Chapter 79: 78. Zs'Skayr
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- A ghost? - Hope asked looking at me strangely.
- Right. To be more precise, with Ectonurite. As I told you, my watch contains DNA samples from a large number of aliens. If I'm not mistaken, a little over a million. And one of these samples belongs to a member of the Ectonurite race, from the planet Anur Faetos, named Zs'Skayr. - I began to tell the essence of the story.
- And you have any problems with this alien? - Hope guessed.
- Right. You see, I did not just say the word 'ghost'. The ectonurite is the classic image of a ghost, with all the appropriate abilities and powers.
- That is, invisibility, intangibility and body possession? - Hope guessed correctly.
- Exactly. As you can imagine, this alien is incredibly useful and I use it often. In fact, he is one of my favourites. But, the problem is that Ectonurites have one unpleasant feature. In some unknown way, the consciousness of representatives of this race is able to exist even in one strand of DNA. - I said.
- You mean that this Zs'Skayr's consciousness is in your watch right now? - Hope asked in shock.
- Yes. And like a real ghost, he's trying to take over my body. - I said seriously.
- But how did it happen? And why doesn't he just leave or ask you for help? - The girl asked looking at me with concern.
- As if that bastard is going to let the Omnitrix out of his nasty paws. It wasn't by chance that Zs'Skayr ended up in the watch. Long ago, he accidentally learned about the Omnitrix from the files of one of Vilgax's drones, which crash-landed on his planet where he was Ecto-Lord High. And as you know, Zs'Skayr decided to get such a powerful weapon that would help him realize his ambitions. And I must say, his plans were far from good. As a result, Zs'Skayr went in search of the watch, on this very probe, and went through the entire galaxy, moving into different creatures in order to get information, until he accidentally ran into the watchmaker's assistant.
During this time, she was on the planet Flors Verdance and was scanning the local races to add them to the Omnitrix's database. As a result, Zs'Skayr moved into exactly the alien that the assistant was scanning at that time, thereby adding his DNA to the Omnitrix. Discarding his old body, he transferred his consciousness into the strand of DNA that ended up in the database. Although, it cost him a lot of effort, and in the end, Zs'Skayr fell into hibernation, until ... - I said.
- Until you find the watch. - Hope continued for me.
- Absolutely right. And when I first used the form of Ectonurite, it woke up and started working. At least he tried. I have mental protection, especially for such a case, but every day Zs'Skayr is gaining strength and becoming stronger. Sooner or later, he will break through the protection and take over my body, and with it the Omnitrix. - I said gloomily, though embellishing the situation a bit. I'm not sure if Zs'Skayr's has the strength to do it, with all my features. But, letting everything go by itself is not good either, so it's best to deal with it in advance.
- But… This is terrible, we need to urgently do something about it… - Hope said fearfully, starting to panic.
- Calm down, calm down. No need to be nervous. I already have a plan to get rid of this parasite. And just in this, I need your help. - I grabbed her by the shoulders and tried to calm her down.
- What? - Hope asked, looking at me in confusion.
- There was a spell in the The Archamada Book of Spells that should help me get rid of the ghost inside the clock. - I said, taking out a sheet with the spell «Botigs Zaborito Carpis Nebegear Gais Liphan Intruders Utien» from the inventory.
Looking at the paper carefully, Hope asked thoughtfully: - Is this an exorcism?
- Yes, this should banish Zs'Skayr. Although, first I'll have to let him take over my body. That's exactly why I need you. I won't be able to drive out Zs'Skayr myself when he controls my body. Besides, it will be necessary to restrain him somehow so that he does not escape. So what do you think? - I asked, finally getting to the point.
- From what I can see, this is a very powerful exorcism, and from what you say, it is indeed capable of exorcising an Ectonurite from you, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea. - Hope said thoughtfully.
- What do you mean? - I asked curiously.
- Zs'Skayr will indeed be expelled from your body. He might even die, but that doesn't mean his DNA will be removed from your watch. It is possible that he will again be able to transfer his consciousness into his DNA in the watch and will return again, although not immediately. - Hope said.
- And you're right. Somehow I didn't think about that. Do you have suggestions? - I admitted my mistake.
