"You have returned, Zelgadis."

He had made no noise on entry, no greeting, no call. Just searched for his grandfather. And now, he had found him too.

Rezo had his back to Zelgadis. A tall red wall towering over him. Zelgadis stood patiently. He could find no words. Nothing to say now that Rezo was actually there. So he just stood. Stood and waited.

"Of course you have returned." The Red Priest continued, turning to face his grandson, "We both knew that."

He had told jokes to Rezo. He had watched Rezo heal others. He had spent quality time with Rezo like all children do their grandparents. Why was he now silent? Why did he now feel scared of him?

Yet still, still he hoped it was a trick. It hand been months since those times, but he still hoped.

"How-" Zelgadis stopped to work the moisture back up. "How long am I to stay like this?"

"Forever."

It hung in the air.

Forever.

I echoed in his mind.

Forever.

It dragged on, empty and desolate.

"Why?" The unanswered question.

"Can you not see why?" Rezo's voice was above him but so far away. "You wanted strength and now I have mercifully granted your wish."

"There's nothing merciful about this." Zelgadis whispered. He daren't say it any louder. His shoulders were slumped. His feet dragged. He hung his head as if the weight were too much. Tears welled at the corners of his eyes.

Forever.

He was trapped like this forever.

Rezo laughed.

Laughter that filled the room. Laughter that did not suite a holy man. Laughter that sent a shiver down Zelgadis' spin. Cold laughter.

"Why do you look so down, Zelgadis?" Rezo mocked. The Priest waved a dramatic arm. "Oh worry not. You are only third golem. I would not do you such insult." Zelgadis looked up. Rezo's back faced him once more. "You are a chimera."

Chimera. A freak.

"Remember," Rezo continued, "We have a deal. A bond that you cannot break."

The deal.

"How long?" He already knew the answer.

"As long as you are in that body." Rezo smiled a cold smile that went no further then his lips.

Forever.