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-- File: Wizards2.txt
Unexpected
By Jeremy Evans
Unforeseen Meetings
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters nor am I
Making any money from this. Please do not sue
me.
It was a beautiful day under L-sama's sky. Being
summer the world was rich with the signs of life.
But one man took no notice of this. Zelgadis Greywers,
was a man on a mission. That mission was to rid himself
of the curse that had Plagued his existence for so
long. The past few years had seen him being sidetracked
by his time with Lina and the gang. After the events
dealing with the Dark Star They'd each gone there
separate ways. Now he was able to devote all his
time to his search for a cure. His last stop had
been at a temple of Ceiphied's. There he'd learned
of a Library that had books on the removal of
enchantment and curses. So once again he was
off, hoping that this one would not be a
disappointment like all the others.
The forest was like the many other thousands
he'd walked through in his life. It teemed with the
sounds of life, an a gentle breeze caused the trees to
rustle in such a way as to fracture the light from the
sun creating a dazzling display. He barely even
registered any of this. As he continued on, his hand
idly brushed a flower, The fact that he could not feel
its softness did not occur to him. He had crossed that
bridge long ago. His only thoughts were on finding
new leads if this one did not pan out.
A loud scream pierced the young Shamans
thoughts. Quickly he moved towards the sound,
more out of curiosity than a desire to help anyone,
at least that's what he told himself. Soon he came
upon a sadly common scene, a small group of
travelers was being menaced by a group of burly
Bandits. Deciding that these people may be able
to better directions to the library, he stepped into
the clearing to intervene. It turned out to be
unnecessary as a figure clothed in green, broke from
the tree line across from him.
The person's hands blurred and several men
went down, grabbing at the dirks lodged in their
knees. The figure continued its rapid pace,
devouring the distance between him and the
villains. One of the larger raiders unsheathed
his sword. In a flash, a metal quarter staff
appeared in his hands. The bandit lunged, trying
to skewer the would be rescuer, who instead
pirouetted to the side. Bringing the staff
around in a lightening quick movement he
slammed it across the others face. The man
sank heavily to the ground as the figure
continued on by without breaking stride.
Seeing so many of their men downed so quickly
the rest of the raiders had a sudden
attack of intelligence, and broke and ran for the
trees. Unfortunately their path took
them towards Zelgadis who casually raised a hand,
"Fireball." The orange ball of flame flew from his
hands to explode in front of the fleeing men,
launching their burnt forms high into the air
and out over the trees.
Once done He turned back to the figure
who'd saved the travelers. Already he had the
remaining bandits hog tied and was talking with
one of the travelers. Seeing this he turned and
began to walk away, no point in staying, they
probably didn't know anything about library he
didn't know already.
He didn't get to far before he was tapped on
the shoulder. He whirled around to find himself
staring at the green clocked man. Check that teen.
The hood covered much of his features but Zel could
easily make out his blue eyes, bright smile and
clean shaven face.
"Thanks for the assist."
Zel nodded "Your welcome, now I
must be on my way."
A frown crossed the others face as he turned
away "Hey, wait where you going?"
Zel looked back over his shoulder "Ceiphied's
library."
The other blinked surprised "Really, I was
on my way there too. Some friends of mine need
some information there. Say, the leader of this group
knows one of the librarians,
he said they don't normally let people see those
books. But, if we agree to protect them till
they get into town he'll put in a good word with his
friend. That or 50 gold pounds each."
Zel thought it over and nodded "Alright, I'm in."
The smile returned to the young man's face "Great
let's go!" As the two walked back towards the group the
other spoke up
"What's your name any ways?"
"Zelgadis Greywers and you."
The young man turned around and stuck out his hand which
Zelgadis took and shook. "Ranma"
Zelgadis waited a moment "Ranma...?"
He pulled his hood off to expose a long pony-tail
that reached to mid-back "Just Ranma. I've found
last names to be nothing but trouble. Their best
left to royals, nobels, and people of fame. No
need for a simple Ranger to have one"
Zelgadis shrugged and decided not to press the issue,
it wasn't any of his business after all. And so the two
rejoined the group and continued there trek to
the town.
