Shadow Redemption

Shadow Redemption

Chapter 7: Clouds! Rays of Hope

"Okay, so lets get everything straight." Lina counted off the items with her fingers as she spoke. "One, Shadow Redemption didn't work like it was supposed to. Two, Zel's in pretty bad shape, even though Tanith has helped him temporarily, but we don't know when her 'bandages' will give. Three, we have to find a solution--and don't you dare say you're doing this on your own, Zel--and the best we've got is Atlas City. Four, there's a bounty out on Amelia's and my heads, along with whoever's with us." She sighed deeply.

Sylphiel shook her head. "That doesn't sound very good."

"It's not."

"What should we do, Lina?" Gourry asked, for once serious and focused.

The sorceress shrugged, taking a bite of her dinner. "It's obvious, I think. We head for Atlas City and check out their Sorcerer's Guild. And--" she added, casting a pointed glare at Zelgadis; he wasn't looking, "--we turn everything we find over to Tanith. She's really the only one who might be able to figure out just what happened."

Tanith set the glass of water she'd been drinking down. "I think I already have."

Lina spun on her. "What? You did? When?"

"Yes, tell us," Amelia urged.

The elf took a deep breath, looking down at the table. "Last night and this morning, but I have just one question for Zelgadis: What happened when you were transformed?"

The sorcerer winced just barely. He sat back in his chair, dinner untouched, refusing to meet anyone's gaze. He answered in as flat a tone as he could, hoping the others wouldn't see how troubling the memory was for him. "Rezo offered to make me stronger. He pointed his staff at me and…that's about it." He didn't mention the pain he'd felt, the terrifying changes he'd experienced. They wouldn't have understood.

But Tanith wasn't finished. "Where did you wake up?"

It was an odd question, and he glanced at her. Her eyes were closed. "In the forest," he answered. "Right where he found me." She sighed. "Why? What does that have to do with anything?"

"You weren't made into a chimera by the normal methods, Zelgadis." Her eyes opened, but only to stare at her water glass. "If you had been, then you would have woken up in a lab or other room--Rezo would have had to have moved you there to work the process, and it would have taken several hours."

"So what are you saying?" Lina asked.

"Zelgadis's chimera body was created by magic," Tanith responded. "Shadow magic. More specifically, the spell know as Dark Life."

The group fell silent, pondering this discovery. Lina nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense, but would that have caused his current condition?"

Tanith shook her head. "No, I don't think so. I haven't figured that out yet." She raised her eyes. "But I can explain some other things to you, about what exactly Zelgadis is going through and how it will affect him. It'll be another long story, but we're not going anywhere tonight, right?" She made a helpless gesture. "It can't hurt, and it'll be good if everyone can at least understand a little."

"I agree," Amelia put in helpfully. "I certainly want to know."

"Me too," Lina added seriously. "But first--" She leapt to her feet, shouting in the direction of the kitchen. "Hey, Innkeeper! We need twelve chicken platter dinners out here!"

"Lina-san, don't you think that's a bit much?"

"Nonsense, Amelia!" She faced the cook who'd come stumbling out of the back room. She pointed to the princess. "And mister, charge it to this girl!"

After everyone had calmed down, and Lina had proven she--or rather, Amelia--could pay for the meals, Tanith began.

"What we are dealing with is mind magic. It's not an actual type of magic, like Black or White, but it's a part of all of them. Every spell, no matter what the type or where it comes from, requires a level of mental control."

"Otherwise," Lina broke in, "Things can get really out of hand."

"Things always go out of hand when you're around," Gourry softly pointed out.

As the swordsman climbed up off the floor, resetting his chair and rubbing his head, and Lina smoothed the wrinkles from her clothing, Tanith selected a chicken bone from Gourry's plate. Then she plucked a single hair from her head. "Depending on the spell and the caster, a control spell can vary in size. This hair would be the smallest form, but it wouldn't do more than let the caster know where the…the 'puppet' was." Zelgadis winced at the word, but nobody noticed. She held up the rib bone. "This would be the size of a weaker spell, like the one that was on Zelgadis."

The former chimera shot her brief, sharp glare that also went unnoticed. "Breaking a bond like this--" She snapped the bone. "--wouldn't cause any kind of discomfort or danger to either the controller or the controlled. Now, for a stronger spell…." She looked around for a reasonable example, finally settling for a chicken leg. "Breaking something like this--meaning it was done forcefully and not 'undone' by the caster--would result in two things: First, the one being controlled would get a sizable wound. Spirit wounds don't usually heal by themselves, but depending on the 'width' it could take years before the person would even notice."

Amelia, Sylphiel, and Lina nodded thoughtfully. Gourry still looked interested, his mouth full of chicken. Zelgadis didn't touch the food, arms remaining tightly crossed and expression sour. Tanith did her best to ignore the man. Her anger had passed. She couldn't blame him for what he'd said--it was, after all, the truth--but forgiveness was something she wasn't ready to give.

Something's happened between us, she thought, half saddened and half troubled. It's not just the fight--he's changed somehow. I thought we might have…gotten closer…after he became human, since instinct wouldn't be driving us crazy. But now….

"So what we need to look for," Sylphiel interrupted her thoughts, "Is anything about mind magic and control spells?"

Tanith nodded, quickly returning her focus. "Yes, and anything about my people. There's so little that, chances are, anything written about us may have what we need."

Gourry swallowed a large chunk of meat, picking up Tanith's abandoned examples. "So, if one spell is like a chicken's rib, and the other is like a chicken's leg, what's the one that Zelgadis's got now?"

"Wow Gourry," Amelia said, quite awed. "You're actually following."

"That's because we're talking about food," Lina muttered.

Tanith seriously considered the swordsman's question. "Well, I suppose the best thing…." She held her right arm out over the table. Her expression and tone were so grave the others knew she wasn't exaggerating. "It would be like tearing off your arm. And Zelgadis has two of these."

Lina was the only one able to hide her distress. Even Zelgadis's face winced in worry before he hid in his bangs. "The worst part is," the sorceress added, noting the discomfort of the man, "This is a wound that can't be healed with our Shaman or White magic, and to be honest, I don't know if there's anything I can do."

That really hit home among the group--a problem Lina couldn't handle was really serious. Amelia shook it off first. "But Tanith-san can, right?"

The Ruumin shrugged at the hopeful expressions. "I can keep him 'bandaged,' but it's only temporary. I can't tell you how long he's got, either, only estimate. Based on what I know…he could last anywhere from a day or two to maybe a few months, provided he doesn't do any sort of fighting or magic use."

The group fell silent, thoughtfully chewing their food. As disturbing as the news was, Tanith had to admit they were handling it well--not much could faze them for long.

Finally, Lina spoke. "Is that everything?"

"Well…." It wasn't. Not completely. But should she mention it?

Clouded brother told me before that they should know everything, and they should. It would at least assure them that I know what I'm talking about. She sighed, gathering her courage. It's been eight years; I can control myself better now than I could a few weeks ago. Tanith caught Zelgadis watching her out of the corner of his eye. He looked away when their gazes met.

