Disclaimer: I own neither Slayers nor Ranma. If I did, my life would be way more interesting.
Hello again! Wow, I REALLY didn't expect this chapter to be out so soon. Either way, here it is. Thank you Coollizard and DragonSword35d for your reviews.
Just for reference, this fic is based on the Slayers anime, after Try, and the Ranma 1/2 manga, approaching the fight with Saffron. And now, on with the chapter!
"..." normal text
'...' thoughts
Spell/Attack names
The sun peeked over the horizon, as if greeting the new day. A tent, sitting in a small clearing, braced against the early morning breeze. Pushing back the flap, out came the "heartless sorcerer swordsman." He did a quick check of his surroundings, a habit picked up over the years. After a few bites from his food pack, he got to packing up the tent. It would be several hours until he reached Saillune, and the sooner he was done, the sooner he would get there. The image of Amelia's smiling face blossomed in his mind.
His face heated up, reasons unknown to him. The princess was his friend, yes, but why would his heart try to break out of his chest at the mere mention of her name?
Filing the thought away to look at later, he set off. He reveled in the peace of the forest. So quiet, as if the rest of the world didn't exist. Time passed by lazily, until his ears pricked up. His ears were sensitive to sound, and in the calm of nature, the footsteps came to him easily.
Despite noticing the steps, he was blindsided, pushed back by a force akin to one of Lina's Fireballs. His lungs were quickly depleted of air as he slammed into a tree. The stars in his eyes cleared, allowing him a look at the attacker.
The boy had short black hair, a spotted bandanna around his head. Dressed in black pants, a black shirt with short sleeves , and a belt tied at his waist. Yellow ribbons wrapped around the bottom of his pants, and a sort of flat shoe completed his look. He carried a large pack, an umbrella strapped to it . The boy looked around, confusion clear on his face. He didn't seem like much, but the force that slammed into Zelgadis told him otherwise.
Zel stood, ready to question the strange person. He nearly jumped when the boy lifted his arms, looked up at the sky and screamed to the heavens, "WHERE THE HELL AM I NOW?" He looked around wildly, eyes coming to rest on Zelgadis. He flinched, expecting a comment on his body. Instead, he approached Zel, yelling "You! Do you know where I am?"
Eyes widened, confused more and more by the second. Sense came back and he replied, "Saillune, just outside of Saillune City." Bewilderment passed over his face, before the boy just shook his head, saying, "Forget this! I've got to get to the plateau to meet with Akari!" He turned around, drawing his arm back. Bringing it down, he yelled, "Bakusai Tenketsu!"
With those words, the ground opened up beneath his fingers, rubble flying off in all directions. Zelgadis blinked, astonished. When his eyes opened, the boy was gone. Walking warily over to the hole, he looked down and jumped back, eyes threatening to pop out. He had made a tunnel, over 20 feet deep and still going, all in the span of a few seconds.
Standing dumbfounded, it took several moments for his mind to come back. Head in hand, he shouldered his pack and continued on his way. 'And I here thought these things only happened when Lina was around.'
"Ah-ah-ACHOO!" A certain redheaded heroine sneezed violently, causing her blond travel companion jump. She sniffed, rubbed her nose, and said, "God dammit, someone's talking about me. When I find out who, boy are they going to get it!" Lina shook her fist at the sky, red eyes glaring. Her actions prompted a weak smile from Gourry with a sweat drop forming on the back of his head.
The walls of the city appeared, bringing a small smile to his face. Zel's pace quickened, eager to meet Amelia. A sense of foreboding froze him in place. Shivers raced up and down his spine. Sensing no blood lust, he resumed his pace, if not slightly faster.
Amelia was overjoyed, obvious to any who saw her. There was a spring in her step, and a smile that could not come off. Her reason? Today was the day Zelgadis-san was supposed to get here. She had anticipated it ever since she received the letter.
