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Detour	By : RoseThorne Category: +S to Z > Slayers Views: 3318 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Slayers, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Detour
by Rose Thorne
Disclaimer: Slayers is owned by a bunch of folks who aren’t me. I’m borrowing them for my perverse pleasure, much as Xellos borrows emotions for his.
Chapter Thirty Two
Zel had vetoed the idea of sleep, too wound up regardless of his exhaustion for it to really be an option. Though after trying to puzzle through the strangeness of what Xellos was attempting to teach him, a mind-numbing explanation that, to his mind, made very little sense, that could change very quickly.
Regardless of the incomprehensibility, Zelgadis tried to understand, but he wondered if it was a losing battle. He knew the Astral and physical planes were connected, in that all humans had small Astral ‘bodies’ of sorts, potentially enabling use of magic depending on whether they had enough capacity to power spells. His own capacity had been miniscule, until Rezzo’s spell. He knew how to draw power from the Astral plane using shamanistic spells, and was fairly well-versed in Astral shamanistic spells, which could impact the Astral plane.
But Zelgadis had no real understanding of how the Astral and physical planes were connected, or how he might manipulate that connection to somehow draw Astral energy into the physical plane directly. He just couldn’t wrap his mind around the theory involved in drawing Astral energy directly and shaping it with intent. How could he manage something like that?
It didn’t help that this came as naturally to Xellos as breathing came to him, which likely meant he’d never had to attempt to explain it before—and wouldn’t have had reason to, anyway. Zel wasn’t quite sure he had reason now, but he had decided against questioning the Mazoku’s motivations. That went into territory he wasn’t sure he was ready to explore, and he would likely get a vague explanation anyway.
‘My motivations are my own…’
Regardless of his motivations, it was fairly clear Xellos was trying to help him, had for some reason been trying to ever since he’d found him in that tank. He’d gone so far as to disobey his master and nearly kill himself helping Zel survive. Despite what had happened in Seyruun, which there was at least a bit of an explanation for… He was, at the moment, an ally.
‘I would rather you live…’
Zel struggled to force his attention back on the issue at hand as Xellos went off on what seemed to be a tangent on the way the Astral and physical planes’ relationships differed from the way Darkstar’s plane connected to their world, seeming to lump the Astral and physical planes together as one. He finally decided to interrupt, far too lost to even start thinking about that concept.
“Xellos, what I don’t understand is how the Astral and physical planes are connected.”
That got him an exasperated look. “I am trying to explain that, Zelgadis-san.”
“By bringing up Darkstar?”
“Well, yes.”
Zelgadis pinched the bridge of his nose, still trying to sort through what currently seemed to be random bits of information. “What does that have to do with the connection between the Astral and physical planes?”
“Everything! They’re completely different!”
Xellos didn’t seem to realize the contradiction between those two sentences, and Zel wasn’t sure how to even begin to explain how confusing he was being. For all he knew, it could make total sense to a Mazoku.
“Xellos, how can I understand the difference if I don’t understand either one?” he finally asked.
The Mazoku frowned, then opened his mouth before closing it again without saying anything. As much as Zelgadis was interested in learning how to access magic in the way Xellos seemed to think he was capable, quiet was actually an improvement.
Finally Xellos sighed. “It really isn’t easy to explain this in human terms, you know.”
“I doubt anyone has ever attempted to explain it before,” Zel commented absently.
He regretted speaking at all when Xellos smiled. “Well, like Lina, perhaps you would do better with a more practical application.”
With that, there was abruptly something looming over him—not physically, but spiritually. His first reaction was to try to pull away from it, which set his chair off-balance since he wasn’t quite certain how to do that without moving physically. Something massive, chaotic, dark… and familiar.
It clicked; he had felt this presence before, twice recently, when Xellos had saved his life, preventing his soul from shattering and then helping to heal it. Truthfully, Zelgadis doubted he’d remember from just those experiences, given how badly off he’d been. But Xellos had also checked the damage when he’d been more aware, and he did remember that.
“Is that you?”
Oddly enough the realization made Zel feel less threatened, though he didn’t care to examine why.
“Your senses on the Astral plane could use sharpening, Zelgadis-san. I’ve been here all along.” Xellos’ smile was almost predatory. “Here I actually had to apply pressure. It seems I needn’t have been so careful to hide myself in the beginning after all.”
Zelgadis huffed at him, irritated. “I can sense on the Astral plane, but it requires more concentration than is sensible in a battle.”
“Only because you never attempted to hone your abilities outside of battle.” The Mazoku shrugged. “But that isn’t the point I was trying to make. You can sense more than most, which was why I initially went to lengths to hide myself on the Astral plane. You have the latent ability, though you’ve apparently never learned to use it.”
