Slayers: To the End...
By Hotaru
Disclaimer...
Slayers aint mine... there, I said it. BUT!!! This huge thing called a story is mine. I thought up of the idea!! Aren't you all so amazingly proud of me???? ^^
Chapter 10
Frequencies Out of Whack...
It dawned nice and bright. The sky was cyan in color, and there were fat puffy clouds floating in an ocean of air.
'Cumulus nimbus...' thought Lina absentmindedly as she classified the clouds. 'Cirrus clouds from the west...'
She was up, bright and early with the birds. She was so used to waking up early. After all, she had spent years adventuring and being on the run. Then she had come here, and it meant getting up to make your own breakfast, prepare the day's lesson, and three million other things... like more breakfast. Sometimes, she'd go out into the woods... so that meant waking up even earlier. Maybe she had been rough on him... maybe.... she had exaggerated, and blown things out of proportion. She remembered the confrontation, two days ago... she had been so mad. First, so glad... he was fine! He was feeling OK. He was there, close to her... so she could watch over him and be so near him... And then, a few hours later... how he treated matters so flippantly... it drove her up the wall. He didn't understand... he'd never understand... he was a Mazoku... he didn't care how much she cared for him. And while yelling at him, she had almost let it loose... almost told him. That would have been a mistake... Fortunately, she had reigned in her tongue. She sighed and looked out. She had done the right thing, she hadn't told him a thing. Once she was Knight, there was no more them... it would only be L-sama... the rest would die off slowly from age and she'd be left. Better to let things rest as they were. So, why did yearning after a Mazoku hurt so much? More importantly... why in the world did she have to fall for a Mazoku??? Of all the people in the world... why him?
Unknown to her... Xellos was watching the same sunrise on the other side of the little home...
'What am I going to tell her? Not Sore wa himitsu desu. I don't want to say good bye to her like that. ' Xellos stood up and walked around softly. He got to share a room with Zelgadis, since Lina's house wasn't that amazingly big... just very neat. Which was surprising, considering how she had left the room in Beastmaster's house. Talking about her... how had she taken the news of his quitting?
Let's check...
A few days earlier...
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?"
Now, back to the present...
Anyway, back to his present problem... how in the world was he going to get out of it?? The swearing in was tonight... he wanted it to be perfect... to be a nice time... He mentally pulled his hair and screamed with anxiety. Outwardly, he smiled crazily and walked around in circles.
Zel woke up. It felt like a nice day. He could feel the sunlight pouring in through the window, flooding the room with an orange-yellow hue. Well, he could imagine that. So, he opened his eyes and promptly shut them. It was ruined. Such a beautiful and cheery day... ruined by seeing Xellos's insane grin, walking around in circles. *shudder*
"What's up with you?" asked Zelgadis, half way curious as to why Xellos was walking around the room in circles. "Why are you walking around in circles?"
"Sore wa himitsu desu!" said Xellos chirpily. Zelgadis sweatdropped.
"Hasn't that gotten you in enough trouble already?" asked Zelgadis wryly.
"Well," said Xellos. He stopped and fingered his chin thoughtfully. "I'll tell you, but I trust your discretion to this matter of utmost importance." Zel got up and just stared. "OK, I'm worried about how I will confront Lina tonight."
"Ah... you mean the Knight business?" asked Zel.
"How do you know about that?" asked Xellos.
"Sore wa himitsu desu!" said Zelgadis. Xellos stared at him.
"Are you OK? Do you have a fever?" asked Xellos. Zelgadis shook his head.
"I got an invitation to the ceremony." said Zel.
"Anyway, I don't want to part with ill feelings, if you know what I mean." said Xellos as he sat down on his own bed.
"Yeah, I understand." said Zelgadis. Silence...
"You see, life will be long... It'd be nice if it were not filled with regrets. Who knows when I'd see her again." said Xellos. Then he abruptly stood up. His smile was back. "Well, it was nice to talk to you, Zel, old buddy. Normally, I don't dig the buddy-buddy, share your feelings type of thing... I still don't." He started to leave, but Zel spoke.
"You like her, don't you? I don't know how, but you do, right?" asked Zel. Xellos froze.
"Mazoku can't feel things like that," he said with an inward smile. Of course, he wasn't totally Mazoku at the moment, due to some circumstances beyond his control.
"I thought so too, until I met one," said Zel. "She'll be in the forest this afternoon, you know. Whenever something troubles her, she'll go into the forest and blow things up or meditate. Just make sure you don't get in the way." With that, he stood up and walked to the bathroom. Xellos stood shocked. Lina had been avoiding them for some time. But he had given him a chance to meet with her... interesting.
*****
"Aunty Tirla, we have a question!!!" said Riza as she skipped beside Tirla, holding a little basket. Lina had decided to make up to the girls for not seeing them yesterday by taking them out on a picnic. She
was presently carrying a very bit picnic basket.
"Really?" asked Tirla.
"Yeah!" said Rhea as she walked behind them carrying a huge basket.
"What's your name, Aunty Tirla?" asked Rhea. She was also holding a basket. Lina stopped.
"I would think that was obvious!" said Tirla with a smile, after a while. "What do you call me?"
"Aunty Tirla, of course!" said Riza.
"Well?" asked Lina. Rowan stomped her foot.
