And now the end! I was so pleased to have you all as fans! Thank you! You were wonderful!
Extra Special Thanks to the Following:
Story Weaver1: Heh! thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
WildfireDreams: Here's the last of it, enjoy!
Ryu-Zero-Rei: Thank you for all that! Hee, I'm a little behind on my updates... but I'll have em all up, I just want to make sure they're wprth the wait. It's been great having you as a fan! (nn)
flam3gurl: Hee, you're awesome too! I loved that review becuase guess what the name of this chapter is?! (n-)
Mistress Dragon Flame: The Giga Slave is a summons, but the cost is Lina's mind, she has to be completely willing to sacrifice herself or the power will go out of control, so in this case the world was in no danger... only Gourry and that was a price she was will to pay to save him...
icecrystal48: Here's hoping you liked that last chapter! And thanks again for all the praise!
It's been a pleasure writing for you all...
Happy Valentines Day!
Enjoy!
Chapter Fourteen
The Justice of the Heart…
"I admit…" The Golden Lord stated softly, her hand still on the swordsman chest as the chaos swirled around. Stars and galaxies melted away them as they moved on further, beyond space, beyond time, beyond everything… into nothing.
"I was shocked to have been called on again." She went on, her gaze unwavering as all melted away to a perfect blue as sea at the end of time, at the beginning, within it…
"She knows the risks…" The Golden Lord mused. "She knows that it is a completely equal exchange, her mind for my mind… and only for that reason can she succeed in summoning me."
The Golden Lord held his sorrowful gaze in her concerned one. "Knowing all this, I am stuck wondering why you are more important to her than her own existence…"
She pulled her hand away, shaking her head sadly as Gourry watched, unsure how to respond. "Humans are… chaotic…"
She smiled sardonically. "The one called Lina loves you, and yet she herself refuses to admit this, except when she fears loosing you…"
"Lina…" Gourry breathed.
The Golden Lord arched a brow. "Then, you love her as well?"
"I…" Gourry thought… yes, that was it wasn't it? Huh, how was it that had been what he could never express… it was so simple…
"Yes…" Gourry, yelled standing to his feet his new found realization reminding him of all he'd miss without her. "I love her! I love Lina! And if I can't have her back! Then I don't want to go back!"
The Golden Lord blinked, taken aback and then… she smiled… closing her eyes. "Well I was summoned here for your sake, and so I shall offer this proposal. You make Lina admit her love for you in return, or next time, I shall be…"
Gourry nodded solemnly. "I'll do whatever I have to do, just give Lina back."
The Lord of Nightmares closed her eyes, willing herself away for the final time. "So be it…"
OOO
"Miss Lina and Mr. Gourry still haven't returned…" Amelia murmured sadly from her balcony. Zelgadiss stood beside her as they both peered out at the horizon, hoping yet again for the return of their friends.
Xelloss had left that night, Filia last night, and now, the night of Amelia's 18th birthday, she was all alone.
"The sun's setting already…" She murmured sadly, turning away from the horizon. "That mean's…Miss Lina won't be coming to the ball…"
"We don't have to do this, Amelia." Zelgadiss said, looking at her concerned. "It's your birthday; you shouldn't have to put on a smile when you're in so much pain."
"No!" She replied, biting her lip to keep from bursting into tears, she had to be strong. "This ball marks an important event in all of Saillune. I can't let my own personal feelings affect this! I'm a princess of Saillune!"
"Amelia…" He breathed stunned and she turned to him with a sad smile.
"I can't even let my feelings for you interfere with the good of this kingdom." Amelia whispered sadly. "I'll have to marry soon, and well with you still off to find your cure…"
Zelgadiss swallowed hard, his throat tightening as she hung her head sadly.
"All this time, with Selene…" She said sadly. "It felt so much like the old days, I almost believed…"
She shook her head, raising it resolute but still so sad. "However, Justice while just is not always fair, it requires sacrifice!"
Zelgadiss felt as though he was breathing in her words like lead… he didn't want… this…
"And so…" She stated, pulling on a cheerful mask. "I humblily ask you to usher me at tonight's ball… for old time sake… and for goodbye…"
Zelgadiss blinked, swallowing hard before nodding. "Of course, Amelia… whatever you want."
"Okay." Amelia nodded, brushing past. "Well let's get ready; we have quite a night ahead of us!"
OOO
Filia sighed; anxiously polishing her mace for what must have been the hundredth time.
She had been miserable just waiting around at the palace and when Xelloss had phased into her room, promising to tell her the moment Lina returned… if she returned, in exchange for her to "Quit torturing herself and go home already!"; she'd decided to take him up on it, now she was regretting it.
