AN: A note, in the novels Zel and Phil never meet. And I think that's the only change needed to understand everything that happens in this chapter.

"Damn," Lina muttered as she scrapped a thick layer of mud from the soles of her boots. While the day had dawned as pretty as a picture, the fact that a vicious storm had passed through the previous night was very much in evidence in the muddy trail they navigated with difficultly.

She and Gourry slipped and slid their way through the muddier parts of the trail and had to stop often to wipe their boots, slowing their progress so much that by the time they reached the outskirts of Zefiel City it was a bit after lunch time and not before, like she had been planning. Her stomach rumbled miserably as she put her boot back on while Gourry surveyed the road ahead. When she noticed that he straightened a little she followed his gaze and found that a short woman wearing official, royal robes was walking up to them.

Lina grabbed a rag and started to wipe her hands with it, throwing it back in her pocket as soon as the woman approached. "Miss Lina Inverse?" she asked, her voice severe.

"Yes?" Lina replied.

"I am Aliciane, the Eternal Queen's Official Page. The Eternal Queen would like an audience with the both of you. Follow me."

Gourry frowned as Lina fought the urge to protest. She wanted to see her family first, and she was hungry and had been ready for some good home cooking. She quickly swallowed the impulse. Welcome home, she thought to herself as she realized that the freedom she had enjoyed would soon be a distant memory. Because at the end of the day, when the Queen of your homeland beckons, you don't disobey.

"Daddy." Amelia said as she walked up to one of the most repulsive men that Zelgadis had ever seen. He was Amelia's father!? Zelgadis's mind could not work out how a woman as beautiful as Amelia could have been sired by someone so ugly. Part of him wondered if Amelia was playing a joke on him as he felt his anxiety over meeting her father and having the explain their elopement melt under a new worry. Namely, if Amelia's father was that disgusting, what would their kids look like?

Well, hopefully they'll take after Amelia, he told himself as it started to become easier to understand why Amelia would develop feelings for him when he was a chimera. And then he started to feel a bit of empathy for Phil, even if it was mostly crushed under the overwhelming anxiety that meeting him produced.

"Amelia!" Phil said as he stood up from behind his desk and ran to her, "I was worried! You just disappeared…"

Zelgadis watched as they embraced, reflecting that after their brief ceremony they stayed at an inn. They couldn't very well stay in the priestess dormitory that Amelia inhabited. Amelia had hoped her absence wouldn't be noticed, even if she wasn't optimistic about it.

"I had matters of great importance to attend to." Amelia explained as Phil looked at Zelgadis, who stood a bit straighter. He'd heard that Philionel was a pacifist, and it looked as though that philosophy was about the be put to the test as a strange look crossed the older man's face as Philionel seemed to take every inch of him in.

"What matters?" Phil said. "Who's this?"

Amelia walked over to Zel and stood beside him as she grabbed his hand, "This is Zelgadis Greywards, the chimera man I told you about who helped us defeat Hellmaster Phibrizo. He found his cure and came back for me. We just got married!"

Amelia stood beside him as bubbly as a frothing waterfall. She even bounced on her heels a little as she swung her arm, causing their hands to buoy back and forth. Zel, meanwhile, became more stiff and rigid as Phil's mouth dropped a little in surprise and his eyes bulged out of his brow, giving him the appearance of a frog being squeezed as a red violet shade colored his face. Zelgadis began seriously questioning the wisdom of this move.

Phil took a deep breath and managed to squeak out, "I see."

"Isn't it romantic?" she wailed as she moved closer to Zel and hugged his arm. Judging by the way the vein in Phil's forehead throbbed visibly through his skin, Zel really wished she would stop baiting him, "It's just like what you and Mommy did!"

Phil clasped the back of his chair as though he had been kicked in the stomach. He took a deep breath and then shook his head. "I guess this has been a long time coming."

