Once Upon a Time
by Hotaru Kimiko Lai

Disclaimer: The Slayers characters aren't mine. If you sue, I won't be able to write, right? And you don't want that, right? Right????? *grin*

Chapter 10

Intense lights... brightness everywhere. And she felt her mind being pulled apart in various directions at the same time. Then it the light disappeared, leaving behind a darkness that was just as intense. Someone grabbed her staff, but she hung on tightly to it. She wouldn't loose this. It felt as if someone else was tugging on her sword. She fought back and screamed, letting her magic fill her sword. The smell of burnt substances assaulted her nostrils and she fainted, holding tightly to her weapons.

Merlina awoke in an unknown room. The bed felt... different, as did the air. The whole atmosphere reeked... of secrets. She sat straight up, looking about her, her short red hair flying to and fro. She noticed that her hands were tightly grasping her staff and sword, as if someone had tried to take them and her normal instincts kicked in to defend her belongings. She looked about. It was a luxurious room with forest green walls. The furniture was made of dark brown-reddish wood with the curly grain showing. The bookshelf and the closet to the right were made of that wood, giving it a look of utter sophistication. There was a window with the curtains drawn. Across the room was a closed door, and to her left was a half way open one. There was a desk with an oil lamp. She got up and took stock of what she knew and what she didn't. She was still wearing her merchant clothes, which was a deep relieve. She brushed back her hair absentmindedly. Her head felt lighter and fresher than it had in a long while...

She thought back to what she remembered. She had left home, spent the year traveling and finally cast the summon spell. So, she was probably in the hands of the Mazoku... right?

The bed was soft and comfy, and green. She checked the open door. It led to a bathroom that was beautifully done in green and white marble. The floor had a soft green rug. There were no pictures on the walls, but there were candle stands everywhere. She went to the curtain and drew it apart to see what there was. To her amazement, there was a lush, green tropical jungle outside. It was dark and the stars could be seen twinkling in the black, velvety darkness of the sky. She heard a series of footsteps and she ran and hid under the bed, making sure that the sheets covered her. She absentmindedly buckled her sword on and gripped her staff tightly. The door opened and a figure stepped in. All she could see were the black gleaming boots. The door closed behind the person and there was the sound of a tray being set down.

"Merlina, you awake yet?" asked the voice. It belonged to a man. She recognized the voice. It belonged to Merlin, her dad. He walked to the bed and threw off the covers and sat down. "Wonder where she is?" She knew that he was just playing with her. A Mazoku of his caliber wouldn't be shocked on seeing that she wasn't sleeping soundly. "Perhaps, she's playing hide and seek with me... After all, we haven't seen each other in so long. Maybe she wants to surprise me." He walked about the room. "Pay attention, Lina chan. Do you mind if I call you Lina? It's much shorter and with our names so similar, the poor underlings out there might get confused. Anyway, welcome to my humble abode. Sorry I missed all your birthdays. But I hope you liked the dress I sent you for the last one. I personally picked it for you. Anyway, I'm sure you have checked your surroundings already. The bathroom is to your left. It's very nice and there is hot water in there also at all times. It's magic, don't worry. There's a desk for you to write and study if you wish. The bookshelf to the left, as well as the closet are for your use. I imagine you want to change after sleeping in your clothes. The books are mine, but you can use them. This is your room. Feel free to redecorate, but please try to stay away from white, pinks and yellows." The footsteps stopped at the bed and he kneeled down. He drew apart the sheets and looked at Merlina straight in the eyes.

She felt mesmerized. His bangs were brushed to the side, revealing eyes just as bloody and red as hers. His skin was pale and his hair was shockingly dark black. He held his hand out and drew her from under the bed and she left her staff behind her. He hugged her lightly.

"Welcome home, daughter." he said. Merlina awkwardly hugged him back. He was her father after all. She looked up at him.

"You really are... dad?" she asked. Somewhere inside her, a voice shouted at her to be careful and to be on guard. He was, after all, a Mazoku. But the other part of her, the part that had refused to grow up despite all the responsibilities thrust on her, cried with joy.

"Yes, I am." said the Mazoku. He held her at arm's length and took her looks in. He saw her violent red hair, her violent red eyes and her petite frame. "What are you,... 17 or 18?"