If anything, it'll convince him that I'm the only one who could help him now. That settled, she prepared to continue.

I just don't have to tell them about them.

"There is something else," she said aloud, catching their attention again. "It's about the Ruumin and how I know what I do."

All but Gourry paused in their eating, leaning forward in anticipation. Information like this was hard to get out of their friend--they were always afraid of saying the wrong thing and seriously upsetting her.

"When the Ruumin were formed, we lived on an island in the southwest."

"Like Mipross?" Amelia asked. She'd finally gotten the story out of Lina and was eager to hear more about the elfin people.

"Yes, that was one of the elf villages." So far, so good. "We lived there until just before the attack on Mipross, but we rarely left the island."

"Why?" This time it was Sylphiel.

Tanith shrugged. "We didn't want much to do with the outside world, mostly because of the war. We gradually lost contact with the other elf groups because they still followed Ceiphied. Also, we believed we had a duty to protect the earth and the creatures on it, especially those who had gotten caught up in the war against their wills. Eventually, we gave up on trying to recruit the other elves and just kept to ourselves. Except, of course, when the Mages went out. According to our history, the Elements wanted it that way. They gave us this duty, to act as their hands, much the same way the Mazoku do for Shabranigdu and the Knight of Ceiphied for the Dragon God."

"So you were kinda cut off from the rest of the world," Lina suggested.

"Exactly." She seems to know where I'm going with this. "It was the will of the Elements, and we followed it. But we aren't that different from humans, and close friends are harder to find in a smaller area."

The three girls nodded in complete agreement. "I never met any good-looking guys until after I left Seiluun," Amelia put in.

"The only really handsome one in Sairaag was Gourry-sama," Sylphiel added, blushing slightly at the look Lina gave her. "But he left."

Tanith's expression softened a bit, sympathizing with their feelings but glad they understood. Lina noted the look before steering the conversation back to the point. "So, what's that got to do with anything?"

The elf met her gaze and nodded. "Well, at that time, there were enough of us to be happy, I suppose. But then the Mages were born. Leisha, Pel, Terynn, Carme, and Paige were special, as you all know, and because of that they were singled out among our people. So the Elements decided to bless the five by granting them their most secret gift. We call it shenelin, soul-bonded. It can only be broken by death. Shindranelle, the Element of Spirit, bound their souls together. The Harbingers became connected in such a way that, if they tried hard enough, they could talk to each other without using words."

"Like Telepathy?" Amelia asked.

"Yes, just like that." Tanith rubbed her hidden ear. "Only it wasn't a spell. It was an ability that was a part of them, like a mental ear and voice."

"So if one was in trouble," Lina spoke up, "The others would know about it."

"Right."

The red-head leaned back in her chair. "Not bad," she commented, impressed. "That would come in handy."

Tanith nodded and continued her story. But as she spoke, her tone grew solemn and chilling as her tale grew serious. "A bit over one thousand years ago, before the Mazoku war, one of the Mages rebelled against his chosen destiny. Valess left the island and eventually joined up with a bandit group. He fell in love with one of the women in their town, and they became soul-bonded. But the bandits were at war with another group, and that band attacked the first. Valess's love, Celest, was killed."

"I heard of that!" Lina suddenly interrupted. "The Dragon Wings Conflict that happened near Sangoost, right?" She turned to Amelia and Sylphiel. "The whole city is built in a valley."

Amelia's eyes lit up. "Yeah! There was a big explosion that created it. The city was formed several years later." She looked to Tanith. "Did Valess cause that?"

The elf nodded sadly. "He was so devastated over her death that he used Lucent Beam, the equivalent of Dragon Slave, and killed everyone on both sides." She lowered her head. "When he returned home, it was decided that the Ruumin could no longer live with humans. We couldn't risk our Mages losing control like that."

"So you left," Lina filled in.

"Yes."

The sorceress shook her head. "There have been so many fairy tales about destined lovers and whatever, and I never really thought it was true."

"They're not destined," Tanith corrected. "The Elements only bond people after they have met and already love each other, with the only exception being the Mages--they are bonded upon their first contact." Now comes the hardest part. She visibly steeled herself, the others catching on and waiting quietly. The tavern had pretty much cleared out by then--they had the place to themselves. "There are two final things you all should know." She held out her arm again. "This is the size of the injuries that Zelgadis has, right?" She waited until they had all nodded. "The shenelin bond is about as large as this. The Mages of Valess's time all died when they disconnected our island and moved it out to sea--all but Valess. He lived for another year with four wounds this size, protecting the island until it could settle and watching for the next group of Mages. But he was even stronger than that, because he had another kind of bond with the bandit girl." Tanith took a deep breath, lowering her arm and eyes to the table. "There is a stronger bond, called a charan, that happens between a Mage and another who are very deeply in love."

"Is it the size of a chicken?" Gourry asked.

Tanith answered before Lina could hit him. "No, Gourry. A charan bond is more like the size of your waist."

"B-but Tanith-san," Sylphiel stuttered. "Wouldn't a break like that--"

"It can't be broken, Sylphiel." Tanith closed her eyes. "Not even death can sever a charan couple. The death of one usually pulls the other with him or her. Valess lasted the longest of any, but most don't survive more than an hour, if that. However, Valess's bond was weaker than a normal one, since the girl was a human and had no magic whatsoever. The strongest ever heard of was between Paige and Carme."

"But weren't they both guys?" Lina asked, more than a little disgusted.

"Yes, but it's not what you're thinking. That sort of thing is not very unusual for my people, but those two weren't like that. Paige and Carme loved each other, which was why Paige was so willing to sacrifice himself after the other's death."

Lina thought about this for a while. "Are these bonds limited only to Ruumin, Mages, or neither?"

"The charan bonds are limited only to Mages," Tanith admitted. "Either Mage to Mage or Mage to someone else, like Valess and Celest. But that's not to say that shenelin bonds don't happen among humans." Amelia and Sylphiel's eyes lit up. "I've never seen any, though I haven't been looking. Not many--if any--humans have True Sight, so…." She shrugged. "The Elements gift those that are close enough and deserving of it. The charan life-mate bonds, however, are Their blessings to the Mages for the destiny we carry."

"That is so great!" Amelia suddenly squealed. "Soul-mates and destined loves!" She hugged herself happily. "It's like a fairy tale come true!"

Lina laughed and gagged, admitting to herself that such a relationship would be the only kind she would settle for. Then she caught the look on Tanith's face.

The elf was fighting to keep her feelings in check, a look the sorceress had seen several times on her. There's something else…. "Tanith? That's not all, is it." It was more a statement than a question.

She nodded, collecting herself. "Just…don't think that it's all so wonderful," she advised softly, rising to her feet. "Shindranelle and the Elements don't just hand out these bonds--they usually come out of necessity, like when someone is in danger of dying before their time. It can be a hard, painful price." She turned, walking slowly towards the stairs. She paused in the silence that followed her, glancing over her shoulder. Even Zelgadis was watching.

"We have a saying among my people," she told them. "'Blessed are those who love with love. Blessed more those who are soul-bound. But cherish friends who are charan--on earth such love can not stay long.'" Her eyes were distant and pained. "No charan couple has ever lived beyond the age of twenty."

