AN: There's a small reference to an event in the second novel, though you should be able to follow along easily enough if you've not read it. And if you haven't read it, J-Novel Club has recently translated it, so support J-Novel Club and translating the Slayers novels! Speaking of the novels, I'm loving the J-Novel translations. And I had worried I'd made Luna too mean in this story but after having read the new translations…I'm inclined to think I didn't make her mean enough!

Also, such a difference nuance on the evolution of Lina and Gourry's relationship that I may have to revisit the Missing Scenes thing…but time…I don't have time.


Naga quietly walked up to the mess tent, her heart hammering in her chest as the sounds of people congregating grew louder and caused her confidence to falter. Moe was one of those people who stood out in a crowd and it hadn't taken long to find a few people who could reliably say that they saw him leave the medical tent to grab a bite to eat. Finding him had been so easy that Naga had not had the time she'd needed to think about what she was going to say, and she suddenly felt as though she was an anxious teenager back at the Saillune at court, suffering stage fright before making an appearance. Only at some point she had stopped carrying a flask of wine between her breasts to steady her nerves.

Why the hell did I stop? Naga berated herself, and she was about to turn around to find a wine seller when a young woman came out of the tent and smiled when she saw her, "Princess Gracia!"

Naga was used to being recognized by people she had never glanced twice at and usually she handled it with grace, but given that it now made it impossible for Naga to walk away quietly she found herself blanching. But the woman smiled kindly as she walked up to her, leaving the tent flap open as she bent down in a deep curtsy.

"Please rise." Naga said.

"Forgive me, your highness, if I am too forward. I see that you are as shy as you ever were." Naga felt the heat rise to her face as she wondered if she had grown at all since she left Saillune as the woman continued, "But I was there yesterday when you saved the people in the collapsed tunnel, and it was so good to see you in your element."

The world seemed to flip as Naga wondered if she had even heard her correctly. "Excuse me?" she said sharply.

The woman blushed, as if she'd realized she'd been too frank, "I-I'm sorry, it's not my place to really say. But your talents as a sorceress were never appreciated at court and watching you try to be someone you weren't was painful. But look at you now! Creating golems that help to save lives. It was good to finally see you in your element."

Naga's heart started to race as she asked, "Who are you?"

"I'm Abby. My parents were palace servants." She explained, "When I showed an aptitude for sorcery your father was kind enough to have me trained as a healer, so here I am."

Naga shook her head, "Have we met?"

"Oh, not formally. I'm a bit older than you so it's not as though we ever played together or that our lessons overlapped." Abby said as she lowered her head, "I guess I seem a bit creepy now."

While Naga was used to the fact that royal watchers knew an alarming amount about her, seldom had she felt supported as she did then. "Thank you, Abby."

"You're welcome, your highness!" Abby said as she curtsied again, and Naga found herself staring once more at the open tent flap. And this time she did not hesitate as she entered it.

Naga quickly found Moe, seated in a corner facing away from her as he ate his lunch and ignored the people around him. Naga moved towards him, but found her way blocked by Baron Verv, who favored her with a magnanimous smile as he asked, "Are you ready to make it official, my darling?"

This time, Naga didn't hesitate to lean her head back as she let loose with her most obnoxious laugh. Everyone in the tent cringed as they stopped eating to watch the scene unfold as Naga smiled, "When you approached me last night I was so exhausted from the fight that I forgot to mention that I have been acquainted with my intended for some time now, so as you can see, you're too late."

Baron Verv reddened, "I-i-intended? You're engaged already? But there was no announcement! Last I heard there was still an active search going on for a respectable suitor."

Naga raised an eyebrow and said warningly, "The Royal family of Saillune has their reasons for conducting themselves in the manner we have. And we don't have to explain ourselves to foreign nations."

Baron Verv nodded, "My apologies, Princess Gracia. Now if you'll excuse me, I shall be leaving."

"Please do." Naga said as he scampered away. People broke out in whispers all around them as Naga locked eyes with Moe from across the tent as she continued to walk over to him and took a seat beside him. "Is that cornbread any good?

He looked at her and passed it over, "Sits like a brick in the stomach, but you're welcome to it."

