Author's briefing: I forgot to mention that there is a rating on this. M for mature. There will be swearing, there will be alcohol use and marijuana reference (It is decriminalize and in the processing of being legal where I live) Suggestive theme and probably mentionable nudity. Maybe a sexual situation or two, who knows. You will get a proper warning, and it won't be detailed, but rather heavy imply. Just remember, this is my story, and I'm the writer. Though I'm not sour about the opinions of others, but just keep in mind that I do have my own. But thanks again for reading the second chapter of my latest mental soup creation! Enjoy amigos!
-Stevie.
P.S. I do appreciate phrase and criticism of the positive forms that is, even though there may be hate, you got to remember that no matter how you react to this story, the time you took to reads this, is what matters. Bless be and Happy new years!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own slayers, for I am not the great Hajime Kanzaka! I just based my character and her world was influenced by what little was mentioned about the other worlds, and her mission that takes place in the slayers world. There is no intention to make profit off of this what so ever
Chapter Two: Transformed? How to go from Diamonds to Rocks!
The dark priest entered a grand room of an ancient ruin. Flames from troches that stood align flickered an eerie orange off the weathered stone walls. The painted art, that had chipped due the decay of passing chime, barely audio figures that resemble being from that time period. Light footfalls echoed though out the interior as the priest stride to the center of the room. There was a pedestal of light marble, and sat on it was a woman who sat crossed legged. She had bright platinum blonde hair that fell like waves over her brood shoulders. She wore a gown of a bright magenta, which greatly contrast her icy blue eyes. Her slender arms rested in her lap, and cigarette in a quellazaire smoldered in her right hand. Its smoke curled up around the dark color drapes that hung behind her. A sole glass and a bottle sat on a table next to her. The woman notices the priest as he advances close to her.
"Oh, Xelloss." She address in a cynical manner. "I take it that you have at least found something?"
The priest Xelloss bows to the woman. "My apologies, Master." He began. "I was not fortunate to come across anything while I was there."
The woman that he called Master scoffed. "That is certainly most unfortunate for you, I suppose?"
Xelloss cringed at her words. "I've always appreciate your humor, Master." He tried to laugh, but the woman's serious gaze made the attempt short lived. Remembering his position within his ranks, Xellos stood high as he waited for his Master's next order.
"Xelloss." His master exhale smoke. "Whatever it was that created that Light must've gotten away. So it is now up to you to find it."
Xelloss nodded his head. "You are to look high and low, and report of anything out of the ordinary."
"Yes Master. I will be thorough in my observations."
"This is serious, Xelloss." She stressed as she smash what was left of her cigarette into the tray. "We cannot allow whatever that is to wreak havoc against our plans."
With that, Xelloss firmly grasped his staff and vanished, leaving the woman alone in the ruin.
The trios of us where all awake before the sun rose, which gave us enough time to packed up the mat Proserpina was so kind to let us use. After we were all set, we started out route toward Telmoord. The sun was started to peek out as we made our way to a clearing. The dew that gathered on the field of green glisten as the sun gathered altitude, as well the lustrous specks on Proserpina's face. They sorta looked like freckles when they're not in light. I want to say that the big reason why she is being hunted (as she claims), is that people probably thought her skin was worth something. Shoot I would probably think that as well, if only I knew what it was to begin with, such idiots. I caught myself gawking at her while she seemed to walk behind us at a slower pace. She was fumbling around with something in her hands. I stopped and turn heel to her, and waited a bit for her to catch up.
"Any ideals on where you are heading to?' Proserpina places what looks like a rolled cigarette to her lips before looking at me. With a small block she clicked in her hand, a tiny flame was produce. The ends of the cigarette glowed as she drew from it.
"I have no idea, to be honest." She exhales, smoke clouding around her. "I don't even know where I'm at."
I figured that, which was why I asked. "Yeah we can tell you're totally new around here."
She looked at me, smiling. "You don't say." She laughed. "I guess I'll just wonder around until I figure out where I need to go."
"Where do you need to go?" Gourry scratched his head. "And what sense does it make to just wonder around. You can get lost you know?" It sounded like he was talking to a younger sibling, but he did created a opening for me to figure out what she is about. I have an unshakable hunch that Proserpina has something to do with that pillar of Light, but why?
"Say," Here's my chance. "Why were you sent here in the first place?"
Proserpina took a long drag, she exhale, and then puff another one. I watched her as I waited for her reply.
"We are supposed to find certain relics to aid us on our mission." It sounded like she was reciting something that was repeated to her on the daily bases. "So my brother and I were sent to different world to collect these relics." Bingo, now we are on to something good! I want to bet that it has to do something with a weapon.
"What are these relics for?" Here we go! I fought the urge to start jumping out of excitement as I remain still to keep pose.
"It's for my armor." Ha! See I called it! "My brother has a weapon, but I was giving this." Proserpina made a face, like she wasn't happy about something. She took one last drag from the ends of her cigarette and tosses it aside. I caught a whiff of the smoke, which had a strange musty yet sweet tinge to it. She then unfastens her coat, and allowed it to slide off her shoulders a bit. There above her collarbone, rested jewelry of intricate make. It was a solid piece, crafted out of a material I could not recognize. It had a translucent oval shaped opal like stone in the center of it. The materiel on this baby was so shiny; I could not tell if it was made out of the purest of gold, or something that had the luster of light.
