Leo nodded his head slowly, having considered what Zelgadis told him. “Often, taking short-cuts to power, can leave one with short-comings...”
“And WHAT is wrong with taking a short-cut when need-be?” Came a new male voice, one that was awfully familiar to all those present.
Celes frowned in distaste. What the hell was he doing here?
“Presenting, to his royal majesty,” the red-garbed soldier announced. “Royal Advisor, Kefka Palazzo!”
“Your majesty,” Kefka grinned and bowed...
...But then frowned deeply. “What is HE doing in my chair?” The crazed clown shouted, pointed towards Zelgadis.
“Mr. Graywords is the Emperor’s guest, Kefka,” Celes said evenly.
“A... Guest?” Kefka asked, obviously shocked. “This lab specimen is a guest!?”
“Lab specimen?” Zelgadis growled dangerously.
“Gentleman, please!” The Emperor spoke up in a raised voice that reverberated throughout the room. He looked at his royal advisor. “Kefka,” he motioned to the chair to his right. “You may sit at my right hand this evening.”
THAT caused Kefka to grin widely. “Such an esteemed honor... So giving of you, my Emperor...” Again, the mad clown bowed, more gracefully this time, before standing and taking his seat next to the Emperor.
Celes frowned at that, never understanding what the Emperor saw in Kefka.
Sitting across from Celes, Kefka took a moment to make a ‘kissy’ face, puckering his lips at the female General, before grinning widely.
The General averted her gaze, not making the attempt to hide her disgust.
Kefka frowned. The stuck-up bitch. Coughing into his hand for a moment, the advisor then turned towards his liege. “So, my dear Emperor Gestahl... To what is the topic of tonight’s discussion?”
“Pretty open actually,” Gestahl answered. “We just finished talking about Mr. Graywords... ‘Unique’ appearance.”
“Well, then may I suggest something, sire?” Leo spoke up as he looked towards his Emperor.
Giving Leo his attention, Gestahl nodded his head. “Proceed.”
“It’s about Doma, sire,” Leo said evenly. “I’m not sure we should be diving head first into war with the Northern continent just yet.”
“What the HELL are you talking about!?” Kefka snapped before Gestahl could answer. “Those lands gave RISE to the Returners, our Empire’s mortal enemies!” He stood from his seat, waving his finger at the general. “We already ARE at war with them! It’s TIME we took the battle to THEM!"
Leo turned to meet Kefka’s gaze with his own. “Are you MAD!?” He grit his teeth to hold back a comment that would have been further scathing. “Those are otherwise innocent people, and instead of issuing them the chance to surrender, Emperor Gestahl wants us to just invade!”
To Leo, it just wasn’t proper war etiquette.
“They might even be willing to negotiate,” Celes suggested, though she seriously doubted it.
When all eyes turned to him, Gestahl shook his head. “Though you are one of my strongest and wisest soldiers, a hero to our country... I am sorry, General Damascus,” the Emperor responded as he looked towards the male General. “Kefka is right here. Intelligence confirms that Doma is where the Returners originated from. To strike and take over Doma would surely be a blow to the morale of the Returners from which they might not be able to recover.”
“But to attack without a proper attempt at negotiations first...” Celes said softly.
Gestahl shook his head at Celes. “My dear, if we give them time to prepare, they may be able to launch a counter-strike... We are unsure of the true nature of the Returners, and if they have a greater force in numbers and resources than the one we send... Such a defeat would ruin the morale of the Empire!” Thee Emperor firmly explained. “If we are to ensure victory, we must strike fast and hard, without warning, and without mercy,” he smiled. “And with a new Kingdom under the command of the Empire, not only will we be able to force out enemies back, we will have a safe naval port into the Northern Continent in one fell swoop.”
“It will be as you wish it, my liege,” Celes said, resignation in her voice. She might not agree with the Emperor, but she would follow his wishes.
With what Celes said, Gestahl looked over to Leo. “And is my General up to the task?”
Nodding his head slowly, Leo answered, “It shall be as my liege decrees.”
