CHAPTER TWO: The Equipping of Heroes

AUTHORS NOTE: See? Aren’t you proud of me? I made a neat title all by myself. Yes I did. Notice how it’s kinda like “Equipping the Saints”? Yeah, I think I learned about that in school at some point during my junior year…though I sure don’t remember what the heck it is…OH WELL! It sounded cool at the time! Also, I am creating a fifth member of the party, simply to keep things balanced and in the true tradition of the show. I didn’t ask Rylen’s permission to use her RPG character, and it’s not ENTIRELY the same character…just the same name and stuff…but again, OH WELL! I’m sure she won’t mind too much ^_^. Oh yes, and there’s one other character I’m going to add. She’s one of my own creations and I use her to RP all the time. She won’t play too major a role, but well, you’ll just have to see for yourself ^_^. So without further ado, on with the story!

Lina and her friends had set off again with a new sense of urgency. The needed to find a sword for Gourry that could harm a Mazoku, since his plain blade had been broken by mere trolls. The ultimate battle seemed inevitable, and the friends left that day with the heavy realization that they all might die. Lina had explained that Xellos’s master was now the enemy. She also explained that Xellas Metallium was, perhaps, the most powerful of the four dark lords. Lina explained also that although Xellos’ master was against them, Xellos was still on their side. She did not, however, explain why she knew these things.

Gourry’s face had hardened when he realized the implications of Lina’s words. “So, you mean we probably won’t win, don’t you…since really, we couldn’t destroy Gaav or Phibrizzo on our own anyway, right? And if she’s more powerful than them, we don’t even stand a chance…isn’t that what you’re saying?” Lina looked up at her champion. She smiled at his serious face.

“Yeah Gourry, I guess that’s what I’m saying. But I think that if we have the right equipment, everything will turn out all right. Doesn’t it usually?” Lina said optimistically. Gourry, however, saw through it. She was trying to keep spirits high. He knew that inside, she was practically weeping with fear. He wanted to comfort her, to reassure her, but it would only be lying to her. Zelgadis and Amelia both knew she was trying to maintain a cheerful front in the face of fear, but there was no hep for it. They smiled at Lina confidently. It was all a matter of time now…

That night, the travelers camped out in the woods, placing their bedrolls closer together than usual. The air was still full of fear, renewed by a brief attack earlier in the day. There was absolutely nothing to cheer them up.

“Excuse me,” said a deep voice from the darkness. Everyone jumped and turned toward the sound. A very large wolf-like creature stepped into the firelight. He bowed deeply and spoke again, “Are you, perhaps, the infamous bandit killer Lina Inverse?” The wolf addressed Lina with a toothy smile. Lina nodded, still prepared to fight if she had to. Gourry’s hand reached for his sword almost unconsciously, but he remembered how useless it had been and opted to stay out of this fight. Amelia and Zelgadis prepared to fight as well.

“Who are you? And more importantly, who sent you?” Lina asked warily. The wolf smiled again, his white teeth glinting in the firelight.

“I’m very glad I found you before Sylvie did. Xellos has sent me to assist you. My name is Silkou, Gatekeeper of the Four Worlds. I assume you know about that?” Lina nodded. “Xellos made it very clear that you were to remain safe, Miss Lina. He could not come himself for fear of his Master’s intervention, but that did not prevent him from enlisting my aid. Please accept my service, Miss Lina. It will be a pleasure to serve you.” The wolf bowed again and stepped closer to the fire. Lina scooted closer to Gourry and patted the spot on the ground next to her.

“You can sit down if you like, Mr. Silkou. There’s still a little wild chicken left if you’re hungry.” The wolf smiled yet again and took the seat and the chicken gratefully.

“Thank you very much Miss Lina. It has been a long and tiring journey from the Gatehouse you see. I am very tired.” The wolf sighed. “I certainly hope L-Sama has found a decent replacement for my absence. Good gatekeepers are hard to come by, you know.”

Amelia braved a question, “Mr. Silkou, why, exactly, are you helping Xellos? If you work for the Lord of Nightmares herself, then wouldn’t that job take precedence?” She looked at the stony face of Zelgadis, who seemed to be deep in thought. Silkou shrugged.

“Well, normally, yes. But apparently, my Master needs has a purpose for you, Miss Lina. She told me to go ahead and do what Xellos asked. This, of course, surprised me, but I did not argue. I did lose a bet to Xellos a long time ago. I owed him a favor. I suppose this will pay that back, you know?” Silkou took a few huge bite of chicken and took a cup of wine that Gourry offered him. Everyone’s eyes were on the strange Gatekeeper as he finished his meal and drink. Suddenly he stood.

