Author's rant: This chapter felt like it was going to take forever to complete. Work has been somewhat draining since we got back into our current project after the holiday break, but I manage that bit by bit. So my goal is to add a chapter every Sunday. Yep. Every Sunday a new chapter. As for editing, my wonderful SO agreed to be so kind and lend me their better functioning eyes to help catch the typos and "Auto correct" mishaps. It's not easy for my eye after a while, and staring into white screen doesn't help. So if you see one, just keep in mind that it was overlooked, and eventually this whole story will be edited once it's completed
Anyways, as the story goes, it rolls on to another chapter. How many? As many until I think the story is done, well at least this part. There are other two parts. I'm not spoiling the rest for you, at least not for today. :P
Thank you for your views and Enjoy Amigos
Chapter Six: off to the Mountains! But first, a side stop?
By the time the sun peeked out from the wavy horizon, Proserpina's legs made their come back! Awesome, we can start moving, but first thing first: The baby step in regaining your ability to walk after being stuck together so long. I hid my mirth the best I could as I watched her stumbled about the first five minutes after regaining them. It was like watching a baby curse around, grabbing on to anything to coast its little wee body to where it desired. After gaining her balance back, she grabbed what she called her "gear". With a zip, her crimson corset was back on, she readjust what I'm going to take a wild guess at her weapon.
"Is that…a gun?" Zelgadis did the honors of being the first to ask. Proserpina nodded her head and pulled it out of its holder. It was just as shiny as her armor (Though not as full of luster), having a body of chrome, and a handle of gold with a reddish wood inlay that had a gorgeous engraving in it. It honestly appeared more of a collector's item then a weapon. I broke my gaze from the 'gun' and glimpse at Gourry and Zelgadis. Both where completely memorized by it; Gourry drooled over its 'Shininess', as for the other, it was a gun, which he seem pretty fond ever since he gotten a hold of Jillas, or was it Jillos? Maybe it was Jilles? Whatever the hell his name was! He was that little fox dude that ended up being up Filia's butt after the event took place with Dark Star Dugradigdu. He had a knack for inventing those things, not as superior constructed as the one's Proserpina owned, but maybe an archetype. This thing also doubled the size of the tiny thing Jillas (I'm going with that as his name) whipped up.
"Can I hold that?" I'm wondering if that would be the safe thing to do, but I'm going to assumed that at Zel have more of a concept to haw those things work then I sure do. "Sure." She smiled as she fumbled with it. "Let me switch on the safety." And with a click, she passed Zelgadis the gun, handle first. His hand trembled a bit when he grasped the gun. I can hear him breath heavy, he was pretty excited having one in his hand. His eyes were really wide as Zelgadis twist and twirled the weapon, studying its complex design. His finger squeezed what looked like a little trigger, but nothing happened. "Does it work?" He held it at eye sight, taking aim to whatever it was in the distance.
"Yeah." Proserpina narrowed her brow. 'Why? You wanna give it a try?" There was a zealous flash in his eyes as he enthusiastically nodded. She takes the gun back from him, clicks it again, and slides the top of it. The triggers jumps; and the gun made a louder snapping noise. She then runs though an instruction of how to use and handle with Zel. With her feet adjusted with her shoulders, she holds the gun with both hands, and holds it steady at eye level. With a deafen bang and a flash of light, the weapon is fired at an old, dead tree stump, which was blasted in tatters. That was one hell of a hit, and I hate to be the living thing that gets shot by that. Image what it can do to a person's skull… She passes it again to Zelgadis. He mimics the way she postured herself, and just as the same as Proserpina, he fires the gun, Hitting and destroying another decomposed trunk. He then let out a yell of sheer excitement, and repositions himself for a second fire. Another weathered tree bites the dust. "How did you acquire this?" Zelgadis usually stony features were pretty idyllic as he squeezed the trigger again and again. Soon the beach was covered in mulch from all the dead trees that were blown to pieces. "It was my dad's." She had a delicate gaze in her eyes as if she was stuck in a memory tied to that pistol. So it's sentimental; meaning the deal is off and it's not for sale.
"This is pretty strong. The ones I trailed though weren't as powerful as this one." There were several empty shell like metallic cylinders that where disperse about where Zel stood. Proserpina quietly retrieved her weapon and popped the bottom out of it. It was an elongated rectangle case that held almond sized silver toned projectiles (I'll take a shot at that it was those things that cause the decayed wood to explode) that were stacked tightly. She held it at an angle, counting the shots that she had left.
