," Xellos asks. Without explanations Xellos moves to gaze at Zelgadis closely, successfully breaking into Zelgadis's personal space and unnerving the ex-chimera. "There's something different about you Mister Zelgadis, new hairdo?"
Zelgadis bites his tongue.
"Well, Zelgadis it looks like you finally found your cure, didn't I tell you it wasn't in the Clair Bible," Xellos says. The fake smile and closed eyes are really getting on Zelgadis's nerves. His life has been grand since the stupid Mazoku disappeared, but it looks like life is about to get interesting again.
"What do you want," Zelgadis finally asks.
"That's a secret, Zelly" Xellos laughs. "But thank you for asking; now I have a question for you. Your very life may depend on your answer." Xellos's eyes flash open revealing disturbing purple irises.
Zelgadis tries to refrain from letting the shiver down his spine show, knowing Xellos, it probably doesn't matter. But then Zelgadis realizes that Xellos is actually about to tell him the answer to his 'what do you want' question by asking a question of him. In confusion, Zelgadis searches the Mazoku's face suspiciously as Xellos closes his eyes with his features returning to their formal happy mask. "Ask away." Zelgadis says cautiously.
"Are you the only one who knows how to cure a chimera," Xellos asks simply.
"No," Zelgadis says with a sigh, there is no point in lying. If Zelgadis's memory serves him right, Xellos is not one to let others fool around unless he's the one doing the fooling.
"Oh that is wonderful news," Xellos says happily. "You are much smarter than your great grandfather, actually I hear that you are well on your way to becoming a great sage yourself. The rumors of your great deeds are spreading."
"You know rumors," Zelgadis says carefully. "They are all over exaggerated."
"Perhaps," Xellos says without changing his mood or tone. It's disturbing, but Zelgadis expects nothing less from Xellos. Besides, the last thing Zelgadis wants is for the Monster Race to consider him a 'happy hero goody two shoes sage' who is too well off for his own good, giving the monsters a special reason to destroy him. That would be a silly reason to die.
"I am surprised you're still alive," Xellos continues. "The transfer from invincible chimera to vulnerable human must be difficult. I was nearly positive that you would die after your first battle with a sword."
"I manage somehow," Zelgadis says.
Xellos smiles at Zelgadis, but neither says anything for a good minute. Zelgadis is beginning to consider that Xellos is no longer really there and is just an illusion when Xellos finally speaks up again. "Do you remember Wizer Frayon," Xellos asks.
Zelgadis tries to hide his surprise and slight concern. Prince Phil told Zelgadis that the crazy detective/police/dignitary/ was working on the murder case for his own country, but Zelgadis doesn't want Xellos to know this. "Do you mean the passionate imbecile who was chasing Lina around all those years ago?" Zelgadis says, trying to play dumb.
"Why yes," Xellos says.
"What about him," Zelgadis asks.
"Oh nothing, I was just thinking about him," Xellos says in a sickeningly cheerful manor. "Have a nice day." And with that he vanishes from the restaurants patio.
Zelgadis thinks carefully on Xellos's words. In sudden realization, Zelgadis runs into the restaurant. "Did a man named Wizer Frayon come by recently?" Zelgadis asks the owner quickly.
After the owner has recovered from his shock, he stammers a polite reply in the affirmative and tells Zelgadis that Wizer has been there this very morning.
Without missing a beat, Zelgadis races out of the building and begins to search for Wizer. First he asks around town, and then he searches the farm lands and fields. Without explanation, Zelgadis has the sinking feeling that Wizer is in way over his head. Xellos doesn't mention random people for no reason. And the monster never gives a straight answer either, making Zelgadis hope that he isn't an idiot on a wild goose chase in search of a man he hardly knows. In his search Zelgadis stumbles across the investigator, but only after walking into an apparent trap.
In an abandoned farm house Wizer is tied up and in the mist of being questioned by one of many cloaked figures standing in the room. When Zelgadis steps into the room the masked assailants fail to respond. They just stare at Zelgadis and the figure questioning Wizer ignores Zelgadis completely and continues his interrogation.
Before the men can gain the upper hand, Zelgadis begins to attack the men. None of them make any effort to counter him, but easily fall to the ground as the blade of Zelgadis's sword strikes them down. Briefly glancing at his fallen foes, Zelgadis studies one of them closely and is disturbed by what he sees. It is a chimera with glowing red eyes.
Shaking his head and waking himself from gloomy thoughts, Zelgadis proceeds to cut Wizer loose. "Can you stand?" Zelgadis asks as he helps a bruised and battered Wizer to his feet.
"Yes, and better yet I can run," Wizer says with a grin. Zelgadis nods stoically with a slight smile on his own face, as the two men race outside.
Before long, the two have made it back to Untide and are catching their breath near one of the towns' statues. At lease, Zelgadis assumes that it is a statue; it isn't well maintained and looks more like a moldy rock.