“Actually, my Emperor,” Kefka spoke up as he was already poking at the dish served to him. “The fact that Leo would offer a suggestion is him showing reluctance. Are you SURE he’s up to the job?”
“I am always prepared to do as the Emperor commands,” Leo responded firmly as soon as Kefka said that, having taken offense by what Palazzo suggested. “I would lay my life down for the Emperor if need be.”
“Would you question a general’s loyalty to the Emperor, Kefka?” Celes asked crossly.
Kefka’s eyes slowly turned to Celes before the rest of his head followed. “I don’t know. You’ve already disobeyed the Emperor’s wishes ONCE today...” He said pointedly, grinning ear-to-ear at her.
With what the freak across the table was insinuating, Zelgadis frowned. He really wasn’t liking this Kefka character at all.
Celes contented herself with glaring at Kefka.
“Now Kefka,” Gestahl said in his General’s defense. “She may have disrespected my rule, but look at the truth she’s uncovered,” he said seriously as he motioned to Zelgadis. “She was the one to find out this man was not an esper at all, but a chimera.”
“Thank you, my Emperor,” Celes said, not knowing if she was completely forgiven for disobeying Gestahl’s orders or not.
Kefka frowned. “So? All this guy’s good for is a paper-weight anyway...” He grumbled in annoyance.
A vein bulging on his forehead, Zelgadis’ left eye twitched. Paper-weight?
Leo looked over at Gestahl with worry. “My liege,” he spoke up, his voice conveying his respect and loyalty to his Emperor. “If I may speak freely?”
Nodding his head, Gestahl said, “Proceed.”
“I admit, I am not comfortable with attacking an unaware kingdom, as it goes against my personal code of conduct, but I will do it for you.” He looked at Emperor Gestahl seriously. “But what about Narshe and South Figaro? I know you want to start to get involved with both nearly simultaneously, but you only have one other qualified General besides myself. Surely you can’t send Kefka on such a quest.”
“I BEG YOU PARDON!?” Kefka shouted.
“Silence!” Gestahl said as he raised his right hand before Kefka. “Be seated, Advisor."
His eyes narrowing at Leo, Kefka jerkily sat back down in his chair.
“You see what I mean?” Leo asked his ruler seriously. Kefka wasn’t level-headed and lost his temper far too easily, to say the least.
“I am well away of our dear Kefka’s... Eccentricities...” Emperor Gestahl said slowly. “Which is why for Narshe, I have had Kefka training someone especially for the mission.”
“I have seen this person myself, my liege,” Celes said evenly. “Would it be wise to send a puppet under Kefka's commands?”
Gestahl nodded his head. “Of course. I’ve known this girl for as long as I’ve known you, my dear General Chere. She may be a bit of a loose cannon, but Kefka has promised he has everything under control.”
“Of course I do!” Kefka spoke up. “She’s very loyal to the Emperor and the Empire. And with her SPECIAL MagiTek Ride Armor enhancing her already powerful natural magical ability...” He grinned devilishly. “In training today, she fried fifty of our armored soldiers in under three minutes.”
“That...” Celes started to say, but when she noticed the Emperor’s smile decided to trail off, not wanting to upset him. That was horrible, she thought.
“Excellent,” Gestahl said. “If she can stand up to a full regiment of thoroughly trained soldiers, she’ll fair no trouble against a few clumsy guards and their beasts of burden...” He chuckled a dark laughter. “And thus, a new Esper shall belong to the Empire.”
“For the power and the glory of the Empire!” Kefka shouted before his hands shook, rearing his head back in laughter. “WUH HUH HUH HUH HUH!”
Celes cringed at the sound. That devilish laugh was the worst of all.
Leo mimiced Celes’s sentiment. That was one thing he never could get used to.
“WUH HUH HUH HUH-”
*SPLAT*!
Everything seemed to move in slow motion, then, the plate slowly sliding down Kefka’s face, mashed potatoes slowly cascading down from his forehead as a steak just plopped off from his cheek.