"Hmm…" Xelloss' voice cut into her musings. "You know I only sent you home because I figured you'd be more comfortable waiting here… but it's pretty much the same, isn't? How unfortunate."
"Well if you'd stayed, maybe I wouldn't feel so…" Filia's face puffed up in rage as she turned on him and then deflated sadly, polishing the mace again. "…helpless…"
Xelloss arched a brow, sitting on the floor beside her. "Hm, well you know Filia, you seem to exactly scream that you want me here. It's pretty much usually the opposite."
Filia hunched her shoulders, shaking her head. "That's how it's supposed to be, isn't it? But I don't know, lately with the dreams and seeing you again…"
Xelloss played with a wrinkle in his cape as she gatered her thoughts and composure, not wanting to pick a fight, not tonight anyway.
Filia sighed, lifting her head and looking at him. "It's complicated, you know?"
Xelloss raised his head. "Miss Lina has returned." He replied by way of changing topic.
"Where!" Filia cried hopping to her feet. "Is she in Sailune?"
Xelloss placed a restraining hand on her cloak, pulling her back down to the floor.
"Xelloss!" She yelped, sitting back up in shock. "What's…?!"
"I'm afraid, I can't let you go tonight Filia." Xelloss replied calmly, his genki smile unflinching.
"Wha? Why? Xelloss?!" Filia stammered.
"You see." He stated just as calmly. "This is all rather unfortunate timing, but tomorrow I have another mission to attend to, normally they don't come one right after the other but this time it really can't be helped. Most unfortunate really…"
"But…" Filia spoke up only to be interrupted again.
"You see…" He went on, cracking his eyes causing her to inhale sharply. "… as I told you before the whole reason I returned before was to complete my mission, and unfortunately that means I'll have only tonight to do so…"
OOO
Amelia smiled pleasantly, her lilac dress complementing his silver cloak and stone skin as she held onto Zelgadiss' arm while one by one the royal houses approached them.
"And who is this strange chimera-man?" One of the wives asked.
Amelia's smile faltered and Zelgadiss glared, feeling annoyed at all this attention.
"That's Zelgadiss, a master sorcerer who fights on the side of righteousness, along side my Amelia!" A Jolly voice cut in from behind them, sparing them from what was sure to be an awkard answer.
"Daddy!" Amelia cried, turning to face him as he wrapped her in a warm hug.
"Daughter!" He cried, returning it, before sobering. "Still no sign of Miss Lina and Mr. Gourry?"
"No…" She replied sadly, shaking her head.
"Oh this just terrible!" Phil cried distraught causing the nobles to stare. "And on your special day too!"
"It's okay daddy…" Amelia whispered, trying to hold herself together. "I'm sure she'll be fine…"
"Of course she will." Zelgadiss replied, angry with her father for bringing it back up. "If I know Lina, right now she's trying to find her way back here, and Gourry's doing everything he can to help her!"
No sooner had the words left his lips then did a golden light shine down before them from above, slowly the light formed into a shape, and then two and then it broke away to reveal hair the color of fire…
"Miss Lina!" Amelia cried running towards the light as Gourry and Lina were birthed back into existence.
"Lina!" Zelgadiss cried happily running to the princess' side as Lina looked around groggily, still being held by the swordsman.
"A… Amelia!" She cried happily, turning back to the swordsman who smiled down on her that adoring smile. ""G… Gourry… then … it worked…"
"Oooh! Miss Lina!" Amelia cried running up to her, unable to contain her glee wrapping her arms tight around her the moment Gourrry set her down.
"Amelia!" Lina responded, wrapping her own arms around the princesas while the nobles whispered. She looked up and nodded to the chimera. "Zel."
"Lina…" He muttered a smirk on his face as he crossed his arms. "Only you would try to pull off something so reckless."
"Oh stop Zel!" She replied, waving a hand at him. "You're flattering me."
"Miss Lina…" Amelia sobbed, picking her head up to look at her friend as the tears streamed down her face. "You…"
"Uhn, Amelia." Lina gasped looking at her in horror, and then… she smiled…
"You're amazing!" She finally cried out.
"Oh, Amelia!" Lina laughed, hugging her tight as Amelia giggled happily. "Miss Lina!"
"Oooh!" Phil roared, pulling his fists back in excitement. "Now this is just further proof that a Heart with Justice can conquer anything!"
He turned, stealing two empty waiting trays from a passing waiter, clanging them together like giant cymbols. "Let's start dancing! It's a ball after all!"
Amelia giggled, releasing an also grinning Lina. "Oh daddy!"
