Slayers: To the End...
By Hotaru Kimiko Lai
Disclaimer...
Here we go...Slayers is not invented by me...I'm not taking the credit for it. (I'd never have thought of it in the first place.) I'm not stealing credit from the legit owners. The Tarzokus are my own invention. This takes place in an A/U after Slayers Try...
Chapter 2 (Version 2.2)
Past and Present revealed...
The ride to Seerin was a long one. Xellos had explained to Zelgadis that he'd rather not teleport, because Madabar's people were on the look out for him. And he didn't want to lead them right to Lina. So the two got horses from Amelia's stables, and basically rode all the way to Seerin. Amelia had graciously given them two horses to make a ride. Of course, they didn't tell Amelia where they were going or that Lina was alive. They wouldn't tell her till there was no other choice. Needless to say, the ride was slightly annoying for Zelgadis, since he didn't really care for Xellos, and Xellos, knowing that, was taking advantage of it. The net result? Xellos had a delightful snack during the whole trip.
"You're sure Lina has a horse," stated Xellos again.
"Yes," said Zelgadis in monotone.
"Absolutely sure?" asked Xellos again.
"Yes," said Zel. This time, a vein popped out on his forehead. Xellos enjoyed the delicious snack and decided to give him a break. No more was said until they arrived at Seerin.
*****
Seerin was a lot like a small village. It was extremely peaceful, almost normal, except... for one thing. As was mentioned before, Seerin was a place where many wizards and researchers lived, since it housed the extensive Magician's Library. Every seer, wizard, sorcerer, sorceress, had heard of Seerin and it's wealth in arcane lores. The streets were full of many people, and a few children here and there. Many wizards went about with their long flowing snow white hair. It was a virtual magician's trade center. Due to the fact that just one mile under the city there was a thick layer of approximately three miles of pure, solid orihalcon. No one knew how it got there, but the orihalcon, combined with the magic that was daily given off by the inhabitants, had wriggled itself into the very geography and environment of Seerin. It was quite unusual to see a butterfly, the size of a dog land on a black flower with diamond petals that was equally as large. (These were the rare cases, though... ) Nobody owned trees or shrubs, since they liked to move around every once in a while.
Here, girls didn't play house. They loved to pretend they were magicians, not princesses. The dolls they had were not of pretty girls in pretty dresses. Rather, they were normal girls wearing magician's hats with robes. Boys didn't play ball, they made up balls with raw magic and bounced them around, pretending they were fireballs and flare bits. All in all, it was a peaceful village. Xellos noticed that nobody cared about Zel's chimera make up, or cared for the fact that he himself had strong power. After all, magic was a normal occurrence here. Zel even nodded to a few people who evidently knew him. The two walked silently down the main street and entered a side street with some houses. Zel led him to the farthest house. It was a cute cottage type house with a small stable. It had a cream or woody color with dark bronze trim. The trees around this house were particularly big and leafy, due to the amount of magic around the place. It had a triangular roof with a cute chimney peeking out. The windows had dark red curtains and over all, it seemed like a very pleasant house.
"THAT'S where Lina lives?" asked an astounded Xellos.
"Yeah," said Zel, smirking. "I was just as surprised. I thought she'd have a house with smoke pouring out the windows or something."
"It seems...almost...calm..." said Xellos. Zel agreed and with that, they walked to her house.
*****
Tirla Inverse had woken up that morning with a feeling of premonition. Her dreams had started to appear around a week ago. After spending two years running from destiny, she had been so sure that she had escaped. Unfortunately, destiny would not explain or wait for anyone... After making herself a big breakfast, Tirla had gone to her small library and started on her lesson plan for the afternoon. Her ruby red hair was long and slightly curly. It reached down to her waist in thick fiery waves when not gathered. At the present moment, it was put up in a bun at the base of her neck. Her ruby eyes were piercing. Although she was slightly on the small side, she had an air of intelligence and knowledge about her. She sighed and went to the kitchen after making a few notes and after looking at the position of the sun, made some tea and coffee for her company. Now, all she had to do was wait, so she took out a book and started to take notes. She didn't have to wait long, for after a few moments, Lina heard a knock on her door. She opened the door to find a chimera at the door.
"Zelgadis," she said with a cheery smile. "Do come in!!"
"Hello Tirla, how are you?" he asked politely. Before he could keep on, Tirla spoke.
"Hello, Xellos," she said. It seemed as if she were speaking to thin air. Xellos appeared from the
shadows. "It's nice seeing you after two years and a half. Do come in." The look they gave her was absolutely priceless. Zelgadis's and Xellos's faces were mirror images of each other, both shocked. Tirla tried to keep it in, but failed and burst out laughing.