“Well I thank you for this hospitality, Ms. Inverse, but I really don’t like traveling in groups, you know…something about it makes me rather nervous. I shall be here always, but I will remain in the shadows.

The night was passing quite uneventfully, as the sleepy persons on watch were happy to discover. The next morning, breakfast was eaten in silence, and everyone seemed engrossed by his or her own thoughts. The only surprise of the morning came when Silkou suddenly appeared. He handed Lina a freshly slaughtered wild pig and smiled. He said nothing, and left as soon as the pig was in Lina’s hands. No one was going to argue with fresh pig for breakfast and lunch, so on the travelers went.

Gourry and Lina took to the front, talking softly and holding hands. Amelia noted the sad looks on their faces. She knew the enemy they faced was a terrible one, but what could make them both so sad? There was substantial daylight left, but somehow, Amelia kept feeling sleepy. Twice she nearly fell from exhaustion and twice Zelgadis caught her arm and steadied her without a word. In fact, he hadn’t said two words to her all day. What could be bothering him? Another wave of dizziness hit her but she caught herself this time before she fell. She looked straight ahead, hoping no one had seen her. Gourry and Lina were still oblivious to everything; Amelia gathered that something had passed between them the night before. Zelgadis was lost in thought, as he had been all day long, and there seemed to be no end to the steady waves of dizziness and sleepiness. Amelia rather began to suspect that someone was tampering with her mind. Out of nowhere, her field of vision changed. The deeply forested area was replaced with a barren, rocky plane. “Oh dear,” Amelia muttered as she prepared for what she knew was coming.

Zelgadis had been lost in his own dreary little world all day long. At some point during his watch the night before, he had come to the startling conclusion that he was in love with the Princess of Seyruun. Why that was so startling, he didn’t know, but now there was the question of what. To be more specific, he now wondered exactly what he was going to do about his feelings. Would he let them sit heavily on his heart for a few years until her father married her off to some snobby prince or would he tell her what he’d concluded? It was up in the air at the moment, he decided. But he had made the firm decision that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He was now content to take her protection on as his only purpose until further notice. Amelia had been stumbling all day for some strange reason. Zelgadis could only figure that she was still a little groggy from her loss of blood two days ago. But apparently, something else was up. She stumbled a third time, caught herself, and disappeared. Zelgadis reached for his sword, but concluded that doing so was a pointless gesture. Instead he yelled pointlessly, “Amelia!!!”

Lina and Gourry were pulled out of their depressing talks when Zelgadis’ voice pierced the near silence. Silkou bounded up suddenly and cocked his head to the side.

“What is going on, friends?” the wolf-man asked, “Where is your royal friend?” Zelgadis was clenching and un-clenching his fists purposefully.

“Someone teleported her away. She just disappeared…how else could she dissapear? Come on, Lina, we have to find her and fast! What if that Mazoku is after her again?” Zelgadis pleaded desperately.

Lina looked at Silkou who sighed. “Alright, Miss Lina, I shall rescue your friend, but it really isn’t in my job descrip—oh, never mind. It seems my master thinks otherwise. Would anyone like to join me?” Zelgadis drew his sword.

“Where is she Master Silkou? Show me!” Zelgadis’ eyes could have burst into flames at any moment. His temper flared and his anger burned deep. How dare anyone harm his Amelia!

Currently, the little Princess was in a desperate struggle to find a handhold. Someone had ungraciously tried to throw her off of a very tall cliff. Amelia hovered on a barely maintained levitation spell. Someone was putting a semi-block on her ability to cast spells. Somewhere, though, she found strength enough to levitate herself to a safe ledge. It had been quite a close call. Yet she had still not seen her foe. There was no question of who was behind this, but Amelia had expected a confrontation before this. Sure enough, as if on cue a voice rang out.

“Hullo sister dearest! I guess my sleep spell was a little too subtle, so this time I’ve made sure no one will come to rescue you! I was thinking ahead, yes? I don’t think I’ll play with you before I kill you. Ready or not, here I come!” A figure began a slow descent toward the ledge where Amelia hid. The frightened princess was ready for her, however. And she had resolved that even though this was her own flesh and blood, she could not hold back. No one had ever seen her true power, but now was as good a time as any.