"Let's not get too carried away with these. I only have a limited stash of ammunition for this baby." She places that cartilage back. "I doubt that there is someone around who could, at least, for now."
"What kind of gun is that?" Looks like Gourry is starting to get intrigue by it as well. "It's a Mark VII Desert Eagle, a semi automatic pistol." She pushes the little knob located on the back of the gun and offers it to Gourry, who was a bit hesitate at first, but held it so tightly that his knuckles turn white. He trembled as he held the gun close to his face, his ring finger grazing the trigger, and he flinched as the gun clicked. "And that is why the safety is on." Proserpina seems amused as she gathered back the pistol from a disturbed Gourry, whose hand shook uncontrollably. 'Because if it wasn't, you would've blown off you face." She reset the gun back to its functioning state, and swings it back in the holster. "I think we are done with that." She glanced nervously at Gourry. "I don't think you ever held one of those before, huh?" He shook his head rapidity, his face pale as he might've realized how close he came to killing himself if Proserpina didn't take precautions. "I'll think I'll stick with swords." He scratched the back of his head as he stood close to me. Poor guy. Gourry just doesn't have the mental grasp like Zel does.
"Keep it simple and medieval then." She commented before turning to Zelgadis. "You're a natural, you know." He really took to that compliment, his cheeks faintly flushed as he mutters a "Thanks."
"I have more guns on me, maybe one of these day we can go out and shoot some of them." He turned a bit pinker and said nothing, and then he sharply turns in the direction we are suppose to be heading in. "Well then," Proserpina lean in our direction. "I think that's our cue to leave. Let's go, Lovebirds."
"Lovebirds?!" I felt my cheek grow hot as I stormed after her, Gourry behind me. He grabbed me before I got any closer. "I'll show you lovebirds." I screamed as I fought against Gourry might, and Proserpina laughed. Zelgadis glance over his shoulder, rolling his eyes with a loud groan.
We made it though the dense of trees until we reached a winding path, which seem to lead to some kind of village nearby. I could see faint tracks from the wheels of wagons that rode by recently. 'Must be not far from here.' Well I was right about the wagon passing though, and it not being too far from us. Ahead of us, laid a wagon that had crashed into its side. It looked like it had been raided; the fabric torn apart, and the doors where ripped from their hinges. The horse was gone, probably stolen like the rest of the goods this guy may have been carrying. A few feet away from the crash, was a body that rested in its own pool of blood. Slash marks were craved across the man's torso, his arms and legs were tied by ropes. Gourry rolled him over, and the stench of death struck my nose so hard, I nearly gagged. "Oh! He's ripe." Proserpina coughed, shielding her nose with her arm from the odor. "I think he died of blood lost."
"Bandits did this." Zelgadis directly stated as his eyes darted in all directions. "I don't think we are alone."
"No, neither do I." I heard the falls of heavy boots stomp though the forest ground, men appeared from behind the tree line. Each one grinning from ear to ear; many of them looked grimy and were missing teeth, or all in this guy's case. He was very dirty and smiled with his pink gums revealing under his curling lips. Man doesn't he have a face a mother could love. Going by the way they look and group together like some kind of band, I'm going with that they're bandits. "Looks like we got some fresh meat guys?" That's cute for you to assume, they obviously don't know who they are about to deal with. "There's a lot Lina!" Gourry unsheathed his blade. "There has to be like twenty."
"There's like thirty of these assholes." Proserpina corrected him as she counted a few more she must see hidden in the shrubs. "Wait. Make that thirty two." Zelgadis ready his broadsword in front of him. "We can get a better count when they all lie dead." I gather energy as I recited the fireball, and Proserpina readied herself. "These guys are easy." Gourry glance her from the corner of his eye; a sweat droplet gathers on the side of his temple. "Says the one who can toss a man like trash." One of the bandits overheard the word 'trash', and proceeds to charge after us.