"Come in you two," she said. The two obediently followed her in. "You can call me Lina now," she said after muttering a quick encantation.
"Lina, is that you?" asked Xellos as he took the sight of her. She had grown about an inch or two. She was still on the short side but because she had grown a bit, she seemed slimmer than before. Her hair gleamed in the morning light that came from the window. She wasn't wearing her sorceress garb. On the other hand, she wore a loose white shirt with a yellow vest over it. Instead of the pink tights from before, she wore loose red pants. To complete the ensemble, a pair of reading glasses were perched on her nose. To say that he was speechless was like saying that the ocean was a pretty puddle. Lina laughed again, and this time, Zel joined in with a smirk.
"Wake up, Xellos," he said. "You look like an idiot." That woke Xellos up.
"Yes, Xellos," said Lina. "It really is me... would you like me to Dragon Slave you out of here to prove it?"
"No, that's fine." said Xellos quickly. Lina invited them to sit down in a small living room. It had a small fire place that wasn't lit. The walls were decorated with pencil sketches, with oil, pastel and acrylic works of art. With a start, Xellos realized who they were. Lina had gone to the kitchen to bring something to drink and Xellos turned to Zel.
"The subjects in those pictures... they are..." started Xellos.
"Yup," said Zel. He had a relaxed look on him. "Those are us." Xellos raised an eyebrow. He felt as if nothing could surprise him anymore. He had had more surprises today than ever before. 'Whoever did those pictures must be very good,' thought Xellos. 'There's a picture of the whole group. They even captured Zel's quietness, Amelia's bouncyness, Gourry's innocense...Hey! There I am! With my trademark grin!' He stood up and went closer to see who the artist was.
"Like the pics, Xel?" asked Lina as she came in with a tray with tea and coffee. She winked at Zel, which Xellos didn't see.
"Very nice," said Xellos. "Who did them for you?"
"Why, you don't recognize the artist's style?" asked Lina with feigned surprise.
"I know the artist?" asked Xellos while Lina poured tea and coffee. "I can't read their signature. They have a very messy signature, though..."
"Really?" asked Lina dangerously. Xellos didn't notice. "Tea, Xellos?"
"Yes, please," said Xellos. "Yeah, it's the messiest signature I've seen. And I've seen many." He sat down in a chair. Zelgadis was holding back his laughter like crazy. Lina's eyes twinkled mischievously behind her glasses.
"So, Lina," said Zel. "Did you finish the other one yet?" asked Zelgadis.
"Yes!" said Lina. "I finished it the other day. Would you like to see?" She stood up and went to another part of the house. In a few seconds she was back with another painting. This one was of Zel and Amelia. It was in done in oils, and showed the two sitting together on a bench, sharing a quiet moment. Zelgadis nearly choked on his coffee and felt himself blush. Lina hadn't told him that it was about him and Amelia. Xellos, was once again speechless. Lina's laugh started all over again. After a while, both Zel and Xellos joined in to her laugh, for it was so contagious. Zel realized that Lina had played a joke on him, and Xellos was just amazed at the change in Lina. He felt... happy also. After a while, they stopped.
"Oh, gosh," said Lina. "I really needed that!" She took a sip of tea.
"Lina, you're the artist, right?" asked Xellos. "I can't believe it. But you still have a horrid signature."
"I'm in too happy a mood to dragon slave you, Xellos," said Lina with a smile. "I'll do that later, though, OK? By the way, are you staying for lunch?"
"Sure," said Zel. "Xellos here has something to tell you."
"Sure," said Lina. "I trust your judgment Zel. If it was so urgent that you had to break your promise..."
"It's very important," said Xellos.
"I know." said Lina as she stood up. "I was just joking, Zel, 'K?"
After a quick lunch that Lina made, they sat down and started to talk.
"I have a question, Lina," started Xellos. "How did you know I was with Zel? Did you know we were coming?" Lina turned serious, almost sad.
"I expected you two to come today, that's true," said Lina as she took her glasses off and placed them in a case.
"How did you know?" asked Zel.
"I've been having dreams again, lately," said Lina sadly. "But I don't know everything. All I know is that Xellos has an urgent mission for me. And that I have to take it, right Xellos?"
"Well, truth be told," started Xellos. "I don't know too much about it. These scrolls were given to me by Beastmaster Zelas. She was sure it was you the scrolls talked about."
"But I know it won't just be me." said Lina. Her eyes got a faraway look in them. "Amelia, Gourry, Zel, and Xellos will be there also... I'm sure. No matter how hard I try, you're always there."
"What are you talking about?" asked Zel with a worried look.
"Nothing," said Lina. "I'll tell you guys later. Can I see the scrolls? How soon should we leave?"
"As soon as possible," said Xellos as he handed the box of scrolls over."