"Um-hum." Amelia said with a giggle as she cuddled closer to Zelgadis, and he started to wonder what was wrong with her. Sure, she was peppy and optimistic, but this was a side to her he'd never seen!

"For the record, my parents had met your mother and I had met hers before we eloped." Phil pointed out.

"But I'm not pregnant." Amelia sang.

"Gracia was premature." Phil muttered.

Amelia shrugged, "If you say so."

Phil sighed, and walked up to him, and Zelgadis felt his heart race faster than he could remember for a while. Then he extended his hand, and Zelgadis relaxed a small measure as he shook it. "Welcome to the family." Phil let go of his hand as quickly as possible, "You two better get out of the kingdom until this dies down. The Council is going to wring my neck over this!"

Right now, those were the most beautiful words that Zelgadis had ever heard as Amelia said, "Good point. Is there anywhere we're needed?"

"Well," Phil said, "Zefiel City is having a big celebration of their native born heroine, Lina Inverse."

Zelgadis' ears pricked at that, "Since you two know her, it would be good if Saillune made a show. It would also strengthen relations between our kingdoms."

Amelia jumped up as she clasped her hands, "That sounds like a perfect plan! Right, Zel, let's get going right now!"

Lina was unusually quiet as she followed Aliciane into Zefiel City. If the Eternal Queen wanted to see her there were only two possibilities. One was that something horrible had happened. The other was something she never dared dream would happen, especially given as she had grown up under Luna's shadow. Even now she couldn't wish for it. If she was wrong it would be too shattering. So instead she kept her eyes peeled for trouble. As they approached the gates Lina's eyes rose up to the flags, expecting to see them at half-mast.

They weren't. And rather than just seeing the ordinary Zeferian flag, below it was the flag that was flown on celebrations to honor the heroes of Zeferia. Lina felt her heart swell as she gasped. "What is it?" Gourry whispered.

All Lina could do was shake her head as they passed under the gates and Aliciane stopped before the sentries. Beyond them Lina could see the crowded thoroughfare lined with people waving flags and carrying flowers and looking joyous. "Stand aside." Aliciane told the guards, "And make way for the return of Lina Inverse, a native born hero of Zefiel City."

The applause was thunderous as Aliciane started to move forward. Lina, in her shock, remained frozen to the spot, but not for long. Gourry gently grabbed her arm and induced her to move forward again. As she entered the city it slowly dawned on her why she was going to visit the Eternal Queen. She was going to be knighted.

Someone pressed a bouquet of flowers into her arms and she took it, stunned, as the crowds on either side waved and cheered. She tried to look in them to find familiar faces, but it was all a blur, so she focused on looking forward once more. Finally her eyes settled on the gazebo in the town's center, and her heart sped up a bit as she saw her family standing there behind the tall, regal woman seated in an ornate chair. Her heart raced as they drew closer, and she realized that her family appeared to have grown a bit, judging by the young man standing beside her sister and the fact that each of them was holding a toddler boy. Was she an aunt now as well? Her family waved. She waved back as Gourry leaned down to whisper, "Hey Lina, that man with the dark hair. Who is he?"

Lina shook her head, "My dad, idiot."

She was too focused on getting to the gazebo to see the shocked expression on his face. And then it took all of her attention to navigate the steps without tripping in front of the entire city. When she reached the top of the stairs and found herself before the dais the queen was seated on she took a deep breath and knelt down as Aliciane introduced her, "Miss Lina Inverse."

The Queen considered her for a moment before speaking in a clear, resounding voice, "Is it true that you slew Hellmaster Phibrizo and two sevenths of Shabranigdu?"

Lina nodded, even as she felt the hairs on the back on her neck prickle. Admitting it in front of a large crowd of people seemed like waving a banner to the Mazoku race that read COME KILL ME. Still, she couldn't very well refuse to answer the queen, "Yes, your majesty."

The Queen rose, "As a native born Zeferian, I'm sure that you are aware that we are proud that our kingdom has a reputation for being where legends are born."

"I do, your majesty."