Once they'd made it safely to town, the
leader of the traveler's had kept his word.
Soon Ranma and Zelgadis found themselves
the waiting for a guide to take them to the
lower level's of Ceiphied's library. The two had
spoken very little, and it had mostly
been Ranma trying to strike up a conversation.
"I got it!"
Zel turned genuinely curious "Got what?"
Ranma looked pleased with himself "I knew I'd
heard of you. You were a part of that group
responsible for the destruction of a piece of
Shaburanigdu, Hellmaster Phibrizzo, and
Dark Star!"
Zel raised an eyebrow at this and
then nodded "Yes I was. I didn't think too
many people knew about that."
Ranma took up an indignant expression "Hey, I'll
have you know I am WELL informed on current events!"
Zel watched him for a few more moments then turned
away "So it would seem."
Before he could say any more there guide arrived and
lead the two through a series of long passageways
and stair wells. before finally ending up in front of set
of large doors. "Here you go sirs. If you need
anything just ask."
Once gone the two pushed open the doors and froze at
the sight before them. There before them was a 30 X 50 ft
book case with an innumerable number of text stored in it.
After blinking several looked at his companion,
turned to him, shrugged, took off his cloak, and
moved towards the book case. Zel sighed and
decided to start with the lower books and
work up."
***
Silently the two poured over the books for hours.
Neither finding anything of use. Still they continued
on, hoping to find at least one small clue to the answer
they sought. Eventually their diligence was rewarded.
"Hey! check this out."
The young man put the tome in question before Zelgadis.
The Shaman quickly read through the text, which told of a
Golden Dragon artifact that could lift any curse through
nullification magic. It was located in a Dragon Temple
that that wasn't to far away. However to get in they
would need the permission of a Dragon Priest or priestess.
Zel looked at his young friend "Good work."
The other man grinned obviously pleased
with himself, then his face fell as he noticed his
companions somber expression "Hey, what's wrong.
If its the priest thing I'm sure we could find one pretty
quickly and I figure a quest or two latter and we've got
their permission."
Zel shook his head "Actually I know a priestess named
Filia, so that's not a problem." A frown creased his face.
"Then what is it?"
Zel stared for a moment at Ranma before he answered "I've
run into a lot of false leads and goose chases before,
I just don't want to get my hopes up."
The pig-tailed ranger nodded his understanding.
After a few quite moments Zel stood "Filia lives
a couple of days walk north so we'd better get
moving."
He also stood and the two walked towards the exit.
Once outside Zel turned to Ranma "If you need any
provisions now would be a good time to get them.
I'll meet you in the town square in 2 hours."
"Got yeah."
Hearing this Zelgadis turned and strode away. Ranma
watched till he was out of sight before heading
quickly towards the tree line.
***
A few minutes later and we find the young
ranger laying across a tree branch, arms folded
across his chest. The warm summer air gently moved
through the trees causing motes of light to flash
across his eyes in a dazzling display. His
Enjoyment of the moment was interrupted by a
light cough. Turning his head to the side he saw a
familiar face. "Hello Xelloss, I see you got my
summons."
The trickster priest sat on the branch
next to his in a similar position only his
arms were folded behind his head. "Its good to
see you. So how goes it?"
Ranma straightened up a bit "Well I got him interested
in the artifact. We leave for Filia's in a bit. We should
arrive in a couple of days" Xelloss nodded, obviously
pleased "Good, good. He should arrive when the others do."
Xelloss gave the young man a sideways grin "I suggest
you be careful around that group. You lack my resistance
to fireballs."
Ranma gave him an exasperated look
"I'll keep my foot out of my mouth."
Xelloss smiled but looked unconvinced "We'll see. Well
I best be leaving, good luck" and with his usual flair
he disappeared.
Ranma sat for a moment longer, considering his actions
before dropping to the ground below and sprinting for
the town.
***
At night we find Zelgadis and Ranma sitting before
a fire, Ranma is busily roasting several rabbits he caught
over the fire. The Shaman's stomach began to rumble as the
seasonings and spices Ranma had added created quite the
aroma. "Smells pretty good." He commented.
