Author's Notes: Sorry this took so long! I have 3 term papers to write X_X;; I also was punishing a few of my minions. eyes glow red, do-ryu-sens a large beast* MUWHAHAHAAHAHA!!!

Of Black Chains and Scarlet Letters

Link 6

Lina and Zelgadiss entered the small café and grabbed a table quickly. Lina wasted no time and latched onto a waiter on their way in. She ordered the entire menu as usual and the entire staff came out to gawk. Lina just growled and Zelgadiss did his best to hide his face. When the staff returned to their work she said, "If this was back in the day, I would tell you not to hide your face… But this being the 20th century.. it might not be such a bad idea. Although I don't know why you still haven't gotten over it…"

Zelgadiss growled at the few people who had been staring at him. He removed his facemask so Lina could understand his speech a little better. "I do not wish to discuss my person problem anymore. Maybe the 20th century has something to offer in the medical field that could cure me…" His eyes closed in thought as Lina took a sip of water.

"I hate to tell ya Zel," she said quietly and was prepared for him to freak out, "This world knows nothing of magic in general. They would probably put you in a zoo or just give you some acne cream." Zelgadiss narrowed his eyes but let it go. "But anyway, we should start discussing the matter at hand. After all… there's not clear cut reason why we came back like this."

Zelgadiss was about to start talking about his speculations when the food arrived. Lina dived in and didn't even wait for Zel to start. He sweat-dropped and leaned back in his chair. 'I better wait until she is done.' When the people started to stare, he put his facemask back up. A few people started to leave the restaurant as Lina feasted. Then a group of high school seniors came into the café.

"Like oh my god! Have you ever seen anyone so pathetic!" It was a tall thin blond who made the comment. She, along with the other girls in the group, wore miniskirts and tiny tank tops in all shades of pink possible. The boys also wore tank tops and denim shorts. They were flirting with the girls before they noticed Lina's… eating habits. "Just look at her! She ugly and has no class. What a poor dear!" The girl's statement created a burst of laugher from the group as the few adults in the café left the building.

Lina had just finished her last plate of spaghetti as they made another comment. Seeing red, she rose from the table and walked over to the group. Zelgadiss stayed seated and prayed he could get a barrier up before Lina toasted the area. "What did you say?" Her sweet tone was dripping with sarcasm and her fists were clenched.

The other girls just chuckled as the 'leader' said, "You heard me. You flat chested freak!" A few of the guys started to guffaw and comment as well. Lina's temper was about to snap. She ran over to the main desk and dropped a ruby(which had been left in her cape from the past life) onto the table. It was quite a large ruby and of fairly good quality. The waiters just blinked at the odd gesture and watched her return to her table.

"First of all," she said in an annoyed tone as she held up her finger, "I know a woman who could put all of you to shame. Secondly, no one interrupts my meal and insults me!" Her eyes turned crimson as a slight wind started to pick up.

"Well, your boyfriend over there seems to have the worse skin condition I've ever seen. I guess its good all the ugly people end up together." This caused Zelgadiss to get angry and he stood beside Lina. The two watched as the other group started to throw out more insults. 'That leader is worse than Martina….' Then the group noticed the fighting stance that Lina and Zel were in. "Oh.. the freaks of nature want to fight us do they? Well, the men hear are black belts in karate and we girls-" The snob was cut off as Lina and Zelgadiss held up their hands. Zelgadiss had a wind spell ready and Lina had a fire spell.

"Lina… are you sure about that?" He said quickly.

"Zel, I think they deserve it. So, let me have my fun," she said quickly and pushed him back. Zelgadiss dispersed his spell and set up a barrier. The boys were in awe while the girls were saying it was a light stick. "FIIIIRRE..BAAALLL!"

The café was engulfed in flames after Zel shielded a few of the remaining people in the building. The group was burnt to a crisp and lay twitching on the ground. Lina nodded and dusted off her hands. She turned to Zelgadiss and smiled. "I haven't done that for quite a spell."

Zelgadiss's eyes went wide and he started to run. "That's all well and good, but HERE COME THE POLICE!!"

"Oh damn! I guess I should have taken your advice," she said as she started to run.

"Nevermind that, let's get out of here!! RAYWING!" Zelgadiss and Lina cast their spells and started to fly off into a forest. As they disappeared, they failed to notice who was watching them.

Xellos took another sip from his wine glass. "She never learns. But that's what everyone seems to love about her." He was in the only non-charred table of the café and phased into the dimesional pocket. "I think I have an early use for you," he said and slid his eyes open to stare at the sleeping Valgaav.