"I believe thanks are in order lad, my name is Wizer Frayon," Wizer says as he extends a thankful hand towards Zelgadis. The said rescuer accepts the hand and gives it a sturdy and short shake
"Don't you recognize me Mister Frayon," Zelgadis says and nearly laughs as he watches a puzzled expression crease over Wizer's face. Wizer is wondering whether or not this man is perhaps an enemy of his, since Wizer doesn't make too many friends. It's all in the business. "My name is Zelgadis Greywords," Zelgadis clarifies.
Now Wizer's face lights up. "AH HA, the young man who was traveling with the criminal Lina Inverse . . . what was it . . . three years ago. Time sure passes me by. I had heard that you found a cure, but I didn't think I would have the distinct pleasure of ever running in to you again." Wizer says, smiling warmly. But then his face turns slightly mischievous. "You are also gaining a reputation, many say you will become the shrewdest great sage in history. Actually demanding money for your services."
Zelgadis shrugs his shoulders and replies simply, "I have to make a living."
"Ah, of course, of course," Wizer says in a way that can easily get on ones nerves. While Wizer acts annoying and brash, he actually has a sharp mind that Zelgadis knows better than to ignore. "So how did you find me?" Wizer asks.
"Well, I had a little help unfortunately," Zelgadis says. He tries not to show any emotion on his face, but he can feel a slight grimace tugging at the edge of his mouth. "Xellos told me a secret."
"Well aren't you lucky," Wizer says as he laughs again. "The next time I see him I'd like to kill him for what he has made me suffer through."
"You're not the only one, but it can't be done," Zelgadis sighs.
"But that is interesting, he decides to show his foolish grin yet again," Wizer says. "Now that is interesting . . ." He trails off in thought only to be brought back with another question from Zelgadis.
"Have you found any leads in the disappearances and murder cases," Zelgadis asks with indifference.
Wizer looks at him with puzzlement, but then smiles. "So you've taken an interest as well have you?"
"I have a feeling that your case coincides with a recent dilemma of my own." Zelgadis says hesitantly.
"You wouldn't be referring to the chimera outbreak would you?" Wizer says through a smirk. Zelgadis hides his surprise and merely nods in the affirmative. "Well, I suppose it wouldn't do any harm sharing some of my findings with you, after all you did save my life. It would be impolite of me to ignore such generosity. But let's find someplace quiet to talk; I'm sure this bucket hole has a decent place to eat. Someone in my sorry state could do with a good meal."
The two come across a fairly well kept restaurant and Wizer begins to share a few of his findings.
"They are brainwashed Chimera's," Wizer says bluntly. "A couple of weeks back I came close to discovering the whereabouts of a kidnapper near Taforashia. But when I found out that the villain was a sorcerer, I was out of luck. By the time I tracked down his lair, the place was empty; completely deserted, with nothing left, no evidence whatsoever. I assume from your appearance though, that it must have been the labs that transformed your recently recovered refugees."
Wizer pauses for dramatic effect, but Zelgadis remains silent. He wants Wizer to get on with his whole story, because he knows that there must be more. Wizer takes the hint and continues.
"While you were busy curing and rescuing the chimera, I was here following a lead which claimed that monsters had been seen with red eyes. Well, I found them, but not after their leader mind controlled them and ordered them to question me. They kept asking me the strangest questions over and over again. Of course I refused to answer. What kind of investigator would I be if I gave an inch, hahaha!" Wizer begins to laugh heartily as Zelgadis rolls his eyes. This guy really likes hearing the sound of his own voice.
While the information that Wizer has given him is informative, it doesn't help Zelgadis find this supposed crazy sorcerer. Zelgadis is going through the information thoroughly in his mind and is in deep in thought, so he doesn't notice when Wizer stops laughing.
"You know they asked about you," Wizer says quietly.
Zelgadis snaps out of his thoughts and gazes critically at Wizer. "Really?"
"Yes, quite a few times actually," Wizer says leaning back into his chair. "Aren't you a lucky guy?"
"What did they ask?" Zelgadis says, half hoping that Wizer is joking about the whole thing.
Wizer closes his eyes and considers keeping the information to himself, but if Zelgadis is going to take on this case, he's going to need all the help he can get. "They asked whether or not you knew how to create a chimera. They also asked about whether or not it was true, that you could cure a chimera. And thirdly they wanted to know if anyone else knew the secret to curing a chimera."
"I see . . ." Zelgadis quietly mumbles.
"And like I said, I didn't tell them a thing," Wizer reminds Zelgadis. "Even if I knew the answers I wouldn't have told them."
Zelgadis's head slams against the table in dismay at hearing Wizer blatantly admit such a thing. Grunting in annoyance, Zelgadis rises from the table, offering Wizer a curt thank you and goodbye.
"I'm sure we'll see each other very soon," Wizer says, winking at him.
Zelgadis waves behind him and desperately hopes against it. So one of the maddened sorcerer's questions was whether or not anyone else knew the secret to curing a chimera. The exact same question Xellos asked him. Zelgadis desperately hopes that Xellos isn't working for his new enemy. Maybe he should give up now and go back to his endless search for nothing in particular. But is that really what he needs? Is that what he wants? People were dying and he was actually considering turning his back on them. If he did that he would be no better than his possessed great grandfather. At least Rezo had an excuse for being evil.
