Hibernal Heart - Part 4 Dreamscape

Author: LN Tora Title: Hibernal Heart

Hibernal Heart
For all disclaimers/warnings, please see the first chapter. AN at end of chapter.

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Part 4: dreamscape

[Despair] [Misunderstood] [Reflections] [Dreamscape] [Violence] [Severance] [Discovery] [Destiny]

Amelia knocked softly on the door to Zelgadis' room. When she didn't receive an answer, she took a chance and opened the door, peeking around the corder. "Mister Zelgadis?"
Though he was sitting up, it was obvious that Zel had fallen fast asleep. A book laid open on his lap. His breath came in soft, even puffs. He tensed briefly when Amelia came in, but quickly relaxed at the sound of her voice.
For the umpteenth time, Amelia wondered exactly what had happened to Zelgadis. She hadn't been with Lina and Gourry when they'd found him, having gone out to send a letter back home to Seyruun. Upon her return to the inn, she'd was told by Lina that Zel had been hurt pretty badly, that he wasn't himself right now, and not to disturb him. That was it, and all before she could even ask what happened. Lina then dragged the princess along, saying they were hunting for some group of Mazoku living close to town. Amelia wasn't that stupid; she figured the Mazoku must have been the ones who hurt Zelgadis. But other than that, no one would tell her anything.
Amelia walked quietly over to his bed, making sure not to startle him from his sleep. She learned her lesson the last time, having the painful bruise to show for it. Gently, she rearranged Zel so he was laying down comfortably on the bed. She tried to take the book, but he only grabbed it and held the book close to his chest. Amelia shrugged, deciding it wasn't worth the effort. Who knows? Maybe Zelgadis held books the same way she held her doll back home.
Once she was sure he was again sleeping peacefully, Amelia took a seat in the chair Gourry used on his watch, her mind lost in her own reverie.
I don't get it. Why won't they tell me what's going on? Zelgadis doesn't look hurt, but he was definitely scared of something in his dream. What? What did those Mazoku do to him? Did they use a spell or something? I wish I knew so I could help him. I wonder why they don't want to tell me? I bet it's because they think I'm too young. That's not fair at all! I fight just as much as any of them. And more importantly, he's my friend. Friends should help each other, but I can't do anything if I don't know what's going on.
Lost in her own world, the princess didn't notice the pained look on Zel's face as his dreams turned dark and foreboding once more.