The group watched in subdued silence as the Mage ascended the stairs. The nature of the stories and the pain in their friend's eyes weighed heavily on their minds. Amelia glanced at her companions and was startled by one of their expressions. "Sylphiel-san? What's wrong?"

The priestess had gone completely white, covering her mouth with both hands to keep from crying. The group turned to her worriedly, each voicing their own concerns until she raised a hand for silence. Lina leaned forward. "Come on, Sylphiel, her story wasn't that sad."

"Don't you get it?" she asked in a whisper, turning her wide eyes on the red-head. "Didn't you hear what she said?"

"Sure I did, but why are you so freaked out?" the sorceress persisted.

Perhaps it was Sylphiel's greater age, or even just her intuition as a priestess, but she understood something the others had yet to grasp. Maybe it was her own loneliness, or her relative newness compared to the rest, save Tanith, but a part of the elf's story had reached out to her. Sylphiel clasped her hands together, saying a silent prayer to her departed friend before focusing on the group.

"Lina-san," she started carefully, her seriousness forcing them all to listen, "Tanith-san is a Mage."

The red-head nodded, not quite following. "Yeah…and?"

The priestess shook her head. "She's a Mage. All the Mages have those soul-bonds." She paused as all their eyes widened. "But the rest of her Mages are dead, right?"

"Gods," Lina breathed. She looked to the stairs, finally understanding. "Four of those…those torn bonds? And she's still alive?"

"How is that possible if her stories were true?" Amelia spoke up. "Not that I doubt her, but…."

"She must have been healed, somehow, or her bonds weren't as strong." Lina scratched her head in guilt. "No wonder she got all upset whenever someone brought it up--it must tear her apart inside just to think of them. We gotta be careful not to bring it up again." She turned to the others to get their agreement, but in the action noticed Zelgadis. "Hey, Zel, you okay?"

The former chimera sat stiffly in his chair, head lowered. His hands gripped his cup so tightly the red-head thought it would crumble between his fingers. His entire body was tense and shaking with what could almost be pain. Alarmed, Lina reached for his arm. "Zelgadis? What is it?"

He jerked away from her touch, looking up sharply. The guilt, pain, and anger in his eyes silenced any and all comments from his companions. Lina could tell his mind was whirling, but with what thoughts she couldn't be sure. Maybe with whatever happened last night. Zelgadis shaped up a bit, but Tanith went practically ghostly--she's barely said a word until tonight. What happened between them? What did he say?

She was about to voice her questions aloud, but Zelgadis seemed to sense her intentions. With another sharp glare, he rose from the table. Ignoring everything around him, he fled from the room. Lina feared he'd run away again, but his course took him to the stairs and the upper floor. She could hear his footsteps running down the hallway, then the muffled bang of his door closing.

Tanith sat easily in the window's sill, dressed only in her blue top and skirt. A full moon lit the town below her, but her eyes were raised towards the heavens. She leaned her head against the wood, arms crossed over a knee.

I've been calling you all night, clouded brother, she thought, casting the message to the stars. You haven't answered since the spell was cast. What have I done?

Tanith already knew the answer; she had failed to protect Zelgadis from Shadow Redemption, had failed to find a solution to his "condition," and had failed the others by failing him. The Ruumin were no longer a secret from the world, their powers and histories no longer a myth. Even if Lina and the others never said a word, there was still Leshimier, as well as anyone in the tavern who might have overheard.

And if it gets out to the Mazoku and Astral Shadows that the Ruumin are still alive….Boy, have I messed everything up.

She reached blindly behind her to the night table, retrieving her travel pouch. She removed one item before returning the bag. Only then did she tear her eyes from the moon, watching as its light reflected off the smooth pearl surface of the comb.

It fit snuggly in the palm of her hand, and Tanith traced the tiny birds engraved in the spine. There were five of the flying creatures, each in a different pose. And even though no expression could be determined from their animal faces, their eyes glowed with joy. Finally, she broke the spell with a sigh, running the strong teeth through her hair.

"I've been so foolish," she whispered into the night, comforted by the sound of her voice. Alone, her mind began to calm itself and sort out the mess all their lives had become. "I couldn't have stopped him from--what he did. He would have found a way to do it. He just wasn't strong enough." Tanith closed her eyes a moment, taking a sad pleasure from the familiar feel of the comb. "The way he's been acting…I should have expected. I should have tried to be more understanding of his feelings." She turned back to the moon and sighed. "But it's too late now, isn't it?"

:I would say so, yes.:

Tanith spun away from the window, facing the room. A pool of moonlight rested on the floor, bits of dust dancing out of the shadows beyond. The tiny particles swirled together to form a ghostly, cloaked figure. :I would also say,: the boy continued, a soft smile touching both his lips and eyes, :That you have been spending all-together too much time on your failures.:

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes as Tanith stood and set down her comb. "I--I thought you'd--"

:Left you? Little sister, I could not leave you any more than I could have left my own shenelin siblings. The reason I was hidden,: he added before she could ask, :Was so you could figure this out on your own.: His gaze became stern. :You are a Mage, Tanith, and it is about time you started acting more like one.:

She winced away from the scolding, trying to hide her discomfort. "I--I've been trying," she insisted, then regretted the words as her tone turned to a whine. "It's just--"

:I know you've been trying, but something is not working, is it?:

Tanith sighed, lowering her head. "No," she agreed sullenly.

The Mage crossed his arms patiently. His expression had become unreadable, showing no emotion at all. Tanith grew anxious and was strangely unnerved by the lack of--life--on his face. He's usually so caring, she thought, distressed by the change. He's never acted this way before.

"You're the ones spouting nonsense about me acting strange!"

"That's why Lina never brought it up until now. Don't you think she would have said something sooner if she didn't? Would she have let you get away with such strange behavior otherwise?"

The ghost nodded slowly. :You said that to Zelgadis, in the woods. You were complaining about him acting differently--:

"--when I've been changing just as much," she finished, staring at the floor. "I've been trying to hide since we all became more than traveling companions. I didn't want to--to lose more friends."

Two fingers touched the bottom of her chin, gently raising her head so she could only look at his eyes. She thought briefly that he must have been a very powerful sorcerer at one time to be able to take an almost physical form. :Being a Mage means protecting everything and everyone.: He smiled softly, returning to the kind boy she'd always known him to be. :But that does not mean you have to do it alone, little sister.:

Tanith nodded slowly, understanding. "I've been pulling away, hiding in myself." And that other feeling, that something was going to happen….it's still there, but it's still so far away. She raised her head. Maybe it's just me, or maybe not, but I can't let it defeat me before it even happens. Clouded brother doesn't know about this feeling….

He nodded. :It is right to grieve for you losses, little friend, but losing them does not mean that you can never be happy again. You and the boy need to learn the same lesson--no one can fight alone. But you can not teach him until you learn it for yourself.:

"You're right," she agreed, head lowering and eyes closed. "You're right." I won't tell him….Not yet. There is too much happening now that I need to deal with. Whatever it is, it can and will wait.