Zelgadis smiled as he stood there. He knew this was going to cost him, but it was SO worth it!
Celes’ mouth dropped open at the action. That she didn't expect.
Leo’s eyes were wider than the dinner plates, but his dignity refused to let his jaw to drop. It wouldn’t have been polite.
“Yuh... Yuu... You... Yooouuuu...” Kefka pointed a shaking hand pointing at Zelgadis, obviously in shock at what had just happened.
Zelgadis managed a smile. “I shut you up is what I did.”
Celes bit her lips, trying to hold in a smirk that would inevitably lead to a burst of laughter coming from her. That just wouldn’t do in the presence of the Emperor.
It was then that the shock wore off and Kefka’s ire grew. “You freak of nature!” He spat out. “How DARE you assault a member of Emperor Gestahl’s court!? I’LL HAVE YOU IN CHAINS FOR THIS!”
The Emperor, meanwhile, was using his left hand to gently rub his eyes. “Kefka,” Gestahl spoke up softly.
Blinking his eyes, Kefka turned towards the Emperor. “Yes, Emperor?”
“Be seated,” Gestahl told him.
Blinking his eyes in surprise, Kefka started, “But, he-”
“Now!” Emperor Gestahl said firmly.
“Are you going to disobey a direct order from the Emperor?” Celes asked with a raised eyebrow.
His eyebrow twitching, Kefka grumbled and sat back down in his chair.
Lowering his hand, Gestahl looked at the Chimera. “You too, Mr. Graywords.”
Nodding his head, Zelgadis politely took his seat.
Gestahl looked over at those gathered at his dining table. “Is there any other pressing business any of you wish to discuss?”
“How about we dissect the blue piece or rock and figure out what makes him tick?” Kefka offered helpfully.
Zelgadis shot a glare at the make-up abusing nutcase.
“If I may speak freely, my liege,” Celes started.
Gestahl nodded. “Please do, General Chere.”
Celes nodded gratefully. “Mr. Zelgadis has informed me that he wishes to find a way back to his world. Perhaps the Empire could designate some resources to help in his quest, in exchange of his services for the time it takes to find it?” The general really hoped Zelgadis didn’t protest to this. She wanted to help him, but asking the Emperor for his help without anything in return would just be plain rude.
Gestahl considered this. “And what can Mr. Graywords offer the Empire?”
“I know!” Kefka spoke up. “He can offer his body to science! Than we can send the remains back home for proper burial! WUH HUH HUH HUH HUH!”
Celes glared at Kefka, who was getting on her last nerve. “Mr. Zelgadis is a magician from his own world, as well as a capable swordsman. He would be a fine addition to our lines, and Cid would be very interested in speaking to him about different sorts of magic. Isn’t that right, Cid?” The general asked with a gentle smile.
Cid, who had been quiet at his spot at the end of the table on the Emperor’s side, finally smiled. He, being of lesser ranking than all those gathered, (minus their guest) really didn’t have the opportunity to speak up unless directly spoken to. “Yes. It is with great interest that we look into the possibility of a whole new set of magical power that-”
”OBVIOUSLY doesn’t work here,” Kefka pointed out, oddly enough, right for once, (and causing hell to freeze over in the process). “I mean, wouldn’t he have defended himself if he had the ability?”
Nodding his head, the Emperor had to agree with Palazzo. “You make a strong point there, Kefka.”
“That still doesn’t mean it won’t work, my Emperor,” Celes insisted.
“Face it!” Kefka shouted. “His magic’s a dud here!” He leaned forward and grinned. “Go on, perform some of your magic! Show us what you can do, stone-face!”
“Oh, I’ll give you magic...” Zelgadis said as he stood up, pushing his chair back and to the side. Stepping back, Zelgadis was already trying to make a pathway between him and the clown.
“Zelgadis!” Celes said in mortification, standing up herself to stop him.
“Celes...” Gestahl spoke up. “Runic...” After all, he didn’t want Kefka to be hurt if it could be helped. But he did want to see what this Zelgadis was capable of.