"The earliest I can leave will be around tomorrow night or afternoon," said Lina. "By the way, who are we fighting against this time? I'll have to do research tonight."
"Research?" asked Xellos. "What have you been doing these two years? And why did you fake your death?" But Lina pretended to not have noticed him. Her glasses were once again on her nose and she had taken a pad of paper and was furiously scribbling notes on it and looking the scrolls over. Zel stopped Xellos from speaking louder.
"Don't," said Zel. "She may seem different, but she's still the headstrong and moody Lina we knew from before. Your questions will have to wait." Xellos nodded. They sat in silence for a few minutes while Lina scribbled. After about five minutes, Lina looked up.
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Lina. "Help me clear the dishes, please? My students will be by in a few minutes."
"Students?" asked Xellos as he helped clear the dishes.
"Of course," said Lina. "I need to make a living anyway."
"But, YOU, a teacher?" asked Xellos.
"Gosh, this conversation sounds familiar, right Lina?" asked Zel.
"Yup," said Lina. "Wonder why?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye. She turned to Xellos. "When Zel first saw this place, he was acting just like you are, saying the exact same things..."
They quickly put away all the dishes, all the time, Lina described her three students. Just in time, because someone knocked on the door.
Lina ran quietly to the door and paused while putting a finger to her lips. All of a sudden, she yanked open the door and three girls tumbled in. They were about the same size, each with blue black hair and green eyes. It was quite obvious that they were sisters. The taller one was wearing a maroon/red dress with yellow trim. The medium height one was wearing forest green pants with a green shirt, tied of at the waist with a gold sash. The youngest and shortest one was wearing cerulean blue pants with a navy blue shirt tunic with an Asian collar. A silver sash adorned her little waist. Each girl had on a black back pack.
"Aunty Tirla!!!" they shouted as they got up quickly and rushed her.
"Hey!" said Lina/Tirla as she hugged each one of them. "Here, let me introduce my friends. This is Zel, but you know him already, right?" The little girls looked the chimera over and nodded before rushing him.
"Uncle Zel!!!" they shouted. Zelgadis laughed and messed their hair up. They all had long hair that was braided and reached to their mid back. The girls screamed with delight until they noticed someone else. Immediately they held still and got quiet.
"This one, is another of my good friends," said Tirla. "He's Xellos. Xellos, these are Rowan, Rhea and Riza Tarkzy." She pointed from the tallest one to the youngest and shortest one. Xellos grinned a them. The taller one looked at him with puzzlement and then at a picture that was hanging on the wall.
"You're the one in the picture, right?" she asked politely. Xellos turned back and looked at the picture on that wall. There was a picture of just Xellos in oils, framed in cherry wood.
"Yes," said Xellos. He hadn't noticed the wall before. The wall was full of portraits of single
people. There was one of Xel, of Zelgadis, of Amelia, of Gourry, of Sylphiel, Filia, Martina, Zangulus...
"And you can do magic also?" asked the one in blue, Riza.
"Yes, I can." said Xellos.
"Last time I checked, Xellos was stronger than I was," said Lina, knowing how much they admired magic users."
"Wow," said Rhea. "Not everyone is as strong as Aunty Tirla."
"That's cool," said Riza. "I like him!" With that, she ran to him and held her hand out. "Hiya, Mr. Xellos!!!" she said with a smile. Xellos felt oddly touched and shook her hand very seriously.
"You know, me too!" said Rhea. She ran to him and glomped on to his other arm. Rowan looked at
him critically before declaring, "Anyone who is a friend of Aunty is my friend." She smiled and dimples appeared.
"Good," said Tirla. "Now that you all know each other, Class is now in session!!!" The girls giggled and ran to Lina's living room. "You guys want to watch?" she asked Xellos and Zel as she walked in. The two nodded and sat down in the back.
"I will now take role." said Lina. "Say 'Here!' if you are here. Rhea?"
"Here!" shouted Rhea.
"Riza?"
"Not here!"
"Oh, O.K., Rowan?"
"Here!"
"Good," said Tirla. "Take out your homework." Each girl had taken a sofa seat as their desk and each took out a paper from little back pack. As Tirla checked all of their homework and taught the next lesson, Xellos couldn't help but watch her. She seemed so in control, so different from the wild eyed sorceress he knew. What scared him was just how much he enjoyed watching her. He knew before that he had always admired Lina, but now... something was different.
"OK, said Tirla. "Rowan, recite me the clauses for a Condensed Fireball."
"First line, mid level recitation. Raise of power to 24.3% above the average. Second Line, abrupt drop to 15.6%. Emotional level is held below average by 4. Last line, abrupt incline to 34.9%. Emotional level increases to 2. Concentration influx change, 35%. Total energy spent... 12.4 Kerl."