"How much do you want for that?" I couldn't control myself, there was a sudden impulse I had that made me wanted it. It looks super rare, and probably would cost something in the equivalent of owning one's own kingdom. Proserpina was taken aback a bit by that, and refastens her coat.
"It's not for sale, Sorry." She shook her head. "It's something our mother had made for us, and there is no way its ever coming off. " She added.
Wait, is it fused to her, or just enchanted to stay on? Regardless, I got to admit that it was an impressive piece.
"What is it made out of?"
There was a pause. "Adamantine."
Adamantine? That sounds like something that is used with enchantments, and alchemy, and magic in general, or probably all together. It may have to do with something with the divine. By the way it gleamed; I would say it could have some type of power beyond normal comprehension, at least for here that is. Proserpina did mention it's a type of weapon, but I've never seen that kind of weapon like that before. Dammit now I definitely want it, but she mentioned about it never coming…off?
"What does it do?" I am going to be a pest until I get the answers I want!
"It grows when I'm in danger." She was hesitant to answer that. What does she mean by grow? Does it expand? I really hope I am around to see what it looks like in action.
"I'll tell you what," I stood in front of Proserpina. "Since you seem like you have a lot to share-"I feel she does, but she's not going to be easy to crack. At least not right away. "And since you don't really know your way around, I want to offer you Gourry and I chaperon you to where ever you need to be, " I tapped my fingers together. "For a small price, that is."
"Lina!" Gourry stomped his feet as he marched next to me. "You need to stop trying to make a hassle out of everyone we meet-"
"What the hell do you mean by that?" What? People actually make money guiding people around. This would be similar to a tour guide, just on a larger scale.
"Name your price then." Proserpina was what made Gourry back off from my suggestion, even though I felt like he is too generation at times.
I mentioned the strange jewelry she called a weapon, and again with a stern expression, she declined. Gourry narrowed his eyes at me.
"What makes you think she is going to give away something her mother made her?" He chimed as he patted my head roughly. "It's like when you try to get me to give you the Sword of Light." Again Gourry and his interfering and making me reconsider the offers I presented. I manage to come up with an easier one: She splits all treasure with us, and I get first pickings!
"Unless it's needed." Proserpina included. "But anything else, I don't care about. "
Good. I am glad her and I came to a agreement. Once we are situated with what I have to do, is when we begin her journey.
We were trotting though Telmoord in no time, which was just as features and bland as it was the first round about here. I don't get how people can go without progressing. Like the town had potential, but it seem to be lacking the motivation it takes to go somewhere. There was a slight thriving marketplace, which I lead the group to go check out. Proserpina remains on the side; she didn't want to draw any unwanted attention, so I went by myself while Gourry stay behind. I was getting ready to circle around until my ears caught on a conversation.
"So I heard that there was some ship at port in Atlas city." I froze mid step, nearing tripping over Gourry as his step forward. I nudge him to stop. Across for us in a stall, were two men carrying on a conversation.
"Oh yeah." The merchant handed the guy over some good he sold him. "I also heard that it was funded by the kingdom of Saillune, as a tool for investigate the Pillar of Light." So Saillune is already on it, of course they have the funds to even afford a ship, meaning the Pillar is somewhere out in the Demon Sea. "It's going to be leaving soon huh?"
"I believe within a day." Bingo! That was my cue for my next stop. I walked as fast as I could back to those two so we can get moving. Gourry was standing next to Proserpina. Even though she is way taller than me, she still was a bit shorter then Gourry, but still above average. Not many people are as tall as Gourry, but I always felt like his growth was more focus on his legs then his brain.
"So how was your mother like?" I heard his ask, which Proserpina let out a long sigh. "She was an interesting woman. She was like any mother, well at least until my brother and I turn ten, then that is where she got a bit crazy with the training and studying. She was also a Leader, and with my dad, she fought with the Government for a long time."
"What did she make you train for?
"How to defend ourselves; Such as learning the same spells mother used and how to fight. She pushed us hard, at times it even would make Dad upset, but she wanted to see what we were capable of. She was successful in us understanding what we were capable of, but she disappeared shortly after that. "I walked up to them as casual as a cat.
"So what are you two up too?" I stood in between. "Warming up I see?"
"I guess you can call it that."Proserpina shrugged as Gourry stepped behind us. "He was asking about my family."
"Yeah I heard something about you mentioning your mother. She sounds like a badass."
"She kinda was." There was a hint of resentment somewhere in that comment. "But I've always felt like she favors my brother more than me. She was especially harder on me then him. He always seems to have it easy while she made me perform the harder parts."
"That sounds unfair!" Gourry protested. "Sounds like your brother is a real jerk!"
"He's not all that bad," Proserpina rubbed the back of her neck. "He's just way bossier and gets more credit for everything. That's all."
Her brother sounds almost like that one girl from hometown…
"What happened to your mom?" I wanted to change to subject; the last thing I want to think about is my sister. "She mentioned about her disappearing?"
There was a moment of silence before Proserpina said the next. "It's a long story," she began."But it started the fall, and why my brother and I decided to find other worlds, just to save what is left."
Proserpina started to explain about how her mother and father both worked once for the government as a part of a special elite force, Known as Sentinels. They were known in her world as individuals with special knowledge and skills greater the average Joe. Her mother was what she put as a "Chaos Magician," she could summon chaos at her will. She also explained that her mother was passed on the knowledge of inter dimensional travel, which may be what gave her brother to "ability" to open gateways. Proserpina brought on about her dad, and how he was an "Arm specialist" and went to on about how good he was with guns, and how he was so fond on them. She explain how one day, about one hundred and fifty years or so before she and her brother were born, that there was this break out, a pandemic, of a rare type of virus known as the Nightmare Strain, which spread rapidly dude to how populated their world was.