"Who would have thought when you set out five years ago that you would have surpassed them all?"

Lina felt gooseflesh erupt, and for once, she struggled with something to say. While Lina tried to find coherent words, the Queen drew a sword, a ceremonial one. Lina looked forward to the ground as she felt the sword against her right shoulder, and then her left, and then back again. "You have earned your knighthood." The Queen declared, "And from this day forward you shall be the official Protector of Our Realm."

Lina looked up, her eyes wide. Was this what Kate had been talking about when she said that she wouldn't have to worry about figuring out what would happen next? "The estate at Maninstit and the surrounding lands are now your domain. You may rise."

Lina got up and hoped that her legs weren't visibly shaking, "Thank you, your majesty."

"Thank you for your service. You may go to your family."

Lina bowed one final time, and then rushed over to her parents, reaching her mother first who wrapped her into a hug. "Why didn't anyone say anything?" Lina muttered by way of a greeting.

"And ruin the surprise?" her mother replied.

Before Lina could retort, the Queen spoke again, "And you are Gourry Gabriev."

Lina's father moved to her other side, and each of her parents proudly wrapped an arm around her as she turned so she could watch what was happening as Gourry answered in the affirmative and the queen said, "You are not native to this realm."

It wasn't a question, but Gourry still answered, "No."

"Yet without your skill and loyalty, our native born daughter may never have accomplished her feats."

"She would have found a way." Gourry replied, and Lina's stomach fluttered. "She's smart like that."

"That may be, but for making her path easier, I grant you citizenship in Zeferia." The Queen drew her sword once again and placed it on Gourry's shoulder, "And I grant you your knighthood. I understand you call yourself Lina's guardian."

"Yes. Self-appointed."

The Queen smiled, "The Protector of Our Realm has a big job and needs someone to guard her back. So you shall be the Guardian of Our Protector, and given a monthly stipend of 1000 gold pieces."

"I mean no offense," Gourry said, and Lina felt the bottom drop from her stomach, "But my guarding Lina is an act of devotion. And she'll likely ring my neck for this, but if I take money for guarding her, then it would be about greed. So would it be alright if I took the title but not the money?"

The thunderous applause that resulted from Gourry's question seemed muted as Lina wondered if he really just said that as her mother whispered in her ear, "Don't beat him up too badly."

Actually I kinda want to jump him in a different way, Lina thought to herself as the Queen smiled knowingly, "As you wish. Still, part of your and Lina's job will be training the next potential legends that Zeferia has to offer. And for that you shall be compensated."

Gourry smiled, "That I can accept."

"You may rise."

Gourry did so, bowed, and walked over to them, and Lina swore that there was no way he couldn't hear her heart pounding against her rib cage. "Gourry." Her father said as he patted him on the back, "It's good to see you again."

Lina's mouth dropped, "Again!?"

Han Inverse related the tale of how he and Gourry had met as they walked over to a large banquet table that Gourry was thankful to see was laden with food. There were two decorated chairs in the center of the table, one for him and one for Lina, and Gourry could not help but think that it almost seemed like a wedding banquet. No wonder Kate had confronted him.

Even though it was not something he usually did, he held out the chair for Lina. She looked at him for a moment, her expression indecipherable, before she sat down. He sat beside her as her parents drew chairs beside her while Luna took the chair beside him, her husband and sons joining her. "You don't mind children?" Luna asked.

"No." Gourry said.

"After the next morning we went our separate ways." Han said, "Months passed and we got a letter that you were traveling with him. Small world."

Lina shook her head in disbelief as she started to load her plate, "So this couldn't have happened too long before we met."

"I ran into you a few days later." Gourry said.

"And you never suspected…"

"No." Gourry said as he sipped some ale. "Though now that I think of it, it makes sense."

Lina cocked an eye at him, "How so?"

He smiled, "It just does!"

"Well, I guess that's about as intelligent as a respond as I can expect from you." Lina said as she shook her head.