"But that's not what I meant!!!!!" she said. "I meant, why does Uncle Xellos call you Lina???"
"When did he call me Lina?" asked Lina. She was a little surprised. She was going to tell them, but she wasn't quite ready.
"The other day when you were fighting." said Rhea. Lina thought for a while. They continued to walk silently for some time and finally stopped at a small clearing. She set down the things and then motioned for her students to join her on the grass.
"Well," she started. "I guess I owe you all an explanation. My name, as you have read on the invitation to tonight is Celina Tirla Inverse. In my younger days, I was known by my first name, but Celina just doesn't cut it. So I changed it to Lina."
"So, you were known as... Lina Inverse?" asked Riza.
"You mean, as Lina Inverse, the infamous bandit killer?" asked Rowan.
"Like as in the Dragon Spooker?" asked Rhea.
"As in the fairy tales mom used to tell us?" asked Riza. "You're my hero!" With that, she tackled her and hugged Lina strongly.
"Wow, we were studying under Lina Inverse!" said Rhea. "How cool is that?"
"I never thought... can I have your autograph?" asked Rowan. "Wait, I already have it. You always write on my papers! That's so neat!"
"So, you have heard all about me?" asked Lina, surprised.
"Yeah!" said Rowan. "Who hasn't? You're a legend in Seerin! In all over the world!"
"Uh huh!!" said Riza, nodding her head strongly, such that her braided hair flew all over the place. "You're the coolest! Everyone here wants to be like you! At least, that's what they say so in school!"
"So, what about tonight?" asked Rowan. "We're invited to what?"
"Well, tonight will be very special." said Lina as she hugged them. "I told you there are three major types of magic. What are they?"
"White!" said Rhea.
"And Black!" said Riza.
"What's the last one?" asked Rowan.
"It's Chaos," said Lina, seriously. "I haven't taught you any chaos magic, because chaos magic calls on the Lord of Nightmares. It's very dangerous magic."
"But you use chaos magic, right?" said Rowan. "Like the Laguna Blade."
"Or the Giga Slave!" chimed in Rhea and Riza.
"Yes, but that's different. I have always had a special affinity with chaos magic. Just like Rhea finds it very easy to cast Restores and hard to cast Fireballs, and Riza always throws Fireballs around... Rowan is different from you. She can cast both easily. Anyway, I can cast Chaos magic, and not have to suffer too many consequences. L-sama is just making it official. Tonight, I become Chaos Knight."
"But, aren't Knights different from us?" asked Rowan, remembering everything she had learned. "Like, not exactly human?"
"Right," said Lina, sadly. "Chaos Knights have a special ability to cast all sorts of Chaos magic. But that magic changes you. Then again, every bit of magic you cast has a price, remember? That's why you don't want to cast it when you feel like it. Magic is dangerous to play with, even white magic."
"So, you're going to change into Chaos Knight, tonight?" asked Riza. Lina nodded. "Wow!" Lina smiled. They were so innocent.
*****
That afternoon, after sending the three home, she walked in the woods until she came across a small brook. She sat there and ran her fingers through the cool spring water. So peaceful, it was. She usually came here only when she had to think hard about things. Tonight merited a trip to her favorite spot. Contrary to popular belief, she didn't just delight in destruction. Unknown to her, Xellos was up in a tree at the edge of the brook. She leaned on the tree, not realizing Xellos was up there. Xellos took a deep breath and spoke.
"Beautiful day, ne, Lina san?" he asked quietly. Lina jumped and looked up.
"Oh, hi Xellos." she said calmly. "Yes, it's a nice day."
"What are you doing here?" he asked, trying to break the ice that threatened to separate the two.
"Thinking," said Lina softly.
"Mind if I join you?" asked Xellos. Lina shrugged, so Xellos jumped down and sat beside her. There was silence, as Xellos could feel that she was uncomfortable for a bit. He moved over a bit, so he didn't invade her personal space, and felt her relax a little. There was more silence. The sun shone brightly and a slight breeze blew by. Strands of Lina's now red hair flew lightly in the win before she promptly gathered her hair with a black ribbon at the base of her neck. Xellos's hair whipped back and forth slightly. Little birds sang and chirped happily, and the brook babbled brightly in the background. Lina sighed and took a deep breath.
"Hey, Xellos?" she asked softly.
"Yeah, Lina san?" answered Xellos.
"I, I just wanted to tell you... I'm sorry, about what happened. You didn't have to tell me anything and I just blew up at you. I'm sorry, Xellos." She said all of this while looking at the brook in front of her, not daring to look in to his eyes, for fear that she'd break down in front of him. Meanwhile, Xellos was surprised to say the least. Normally, Lina wouldn't say sorry, about anything! But... she had. He got sadder still. It'd be so hard to say good bye to her after tonight.
"It's OK," said Xellos, awkwardly, not quite sure how to handle all the sadness he felt from her and from himself. "I'm sorry too, about, you know... I shouldn't have joked with you. I know it's serious but I still don't really want to talk about it. Thank you, though, for worrying." While still looking at the brook, Lina scooted a bit closer and hesitantly touched his shoulder.
"Let's try to get along. After tonight, it'll be difficult. No hard feelings?" she asked.