"Basically if you caught this, you died, horribly. Then you come back like after five minutes post death and become a ravaging undead." She started to snarl and acted like she was charging after Gourry like an enraged berserker. "You would attack anything with a pulse."
"That's Horrible!' Gourry screamed. He wasn't excepting Proserpina to move so suddenly after him.
"You're telling me. That happened to most of the world. All the survivors gathered and traveled out to a chain of islands nearby the main Continent. There are currently five main island; Kirkea, Tritiono, Artemia, and the Isle of Leto and Apollo. A century later, my dad was born on those island Tritiono from indigenous decent, and I believe my mother's family was from the Continent during the mass migration, but settled in Isle of Leto. My Brother and I were born and grew up on Kirkea, in a town called Mermaid's Grove. Artemia is where the main city was, where the lower class citizens lived, and the Isle of Apollo was where the Government and the laboratory were. Things were peaceful; well other then what our mother put us though, until after she disappeared after our twelfth birthday. My brother and I later on found out that something went wrong on their last mission when they were sent out to the Continent. All they told us was that they couldn't find her."
She begins with how her parents were sent there often to do regular sweepings (to maintain the zombie population.) and to locate the original source of the Nightmare strain. According to what another Sentinel, a man who she calls "Tank" Collins calms that there has been several genetic mutations. One of the mutated undead went chaotic after absorbing one of the energy plants (from what I get it like a strange machine that makes light and pure energy, or like a continuous magical battery). The beast exploded, and both of Proserpina's parents and their companions were caught in the blast. Her father and "Tank" Survived, but both were mortally wounded, but her mother went missing. When her father returns, he had to be the one to tell them that she was gone. After that, the peaceful life Proserpina and her brother lived began to fade, and her father with his comrade formed a rebellion known as the Renegades, which he lead until he expose the government from being lead by what seemed to be demons, and that the disappearance of Proserpina's mother was foul play. She went quiet after that. I felt like some of that stuff was personal, but it was important for us to hear all that at the same time. The story Proserpina told us allow us passing though Telmoord a breeze, and we were going to be in Atlas city in no time. I couldn't help to think about her world. It seemed like they were hit pretty hard, and especially Proserpina. There was pain in her silence, and it made her seem like a person.
"Is your dad still around?" I'm hoping this will change the mood.
"Nope he was killed right in front of me when I was 17." Proserpina told us about how her dad was shot after he refuses to give the government his children, since they showed similar characteristics of their mother. He was killed instantly with a bullet to his head, which Proserpina said one that day she understood her power. She went quiet after that, and her expression went seldom.
Dammit. I'm not really good at these things. Gourry please, take over. Do something! "I'm sorry you had to go through that." There was a lot of sincerely express in that. "I had seen a lot of things like that, so I get what you are going though."
"Thanks Gourry." Proserpina manages a small smile. Yes. It worked! Good going Gourry!
We were at least a half of a mile away from Atlas City, when we ran into what appeared to be a half made bulletin broad, and one it were many warrants. One stuck out in particular. It was one that looks like Proserpina, except that her features were rather over exaggerated. She looked like nothing of it. If anything they made her look more demonic, but the most upsetting part was, the price listed for her capture, and at a either dead or alive status. Girl, what did you do to get this in the first place? We both glance at her, which Proserpina look like she had seen a ghost.
"Guys," Her voice rattled a bit. "I think this is the city that I was chased out of…"
"Chased out of it?" I repeated. "You were chased out, why for?"
Proserpina shrugs her shoulders. "I don't think I did anything wrong. I just remember drying myself out then getting all situated before I headed inland. The moment people saw me, they were friendly, until they saw my eyes. Then thing escalated from there."
She went on about how she thinks someone saw her while she was drying on the rocks after leaving the sea. Because no matter here she went in Atlas city, people were on to her. They somehow manage to chase her out in one day, over really nothing, other than being an outsider with exotic eyes. I heard a shuffling noise and saw Proserpina pull out what look like another rolled cigarette, which she lit up with her little flame.
"I'm not going." I heard her say. "You can't make me go in that city. Nope."
"But," I whimper, trying to muster the most pitiful look I could make. "I need to get on that boat we talked about-"
"Lina-"Proserpina interrupted. "I'm not going in that city looking like this," After that was said, she pulled out that little cube again. "I got an idea though."
She had suggested that since I need to be in that city so badly, that she was willing to compromise; as in she was to wear a disguise. Pretty clever, right? I'm glad I'm glad I'm not the only one who resorts to this creative intention for changing someone looks into something completely out of picture. In which in this case, we went with Proserpina's first idea of a disguise; an elderly grandma. She already had the costume ready to go, wig and all! With a change of some clothes, a mask and a bit of makeup, Proserpina was now a very convincing old lady!
"Yay!" I squeal as Proserpina even hunch over just to walk on a cane.
"What do you think?" She even did the grandma voice.
"It makes me want cookies!" Gourry laughed, and then he seems sad. "I miss my grandma."
"Its okay, Sonny." Granny Proserpina patted his shoulder. "I'll be your grandma for today."