- Actually, yes. I remember reading once about a spell that could help in this situation… - Hope said fervently, after which she began to walk around the vault, apparently in search of the right book.
After spending almost ten minutes going through all the shelves, Hope finally exclaimed: - Yeah, there she is.
And then she took from the bottom shelf a huge tome covered in dust, which was written in a language unknown to me.
- What language is this? - I asked curiously, looking at the unfamiliar script while helping Hope open the book.
- Mother tongue of Legerdomain. If you want, I can teach you later. - Hope said, turning over huge pages made of leather. Well, at least not human. True, I'm not sure.
- I would be very grateful. - I said with a smile. It's always nice to learn something new, especially if it's the language of the magical dimension.
- Here, I found it. - Hope said as she reached the middle of the book.
- What is this book anyway? - I asked anyway.
- A collection of ancient rituals and spells written by a mad wizard who lived several hundred years ago. Although, frankly speaking, all the spells here are not very useful. You will be lucky if at least once in your life there will be a situation when this book will come in handy. - Hope said, carefully rereading what was written in the book.
- Maybe you shouldn't use this book then? - I asked warily, fearing what that psycho might have written here.
- Don't worry, although the author was mad, he was a master of his craft. It's just that spells and rituals from here are really rarely useful. But if they come in handy, then you can be sure of a 100% result.
- It's clear. If you say so, then so be it. So what is this spell that can help us? - I asked.
- It's a ritual, after all. The ritual of submission. It just needs to be used on spirits, ghosts and so on. I think it will work on your Ectonurite too. - Hope said with an excited smile.
- Yes? And how does it work? - I asked curiously.
- First, need to create a strong shackle, on which will need to engrave a rune array that will subdue the ghost. Then trap this very ghost and, with the help of a spell and a ritual circle, put shackles on him. As a result, the ghost will be attached to the magician and will be in his complete submission. - Hope read aloud.
- This is a really good option. That way, I won't have to worry about Zs'Skayr breaking free, and most importantly, I'll still have access to Ectonurite transformation. - With enthusiasm, I said.
- Exactly. True, the ritual will have to be reworked a bit so that it does not subjugate, but rather seal the consciousness of Zs'Skayr. So, he will forever remain in the watch and will not pose a threat. And like you said, you can use his powers. - Hope said with a bright smile.
- Well done. - with the same smile, I said, after which I kissed the girl on the cheek.
- Thank you. - Hope said shyly, happily accepting my kiss.
- So, what do we need to perform the ritual? - I asked, hugging the girl.
- I will be able to rework the ritual without any problems, there is nothing difficult in this, since it was originally allowed. It will only take a couple of hours. But with the shackles the problem. Ideally, they must be created from a durable material with good energy conductivity and capable of storing this same energy. I'm not sure if uncle has such material in his bins. - Hope said as she looked through Hex's chests.
- In fact, I have excellent material. - I said, and then turned into Petrosapien.
Creating shackles with Taydenite chains was no problem for me. Although, it took some time, as I tried to make them as strong and dense as possible. When I finished, I handed the shackles to Hope, and then I became human again.
- Ideally. - Hope said, inspecting the shackles, although she could hold them, as they weighed decently.
- What now?
- Here, it is necessary to draw these runes on the shackles themselves, while constantly supplying Mana. - Hope said, pointing her finger at the page with this very set of 108 runes.
- Okay, should I do it myself? - I asked, picking up the shackles.
- Yes, since you are the one sealing Zs'Skayr, it is necessary to use your energy. And while I redacted the ritual. - Hope said, after which she picked up a piece of paper with a pen and began to draw something on it.
Once again looking at the array of runes, I memorized it, after which I got to work. Although, at first I had to turn into a Diamondhead again and create a knife to cut out these same runes, otherwise I overdid something with the strength of the crystal.
The whole job took me two and a half hours. Fortunately, I have a steady hand and did not have to remake anything.
- I finished. - I said, putting aside my Taydenite knife.
- Okay, I did too. We go to the basement, there is just a room for rituals. - Hope said and picked up some sheets of paper and a box from Hex's desk.