Sitting in the garden, among all the flowers, was Amelia. As much as she loved Saillune, this spot was her favorite, because it reminded her of her mother. She always had the smell of flowers clinging to her, and it always managed to calm Amelia down.
She was brought out of her reverie, sensing a presence behind her. Yet again, there was her maid. "Amelia-sama, Philionel-ouji-sama requests you to come to the front entrance immediately," she said. Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away.
'Minami-san is always so stiff,' Amelia mused. Shrugging the thought away, she got up, smile still going strong. She made her way around the palace, excitement brewing in the pit of her stomach.
She rounded the last corner, fully expecting to she her favorite chimera. Instead, she was treated to the sight of the redheaded sorceress and the blond swordsman.
Her smile left for just a second, surprised, before coming back just as wide. She called out, "Lina-san! Gourry-san!" They turned their heads simultaneously. Lina raised her hand in greeting, saying "Yo, Amelia! How are you?"
"I'm fine, Lina-san, but what are you doing here?" she inquired. "Well, you see-" she began. Her voice was cut off by the sound of another.
"It seems I'm late to the party," said Zelgadis, a smirk on his face. "Zelgadis-san!" Amelia cried out. She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his stony torso. A blush sprang to his face, as he awkwardly returned the hug. A devilish smirk crossed Lina's face, leaving as swiftly as it came.
Gourry spoke up, "Well, it seems the gang's all here." The pair split, faces equally red. Amelia was the first to recover, saying "Why don't we come inside to talk?" The three nodded, setting off after the princess.
The group relocated to the dining room, where Lina and Gourry graciously accepted the offer of lunch. Zelgadis settled for a cup of coffee, while he and Amelia watched the duo scarf down every morsel. Amelia spoke as they finished the meal, "I know why Zelgadis-san is here, but why are you here Lina-san?"
She sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, saying "You see, after the battle with Darkstar, the Sword of Light vanished, right? Well, a couple weeks ago Gourry mentioned that there's an armory here in Saillune."
"Let me guess, Lina-san. You would like a sword for Gourry-san," she breathed out the words in a sigh. 'As much as things change, the more they stay the same.' "I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks Amelia," Gourry said, swallowing the last bite. "Hey, what's Zel doing here, anyway?" Heads turned, quizzical looks on Lina and Gourry.
Setting the cup down, he began recounting his tale. "As you all know, I went back to traveling after the battle. Town after town, I searched each library and temple. Two weeks ago, I came across a man claiming to have a collection of books.
"Among his collection was a book, titled "The Amazons of Joketsuzoku." It mentioned a place where there are cursed springs, that will supposedly change the appearance of any who fall into the pools. The appearance depends on the spring, as each is different. It said that in each, a creature had drowned and the image imprinted on the spring. I found a map of the place, Jusenkyo. It gave the name of each pool, including the Spring of Drowned Man." Pausing, his eyes swept over their faces. Each look was the same: astonishment and disbelief. He resumed the story, "The book stated it to be to the far west, across the sea. I bought the map off the old man, and I intend to check this place out."
The room fell silent. Moments passed, until Lina said, "If you ask me, this sounds really fishy. You said "cursed," right?" At his nod, she continued. "Well, last I checked, curses were bad. Obviously, something wasn't included in that book."
"Maybe, maybe not. In any case, I'm going," he said.
"I never said you weren't," said Lina. A smirk on her face, she added, "I'm saying I'm coming with you. I want to see this place for myself."
On the verge of nodding off, Gourry blinked the sleepiness out of his eyes, he said, "If Lina's going, so am I."
There was determination in their eyes. Zel sighed, "Fine. I can't force you to stay. What about you, Amelia?" She had been silent the entire time. At the mention of her name, her head shot up. "Well, I don't know. I'll have to ask Otou-san. Why don't you three stay here until morning?" she suggested.
"It's fine with us, right Gourry?" Lina looked over to him, who in turn nodded. He said, "Sure, but would you mind if we took a look at the armory?"