"No hard feelings," he answered. Not once did they look at each other. Finally Lina leaned her head against him and rested. Xellos told his body not to jump, and it didn't. He hesitantly wrapped his one arm around her shoulder and they stayed like that, watching the brook, until it was time to go.
*****
That night, Lina dreamed. She found herself in a huge room. There were two red carpets going from two extremes to the middle of the wall across the room, forming two sides of a triangle. There were a few chairs in the middle of the triangle for the audience. At the front was a chair, made of orihalcon, simple in design. A small girl wearing green motioned for Lina to follow her, so Lina did. They entered a room, with a uniform, a mirror and some other things for her to freshen up. The girl jumped and disappeared from sight. Lina sighed. It was time. She had been nice tonight and had had supper with all her friends, yes, even Xellos. No regrets, not a single one. OK, she had one.... but that couldn't be helped. She turned as she felt L-sama's presence behind her. Lina bowed on one knee towards her.
"L-sama." she said, reverently.
"Rise, Celina Tirla Inverse." she said. Lina did as told. "How are you doing?" Lina looked into the eyes of her boss for who knows how long. One of these days, she would get used to seeing her many forms. She was now garbed in a splendid black gown, her golden hair falling around her like a golden river cascading down her shoulders. In her hand, she held a shovel in all its chaotic glory.
"What can I do for you?" asked Lina.
"Tonight, I will fulfill my promise to you. You will meet him tonight." said L-sama. Lina looked up, surprised.
"But, but, but I'm not ready!" said Lina, panic rising in her eyes. If she could have it her way, she'd never find out. L-sama's eyes hardened.
"You would question me in such matters of lower importance as this, Lina?" she asked, her voice flat and emotionless, so different from the other Lord of Nightmares. Lina gulped.
"I'm sorry, L-sama," she said. "I wasn't expecting it so soon."
"It's OK, Lina," said the deity more warmly. "I know this is new to you, but I want you to realize that never will I send you to do something that is bad for you. Everything will work out. Such are the ways of chaos, incomprehensible to the one acted on."
"I understand," said Lina, humbly. "How will I know him?"
"Do to some tweaking," said L-sama mischievously. "He too is becoming a knight. It's up to you what you will plan to do. I'm just leading you to him. I'd be nice if you got along, after all, you'll be coworkers for a long time." Lina nodded. L-sama left and Lina went back to putting on her uniform for the ceremony.
*****
Xellos dreamt. He arrived in the same room that Lina had been, but he didn't know that. A young boy dressed in green appeared and motioned for him to follow. He did and they entered a room with a uniform, a mirror and other such things. When he turned around, the boy was gone, but in his stead, was the Lord of Nightmares.
"Greetings, Xellos." she said. Xellos knelt on one knee before her and bowed his head. "You may rise, Xellos." He got up.
"What would you need, L-sama?" asked Xellos.
"I'm here to tell you. You will meet her here tonight." she said.
"Tonight?" asked Xellos. He looked up surprised. He then looked down at his feet. "As you wish, Lord of Nightmares."
"Thank you." said L-sama. "You will know her, for she will also become a Knight. If you want her, you can ignore her. Do as you wish, but do get along. You will be working together for a long time." She left the room. He sighed as he put on the uniform. That was it. No turning back. He would meet her, and that was that. He sighed again. Could anyone be as fiery as Lina? Nobody could. Meanwhile, outside...
"Oh, Gourry! It's been so long!" said Sylphiel as she ran to him and hugged his arm. "How have you been?"
"Oh, fine! Sylphiel, what about you?" asked Gourry sheepishly. "Why are we here again?" everyone face-falted. Zel got up.
"Lina is becoming Chaos Knight." he said.
"Mr. Zelgadisssss!!!" shouted Amelia. "Is Lina really alive?" She ran and gave him a huge hug.
"Yeah, it seems that way." said Zel as he blushed beet red, remembering the picture Lina had drawn. Filia looked around her.
"Hello!" she said. "Is Lina really alive?"
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!" Everybody plugged their ears. "So, my sidekick, Lina Inverse, is really alive!"
"Gracia??" asked Amelia, from beside Zelgadis.
"Why Amelia! Hello! How are you?" said Naga as she bounced her way over.
"Who is she?" asked Filia to Zelgadis.
"Don't know. Amelia seems to know her, though." said Zel to Filia. "Amelia, who is she?"
"She's Gracia, my long lost sister!" said Amelia, stars in her eyes.
"Naga the White Serpent." said Naga triumphantly. Gourry's eyes followed her every movement closely. "At your services. So, you were little Lina's friends, huh?"
"Uncle Zel, who are these people?" asked Riza after pulling her fingers from her ears.
"Uncle Zel?" asked Amelia, Sylphiel, Filia and Gourry.
"Hehe... um... well." said Zelgadis, putting one hand behind his head. "Um... yeah. These are
friends of Lina. They are Riza, Rhea and Rowan. You three, these are friends of your Aunty Tirla."
"Yeah, now I recognize them!" said Rhea. "They are the people in Aunty Lina's pictures!"
"Yeah!" said Riza. "See? That lady is the one that was sitting..." Zel abruptly cut her off by covering her mouth.