The general didn’t even hesitate to follow her Emperor’s orders, pulling at her sword and raising it above her head. “Runic!” She cried out as she concentrated on her pride and joy, a technique only she could perform.
Zelgadis didn’t care. He was positive he could do this, especially since there wasn’t any strain to try and do this quickly. Cupping his hands together, he tried to gather magical energy.
“You, who floats in eternity and infinity; Origin of all hearts,” Zelgadis started chanting. Gather to my hands and be a flash of light; Get rid of the deep darkness.” He then thrust his hands forward. “BRAM BLAZER!”
Zelgadis’ hands glowed brightly for a moment, sparking slightly...
...Before the power just fizzled out completely.
“I KNEW IT!” Kefka shouted as he stood up, pointing his finger at the chimera, mocking him. “You ARE a magical dud! WUH HUH HUH HUH HUUUUH!”
Celes glared at the laughing clown, really contemplating over if she should freeze him or not.
Zelgadis frowned. Damn it! It was like before! He could feel the power behind the spell, but it just wasn’t channeling!
“Hey, Emperor,” Kefka said as he turned towards his ruler. “Maybe we shouldn’t dissect him. It might be a waste of time and resources! WUH HUH HUH HUH HUUUUH!”
Zelgadis’ eyes narrowed. Oh that was it. He’d put up with a lot of crap from this clown and he couldn’t take it anymore! He’d been blasted, had soldiers attempt to stab him, sedated, fried, abused, and he was on his last nerve.
It was then that blue light started to shimmer around Zelgadis.
“Will you...”
The glowing became brighter. Emperor Gestahl leaned forward in his seat, intrigued by what kind fo magic was being cast.
“...just...”
The glowing light took on an almost triangular formation.
“...shut...”
The triangle of energy began spinning around Zelgadis. Celes’ eyes were fixed on the Chimera as she prepared to absorb the magic he was about to cast.
“UP!!!”
Zelgadis thrust his hand outward and the triangle flashed orange for a moment before dissipating. There was an energy build up around Zelgadis’ hand, three white triangles of energy spinning around his extended hand; a formation that was familiar to everyone present.
It was the magical impulse of a MagiTek Armor’s cannon about to fire.
The blonde general’s eyes widened and she dropped her sword. “Get down!” She cried as she tackled the Emperor to the floor, covering him with her body.
“Down NOW!” Leo shouted. With Celes covering the Emperor, he practically leapt over the table, knocking Cid over.
“Oh, son of a submarin-”
That was all Kefka got out before he was hit dead on by a blast of concentrated magical output that just shot off like a rocket, the after-shock from the blast blowing loose anything that wasn’t nailed down; the force rocking the building and causing the windows near the top of the ceiling to shatter and rain down glass.
Celes grit her teeth as she covered the body of the Emperor with her own, the heat from the spell burning at her backside.
Finally, it was over... The output of magical discharge from the chimera ended, Zelgadis stood there shaking, unbelieving of what he had just done. He’d NEVER wielded such magical power before! He’d almost lost complete control with that spell.
Once the spell was over Celes started to get up, turning over her shoulder to look at the chimera in surprise.
Zelgadis blinked his eyes in surprise as he saw that the woman’s cape was non-existent, only the smallest scrap of white hanging from either smoldering shoulder-guard. “Are you all right?”
Celes was about to answer that her entire back hurt like hell, but more pressing matters were at hand. She turned down to regard her Emperor. “Are you alright, my liege?”
Slowly, Gestahl got to his feet, his outfit a tad filthy but the man appeared no worse for wear. Slowly, he turned to Celes. “Your sword.”
The general blinked her eyes. “My liege?”
He held out his hand. “Give. Me. Your. Sword.”
“At once!” She said as she reached for where she dropped her weapon and handed it to the man, offering the hilt.
Taking the sword, Gestahl nodded his head. “Thank you.” He then started to step towards Zelgadis. “You...” He said slowly as he raised the point of the sword at Zelgadis.