“I don’t think so, sis,” Amelia snarled as she chanted her most powerful spell. “Source of all goodness, Source of all Light, heed my prayer and bestow your Holy Light to me! I call upon the immense power that is yours alone. Lend me your strength for the noblest of causes. I call forth the power of DIVINE JUSTICE!” Amelia’s eyes began to glow with a strange white light. At just that moment, Silkou chose to deposit Lina, Zelgadis, and Gourry on the small ledge. Amelia’s whole body burst into flame and Lina smiled knowingly. Aah yes, the ultimate Holy spell, known only to members of the Seyruun royal family. Zelgadis’ mouth widened in horror. Here was the woman he loved and had sworn to protect enveloped in white fire. He thought about running to her side, but a nagging little voice told him off, though and he just stood next to Gourry, unable to speak.

Amelia finished the words and noticed three new people present on the ledge with her. She ignored them all for the time being and concentrated instead on smiting this fiend before her. The Mazoku known as Sylvie recoiled in terror from the terrifying white light. No! This was her family’s secret spell! How could Amelia have learned it already! SHE never got the chance to, and she was the elder sister…Sylvie frowned as she saw the white ball of fire streaking toward her face. Not much to do about it now…She’d just have to telep—

“Did I get her?” Amelia asked as she shook her head groggily. Her friends were in a concerned ring around her. She was back in the forest, she noticed happily. Zelgadis’ worry-lined face relaxed considerably once he saw that Amelia was all right. She smiled brightly. Maybe he really did care about her…well, still, he’d realize how many much more beautiful women there were who would find him gorgeous now that he was human. Her smile dwindled away again and she sat up.

Lina spoke up, “Wow, Amelia, why didn’t you ever use that spell before? How long have you known that spell?” Amelia calculated in her head.

“Well, I think I finally got it down about three weeks before I joined back up with you, Miss Lina. Yeah, that’s about right. Did I kill Sylvie?” Amelia looked expectant. Lina shook her head and shrugged.

“We don’t know. When the smoke cleared, she was gone and you were unconscious. That sure is a potent spell!” Lina said as she smiled at the surprised girl. Amelia had no clue the spell could be that powerful…

Zelgadis had moved a short distance away and was sitting with his legs folded underneath his body. His eyes were closed in thought. Yes, he would have to tell her soon, before something else strange happened.

That night, Lina and her friends set up camp cautiously, taking refuge in an abandoned cabin. No one was at ease, however, in such an enclosed space. Tonight, they had elected to “let” Silkou keep watch the entire night. Everyone, including the wolf, had agreed it was safer that way. And so everyone prepared for sleep. Lina and Gourry stayed up well into the night talking of who knew what and Zelgadis disappeared for a time, leaving Amelia to be bored alone. She took to her bedroll and tried to go to sleep. But try as she might, she could not force her mind to stop working.

Why does someone want to kill us? Why did my sister become a Mazoku? Was it something that happened between her and father? Maybe it was not her conscious choice. Maybe…no, Amelia refused to think about her sister anymore. She had to be dead now, because nothing could withstand the pure will of Ceipheed! Amelia’s thoughts turned less depressing. Her father had probably chosen a suitor for her to marry. It was just as well, since Zelgadis had probably realized by now how many women he could have. After all, what was special about her anyway? So what if she was small for her age? So what if she had a thing for justice and making speeches? That was kind of her job as the princess of Seyruun, after all. Maybe that was it, maybe Zelgadis thought he couldn’t have her, since she was a princess…

She flipped over onto her other side and saw Zelgadis slip quietly into the door. Lina and Gourry had fallen asleep by the fire in each other’s arms, something Amelia wished desperately for. Zelgadis had something in his hands. He removed his cloak and boots and walked quietly over to his bedroll, which was next to Amelia’s. In the dark, Amelia tried to feign sleep. Maybe he wouldn’t figure out that she was watching him. She heard him shuffling around next to her for a moment and then he stopped. Amelia chanced to open her eyes and found that he was not even lying down. He was sitting up and watching her. He noticed that she was awake then and tried to feign meditation. Amelia sat up slowly.

“What are you doing Zelgadis?” she asked softly. Had it not been so dark in this corner of the cabin, she would have noticed a blush creeping into his cheeks.

“Nothing, Amelia, I’m just…thinking, that’s all. Go to sleep now,” he said as he looked down at his feet.

Amelia sighed and started to lay back down. Suddenly, Zelgadis wrapped his arms around her waist and tugged her into a rough embrace. “Amelia, wait…I,” he began. She turned her face to him, and Zelgadis’ hands began to shake. It was now or never, he decided. He took a deep breath and began his planned speech. “Amelia, I have to tell you something and…well, I….…I…oh I just can’t do this…I’m too weak,” he berated himself. Amelia smiled hopefully. She didn’t hear him mutter, “Oh well.” All she heard was her heartbeat as his lips descended upon hers.