"I'll show you trash." He exclaims as he swung his dingy short blade blindly at Gourry, who merely dodged it, Gourry countered, hitting the guy below the ribs. The man's armor fell apart, and a red line bleeds though his cotton under shirt. The bandit recoils himself as a second one flings himself at Gourry, with an axe. Three of them were making a bee line towards me, and I release my energy. A burning ball was launch at these men, who were engulfed in flames on contact. Meanwhile Zelgadis blocked two as they attacked at the same time; sparks flew as the three blades collided. With some effort he pushed the other two backwards and they stumble into each other. Proserpina had a group of four corning her from all side. She steadied her feet as one guy charged after her, swinging her leg, her foot colliding with his head. With a 'UMPH", the man folded to the forest floor. Another tried to grab her from behind, which she elbow him in the gut, then grabbing his neck with her arm, she flips him over her and with a crunch, and he is slammed down with his comrade. The other two held their weapons tightly. The one with the Axe charges full speed while the guy with the arrows begins to shoot after Proserpina. She darts as the guys Axe is embedded into the ground; an arrow grazed her shirt, tearing her sleeve. Another one attached itself to her shirt in the chest area, it left a hefty hole as it's plucked out and discarded. Proserpina whips out her gun, take aim at the archer. She shoots and the projectile hits him in the chest. He falls while she fires another on at the guy's hand. He screams as blood spurts from the wound and a decent size chunk missing from it. He kneels to the ground as crimson pools from the fatal wound. My senses picked up on something that was approaching me from the rear. From my peripheral, I could see Blady, the toothless wonder from earlier, run after me like a rabid mad man. A red orb glowed from my palms.
"DAM BRASS!" Baldy froze in mid run a stared in awe as head size glowing orb fluttered in his direction. The closer it got, the more mercerized he was, until it exploded. His frail body was flung into the wood somewhere. A few more guys crawled out the wood work like cockroaches and tried to make the attempt to spread out and ambushed us, at least from what Zelgadis claimed to hear, and he was right. At least fourteen of them (from what I've counted) where charging after us in full speed. "Everyone! Gather close!" Zelgadis yelled as he raises his hand high. "Earth below me, submit to my will." That was my cue to make a crazed dash in Zel's direction before his fist made contact with the ground. "DUG HAUT." The ground tremble below us, and giant spikes erupted from the earth and impaled everything in sight. A dozen of the bandits along with several trees were now strewed about. The spell stop as the earth slowed into a crackle. I had discerns that Proserpina was not with us, nor was she caught on to any of the spikes. I want to say that she must have made a run for it when she felt the ground move. Apparently she chose the airborne route, because she just planted her feet on a point a few feet ahead of us, as graceful as some kind of acrobat. All of us stood still as we both listen and observe for any other moments. Proserpina seemed to suddenly react as if she saw something and leaped off the spine. As she jumped from spike to spike, three of the last remain men roused to their feet and arranged themselves as Proserpina landed in front of them. Their surprised expression turned malice as they shared the same thought process of having a complete opening at her. One of them, a scruffy looking guy with a ever more scruffier looking reddish beard turned his head to him buddies and grunt something that I overheard.
"Oi. You think this is the broad that Demon Lady is looking for?" One of the guys, some dude who looks like he worn paint smeared on his face, peeped over the guys shoulder and nodded. "I think so." He chimed. "She looks kinda like that sexy bitch on them warrants from Atlas." Oho! Even though that was a compliment, that sorta stung, even Proserpina react fowl to their intense staring, not to forget the name calling. "Would you stop ogling me and FIGHT?" She waved her piston in front of them as they snapped back to reality. Each one laughed as they grab both their weapons and rope out. 'Come on guys." The guy with the crusty eye patch barked as they circled around her as quick as they could. "Let's tied her up like a wild hog."
"Like hell you are!" Aiming her pistol forward as the first guy makes a lunge at her, her hand twitches and she shoots. He falls limp to the ground while the second dude tosses a lasso. It grabs her and he squeezes it, tightening her arms to her sides. "Ha guys! I got her!" The other three, ignoring their fallen comrade, walked towards Proserpina. The guy with the rope tugged on it, trying to sway her off her balance. She braced herself pretty well for the most part, but there was something in me that wanted to at least help her out. I wasn't the only one who was inclined to do so; I had both Gourry and Zel behind me as we ran as fast as we could to her. One of the bandit's hands reached out for her arm, and grasps the sleeves fabric. It stretches as he pulls her to him. A nasty sneer flexes on his features, but changes after a swift kick in his groin occur as Proserpina moved her knee upward. He groans as his eyes crossed, kneeling as he flops down. She watches the other two as she then position herself for another strike. They divided up and one went for her left while the other goes for the right. Gourry blade made contact with the guy on the right shoulder, while Zelgadis faced on the one from the left with what looked like a Flare Arrow.