Zelgadis winced. He doubted that thing could hurt him, but it was obvious any chance he had of getting help from the Empire had blown up in his face worse than inviting Lina to an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet.
“You!” Gestahl spoke up in a commanding voice. “Kneel!”
“My liege,” Leo spoke up, working himself from the rubble, some blood dripping down his arm. “You mustn’t be brash. Kefka started all-”
“KNEEL!” Gestahl shouted again, staring Zelgadis in the eyes.
Zelgadis sighed, but did as told, dropping to one knee, like had been a lot lately.
“Zelgadis Graywords,” Gestahl spoke his name with a somber tone. “From henceforth, you are no longer.” The Emperor then brought the length of the sword’s flat side down on the blue man’s right shoulder. “I knight thee, SIR Graywords!” He then raised the sword and placed the flat on Zelgadis’ other shoulder. “Captain First Class of the Gestahl Empire!” He then raised the sword, holding it so it was pointed towards the sky. “And such is as I say!” Gestahl shouted, as if daring anyone to say otherwise.
Needless to say, it was a shock for all still conscious.
Celes blinked her eyes in shock, still sitting on the floor and looking at the Emperor and the new Captain.
Leo stared wide-eyed. This blue person had nearly blown them all sky-high and was being knighted? The rank of CAPTAIN?
Kefka WOULD have had a shot-hemorrhage over this... If he weren’t unconscious and thoroughly fried.
(------)
Zelgadis looked up at the woman sitting across the camp-fire from him. “I’m still sorry for nearly killing you back there. I didn’t realize I was going to unleash THAT...”
Celes waved the apology off. “Worry not, Zelgadis. It was nothing a couple of Cure spells couldn’t heal. And you did fry Kefka, so that makes it all right.”
Zelgadis managed a small smile at that. “Thank you. But if not that, than I’m just sorry that they healed Kefka quickly enough.”
“It was bound to happen,” Celes said and sighed. “The Emperor favors him for some reason.”
“So it would seem,” Zelgadis agreed. “At least this gave me a chance to get in popular with the troops, AND some time out of the city... Even if it was only to try and learn some new spells.”
It took a bit of searching, but Cid had found some old texts that described what it was that Zelgadis could do. There were the traditional classes of Magi, White and Black Magic, and the Red Mages that used both classes of Magic. But it turned out there was such a thing as ‘Blue Magic’; Lore that could be learned from the beasts of the world, and made for use by a human Mage. Apparently, his body made him a prime candidate to be a Blue Mage.
It seemed that battle for his life in first landing in Vector left Zelgadis with a nice starting repoirté. MagiTek Laser, which allowed him to shoot a highly concentrated beam of magic, Sonic Boom, which allowed him to create a speedy blast of wind, which not only damaged, but could confuse his target, and Exploder... Which Zelgadis found highly useless, since it meant he’d blow himself up.
Still, over the past two days, he’d managed to expand his collection of spells. From the Pterodans that liked to swoop in, he learned Aero, a powerful wind-based attack, and Fire Ball, a weaker fire-spell, but with the fact it was EIGHT fireballs at once made up for the fact that each one was rather weak. In the desert, he and Celes had been attacked by Zombones, and thanks to them learned Sandstorm, a powerful wind and earth spell which not only hurt all enemies, but could sometimes blind them. And thanks to those weird guys with the Umbrellas, Zelgadis learned a useful holy healing spell, Pearl Wind. It was better if he cast it to heal someone else rather than himself though. The amount of healing he was able to cast each time he used the spell was equal to how well his own physical state was.
While not as an impressive array of spells as he had back home, it was certainly better than nothing. And more than Zelgadis would’ve expected to have learned in such a small area as a Blue Mage.
“It will get better with time, Zelgadis,” Celes said with a smile.
Looking at the General, Zelgadis nodded his head. “I hope so.” He really didn’t feel like getting caught up in this stupid war.
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(Posted Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:43)
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