Morning found the four refreshed. Lina stretched and felt warm arms encircle her waist and someone’s face nuzzle into her shoulder. “Gourry,” she smiled as she reached back and tousled his long hair. He picked her up effortlessly and slung her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Amelia and Zelgadis looked on, amused, but not offended. Zelgadis especially, because he’d had a similar thought only moments ago. Of course, that was the main difference between him and Gourry…Gourry tended to act on his thoughts rather than just think them. But Zelgadis smiled and discreetly kissed Amelia’s neck. He could almost feel her cheeks turning red.

Outside, Silkou waited patiently. Gourry emerged from the cabin with a goofy smile on his face, directed toward a slightly perturbed Lina on his shoulder. The wolf spared only the raising of one eyebrow at it. A few seconds later, Amelia and Zelgadis emerged, amused smiles on their faces as they handed Lina and Gourry their satchels. The four left that day with a renewed feeling of vigor and for the greater part of that day, the feeling that things were as they had been in the past would remain fresh in their minds.

About mid-morning, they found themselves in a small town near the base of the Katateau Mts., home of the Claire Bible. However, this time, the holy script was not the object of their search. Lina and her group stopped for an early lunch and after the feeding frenzy that ensued, Lina explained the situation to Zelgadis. Silkou, of course, was nowhere to be found.

“I guess you really weren’t here when we found this out,” Lina began when Zelgadis asked why they had come here, “Well, first of all, while we were in Atlas city, just before we met up with you in Jethel, we met a merchant who told us about a legendary magic sword. He told us it was hidden near or in the Katateau Mountains. At first, of course, we didn’t believe a word he said, but as he continued, I kind of got the feeling that he was very serious indeed. He also told me that the Dragons protected it. Which brings up the next question…how do we test his claim? If we go looking for the sword and the Dragons are protecting it, we’ll be in real trouble, you know? Of course, if we go there and there was no sword to begin with, we’ll probably still be confronted by the Dragons. So we’re kind of stuck here without any clues at all. I think now, the most intelligent way to go about this would be to ask around here and see what we can turn up. What do all of you think?” No one had noticed Silkou, who had slipped in silently and joined the others at the table.

“Personally, I think it would be most prudent to ask the merchant that lost his arm trying to find that sword. He’s sitting up at the bar staring at you all. I just finished talking to him…a most interesting fellow,” the wolf chimed in when no one else spoke up. Everyone jumped when they heard his deep and quiet voice. To their credit, none looked too surprised, just startled. Lina stood up to take Silkou’s advice, but the wolf held her arm. “Let the chimera go. He has some knowledge the merchant wants.” Lina shrugged and sat down again. Zelgadis shrugged as well and picked up his coffee mug for one more sip and walked up to the bar.

“XELLOOOOSSSS!!!” bellowed an impossibly blonde woman in a slinky black dress. Her entire palace shook from the force of her yell. Her delicate face took on a look of pure malice as rage crept into her eyes. “Where in the hells is my Priest?” she demanded of the poor servant who’d wandered in at just the wrong moment. She picked up her desk as though it were a mere paperweight and hurled it at the unfortunate wall. It shattered into wood-chips and Xellas Metallium suddenly felt better. She turned to the frightened servant and smiled disarmingly. “Now, my dear, what brings you to me?”

The servant bowed nervously and wordlessly handed his master a scroll. She dismissed him with a wave of her hand and he scurried away, thankful to be away from her rage. Xellas opened the scroll and began to howl anew. “XELLLOOOOSSSS!!!!! DAMN YOU!” She crumpled the scroll and hurled it away from her, to the other wall. She stood up from her chair and kicked it. The chair flew across the room into another wall and broke apart. This time, however, Xellas did not feel better. Her favorite servant had felt inclined just now to inform her that he would not be killing Lina Inverser for her. Oh no, instead, he had decided to take a visit to one of his friends on another world. And of course, he had not told her which world. No…why would he? Besides, Xellas thought, he only has one other friend besides that Inverse girl. Rinri Shihori…

Zelgadis looked at the man carefully and bought him a drink. “Hello, sir. My friend over there was telling me that you were looking for information…I thought I might trade you something for that information. Would you be interested in a barter?” The one-armed man looked thoughtfully at Zelgadis and then nodded his head.

“If you’ve the information I need, I’ll give you what you seek. Does that sound like a fair bargain?” the man asked, swirling his drink in the glass as he talked. Zelgadis nodded. The man smiled half-heartedly and asked his question, “My question is this: Was there ever really a legacy of the great Rezo the Red Priest?” Zelgadis’ shoulders slumped. This was the one question he had no straight answer to. So he gave the only answer he knew.

