Standard disclaimers apply u.u that means that I don't own Zel or any of the other slayers

A Twist of Fate By Echoe Shayne ^.^

Lina walked through the forest alone. The only sound to accompany her was her boots as they trod over the dirt terrain of the well worn path. She was lonely you think that after almost two years she would have gotten used to it but that was the problem she didn't seam to be able to. Sighing she tried to think of something to take her mind off things. Even the treasure that she had stolen from some bandits not to long ago was nothing but a temporary relief. Looking strait ahead she was surprised when she saw someone come running toward her rising her hands she prepared for a incantation but it died in her throat when she saw that he was carrying a white flag and yelling don't hurt me. As if on clique when he stopped in front of her he said that he came in peace. Lina had to bite her bottom lip not to laugh at the young lean youth standing in front of her. He quickly handed her the envelope and then ran from her like he couldn't wait to get away from her. 'Maybe I should fire ball him for being so rude' she thought for a second then curiosity got her and she looked back down at the lavender envelope that she now held in her hand. Her name was written neatly across it With anticipation she ripped it open. Her creamy skin drain white as the words sunk in her fingers tightening on the paper . He's getting married she knew that he would but she didn't think that it would have been this soon. 'Oh come on Lina get real you thought that it would be sooner not later.'

~*~*~*~* Flash back~*~*~* Lina I'm so Sorry What could she say what could she say to that? the truth was that she couldn't say anything so she looked down at her shoes not willing to look him in the eye. "I'll always like you Lina it's just that when I saw Sylphiel again I realized not in that way. the expression on his face turned blank meaning that his serious conversation was over. Besides she's a good cook." Gourry saw Lina lift her head to look at him her eyes blazing as he struggles to remember the last time he had seen her this mad. Taking his confusion to her advantage she rose her hands. FIRE BALL!!!!! ~*~*~*~*~*

The paper fluttered out of her hands laying on the ground as she could do nothing but stare at it. 'Should I go he has some nerve inviting me.' Sighing she crouched down taking the letter once again in her hands 'then again the stupid jellyfish for brain probably forgot why I wasn't even there.' "Might as well go what could it hurt after all." 'Your pride said a little voice in the back of her head.' Though even as she was standing there contemplating it she knew that she would go. With a shrug she started walking again trying to act like nothing had happened thought right now she felt like crying but no she wouldn't let herself she was the great Lina Inverse and nothing got her down nothing. Not even that stupid Jellyfish for brains swords man and she would prove it by being at his wedding even if it killed her. Pausing she wondered if Amelia and Zelgadiss got invited of course they must have if you got invited they most definitely got invited. She wondered now how they where doing and if they where still together Amelia taken Zel back to Saillune with her after the battle with Dark star. She kind of wished that they where her now. Even the overly perky Amelia would be a comfort. 'Zelgadiss.' Well Zel had always been there for someone to talk to but right now there was no one. Frowning she suddenly couldn't wait to get there to be around people that she knew that knew her as something other than Lina Inverse the dragon spooker , the bandit killer.

The place hadn't changed much since she had been there a year and a half ago. Stopping she looked at the somewhat modest sized house that Sylphiel lived in. "Lina is that you." That was all that was heard before there where arms around her. "Yes it's me she said trying to pull out of Sylphiels tight grip, but she didn't have to because she pulled back. "Oh you've changed so much I almost didn't recognize you." 'Yeah right Sylphiel I don't change. I'll always stay the same.' "Where are my manors come in. You know what you should stay with us tonight." She looked at Sylphiel and then to a Gourry that had just walked into the room. Gourry was surprised to see the small red head in the parlor to the house that he had been living in he had invited her but never really expected her to come. Though he was glad that she did he missed her company even if he didn't miss getting fire balled on occasion. There was something special about Lina something that he couldn't put his finger on. Shifting his eyes to Syhpiel he felt his pulse rise. Yes there was something special about Lina he had always known that but Sylphiel. There where no words to describe how she mad him feel. Lina would always be his friend but he knew now that he had always deep down loved Sylphiel he was just to ignorant to believe it. The moment of uneasiness passed as Lina watched Gourry look from her to Sylphiel and when he did she could see the change in his face it all softened and it was as if she wasn't even in the room any more. Sylphiel was looking at Goury with the same dumb awe struck look.but for some reason it didn't make her heart wrench like she thought it should. "Oh yeah as I was saying why don't you stay with us tonight?" "No I think I'll stay at a inn." "If you want to I guess.' She said sounding a little hurt.

I should have just stayed Lina thought flinging herself on the bed after all it was late it wouldn't have hurt but she didn't think that she could have stood it. So she tried to go to sleep but it wouldn't come.