"Bram Fang!" The rope that was fastened around Proserpina snapped as a small gust of wind sliced though the cords. She gazed at me and nodded her head as thanks.
"Looks like we got them all!" Gourry held his hand above his eyes as he scouted about for any more signs of bandits. Zelgadis peered at him below his brow, before sighing and turning his attention to us. The holes in Proserpina shirt caught his eye, I don't think he meant any harm, but his finger grazed across the one on her sleeve. The one from the arrow previously; yet there was no wound of any sort.
"So I take it that you're like me." Proserpina flinched as she realized that Zel was touching her, looking genuinely confused at his statement. "What do you mean?"
"That normal weapons, ones like swords and projectiles that hurt human, don't have any effect on you."
"Well, yeah," Her tone rather cynical tilting her head back. "I do have diamond like skin, after all." He had a slight reaction to what she commented with, his cheek flushed again as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I've been meaning to ask you something…"
"Yeah?" I was in on this; I want to hear where this is going to end up in. I lean closer to the both of them. "Are you a Chimera of some sort?"
"I guess you can call me that." Well duh. You don't seem completely as one whole creature at that, nor are you totally all human as well. "Then what are your amalgamations?" Wow. Leave it to Zelgadis for the fancy word.
"Well-" Gourry yelled in the distance as he trotted out of the woods with a frail, bald man struggling out of his grasp he had around the dude's neck. "I found a stray one. What do we do with it?" Ha! Gourry caught Baldy! Good job my man! He was covered in both dirt and snoot from the blast of my spell. I didn't recognize him though the crispy appearance, which resembled that of barbeque chicken. I chuckle to myself, amused at my own handiwork.
"You know," Proserpina placed her gun away and came closer to Mr. Burnt and Baldy. "They did mention something about a demon lady before trying to capture me." You know, she may be onto something, and I know I heard the same thing. I believe we all did, the bandit aren't all that hush-hush about their intentions, even if hired though another bigger criminal and sworn secretary. Demon lady narrows it down to a female monster, but more information is needed in order to have a clue of which one. "Perhaps we should tie him up?" Zelgadis had retrieved the rope prior used for the attempt to disable Proserpina and approached the tiny man with a cruel smirk on his face. "And if he doesn't speak, then are ways to make him do so." Oh Zel! Where did this sudden sadist streak come from? I give him that at least he is exceptionally well when he needs something to get done. Though this is a guy who would nearly drown a whole forest when we were trying to catch Pokota, and he would have succeeded so if Amelia hadn't intervened. Even though I'm often blamed for being the influence over it (I have no control of what people do), I get blamed for the violent actions of others. Heh, we do need some information from this guy, so don't judge us. Zelgadis and I roped him up (he was such a squirmy bugger) and Gourry tossed him over his shoulder like some kind of sack. Mr. BB (Short for Burnt and Bald) began to cry like some overgrown child as we decent down the trail that snaked thought the dense woods.
"Ugh. Lina.!" Zelgadis hissed as he rubbed his ear. "Can we end this sod's misery and just ditch the idea of information?" Really?! Are we seriously suggesting that we killed off our first chance at obtaining any kind of hint of who has be maybe behind all these warrants issued. I disagreed, which apparently made Zelgadis a bit moody as well advance more on the path. This may be our only time to have the opportunity for Proserpina to at least know who has such a grudge against her, even after moments of showing up. I made my attempt to butter up the situation as I heeled behind the annoyed chimera.
"Look she deserves to know." I manage the most sincere tone I could. "At least let's find a spot, tied him down to tree, get him to squeak. Once something is mention, then you can have the honors of disposing him in any way you want. Whaddya say, Zelly?" With a narrowed, sidelong glance, he exhales. "Sure Lina, but I'm not agreeing because you offer for me to 'off' him, it's more so that I have a few questions to ask Proserpina." His gaze went to her, who have taken liberty of slacking behind, taking a toke from her pipe. She must've felt our eyes, because with a flinch, her eyes darted at us. "What about me now?" Her voice was soft, somewhat drifted as if she was in her our thought process. "I heard my name, and the both of you are staring. What's up?"