Class was soon over. Tirla went to the kitchen and brought out a plateful of cookies that she had stored in a jar. As the girls munched on their cookies, Tirla just smiled and watched them. Before long, the trio had started to play tag with them. It was a funny sight. Zelgadis was 'it', he ran very slowly, and just when he was about to catch them, he would shout and end up tripping on purpose, causing the girls no end of fun. When Xellos was 'it,' the girls would run and when they were catching their breath, Xellos would materialize behind them and whisper, "Boo." which would get the girls running again. Lina smiled, knowing that she would keep the memory of the day with her forever. She felt her eyes traveling to Xellos continually. How was he taking all the fun and happiness that was generated around him? And why, in the world, was she thinking about HIM anyway? 'Stupid dreams...' she thought. Finally, the girls had to leave.
"Rowan, give this to your mom as soon as you get home, O.K.?" asked Tirla as she handed her a note. Rowan nodded solemnly and hugged everyone. Her two sisters followed her example and soon the yard was empty.
"Help me pack up my stuff, OK?" said Tirla. They went inside to put a fix up the living room and clean up some things. In a few minutes, there was a knock on the door. Tirla ran to open it and talked quietly with the person at her door. After another few minutes, she went back inside.
"OK," she said. "The reason I can't leave now, is because I have to talk to people to tell them that classes are canceled for I don't know how long, which means that I have to talk to the mayor in the village. So that's where we are having supper tonight."
"Those three are the mayor's kids?" asked Zel.
"Yes," said Lina. "I told them about you guys, so you two are invited also. I'll spend the rest of the night packing stuff up and putting them away." The two nodded.
*****
Supper at the Tarksy's house was extremely pleasant. Mrs. Tarksy was a wonderful cook and they had lots of fun. Once again, Xellos and Zelgadis played with the children while Lina spoke with the two parents.
"So, Lina," said Mrs. Tarksy, for she knew who Tirla really was. "You have to leave us?"
"I'm sorry," said Lina. "But duty calls. These two years have been absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for everything."
"We'll miss you , Lina," said Mr. Tarksy. "And I'm sure the kids will too."
"If everything turns out OK," said Lina. "I'll be back to teach the children."
"So, everything is worked out, Lina," said Mrs. Tarksy. "We'll take care of your house. We'll sell it if we get a note from you or any of your friends, or in case you die. The money goes will go to the Princess Amelia so that she can spread it out. And your paintings?"
"Those are for you except for a few I'll take with me," said Lina. "The details are in the letter."
"We'll do it, Lina. We'll take care of everything."
"Thank you."
And so it was that Lina Inverse, also known as Tirla, left Seerin. On the day of her leaving, she chose a few pictures but gave the rest to her student's families. Her house was put under their care and several misc. things were sold. She shed the clothes of scholars and put on her sorceress outfit. Of course, it had been re-modified to fit her taller frame. Many people came to see her of, for she had been a wonderful neighbor and a great teacher. She saddled her own horse, Tirla and started to ride out with her two friends. But before that...
"You're leaving Aunty Tirla?" asked Riza, her green eyes tearing up.
"Yes, my dear," said Tirla as she hugged her.
"And Uncle Zel and Xel are leaving also?" asked Rowan.
"Yes, we are," said Zelgadis.
"And you're never ever ever ever ever going to come back?" asked Rhea.
"We're not sure," said Tirla. "If I can, I will. If I can't, that's that. Be good while we're gone, K?" For each one of them, she gave them a small sketch book with some picture drawn on the first page. And with that, and a hug for everyone, Tirla and her two friends left.
The DAN... (dreaded author's notes... mwahahaha!!!)
Hello! Here's the next chapter. What do you think? As usual, Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Flames will be doused... What else... Sorry the chapter doesn't have much action... it's mostly background info on where Lina has been these past two years. The next chapter will hopefully have a bit more action, and more about Lina's dreams. BTW, if you haven't noticed, I'm a Xel/Lina person. (Please, I'd rather you not kill me with hate mail because I like this couple. I actually can stand other couples, except that this is my fav.) Well, hope you enjoyed it. BTW, when dropping me a note to my e-mail (if you ever wish to...), please put in a subject, or I'll delete it. Thank you!!!
Merry Late Christmas to everyone!!! God bless you all dearly!!!
And also, before I forget... Thank you for all the cool reviewers out there whose only pupose in life seem to be making struggling writers like yours truly very very happy by writing them small notes. Thank you!!! You all encourage me so much... I even had a dream in which I e-mailed everyone of you and thanked you...
Hotaru Kimiko Lai ^_^
Dec. 28, 2001
"The beauty of twisted wit is that the ignorant can't understand it and the uninspired can't silence it."