"Yes, they are the people in Lina's pictures!" he said. Immediately, everyone crowded around the two to talk to them and to know what Lina had been doing. The girls were reserved, though, and they didn't get much information. All of a sudden, there was a sound of the blaring of trumpets. From two side doors which Xellosa and Lina had entered, came a row (from each door) of little elves, dressed in green silk. Each one held a silver colored instrument. The people quickly sat down in the chairs and waited. The lights dimmed and in front of the chair, a blast of silver light exploded, leaving behind the Lord of Nightmares, in her more adult form, looking serious. Zelgadis looked around. Xellos wasn't around, which was weird. Had they had a fight again. Everything seemed fine during supper...
"Welcome." said the Lord of Nightmares. "We are here for the swearing in of two loyal servants to Knights of Chaos. The title of Knight of Chaos is not held lightly and these two should be honored for their achievements. Please come forward, Celina Tirla Inverse and Xellos. Come and receive your Knighthood." From behind the opposite doors, both Lina and Xellos gasped on hearing this. But they quickly moved forward, as everyone turned to watch them.
The two moved forward from the different corners of the room, meeting in the middle and then walking forward to kneel before the Lord of Nightmares. They were both wearing black uniforms, with silver cuffs and silver buttons. Lina's hair was let loose, cascading down her shoulders making a striking contrast. Both of them wore an unreadable expression on their faces as they walked. L-sama knighted them, giggling on the inside. She knew Lina would be happy, when she had time to think it over. Xellos would be happy also. It was so fun trying to get everything to match up.
After the ceremony, Lina said hi to everyone and explained where she had been for the past two years, promising to tell them all later. They'd meet at Amelia's castle in a few days, and she'd explain, if she could. If not, then there were always dreams to fall back on. Xellos sat by himself in a corner, staring at Lina. Amazing, she was... but... Fate was supposed to be cruel. Of course, Fate had looked quite attractive the other day. He was startled when he saw a shadow fall over him. It was the Lord of Nightmares.
"L-sama," he said politely. She sat beside him.
"So, tell me... what do you think? I personally think you two are made for each other, you know." she said.
"Thank you," he said softly. He still couldn't quite believe it. "It seems... I don't know,... unrealistic. Almost dreamish. Like I will wake up and it will be over." He laughed. "Of course it seems dreamish. This is happening in a dream." L-sama laughed with him.
"Xellos, you need a staff, right?" asked L-sama. Xellos nodded. "Lina will need to 'upgrade' her demonsblood talismans. Tell you what. Take a break. I'll call you in exactly one week. Take time out, you'll need it. After this, we need to plan our next move. You know where I am, and Xellos?"
"Yes?" asked Xellos.
"Treat her well. You two look great together." she smiled and disappeared. Xellos nodded and smiled. He sat of two the side and looked at Lina. She looked up from talking with Rhea and saw his eyes on her. For some unexplainable reason, she blushed and walked softly towards him.
"Hello, Xellos." she said shyly as she sat beside him.
"Hello, Lina." he answered back as he smiled at her.
"I didn't know you were going to be a Knight also. Why didn't you tell me about it?" asked Lina, in an inquiring tone.
"I didn't know you were going to become Knight, Lina." he said.
"But I sent you an invitation." she said, puzzled.
"Now, that's strange, I did too!" he said. Then it dawned on them.
"L-sama." said the two together. They laughed and Lina relaxed a little. She had known they had invited each other, and to save on paper or something, their invitations had been omitted. She had probably planned it.
"You want to know something, Xellos?" she asked softly after a few moments of silence. L-sama had told her that Xellos was the one, and here she was, scared stiff. She was still scared, though. Her eyes were once again not looking at him.
"What?" he asked. His eyes looked at Lina's friends. His only guest was Lina, and she was beside him at the moment. Fate had heard his pleas and had smiled on him. And Lina was in a good mood. The afternoon had been very nice. What else did he need? He had till eternity to be with her.
"I'm glad we're Knights together." she said simply. She then mega blushed. Xellos smiled as he felt the heat radiating from her cheeks. Lina chan was so cute! But he wouldn't tell her that now. Who knows how she'd take it. Besides, he had a whole week.
"You know what?" he asked as he took her hand in his. He, too, looked elsewhere but at Lina's eyes.
"What? Sore wa himitsu desu?" she asked with a smile to show she was teasing as she looked at him.
"Not really. I'm glad too." he said as he turned to look at her. He gently squeezed her hand. She smiled. He smiled. What was that phrase that Amelia always spouted off? Oh yeah, Life is wonderful! Or was it beautiful? Never mind, same difference...
Author's Notes:
OK, OK, OK, I didn't get everything that I wanted covered, but this was such a nice way to end the chapter. So, what do you think? Do you like it? I added more waff into this chapter. Why? Cause I love waff.... ^.^ That's me, a romantic at heart. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it. What will happen next? I won't tell you, cause 1.) We authors are an unpredictable lot. 2.) Sore wa himitsu desu!^^
Anyway, as usual, Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Drop me a review, if you want to tell me something. (encouragement is always nice) So yeah... all that! Any suggestions? Anything you really liked or really hated? Anyway, see ya next time around!
Hotaru Kimiko Lai
Quotes...
"All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusion is called a philosopher." -Ambrose Pierce
(It's a personal favorite!)