"Tell me about defeating Shabranigdu." Lina's mother, Leia, said.

Gourry ate quietly as he watched as Lina narrated their adventures to her family as he worked to sort through his feelings. While he was happy that the hard work and suffering he had endured with Lina was being recognized and appreciated, this was not what he was expecting. He had been worried about getting a job, about fitting in with her family, about finding a place in Zefiel City, and about whether or not he was good enough for Lina.

But now…

Running into her father again seemed to be a sign. After losing his own father, Han had come in at a pivotal time and provided the sort of guidance that a father would have. Guidance that was instrumental in forming a partnership with Lina and saving the world. Seeing him again was encouraging, and he desperately wanted to talk to him without Lina around. Still, it wasn't as though he could butt in after he had been away from his daughter for five years. It would have to wait. Still, Gourry was becoming more certain that he could fit in with her family.

Not to mention her country. Citizenship and a plushy job, and with Lina being a land owner now, well, it took care of a lot of worries, even as it added some. Part of him wished he had made a move earlier. He didn't want to give the impression that he was only interested in Lina for her land. Granted, he'd likely quash that speculation with turning down the stipend.

While it was good, as he surveyed the festival being held in their honor, it was also a lot to take in. He glanced at Lina, who appeared happy and overwhelmed as she told their story. No, he was preparing for anonymity and penny pinching. He hadn't been expecting fame and a position of power. Even if he still did not completely understand what that position entailed yet.

And, he thought with a bit of sadness, it would be a horrible time to make a move. He and Lina was both reeling from this surprise. Something needed to stay stable.

"Which brings me to," Lina said, cutting into his thoughts as she looked at her sister, "What exactly am I supposed to be doing as the Protector of the Realm?"

"The Eternal Queen will let you have some time with us today. Tomorrow she plans another audience with you, in private, where she will explain in greater detail." Luna said, and Gourry reflected that that did not tell them much.

"You must have some idea. I mean, will we be traveling through Zeferia keeping it safe, or…?"

"The Ceiphied Knights have things within Zeferia's borders under control." Luna said, "However, the events of the past two years have shown that things outside of our borders threaten our existence as well, and when that happens, we need someone we can trust out there taking care of it."

"So are Gourry and I supposed to do what we've always done, but in the Queen's name and with a handsome stipend and a lot of land I never get to see?"

"The Mazoku race is quiet now," Luna explained, "After two years of unusually high activity, things are quiet. Right now is the time to rest, so enjoy it while it lasts. In the meantime, we intend to become stronger. You proved that a human could take down a high ranking Mazoku. So right now people across Zeferia are scouting for potential sorcerers and swords people for training. While we have a good network here in Zeferia thanks to Ceiphied's Eats…"

"Ceiphied's Eats?" Gourry interjected.

"The restaurant I work at," Luna said, "Well, it's a bit more than a restaurant. The Ceiphied Knights work there, gather intel from the travelers who come through, protect our borders, that sort of thing."

And Ceiphied's Eats was the best name you could come up with? Gourry thought as he shook his head while Luna continued, "So you probably have a few months to rest before you start receiving trainees. You can write about your adventures for posterity, or just enjoy walking about your domain, or catch up on sleep, I really don't care. Once we start sending people your way, though, your job is to train them to do what you did, and then lead them in battle when the time comes."

"I see." Lina said as she smiled wistfully, "I guess that's why I have all of that land now."

Luna patted her hand, and Gourry's brain worked over time to figure them out. Lina had always given mixed signals about her sister, on the one hand implying they were close, on the other implying that she was terrified of her and even traumatized by her. Yet all Gourry saw now was a rather nurturing older sister, "It's a lot to take in."

Lina looked out as the festivities, "I just wasn't expecting all this to greet me when I got home."

"What, do you think we were sleeping under a rock?" Luna asked.

"Speaking of," Leia said as she glanced at Gourry, "Is there anything else you two want to announce?"