We all laughed as well enter Altas City. Proserpina kept up with her excellent grandma act, I admit, she was on point. I was even humorous of how Gourry made it more passable by treating her like one as well, like he had almost forgotten that she was some unworldly Chimera. It was sun set by the time we reach the docks, and to my relief, the ship was still there, as well the pillar, which had some changes to it since I last really saw it. There were dark cloud swirling around it, and a storm brewed around it. I have a feeling that may be the work of a demon lord. I lead us though the line and got to the booth to abroad the ship.
"Oi!" A young man's voice bellowed out. "I stopped to find one of the attendants rushes towards us. He waved at us, running like some wild man.
"Excuse me," He heaved as he bent over to regain his breath. "But you need a ticket to broad this ship. It's a private cause."
Really, are you kidding me? I've should of known of course. Dammit. Maybe I have enough.
I asked the man for the prices, and I barely had enough for one. As much to my displeasure, I usher both Gourry and Granny off the ship and back on to the docks. I paced back and forth, thinking of ways to get on broad. Gourry and Granny just kept exchanging looks. I laughed at how I keep referring Proserpina as granny, and then it hit me.
"Why not we change your disguise?" I suggest to Proserpina.
"I'm listening, dear?" I swear that granny voice gets me each time.
"We need to get on that ship, so I was thinking of changing you to look like someone I know."
"And who did you have in mind, Lina?" I think Gourry may be on to me, for once.
"Let's see," I felt an evil grin formed on my face, yes, this was the perfect idea. "He's does have ties with Saillune, so I figure since the ship is funded by them, then why not we just go for it and get on for free?!"
We manage to find a small, reclusive storage room (judging by the dust, it appeared that no one has been here for at least months) with just enough space for the three of us. Proserpina then whip out that darling little cube again, and were twisting it like crazy as she silently moved her lips. Light flashed and there was a good size vanity sitting in front of her.
"I want one of those." I pleaded.
"Maybe if we can get Vincent over here, I'd convince him to make you one."
"What are they called?"
"This one is known as a Pandora's box. It is an unlimited storage container."
So she is telling me, that she can carry just about anything? What other things from your realm do you have store away, that I could possibility have.
I gave Proserpina the rundown of how my friend looked, though on everything that my memory has on him. I just told her that he was like a shade of periwinkle, and had stones all over him. Proserpina did have the makeup and colors of all sorts. I chose out a blue that I thought resemble him. She then put it to the side and grab out small box. Inside the box were a bottle, a bowl, and some kind of powder. Proserpina combine the items together ad mixed it until it formed a like a rubbery substance. She then opens a draw in the vanity, and pulled out what look like a block of wax. It was flattened into a waxy mold. She first shapes the mold and filled it with the rubbery mixture, and then sets then aside. Proserpina then begins to remove the Granny outfit, wig, and then mask. She wore a black under suit. After refastening her hair, and removed the piercings from her elongated ears. She then starts to paint from her fore head down. As she applies on the blue base, I was sent out to retried clothing in a similar fashion for the disguise. Meanwhile Gourry was instructed to find a sword with a similar made. It was a tricky task, but what got me was finding a wig of the same hair color and style was the first item I ran into. The other took some digging, but I found a cape that was the same color on the outside, but red on the inside. I can't remember if it was red, I always thought it was blue, and she already has black boots (no one would notice the difference). Oh well this will have to do. The items weren't all that expensive, though I did haggle on the wig a bit. When I return with the cloths, Proserpina had already painted herself (to the elbow at least) in that blue paint.
"I think this color looks great on me." She laughed. There was a haze of smoke that filled that small room. I just rolled my eyes and showed her everything I gotten. She then showed me the little rubber pieces she made, that where painted, and look like real little stones. So with my help, and some handy adhesive she had, we stuck on the rubber stones in accordance to my memory of where I think they should go. We were nearly finish, all was left was her eyes, wig and clothes.
As for her eyes, she opens a different draw, pulls out a smaller box, and a container with some type of tiny, gel like disk. She takes them out, and puts one right into her eye. Ew! That was gross, and she repeats the same for the other side. It made me cringe. I could not do that, not ever.
"Do you know what color your friend's eyes are?'
I had to think. "I believe they are like a bluish grey?"
This girl and those drawers, one was open and there was a tiny bottle with a bluish liquid in it. She added a few drops into each eye, which soaked into the lens, changing the eye color completely. That was cool, even though it was really gross at first. As it settles it almost was the same color as his eyes.
Next was the wig; and the horns was a slight issues. One kept popping the wig up, and with the combination of us pushing it down over it causes it to rip though. But with a bit of hair spray and some teasing, she manages to hide the bit of horn in the hair.
"You know," Proserpina placed another bobby pin to keep the wig in place. "We have a few guys who look like this in my world. They call them Prototypes. Tank was one and probably one the first few who went though that type of testing. Your friend looks like one. These usually are made out of lesser demons and elementals, and they were based off of some old research the government ran into a bit before the Nightmare strain took place, and all of the survivors who had the information of the Prototypes, left to live on the islands. Let's say over time it took off with a bang, and anyone who worked for the government, and eventually to the public."
Now why would anyone want to live like that, is beyond me, but Proserpina explain that the virus began to travel, and it started to infect the outer islands. So it either be died and be an undead, or live on as a chimera. So the choice wasn't an easy one to make, and most chose a life that was mutated to survive. Be a Freak or be a Zombie? I'd probably choose freak if that was an option in my case.
"When I was 17, nearly everyone on the island went under the changes; including my brother and me."
I made the connection that may have to do with something about that Laboratory she mentioned before.