Tanith paused, detecting a light in the darkness behind her closed eyelids. A strange and familiar power hummed to her Other Senses, and she curiously invoked her True Sight. She could See herself and the ghost, both surrounded in soft white lights. From her own astral body she could see four dull, blue cords, each torn and capped. Before she could turn her Sight away, a brighter vein caught her eye, coming from the area around her heart. She focused her gaze, disbelief muddling her thoughts. This is impossible, she thought, staring at the fifth shenelin bond--one that was intact--and following it away from herself. How could I have bonded again….

The thought trailed off, Tanith raising her eyes to meet the blue orbs of the spirit before her. "You…?"

:No more than I could have left my own shenelin siblings.: He smiled, and instantly a wash of emotions flowed into her. His emotions--joy, relief, and love so deep Tanith could not begin to doubt it--surrounded her like a warm blanket, suffocating her with his presence. It was in no way frightening. She welcomed it eagerly, not realizing just how badly she had missed it until that moment. As her legs began to tremble and buckle, the spirit swept forward to catch her.

:My lovely little sister,: he whispered in her mind, his care and sympathy felt with ever word. :My poor, lost little soul-mate.:

Tanith gripped his soft tunic tightly, tears dampening the white fabric. "But…but how?" she managed to choke out, face hidden against his shoulder. "We've both been bonded before. How can we…now…."

:We can not question the choices of the Elements, our Jel'shena, little one.: Even in her mind, his voice was as choked as hers. :They have given us a gift. No Mage should have to fight alone.:

"But--but after what I've done! I don't deserve it!" Tanith insisted. "After what happened with my--"

:Their deaths were not your fault, Tanith,: he insisted. :You know that being a Mage is a risk, and you can not be responsible for the choices they made. Besides,: he added, pushing back to better see her face. :If you were not deserving, you would not have me now, would you?:

Tanith couldn't accept his words so easily, but she pushed the argument aside to be dealt with later. For now she only enjoyed his presence, returning her head to his shoulder. For several minutes they stayed that way, silently thanking the forces that had brought them together.

The mood could not last for long, however, as Tanith's mind went over the meaning of the miracle bonding. "Things are about to get bad, aren't they?" she asked, staring blankly at the wall. "Bonds like this aren't formed without reason." Is this what's been making me so nervous?

The boy nodded, gently stroking her long hair. :You are right.:

"Whatever it is," she continued, "I won't be able to handle it on my own."

:Right again,: the spirit confirmed. :However, I have no idea of what lies ahead for you--for us,: he corrected. :You can not let it worry you too much, though. When you are Willed to fight, you will go, but there is no reason to assume that that is what will happen. Just know that, no matter what, I am with you now, and so are your friends.:

"Oh heavens." Tanith pulled away, reminded of earlier events. "I've been truly awful to them, haven't I?" Before he could reply, she went on. "I'm going to have to make it up to them tomorrow." She raised her eyes to his. They were soft and warm, reflecting the smile on his lips. His expression was one of pride and love, one that made her blush in embarrassment and beam at the same time. "Clouded brother, I--"

:No words necessary, little sister,: he insisted, slowly turning her to her bed. His presence withdrew a bit from her mind--not enough to be completely gone, but his emotions no longer flooded her. :I feel the same way, and someday we will discuss it in detail.: He grinned, patting her lightly on the head. :But for now, you must rest. As you said before, things are about to become difficult.: His expression sobered. :Worry more about Zelgadis and your friends. I will be here whenever you need me.:

Those words were more comforting than any others he could have spoken. Tanith nodded, retreating to her bed as he faded back into the shadows. For the first time in several years she felt at peace--she was no longer alone.

:And you never will be again, little friend. What has happened to you--these past eight years--have been a terrible accident. We have both lost so much, and I am not about to lose you. Sleep well, sister-of-my-soul. I am here.:

Lina stalked angrily through the town, Gourry keeping pace beside her. The villagers moved quickly out of her path, the expression on her face convincing them to stay their distance. The red-head's eyes darted along the street, searching for a certain blond Mage.

Tanith had not been at breakfast, nor had she appeared afterwards. Her room was empty, and no one else had seen her leave. Amelia and Sylphiel had volunteered to keep an eye on Zelgadis--his silence was unusual and disturbing that morning--while the other two searched for their friend.

To top it off, someone had been in Lina's room during the night. The jewels she'd gotten from Tanith were gone, as were those given to the other group members.

The day was not going well.

"Lina, I think I see her."

The swordsman's extra inches allowed him to pick out the elf, and he pointed the direction out to Lina. In a flash she was before the blonde, catching her as she exited a metal-work shop. "Where the hell have you been?" the sorceress demanded.

Unruffled, Tanith only smiled. With a flourish of movement she presented Lina with a red box. "Here."

The sorceress stared at it, the appearance of the gift snuffing out her anger like a candle. "What's this?"

"Open it."

Suspicious, Lina carefully removed the lid, Gourry watching over her shoulder. It was lined with strips of thin paper that cushioned the three objects within. "Hey, aren't these--"

Inside lay the gems Tanith had given her several weeks ago, only now each were set in a ring of gold with clips on the back. The red, rainbow, and golden jewels glittered in the sun. "Why did you--?"

"They're apology gifts," Tanith explained sheepishly. She ducked her head as the sorceress looked up. "I haven't been acting like myself, and it hasn't been helping any of us." She smiled brightly. "So this is to say I'm sorry. From now on, I'm going to do my best to help you all."

Lina blinked in confusion, startled by the sudden confession. "Well, I suppose that's okay…."

"Oh, and Gourry." Tanith turned to the swordsman, holding out another package. "Even though you don't use magic, I was able to change this using your sword." Inside the box was a red gem set into a belt buckle. "Please accept this."

Gourry turned it over in his hand, a slow smile spreading across his face. "It's so nice and shiny," he replied eagerly. "Thanks, Tanith."

She nodded, turning down the street. "I'm glad you like it. Now, I need to find the others." Without waiting, she headed back towards the inn.

Lina shook her head. "I'll never get it," she muttered. "That girl is either crazy, or she's great at keeping secrets. Oh well." She shrugged. "As long as it helps us out, I'm not going to complain. Ready Gourry?"

"Hey, hey Lina! Look at this! It's so shiny and glittery. Isn't it nice, Lina?" the swordsman glanced up. "Hey, Lina? Where are you going? Hey, wait up! Lina!!!"

Zelgadis stared blankly at the jewel in his hand. He wasn't sure how to reply and wished earnestly that Lina and the others hadn't decided to leave him and the Mage alone. She just stood there, calm and apologetic, waiting for a response he didn't know how to give.

Her apology had been welcomed--his past two nights had been close to sleepless, the long hours spent tossing and replaying every word of that one, anger-charged event. They had both been unreasonable, and he had been surprised later by the extent of his own ruthless behavior. "Why did I?" and "How could I?" circled over and over in his mind, unable to come up with an answer. In the moments when he did sleep, his dreams were haunted by her bright, glowing eyes and pale skin, streaming and marred with tears. Her voice followed him, reminding him of the terrible pain she had gone through--that she still suffered--that he had cruelly mocked.