She gave a small smile. "It's okay. If you find something you're interested in, come find me or Otou-san." They nodded eagerly and rushed off.
Zelgadis stood, straightening his cloak. He offered his hand to her. "Care to show me to my room, Amelia?" Their eyes met, and Amelia had to fight down a flush. Hand in hand, she rose and they walked out.
Releasing hands after awhile, the pair strode though the halls. Aside for the occasional servant, they were the only people walking around. Every once in a while, one would send a small glance towards the other. They would catch the stare and the first would look away swiftly, red cheeks on both.
They neared the room, when they saw Phil. Amelia broke into a slow run, calling out. "Otou-san! Look who's here!" He turned, a grin splitting across his face. His Amelia always got so joyful around her friends. She came up to him, Zelgadis close behind. He gave a bow, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality, Philionel-san."
"Think nothing of it," he replied. "Would you care to give the reason of your visit?" At this point, Amelia began giggling nervously, pushing her forefingers together. Both men looked to her, as she said, "Actually, Otou-san, there's something I have ask to you. You see, Zelgadis-san has found a place that might cure him. I know there are duties to attend to, but I wish to accompany him on his journey."
The teens looked to him, unwavering resolve in their eyes. The crown prince stepped toward Zelgadis, his gaze firm. "Do you promise to protect my daughter at all costs?" he questioned. Without hesitation Zel replied, "Absolutely." Letting the tense seconds pass, Phil clapped his hands on the chimera's shoulders. He flinched out of reflex, unused to contact. Phil's eyes softened, as he said with a grin, "Then I leave Amelia in your capable hands." At that moment, marshmallows could have been cooked over their heads. He chuckled, then turned to leave.
The first to recover, again, was Amelia, Who said, "Wait! Otou-san! Please go by the armory. Lina-san and Gourry-san are in there, looking for a weapon for Gourry-san." He gave a nod, setting off for the armory.
She turned to Zelgadis. "It looks like your stuck with me, Zelgadis-san." He gave no words, only a soft smile, before entering his room. The princess left for her room, her face lit up with a smile. 'Time to start a new chapter.'
Back in the armory, Lina and Gourry stared in awe. The room was filled with all sorts of weapons, armors, and, most importantly, swords. They walked through the room like kids in a candy shop.
Lina knew the name of many of the weapons: Tensaiga and Tetsusaiga of Inu no Taisho, the Sakabatou of the Hitokiri Battosai, and the Bara Shibenjin, among others.
Minutes felt like hours, as the two searched the room. She was tired, hungry, and frustrated, so when Gourry stopped suddenly in front of her and they collided, she growled and yanked him down to look him in the eye. "Why did you do that, you jellyfish?"
"Because of that." He pointed to the object in front of him. On a display stand sat a sword, sheathed in a midnight blue sheath. The hilt was pitch black.
Lina stepped forward, and grasped the sword. It was surprisingly light, but she could feel an energy flowing through the blade. She passed it off to Gourry, who almost dropped it at the sound of the voice behind them.
"Amelia told me you were here. Did you find anything?" Lina spun around, to see Phil right behind them. "Hey, Phil. What do you know about his one?" Lina motioned to the sword and Gourry held it out. "Ah, that one. It came from a traveler, who said it came from outside the mazoku barrier. I only know its name: the Sword of Souls. If you look on the side of the scabbard, there's writing."
Gourry tilted the sword, until the light caught in indentations. "Reveal Thy Soul," he read. His grip tightened, and he said, "Let me have this one." A look of seriousness crossed his face.
Phil nodded. "It's all yours. Consider it thanks for taking care of Amelia." The pair grinned and high-fived. "One goal down, one to go!" Lina yelled and gave them the victory sign.
Did anyone catch the references? I think I'll be adding this sort of thing every now and then, just for fun. I'll list them at the beginning of the next chapter. Anyway, please tell me what you think. Ja ne!