"Though makes the greatness of man." -Blaise Pascal
By Hotaru
Disclaimer...
Slayers aint mine... there, I said it. BUT!!! This huge thing called a story is mine. I thought up of the idea!! Aren't you all so amazingly proud of me???? ^^
Chapter 10
Frequencies Out of Whack...
It dawned nice and bright. The sky was cyan in color, and there were fat puffy clouds floating in an ocean of air.
'Cumulus nimbus...' thought Lina absentmindedly as she classified the clouds. 'Cirrus clouds from the west...'
She was up, bright and early with the birds. She was so used to waking up early. After all, she had spent years adventuring and being on the run. Then she had come here, and it meant getting up to make your own breakfast, prepare the day's lesson, and three million other things... like more breakfast. Sometimes, she'd go out into the woods... so that meant waking up even earlier. Maybe she had been rough on him... maybe.... she had exaggerated, and blown things out of proportion. She remembered the confrontation, two days ago... she had been so mad. First, so glad... he was fine! He was feeling OK. He was there, close to her... so she could watch over him and be so near him... And then, a few hours later... how he treated matters so flippantly... it drove her up the wall. He didn't understand... he'd never understand... he was a Mazoku... he didn't care how much she cared for him. And while yelling at him, she had almost let it loose... almost told him. That would have been a mistake... Fortunately, she had reigned in her tongue. She sighed and looked out. She had done the right thing, she hadn't told him a thing. Once she was Knight, there was no more them... it would only be L-sama... the rest would die off slowly from age and she'd be left. Better to let things rest as they were. So, why did yearning after a Mazoku hurt so much? More importantly... why in the world did she have to fall for a Mazoku??? Of all the people in the world... why him?
Unknown to her... Xellos was watching the same sunrise on the other side of the little home...
'What am I going to tell her? Not Sore wa himitsu desu. I don't want to say good bye to her like that. ' Xellos stood up and walked around softly. He got to share a room with Zelgadis, since Lina's house wasn't that amazingly big... just very neat. Which was surprising, considering how she had left the room in Beastmaster's house. Talking about her... how had she taken the news of his quitting?
Let's check...
A few days earlier...
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?"
Now, back to the present...
Anyway, back to his present problem... how in the world was he going to get out of it?? The swearing in was tonight... he wanted it to be perfect... to be a nice time... He mentally pulled his hair and screamed with anxiety. Outwardly, he smiled crazily and walked around in circles.
Zel woke up. It felt like a nice day. He could feel the sunlight pouring in through the window, flooding the room with an orange-yellow hue. Well, he could imagine that. So, he opened his eyes and promptly shut them. It was ruined. Such a beautiful and cheery day... ruined by seeing Xellos's insane grin, walking around in circles. *shudder*
"What's up with you?" asked Zelgadis, half way curious as to why Xellos was walking around the room in circles. "Why are you walking around in circles?"
"Sore wa himitsu desu!" said Xellos chirpily. Zelgadis sweatdropped.
"Hasn't that gotten you in enough trouble already?" asked Zelgadis wryly.
"Well," said Xellos. He stopped and fingered his chin thoughtfully. "I'll tell you, but I trust your discretion to this matter of utmost importance." Zel got up and just stared. "OK, I'm worried about how I will confront Lina tonight."
"Ah... you mean the Knight business?" asked Zel.
"How do you know about that?" asked Xellos.
"Sore wa himitsu desu!" said Zelgadis. Xellos stared at him.
"Are you OK? Do you have a fever?" asked Xellos. Zelgadis shook his head.
"I got an invitation to the ceremony." said Zel.
"Anyway, I don't want to part with ill feelings, if you know what I mean." said Xellos as he sat down on his own bed.
"Yeah, I understand." said Zelgadis. Silence...
"You see, life will be long... It'd be nice if it were not filled with regrets. Who knows when I'd see her again." said Xellos. Then he abruptly stood up. His smile was back. "Well, it was nice to talk to you, Zel, old buddy. Normally, I don't dig the buddy-buddy, share your feelings type of thing... I still don't." He started to leave, but Zel spoke.
"You like her, don't you? I don't know how, but you do, right?" asked Zel. Xellos froze.
"Mazoku can't feel things like that," he said with an inward smile. Of course, he wasn't totally Mazoku at the moment, due to some circumstances beyond his control.
"I thought so too, until I met one," said Zel. "She'll be in the forest this afternoon, you know. Whenever something troubles her, she'll go into the forest and blow things up or meditate. Just make sure you don't get in the way." With that, he stood up and walked to the bathroom. Xellos stood shocked. Lina had been avoiding them for some time. But he had given him a chance to meet with her... interesting.
*****
"Aunty Tirla, we have a question!!!" said Riza as she skipped beside Tirla, holding a little basket. Lina had decided to make up to the girls for not seeing them yesterday by taking them out on a picnic. She
was presently carrying a very bit picnic basket.
"Really?" asked Tirla.
"Yeah!" said Rhea as she walked behind them carrying a huge basket.
"What's your name, Aunty Tirla?" asked Rhea. She was also holding a basket. Lina stopped.
"I would think that was obvious!" said Tirla with a smile, after a while. "What do you call me?"
"Aunty Tirla, of course!" said Riza.
"Well?" asked Lina. Rowan stomped her foot.