Here she was again at the small house there where people here today. Most of them she didn't know but Sylphiel caught her eye because she was standing next to a certain blonde that she had gotten to know very well Filia was talking with a child with aqua hair next to her. 'Valgav' she thought but was soon interrupted when she heard them both say it at the same time. "Your wearing that?" She looked down at what she was wearing not seeing anything wrong with it. It was the same maroon outfit that she wore everyday. "Yeah." "Come with us." Filia said pulling on her arm. Sylphiel grinned she had already thought that Lina would need something to wear so she had gotten several dresses already. "What are you doing." "Your going to wear a dress." Filia said with a smile on her face. "What about her she'd not even wearing a dress and she's getting married." "That's just because Gourry can't see the dress." "Yeah but but." "But what Lina." said Filia raising her mace. Lina backed away a little both Sylphiel and Filia taking that to their advantage backing her into the corner. This was a bad thing to make her feel trapped. I should fire ball them I should teach them for trying to get me into a dress 'no I will not ruin the wedding but I will not wear a dress either.' "Please Lina." She looked at Sylphiel and her heart softened a little but nothing was going to get her into a dress. 'Oh why did I come there still a chance to fire ball them.' but how could she when Sylphiel was standing there looking at her like that. "Hey guys what are you all doing in here?" Said a chipper voice from the doorway. 'No No please not her not now.' Lina thought she didn't have to see her to know who it was. "What going on here." Amelia asked walking into the room 'Its all over now ' Lina thought going into panic as she saw the light pink dress that Amelia was wearing.

Oh man how did I end up in this she had been dead set against it but some how the three woman had gotten in her a dress. At least it wasn't the worst of the five dresses that Sylphiel had for her to chose from. It was a maroon fuchsia color that remind her of her sorceresses outfit. She looked in the mirror with the other three women looking at her with approving smile. 'It could be worse.' she cringed at the thought of the pink dress with puffy sleeves and lace all over.

Zelgadiss walked into a the small crowed seeing that Gourry was standing there looking unbearably happy. He thought about walking up to him but stopped short deciding to watch instead of participate. This was funny he had always thought that he would be coming to Lina and Gourry's wedding and here he finds out that Gourry is marrying Sylphiel. Lina he wondered if she would be here. As if to answer his question he heard shouting coming from the house looking he Saw Sylphiel and Filia trying to pull out a struggling Lina with Amelia pushing her from behind. "No No I don't want to go out there like this please don't make me." She was trying to pull out of their grips but it was somewhat impossible "Like this he thought taking a good look at Lina his breath caught in his throat she was in a dress that was a rare thing. Though he couldn't see why she looked beautiful. The material clung to her lithe frame swinging out at her hips stopping at her knees. The thin straps over her shoulders showed off the creamy complexion of her skin also making it appear that she had bigger breasts. Walking toward them he stopped a few feet away from them. It was Amelia that noticed him first. Mr. Zelgadiss she said stepping away from Lina and wrapping her arms around him. Zel looked down surprised at her before clearing his throat and stepping back. "Hey Zel why don't you save me for these mad women.?" Lina said taking the opportunity to back away from them. " Doesn't she look Nice." Amelia asked looking up at Zel. "You look beautiful." He said ignoring Amelia seeing color rise to Linas cheeks he realized that he had said it out loud. Feeling his own cheeks start to flame he turned away. "Now to do something with your hair." Amelia said picking a lock up out of the mass that was tumbling down her back. "Oh yes." Said Filia looking excited. "Oh no you don't I'll fireball you all before you touch me again." They all took a step toward her. "How rude I haven't seen Zel in forever and you don't even give me a minute to talk to him." Lacing her arm though she started walking. Amelia stared dumbly as Lina pulled Zel from her grasp and they walked away.

"Thanks for being there Zel." "It's can't have been that bad." "Bad how would you like to be poked and prodded?" Them trying to make you fit in when you know that you don't. Not willing to accept you for who you are so they try to change you. She wouldn't say that out loud thought for fear that she might be laughed at. That she might drive somebody away now that she finally had someone to talk to if only for a little while. They walked for a little while before sitting down to wait for the ceremony to start. "You look good Zel." Zel was ready to disagree he never looked good he always looked like a monster. If it where someone else he would have ripped into them. This was Lina talking though and she sometimes forgot the fact so he smiled if only for her And was reward by a smile of her own. "So what has the great Lina Inverse been up to?" "The usual. And what has the Infamous Zelgadiss Graywars been up to?" "The usual." They must have been sitting there longer than they thought because the music started playing and they looked up seeing that Gourry was already standing out in front of everybody. And that Sylphiel had started walking down the isle to meet him. Sylphiel looked beautiful in a long flowing white gown it's hem lightly swishing against the ground as she walked. A lace veil hiding her smiling face from the crowd. Gourry looked like he was the happiest man in the world. Lina looked at Gourry he was so happy. I could have never made him that happy she thought continuing to stare as Sylphiel stopped at his side. Zel looked from Gourry and Sylphiel to the crowd Amelia was sitting not to far away from them looking at him with a dreamy gaze. Shaking his head slightly he looked away. It was funny the thought came back to him again. The thought that he would be coming to Lina and Gourrys wedding.