"My question never was answered." He was pretty adamant on knowing what she was. I don't hold him against wanting to know, I sorta do myself. Though it's something I haven't really stressed on asking about, in case if it offends people (you never know!). I leave that for some in Zel's situation to question about, which he has. We were just waiting on her response as she finish off whatever was left she was smoking. "You had asked about what I am, yeah?" Zelgadis quietly dip his head as a 'Yes'. "It's obvious by now that I'm a genetically modified human with the DNA of other creatures," Well yeah, we could tell from the get go just about. "Let's makes this interesting. What do you two think of what creature genetics I share my own being with?" Oho! I glance at Zelgadis, who seemed rather bothered by Proserpina's idea of fun, being that of a guessing game. I'm going with that she is curious to see what we may have guessed within ourselves.
"Definitely Dragon." I was the first one to put in my guess. We both shifted our attention to Zel, and then Gourry, who with was piggy back like a small child, had cried himself into a slumber. He drooled as he head helplessly droop and bobbed as Gourry walked. "What am I missing out on?" He looked at the other man in our party. "We are trying to take a guess at what Proserpina is merged with, since she doesn't want to tell us directly what she is." Proserpina eyed Zelgadis at his comment. "I'm going with dragon, What about you Gourry?"
"Yeah. I would say dragon. She looks like a good and cool dragon. Not evil and scary like a demon is." She took that as a compliment and acted flattered. "Okay. You three are on to something. Yes I am mixed with Dragon. Though I doubt the same species that I am exist here, but it's a third diamond dragon or so." There you go! It's finally said! I image with dragon DNA, her magic pool has to be about the size mine is or bigger… Dragon's are known for their powerful abilities. Other then the appearance of horns, claws, and shiny scales, I wonder what else her dragon DNA grants her to do.
"So you have another part you are bonded with." At least Zelgadis's attitude made a turn around as he seemed somewhat satisfied with her briefing. "What is the other part?" I don't think its demon, and I went with that. There just a feeling that surrounds Proserpina that doesn't really give her demonic vibes, but that which brings a sense of comfort, maybe that's because I've gotten comfortable with her already. I think the other two were ruling out demon of any sort as well. We all waited in silence for Proserpina to reveal what the other part was.
"Okay." She began. "Bare with me, the other quarter of what I am-"
"Well now!" A man's voice boomed like a great thunder, which came from behind me. "Who is this that I see?" I spun around and was greeted by a sight of a well built, muscular man of Gourry's height, who strides his way to the group. There was something about him, other than that he was tall, dark and handsome. He had deep colored locks, and a headband, like I have, wrapped around his forehead. He worn a fitted tunic, followed by a shoulder guard, then leg gear. He had a familiar air to him. That voice; I've heard it from somewhere before.
"Do I know you?" The guy's laughs, did I mentioned he was handsome. He combs his hand in his thick hair. Eyes twinkling as he gazes at me full of mirth. "Seriously Lina? You don't recognize me?"
"Hey!" Gourry jumped in between us and the handsome stranger who claims I know him. "Aren't you, what's his face? Duckalips?" DUCKALIPS?! Gourry what the hell where you thinking?! I had to punch him for that one. I could hear Proserpina giggle as Zelgadis slapped himself hard on his forehead. "I think he meant Duclis..." I heard him grumble though is hand. I do remember Duclis, but he was consumed then destroyed by Pokota, and he died in the chimera body that was made for him as a vessel. WAIT A SECOND! It finally hit me. I remembered Pokota's body being destroyed when Rezo, who spirit took over the poor boy, had awakened the Dark Lord. That is when I last call upon the Golden Lord's powers and used the Giga Slave. So that means…
"Pokota?!" I stared at with my mouth agape. "You're a lot different than the last I saw you!"
"You've grown!" Gourry grabbed him by his shoulder as if they have been friends for a long time. Pokota lifted an eyebrow and stared hard at Gourry. "You're a man now me now, but last time, weren't you a rabbit?"
"Um, no." He sounded embarrassed about being compared to a rabbit, but I can see why Gourry used it. He resembled what appeared as a stuffed toy like creature with rabbit like ears that hands attached to it. "I had my soul transfer to Duclis's body a bit after I return to Taforashia." He brushed off Gourry's hand and straight his shirt. "I figure people would take me more seriously if I had a human form, instead of passing me to their babies to shut them up." That's too funny, even Zelgadis quietly chuckled at that one.
"Did you get tired of being a pacifier?" Pokota shot a glare that might've killed someone at him for his comment, which made Zel show more mirth as he got the reaction he wanted. Pokota took in a deep breath and shut his dark eyes. "At least I got a human body now." Ouch, I know that one had to burn! He reopens his eyes and look at the blue chimera that was now seething at him. That was a bit petty on Pokota's behalf to even run that one against Zel, because to his knowledge, he can't turn back into a full human again.