Lina reddened as she muttered, "Mom!"

"Yes," Gourry said as Lina's eyebrows hit her hairline, "And that is I intend to have a dance with Lina."

Lina reddened further, "Gourry!"

"Oh, go." Luna said as she pushed her, "You never know what will happen on the dance floor."

Gourry offered his hand and Lina took it, and as he escorted her to the dance floor he noticed people staring at them approvingly. Something about it was eerie, and a feeling rose that he had just lost control of his life. It was silly. He was planning to be with Lina anyway, so why did the knowing and approving glances make him feel so manipulated?

Finally they reached the dance floor, and as he put his arms around her the feeling of being manipulated ebbed. Holding her felt so natural and right. "How are you doing?" he asked as he searched her face for clues to what she was feeling.

"Strange." Lina said after a moment, "It's a lot. I wasn't expecting this. And, well, I guess I liked the feeling that I was in control of my life for awhile. Even if it was just an illusion."

So it wasn't just him! "You feel it too?" he said.

Lina snorted, "I should have warned you. It happens when my sister is around. You start wondering if anything you do was your own idea or somehow set in motion by her. I mean even this, I know it was her idea not to tell me and catch me off guard. I wish someone had said something!"

"Well, you don't have to do the Protector of the Realm thing if you don't want to." He said.

Lina smiled warily, "Yes, I do. This is my kingdom. You don't just turn down a request from the Eternal Queen. Besides, much as I hate to admit it, it does solve my problem. It gives me a next step to focus on. I'd never thought of training people, but it's something I can do that would help. I'm a bit excited about it. There were a lot worse things I could be facing."

They were quiet for a minute as he just focused on the feel of her in his arms. Her next questions was asked in an uncharacteristically quiet manner, yet still her heard her, "But what about you? I mean, this isn't your country or your people."

"As long as I'm with you, I'm happy." He said.

"Gourry," she said, and the longing in her voice spurred something within him to stop waiting, to stop rationalizing his reasons for delaying and to act.

He moved quickly before he could change his mind and leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "It's because I love you."

He felt her hands tighten around him. Suddenly he wished for a way to get her alone. Yet he knew that if he attempted to take her anywhere they would be followed by a crowd of people eager to see what they were up to. No, being alone would have to wait. Still, her hands relaxed as she rested her head against his chest, and he was certain she could hear the pounding of his heart. "I love you, too."

It was late when they left the festival. After the dance Lina spent some more time catching up with her friends and family. They had dinner and danced some more, and drank a lot. When things finally broke up Lina escorted him to the street she had grown up on. He wasn't sure what to expect, but eventually she took him to a rather nondescript mercantile store and took him around the back to the steps there. "The apartment is on top of the store." She explained, her words slightly slurred as she started to climb the steps. "It's not much."

"In the Elmekian Empire I grew up in a shabby mud hut." He said.

Lina smiled wryly as she opened the door. He could sense that her parents were already inside and asleep. Either her parents felt safe enough keeping their doors unlocked or it was a one time event with Lina home. "There's a kitchen and small bathroom downstairs if you need it." She said as she walked into a tiny hallway and took her shoes off and set them beside her parents. He followed her lead. On the right was the room her parents were in. She opened the door to her left, revealing a room so small it merely contained two built in bunk beds on the far wall. "This is where Sis and I slept growing up." Lina said in a hushed tone. "Do you want the top or bottom bunk?"

He shrugged, mournfully thinking that they definitely were not wide enough for two people. Hell, the room was so narrow it barely fit the beds, "Whichever."

"I think the bottom is a bit roomier." Lina said as she hopped on the top one, and he couldn't help but notice that it helped with their height mismatch, which got him thinking. Perhaps they couldn't go all the way, but they could get a good start.

"Is it all right if I kiss you, or are you too tired?"

She put her hands around his shoulders and pulled him to her, taking a moment to briefly say before their lips met, "Damn you, I've been waiting for you to ask that all night!"