"How was it done?" In the Ruby eye world, our knowledge isn't as vast to in depth as Proserpina's may be, and done solely out of magic and risk. And once it's done, it's permanent so far.
Proserpina explains about how it's a process that takes both magic and science. So they do have magic as well in that world, but science is something that isn't as a trend here. That could be why it seems advance.
I feel like this is something Zelgadis should be asking, but it wouldn't hurt to know. Especially if it's something I know and he doesn't.
"Is there a cure?" I can feel myself giggle, knowing that means that's something I feel like Zelgadis himself would totally ask. I put a bet on it!
"What do you mean a cure?" She frowned. "It's not a disease."
"Like," I fastened binding on her bust. She was endowed, and that doesn't work well if we are trying to pull off a male here. "Is there a way to go back?"
"Uh, yeah." Oh Zelgadis is going to crap himself, which if he really did (if he were to hear that) it would be pretty sad actually. "I don't think anyone who just changes without a way to go back being human. They're call reversals. There was a lot of trial and error, but they work now for sure. My dad was once a Prototype, but he was one of the very first one to change back into a full human. "
It gives me the impression that Proserpina's society may be more advances then our current one. I don't know how much more they are in compression, but probably at least a couple hundred years more than us. I'll have more of a feel once things get more serious and I see her in action, I would be able to have more of a feel of the world that Proserpina is from.
I threw the cape over her shoulders, and voilia, the costume was nearly completed!
The final concern was her voice, but again, she had a solution. Along the same kit the eye changing lens came out of, was a tiny metal, oval pill.
"This will change the sound of my voice." She places the pill in her hand. "You said that friend of yours has a deep voice?"
I nodded and she swallows it. "What do you think?" Holy shit, it almost made her sound like him too. It was slightly different, but only noticeable if you were stand next to him. Her tone was a bit more brassy then his; it will have to do then.
Gourry returned, and had nearly dropped the sword out of shock. His eyes were wide and a grin formed on his face.
"Zelgadis!" He shouted. "What is he doing here?"
"Gourry," I laughed hard. It must have been passable enough to fool Gourry right off the bat! "Its Proserpina, remember. She is just being his decoy for the time being. "
"I'm pretty cute for a decoy then." Proserpina did a twirl in front of a large mirror. "I'm curious to what the real one looks like now." I won't shame a woman for their taste in men, but if rocks are her thing, then go get it girl. I suppose Chimeras could hook up, but how would that work out? Maybe that is something that isn't really tabooed in her world, being that everyone is one. She then looked at us, and laughed at little at her own antics.
Gourry passed me the sword which we put on a hilt. He was the first to leave the storage, to heck for the coast to be clear, and with a thumbs out, Proserpina and I made our way back to the Ship. We were ready for our second attempt to get onboard. We found ourselves soon back on Board, the same dork from before was already there waiting. He seemed like he was staring off into some fantasy playing out in his head, eyes all misty and looking like a sick puppy.
"Oh Sir Graywords!" He exclaimed as jump back into his professional posture. "I didn't realize you had left the boat." You're the type that looks like he has the attention span of a chipmunk.
"I went to get my friends." I am so grateful of Proserpina ability to improvise. "They are here to assist me in my research."
Wow, she is really convincing. I almost thought she was Zel himself for a moment. We got on, for free of course. The dork let us though, and I cross that platform full of pride for myself. My idea worked thus far; at least I'm close to where I need to be. The clerk handed her our own room keys and instructed us on how to get there. We sat off to there with Proserpina in the lead.
"Hey, Lina. We got a problem."
"What do you mean?" I looked at Proserpina. She looked uneasy and rather concern. Her eyes darted at all directions.
"The guy sounded like your friend is here." She spun around, looking over her shoulder. "Do you think that's a bad idea for me to just being around like this?"
I thought about it, if I was Zelgadis, and I saw another me running around with my friend, I would probably freak out big time. I think it best that we get to our room now and figure out what to do next. Our room was located on the second level of the ship, at least the 'burrow' access from Zelgadis worked in our favor. Hey, its second class, but I would prefer first. Beggars can't be pickers after all. We enter the room; there was a huge bed that could fit the three of us comfortably on it. Its décor was bright, with pastel colors that accent it with the influence of Sailliune. Not bad for second class, this was pretty high end stuff.
"Should I change the disguise?" Proserpina asked softly, before we could answer there was a knock at the door
Proserpina's eye widen as a second knocked rapped again, she scrambled around the room, until she slid under the bed. A third one meant that whoever behind the door was getting impatience.
"Just a minute." I called out as I made sure that Proserpina wasn't exposed from her hiding spot. I nodded at Gourry and he opened the door; a heavy set middle age man, who appeared in his fifties stood there. He had on a butler appeal, a monocle resting on this left cheek, and whatever left of his graying hair was combed back in attempt to hide a very noticeable bald spot. He worn a very shrewd expression and had a small mustache to match it, and in his left hand, he balanced a tray with a glass of water and some scrolls.
"Good evening. My name is Jacob."He bows slightly as he introduced himself. "I'll be your steward for this ship's course."
"Nice to meet you." Gourry reached to shake the man's hand, but Jacob declined. I gave a courtesy nodded in acknowledgment.
"May I enter madam?"
"Sure." I did my best to mask my nervousness, but I can feel my heart beat hard as the steward steeped in and sat the try down on a table beside the door. His movements where swift and quick, he suspected nothing of course.