- Cat Deely
By Hotaru Kimiko Lai
Disclaimer...
Here we go...Slayers is not invented by me...I'm not taking the credit for it. (I'd never have thought of it in the first place.) I'm not stealing credit from the legit owners. The Tarzokus are my own invention. This takes place in an A/U after Slayers Try...
Chapter 2 (Version 2.2)
Past and Present revealed...
The ride to Seerin was a long one. Xellos had explained to Zelgadis that he'd rather not teleport, because Madabar's people were on the look out for him. And he didn't want to lead them right to Lina. So the two got horses from Amelia's stables, and basically rode all the way to Seerin. Amelia had graciously given them two horses to make a ride. Of course, they didn't tell Amelia where they were going or that Lina was alive. They wouldn't tell her till there was no other choice. Needless to say, the ride was slightly annoying for Zelgadis, since he didn't really care for Xellos, and Xellos, knowing that, was taking advantage of it. The net result? Xellos had a delightful snack during the whole trip.
"You're sure Lina has a horse," stated Xellos again.
"Yes," said Zelgadis in monotone.
"Absolutely sure?" asked Xellos again.
"Yes," said Zel. This time, a vein popped out on his forehead. Xellos enjoyed the delicious snack and decided to give him a break. No more was said until they arrived at Seerin.
*****
Seerin was a lot like a small village. It was extremely peaceful, almost normal, except... for one thing. As was mentioned before, Seerin was a place where many wizards and researchers lived, since it housed the extensive Magician's Library. Every seer, wizard, sorcerer, sorceress, had heard of Seerin and it's wealth in arcane lores. The streets were full of many people, and a few children here and there. Many wizards went about with their long flowing snow white hair. It was a virtual magician's trade center. Due to the fact that just one mile under the city there was a thick layer of approximately three miles of pure, solid orihalcon. No one knew how it got there, but the orihalcon, combined with the magic that was daily given off by the inhabitants, had wriggled itself into the very geography and environment of Seerin. It was quite unusual to see a butterfly, the size of a dog land on a black flower with diamond petals that was equally as large. (These were the rare cases, though... ) Nobody owned trees or shrubs, since they liked to move around every once in a while.
Here, girls didn't play house. They loved to pretend they were magicians, not princesses. The dolls they had were not of pretty girls in pretty dresses. Rather, they were normal girls wearing magician's hats with robes. Boys didn't play ball, they made up balls with raw magic and bounced them around, pretending they were fireballs and flare bits. All in all, it was a peaceful village. Xellos noticed that nobody cared about Zel's chimera make up, or cared for the fact that he himself had strong power. After all, magic was a normal occurrence here. Zel even nodded to a few people who evidently knew him. The two walked silently down the main street and entered a side street with some houses. Zel led him to the farthest house. It was a cute cottage type house with a small stable. It had a cream or woody color with dark bronze trim. The trees around this house were particularly big and leafy, due to the amount of magic around the place. It had a triangular roof with a cute chimney peeking out. The windows had dark red curtains and over all, it seemed like a very pleasant house.
"THAT'S where Lina lives?" asked an astounded Xellos.
"Yeah," said Zel, smirking. "I was just as surprised. I thought she'd have a house with smoke pouring out the windows or something."
"It seems...almost...calm..." said Xellos. Zel agreed and with that, they walked to her house.
*****
Tirla Inverse had woken up that morning with a feeling of premonition. Her dreams had started to appear around a week ago. After spending two years running from destiny, she had been so sure that she had escaped. Unfortunately, destiny would not explain or wait for anyone... After making herself a big breakfast, Tirla had gone to her small library and started on her lesson plan for the afternoon. Her ruby red hair was long and slightly curly. It reached down to her waist in thick fiery waves when not gathered. At the present moment, it was put up in a bun at the base of her neck. Her ruby eyes were piercing. Although she was slightly on the small side, she had an air of intelligence and knowledge about her. She sighed and went to the kitchen after making a few notes and after looking at the position of the sun, made some tea and coffee for her company. Now, all she had to do was wait, so she took out a book and started to take notes. She didn't have to wait long, for after a few moments, Lina heard a knock on her door. She opened the door to find a chimera at the door.
"Zelgadis," she said with a cheery smile. "Do come in!!"
"Hello Tirla, how are you?" he asked politely. Before he could keep on, Tirla spoke.
"Hello, Xellos," she said. It seemed as if she were speaking to thin air. Xellos appeared from the
shadows. "It's nice seeing you after two years and a half. Do come in." The look they gave her was absolutely priceless. Zelgadis's and Xellos's faces were mirror images of each other, both shocked. Tirla tried to keep it in, but failed and burst out laughing.
"Come in you two," she said. The two obediently followed her in. "You can call me Lina now," she said after muttering a quick encantation.