"Daughter!" He replied, extending a hand jovially. "May I have this dance?"
"Of course!" She giggled slipping her hand in his as he twirled her away.
Lina grinned up at the chimera. "Oho! Zel! Looks like Phil just stole your date!"
Zelgadiss sighed shaking his head. "I just wish this could be simpler."
"Hey, if it was simple then it wouldn't be worth it, right!" Gourry cut in easily, running a hand through his bangs.
"That's right Zel!" Lina agreed, before turning to Gourry in shock. "Hey! That was pretty clever, Gourry!"
Gourry nodded, deepening his gaze. "Yeah, and if you have time… I need to talk with you about something along those same lines."
"Really…" Lina replied, attempting to appear nonchalant as she began sweating.
"Yeah." He nodded, taking notice her fanning herself as she looked around nervously. "You look like your overheating, how bout we talk outside?"
"Out-outside?" Lina stammered, suddenly very nervous… although when she looked back up into those sincere eyes all doubts melted away.
"Okay... Gourry…" She replied softly, letting him lead her out onto the terrace.
Zelgadiss watched them go with a smile, turning to see where the crown prince and his princess had danced off to.
OOO
"What is it, Gourry?" Lina asked, her heart beat quickening, as he folded his arms leaning on the rail, looking out at the gardens.
"Every time things go wrong." He began, still looking out at the gardens. "I mean really wrong, it's always you that ends up protecting me… and I guess that's kept me from being honest with you… being honest with myself."
"Woah, Gourry…" She replied, her face flushing red. "You're just full of depth tonight, aren't ya?"
Gourry smiled at her. "There's also that…"
"What?" Lina asked, looking off to the side innocently.
"The fact that even if I admitted how I feel, you'd never in return." He replied simply, shaking his head with that adoring smile.
"How… how you feel!" Lina blanched, going scarlet again. "G-Gourry!"
He turned away from the view, looking deep into her startled ruby gaze. "But I don't care, I finally have a way to protect you Lina, in a way no one else can…"
"Gourry…" She breathed as he moved closer to her, placing his hands on her shoulders meaningfully.
"I… You're amazing, Lina Inverse…" He stated, shaking his head with that adoring grin, his hands still on her shoulders. "Sure you're mean, and often selfish, and prone to more violence than any self respecting lady should be…"
"Boy, Gourry…" Lina muttered, deadpan gazing up at him narrowly. "You sure know how to sweet talk a girl."
He let out a chuckle before gazing down at her intently, causing her breath to catch in her throat. "But with you, none of that matters… and it took all of this happening to make me realize… well admit to it anyway, but... I love you, Lina Inverse…"
"L- Love!" Lina cried, and then she realized, he was lifting her up again… and just like before he meant to kiss her.
She blinked a million emotions flying through her at once, and then they all combined into one resounding feeling…
… So this is love… she thought as she closed her eyes surrendering to the gentle kiss. Softly he broke away to look at her, all the emotions she was feeling in her heart being shone back at her in his eyes. …this isn't so bad… not so bad at all…
"I love you, Lina." He repeated gently, holding her gaze.
"I… I love you too, Gourry…" She whispered softly.
And when they pulled away from each other several breathless moments later, all they could do was smile.
OOO
Amelia sighed, watching Lina and Gourry out on the terrace as her father turned her in the waltz.
Phil frowned, following his daughters gaze, his own softening when he noted the two young lovers on the terrace. He gazed sadly down on his daughter, happiness for her friends and sadness for herself warring on her face.
"Oh, Christopher!" He called twirling them over to his brother.
"Brother!" Christopher called raising his champagne glass. "Amelia!"
"Uncle Christopher!" Amelia called, waving as Phil twirled her out.
"Brother!" Phil asked cheerfully. "Why don't you dance with Amelia for one go!"
"Of course!" He agreed, setting his drink on the table and bowing deeply. "May I have this dance, niece?"
Amelia giggled, giving a curtsy. "Of course, Uncle Christopher!"
Phil smiled, watching them spin off and turned to see the chimera standing alone over by the buffet table.
Growing serious he joined him.
"You know young man." Phil stated calmly, joining Zelgadiss in watching his brother and daughter dance. "When I was Amelia's age I had already been engaged to marry."
"Already engaged?" Zelgadiss asked, arching a brow.
"Yes, fortunately Amelia's mother was a wonderful woman and I was too young to have other prospects so there was no harm done." Phil went on, the two watching as Gourry came back in, leading a shy Lina by the hand. He bowed for a dance as she blushingly accepted. "However, as I'm sure you know, my Amelia is quite taken with you…"
He looked down at him. "And should you feel the same, I'd be glad to have you a s son-in-law. However, should you try and do the noble thing, and as a result break her heart, well I have some special justice moves reserved for that situation."