As they started their vows his eyes settled on the small red head appearing uncomfortable in her dress next to him. She's thinking the same thing. Her eyes where looking at something far away right now like she had no idea where she was. "Lina Inverse I'm going to make you pay." A raspy male voice said from the back of the crowd. Lina turned recognizing the man as a bandit that she had robbed not to long ago. He wasn't alone before she could say anything they rushed forward into the guest. Crap I can't do anything big or I'll hurt all the other people here. She had to wait for them to get close. "FIRE BALL." she yelled watching the bandit in front of her fall to his feet in a charred heap. "Lina Inverse." Turning the man was already coming down with his sword she reached for the sword that should have been at her side only to remember that it was probably laying in there with the rest of her cloths. Reaching her hand up toward him. "FIRE.." the word dies in her throat as pain reputed from her side she had been to slow. "FIREBALL." the man collapsed but she didn't have time to think of that they kept coming at her.

Zel was fairing well with his sword he didn't dare use magic for fear that he would hurt some of the guests. Hearing Lina yell and flashes of light every now and then told him that she wasn't taking the same precaution.

Watching her last opponent fall she world around looking for her next but there was no one else comming toward her the place was littered with bodies. Cringing with pain she prepared to cast recovery. "You little bitch you ruined my wedding." That stopped her more like stunned her into not moving she had never heard Sylphiel cuss. Staring at her blankly she was oblivious that she was the center of attention. Looking at Sylphiel her pretty dress was ripped with splotches of dirt and blood that must have splattered on her. "I don't know why we even invited you." Gourry stepped behind her putting his hands on her shoulders in silent agreement. The pair kept going in and out of focus as the ground started spin beneath her feet. "Your nothing but trouble I wish you where dead." This surprised Gourry he had never heard her talk like this ever she was pissed. Lina could do nothing just standing there listening to what they where saying. "What you did was a great injustice and I can not forgive you." Amelia shouted from the crowd. "You've always been trouble Lina it just fallows you around. She right why did we invite you?" "It wasn't her fault." Zel said his eyes shifting from Gourry and Sylphiel. He looked at her now. She could get over what Sylphiel said to her but he wasn't so sure how she would react to what Gourry had said. He waited for her to dragon slave the whole lot of them but nothing. 'Good old Zel.' She wanted to look for him in the crowd but she couldn't do anything but look forward. Sylphiel went fuzzy but this time she didn't come back into focus. Everything started to fad black the last thing she remembered was the sensation of falling. Her eyes startled him making him take everything into consideration Rushing forward he caught her in his arms before she could hit the ground his hands griping at the material of his dress that was slick with blood. Gourry took everything into to consideration Seeing lina fall he focused on something more than her face. Zel was holding her crouched in a puddle of blood. "Oh my god I killed her," Sylphiel screamed. Turing to face Gourry yet still not trying to take her eyes off Lina "I killed her Gourry." "I know I'll help I can help I'll help." She was babbling uncontrollably now taking a step toward them she reached out her hand. Zel drew back puling away from Sylphiel's out reached hand. "Don't even think of touching her." "Bring her inside." Gourry was the one that was speaking because Sylphiel had lapsed into incoherency again. Zel looked at them a second before starting to walk away there was only one inn in this town she had to have been staying there. The blood was starting to slow but the wound was too serious to have already started to close so he took it as a bad sign.

"Mommy why was everybody so mean to that woman.?" The small boy with aqua hair asked pulling on the skirt to Filias dress. "I don't know honey." Filia said turning her attention to Val. "Is she goings to die." All Filia could do was look at him and shake her head. I don't know honey I don't know."

laying her on the bed she was as white as the sheets she rested upon. Something was wrong the room was too quite. Then it hit him he couldn't hear her breathing. He leaned closer in attempts to hear something but nothing not even with his chimera hearing could he make out anything. Putting his ear to her chest he heard her heart thumping faintly.

Filia and Amelia stood just outside the door while Gourry and a shocked Sylphiel stood further down the hall with Val hovering some where in- between. They stood there listening as Zel cast recovery. Nothing he still couldn't hear her breathing casting it again he looked down at her. They heard him cast it again only then did they brave looking in. He still couldn't hear it. Putting his ear to her chest once more he heard her heart beat slow to a stop. "Lina!!" Casting recovery out of desperation he continued to listen. Nothing silence only the sound of his own labored breathing greeted his straining ears Reaching up he clasped her shoulders in his hands Shaking her franticly. The five faces crowed at the door where now terrified Zel never lost his cool yet right now he appeared on the verge of insanity as he continued to shake a unresponsive Lina. Right then they knew. Sylphiel burst into tears 'it's was all my fault.' her mind kept repeating to her before everything went blank and she was only left with the scene in front of her. What was going on here why was there so much blood. "What's wrong." She asked stepping forward looking at the pair with a vacant expression. Zel heard the voice and turned his head trying not to cry but he knew that he must have been. "Her heart it's.... he couldn't get out the rest his throat closed up not letting him get the rest of the sentance out.

End of part 1 ^.^