And now here she was, head lowered and hands clasped, awaiting his response. Now was his chance to forgive her of her lesser crime of acting differently. Now he could ask the same of her for his far more hurtful actions. Zelgadis lifted his head, meeting her gaze, breathing deeply as he gathered his courage. "Thank you, Tanith. You didn't need to do this."

Her smile brightened a bit, and she shrugged. "We're going to have to work together, and I didn't want us on bad terms." She turned serious. "I've been acting…not like myself, then accused you of the same thing. I'm sorry."

It wasn't fair. She wasn't supposed to be asking him for forgiveness. He had all but tortured her two nights ago, had dug at wounds in her that could never have been healed. She had every reason to hate him for what he'd done, and she was begging forgiveness. How could he possibly begin to repent? Where did he start? "Tanith, I--"

The elf shook her head, stopping his words. "Don't worry about it, Zelgadis. We both said things we shouldn't have, and I don't blame you for it. I'm not upset with you."

But…you can't just say that! he silently protested. You can't just pretend it didn't happen. You can't just forgive me without my trying to…to do something!

But she didn't hear his thoughts. Her smile brightened again--his stomach twisted. "Well, we better get ready to leave, hmm?" Without another look, she bound across the floor to where Lina was arguing with the cook, trying to get more food for their journey. The sorcerer stayed where he was a while longer, watching as the Mage joined the red-head in the verbal battle.

The ache he was feeling was not new to him--it had started just after Tanith had joined them--and it no longer frightened him. This time, however, it was a different feeling. This time, there was no nervousness repelling him. The other, more alluring emotion seemed dulled as well, as though the loss of his chimeran abilities had lessened the affect she had on him. He could no longer sense her gentle aura as he used to--he was seeing her from purely human eyes. To his own surprise, he found himself missing it.

The thought pierced his mind like a white-hot dagger. He didn't want to go back to his repulsive monster form. He wanted to be human, wanted to see her this way. He wanted her to see him as he truly was--as a man and not some creation. For the first time he had all he ever wanted: his humanity, his chance at a normal life, and the most beautiful, amazing, forgiving woman traveling at his side, one he was actually beginning to really care for.

What am I thinking? She is a Mage, and she had those soul-mates. How could I ever compare to that? It was a disturbing thought, but one he couldn't ignore. I…no one could ever be to her what those others were.

But despite all the arguments, all the warnings against his emotions, he still couldn't help missing that feeling. It was so much like a magnet, pulling not only on his body, but on his mind, his heart, even his soul.

A soul that I can't share with her like the others.

He missed the way she looked at him before, too. Her expression had been a mirror of his own emotions. It made him feel like he was special, like he was different in a good way from everyone else. But now he couldn't even sense her the way he used to. Now….

"Hey Zel, come on! We gotta get moving if we want to make it to Atlas City!"

He was just another human.

Shadow Redemption

Chapter 8: Bounty! Temper's Cruel Ending

"I am the Great Mardorf, known throughout the Dukedom of Soliarn as the Most Skilled Swordsman. Your evil deeds reached my ears, and I have traveled many leagues to face you. Prepare yourself, Lina Inverse!"

"Fireball!!!"

"Horrid sorceress, you defeat is at hand! I come in the name of the Magicians of Star's Peak. Witness now the power of Tobaias, Dark Sorcerer of--"

"Flare Arrow!!!"

"We are the Seven Swords of Sarginn's Six Sacred Sects. Prepare now to face--"

"Digger Bolt!!!"

"Beware criminals! We are--"

"Mega Brando!!!"

"Lina Inverse--"

"That's it!!! I'VE HAD ENOUGH!!!" Lina's flaming gaze fell upon the newest group of bounty hunters. She did give them a bit of credit; they flinched and cringed away from her anger. "I think it's you who should prepare yourselves," she growled, raising her hands above her head. "Gaav FLARE!!!"

Amelia poked at the moaning remains of Lina's latest victims. "At this rate," she said to herself, "We'll never reach Atlas City."

Gourry looked over her shoulder. "I almost feel bad for them."

"Don't bother," the red-head shot back. "It's their own faults for coming after us to get that stupid bounty." She scowled off into the woods, muttering "Damn that Leshimier. I'm gonna get him good for all this."

Amelia nodded her agreement, thoughts turning elsewhere. "Lina-san?" she asked after a moment. "Do you think it was smart of us to split up?"

The sorceress turned to face her, hands on her hips. "Of course," she stated, flipping her hair. "The bounty's on you and me, right? This way these idiot hero-freaks won't be bugging the others."

The princess's expression fell. "That's not very fair if we're the ones doing all the work."

"Maybe." Lina held up a finger to make her argument. "But do you really think Zelgadis could handle all this battling?"

Amelia's eye lit, finally seeing the logic behind her mentor's words. "You split us up to help Zelgadis-san? Why didn't you say something before?"

The red-head grinned. "Do you think he'd let us get away with treating him like he couldn't handle it?"

The princess and Gourry gulped simultaneously. "I--I see your point," Amelia stammered. She looked off into the forest. "I just hope they're all okay."

"Damn it, how come all these hunters are coming after us?"

Tanith shrugged, stepping gingerly over an unconscious swordsman. "I'm not sure," she answered Zelgadis truthfully, eyes scanning the trees for another group of fighters. "Maybe Leshimier put a bounty on you, too."

The sorcerer ground his teeth. "I had to be stupid enough to tell him my name last time," he muttered in disgust.

"Well, there you go then."

Sylphiel watched the two nervously. Lina had mentioned something earlier about the two fighting, and that she should try and stop it if they started up. She prayed fervently that Tanith and Zelgadis would remain on good terms--she absolutely did not want to get between them.

Zelgadis's nerves were getting dangerously close to frayed. The melancholy that had fallen on him after the argument was long since forgotten. Since leaving Jern a day and a half ago, they had been plagued by constant bounty hunters and hero want-to-bes. He knew Lina had split them up to lessen the stress on him--and he was feeling tired almost all the time now--but still the attackers followed. The day wasn't half over, and he was nearing collapse.

Worst of all, Tanith was taking on nearly all of them herself. Sylphiel tried her best, but all she could do was guard against the few sorcerers that challenged them. Even as a human, Zelgadis was still a master with his sword, but the lack of speed and strength muddled his responses, leaving him cautious and open to too many attacks. Tanith's dagger was getting its share of work--if anything, her skill was improving.

"Where do you suppose Lina-san and the others are now?" Sylphiel asked, walking on Zelgadis's right.

Tanith flanked the sorcerer on the left, unseeing eyes sweeping the area around them. She did this every hour or so, checking in on their friends' position. Zelgadis realized the first time--after a moment of confusion--that she was using her True Sight to pick up their strong astral bodies. "Someday, you'll have to teach me that," he mumbled.

"It's not too hard," she answered, startling him--he hadn't realized he'd spoken out loud. "Lina wants to learn, too, so I'll teach you all at once." Her eyes focused. "They're a bit east and south of here," she reported, smiling encouragingly at her companions. "We'll meet up with them tonight, I think. It'll be safer if we all--"

Tanith cut herself off, halting their tromp through the undergrowth. Zelgadis and Sylphiel exchanged confused glances, waiting for her to explain. When the Mage's eyes grew troubled, Zelgadis waved a hand before her. "Something wrong?" he asked when he had her attention.