“I spent most of my youth learning from Rezo, and he would always tell me that one day I would inherit his legacy. But later on, he would only refer to it in fits of rage or delirium. I suppose you know what happened to him,” Zelgadis paused and the man nodded, “After that, I went looking for his legacy where he told me it was. I went to that place in Sairaag before it was destroyed and found only his laboratory, nothing else. I can only surmise that his Copy did something with it…if it ever truly existed. This is all I know. I can tell you nothing definite, I am sorry.” The man sat for a moment and then took a swig of his drink. He looked at Zelgadis with sad eyes.

“Young man, it warms my heart that you speak so honestly of things that I know must trouble you. I am Milgasia, the golden dragon who helped you against Gaav. I knew you would not recognize me in this form and I did indeed wish to know of Rezo’s legacy. But my true question remains unasked and unanswered. Will you answer me one more question, chimera?” the one-armed man looked into Zelgadis’ eyes and the chimera suddenly realized that it was indeed Milgasia. Zelgadis nodded dumbly. Something in Milgasia’s eyes touched his heart. The dragon smiled, “Thank you. What I want to know from you is how to tell exactly where on this world I am at any given moment, morning or night. You see I need to make a certain journey and I will need to be charting my course.”

Zelgadis smiled and he reached in his belt for his charts. This was a question he could easily answer…

Silkou licked his paws clean of meat. Lina and Gourry had been kind enough to spare him a few ribs amidst the melee of their lunchtime. Amelia sat watching the passers by outside, humming a pleasant tune as she waited for Zelgadis to return. Silkou smiled when he thought of love. He’d never found a mate of his own, but he had always enjoyed the stories of others. Xellos’ story of romance was particularly interesting. He was currently “dating” a golden dragon named Filia. He loved Lina Inverse more than anything, however, and though he knew he’d never have her, had betrayed his own Master for her. And to make matters worse for the poor fool, he had gone off to his old lover, Rinri. The only problem there was that Rinri didn’t know Xellos had found someone else. Yes, Rinri was indeed an interesting character. She also served the Lord of Nightmares. Her job was to travel among the four worlds to uphold L-Sama’s twisted sense of “justice”. Silkou had met Rinri a scant few times, but her personality was such that he always left feeling that they were old friends. She was a Mazoku, true, but a very strange one. His thoughts drifted to Xellos again and he wondered how the poor Mazoku was doing.

By this time, Zelgadis had finished talking to Milgasia and had returned to his friends with an odd sheet of parchment in his hands. His first words were addressed to Silkou. “You knew who he was all along, didn’t you Silkou? At any rate, I have what we are looking for. The gentleman gave me this. He told me that once we reached the Cliff where the dragons dwell all we’ll have to do is show the scout this paper and he’ll deliver the legendary magic sword right into our hands.”

Lina raised an eyebrow incredulously. “A merchant guaranteed all of this just because you answered his question?” Zelgadis smirked at the wolf, who was whistling and looking around innocently.

“What our lupine friend failed to tell us was that the ‘merchant’ there is our old ally, Milgasia. You remember him, right Lina? The golden Dragon that led us to the true Claire Bible?” Lina nodded, still slightly incredulous. “Well, Milgasia informed me that he was well aware of our predicament and that Xellos had stopped briefly to see him on his way to who knows where. Milgasia knew Xellos’ story was true by the look in his eyes. So here we are…does that satisfy you, Lina?” Lina nodded and folded her arms across her chest. She assessed their next move.

“Well everyone, if we stay here another day, we further our chances of being attacked. We’re fairly sure we have at least two spells that can hurt higher-level Mazoku: the dragonslave and Amelia’s royal spell. Zelgadis’ Astral Vine spell will probably allow him to hold his own, but that says nothing for Gourry, who has neither spells nor sword at the moment. So I vote that we go to get it today, before we lose the chance completely.” Lina looked around the table at her companions. Silkou nodded in appreciation of Lina’s decision, which Lina found most annoying. The wolf had done nothing for them yet! Why did he have to act like he knew everything? The others agreed on her plan as well and so they paid for their meal and left.

A few miles away, in a pocket dimension that no one could see, a figure sat contemplating. He sighed resignedly and produced a quill and scroll from thin air. Now, he decided, was as good a time as any to desert his post. His paper said simply this: “Master, I have gone to visit a friend on another world. I have made the decision that killing Lina is not in my best interests.” He did not sign it. She would know. He summoned a servant to him and gave him the scroll to deliver. With that, he disappeared, feeling quite depressed and knowing quite well that he might not live to see Lina destroy his master, for Xellos knew that his master would figure out where he had gone, and at that time, his life would be as good as finished.