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Zelgadis was walking along the road out of town. He had heard of some ruins not far from the city that were said to house ancient books on arcane magic. It was a rare opportunity; most ruins were already looted or the book were destroyed. But there was a rumor of ghosts haunting these particular ruins, scaring away only the bravest of thieves. Since most bandits only wanted treasure anyway, the books were virtually untouched. With any luck, Zelgadis might finally find some clue to turning his body back to normal.
A flash of something caught his attention. Zelgadis drew his sword, dropping into a defensive stance. Out in the open, he knew an attack could come from any direction. He narrowed his eyes, searching the area with his demon vision. When he couldn't find anything, Zel sheath his sword, keeping a firm grip on the hilt. Getting to the ruins quickly seemed like a good idea now. He started walking at a faster pace.
Too late Zel heard the spell cast. The ground beneath him exploded. Before he could cast a Levitation, something huge knocked him back to the ground. His sword was taken and tossed aside, while a huge paw smashed into the side of his head. It felt like getting hit with a brick s his vision momentarily exploded in white. He struggled against his attackers, unable to get a clear look at any of them. He heard the sounds of another spell, and suddenly his body became weak and sluggish. He could barely move. Rough hands held him down, taunts and jeers assaulting his ears.
Mazoku, he thought. So my number is finally up. This will probably be painful. I only wish I could tell him good-bye.
He felt pain. He knew he would. No surprise there. Zelgadis only hoped he would pass out before they could reduce him to begging. He didn't mind dying so much, but the shaman at least wanted to keep his dignity.
Something's not right, though. The way they're holding me down is all wrong. What's going on? Oh, the large one must be the leader. He must want to do it himself. Whatever. If I'm lucky it will be quick--wait. My clothes, why are they tearing them off like this. No, they can't be. Mazoku don't work like that, do they? Oh Gods, no, not that--No, they can't...
Zel struggled in the grip of the Mazoku pinning him down. A hand roamed over his body, making him feel sick and dirty from the touch. He tried to think of a spell, any spell, but whatever magic had affected his body was also clouding his mind. The large hand moved down his torso, travelling lower.
Oh Gods, no! The same hand started fondling him, obscenely touching his genitals. Zel bit back a scream as he squirmed, attempting to twist away. A dark hollow laugh rewarded his attempts as the hand stroked his length, trying to arouse the captured chimera.
Please, please, please... Zelgadis bucked and scream, anything to get the hand away from him. More hands join the first, travelling over him. Dignity no longer mattered. He'd do anything to make this stop.
He was being turned over now. The numerous touches and stench from the demons were making him ill. Terror welled up in his heart. A weight settled on his back. Zel finally broke, his voice hoarse.
"Please... Gourry... help me..."
Without warning, the weight was gone. The hands holding him down vanished. Zel risked lifting his head to see. The Mazoku were standing around, staring at something he couldn't yet make out. Curious, Zel looked in the same direction.
What he saw made his breath catch in his throat. The figure approaching could only be described as an angel. His jet-black hair and dark, teal robes flowed in the light breeze. As the person neared, Zel had to stifle an urge to hide his own monstrous face and body.
The angel knelt down to Zel, his expression gentle. As he got closer, Zel saw his eyes resembled those of a cat. It seemed to work for him in a strange way.
"Do not worry, young one. I came to help you." Mo`re looked at the group who attacked, his eyes narrowing. One by one they all burst into flames, becoming little more than a pile of ashes. The stranger then turned his gaze onto the leader, whose body began to twist in on itself. The last thing Zel heard was an inhuman, agonising cry of pain before the grotesque form simply disappeared. Stunned, Zel looked up at his saviour.
"They will not harm you anymore. Can you stand?"
Not sure what to make of this turn of events, Zelgadis stood up, clutching his torn clothes to his body, a blush of embarrassment colouring his face. The stranger saw his discomfort, and waved a hand, reforming Zel's clothes back on his body. Amazed, Zelgadis managed a humble bow.
"Thank you, sir. I am in your debt."
"My name is Mo`re Xiuh, but please, just call me Mo`re. And you are Zelgadis, correct?"
"Y-yes. How did you?"
"This is a dreamscape, Zelgadis. Unfortunately, the attack really did happen. All I did was prevent the memory from attacking you."
Zel stared at the ground. "So it really happened?" He didn't know what to think with this twist in events. Zelgadis walked over to his sword, the weight familiar as he picked it up. Dream or no, it felt real enough, which helped a little.
"I'm sorry, Zelgadis." And he appeared sincere in his regret, as if he was to blame for the tragedy. Yet Zel couldn't remember having seen Mo`re prior to now. "Yes, the assault against you took place not more than a handful of days ago. However, there's something else you need to know. You see, there is a reason you've been having these dreams. It is because of the one who led those Mazoku, and is responsible for that attack. His name is Ahriman, and I sensed that he has placed a spell at your feet. Worse, it may be that he is still after you, I'm afraid."
Uncomfortable silence surrounded the chimera as he slowly digested the information. It took all of Zel's self-control not to scream in fear and frustration. "Why? Why did he attack me like that? Why is he still after me? What did I ever do to him?" The last part came out as a sob. Zelgadis turned his face away, not wanting anyone else to see his shameful tears.
A hand settled on his shoulder, somehow easing a fraction of Zel's pain. "Ahriman is obsessed with you. No doubt, your power and beauty have enraptured him."
Beauty? Zel wondered if Mo`re was blind to use such a word for him. "You must be joking."
"Surely you don't think--Oh, right." Mo`re looked confused for a brief moment before resting his chin in his hand, his tone that of one speaking to a small child. "You've been around humans for so long, haven't you? Zelgadis, as hard as this may be for you to believe, you are a beautiful creature. It is because of this that at least three of your friends are out hunting the group who attacked you as we speak."
"Three? I thought... Oh." That would mean he was alone back in reality. Zel shook it off. He was not weak. "I suppose Amelia went with them."
Mo`re shook his head. "The princess is still with you. The three I sense are much more powerful than that. A black mage, a Mazoku, and a third."
Mazoku? There was only one Zel knew of who might travel with Lina and survive. "Xelloss? He's with Lina and Gourry? But why would he bother?"
"Perhaps for the same reason this Gourry fights."
"Gourry is a friend, as is Lina. But Xelloss--" Whether a dream or not, the shaman felt an impending headache come on as it often did when trying to figure out Xelloss' motives. "I don't understand. He's always up to something. I doubt he's doing it because he cares."