Which was apparently where Xellos came in. The shaman tried relaxing, tried transferring his awareness to the Astral plane, but was distracted when Xellos continued to talk.
“Really, you’re no stranger to the idea. After all, spells like Ra Tilt are cast on both planes.”
He had just started to ‘see’ the outline of the massive maelstrom that was Xellos, but he lost focus. “Not without the incantation.”
“A human limitation,” Xellos commented flippantly.
Zelgadis bristled, but said nothing. The reminder that he would never be so limited again wasn’t exactly welcome, especially not given everything he’d been through because of his changed nature.
“You exist for the most part on the physical plane. But what humans refer to as a soul is, in essence, an Astral body all living creatures have on the Astral plane, as odd as that might sound. Given your humanity, it is likely you would draw power differently than I would.”
His tone was almost apologetic, which didn’t exactly help Zel’s temperament. Really, it wasn’t the reminder that bothered him, so much as the reality. His ‘latent ability,’ as the Mazoku called it, was just another representation of the humanity he had lost, and that blackened his mood. Being a chimera had put him into this danger.
But perhaps it could also help him survive it, which was the whole point of this exercise. Zel forced himself to shake off the gloom. The idea of the Astral body being the same as a soul was intriguing, but he wasn’t sure it was useful.
“It’s not quite the opposite for me. I exist entirely on the Astral plane, and this,” Xellos indicated his body, “is a projection. I suppose you could say drawing energy to the physical plane is something I have had more practice with.”
A thought passed through Zelgadis’ mind, almost an understanding, but before he could grasp it, it was gone. It was like trying to put together a puzzle without an image to line up and make sense of.
“Projection? Like with light?”
“Hm?” Xellos tilted his head in a thoughtful manner. “I suppose that would be a good analogy. There are similarities.”
It wasn’t much, but at least now Zel had a frame of reference, though figuring out the rest of the analogy was likely to give him a headache. But perhaps if he was able to see what Xellos was talking about?
“Can you demonstrate?”
“Manifesting power here?”
The Mazoku looked alarmingly like he was considering it and Zel quickly clarified.
“No, no!” He didn’t want to be responsible for any damages Xellos might cause—which could be the whole inn, with his power. And it would bring Lina running, no matter how benign the priest managed to be with his power. “I meant the projection.”
Xellos looked amused. “Ah, you wish to watch me manifest this projection of my power from the Astral plane. I assume watching from the Astral plane to see how my true body translates to this one?”
For some reason the wording irritated Zelgadis, almost implying he would be some sort of peeping tom. “You said you draw energy from the Astral plane to project yourself on the physical plane. So that body isn’t a body.”
“Oh, it’s certainly a body. As much as I wish it to be, anyway.”
Zel’s irritation flared, uncertain whether the Mazoku’s smile had turned into a leer or if that was his imagination, but he quashed it as he realized that was probably what the jerk was going for. “Whatever. Just demonstrate it.”
“My, so impatient.”
It came from an empty room, the Mazoku having phased out in a shimmer of purple energy.
The shaman worked to relax, focusing his awareness on the Astral plane—not easy while still fuming—and after a bit of concentration he could sense the maelstrom that was Xellos. After the glimpse earlier, he had thought he knew what to expect, but the shimmering chaos was almost mesmerizing, massive and intimidating.
He felt lost for a moment, hypnotized by the pulsating mass, but a sliver of energy thrust from that maelstrom and he turned his focus on it. He watched it draw on the power of its surroundings until that sliver of energy seemed to form a sort of convex meniscus, as though on the surface of water pulling out. The energy amplified itself and pulled through its surroundings, onto what Zel could only assume was the physical plane.
The light analogy only went so far, since the properties seemed more liquid-like. Any analogy he might come up with would likely be incomplete at best. He tried to look more closely at the way the energy was being manipulated, but was pulled into the physical plane when he nearly fell off the bed as a result, his physical body having moved with his Astral senses.
Xellos was watching him, eyebrow raised in question, when he was able to steady himself, and Zel knew the unasked question: Did he need another demonstration? Since he didn’t fully understand exactly how the Astral energy was pushed (pulled?) through to the physical plane, he nodded.
When he pulled his attention back to the Astral plane, the shaman was distracted again by Xellos’ Astral body, which had shifted closer—to allow him to sense better? he wondered. He wasn’t quite sure why he found it so… enticing. Terrifying and strangely alluring in its alien nature.
That line of thinking was more than a little discomfiting, and he was relieved when he could focus on that tendril of energy pushing forth and starting the transfer to the physical plane.
Zelgadis kept his senses on the energy as it drew off the Astral form, the sliver pushing out, and then did fall off the bed in the physical plane when he realized how the transfer between planes was occurring.