"So what's brings you to this neck of the woods?" I'll take that chance of breaking the tension between the two; Pokota turned his head to me. "I'm trying to seek more aid in getting my kingdom back on its feet. Everyone is starting to wake up, and everything has been on a halt for a decade. What we have currently is not going to help out in the long run." He has a point, even though he is receiving some help from neighboring kingdoms (especially the most coming from Saillune, both Amelia and Phil are certainly behind that without a doubt) it's not going to last at most with the population that are breaking out of the long term sleeping spell. If he doesn't act now, his kingdom may fall in shambles in the future. It doesn't help that their trades were absent for over ten years, that does have a great impact on many kingdoms, and allow them to thrive. This I know because my parents are business people themselves, ever since I was a child. There was a slight restless look in Pokota face as he all gazed at us. "So what are you all doing here as well?"
"Oh, us?" I acted nonchalantly as possible. "We're just escorting a friend around."
"What friend?" Pokota Narrowed his eyes at me like I was crazy, I turned my head to where Proserpina was suppose to be standing, and she was nowhere to be seen! Where the hell did she go? She must've made a run for it when Pokota arrived. "Well she was here…" I heard a rustle above my head, and made the realization that she didn't make a run, she made a jump, back into the trees again! I smirked to myself as I cupped my hand to my mouth.
"Hey!" I yelled. "You can come down now! Pokota isn't going to bite!" I can feel his eyes shoot daggers at me after that being said. I listen is more branches shuffle, and with a leap, Proserpina was in the center of all of us. She straightens herself and turns to me. "Pokota, this is Proserpina. Proserpina, this is Pokota." I introduce the two, which he approaches her with his hand out, and they shook. "I'm the prince of Taforashia, and what about you?" She shrugs. "I'm new around here," she said. "So I really don't have a fancy title, your highness."
"Just call me Pokota." Oh dropped the formalities and royal mannerism, I see! He stared at her as he let her hand go, looking somewhat mesmerized. "You said something about being new around here, huh?" She quietly bobs her head. "Mind sharing where you are from?"
"Ugh..." I can empathized with her, it's really tiring to keep explaining your story over and over again, so the three of us filled Pokota in with what she had already explained to us. He would occasionally beam at her as Gourry finished where I left off at. "I can't remember the beasts' names, but I know she needs three of them."
"And we are setting off to the mountains to seek the first one." Zelgadis concluded. "After I take a stop to Saillune to least make a report with Prince Philionel."
"Speaking of both Amelia and Philionel," Pokota added as he rubbed his chin. "I've saw them last in a village outside of Taforashia. I'm guessing that they've decided to confront the Duchess on their own then?" he eyed Zelgadis again. "And you have no involvement with that?" Zel crossed his arms. "I choose to be under investigation of the recent Column of Light." Speaking of which, I've never bothered to check behind me since we left the beach. I search for an opening in the tree line and couldn't see it anymore. "I heard it disappeared last night. I guess the tempest that was circling it might've blown it away." Doubt it, I think the energy finally took its course and faded. It wasn't a permanent effect, unless something was placed there with an enchantment that is, even those can be destroyed or altered.
"Are you heading anywhere in particular yourself?" I thought maybe Pokota was free enough to at least accompany us. "Not in mind. I was on my way back to home, but I heard a bunch of commotion out here and set out to check it out." He then rubbed the back of his neck. "And I found it was you guys taking on this bandit issue that has been going on recently." I guess you're welcome then. "Would you guys care to come with me back to Taforashia?" I wanted to go, and Gourry was right behind me, leaving the two chimeras. "Change of Plans already?" I could hear Proserpina mumbled to Zelgadis. "Yes. It's nothing new. Get used to it. She always does it."
"I guess we have no choice but to follow, huh?" Zel shrugged. "It's optional in your case."
"True. You do know you way around the land like Lina," Wait, are they going to ditch us? I peeped over my shoulder at the two as I continue to follow Pokota. "But I'm curious about what this kingdom's about. Besides I have prospects of my own I could also invest into."
"Hm. Business huh?" Zelgadis slowed his pace so he was walking next to her. "I might as well tag along, being that both Phil and Amelia or probably nearby, it would be easier for me to just find them from there. "He dryly said. "I am curious as well about the current condition of Taforashia."
