Chapter I

Hello everyone! And welcome! For those of you who are returning fans, I hope you all enjoy this newest chapter in the Eternal Saga (Which means, yes, there are going to be more than two of these stories. I just recently came up with the Eternal name). And for those you who are new to the stories, I hope you'll become returning fans.

Now then, because Halloween is so close, this is going to have a slightly… spooky twist to it. Not too much, though.

Anyway, please enjoy!

"Help!" the shrill scream echoed through out the forest. Trees surrounded the running figure. Her white night gown torn at the edges as she ran, screaming, tears running down her cheeks. Her feet were stained with mud, and her crimson hair tangled as it caught in branches and twigs.

It only took a second for her foot to catch in the root of a dieing tree and send her falling to the ground. She whimpered slightly as her body hit the ground hard. Wincing at the pain in her fast swelling ankle, she stood and continued running. Sparing a glance over her shoulder, she screamed.

In seconds a firm hand was over her throat, and her back was against a tree. She could feel the bark of the tree digging into her back as she struggled with the gloved hand. But the more she struggled, the tighter the grip became. Her throat became dry and she felt her head begin to spin. Taking in as deep a breath as she could manage, she let out one last terrified shriek before darkness clouded her vision. Amethyst eyes twinkled in her fading memory.

Lina sat up fighting off a scream. Choking back the noise, a habit she had become very good at with in the past three years, she tightened the fist she had made that was gripping the blankets. Blinking her ruby eyes, she shuddered as memory of the nightmare returned. Sighing, she glanced over at the clock near by. It was only one AM. She shivered again. Looking over to her right, she gave a half-hearted smile.

The figure beside her was still sleeping peacefully. Carefully, she slipped out of the bed and put on a long nightgown. Leaving her bedroom, she made her way quietly down the carpeted hallway towards the small kitchen. Pushing open the carved wooden door, she peered in.

"Syl?" she questioned quietly as she noticed the small figure carefully cradling her cup of tea. The dark haired girl in question looked up and blinked her emerald eyes.

"Lina. What are you doing up?"

Lina shrugged and took a seat across from Sylphiel as her friend grabbed another cup and lifted up the teakettle. "Another nightmare. Chamomile?"

Sylphiel nodded and poured a cup. As she handed it to her friend, she smiled slightly, though it was obviously a stiff and uncomfortable motion. "You really should tell him, you know. He worries about you."

"Does he now?" Lina questioned, taking a sip of her tea, eyeing her friend. Sylphiel nodded. "So, why are you up?"

Sylphiel blushed. "Thinking,"

Lina finished the thought allowed, "About Gary and Pricilla?"

Sylphiel sighed, "Yes. I knew it was going to be hard to care for them, but I didn't think it could be this difficult…"

Lina chuckled, taking another sip of her tea. "What did you expect? They are Gourry's niece and nephew. Honestly, I didn't even know he had a brother, let alone a niece or nephew!"

Sylphiel shook her head and smiled, running a hand through her hair. "Yes. I suppose you're right. But…" she trailed off a shadow crept over Lina's form. Lina froze, and her muscles tightened. Slowly, she turned around, and came to face a pair of stunning blue eyes.

Sylphiel coughed. "I think I'm going to go check on the children…" and then she left. Lina glanced down, a small ting of red on her cheeks.

The figure before her chuckled and took a seat beside her. "Why didn't you wake me up?"

Lina shrugged. "You're going to be busy tomorrow. You need a little rest"

"Lina-"

She lightly pressed a slim finger to his lips. "Please, Zel, not now, okay?"

Zelgadis sighed and took her hand. "I'm just worried. I think I have a right to be."

Lina laughed and stood up, pulling him with her. "Yeah, yeah. For now, though, lets just go to bed, okay?" She gently wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned forward, teasing his lips with her own.

He smiled and they both made their way back to their room.

Okies! First chapter down! Yes, it's short, but this is only the beginning. Now then, so that there is no confusion, I'm going to answer just a few questions.

Does this take place immediately after Quest for Kyuusai?

No. This actually takes place around three years later. This gives all the readers space to think (And/or fantasize). I may post a branch off of this series explaining what happened in that time, but it will probably just be a big excuse for a ton of L/Z fluff. You'll see that for every story in this Saga, there will be a good time leap to give you room to breath!

Are Lina and Zel an "item"?

Yes. They are lovers in this story. However, this will not focus on their relationship as much as Quest for Kyuusai did. As I stated above, I may write a branch off focusing on their relationship, but not now. However, there will be some romantic scenes between them.

After what happened in Kyuusai, does Lina still practice magic?

Yes. However, as it will become more noticeable, she does not use as much black magic as she did.

Is Zel still the king of Seilloon?

To start off, Zel was never a king; he was a prince. And yes, he is still prince of Seilloon. More will be explained in the next few chapters.

Are any other characters other than Lina, Zel, and Sylphiel going to make an appearance?

Yes. You will see a great deal of Xellos, Filia, and even Luna (If you're good).

Who are these new characters?

The two newest characters are Gary and Pricilla, whom are Gourry nephew and niece. You'll get to know them soon enough.

If you guys have any other questions, let me know! Please Review!