"If there is anything you need, just let me know by ringing the bell."
There is something I do need to know, it's more for Proserpina's sake then mines.
"Sir." I began my mouth somewhat dry. "Is there by chance if you know if a Zelgadiss Greywords is on broad?"
The man nodded, so we did hear that idiot of the front right. "Is there by chance you know where he is at this moment."
Jacob taped his chin. "I believe that Sir Greywords was last seen in the great dining hall."
That's great to know, because after Jacob leaves, and we get Proserpina to calm down, I can mosey on to there and see if he's still around. Plus I can poke around to see if he has any idea of what that Pillar may be, and its location. I also have a feeling that he was long before on this ship before I made it to Telmoord. It must really pay off being that close to a princess. Bastard!
Jacob shut the door and there was a moment before Proserpina scuffled herself from under the bed. She hopped up to her feet, fixing the wig that gotten disheveled from when she was under there.
"I'm gonna change my costume," She began to remove the wig before I jumped to stop her.
"No." I shouted before I smiled. "I have plan. And you need this disguise so you can get around better on this boat."
I explain to her that Gourry and I (Even though he wanted to stay behind) where going to go find the real Zelgadis and figure out where he is going to be at next. She agreed to lay low until we get back. We walked though a long hallway and a set of heavy decorated stairs. The first set of grand door with the words "Dining hall" really gave itself away. We both pushed ourselves into even more huge room. Tables and table of food of all type line up in rows against the walls. There were many circle tables that were scatter about, with benches on the far side, and there on the left, all by himself, we none other than Zelgadis himself. He had some papers with drawings and maps lined up in front of him, with a couple stacks of books, which a few lay strewn across the surface. He looked pretty frustrated, but that can be considering his default look for the most part. We made our way toward him, which he did not notice until we both sat at his table.
"Lina! Gourry!" His voice croaked. It seemed like he hasn't spoken for a while. "What are you two doing here?' He looked genially surprised to actually see the both of us. I feel special now.
"I was going to ask you the same." I try to peek at what he was looking at; there were a couple of passages of the Demon Sea and its lord, Deep Sea Dolphin. He had scribbled a theory about that it could be possible demon activity. Ha! Dude not even close and I may have the proof. She even here as we speak, even dressed like you. Ironically, there was a copy of that warrant wedge behind a map of where he calculated the location of the pillar. I give it to him; he is brilliant in his own way.
"Im here, on the behalf of Saillune," And he seemed rather proud of himself of that, or more so probably wanted to get out of the Palace. Prince Philionel and Amelia do tend to drive him up the wall, and I can see him taking this as an opportunity to escape. Pretty slick of him, you think?
"And I'm here under investigation of the newly established Column of Light."
Newly established Column of Light? Oh so fancy of you Zelgadis. I've called it the Pillar of light, same damn thing.
"Were you in Saillune when it happened?"
Zelgadis nodded and went on about how it happened during a meeting for a alliance against a Duchy that was rumor that have everyone in two village disappear overnight, which the duchess did not react or done anything for the villages. This made the people uproar and you guess, Amelia had to step forward 'to do something to help', and along with her father, invited the remaining three villages to create a pack to stand up to the duchess, but the signing process was interrupted by the earthquake. A bottle of ink tipped over and spilled on the contact. It never was rewritten, and everyone was too frantic to think about resuming the meeting. When they went outside, the populace of the city where even more in frenzy. People either dashed to the temple or secure themselves indoors. Some people remain inside for days, even Zelgadis mentioned of how easy it was to slip though a city with no one there. He claims that it was sort of like a ghost town, only a handful of guards and a couple of venders braved the sight of the massive spire of light. Prince Phil sent a massager in advance to Zelgadis departure, which prompt the ship to be ready to set sail. I think Zelgadis was behind this grand scheme of both of out his curiosity and wanting to get out of Saillune for a bit
"It has to be here." Zelgadis tapped his figure on an X he marked. "Its north from Atlas city," His finger traced a slight diagonal line from the city to the X. "And around this location." The area he circled with a quill was located right in the territory of the Deep Sea Dolphin.
I mentioned to him about the storm clouds that look like they were forming something nasty out there, he confirm that the captain is aware and was going to coast the area while Zelgadis (And a few others he probably didn't bother to mention) makes his observations. This sounds more like a cruise then a 'Kingdom funded observatory sea vessel. I wanted to laugh, but I have to remain serious.
"So what were the two of you up to before all of this occurred?"
"Oh, we were heading to Zepheel to see Lina's mom and dad!" Gourry wiggle in his seat as he blurted this to Zelgadis. "But then Lina got a note and we had to come out to here."
"I see." Zelgadis rubbed his chin. "Was it for any particular reason behind meeting them?"
"Yeah! I wanted to meet her parents, and she brought up it wouldn't hurt to visit."
I imaged at this point, I probably would have been pigging out with my mother, and fighting my father for scrapes. Zelgadis hummed and glance again at Gourry.
"You're getting brave, Gourry." He sighed. "Were you going to request a blessing from her father?"
"ARE YOU SERIOUS, ZELGADIS?!" I slammed my head hard into the table, and Gourry laughed nervously with Zelgadis. Yeah, real funny Zelgadis! Don't worry, pay back is a bitch. I lifted my head up and muster up the nastiest glare I could do at Zel, who looked at me, and stopped laughing. I think I'm ready to head back to the room now, so I decided one final thing to ask Zel before heading out.