"He mentioned something about helping his kingdom get out of its rut, so I'm hoping I could propose this idea to him, if I get the opportunity to do so." I wonder what kind of business proposal she had up her sleeve, and why would she need investments.
"I think that will be possible." Zelgadis's eyes caught mine and I return my gaze ahead, I still strained my ears to eavesdrop. "But if you don't mind me asking, why do you want to make this business proposition to begin with?"
"There is another reason other than collecting armor of why I am here. I have to bring the rest of what's left of the survivors back into this world, at some point that is."
I spun around, now that I've heard that, I mosey on over to them, and included myself into that conversation.
"You mentioned survivors?" I placed myself in between them, making myself known that I was there.
"I'm guessing you are searching for space for these refugees?" Zelgadis ignored me and kept his attention on her. "Yeah basically."
"Do you know how many people in count?"
Proserpina tapped her lips as her eyes flickered. "I think less than three hundred thousand, from the last I've known. There is no telling if that number has altered since I left. The attacks from the hordes have gotten unpredictable in the last few years."
"So you guys can't just find another island?" How bad off is her world anyways? Are all the lands in that much of a bad shape? Proserpina looked down, a slight sadness weighed heavy on her features. "I wish I could so say, but the whole planet is in a critical state. We can't survive on a world with a dying ocean." That was really heartbreaking to hear, even Pokota, who over her saying that, stop to turn and wait for her to catch up.
"Did you just mention that your world is dying?" She shifts her gaze to the ground, and he looks at her with pity heavy in his eyes. He places his hand on her shoulder, and she twitches. "I'm so sorry Proserpina! Maybe there is something I can do to help out with whoever is rest." That was very generous of him; even Gourry seemed touch as he reached out and patted Pokota's head.
"Hey! Get off of me!' He swatted Gourry's hand away, narrowing his brow as he glared at him. I tilted my head in a thought process; how are the survivors are going to be able to enter this world?
"I'm not sure if I mentioned this to the all of you," She cleared her throat. "But when my brother is done with the world he went to, he is supposed to go back, round up the guys, and head here to collect me." So there is going to be a chance where we get to meet her brother, but when?
"He didn't give me a time or place." So he just shows up whenever, but how is he going to find you?
"I have a tracking device." She pulls back her hair away from her left side, and there hanging from her ear, was a little earring that blinked a small, blue flash. "They can use this to find me." You called that a tracking device? Then again, people here use spells to find things, or other people. I just blended in with the other jewelry she worn in her ear. "For now, I'll have to stay on track and look for the beast we talked about." After our stop in Taforashia that is, I really want to eat, and rest. It didn't catch up with me until now, but we have been on the move all day. We continue to proceed with Pokota, and made our way though the city.
The palace of Taforashia was huge, not as big as Saillune's, but still very impressing. It's exterior look like smooth, white marble with gold and cooper roofing. Bits of the singles caught the afternoon rays and flashed yellow as the sun made its passing. We enter though a grand set of birch doors, and those as well had a fancy gold engraving throughout. The palace inside was just as rich; more warm birch wood was used as in both the furniture and decorations. In contrast there were deep reds of curtains that weaved through the ceiling.
"So what do we do with the unwanted guest?" Pokota pointed at Mr. BB, whom I nearly forgotten about, had woken up, and was staring in just the same amount of awe as the rest of us. He had realize that Pokota was looking at him, and began to yelled for help.
"THEY"RE KEEPING ME AGAINST MY WILL!" His tears were like fireworks as he cried to him. "THEY"RE CRAZY AND THEY ARE GOING TO KILL MEH YER GOTTA HELP!"
"We plan on tying him up and getting information out of him." I plainly stated as I try to talk over the pathetic bandit. "We are under the impression that he was hired by someone to hunt down Proserpina."
"Wait, someone is hunting her?" He seemed to be a bit taken aback. 'Why would anyone want to hurt such a beautiful woman?"
Oh Gods! Well, let's see, that beautiful woman happened to come crashing into our world, and pissed off some demon who somehow manage to issues out warrants quicker than a grandma pumping out cookies on a baking fringe. Someone in power doesn't like the idea of having an outsider be here. That is what I gathered. Pokota glance at as he passed Gourry, and with a look of disgust, he made a gesture for him to follow. "We can chain him up in the dungeons." heard that, and howl even more loudly as both Gourry and Pokota descend to the dungeons below.