"We're not alone," she whispered, nodding towards a small clearing on their right. "Four people, and three at least are sorcerers."

Zelgadis bit his lip. Four against the three of them wasn't too bad, but the sorcerers would be trouble with all of them in such poor condition. "I'll send a signal to Lina," he replied, forming a light spell in his palm. Tanith and Sylphiel stood in front of him, watching the clearing carefully as he sent the ball flying above the trees.

"That won't help you, Zelgadis," a woman's voice called, echoing through the trees until they couldn't tell where it had come from. "Even if your friends come in time, it will still be too late for you."

"We've been hearing that all day," Tanith answered, smiling with forced superiority. "No one's been able to follow through yet."

"Then I'm sorry to break the chain." A woman leapt easily into the open field, golden cape rustling softly behind her.

Her hair was cut short with the exception of a long, thin ponytail, the color so deeply red it resembled spilt blood. Underneath the cloak she wore a green, neck-high tunic and leather boots. Holding her cape was a stone the color of the night sky, and trailing from it was a black strip of fabric. But what stuck out the most was the long, jagged scar that reached from the top-left of her forehead, across her right eye, and down to her jaw. She grinned.

"Shall we get on with it then?" she asked. "I'd really like to have a gift ready for Lina Inverse when she gets here."

Zelgadis glared through narrowed eyes. "You know Lina?"

The woman's grin deepened. "Not really--just heard the rumors." She laughed, a low, dry chuckle. "Let's just say that this sorceress would like to see if they are true." She raised a hand, waving at the trees behind her. Two young men came to her side, one dressed in brown and gray sorcerer's robes, the other clad in dark armor and carrying a sword. Their faces and chestnut hair were identical--Tanith guessed they were twins.

"Allow me to introduce my companions and myself," the woman spoke loudly, hands on hips. "These are my brothers, Kennar--" the swordsman "--and Daemon." The sorcerer bowed. "And I am Maekelah Troloy."

"A pleasure," Tanith said evenly, smile matching the arrogance of their opponent. "Why don't you bring out the other one hiding in that tree." She pointed, enjoying the surprise that flashed across their faces. "Surely you didn't plan an ambush, did you?"

Maekelah recovered quickly. "That is my youngest brother, and he has no place in this fight. He will not bother us." She cocked an eyebrow at the blonde. "That was quite impressive, you finding him."

Tanith nodded her head in mock acceptance of the complement. "It was, wasn't it?"

Realizing she would get no explanation, the sorceress let it drop. She waved the boys forward. "I think you two can handle them, hmm?" Maekelah's smile was poisonous. "Just don't take too long--I want this done by the time Inverse gets here."

Sylphiel edged closer to the Mage. "What should we do?" she asked fearfully.

"I'll handle the swordsman," Zelgadis answered for her. "You two worry about that sorcerer." He glanced at Tanith. "How strong are they?"

"Can't tell with the swordsman," she answered, her voice strained. "The boy in hiding isn't that strong--I thinks she was right in saying he won't join. But she and the other boy are both pretty good." She concentrated a bit more, then pulled back with her lip between her teeth. "She--Maekelah--is nearly as strong as Lina, if not her equal."

Zelgadis stared at her in disbelief. "Are you sure?" It was a stupid question, but--

"She doesn't have Giga Slave," Tanith assured. "But lots of Black and Shaman." She sighed, clenching and unclenching her fists. "Hopefully, she will wait until Lina gets here."

"And if she doesn't?"

Tanith didn't reply.

Kennar drew his sword, gripping it tightly with both hands. "Prepare yourselves," he warned. As he charged, Zelgadis brought up his own weapon and met him head-on. Daemon moved away from the battle, reading a Fireball.

"Sylphiel, stay here and watch our backs," Tanith instructed quickly, hurrying to face the boy. The priestess stood bewildered, eyes darting between her two friends.

Lina jerked her head away from her current battle as the sky flared. With muttered curses she knocked out the "hero," shouting to the others. "Hurry up guys! Zel and them need us!"

Even as the words were spoken, several more men emerged from the woods. Amelia cast her a hopeless glance, and the fighting began again. Lina looked one more time at the glowing signal, biting her lip.

Hold on guys, she prayed silently. We'll be there as soon as we can.

Zelgadis was being forced back step by step. Sweat poured into his eyes, limp blue hair sticking against his face. His arms could barely support the weight of the sword in his hands as he stared down the younger man. Kennar was good--very good. He was Zelgadis's equal, perhaps even a bit better. He was also strong, quick, and rested.

Three things Zelgadis was not.

Maekelah hadn't joined battle; she didn't need to. Zelgadis watched Tanith during his and Kennar's brief pauses. Daemon was a purely offensive spellcaster and kept it that way. The Ruumin spent most of her time dodging and defending, and though she was successful, she wasn't scoring on him, either. It would only be a matter of time--for both of them--before their opponents overwhelmed them.

And there was still no sign of Lina.

She's probably busy with her own bounty hunters, he cursed silently, trying desperately to gain back some strength. Damn, she'd better get here soon.

Kennar suddenly sprang forward, aiming for his shoulder. Zelgadis leapt back, barely avoiding the blow. The younger man came at him again with a strike his adversary almost didn't block in time.

"Having…problems?" the boy muttered over their crossed blades.

"Not as many…as you're gonna have," he growled back. Zelgadis pushed away, raising a hand that glowed with power. "Fireball!" Kennar quickly retreated, grunting as his shoulder got caught in the blast.

The victory was short lived. A fierce wind spell smacked into Zelgadis's stomach, knocking the air from his lungs and flinging him into a tree across the clearing.

"Tisk tisk," Maekelah admonished, waving a finger at him. "Not good sportsmanship." Sylphiel tried to cover his fall with a Flare Arrow; the sorceress brushed it aside easily. "Fools. Now you will pay for thinking you could beat us."

Zelgadis shook his head, trying to dispel the blurring in his eyes--the movement only caused his pulse to throb painfully at his temples. He could hear Tanith calling his name just after another wind spell pinned him against the tree. For a moment he almost passed out on his feet--he wished he could have. Lungs burning as he gasped in air, he managed to raise his gaze--

--only to see Kennar's sword aiming for his heart.

Even as Maekelah prepared her spell, Tanith was chanting her own. Daemon's eyes were momentarily on the others, giving the Mage the little time she needed.

"Spirit of the Sea, send me Your tide. By our strength combined, do my bidding" Hands raised over her head, a bubble of water formed between her fingers. It pulsed in time with her frantic heart, the power of the spell causing her hair and clothes to dance in a silent breeze. Her eyes opened in time to see Daemon turn, surprise paling his skin. He began to create a Flare Arrow just as Maekelah released her Diem Wing.