"Do you have idea of where you may be tomorrow?"
He began to sort through the items on the table. "I'll be on the dock tomorrow morning. The ship plans to take off in the morning."
I didn't want to stand there and pry his whole schedule, and knowing Zelgadis, he would get a bit suspicious if I asked too many questions, especially about him. I'll know more when I run to him again. Gourry and I said our farewells for the night, and headed back to the room.
As we entered the room, Proserpina was seated in the middle of the room, on top of a blue oriental rug. She seemed to be rummaging through series of what looked like a map of some sort. Like a kids version of a dragon like land, with strange symbols stamped at different locations, creating a triangle shape. Next to her have a huge tome writing in a language that was strange to the eye, one the cover it had illustrations of creatures similar to our world. She didn't seem to know that we were in the room, and she was bobbing her head with some strange, metallic color ear muffs on. I could hear a distorted noise coming from them.
"So I have a idea I wanted to share with you?" Her head continue to bob in a rhythm to whatever that noise was.
"Hey!" I said a bit more loudly. "I'm talking to you." Still no response, Proserpina sets the map down and fumbles though the book.
"Proserpina!" I reached out and grab one of the ear muffs, which were cool to the touch, I pulled it back and her eyes went wide.
"Holy Shit!" She then bowled over until she realizes I was the one standing there. "Lina, you scared the hell out of me." Her eyebrows rutted together. "Whatcha want?"
I sat next to her and went into depth of an idea I had; to keep the costume, it would greatly help me get to places that I'll need to do my investigation, without bothering Zelgadis. I told her that he will be on the docks tomorrow morning as the ship leaves port, which means she will have some free roaming time to get some food and get out the room. At first she wasn't with it, of course, she still has that idea of running into him, and it ending really badly. I imaged if I saw another me, I would probably freak out at first. So to prevent Zelgadis from finding out his decoy, I'll have to really pay attention to play it safe.
"What if he does see me?' I'm trying to keep that idea out of my head. "I could just jump out broad."
"Are you crazy Proserpina?!" Gourry and I said in unison. "You will drown!"
She shook her head. "It's not the first time." She whispers. "And it probably won't be the last."
Proserpina stumbles across a page that had the image of a bird like beast; it had a body of a lion, and the wings and head of a eagle. A griffin? That's quite the classic in chimeras, though they're not as manufacture as much as they were at one point. Proserpina begins to read a bit from a passage someone on that page: "Zizeh of the Air. One of the three archetypal chimeras; created by Liltha."
Wait. Who is Liltha? That's one I have never heard before. "If you don't mind me asking," Proserpina gazed turn to me from her book. "But who is Liltha?"
Proserpina had a combination of both shock and confusion mixed on her face. "Wait you guys don't know about Liltha at all?
Gourry nodded. We exchange glances before looking back to Proserpina. "Who is she then?"
What she told us next really blew my mind; According to Proserpina, She's one of their main goddesses from where she is from. She mentioned something that sound like it was quoted from a text:
"And she was created in the image of the shining light that embodied chaos. From that she fell from chaos, where she hit the earth, her body formed. And Lucifer called her Liltha."
"Lucifer?..." The name gave me chills as if rolled from my lips, but they weren't goose bumps from fear. They felt like a surge of energy that was intensely there and gone as fast as it came.
Proserpina blinks. "That's what we call the Demiurge; the creator of the four world of this universe."
I had to give myself a moment to ingest this juicy bit of information she was willing to share. So basically, from what I was just told, that there version of the Lord of Nightmares is an entity known as Lucifer the Demiurge. I got my brain on this thought process, if the lord of Nightmares is Lucifer, and if the same entity that created our world, and is responsible for creating both a Dark Lord Shabranigdo and a Dragon king Ceifeed here, then who is Liltha, and what role is she in that world? Proserpina worlds may have its similarities, but it is still extremely different.
"So I take I that your world has gods and demons in it." Gourry scratched his tilted head. "Kinda like, what his face, from the other world Lina."
He was referring to Dark Star Dugradigo and Vorfeed's world. I opened my answer to say something smart, but Proserpina's cut me off. "Well yeah Gourry." She huffed. All four world's that are created with a divine opposition that compels the two to duel, but they are vastly different in each existence."
She mentioned all four worlds, meaning they are aware like we are with them, though we don't have the knowledge of them, other than the dark lords and the dragon kings that are used in my blood talismans. This could be a hunched that the place wherever Proserpina is from, may know much more about the other worlds then I even do. I am aware of the other two worlds that I (or Gourry) have not encounter yet, well maybe until now.
"I know about the Night World." Proserpina attention jumped back to me. "They had two opposing gods, One was the Dark Star Dugadigo and Night Dragon Vorfeed, but there are also two other worlds that I'm aware of. These other worlds are mentioned as the Blue world, and the white word." I explain of what they were called (Blue world being Chaotic blue and his opposite, Blue dragon. As well as the white world and theirs being Death Fog and White dragon.) Proserpina sat there for a bit, looking at me as I further explain about both Of the Lords in our world, dark Lord Shabranigdo and Dragon king Ceifeed, and how they battle nearly over four thousand years ago. Ceifeed's manage to defeat Shabanigdo by dividing him into seven pieces, and scattered them about the world, where you have a occasional person who soul is attach to the fragment. It get awaken once the individual experience a traumatizing event, or having a part sealed off similar to Rezo's case.