He didn’t try to get up immediately, his mind digesting what he had just seen, starting to comprehend it. Xellos’ mention of Darkstar abruptly made sense; the barrier between the Astral and physical planes on their world was porous. The barrier between their world and the world of Darkstar was not meant to be.
All that was necessary to bring the energy to the physical plane was manipulating Astral energy, and then finding and pushing through the stomata that connected the two planes. They were almost anatomically connected, in a bizarre fashion, the transfer requiring a manipulation of the selective permeability of the barrier between them to allow the diffusion of the energy into the physical plane.
And, if Zelgadis was right, that Astral energy could be used to form any sort of magic—black, white, or shamanic. The potential applications were tremendous, opening many potential doors for research—absolutely fascinating.
“Did you figure it out, Zelgadis-san?”
Movement caught his attention and he realized that Xellos had squatted in front of him, looking rather amused. It pulled him back to the present, and back to the situation that would make any real research impossible at the moment. He’d have to find the practical uses and research in more depth later.
Assuming, he couldn’t help thinking darkly, there was a later, that he survived.
“I think so,” he finally said. “The barrier seems to be a bit like skin—human skin, anyway.” Not that he had that anymore. “Permeable. If I can figure out how to find the ‘pores,’ I should be able to draw energy. Then it’s a matter of controlling it.”
The Mazoku tilted his head, the amused expression fading. “You seemed so pleased a moment ago, and yet now… It’s quite hard to keep track of your emotions, you know.”
“Then quit trying,” Zel snapped, then sighed, waving a hand apologetically. Xellos wasn’t the cause of this, and, being Mazoku, he could hardly help noticing his emotions. “I just wish I had more time to study it. But there’s not.”
Xellos’ expression was unreadable by this point, but he held out a hand. Zel took it, accepting help to his feet.
“You have perhaps a day before the storm ends and we can continue on to Atlass. Like Lina-san and Ragna Blade, you may have to master this on the way.” He shrugged. “Hopefully, once we’ve finished there, you’ll have plenty of time.”
Zel shook his head. “They’re luring us there, so I don’t trust in that. It’s likely a trap, and not their real base of operations. Hopefully Lina took care of the trap part with that spell, but I doubt we’re close to finishing this.”
A silence stretched for a moment, punctuated by the rattling of the window in the storm. Then to the shaman’s surprise, Xellos smiled.
“That will give you more time to master Astral magic, at least.” His tone was almost cheerfully flippant. “And if you at least get started now, the more mastery you’ll have—and the more you’ll be able to use it against them.”
As much as Xellos’ glib attitude grated on him—this entire situation was hardly something to take lightly—Zel had to admit he was right; he had at least a little time to work on learning how to manipulate Astral energy, which was much better than none.
And at least for the moment, they were isolated and he could concentrate on the initial difficulty of penetrating the barrier between the planes.
--
Lina was only on her fifth dessert when she felt it, a tendril of Astral magic that didn’t belong. She wouldn’t have noticed it at all, but her senses were still attuned to it after reworking that spell—and after explaining the situation to Amelia they’d talked about the need for vigilance in case it happened again.
Amelia stood at the same time she did, clearly recognizing it as well. And where—it was coming from Zel’s room. Perhaps worse, she didn’t sense Xellos’ power, and he was supposed to be protecting the chimera.
Gourry looked between them, confused. “Lina—?”
But she was already moving to the stairs, Amelia right behind her. As she ran, Lina started the incantation to a variation of Bogyo Kekkai that would allow her to cast a barrier of protection around Zel. She could hear Amelia starting Flow Break, which hopefully they wouldn’t need—but if they did…
Where the hell was Xellos?
She kicked open the door in time to catch a glimpse of Zel manipulating a tendril of Astral energy before his concentration shattered and the magic snapped, buffeting him in a bit of backlash. He fell to the floor, dazed and wincing.
Xellos frowned at her. “Lina-san, really!”
He actually seemed to be scolding her.
Lina gaped at him, not sure what to say, not quite sure what the hell she’d just interrupted. She let the spell she’d been casting fizzle out harmlessly.
Amelia rushed past her to Zelgadis and that snapped her back to reality. There was a singe mark across his forehead, the only physical evidence of what had happened. Magical backlash wasn’t fun; she could attest to that. But that hadn’t been a spell Zel had been manipulating, but the stuff of spells. Pure Astral energy, which meant Xellos was involved somehow.
Since he didn’t seem to be in any condition to talk for now, she turned her attention to Xellos, concentrating on doing her best impression of a looming avatar of death.
“Explain, Xellos. Now.”