Naga examined him for a moment as she felt the butterflies take flight in her stomach. She spent so much time pushing people away that asking someone to become closer felt strange and scary. Especially since she had no idea how to do it. She floundered for a moment for something to say, but Moe beat her to it when he began, "We were both exhausted last night. But it did make me realize that perhaps this has grown to be something larger than either of us expected. Especially given that, you know, you're a princess."

He ran a head over his head as he took a deep breath, "Still, you could have let me know you were betrothed."

"You idiot." Naga said as she seized the opportunity she saw that opened up before her, "That's what I told Baron Verv to avoid a diplomatic incident. That said, I have an intended, but it's not official yet."

"You still should have said something." Moe stated.

"Well, in my defense I didn't realize I even had an intended until Baron Verv blocked my way towards you." Naga stated as she casually popped the cornbread into her mouth and then nearly spit it back out as she realized just how bad it tasted.

Moe handed her his jug of water as a befuddled expression crossed his face as she drank it down, and then sighed as she set it down. As soon as she did Moe asked, "How is that possible?"

Naga shrugged as she said, "Well, it wasn't until he crossed my path that I realized that I was going to ask you to be my intended."

Moe's mouth dropped as he shook his head, "Now you're playing with me!"

"I've never been more serious about anything." Naga countered.

"But I'm a peasant…a poor one at that."

Naga chuckled as she waved her finger at him, "Eloping is a time honored tradition for the royal princesses of my country. Sure, my name will be mud for awhile and I'll give up a bit of influence. But what benefits I would lose I would more than make up for with the added control I'd get over my life."

"You want to elope?" Moe asked loudly, and Naga was aware once more that everyone in the tent was watching them.

"You are the Knight of the Airlord, a formidable fighter, and a good man who is good with children." She stated as she looked at the table, "And I think I've kinda of fallen in love with you. And after yesterday, I realized just how much I want you in my life. So yes, I do."

Once again people started whispering excitedly, and Naga's anxiety rose as she wondered if she was about to be publicly rejected in the manner that she had just turned Baron Verv down. But after a moment Moe smiled and said, "Well, if I'm honest, I was dreaming there was some sort of loophole that would make this possible but was too scared to ask! So, how soon can we get this done?"

Immediately the people in the tent burst out into cheers and applause as a man shouted, "I'm sitting right next to a priest who would be happy to perform the ceremony right here, right now!"

Naga and Moe turned in his direction as a man in white robes stood up and smiled kindly at them. "Princess Gracia, I would indeed be honored to join the two of you together in matrimony!"

Naga and Moe exchanged a smiled as they joined hands and stood up, "Let's not waste another moment then!"


Relief rushed through Lina as Leia opened the door and walked in carrying a tray of pancakes and toppings. Leia had assisted in her fair share of deliveries and Lina was glad to have another experienced woman there. And while so far Sylphiel had handled the rigors of labor with an annoying sense of calmness and had not needed much assistance, Lina was certain that it would change with time.

"I brought up breakfast." Leia sang as she set the tray down on the coffee table as Rick hung back around the doorway as he peered into the room with a sheepish grin and gave a small wave.

"Hey," he said as he smiled at Sylphiel, who was still sitting on a wooden chair. "How is it going?"

Sylphiel smiled at him as she put a hand on her belly, "As well as it can. Please, everyone, enjoy breakfast."

"How long until he gets here?" Rick asked.

Was it Lina's imagination, or did Sylphiel's smile falter slightly as she replied, "It will still be some time."

"Which is something no laboring woman wants to be reminded of." Connie said as she walked up and gently pushed Rick back into the hallway, "Go take a walk. We've got things well under control!"

Connie closed the door, and Leia shook her head as she smiled, "I don't think he's left the door other than to grab a chair to sit on."

Lina tsked as she started to fix herself a pancake, "If he was interested in evening the score he would withstand the discomfort and stand. While holding a bucket of water!"

"And kneel on his knees on grains of rice?" Leia added with a chuckle.

"Remind me to never cross you." Sylphiel said, "Really, he's being sweet. Even if his anxiety is overwhelming."

"We're just trying to help you feel better." Lina said, "Though we'll stop if it's not helping. Now, Sylphiel, what sort of pancake toppings do you want? Mom went all out!"

Sylphiel shook her head, "Please forgive me, but I think I'm going to be sick if I try to eat right now."