The pain on Zelgadis's face struck daggers in her mind. Without any more hesitation, she let the bubble explode over the boy, shouting "Aqua FLASH!!!" Daemon was thrown to the ground, and Tanith turned. Kennar was barreling down on the helpless sorcerer. Zelgadis was still, watching his death and unable to move.

Her heart missed a beat, leaping into her throat. Tanith reached for him, even though she knew there was no way to save him. A sound tore itself past her lips and echoed through the trees. She watched as Kennar lunged, both hands gripping his blade. She closed her eyes to block out the horrible scene.

Zelgadis!

A high pitched, metallic "clang" rang in the clearing--not a scream, not a moan from a dying soul. Tanith cautiously looked up, relief and disbelief mixing at the impossible sight before her.

Zelgadis leaned, barely conscious, against the tree. Kennar stood not five feet away, shocked and confused. His sword was buried a third of the way to the hilt in the stone abdomen of a human-shaped golem.

The fighters were silent, staring at the creature and startled by its sudden appearance. It looked like every other golem they had ever seen, save a few peculiar characteristics: it was thinner than was normal, and was no taller than Zelgadis. Instead of having a flat, featureless head, it had spiked crystal hair and a partially visible face. The blue-jewel eyes gazed down upon the frozen swordsman with an unblinking stare. One hand reached out, grabbing the boy by the collar. With effortless movement the golem flung him away, the sword still lodged in its stomach.

"What the hell is that?" Maekelah sputtered, her brothers regrouping at her side. "Were did that come from?"

At that moment, Lina burst through the trees, breathing hard from her long sprint. She pulled up short when she saw the stunned people. "What's going on?" she asked breathlessly. "What happened?"

Tanith quickly pulled herself together, moving to her side as Amelia and Gourry emerged as well. "Bounty hunters. Very good. Almost got Zelgadis, but…." She trailed off, indicating the golem.

For the first time, Lina got a good look at the creature. "Holy…."

The golem glanced her way. It shifted its stance, clearly not moving away from Zelgadis. Its manner was almost protective. The sorcerer, no longer able to stay upright, slid to the ground.

Maekelah recovered then, physically shaking her shock away. "Lina Inverse," she called loudly, waking them all from their thoughts. "I've been waiting for you." She drew a long, thin sword. "I've heard much of your skill." With a challenging grin, she bowed. "I wish to find out how much is true."

Arrogance and pride lit on her face like a spark from a fire. Lina's hands locked on her hips, tossing her hair with all the superiority she was known for. Her eyes darted to Tanith's, nodding slightly towards the fallen sorcerer. "Well, if you're actually asking for a demonstration," she answered haughtily. "I'd be glad to give you one. Especially after the hospitality you've shown my friends."

Maekelah's smile widened and turned malicious. "Once I'm done with you, I'll finish what's been started."

"We'll just see about that."

Kennar and Daemon attacked first and were met by Gourry and Amelia. Sylphiel was trying to get to Zelgadis, but the golem was set on keeping everyone away. Tanith watched as Lina and Maekelah began their own duel, making sure they were all going to be okay for a while before moving towards the fallen sorcerer.

Can this really be happening? Is it really Zelgadis's golem? But that's not possible. Yet there it was, a stone creature with an unmistakable resemblance to the former chimera. What did Shadow Redemption do? How did this happen?

There was no time to consider the sudden turn of events--the sorcerer hadn't moved from his slumped position. The golem stared at her from behind crystal bangs, trying to keep an eye on both the Ruumin and the battles at the same time. Tanith approached slowly, hands relaxed at her sides. "It's okay," she reassured, somehow managing to keep her voice low despite the fear shaking her heart. Zelgadis's head was bowed and hidden within his hair. "I'm not going to hurt him. I just want to help."

It was impossible to detect any emotion on its stone visage. The golem glanced away briefly as some spell exploded too close for his comfort. He shifted nervously, gaze darting between the Mage and the others as if doubtful.

"You know I won't hurt him," Tanith continued, only six paces away. "You know me, don't you?" If I'm right….If it was once part of him…. "Before you were separated, right?" Five paces.

The golem gazed at her steadily, nervous motions ceasing. She took another careful step, extending a hand. "I'm not going to hurt either of you," she nearly whispered.

His eyes had no pupils, but she could still see his eyes darting in their sockets from her face to her hand. His stone lips opened and closed as if trying to speak. After a long, tense moment, he finally took her offer, fingers closing around her own.

Tanith sighed with relief, smiling gratefully. She continued to hold his hand until she was kneeling beside Zelgadis. The golem then let go, turning his back to her, protecting them both now. She was strangely pleased by the gesture; if Zelgadis himself hadn't trusted her on first sight, his golem third certainly did.

She turned her concentration back to her friend, surprised to find his eyes open and watching her. "How…how bad?" he asked, his breath ragged and strained.

A brief Look calmed her fears. "The bandages are still in place," Tanith assured him. "You're just exhausted. Rest a bit."

"I can't do much of anything else," he replied, but his gaze was on the golem now. "Is…that…?"

Somehow, I don't think he's going to like this very much, Tanith told herself before answering. Amelia let out a startled cry behind her, and right on its heels was a barrier spell. There's no time for arguing or worrying about his feelings. He'll just have to accept it until I figure out what happened. "That's your golem third," she said. "He saved you from Kennar."

Zelgadis nodded distantly. Mixed emotions of surprise, hate, and pain crossed his face. He turned away from the sight of the creature before him. Tanith watched him a bit more, then decided he wasn't going to speak. "Look, I'm going to heal you some and then go help the others. Okay?" Again he nodded, and she silently set to work.

Kryss shifted anxiously against the tree, watching the battles playing out before him. His shirt stuck to his skin; despite the shade, he was unbearable hot. The excitement he'd felt while watching his brothers fight the blonde and sorcerer had long since faded with the entrance of Lina Inverse.

Most people usually found her appearance less than intimidating; short, thin, obviously young yet not looking her age, people tended to underestimate her on first sight despite her huge, gruesome reputation. Her arrogance was everything Kryss had heard of it, and he watched as she tossed her flaming hair at every opportunity. To anyone else, she would have appeared to be a spoiled, silly child.

Kryss found her terrifying.

Her plain, brown eyes held more superiority than anyone he'd ever met. The attitude filled her slight frame until it seemed to seep from her skin, and the air was so thick with it that he could almost feel it. He'd heard plenty of stories about Lina Inverse from his sister, from the outrageous rumors of her age to the horror tales told by bandits. Maekelah had been waiting for a chance to meet and face the sorceress--what for, Kryss had never understood. The bounty on her head proved to be too good an opportunity to pass up.

So here he was, watching as his siblings faced off against the undefeated Lina and her companions. To his relief, the sorcerer and the blond woman were keeping out of the fight for now. Kennar and Daemon were actually holding their own, and Maekelah seemed almost equal to the red-head. Part of him wanted to be out there with them, despite his fear. But his sister's voice, proclaiming him too young to be fighting echoed just behind that thought.

Ten's not that young.

Kryss ran a hand through his own crimson hair, suddenly nervous. His hands began to tremble without reason, and he clasped them together. Everyone's doing fine, he told himself. His body didn't seem to want to listen; he grew cold despite the intense heat of mid-day. Lina and the others are already tired from fighting so much. Sister, Ken, and Daemon are doing great. There's nothing to worry about.

Lina let loose a torrent of Flare Arrows, her opponent dodging with no little effort and retaliated with her own fire attack. Kennar's sword rang loudly as it struck stone, and he rolled quickly to escape a counter blow. The princess and Daemon circled each other, reaching a stalemate and searching for a new tactic. The blond swordsman's weapon caught in a tree, and he wretched it out quickly. Lina tried a wind spell, cursing as her target again evaded. The strange, fair-haired sorceress rose from her previous crouch beside the sorcerer, turning to look for an opening in the battles. Kryss swallowed loudly, his fear jumping a notch as the sides became uneven.

Before the woman could join in, Kennar lost his footing briefly, giving the knight the gap in the boy's defense that he needed. His blade scored a deep cut in Kennar's leg, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Kryss was suddenly on his feet, not realizing he had moved until the chant began to spill from his lips. "Dragon of Darkness which sleeps in the inferno." What am I doing? I can't handle this spell! "Let Your roar burn my enemies to ashes."

Gourry raised his sword again, aiming the flat side at the boy's head. Kennar would be knocked unconscious. Kryss had no time to start over, but his fear gave him just enough energy and control--

"Gaav FLARE!!!"

The flaming ball shot from his outstretched hands just before the knight struck. Kryss watched as the blonde paused and looked up. Surprise and alarm swept across his face as he abandoned his attack, trying to escape the spell.

But it was too late. The purple fire pounded into Gourry's back, burning the metal of his armor and singing his hair. The people in the clearing froze at his pain-filled cry, shocked by the unexpected assault.

Kryss could barely comprehend what had happened. He was suddenly incredibly drained--he'd never been able to pull that spell off before. But there was the knight, moaning on the ground, the priestess kneeling at his side as she tried to heal him.

A swift wind ran through the field, a swelling of power pulling the boy's thoughts back from his act. His ears rang with the gathering of energy, and his eyes rose to meet the enraged orbs of Lina Inverse.

"Damn you," she growled, fists already glowing with her spell. Kryss trembled, fear holding him to the branch. As she raised her hands towards him he wanted to run, to hide--

--but he didn't. Maekelah had told him to if things got bad--that was how much she loved him--but he was tired of being a burden on his family. Determination overpowered fear, and Kryss began to construct a barrier.

The act seemed to anger Lina even more. No one ever dared to stand up to her when facing her rage--even Shabranigdu had flinched before her. The anguish twisting Gourry's face helped to fuel her power. With a final curse, she shouted "MEGA BRANDO!!!!"

Kryss realized too late. Oh gods, it's too much! his mind screamed. The earth far below him quivered half a second before the area around him--ground, tree, and all--exploded. It's too much, I can't block it! Oh gods--

The breath was gone from his lungs, and they burned with the need for air. Wood, rocks, and flames battered his small body as he flew, the world spinning with dizzying speed. Blood pounded in his head, his heart going mad with fear. He seemed to be flying--for a moment his eyelids parted, giving him a brief view of the forest from far above the trees. The sky was a bright, brilliant blue.

Then he was falling, the speed causing his stomach to lurch. Air finally found a way into him, and he choked on a thick, wet clog in his throat. Wind tugged at his hair and clothes. Shortly after followed the impact, his small body hitting the ground with such force her could feel small rocks and dust skipping off his face. The agony of the drop was so great it was almost nonexistent.

Afterwards, there was a smaller, lesser impact, as though he had bounced off the ground and landed again. There was no pain--his whole body was numb. But at the same time he was shaking, trembling with such violent force he imagined his teeth would fall out.

"Kryss? Kryss? Oh god, Kryss, no! Can you hear me?"

"Kryss!"

"Kryss, open your eyes!"

The voices were far away. It's Sister. His mind was sluggish and slow to respond. And my brothers. With a bit of effort, he was barely able to lift his eyelids. His sight was blurred with a strange, red veil, but her could just make out the faces of his siblings.

"Kryss, hold on! You're gonna be okay." Maekelah was touching his cheeks, and he could feel the warm pulse of her healing spell. "Can you hear me? You're gonna be okay!"

No, I'm not. Somehow the words didn't make it past his lips. Something was blocking his breath, and he coughed, trying to expel it. One of his brothers gasped. The realization of his condition floated through his thoughts. I'm dying….I'm gonna die….

Kryss forced his voice to word. The image if Maekelah's face sharpened; she was crying. For her sake, he managed a weak smile. "Sister, I…."

"No, don't talk," she instructed, shaking her head. "Save you're strength, Kryss. You're gonna--"

"I'm sorry," he whispered, and Maekelah went silent to better hear him. "I'm sorry…Sister…. Sorry I…didn't run…away…like you…tol' me to…." He coughed again, smiling one last time. "…sorry…."

Kryss closed his eyes--he was too tired to keep them open any more. His shaking had stopped, and fatigue swept all through him. Somehow he managed one last, trembling breath, releasing it in a slow sigh before his body finally gave up.

Lina stared at the huddled group across the clearing, the three fighters kneeling in the crater beside their fallen brother. No one moved for a long time, the boy's last words drifting to the ears of everyone there--even Gourry had fallen silent, despite his wounds.

She wasn't sure how long they stayed that way, waiting for something to break the spell cast upon them all. The air was still, the forest completely quiet. All the world seemed frozen as if to mourn the lost life.

Finally, Maekelah stood, the boy's body in her arms. Her face and clothing was stained with blood.

"Damn you, Lina Inverse," she hissed, her words piercing the red-head's mind like poison. "He was only a child--he didn't know anythi--" She choked abruptly, tears making tracks through the crimson smears. "You'll pay for this," she whispered. "For killing my Kryss, I'll destroy you. I swear it." Maekelah turned away, a simple spell carrying her into the air. Her brothers cast equally pained glares at the sorceress before joining her, Daemon assisting Kennar.

Even after they were all gone, Lina didn't move. She just stared at the spot where the boy--Kryss--had died. Her mind refused to work, the only clear thought being the image of his small, broken body lying on the ground.

"Lina? Are…you all right?" Tanith was at her side, eyes filled with worry and sorrow.

"I didn't know," she whispered in reply. "When he did Gaav Flare, I assumed he was pretty powerful. But--" She choked on her next words but managed to force them through. "But he was just a kid, a little kid! And I…I just…." Tanith placed a hand on her shoulder, unable to say a word.

Her eyes were aching, and Lina finally realized that she was crying. Never, never had she committed a crime like this, and the guilt and despair were overwhelming. Tanith's sympathy, mirrored by all her friends, only made it worse.

Lina pulled away from the elf's comforting hand, stumbling across the clearing to the place of her crime. The last vestiges of the child's lost life were slowly being swallowed up by the broken, charred earth. A strangled sob leapt from her stomach, and Lina collapsed to the ground. She hugged her knees tightly, crying behind the tent of her hair. In the darkness of her closed eyelids she could see the boy's face, twisted in fear as her spell exploded. It was an image that would be burned into her forever.