Zelgadiss gulped as the crown prince glared down at him and stated nervously. "Um… do you think it would be alright if I cut in on Amelia?"
Phil grinned waving him on. "Certainly, I suspect my Amelia has been waiting to dance with you all night!"
Zelgadiss bowed his exit, hesitantly approaching the princess and her uncle.
"Uh… Amelia…" He asked, a nervous blush coloring his cheeks, as he bowed to them. "May… May I have this dance?"
Amelia blushed, extending her hand shyly. "Of course, Zelgadiss…"
He smiled just as shyly taking her hand, pulling her to him as they began turning to the music. "Wow, Amelia. I didn't have a chance to tell you this earlier, but you look amazing…"
"So do you, Zelgadiss…" She whispered shyly, letting him dip her to the music, although once he did, time seemed to stand still.
"It occurred to me tonight…' He murmured gazing down at her, his hands gently supporting her as he held her there. "That I still have your bracelet… however I'm afraid I'll have to be giving it back now…"
"What do you mean, Zelgadiss?" She asked gazing up at him confused.
"Well you see, your father just had a chat with me and it appears this time we'll be exchanging rings instead of bracelets…" He replied, a smile on his face as her mouth widened, her eyes shining with delight.
"Oh, Zelgadiss!" She cried.
"All this time, Amelia." He went on, shaking his head sadly. "I've been looking at this the wrong way, sacrificing all the wrong things only to realize that it wasn't worth it. While Justice requires sacrafice, those sacrifices weren't Just if they would just end up making both of us miserable!"
He shook his head, as tears formed in the little princess' eyes. "No, the only Just solution here is for us to just be together, and take whatever the world throws at us!"
She smiled, shaking her head sadly and he whispered softly. "You hit the nail on the head, Amelia… it's the Justice of the Heart…"
She widened her eyes as her leaned down, capturing her lips as well as her heart with his own…
And as the crowd cheered, Lina catcalling all the way all the princess could think was that life truly was wonderful…
OOO
Filia blinked at him, as he looked back calmly his violet shards expression emotions he couldn't himself.
"Wha… what mission?" She asked shakily, pulling back, quickly stand to her feet.
Xelloss stood smoothly to his own, approaching her slowly, his eyes and posture unchanging. "A simple one really… I suppose you could call it and experiment of sorts…"
"An experiment?" Filia asked, arching an eyebrow incredulously. "What sort of experiment would you possibly be interested in?"
"Well it started out simple really, as most experiments do…" Xelloss replied with a shrug. "I was wondering about those nightmares you were having, as well as how come my presence seemed to nullify them… however once I discovered it was because of me, then the experiment changed, and I began observing for different reasons."
"What sort of reasons?" Filia asked, noticing he was already much closer and she took another step back.
"Oh this and that…" He replied easily. "Mostly I was just curious, hoping to find out if my presence agitated you nearly as much as yours did me…"
Filia blanched and stated dryly. "Well of course it did… I'm sure this may have skipped your notice, but we don't exactly like each other…"
"Hmm…" Xelloss replied, stepping closer causing Filia to take a step back, bumping against the bed frame. " Yes, I suppose that's how it would seem on the surface, but we're both far more complicated than that… you see I like being agitated…"
He grinned, leaning in so close they were almost touching, although he was careful not to make contact. "… and it turns out… much to my delight… so do you…"
Filia laughed nervously. "Me, like to be agitated?"
"Yes." Xelloss nodded, lifting a hand and brushing a few errant locks of hair out of her face as he held her gaze. "You like it, just as I do… you hate it, just as I do… and most important ly you crave it, just as I do!"
He grinned smugly, snaking his fingers deeper into her hair, weaving around the back of her head. "You see, I wasn't lying when I told you I hated you before, but now that I know why… well it changes things slightly now doesn't it?"
"X- Xelloss…" She whispered pleadingly as he pulled her face closer. "I… you…"
Xelloss smirked, coolly. "Oh, no… you forget that I'm a monster so often, I'm afraid I can't allow you do conveniently remember now that we've found ourselves in a situation where it serves better for you to continue to forget…"
Filia swallowed softly. "Xelloss… I…"
He smirked, grazing her lips with a mock kiss making her knees quake.
"Come now Filia; let's see if we can find new ways to agitate each other…" He whispered, covering her protests with a kiss just as complicated as them…
… all in all… mission accomplished…
... the end...
And here's a cookie for you Slayers64 (), thanks for the review! (n.-)