Lina used her most menacing voice and was slightly mollified when Xellos let out an uneasy little titter, holding his hands up as though in surrender.
“Well, Lina-san, it’s a bit complicated!”
The Mazoku glanced in Zel’s direction, as though expecting his help, but Amelia was casting Recovery on him, and he didn’t seem to be in any condition to hold a conversation if his difficulty focusing his eyes was any indication. Lina refocused on Xellos and stalked closer, forcing his attention back on her. He only seemed to drag it back reluctantly, and she recognized he was likely concerned for Zel, but she didn’t let that distract her.
“Uncomplicate it, then.”
Xellos sighed.
“Saa… I was considering how Zelgadis-san might be able to shield himself from that spell, and I realized he might be able to manipulate Astral energy directly—”
“Wait, directly?” Lina considered what he might mean by ‘directly,’ and realization hit her like a Fireball. “You mean without spells and components? That’s dangerous, not to mention impossible!”
“I felt it was unlikely Zelgadis-san would have those limitations.”
He meant human limitations, she knew, and he had chosen his words carefully out of deference to Zel. She couldn’t help but appreciate that consideration, and hoped Zel did, too. She couldn’t help feeling jealous—having direct access to magical energy without needing spell components and incantations seemed like a dream to her.
But it wasn’t for Zel. He hated being a chimera, and given recent events she couldn’t really blame him. So Lina kept her mouth shut on that. But she did need to have a talk with Xellos about putting Zel in more danger through unsafe experimentation—though not necessarily in front of Zel.
“‘Might be’?” The chimera had brushed off Amelia’s Recovery, healed at least enough to focus in on their conversation, and he didn’t sound pleased. “You were guessing?”
Lina couldn’t hold in a sigh. Maybe she’d been hoping for too much on Zel noticing Xellos’ consideration.
“No, Zelgadis-san, not guessing so much as… I felt it was within your capacity.” The Mazoku looked distinctly uncomfortable. “At least, as a result of having had contact with your Astral body… But I did not have concrete evidence to prove it, until now.”
It was odd to see Xellos, for lack of a better word, babbling. Him attempting to explain himself at all was weird enough, but he seemed to be trying to prevent Zel from getting pissed off at him—which Lina wasn’t sure he’d be able to manage.
Zel just stared at Xellos for a moment, though, then nodded as though accepting his answer. The nod was followed quickly by a wince, and Lina frowned in concern.
“So basically a magical hypothesis,” the shaman managed after a moment.
“Precisely.” Xellos seemed relieved.
“One worth looking into, regardless of the potential danger,” the chimera added pointedly.
Lina scowled at him, well aware that was meant for her. “Only if you’re careful, and you guys weren’t. That would’ve left a hole in your head if it wasn’t rock.”
“I was doing fine until you kicked in the door,” Zel muttered.
She drew herself up to her full height, doing her best to loom. “Yeah, well I thought it was those sorcerers again! I thought you were in trouble!”
“She didn’t even finish dessert,” Gourry added. “That’s how you know she was worried.”
Lina was about to clobber him—she didn’t want to hit Zel, and Gourry made an easy target—but Amelia backed him up.
“Lina-san thinks if we can keep our senses out for it and see it coming, we should be able to help shield you from it, Zelgadis-san.”
“I didn’t realize,” he murmured, and the look on his face startled her out of her anger. She couldn’t even put a name on his expression, like he felt less vulnerable now, grateful for the help, and maybe a little surprised. That last bit irritated her a bit.
“Well, yeah, you jerk.” Lina crossed her arms, doing her best to sound brusque, backing off a bit. “We’re in this together. You’re not gonna deal with this alone.”
“We’re not letting them take you back, Zel,” Gourry added, stepping forward to help the chimera to his feet.
Zel winced again as the blond helped him up, and didn’t seem able to coordinate his movement as he should have.
Lina had, early on, suffered minor magical backlash with failed spells. Not anything recently, of course—like that would happen!—but she knew how much it hurt. And she was sure pure magical energy backlash was even worse. At least they were stuck in the snowstorm and he’d have time to rest.
Amelia pumped a fist in the air. “We’ll teach them the meaning of Justice!”
“I don’t think they’ll have the opportunity to learn that before we destroy them, Amelia-san,” Xellos murmured. “But there certainly will be justice.”
Lina really doubted they had the same definition of justice—though in this case they just might. Xellos’ was probably a bit bloodier and more horrifying.
After the Mazoku’s reaction to Amelia’s earlier comment, though, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself.
Uh, hi.
It's been a rough couple of years. Sad part? I've had most of this chapter written for ages. And now it's out. Hopefully more will come sooner than in another few years.
Hope folks enjoy the magical theory in this chapter.
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Detour