"Lina, is that you?" asked Xellos as he took the sight of her. She had grown about an inch or two. She was still on the short side but because she had grown a bit, she seemed slimmer than before. Her hair gleamed in the morning light that came from the window. She wasn't wearing her sorceress garb. On the other hand, she wore a loose white shirt with a yellow vest over it. Instead of the pink tights from before, she wore loose red pants. To complete the ensemble, a pair of reading glasses were perched on her nose. To say that he was speechless was like saying that the ocean was a pretty puddle. Lina laughed again, and this time, Zel joined in with a smirk.
"Wake up, Xellos," he said. "You look like an idiot." That woke Xellos up.
"Yes, Xellos," said Lina. "It really is me... would you like me to Dragon Slave you out of here to prove it?"
"No, that's fine." said Xellos quickly. Lina invited them to sit down in a small living room. It had a small fire place that wasn't lit. The walls were decorated with pencil sketches, with oil, pastel and acrylic works of art. With a start, Xellos realized who they were. Lina had gone to the kitchen to bring something to drink and Xellos turned to Zel.
"The subjects in those pictures... they are..." started Xellos.
"Yup," said Zel. He had a relaxed look on him. "Those are us." Xellos raised an eyebrow. He felt as if nothing could surprise him anymore. He had had more surprises today than ever before. 'Whoever did those pictures must be very good,' thought Xellos. 'There's a picture of the whole group. They even captured Zel's quietness, Amelia's bouncyness, Gourry's innocense...Hey! There I am! With my trademark grin!' He stood up and went closer to see who the artist was.
"Like the pics, Xel?" asked Lina as she came in with a tray with tea and coffee. She winked at Zel, which Xellos didn't see.
"Very nice," said Xellos. "Who did them for you?"
"Why, you don't recognize the artist's style?" asked Lina with feigned surprise.
"I know the artist?" asked Xellos while Lina poured tea and coffee. "I can't read their signature. They have a very messy signature, though..."
"Really?" asked Lina dangerously. Xellos didn't notice. "Tea, Xellos?"
"Yes, please," said Xellos. "Yeah, it's the messiest signature I've seen. And I've seen many." He sat down in a chair. Zelgadis was holding back his laughter like crazy. Lina's eyes twinkled mischievously behind her glasses.
"So, Lina," said Zel. "Did you finish the other one yet?" asked Zelgadis.
"Yes!" said Lina. "I finished it the other day. Would you like to see?" She stood up and went to another part of the house. In a few seconds she was back with another painting. This one was of Zel and Amelia. It was in done in oils, and showed the two sitting together on a bench, sharing a quiet moment. Zelgadis nearly choked on his coffee and felt himself blush. Lina hadn't told him that it was about him and Amelia. Xellos, was once again speechless. Lina's laugh started all over again. After a while, both Zel and Xellos joined in to her laugh, for it was so contagious. Zel realized that Lina had played a joke on him, and Xellos was just amazed at the change in Lina. He felt... happy also. After a while, they stopped.
"Oh, gosh," said Lina. "I really needed that!" She took a sip of tea.
"Lina, you're the artist, right?" asked Xellos. "I can't believe it. But you still have a horrid signature."
"I'm in too happy a mood to dragon slave you, Xellos," said Lina with a smile. "I'll do that later, though, OK? By the way, are you staying for lunch?"
"Sure," said Zel. "Xellos here has something to tell you."
"Sure," said Lina. "I trust your judgment Zel. If it was so urgent that you had to break your promise..."
"It's very important," said Xellos.
"I know." said Lina as she stood up. "I was just joking, Zel, 'K?"
After a quick lunch that Lina made, they sat down and started to talk.
"I have a question, Lina," started Xellos. "How did you know I was with Zel? Did you know we were coming?" Lina turned serious, almost sad.
"I expected you two to come today, that's true," said Lina as she took her glasses off and placed them in a case.
"How did you know?" asked Zel.
"I've been having dreams again, lately," said Lina sadly. "But I don't know everything. All I know is that Xellos has an urgent mission for me. And that I have to take it, right Xellos?"
"Well, truth be told," started Xellos. "I don't know too much about it. These scrolls were given to me by Beastmaster Zelas. She was sure it was you the scrolls talked about."
"But I know it won't just be me." said Lina. Her eyes got a faraway look in them. "Amelia, Gourry, Zel, and Xellos will be there also... I'm sure. No matter how hard I try, you're always there."
"What are you talking about?" asked Zel with a worried look.
"Nothing," said Lina. "I'll tell you guys later. Can I see the scrolls? How soon should we leave?"
"As soon as possible," said Xellos as he handed the box of scrolls over."