"I see." Proserpina tapped her fingers on the surface of the page before turning it. "I suppose our similar mythos would be of that of Lucinana and Azazelus. Lucinana is known as to the deity of life, and Queen of the Dawn, and is responsible for the birth and rebirth of souls. Azazelus was her brother, and he was her opposition. He would destroy everything she brought into the world, turning everything she created into death and decay. This causes the two to battle in intense conflict, which shape the world as we, or I know of. Lucinana had help when Liltha intervened, after promising her to stay as long as she please in Lucinana's world if she only agree to assist in destroying Azazelus for once and for all. Liltha, who was granted permission to be in any world she pleases from the Demiurge, agreed at help. So the both destroyed Azazelus's physical body, but failed to destroy his soul. He was weak, and this allows them to capture him in a box. Azazelus was sealed in that box for at least two thousand years before his underground chamber was raided by thieves."
"What happened next?" Gourry muttered as he lean forward. I have to say, I wanted to hear more as well.
"When the thief opened the box, Azazelus soul processed the poor bastard. Which allow him the freedom he wanted for the long time, but both he and the body were too weak, so he lived on and wreak havoc everywhere he went, gaining strength from the pain, suffering and death he had cause. As he got stronger, it causes the body to become deform. It becomes a living yet dead being after the influence from Azazelus's soul as it grows. Eventually he began to look for stronger, youthful hosts, taken over for at least another five hundred years." The way she explain it sounded like Azazelus was the Shabrnigdo of their world, though his name sounds similar to Xelloss, a monster I know. I don't think they have any connection, but it's still a good way to remember that one. As for Lucinana, I want to assume she is the Ceifeed of her world.
"Wait, Xelloss was in your world?" Ugh, it seem like Gourry had the same though process, but couldn't unmixed the two. "No you dumbass!" I hissed at him, slapping the back of his head. "They're two different people! Pea brain!"
Proserpina shook her head and chuckled at us. She cleared her throat to gain the both of ours attention. She then pointed to a different image of a beast, one of what looked like Dire wolf and Dragon.
"That looks like the Zanaffar!" I blurted as I pointed to the image. "But it's a different color." Instead of being a silvery beast, this one was pitch black, with red eyes that seemed to glow, It had a greater set of horns; two large ones with smaller ones that twisted and curled around its head. This guy is certainly going to one hell of a site if ever encountered. "That one is Behemoth."
Proserpina flipped to the next page, which showed a beast greater than the two showed before; this one had a body of a serpent, but the head of a whale, and features like a bull shark. I think I take back the comment I made about the previous. It huge maw gaped wide; it had to be big enough to swallow a ship like this one, in one gulp. That creature was one that fueled nightmares. Yikes!
"This one is called the Leviathan." Mental note: Stay away from the Leviathan, or be eaten whole and alive. She continues to flip through the pages, many of the creatures look similar to our world, and many of them look odd. She stops on one with an image of a woman with very pale skin and dark eyes before slamming it shut. She switches the tome with the papers of the maps she had.
"What are those exactly?" Gourry, I'm glad that you're the one that asks the most questions. At least you're good at one thing.
"They are the beast I have to collect," Proserpina then places the maps on the ground, layering them with the crappy drawn one first, followed by the symbols that made the formation. "They have something to do with my armor. I need them to help my world out, and possibility this one."
I began to feel nervous because of her words. These things…are needed for her armor? "What kind of armor is that anyways?" I know of an armor that requires to make a beast chimera such as the Zanaffar, and I've seen lesser demons, like blow demons be used to make armor that enchants the wearer to perform stronger magic. But what kind of armor requires such large beast, and what does it do?
"This morphs into a full piece whenever I sense that I'm in great danger." Proserpina gestured at the area where the collar rested, which was hidden under her costume. "It is taught to us that these beast also morph with the armor, creating a different one with specialties. It made also fuse with me, but that is uncertain since each fragment is different in each world. "She pauses for a moment, her face reflecting her thoughts. "My brother has three in his world to collect, and I appear to have three as well that I need to collect. This is where I need the help."
"Don't worry. "Gourry places his hand on her shoulder, which causes her to flinch. "We're here to help. Right, Lina?"
Dammit Gourry, don't get her all worked up now. With that, Proserpina points at the locations on the map, which are hard to make out? "I think I'm gonna need a better map." She stated.
"Yep." I agreed. "And I know where to get you one." I mentioned the idea of seeing Zelgadis on the docks, while Gourry can escort her to the dining hall. She was all for the idea.
"I think will work out the best." Proserpina said as she folded up the maps and placed them in the center of that book. "At least long enough till your friend is ready to move."
"If we are in two different areas," Here's Gourry again; with the perfect timing of a question. "Then how are we going to know if Zelgadis is on the move?"
"Duh, Gourry." She flashed the Pandora's box out. "I got the remedy. Listen up."She opened it to it was nothing but an even more tiny container. Inside of that was what look like two little, black shape things.
"What are those?" Proserpina grinned. "These are a form of a radio that fits in your ears."
"What's a radio?" Have you heard of one? Well I haven't. I can tell that Proserpina was done with questions at the moment. As she exhales, I watched as her left eyebrow began to twitch. She then explain that it was a device that sent out "frequency waves" to the other, allow the person to speak into them, and it feeds in the message. The person can both listen and communicate to any person as long as they have the other device to "pair with." She suggests that we try them out before meeting with Zelgadis to see if they are even able to work. We all agree. I felt excited as we tried to get a plan established once more, yawning a sleep took its course on all three of us.