"I understand completely." Leia said as she patted her on the shoulder, "I threw up when I was in labor with Luna, though it did help me get fully dilated so I couldn't complain. But rest assured, the bread you made turned out lovely and will make a fine snack when he arrives."

Sylphiel suddenly threw her hand over her mouth as she ran to the bathroom, and Lina turned to her mother in alarm and whispered, "This won't leave her ready to push, will it!?"

"Oh, it doesn't always work like that." Leia assured her, "Though Sylphiel might disagree about it being a good thing."

"I'll go and check on her." Connie said as she set her plate down.

"Yeah, we should probably finish these off and put them away." Leia said, "We don't want them setting her off."

By the time Lina got back from returning the dishes to the kitchen, Sylphiel was pacing her bedroom with Connie and Leia each supporting her and with plenty of time to kill before the big event. The midwife arrived shortly thereafter, introducing Lina to the fact that, Amelia's rapid delivery notwithstanding, labor was typically an exercise in endurance and patience. And given how busy Lina had been since the twins had been born and school had started she didn't mind having time to sit around and wait for once. Connie and the midwife grabbed some knitting to pass the time as Lina and Leia joined them in a circle to talk, at least until Sylphiel grew irritated with their chatter and asked for silence. Lina ended up grabbing Sylphiel's book from her nightstand and reading as Leia and Connie took turns holding her hand and rubbing her back.

The pace changed quickly when Sylphiel started to transition and then to push, and suddenly there was excitement and urgency in the air as Lina got some warm towels and hot water ready while the others cheered Sylphiel on. Even then, there was still plenty of time for Lina to join the cheerleaders before Maninstit's newest resident made his debut with a strong, healthy cry.

From outside in the hallway Lina heard the men clap and sing and the midwife placed the screaming infant on Sylphiel's chest, and the euphoria in the atmosphere was contagious. "A healthy boy." The midwife announced.

Something about the fact that Gourry had witnessed a future where this child had been born silent made the moment more poignant as Sylphiel wrapped her arms around him and held on tight as tears formed in her eyes as Leia said, "And survivors of Sairaag have started a new line and legacy and proved stronger than anyone could have thought."

"I just had a baby." Sylphiel said modestly as she continued to stare intently at her son who returned her gaze with an awareness that was startling, "I've seen plenty of other women do it."

"You made it look easy!" The midwife exclaimed, "Especially for a first time mother. Doesn't make this less incredible."

"Thank you." Sylphiel said.

The midwife laughed, "You did all the hard work!"

Someone started knocking and Rick could be heard calling, "Is everything okay? Can I come in yet?"

Lina patted Sylphiel on the shoulder and walked over to open the door a crack, "You have a healthy boy! And Sylphiel is just fine. Give us a minute to get everything cleaned up and you can come in."

Lina saw Gourry clasped Rick on the shoulder in congratulations as she closed the door and turned around and asked Sylphiel, "So, do you know what you're going to call him?"

Sylphiel smiled warmly as she nodded and as more tears fell from her eyes. "Erik. After my father."


"So, what are your thoughts?" Gourry asked as he bounced Aurelia while Lina lay beside him in bed nursing Midas.

Lina let out as breath as she thought about all that Gourry had told her about his latest dream. She reached down to put a hand on his knee and said, "Relief that I came back in that future. And hopefully that me will whip up a way to break the curse without killing you."

Gourry smiled a little, "So you're not wanting to off my future self to get the information."

"Look, I know death is inevitable for all of us. But I'm not exactly a fan of hastening it for any reason." Lina stated as she remembered Talim, living as a head in a jar, begging her to give him the release of death and being unable to grant it.

Gourry smiled as Aurelia babbled excitedly, "I'm relieved, too, that you came back. And, it sounds silly, but that Midas doesn't seem to be the person we're being warned about."

"What do you mean?" Lina said sharply.

"I guess, in the early dreams, I picked up on the antagonism between the twins, how he brought out Lia's insecurities. And I wondered if Midas was the one they were warning us about. But after this, it's obvious, he's on our side."

Lina stared at him in shock, "But how could you think that we would raise someone who would resurrect the Demon Lord of the North?"

"I was hoping I was wrong!" Gourry said, "That's why I didn't say anything. I didn't want people to treat Midas like he was guilty when he's still in diapers."