Ranma inclined his head slightly "Thanks, one can learn
a lot doing my kind of work."
Zel noticed the fire began to dim some what and quickly
tossed another piece of fire wood on it. The light flared
slightly bathing the area in a warm light. "What
happened to your friends?"
Ranma looked up from his seasoning "Hmmm?" Zelgadis folded
his arms across his chest. "Your friends why do they need
this cure?"
Something flashed across Ranma's face but it was to fast
for him to follow, but the slightly pained
expression that followed it was far more obvious
"Its kind of my fault, I made a mistake
and they ended up with a water based poly-morphism
curse. When ever splashed with cold water they turn
into something else. Hot water returns them to normal
but only till next time."
Zelgadis looked at his stony hand then back to Ranma
"The ability to turn back at the touch of hot water."
A wry smile briefly touched his lips "I would give
much to trade places with them."
Ranma stared at him for a long moment "I guess, but
they could still be trapped in their forms so I want
to find a cure as quickly as possible." The two fell silent
for some time. Only the snapping fire was heard as
Ranma added more kindling to the flame.
"Have you met any Elves?"
Ranma looked up slightly surprised
but not un willing to answer "A few, they mostly
keep to themselves." Ranma looked at him curiosly
"How'd you know?"
Zelgadis pointed to the cloak he was wearing
"That clock made you nearly invisible when
we were walking through the forest. Humans
lost the ability to make those hundreds of years
ago. And since most magical clothing loses its
propieries after a few decades unless maintained
it was unlikely you simply found it."
Ranma gave a low whistle "I'm impressed. Yes, as
I've traveled the world, I have run into groups
Of Elves. I've even been named elf friend by a few."
He fingered the cloak in fond memory for a moment.
"This was a gift from...a dear friend."
Zelgadis watched him for a long moment before
He spoke. "I see."
Ranma shook him self out of his memories
"So what is Lina Inverse like?"
Zel drew his eyes from the fire to look at Ranma,
who wore a curious expression "The rumors are right
and wrong. She is powerful, greedy and
she has a short fuse but beneath it all she is a good
person."
Ranma considered this, before going back to work
on dinner. Soon the two ate heartily, then bedded
down for the evening
***
The two arrived at Filia's around mid-morning.
As they approached they heard the voices. As they came
closer Zelgadis recognized whose they were.
"I tried to contact him too but no one seems to know where
he's disappeared to." That was Filia
"Well I guess we'll have to do with out him for now." Lina.
"Its too bad, I was kind of looking forward to seeing him
again." Amelia
"Why I'm sure we'll run into him" And Gourry. Looked like
they were all there.
All eyes turned on him as he cleared his throat "I assume
you are talking about me." The first emotion the group
showed was shock at his arrival then
genuine joy.
"Well speak of the devil..." Lina began
"See I told you we'd run into him."
Filia seemed relieved "Oh good your here after all."
"Mr. Zelgadis its great to see you again." Amelia began
as she gave him a firm hug.
A slight chuckle behind him alerted the
group to Ranma's presence.
Amelia released Zel "Whose your friend?"
Zel motioned for Ranma to step forward "This is
Ranma. He helped me find a book on an artifact that
could cure my curse which is why I'm here."
Ranma bowed politely. "Its a pleasure
to meet you all."
The Dragon priestess fidgeted "The artifact your
talking about it wouldn't by any chance be the
'Crystal Scepter'?" Zel looked genuinely surprised
"You knew about that? Why didn't you tell me?!"
Filia held her hand up defensively "I only learned about
it todday because it was one of the items stolen by an
unknown group of thieves from the temple."
Zelgadis shoulders slumped slightly as Ranma
muttered "Figures." under his breath.
"That's why I called you all together" Filia continued
"We don't think it was the Mazoku, they aren't in
a position to attack."
"BINGO!"
Filia nearly jumped out of her skin at the words spoken
directly into her ears. when she caught sight of the
speaker she growled "What are you! Doing here."