"The earliest I can leave will be around tomorrow night or afternoon," said Lina. "By the way, who are we fighting against this time? I'll have to do research tonight."
"Research?" asked Xellos. "What have you been doing these two years? And why did you fake your death?" But Lina pretended to not have noticed him. Her glasses were once again on her nose and she had taken a pad of paper and was furiously scribbling notes on it and looking the scrolls over. Zel stopped Xellos from speaking louder.
"Don't," said Zel. "She may seem different, but she's still the headstrong and moody Lina we knew from before. Your questions will have to wait." Xellos nodded. They sat in silence for a few minutes while Lina scribbled. After about five minutes, Lina looked up.
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Lina. "Help me clear the dishes, please? My students will be by in a few minutes."
"Students?" asked Xellos as he helped clear the dishes.
"Of course," said Lina. "I need to make a living anyway."
"But, YOU, a teacher?" asked Xellos.
"Gosh, this conversation sounds familiar, right Lina?" asked Zel.
"Yup," said Lina. "Wonder why?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye. She turned to Xellos. "When Zel first saw this place, he was acting just like you are, saying the exact same things..."
They quickly put away all the dishes, all the time, Lina described her three students. Just in time, because someone knocked on the door.
Lina ran quietly to the door and paused while putting a finger to her lips. All of a sudden, she yanked open the door and three girls tumbled in. They were about the same size, each with blue black hair and green eyes. It was quite obvious that they were sisters. The taller one was wearing a maroon/red dress with yellow trim. The medium height one was wearing forest green pants with a green shirt, tied of at the waist with a gold sash. The youngest and shortest one was wearing cerulean blue pants with a navy blue shirt tunic with an Asian collar. A silver sash adorned her little waist. Each girl had on a black back pack.
"Aunty Tirla!!!" they shouted as they got up quickly and rushed her.
"Hey!" said Lina/Tirla as she hugged each one of them. "Here, let me introduce my friends. This is Zel, but you know him already, right?" The little girls looked the chimera over and nodded before rushing him.
"Uncle Zel!!!" they shouted. Zelgadis laughed and messed their hair up. They all had long hair that was braided and reached to their mid back. The girls screamed with delight until they noticed someone else. Immediately they held still and got quiet.
"This one, is another of my good friends," said Tirla. "He's Xellos. Xellos, these are Rowan, Rhea and Riza Tarkzy." She pointed from the tallest one to the youngest and shortest one. Xellos grinned a them. The taller one looked at him with puzzlement and then at a picture that was hanging on the wall.
"You're the one in the picture, right?" she asked politely. Xellos turned back and looked at the picture on that wall. There was a picture of just Xellos in oils, framed in cherry wood.
"Yes," said Xellos. He hadn't noticed the wall before. The wall was full of portraits of single
people. There was one of Xel, of Zelgadis, of Amelia, of Gourry, of Sylphiel, Filia, Martina, Zangulus...
"And you can do magic also?" asked the one in blue, Riza.
"Yes, I can." said Xellos.
"Last time I checked, Xellos was stronger than I was," said Lina, knowing how much they admired magic users."
"Wow," said Rhea. "Not everyone is as strong as Aunty Tirla."
"That's cool," said Riza. "I like him!" With that, she ran to him and held her hand out. "Hiya, Mr. Xellos!!!" she said with a smile. Xellos felt oddly touched and shook her hand very seriously.
"You know, me too!" said Rhea. She ran to him and glomped on to his other arm. Rowan looked at
him critically before declaring, "Anyone who is a friend of Aunty is my friend." She smiled and dimples appeared.
"Good," said Tirla. "Now that you all know each other, Class is now in session!!!" The girls giggled and ran to Lina's living room. "You guys want to watch?" she asked Xellos and Zel as she walked in. The two nodded and sat down in the back.
"I will now take role." said Lina. "Say 'Here!' if you are here. Rhea?"
"Here!" shouted Rhea.
"Riza?"
"Not here!"
"Oh, O.K., Rowan?"
"Here!"
"Good," said Tirla. "Take out your homework." Each girl had taken a sofa seat as their desk and each took out a paper from little back pack. As Tirla checked all of their homework and taught the next lesson, Xellos couldn't help but watch her. She seemed so in control, so different from the wild eyed sorceress he knew. What scared him was just how much he enjoyed watching her. He knew before that he had always admired Lina, but now... something was different.
"OK, said Tirla. "Rowan, recite me the clauses for a Condensed Fireball."
"First line, mid level recitation. Raise of power to 24.3% above the average. Second Line, abrupt drop to 15.6%. Emotional level is held below average by 4. Last line, abrupt incline to 34.9%. Emotional level increases to 2. Concentration influx change, 35%. Total energy spent... 12.4 Kerl."