"Gourry!" Lina said as she cradled Midas closer, "This is our son!"

"And I know just how badly things can go awry in a family." Gourry said, "And since the twins have been born, I mean, I love being a dad. But I'm terrified that I'll get it wrong and mess it all up. And then I was having these dreams that seemed to show how I'd messed it all up and it was easy to believe that I'd failed."

Lina stroked Midas's hair and shook her head and tried to fight back against the outrage she was feeling. Especially now that he was actually confiding in her, "You are an idiot. But then, I guess you did see a future where things didn't turn out well. So it's not like we can slack off and say it won't happen. But there's a difference between a family feud and resurrecting Shabranigdu!"

As if he had realized they were talking about them, Midas unlatched and looked at Gourry and smiled. Gourry chuckled and picked him up and gave him a kiss on the forehead, "I hate that I even thought that of you! Can you forgive me?"

Midas cooed, and Gourry sat him on his lap close to Aurelia as Lina leaned her head on his shoulder, "They have already gotten so big!" Lina commented.

"Compared to little Erik?" Gourry asked.

"Yeah," Lina said, "Can you believe that they're already six months old? Compared to Erik they are huge! And they can sit up and babble and they are trying to crawl through those portals they open."

"And then we'll never get a wink of sleep!" Gourry said as Lina snorted.

"They are going to cause us so much worry and grey hairs!"

"I guess I'd not thought of it, since I see them in the future in my dreams when they are truly grown up, and they are so much smaller now." Gourry said, "But compared to Erik they have grown a lot. And then it's like, I don't remember this happening!"

Lina reached over and grabbed Midas's chubby hand as she said wistfully, "Isn't it strange how the days are long but the months are short?"

"You're not already missing the newborn stage?" Gourry asked slyly.

"I don't know," Lina said as Gourry's eyes widened, "But I miss that there wasn't that tranquility after they were born. That sense of peace and rightness. And that we didn't have those little traditions because we were so focused on keeping the family together. I didn't even have that moment of euphoria because I was scared out of my mind when I'd realized that Xellos had snatched Midas."

"You're not wanting a third one?" he asked as he put a hand on her knee.

"Well…not now. Not while I'm nursing." Lina said as Aurelia pulled herself to her and started to grab her shirt. Lina scooped her up and got her to latch on as she said, "But perhaps, in a few years, we can try for a third?"

Gourry smiled warmly at her, "Just let me know when. I'm more than happy to have a lot of them running around the manor. And more than happy to do my part in creating them!"

Lina laughed as she leaned her head against his shoulder, and then cried out when a sharp pain pierced her nipple. Her hands grabbed a fistful of Gourry's hair and she pulled, causing him to cry out as well as Midas looked at them in alarm. "Lina! Lina! Ouch! Let go! What was that for?" he asked.

Lina unlatched Aurelia and looked into her mouth and then shook her head. "Well look at who has a tooth coming in."

"Really?" Gourry said.

Lina looked at Aurelia warily as she started grabbing her shirt, obviously wanting more milk as Lina looked at her dubiously and said, "Well, I can't promise a manor filled with little Inverses. I'm starting to wonder if I'm losing my grip on sanity wanting to do this all over again after watching Sylphiel give birth. But I guess all the pain has its pay offs and rewards."

Lina looked at Aurelia sternly and said, "No biting!" and warily got her to latch on again. "Or at least, it's what we keep telling ourselves."


AN: The gag at the end was inspired by a comic by Yehuda Devir, One of Those Days. The moment I saw it I thought of Lina and Gourry and how it would be something that would happen to them.

Anyway, Sylphiel's father's name is only given in the end credits of the anime, and I've seen it translated as Uruk or Eruk. On Kanzakadex it's Elc. While in other fanfics where I've written Sylphiel's father I either went with Uruk or Eruk, I don't particularly like either of those spellings. It seems like it would be pronounced similar to Eric, but with a rather odd spelling, and since I'll likely be using it more in this story than I ever have in the past, I decided to change it to something that makes sense to me phonetically. If you're wanting an in story explanation, in Sairaag his name would be spelled Eruk but in Zeferia they spell the name different, and Sylphiel and Rick decided to adopt Zeferian spellings while they live there, like how Maria Antonia became Marie Antoinette when she moved to France and married Louis XVI.