"But that's not what I meant!!!!!" she said. "I meant, why does Uncle Xellos call you Lina???"
"When did he call me Lina?" asked Lina. She was a little surprised. She was going to tell them, but she wasn't quite ready.
"The other day when you were fighting." said Rhea. Lina thought for a while. They continued to walk silently for some time and finally stopped at a small clearing. She set down the things and then motioned for her students to join her on the grass.
"Well," she started. "I guess I owe you all an explanation. My name, as you have read on the invitation to tonight is Celina Tirla Inverse. In my younger days, I was known by my first name, but Celina just doesn't cut it. So I changed it to Lina."
"So, you were known as... Lina Inverse?" asked Riza.
"You mean, as Lina Inverse, the infamous bandit killer?" asked Rowan.
"Like as in the Dragon Spooker?" asked Rhea.
"As in the fairy tales mom used to tell us?" asked Riza. "You're my hero!" With that, she tackled her and hugged Lina strongly.
"Wow, we were studying under Lina Inverse!" said Rhea. "How cool is that?"
"I never thought... can I have your autograph?" asked Rowan. "Wait, I already have it. You always write on my papers! That's so neat!"
"So, you have heard all about me?" asked Lina, surprised.
"Yeah!" said Rowan. "Who hasn't? You're a legend in Seerin! In all over the world!"
"Uh huh!!" said Riza, nodding her head strongly, such that her braided hair flew all over the place. "You're the coolest! Everyone here wants to be like you! At least, that's what they say so in school!"
"So, what about tonight?" asked Rowan. "We're invited to what?"
"Well, tonight will be very special." said Lina as she hugged them. "I told you there are three major types of magic. What are they?"
"White!" said Rhea.
"And Black!" said Riza.
"What's the last one?" asked Rowan.
"It's Chaos," said Lina, seriously. "I haven't taught you any chaos magic, because chaos magic calls on the Lord of Nightmares. It's very dangerous magic."
"But you use chaos magic, right?" said Rowan. "Like the Laguna Blade."
"Or the Giga Slave!" chimed in Rhea and Riza.
"Yes, but that's different. I have always had a special affinity with chaos magic. Just like Rhea finds it very easy to cast Restores and hard to cast Fireballs, and Riza always throws Fireballs around... Rowan is different from you. She can cast both easily. Anyway, I can cast Chaos magic, and not have to suffer too many consequences. L-sama is just making it official. Tonight, I become Chaos Knight."
"But, aren't Knights different from us?" asked Rowan, remembering everything she had learned. "Like, not exactly human?"
"Right," said Lina, sadly. "Chaos Knights have a special ability to cast all sorts of Chaos magic. But that magic changes you. Then again, every bit of magic you cast has a price, remember? That's why you don't want to cast it when you feel like it. Magic is dangerous to play with, even white magic."
"So, you're going to change into Chaos Knight, tonight?" asked Riza. Lina nodded. "Wow!" Lina smiled. They were so innocent.
*****
That afternoon, after sending the three home, she walked in the woods until she came across a small brook. She sat there and ran her fingers through the cool spring water. So peaceful, it was. She usually came here only when she had to think hard about things. Tonight merited a trip to her favorite spot. Contrary to popular belief, she didn't just delight in destruction. Unknown to her, Xellos was up in a tree at the edge of the brook. She leaned on the tree, not realizing Xellos was up there. Xellos took a deep breath and spoke.
"Beautiful day, ne, Lina san?" he asked quietly. Lina jumped and looked up.
"Oh, hi Xellos." she said calmly. "Yes, it's a nice day."
"What are you doing here?" he asked, trying to break the ice that threatened to separate the two.
"Thinking," said Lina softly.
"Mind if I join you?" asked Xellos. Lina shrugged, so Xellos jumped down and sat beside her. There was silence, as Xellos could feel that she was uncomfortable for a bit. He moved over a bit, so he didn't invade her personal space, and felt her relax a little. There was more silence. The sun shone brightly and a slight breeze blew by. Strands of Lina's now red hair flew lightly in the win before she promptly gathered her hair with a black ribbon at the base of her neck. Xellos's hair whipped back and forth slightly. Little birds sang and chirped happily, and the brook babbled brightly in the background. Lina sighed and took a deep breath.
"Hey, Xellos?" she asked softly.
"Yeah, Lina san?" answered Xellos.
"I, I just wanted to tell you... I'm sorry, about what happened. You didn't have to tell me anything and I just blew up at you. I'm sorry, Xellos." She said all of this while looking at the brook in front of her, not daring to look in to his eyes, for fear that she'd break down in front of him. Meanwhile, Xellos was surprised to say the least. Normally, Lina wouldn't say sorry, about anything! But... she had. He got sadder still. It'd be so hard to say good bye to her after tonight.
"It's OK," said Xellos, awkwardly, not quite sure how to handle all the sadness he felt from her and from himself. "I'm sorry too, about, you know... I shouldn't have joked with you. I know it's serious but I still don't really want to talk about it. Thank you, though, for worrying." While still looking at the brook, Lina scooted a bit closer and hesitantly touched his shoulder.
"Let's try to get along. After tonight, it'll be difficult. No hard feelings?" she asked.