At this disturbing thought another obscure reflection hits him. It's kind of creepy considering that it is actually Shabranigdo who created Zelgadis's chimera form.
With a shiver, Zelgadis tries to move on.
As Zelgadis searches for the evil sorcerer, the attacks by possessed chimera become more frequent. The attacks make his job more difficult, but it also tells him that he is getting closer.
With the use of his special chimera items, Zelgadis has little trouble defeating them. The most disturbing thing is that the possessed chimera do not wake from the spell after being knocked out, unlike him with Lina Inverse. Now either Lina has a special ability for breaking mind control spells, or this spell is different from the one Rezo used on him. Eventually Zelgadis starts using a Megido Flare spell to save the chimeras. The white magic spell works and Zelgadis sends the confused men and women to Seyruun, confident that they will receive the help they need from Amelia and Phil. Zelgadis doesn't have enough power to transform them back into humans on his own.
As Zelgadis continues to save the possessed people, he also begins to notice that they are better made. At first the chimeras were strange and not well suited for battle, but now their forms have become stronger and enhanced with magic.
For a couple of weeks Zelgadis fights and believes that he has discovered the sorcerers hide out, but he doesn't charge in. Instead he sends news to Seyruun informing them of his find and even sends word to Wizer.
Zelgadis patiently waits in a town called Hitchup Tellit, near the evil Sorcerers base. The town is quaint and apparently named after a famous storyteller who had a bad case of hiccups. Either that or the town is named after a woman who had trouble hitching up something to her cart. Recently the town has been suffering from a rampage of disease. Zelgadis knows that this is most likely a virus traveling through the air and a side effect due to the experimentations taking place near their town.
A similar thing occurred in the towns near where Rezo worked; outbreaks of disease were common if the corpses of the chimera experimentations were not properly disposed of.
Zelgadis helps those he can for money. He also helps those who can't afford it, but if they can afford it he makes them pay accordingly.
Waiting at a local tavern, Zelgadis's pleasant afternoon is interrupted when a certain trickster priest pops in.
"Well hello again, Zelgadis," Xellos says as he sips from his cup of tea.
"Likewise," Zelgadis says with a grunt. Another otherwise perfect day is ruined.
"Do you still have those trinkets that carry a piece of your old powers on you," Xellos asks pleasantly.
Zelgadis raises an eye brow and tries to ignore the monster. "It's none of your business."
"I think you depend on those things too much," Xellos says, without changing his tone or expression.
"Pfft, thanks for the concern," Zelgadis says sarcastically.
"I also think you should get your sword out," Xellos say happily as his eyes open into slits and gaze at Zelgadis intently.
Before Zelgadis can glare or react aggressively at Xellos's comment. The tavern explodes into a fire ball of flames. Zelgadis shields himself in a barrier and manages to help a few innocent bystanders out into the street.
"You should have told me to prepare a barrier spell instead," Zelgadis says in a near scream at a floating Xellos.
"I didn't think he would be so rash," Xellos says innocently.
Grunting in annoyance, Zelgadis begins to fight off the horde of chimera, descending upon him in a wave. At the head of this mayhem happens to be a monster.
"Could this day get any worse," Zelgadis says under his breath.
Xellos begins to attack the monster, while Zelgadis attempts to knock out the brain washed chimera. At first Zelgadis is shocked having Xellos fight on his side, but as the numbers of chimera grow Zelgadis is secretly thankful. The last thing he needs is to fight two monsters and an army of chimera. Falling like dominoes on a turn table, the chimera soldier's drop at Zelgadis's hand. When Zelgadis looks up again, he notices that Xellos is fighting two monsters instead of just one.
"What are you waiting for just kill them," Zelgadis says to Xellos, as he kicks down an assailant.
"Oh don't be so pushy, I still want to know what they want," Xellos says as he attempts to capture one of the monsters.
"Just kill them, whatever they want can't be that important," Zelgadis says with annoyance.
"So you're saying I should just let them go? My Zelgadis I didn't realize you thought so lowly of yourself," Xellos says mischievously.
"What?" Zelgadis asks. He looks up with confusion at Xellos as the monsters words (and his own) play over in his mind. Xellos has taken Zelgadis's words literally. Obviously the monsters are after Zelgadis, so Zelgadis has just called himself unimportant. "That's not what I meant!"
"Hmm, very well, I suppose I'll just kill them," Xellos says. The two monsters he is facing seem to hesitate as Xellos's stance changes. One monster, which is short and twitching a lot, starts to run away, while the other taller monster, with a straw coolie hat on his head, forces a blinding light to cover their escape route.
By the time the light fades away Xellos is standing in the middle of a chimera puddle. There is no sign of Zelgadis.
"My master will not be pleased," Xellos says.
Author's Note: Sorry for the cliffhanger. For once I made a conscious effort to end chapters at convenient plot points instead of every four thousand words. What is going to happen to Zelgadis? Something terrible, of course, but hopefully something that you will not immediately expect. Comments are appreciated.