The Trickster priest's everpresent smile grew as his
eyes opened, barely revealing the purple pupils beneath.
"Sore wa, himitsu desu."
Filia checked the urge to bash
him and turned back to the others.
"The only description we have of the thieves is
that they were mostly thin but wiry, With ebony
skin, white hair, pointed ears and
an odd sort of cloak." A sharp intake of breath caused
everyone to face Ranma.
"Drow." he said simply Lina blinked and looked between
Filia and Xelloss "Dark Elves, don't they work for the
Mazoku?"
Xelloss shook his head "Not since the great war. To bad
to they make excellent assassins." His piercing gaze fell
on Ranma "So I see you've added a Ranger to your little
group. Interesting."
Ranma gave him a funny look "Who are you anyways?"
The trickster priest made a great show of
bowing "Xelloss Metallium"
Ranma stared at him for a moment then shifted to a more
defensive stance to the priests amusement" I see you've
heard of me."
Ranma didn't take his eyes off him "Some elves mentioned
you once." Xelloss smile grew "Really, what did they
say?" Ranma was about to answer when a hand landed
on his shoulder, he turned to see Zelgadis shake his
head. Ranma straightened up "Nothing pleasant."
Filia cleared her throat for attention "Although we think
the Mazoku are not responsible we aren't willing to chance
That."
Zelgadis realized where this was going "You want us
to recover the stuff while you continue your vigil on
the Mazoku." Filia's expression said it all Zel sighed
"Well they have my cure so I'm in, Ranma?" The young
Ranger smiled "Hey, I got to cure my friends right,
I'm in too."
Amelia took pose "We will bring these foul villains to
justice!" Lina didn't look convinced. "You know, they
took a lot of treasure with them, I'm sure no one would
mind if a few baubles here and there were missing."
Filia commented.
Lina's face brightened considerably "Of course we'll
help, right Gourry!"
The swordsman shrugged "Sure." Zelgadis
rolled his eyes "So where do we
begin."
Ranma raised his hand for attention "The elves might
know something, we could try asking them
for information."
Xelloss cocked his head to the side as
he considered the young man "You know some Elves?"
Ranma glared back "I know a lot of things."
Xelloss chuckled then continued "You might also want
to try the Orcs living in the plains."
Amelia looked surprised at this suggestion "Why would
Orcs help us?"
Ranma fielded that one "Rumor has it that these Orcs
have rejected the dark sorcery of there ancestors and
peers and are living with the land. Basically they've
gone Noble Savage. Travelers are safe but they will
protect the land from the encroachment of civilization."
Xelloss nodded, "They may know of the Dark Elves though
so it would behoove you to look into it if you find
nothing else."
Lina stared suspiciously at Xellos "We'll think about it."
Xelloss began to fade from sight "Well, good luck, and
have fun."
The group watched him leave, once gone Lina turned to
face the group "I guess we should try to find these
Elves first, I figure they'll be fairly receptive to
us, at least more so than an Orc."
All the others agreed.
"We'd best get going, its quite a walk." The
group started to depart when they noticed Filia wasn't
following
"Aren't you coming?" Amelia asked.
She shook her head "I have to stay here, but good
luck." The group gave a collective shrug and waved
goodbye. She watched as they disappeared into the
distance. A rustling of air and wind alerted her to
his presences. She turned and sighed
"I don't like this one bit."
Xellos merely shrugged "Its necessary, you know
that. Besides Ranma's with them, they'll be fine."
She frowned as she turned to stare in the direction
the group had gone "That doesn't fill me with great
confidence."
Another rustle of air and she knew he
was gone. Sighing deeply she walked indoors and
prayed she was doing the right thing.
Author Notes: Why did I drop the last name.
Well after much consideration I decided my
Orginal reason for it was fairly stupid.
Ah well as usuall C&C is appreciated.
"Fie Fi Foe Fum
I smell the blood of a KawaiiKun.
Be she alive or be she dead.
I'll grind her bones to make my bread!"
Ranma the giant
Akane & the Beanstalk
-----
If magic isn't solving your problems,
your obviously not using it correctly.