Class was soon over. Tirla went to the kitchen and brought out a plateful of cookies that she had stored in a jar. As the girls munched on their cookies, Tirla just smiled and watched them. Before long, the trio had started to play tag with them. It was a funny sight. Zelgadis was 'it', he ran very slowly, and just when he was about to catch them, he would shout and end up tripping on purpose, causing the girls no end of fun. When Xellos was 'it,' the girls would run and when they were catching their breath, Xellos would materialize behind them and whisper, "Boo." which would get the girls running again. Lina smiled, knowing that she would keep the memory of the day with her forever. She felt her eyes traveling to Xellos continually. How was he taking all the fun and happiness that was generated around him? And why, in the world, was she thinking about HIM anyway? 'Stupid dreams...' she thought. Finally, the girls had to leave.
"Rowan, give this to your mom as soon as you get home, O.K.?" asked Tirla as she handed her a note. Rowan nodded solemnly and hugged everyone. Her two sisters followed her example and soon the yard was empty.
"Help me pack up my stuff, OK?" said Tirla. They went inside to put a fix up the living room and clean up some things. In a few minutes, there was a knock on the door. Tirla ran to open it and talked quietly with the person at her door. After another few minutes, she went back inside.
"OK," she said. "The reason I can't leave now, is because I have to talk to people to tell them that classes are canceled for I don't know how long, which means that I have to talk to the mayor in the village. So that's where we are having supper tonight."
"Those three are the mayor's kids?" asked Zel.
"Yes," said Lina. "I told them about you guys, so you two are invited also. I'll spend the rest of the night packing stuff up and putting them away." The two nodded.
*****
Supper at the Tarksy's house was extremely pleasant. Mrs. Tarksy was a wonderful cook and they had lots of fun. Once again, Xellos and Zelgadis played with the children while Lina spoke with the two parents.
"So, Lina," said Mrs. Tarksy, for she knew who Tirla really was. "You have to leave us?"
"I'm sorry," said Lina. "But duty calls. These two years have been absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for everything."
"We'll miss you , Lina," said Mr. Tarksy. "And I'm sure the kids will too."
"If everything turns out OK," said Lina. "I'll be back to teach the children."
"So, everything is worked out, Lina," said Mrs. Tarksy. "We'll take care of your house. We'll sell it if we get a note from you or any of your friends, or in case you die. The money goes will go to the Princess Amelia so that she can spread it out. And your paintings?"
"Those are for you except for a few I'll take with me," said Lina. "The details are in the letter."
"We'll do it, Lina. We'll take care of everything."
"Thank you."
And so it was that Lina Inverse, also known as Tirla, left Seerin. On the day of her leaving, she chose a few pictures but gave the rest to her student's families. Her house was put under their care and several misc. things were sold. She shed the clothes of scholars and put on her sorceress outfit. Of course, it had been re-modified to fit her taller frame. Many people came to see her of, for she had been a wonderful neighbor and a great teacher. She saddled her own horse, Tirla and started to ride out with her two friends. But before that...
"You're leaving Aunty Tirla?" asked Riza, her green eyes tearing up.
"Yes, my dear," said Tirla as she hugged her.
"And Uncle Zel and Xel are leaving also?" asked Rowan.
"Yes, we are," said Zelgadis.
"And you're never ever ever ever ever going to come back?" asked Rhea.
"We're not sure," said Tirla. "If I can, I will. If I can't, that's that. Be good while we're gone, K?" For each one of them, she gave them a small sketch book with some picture drawn on the first page. And with that, and a hug for everyone, Tirla and her two friends left.
The DAN... (dreaded author's notes... mwahahaha!!!)
Hello! Here's the next chapter. What do you think? As usual, Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Flames will be doused... What else... Sorry the chapter doesn't have much action... it's mostly background info on where Lina has been these past two years. The next chapter will hopefully have a bit more action, and more about Lina's dreams. BTW, if you haven't noticed, I'm a Xel/Lina person. (Please, I'd rather you not kill me with hate mail because I like this couple. I actually can stand other couples, except that this is my fav.) Well, hope you enjoyed it. BTW, when dropping me a note to my e-mail (if you ever wish to...), please put in a subject, or I'll delete it. Thank you!!!
Merry Late Christmas to everyone!!! God bless you all dearly!!!
And also, before I forget... Thank you for all the cool reviewers out there whose only pupose in life seem to be making struggling writers like yours truly very very happy by writing them small notes. Thank you!!! You all encourage me so much... I even had a dream in which I e-mailed everyone of you and thanked you...
Hotaru Kimiko Lai ^_^
Dec. 28, 2001
"The beauty of twisted wit is that the ignorant can't understand it and the uninspired can't silence it."
- Cat Deely