"No hard feelings," he answered. Not once did they look at each other. Finally Lina leaned her head against him and rested. Xellos told his body not to jump, and it didn't. He hesitantly wrapped his one arm around her shoulder and they stayed like that, watching the brook, until it was time to go.
*****
That night, Lina dreamed. She found herself in a huge room. There were two red carpets going from two extremes to the middle of the wall across the room, forming two sides of a triangle. There were a few chairs in the middle of the triangle for the audience. At the front was a chair, made of orihalcon, simple in design. A small girl wearing green motioned for Lina to follow her, so Lina did. They entered a room, with a uniform, a mirror and some other things for her to freshen up. The girl jumped and disappeared from sight. Lina sighed. It was time. She had been nice tonight and had had supper with all her friends, yes, even Xellos. No regrets, not a single one. OK, she had one.... but that couldn't be helped. She turned as she felt L-sama's presence behind her. Lina bowed on one knee towards her.
"L-sama." she said, reverently.
"Rise, Celina Tirla Inverse." she said. Lina did as told. "How are you doing?" Lina looked into the eyes of her boss for who knows how long. One of these days, she would get used to seeing her many forms. She was now garbed in a splendid black gown, her golden hair falling around her like a golden river cascading down her shoulders. In her hand, she held a shovel in all its chaotic glory.
"What can I do for you?" asked Lina.
"Tonight, I will fulfill my promise to you. You will meet him tonight." said L-sama. Lina looked up, surprised.
"But, but, but I'm not ready!" said Lina, panic rising in her eyes. If she could have it her way, she'd never find out. L-sama's eyes hardened.
"You would question me in such matters of lower importance as this, Lina?" she asked, her voice flat and emotionless, so different from the other Lord of Nightmares. Lina gulped.
"I'm sorry, L-sama," she said. "I wasn't expecting it so soon."
"It's OK, Lina," said the deity more warmly. "I know this is new to you, but I want you to realize that never will I send you to do something that is bad for you. Everything will work out. Such are the ways of chaos, incomprehensible to the one acted on."
"I understand," said Lina, humbly. "How will I know him?"
"Do to some tweaking," said L-sama mischievously. "He too is becoming a knight. It's up to you what you will plan to do. I'm just leading you to him. I'd be nice if you got along, after all, you'll be coworkers for a long time." Lina nodded. L-sama left and Lina went back to putting on her uniform for the ceremony.
*****
Xellos dreamt. He arrived in the same room that Lina had been, but he didn't know that. A young boy dressed in green appeared and motioned for him to follow. He did and they entered a room with a uniform, a mirror and other such things. When he turned around, the boy was gone, but in his stead, was the Lord of Nightmares.
"Greetings, Xellos." she said. Xellos knelt on one knee before her and bowed his head. "You may rise, Xellos." He got up.
"What would you need, L-sama?" asked Xellos.
"I'm here to tell you. You will meet her here tonight." she said.
"Tonight?" asked Xellos. He looked up surprised. He then looked down at his feet. "As you wish, Lord of Nightmares."
"Thank you." said L-sama. "You will know her, for she will also become a Knight. If you want her, you can ignore her. Do as you wish, but do get along. You will be working together for a long time." She left the room. He sighed as he put on the uniform. That was it. No turning back. He would meet her, and that was that. He sighed again. Could anyone be as fiery as Lina? Nobody could. Meanwhile, outside...
"Oh, Gourry! It's been so long!" said Sylphiel as she ran to him and hugged his arm. "How have you been?"
"Oh, fine! Sylphiel, what about you?" asked Gourry sheepishly. "Why are we here again?" everyone face-falted. Zel got up.
"Lina is becoming Chaos Knight." he said.
"Mr. Zelgadisssss!!!" shouted Amelia. "Is Lina really alive?" She ran and gave him a huge hug.
"Yeah, it seems that way." said Zel as he blushed beet red, remembering the picture Lina had drawn. Filia looked around her.
"Hello!" she said. "Is Lina really alive?"
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!" Everybody plugged their ears. "So, my sidekick, Lina Inverse, is really alive!"
"Gracia??" asked Amelia, from beside Zelgadis.
"Why Amelia! Hello! How are you?" said Naga as she bounced her way over.
"Who is she?" asked Filia to Zelgadis.
"Don't know. Amelia seems to know her, though." said Zel to Filia. "Amelia, who is she?"
"She's Gracia, my long lost sister!" said Amelia, stars in her eyes.
"Naga the White Serpent." said Naga triumphantly. Gourry's eyes followed her every movement closely. "At your services. So, you were little Lina's friends, huh?"
"Uncle Zel, who are these people?" asked Riza after pulling her fingers from her ears.
"Uncle Zel?" asked Amelia, Sylphiel, Filia and Gourry.
"Hehe... um... well." said Zelgadis, putting one hand behind his head. "Um... yeah. These are
friends of Lina. They are Riza, Rhea and Rowan. You three, these are friends of your Aunty Tirla."
"Yeah, now I recognize them!" said Rhea. "They are the people in Aunty Lina's pictures!"
"Yeah!" said Riza. "See? That lady is the one that was sitting..." Zel abruptly cut her off by covering her mouth.