- And how do we restrict Zs'Skayr? I don't think he'll just stand by and wait for you to subdue him. - I asked, jingling shackles, which after my work had changed from turquoise to dark blue, the color of my magic.
- Almost forgot. It's good that you reminded me. - Hope said, after which she opened one of the chests and took out an ordinary-looking white brick.
- Brick?
- From the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Holy place. This should deter any dark creatures, including your ghost. - Hope said with a smile as she led me into the castle dungeon.
The interior of the cellar was no different from the rest of the castle, so I did not see anything new. Leading me into a large round room, Hope took out several of her stone creatures from her magical purse, which immediately increased in size and received something similar to ordinary crayons in their hands, began to draw a ritual circle following the commands of their mistress.
- Conveniently. - I said, looking at how the golems were working.
- Not that word. I love calling these babies. My mother taught me this. - Hope said with a smile.
In ten minutes the circle was ready, after which it was the turn of the brick. Having received the sacred relic in his hands, one of the golems crushed it into powder, after which he poured a small circle into which I stood, following the instructions of the Charmcaster.
- That's it, you can start. Once Zs'Skayr has full control, I will activate the ritual and shackle him. - Hope said, looking at me seriously.
- Fine, but be prepared, it's going to be an disgusting sight. - I said as I activated the Omnitrix.
***
(3rd POV)
Raising his hand with the Omnitrix to his chest, Lex opened the dial, turning it several times, reached the Ghostfreak. Taking a deep breath, Lex slapped the dial and at the same time opened all of his mental shields, allowing Zs'Skayr to take over.
After the usual second transformation, in place of Lex was the Ghostfreak, who looked the same as usual, but what was different was his behavior.
- Ha… ha… HAHAHAHAHAHAHA… Finally… Finally, I got the upper hand. I broke through his defenses... And now the Omnitrix is MINE!!! - Zs'Skayr laughed like a madman before he began to transform into his true form.
First, the symbol of the Omnitrix disappeared from his chest. Then, sharp claws burst out of his hands, tearing his hide in the process. A dozen striped tentacles followed from its chest, and another, much longer and repulsive tail appeared from its ghostly tail. And then, using his claws, Zs'Skayr's tore the entire skin off his face, revealing his ugly, upside-down head.
Finally shedding all of his fake skin, which previously served as protection from the sun, Ectonurite returned to his true form, while continuing to laugh.
- Hmm… Lex was right, it was a disgusting sight. Also your voice, brrr… - the voice of Hope, who had been standing nearby all this time, was heard.
- What?.. Who are you? It doesn't matter though, I just needed a host… - Zs'Skayr'sker hissed as he looked at Hope as he approached the girl menacingly.
But before he could reach Hope, he was stopped by a barrier of golden light, which caused Ectonurite great pain.
- WHAAA… IT HURTS… What is this? - Zs'Skayr yelled, flying away from the barrier, accidentally hitting the other side of the barrier with his back.
- You don't need to know that, freak. Goodbye. %&#&$*^&$$^& - Hope shouted and activated the ritual in Legerdomain's language.
The ritual circle that had been drawn earlier shone with pink light and ribbons appeared that began to bind Zs'Skayr and restrain him.
- What are you doing? Stop it… Don't… Please… - Ectonurite shouted in fear, finally turning to a plea.
But, Hope ignored him and only threw shackles at him, which in flight opened up on their own and clung to Zs'Skayr, shackling his neck, waist, arms and tail. At the same time, the ghost let out an even more deafening scream, after which a new transformation began.
A new skin appeared again, though not gray, but bluish in color, covering all the ugliness of Zs'Skayr. Long, sharp claws remained, as did an elongated tail, but the skin covered all this. Finally, the symbol of the Omnitrix appeared, emitting a bright light that momentarily blinded Hope.
After the flash faded, the Ghostfreak's new look could finally be seen. What stood out the most were the shackles that serve as Zs'Skayr's restraint, and the slightly more angular figure.
- Lex? - Hope breathed, looking at the new Ghostfreak.
Lifting his single eye to Hope, the Ghostfreak paused for a moment, then said in his eerie voice: - It's me. Everything worked.
Lex reversed his transformation and became human again, catching Hope as she threw herself into his arms.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone