"Ok, first thing I want to know is how we're talking to you
right now. You're not a ghost," Lina said, then blushed a bit.
"I knew that one was coming," Gourry muttered to himself.
"I exist with the other Guardians inside the Sword," Ailanthus answered, and smiled at Lina's confused look. "I guess you could say that the Sword exists on another Plane that is completely different from this one, and because Guardians have such long and highly exposed contact with the Sword, we get sucked in when we die. When our assistance is requested or needed, we're allowed to break through the
barrier that separates us from this Plane. We're also allowed to keep a constant contact with the other Guardians through the Bond we all share. It's kind of like an afterlife that only Guardians can go to."
"How do you know who we are?" Lina asked.
"I know who you are through my link with my daughter, Amelia. Also, the Guardians are well aware of who Lina Inverse is. We keep a close eye on the Mazoku race, even though there is not much we can do by way of helping unless the Sword is active," Aila answered.
"Okay. My final question, for now, is...can you see the future? You mentioned that Gourry and I would need the emotions that we've recognized, but how can you tell that unless you can see the future?"
"I cannot see the total future, I can only get glimpses and images from time to time. It's not a complete picture, if you will. It's also a power I am thankful to say I did not pass down to either one of my daughters. Also, the future is not set in stone. Any little action that you perform today can have an impressive impact on the events of tomorrow."
"What do you see for us that was so important you had to mention it?" Lina wondered.
"You and Gourry must believe in your love for each other, for strong foes will seek to turn your feelings against each other. This journey will prove to be difficult, but if you believe in each other, you shall return victorious," Aila said, then turned and looked at Zel, who started a bit. "You will be forced to make a choice sometime in the future, but I do not know what type of choice it will be."
"Well, since you just answered one of my questions, in a way, I guess I should continue with the rest of my questions," the chimera mused, sending Ailanthus into a fit of giggles.
"My, you are a serious one, aren't you?" she asked, causing Zel to blush as he remembered similar words spoken by Amelia several years ago.
"You said that all the Guardians exist inside the sword when they die, which means that the Guardians of the past are in there as well. Am I correct?" Zel asked, and continued when Aila nodded. "I would like to know if any of them know any spells or methods that can help me cure my body."
"Oh, we can think of much more things to do with your body instead of curing it," a disembodied voice said, causing everyone except Ailanthus to jump, startled. Another golden sphere detached itself from the Sword, and slowly became a tall, young woman with short, stylish dark green hair and laughing hazel eyes.
"You sure know how to make an entrance, Aspen, you know that?" Ailanthus grumped, earning an amused look from the woman.
"Well, when you've been out of the mainstream as long as I have, you tend to want to cause a commotion when you appear. However, I am here for several reasons, and each one is as important as the next. First up, Prince Phil, the storm has ceased and you are needed above ground due to some damage the high winds caused. You also know that you shouldn't be down here, because of the danger factors that are involved," Aspen said.
Phil sighed, but said, "You are correct, Guardian Aspen."
Ailanthus lept to her feet, and flung herself into Phil's arms, hugging him around the neck and whispering in his ear. Phil replied in low tones, kissed her gently on her cheek, and walked out of the room, sealing it as he left.
"Why is it dangerous for Phil to stay?" Gourry asked, confused.
"The Saillune Sword contains a high level of magical power, and only those who are familiar with the use of magic or been in contact with a magical artifact can safely stay in its presence for any given length of time. If someone who had no magical capacity, such as Phil, stayed any longer this close to the Sword, the magical power would slowly eat away at him, and eventually kill him. That was the basis for the promise Phil made to me when he first found this room, because he didn't want to leave after discovering he could summon me," Ailanthus explained.
"What about me, can I be hurt by it?" Gourry asked.
"No, because you were the bearer of the Sword of Light for most of your life, which, although inferior to the Sword, has a high magical content as well. Over time you absorbed much of the residue energy, rendering you immune to the powers of the Sword," Xelloss replied for the Guardians.
"Studied up, have you?" Aila grinned at the Trickster.
"Always," came the reply.
"So," Aila asked, looking at Aspen, "What's the other reason you're here?"
"To make sure that you don't say more than you should," Aspen said seriously, causing Aila to snort.
"Look who's talking. If I remember correctly, you're the one who wanted to stuff all the previous Guardians' knowledge down my throat in a single night when I was first Chosen," Aila retorted.
"Ailanthus, one million three hundred and five; Aspen, one million three hundred and three," a laughing voice commented from the vicinity of the sword, causing both Aspen and Aila to hide their faces in their hands.
"I wish you guys wouldn't do that," Aila muttered, to which several different voices could be heard laughing from the Sword.
"Anyway," Aspen said, trying to ignore the laughing Guardians, "You want a cure for your body? No offense, but you're really cute the way you are."
Zel blushed a bright red, and stuttered something while Aspen winked at him.
"Aspen.....," Aila said, giving her a warning glance.
"Oh, I see," Aspen replied, taking a closer look at Zel. "Hmmm, interesting bond, that. Didn't think it still existed. In answer to your question, Zelgadis, a spell does exist that can help you turn your body back to normal. But," she added when Zel's face lit up, "We don't know the location of the spell." Zel felt his heart plummet at those words, but just the knowledge that the spell actually existed helped to pick his spirits back up, because surely he'd find it...eventually.
When it didn't look like Zel or Lina were going to ask any more questions, Gourry piped up and said, "You said that I would need the Sword of Light for this journey. How am I supposed to retrieve it? Some otherworlders took the sword back to where it came from."
"Yes, and you won't be able to retrieve it from there, either. You and Lina must travel back to your homeland. Once there, you'll meet up with an old sage who's a friend of the Guardians. Tell him that Guardian Ailanthus sent you, and you must borrow the Sword of Light. He'll understand and know what to do," Aila answered.
"Oh, ok," Gourry replied, satisfied.
"Zelgadis, do you know how to ride a horse?" Aila asked, throwing everyone off balance.
"Um, no, not really," the chimera answered, blinking. "Why do you ask?"
"Since the three of you will be looking for my daughter, it's only logical that you would follow the exact same course that she did to reach the Diolon Kingdom. You will also be looking for clues as to her whereabouts, and the best way to do that is from horseback, where you can get off to inspect the ground. I know that flying would be faster, but riding is much more practical," Aila answered.
"She's right. I was just getting ready to suggest that method of transportation," Lina chipped in.
"Since you won't be going with Lina and Gourry on their trip to retrieve the Sword of Light," Aila continued, "I want you to practice riding so that you'll feel more comfortable in the saddle."
"Why am I not going with Lina and Gourry?" Zel asked, not too happy with the idea of sitting on a horse.
"Because this is a mission that only they can accomplish, and they will not be needing your help. You wouldn't be able to reach the place they must go, anyway, because the spell that will be used will only allow two people at a time to pass through," Aila answered.
Zelgadis sighed, but he knew that arguing would get him nowhere, so he nodded his head.
"What about Gourry?" Lina wondered.
"What about me?" Gourry asked.
"Do you know how to ride a horse?"
"Sure. I practically grew up on horseback," Gourry answered with a grin. "It teaches great balancing techniques; plus, it's a great way to get around. We can't all fly like you and Zel can."
"Oh," Lina replied, looking a little startled.
"Well, I'd love to answer any more questions that you may have," Aila said, "but we really must get started. Lina, Gourry, in order to save time, Aspen and I are going to do a teleportation spell that will drop you off in Gourry's homeland."
"What? You mean I'm not even going to get a chance to eat?!" Lina demanded.
"Ask the sage to feed you when you get there," Aila answered calmly.
Lina sighed in resignation, as she and Gourry got to their feet and clasped hands.
"What exactly do you want us to do?" Lina asked.
"Just stand there," Aila replied, and held out her hands to Aspen, who took them, and they both closed their eyes. Aspen began to mutter a spell underneath her breath, but Lina wasn't able to make out her words. Zel, whose hearing was better, couldn't understand the language, but whatever it was, it was working. The Sword began to give off a white glow, while Lina and Gourry appeared fainter and fainter until they vanished all together. Only then did the two Gaurdians unclasp hands and open their eyes.
"Where are they now?" Zel asked.
"Gourry's Homeland. Mipross Island," Aila answered, then giggled. "Bet Lina's getting the surprise of her life."
"Not until tomorrow. I added a sleep spell into the teleportation spell so that they would be asleep when they arrived. It'll help the sage to find them," Aspen added.
"Makes sense. Well, Zelgadis, do you have anything else you would like to ask?" Aila asked the chimera, who shook his head. "Very well. Our time here is almost up, anyway, so I wouldn't have been able to answer them. During your stay in our palace, I hope that you'll feel free enough to explore any part that you wish. You are more than welcome here."
"Thank you, Guardian Ailanthus. Thank you, too, Guardian Aspen, for taking the time to answer our questions," Zel said, bowing slightly.
"Oh, you're more than welcome. It's not everyday that three handsome men such as you, Gourry, and Xelloss over there come down here to visit," Aspen laughed, causing Zel to blush yet again, and he beat a hasty retreat through the doorway that Aila reopened for him. Aila shook her head at the giggling Aspen, and said, "You're impossible. You'd think after all these years, that you would at least no longer flirt. You're married, for crying out loud!"
"I just wonder which one of us is the elder, me by years, or you by the way you act. Anyway, I'm glad that Xelloss is still here," Aspen said, turning to the Trickster.
"Oh?" Xelloss asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Xelloss, just what is your purpose here?" Aspen asked the Trickster. "Does Beast Master have some secret plan, or are you just here to observe?"
"I'm just an observer and informant for this little adventure," Xelloss replied with a wink. "Beast Master also sends her regards, and said to tell you, Aila, that she still considers you, 'Quite possibly the sweetest girl I've ever met, and the most stubborn.'"
"Well, I was allergic to her cigarette smoke," Aila muttered.
"Yes, but you also managed to get her to quit for up to a week while you visited, you know."
"Really? Wow, guess I did have an influence, after all. Next time you see her, tell her that I said hello, please," Aila smiled.
Xelloss smiled down at the small woman. "I'll do that," he said softly, then frowned as Aila's body began to fade like Lina's and Gourry's had earlier.
"Looks like our time's up," Aspen muttered.
Xelloss leaned down, and gently kissed the cheek of the fading Guardian. "Take care of yourself, Aila," he said, and vanished.
Aila gazed at the floor for a moment, then looked up when she felt Aspen's hand on her shoulder.
"You all right?"
"I'll be fine," Aila answered. "I just really miss Phil and everyone. I still love him, you know."
"I know. I still love my husband, and he's been dead for thousands of years. Time does help, though," Aspen said.
"I know. In all honesty, though, Amelia has me worried the most. I wish I could locate her, but.....," Aila trailed off.
"But something is keeping you from it. I know how worried you are, Aila, but you have to leave this in the hands of the living."
"Yeah, but that doesn't make it any easier," Aila replied, as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "All I ever wanted from life was to watch my daughters grow up, and grow old with my husband."
"Look, Aila, we've been over this before. I remember that you once told Phil he had a duty to his kingdom that came before his own wants and wishes, and you had a duty to the people of the world that would come before your wants and wishes. It's a duty that all of the Guardians have upheld, and you have never disappointed us. Now, before this can get any more sappy, I want to know something. What are you planning on doing with Zelgadis?"
"Zel desperately needs to see himself through another's eyes, but that's one of the hardest things a person can do," Aila answered.
"You're planning on influencing his dreams, aren't you? So that he'll feel compelled to go to Amelia's room and find her studio?" Aspen guessed.
"You've got it. If you ever get a chance, and if Amelia assumes her Guardianship, ask her to show you some of her paintings. I've only seen them through flashes that she gets in her dreams, and they look wonderful," Aila answered, beaming proudly.
"You always were a tricky one," Aspen giggled as her body vanished back into the sword.
"I learned from the best," Aila replied, as she, too, was drawn into the sword, the only sound remaining in the small room that of her laughter, and the only sight of her sorrow a small wet drop on the stone floor, which soon evaporated and vanished.
"I knew that one was coming," Gourry muttered to himself.
"I exist with the other Guardians inside the Sword," Ailanthus answered, and smiled at Lina's confused look. "I guess you could say that the Sword exists on another Plane that is completely different from this one, and because Guardians have such long and highly exposed contact with the Sword, we get sucked in when we die. When our assistance is requested or needed, we're allowed to break through the
barrier that separates us from this Plane. We're also allowed to keep a constant contact with the other Guardians through the Bond we all share. It's kind of like an afterlife that only Guardians can go to."
"How do you know who we are?" Lina asked.
"I know who you are through my link with my daughter, Amelia. Also, the Guardians are well aware of who Lina Inverse is. We keep a close eye on the Mazoku race, even though there is not much we can do by way of helping unless the Sword is active," Aila answered.
"Okay. My final question, for now, is...can you see the future? You mentioned that Gourry and I would need the emotions that we've recognized, but how can you tell that unless you can see the future?"
"I cannot see the total future, I can only get glimpses and images from time to time. It's not a complete picture, if you will. It's also a power I am thankful to say I did not pass down to either one of my daughters. Also, the future is not set in stone. Any little action that you perform today can have an impressive impact on the events of tomorrow."
"What do you see for us that was so important you had to mention it?" Lina wondered.
"You and Gourry must believe in your love for each other, for strong foes will seek to turn your feelings against each other. This journey will prove to be difficult, but if you believe in each other, you shall return victorious," Aila said, then turned and looked at Zel, who started a bit. "You will be forced to make a choice sometime in the future, but I do not know what type of choice it will be."
"Well, since you just answered one of my questions, in a way, I guess I should continue with the rest of my questions," the chimera mused, sending Ailanthus into a fit of giggles.
"My, you are a serious one, aren't you?" she asked, causing Zel to blush as he remembered similar words spoken by Amelia several years ago.
"You said that all the Guardians exist inside the sword when they die, which means that the Guardians of the past are in there as well. Am I correct?" Zel asked, and continued when Aila nodded. "I would like to know if any of them know any spells or methods that can help me cure my body."
"Oh, we can think of much more things to do with your body instead of curing it," a disembodied voice said, causing everyone except Ailanthus to jump, startled. Another golden sphere detached itself from the Sword, and slowly became a tall, young woman with short, stylish dark green hair and laughing hazel eyes.
"You sure know how to make an entrance, Aspen, you know that?" Ailanthus grumped, earning an amused look from the woman.
"Well, when you've been out of the mainstream as long as I have, you tend to want to cause a commotion when you appear. However, I am here for several reasons, and each one is as important as the next. First up, Prince Phil, the storm has ceased and you are needed above ground due to some damage the high winds caused. You also know that you shouldn't be down here, because of the danger factors that are involved," Aspen said.
Phil sighed, but said, "You are correct, Guardian Aspen."
Ailanthus lept to her feet, and flung herself into Phil's arms, hugging him around the neck and whispering in his ear. Phil replied in low tones, kissed her gently on her cheek, and walked out of the room, sealing it as he left.
"Why is it dangerous for Phil to stay?" Gourry asked, confused.
"The Saillune Sword contains a high level of magical power, and only those who are familiar with the use of magic or been in contact with a magical artifact can safely stay in its presence for any given length of time. If someone who had no magical capacity, such as Phil, stayed any longer this close to the Sword, the magical power would slowly eat away at him, and eventually kill him. That was the basis for the promise Phil made to me when he first found this room, because he didn't want to leave after discovering he could summon me," Ailanthus explained.
"What about me, can I be hurt by it?" Gourry asked.
"No, because you were the bearer of the Sword of Light for most of your life, which, although inferior to the Sword, has a high magical content as well. Over time you absorbed much of the residue energy, rendering you immune to the powers of the Sword," Xelloss replied for the Guardians.
"Studied up, have you?" Aila grinned at the Trickster.
"Always," came the reply.
"So," Aila asked, looking at Aspen, "What's the other reason you're here?"
"To make sure that you don't say more than you should," Aspen said seriously, causing Aila to snort.
"Look who's talking. If I remember correctly, you're the one who wanted to stuff all the previous Guardians' knowledge down my throat in a single night when I was first Chosen," Aila retorted.
"Ailanthus, one million three hundred and five; Aspen, one million three hundred and three," a laughing voice commented from the vicinity of the sword, causing both Aspen and Aila to hide their faces in their hands.
"I wish you guys wouldn't do that," Aila muttered, to which several different voices could be heard laughing from the Sword.
"Anyway," Aspen said, trying to ignore the laughing Guardians, "You want a cure for your body? No offense, but you're really cute the way you are."
Zel blushed a bright red, and stuttered something while Aspen winked at him.
"Aspen.....," Aila said, giving her a warning glance.
"Oh, I see," Aspen replied, taking a closer look at Zel. "Hmmm, interesting bond, that. Didn't think it still existed. In answer to your question, Zelgadis, a spell does exist that can help you turn your body back to normal. But," she added when Zel's face lit up, "We don't know the location of the spell." Zel felt his heart plummet at those words, but just the knowledge that the spell actually existed helped to pick his spirits back up, because surely he'd find it...eventually.
When it didn't look like Zel or Lina were going to ask any more questions, Gourry piped up and said, "You said that I would need the Sword of Light for this journey. How am I supposed to retrieve it? Some otherworlders took the sword back to where it came from."
"Yes, and you won't be able to retrieve it from there, either. You and Lina must travel back to your homeland. Once there, you'll meet up with an old sage who's a friend of the Guardians. Tell him that Guardian Ailanthus sent you, and you must borrow the Sword of Light. He'll understand and know what to do," Aila answered.
"Oh, ok," Gourry replied, satisfied.
"Zelgadis, do you know how to ride a horse?" Aila asked, throwing everyone off balance.
"Um, no, not really," the chimera answered, blinking. "Why do you ask?"
"Since the three of you will be looking for my daughter, it's only logical that you would follow the exact same course that she did to reach the Diolon Kingdom. You will also be looking for clues as to her whereabouts, and the best way to do that is from horseback, where you can get off to inspect the ground. I know that flying would be faster, but riding is much more practical," Aila answered.
"She's right. I was just getting ready to suggest that method of transportation," Lina chipped in.
"Since you won't be going with Lina and Gourry on their trip to retrieve the Sword of Light," Aila continued, "I want you to practice riding so that you'll feel more comfortable in the saddle."
"Why am I not going with Lina and Gourry?" Zel asked, not too happy with the idea of sitting on a horse.
"Because this is a mission that only they can accomplish, and they will not be needing your help. You wouldn't be able to reach the place they must go, anyway, because the spell that will be used will only allow two people at a time to pass through," Aila answered.
Zelgadis sighed, but he knew that arguing would get him nowhere, so he nodded his head.
"What about Gourry?" Lina wondered.
"What about me?" Gourry asked.
"Do you know how to ride a horse?"
"Sure. I practically grew up on horseback," Gourry answered with a grin. "It teaches great balancing techniques; plus, it's a great way to get around. We can't all fly like you and Zel can."
"Oh," Lina replied, looking a little startled.
"Well, I'd love to answer any more questions that you may have," Aila said, "but we really must get started. Lina, Gourry, in order to save time, Aspen and I are going to do a teleportation spell that will drop you off in Gourry's homeland."
"What? You mean I'm not even going to get a chance to eat?!" Lina demanded.
"Ask the sage to feed you when you get there," Aila answered calmly.
Lina sighed in resignation, as she and Gourry got to their feet and clasped hands.
"What exactly do you want us to do?" Lina asked.
"Just stand there," Aila replied, and held out her hands to Aspen, who took them, and they both closed their eyes. Aspen began to mutter a spell underneath her breath, but Lina wasn't able to make out her words. Zel, whose hearing was better, couldn't understand the language, but whatever it was, it was working. The Sword began to give off a white glow, while Lina and Gourry appeared fainter and fainter until they vanished all together. Only then did the two Gaurdians unclasp hands and open their eyes.
"Where are they now?" Zel asked.
"Gourry's Homeland. Mipross Island," Aila answered, then giggled. "Bet Lina's getting the surprise of her life."
"Not until tomorrow. I added a sleep spell into the teleportation spell so that they would be asleep when they arrived. It'll help the sage to find them," Aspen added.
"Makes sense. Well, Zelgadis, do you have anything else you would like to ask?" Aila asked the chimera, who shook his head. "Very well. Our time here is almost up, anyway, so I wouldn't have been able to answer them. During your stay in our palace, I hope that you'll feel free enough to explore any part that you wish. You are more than welcome here."
"Thank you, Guardian Ailanthus. Thank you, too, Guardian Aspen, for taking the time to answer our questions," Zel said, bowing slightly.
"Oh, you're more than welcome. It's not everyday that three handsome men such as you, Gourry, and Xelloss over there come down here to visit," Aspen laughed, causing Zel to blush yet again, and he beat a hasty retreat through the doorway that Aila reopened for him. Aila shook her head at the giggling Aspen, and said, "You're impossible. You'd think after all these years, that you would at least no longer flirt. You're married, for crying out loud!"
"I just wonder which one of us is the elder, me by years, or you by the way you act. Anyway, I'm glad that Xelloss is still here," Aspen said, turning to the Trickster.
"Oh?" Xelloss asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Xelloss, just what is your purpose here?" Aspen asked the Trickster. "Does Beast Master have some secret plan, or are you just here to observe?"
"I'm just an observer and informant for this little adventure," Xelloss replied with a wink. "Beast Master also sends her regards, and said to tell you, Aila, that she still considers you, 'Quite possibly the sweetest girl I've ever met, and the most stubborn.'"
"Well, I was allergic to her cigarette smoke," Aila muttered.
"Yes, but you also managed to get her to quit for up to a week while you visited, you know."
"Really? Wow, guess I did have an influence, after all. Next time you see her, tell her that I said hello, please," Aila smiled.
Xelloss smiled down at the small woman. "I'll do that," he said softly, then frowned as Aila's body began to fade like Lina's and Gourry's had earlier.
"Looks like our time's up," Aspen muttered.
Xelloss leaned down, and gently kissed the cheek of the fading Guardian. "Take care of yourself, Aila," he said, and vanished.
Aila gazed at the floor for a moment, then looked up when she felt Aspen's hand on her shoulder.
"You all right?"
"I'll be fine," Aila answered. "I just really miss Phil and everyone. I still love him, you know."
"I know. I still love my husband, and he's been dead for thousands of years. Time does help, though," Aspen said.
"I know. In all honesty, though, Amelia has me worried the most. I wish I could locate her, but.....," Aila trailed off.
"But something is keeping you from it. I know how worried you are, Aila, but you have to leave this in the hands of the living."
"Yeah, but that doesn't make it any easier," Aila replied, as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "All I ever wanted from life was to watch my daughters grow up, and grow old with my husband."
"Look, Aila, we've been over this before. I remember that you once told Phil he had a duty to his kingdom that came before his own wants and wishes, and you had a duty to the people of the world that would come before your wants and wishes. It's a duty that all of the Guardians have upheld, and you have never disappointed us. Now, before this can get any more sappy, I want to know something. What are you planning on doing with Zelgadis?"
"Zel desperately needs to see himself through another's eyes, but that's one of the hardest things a person can do," Aila answered.
"You're planning on influencing his dreams, aren't you? So that he'll feel compelled to go to Amelia's room and find her studio?" Aspen guessed.
"You've got it. If you ever get a chance, and if Amelia assumes her Guardianship, ask her to show you some of her paintings. I've only seen them through flashes that she gets in her dreams, and they look wonderful," Aila answered, beaming proudly.
"You always were a tricky one," Aspen giggled as her body vanished back into the sword.
"I learned from the best," Aila replied, as she, too, was drawn into the sword, the only sound remaining in the small room that of her laughter, and the only sight of her sorrow a small wet drop on the stone floor, which soon evaporated and vanished.
-----------------------
Next episode: Zel has even more strange dreams, and Lina meets
up with an old friend.
Lina: AHH! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT I NEVER REALIZED THIS!!!
Gourry: Calm down.
Rowdy: Why, hello again, Lina Inverse!
Also, welcome back Ryo and Nick!