"Yes, they are the people in Lina's pictures!" he said. Immediately, everyone crowded around the two to talk to them and to know what Lina had been doing. The girls were reserved, though, and they didn't get much information. All of a sudden, there was a sound of the blaring of trumpets. From two side doors which Xellosa and Lina had entered, came a row (from each door) of little elves, dressed in green silk. Each one held a silver colored instrument. The people quickly sat down in the chairs and waited. The lights dimmed and in front of the chair, a blast of silver light exploded, leaving behind the Lord of Nightmares, in her more adult form, looking serious. Zelgadis looked around. Xellos wasn't around, which was weird. Had they had a fight again. Everything seemed fine during supper...
"Welcome." said the Lord of Nightmares. "We are here for the swearing in of two loyal servants to Knights of Chaos. The title of Knight of Chaos is not held lightly and these two should be honored for their achievements. Please come forward, Celina Tirla Inverse and Xellos. Come and receive your Knighthood." From behind the opposite doors, both Lina and Xellos gasped on hearing this. But they quickly moved forward, as everyone turned to watch them.
The two moved forward from the different corners of the room, meeting in the middle and then walking forward to kneel before the Lord of Nightmares. They were both wearing black uniforms, with silver cuffs and silver buttons. Lina's hair was let loose, cascading down her shoulders making a striking contrast. Both of them wore an unreadable expression on their faces as they walked. L-sama knighted them, giggling on the inside. She knew Lina would be happy, when she had time to think it over. Xellos would be happy also. It was so fun trying to get everything to match up.
After the ceremony, Lina said hi to everyone and explained where she had been for the past two years, promising to tell them all later. They'd meet at Amelia's castle in a few days, and she'd explain, if she could. If not, then there were always dreams to fall back on. Xellos sat by himself in a corner, staring at Lina. Amazing, she was... but... Fate was supposed to be cruel. Of course, Fate had looked quite attractive the other day. He was startled when he saw a shadow fall over him. It was the Lord of Nightmares.
"L-sama," he said politely. She sat beside him.
"So, tell me... what do you think? I personally think you two are made for each other, you know." she said.
"Thank you," he said softly. He still couldn't quite believe it. "It seems... I don't know,... unrealistic. Almost dreamish. Like I will wake up and it will be over." He laughed. "Of course it seems dreamish. This is happening in a dream." L-sama laughed with him.
"Xellos, you need a staff, right?" asked L-sama. Xellos nodded. "Lina will need to 'upgrade' her demonsblood talismans. Tell you what. Take a break. I'll call you in exactly one week. Take time out, you'll need it. After this, we need to plan our next move. You know where I am, and Xellos?"
"Yes?" asked Xellos.
"Treat her well. You two look great together." she smiled and disappeared. Xellos nodded and smiled. He sat of two the side and looked at Lina. She looked up from talking with Rhea and saw his eyes on her. For some unexplainable reason, she blushed and walked softly towards him.
"Hello, Xellos." she said shyly as she sat beside him.
"Hello, Lina." he answered back as he smiled at her.
"I didn't know you were going to be a Knight also. Why didn't you tell me about it?" asked Lina, in an inquiring tone.
"I didn't know you were going to become Knight, Lina." he said.
"But I sent you an invitation." she said, puzzled.
"Now, that's strange, I did too!" he said. Then it dawned on them.
"L-sama." said the two together. They laughed and Lina relaxed a little. She had known they had invited each other, and to save on paper or something, their invitations had been omitted. She had probably planned it.
"You want to know something, Xellos?" she asked softly after a few moments of silence. L-sama had told her that Xellos was the one, and here she was, scared stiff. She was still scared, though. Her eyes were once again not looking at him.
"What?" he asked. His eyes looked at Lina's friends. His only guest was Lina, and she was beside him at the moment. Fate had heard his pleas and had smiled on him. And Lina was in a good mood. The afternoon had been very nice. What else did he need? He had till eternity to be with her.
"I'm glad we're Knights together." she said simply. She then mega blushed. Xellos smiled as he felt the heat radiating from her cheeks. Lina chan was so cute! But he wouldn't tell her that now. Who knows how she'd take it. Besides, he had a whole week.
"You know what?" he asked as he took her hand in his. He, too, looked elsewhere but at Lina's eyes.
"What? Sore wa himitsu desu?" she asked with a smile to show she was teasing as she looked at him.
"Not really. I'm glad too." he said as he turned to look at her. He gently squeezed her hand. She smiled. He smiled. What was that phrase that Amelia always spouted off? Oh yeah, Life is wonderful! Or was it beautiful? Never mind, same difference...
Author's Notes:
OK, OK, OK, I didn't get everything that I wanted covered, but this was such a nice way to end the chapter. So, what do you think? Do you like it? I added more waff into this chapter. Why? Cause I love waff.... ^.^ That's me, a romantic at heart. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it. What will happen next? I won't tell you, cause 1.) We authors are an unpredictable lot. 2.) Sore wa himitsu desu!^^
Anyway, as usual, Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Drop me a review, if you want to tell me something. (encouragement is always nice) So yeah... all that! Any suggestions? Anything you really liked or really hated? Anyway, see ya next time around!
Hotaru Kimiko Lai
Quotes...
"All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusion is called a philosopher." -Ambrose Pierce
(It's a personal favorite!)
"Though makes the greatness of man." -Blaise Pascal