"I wouldn't be too sure. There are many things you might not know about your friends, as well as yourself." Mo`re looked around. "Walk with me, Zelgadis. This is a peaceful dream now. You and I have much to talk about."
Zel glanced over at Mo`re, who gave him a friendly smile. He didn't seem like one who meant any harm, and he did tell Zel about Ahriman.
But still.
"Why are you doing this?" Zel asked. "Why are you helping me?"
Mo`re nodded, expecting the question. "I must shoulder some of the blame for all this. I confess that Ahriman is my fault. I'm the one responsible for bringing him to this world, so I must now try and remove him."
"You summoned him?" Zel wasn't sure if he should be angry or impressed at the power needed for such a task. "Why?"
Zelgadis almost regretted asking, seeing the mournful look adorning the stranger's face. "I was looking for the being who knew the legendary spell called 'Ra Lagora'." (1)
"Ra Lagora? What is that?"
"It is a spell that uses elements of Ra Tilt combined with summoning a mythical serpent of legend. It is rumoured to be as powerful as the famed Giga Slave."
As powerful as the Giga Slave? Is such a thing possible? Knowing another spell might have that much of a destructive force made Zelgadis more than a little uneasy, and he said as much. "It sounds dangerous."
"Only to the caster. It draws from the energy of all living things, and turns it against one's enemy. Welding that much power is always dangerous. Only certain people carry the knowledge, and yet, they may not even realise they have it. It must be shown to them."
It sounded odd to Zel's ears, but was not unheard of. He accepted that, letting his practical side closer to the surface. "Okay then, why are you trying to find it?"
Mo`re wasn't offended by the question, and was more than willing to answer. "The Ra Lagora is capable of destroying a Mazoku Lord. It could be strong enough to destroy a piece of Shabranigdo. There is a piece of the beast hidden somewhere in my hometown. I do not know where, and I fear for my village if someone like the Beastmaster were to ever try and resurrect it. If I can learn the Ra Lagora, then I can protect my village."
Sounds reasonable enough, I suppose. Zel gave Mo`re a searching look. "And you thought this Ahriman might know it?"
"Not know it so much as know who might possess it. Ahriman is obsessed with power and beauty. In his many centuries of life, he may have encountered individuals who knew the spell. But my summoning of him was interrupted by those other Mazoku who were with him, so I was unable to control him." The stranger's face became marred by the inconsolable grief Zel found there. "What happened to you was as much my fault as his. I am so sorry, Zelgadis."
"It's--it's okay." He didn't know why, but seeing Mo`re in such pain over his mistakes left an ache in Zel's own heart. "If you were interrupted, then there was nothing you could have done. Plus, you're trying to fix your mistake."
"Yes, I am. But I'm afraid there may be more trouble for in store before I can handle Ahriman."
"You mentioned that before. What exactly do you mean?"
Mo`re began walking, Zel falling in step beside him. "Ahriman is hunting. He will find you soon."
The chimera felt a hard shudder pass through him. "Then--then I should wake up and tell Amelia. Maybe we can leave before--"
"It is not that simple. He's on a hunt. Mazoku do not stop a hunt until they have caught their prey, or they're destroyed. And he wants you alive."
"Gee, that makes me feel better." Zelgadis glanced over at Mo`re, seeing his sarcasm affect the strange being. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean--"
"It's alright, I understand. I doubt none of this is easy for you to hear." Mo`re stopped, laying a hand on Zel's shoulder. "Fortunately, I know where he will take you. More than likely, he will be so enthralled with having finally captured you that he will not notice my presence."
Zel immediately caught the idea. "An ambush?"
"Yes. Do not worry, I will be able to prevent him from hurting you this time."
"Well--I don't really have a choice it seems."
"You have a choice, Zelgadis. When you awaken, you can take the girl and flee. Ahriman will hunt you down, and will kill your friends to get to you. He will take you beyond my reach, and I will not be able to help you. You will spend the rest of your life at his slave until the day he gets bored with you and finally kills you."
Some choice! Zel couldn't stop the sudden tremors shaking him. He did not like that idea. "My other option?"
"Wake up and say nothing. Ahriman will not kill the girl, merely knock her out. Do not fight him. Let him think he's caught you as he desired. When he brings you to his domain, I will be waiting for him."
It sounded simple, if now terrifying. "Then what?"
"Then, you are free to return to your friends, if that is your wish. Though you might be able to help me in my quest. But I won't force you." Mo`re turned away, his eyes cast to some distant point. "You've had a terrible experience after all. And I'm sure your friends will be happy to see you. Gourry especially, since he will be worried about you."
Would he? He couldn't--could he? Zel shifted uncomfortably, not sure how to let his thoughts go with that notion. "I'd like to try and forget any of this happened."
"Of course. Like I said, you'll be free to go." The landscape shimmered briefly. "You'll be waking up soon. You'll make the right decision, I hope."
"Considering the alternative, what choice do I have, really?" There was nothing to be done. In this way Zel could spare his friends a deadly fate. "How soon will Ahriman come?"
"I'm not sure. Perhaps tonight." Mo`re began to fade, his ghosted form reaching towards the shaman. "Do not be afraid, Zelgadis. I will see you soon."

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Zelgadis sat up as the dream faded. A hand fell to his chest, though he didn't feel panicked as he usually would when he awoke.
A dream. Of course, he said it was. Mo`re. He seems okay. He's--certainly beautiful, but he called me... He must need his vision checked or something.
Zel's eyes rested on Amelia, the princess asleep in the nearby chair. Remembered what Mo`re had said, Zelgadis had to fight down the urge to wake her up and just run for it. He glanced out the window instead, the tremors from his dream coming back to him.
Ahriman. He's coming. But Mo`re said he could stop him if I play along. If I don't, they all get killed, even--No, won't think that way. Zel reached up and grabbed the pillow, holding it to his chest.
I'm still worried. No, more like scared out of my damned mind. But even if Mo`re is lying, better this than losing the only people I care about.
With a sigh, Zel sat up in bed, staring at the ceiling.
No matter what happens, so long as Gourry's safe.

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Outside, a pair of green eyes glowed in the shadows.
tbc

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1. Ra Lagora is a fictional spell and definitely not canon to the Slayers Universe.
reviewer appreciation: To Metranome. Don't worry, this story is already finished, so continuing is not a problem. It's just finding time to re-edit and maybe improve, though seems it's drowning in more purple prose than when I first wrote it.

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