"18 in a month." she said. She looked at him. He was taller than her by about a head and a half and he wore the clothes of a merchant.

"Well, I won't miss this one." he said. He made her sit down on a chair and brought a tray over. On it was food and drink for her. Merlina eagerly began to eat, watching him.

"So, what do you think of this place?" he asked. Merlina gulped her glass of juice and then daintily wiped her lips on a cloth napkin provided. She had just finished eating.

"It's nice. Really dark, though." she said. Then she looked at him. "What am I doing here?"

"Well, like I said, this is your new home." said Merlin. "My room is right across the hall. You can't miss it."

"Why?" she asked. "I mean.... why am I staying here?"

"That's easy." he said. "You're a Mazoku. Well, half, but as my daughter and a Mazoku, you belong here."

"Then why did I live among humans?" she asked.

"Since you're half-half," said Merlin. "... you were raised among humans. Your mother wouldn't here or me taking you here immediately. So we made a little agreement. She kept you till you were old enough to look for me. If you looked for me and found me, you'd stay here as my daughter. You won't have to worry for money, food or lodgings anymore. Not only that, you can also get formal training as a Mazoku."

"What?" cried Merlina. "I don't want to be one!"

"But you are." said Merlin, steel in his eyes and ice in his voice. "Now, don't get uptight. You are only half, after all. I'll speak to Zelas. Everything will work out."

"Zelas?" asked Merlina. Then her eyes widened. "You mean... as in... Beastmaster?"

"Yeah." said Merlin. "She's quite famous, isn't she? She's also a nice lady. You know, she wants to meet you."

"She won't try to kill me, will she?" asked Merlina, suspiciously. He laughed. With a start, Merlina realized that she enjoyed the sound of his voice.

"Of course not." he said. "Not that she couldn't, but she's a curious lady. She'll want to see you. Actually, she wants to meet you now."

"Huh?" she asked.

"Yeah, so get changed. Look nice for the boss." he said with a smile. "Don't worry. We Mazoku aren't as horrible as myths and fairytales make us to be. Not all of us."

"Ok, if you say so." said Merlina. "If you say so." She got up and looked through the closet. It had many dresses and tunics. She skipped over the dresses and grabbed a tunic. She ran to the changing room and dressed up. She was out in five minutes.

She wore a soft dark red, long sleeved shirt and dark red pants with a crimson colored sash with the ends hanging almost to the floor. On top of that she wore a black vest with a hood, although she hadn't put that on.

"You look very nice." he said, not commenting on the fact that she still held the Sword at her side. She crawled under the bed and took out her staff.

"I'm ready." she said.

"Don't worry." he said. "She won't kill you."

"We'll see." she said. They went out to the hallway. "So, who lives here? And where are we? I can't imagine Mazoku living in a... home."

"This place is Wolf Pack Island, a small island to the south that is not found on normal, mundane maps." said Merlin. They passed a few lesser demons that traveled in the shadows. Merlina was glad. She'd probably have been scared to death if she had seen them face to face. "Zelas owns this place, and she commands the people here. We're all Mazoku, but we aren't all the same."

"What rank are you?" asked Merlina. "I mean, I wouldn't imagine Beastmaster being nice to a human, even though I'm half human."

"I'm her general." he said, looking smug. "I'm about the highest there is here. She has a priest also. Us two, the general and the priest, are the highest next to Zelas."

"Really?" asked Merlina. She looked at him with amazement in her eyes. "And she's not going to kill me, and the priest isn't going to kill me and you won't either?"

"Of course not!" said Merlin. "You're a half mazoku, and you're stronger than some full fledged Mazoku also. By the way, remember to bow in her presence. Can't have her think that your impolite, after all."

They finally arrived at a huge door. A lesser Mazoku stood guard. On seeing Merlin, he bowed and opened the door for the two to enter. Inside, Merlina saw a lady with sun-kissed blond hair and amber eyes. She wore a white gown whose sole purpose was to stun.

The two bowed down. Merlina noted how low her father bowed and did likewise.

"Lady Zelas." he said.

"Rise, both of you." said the golden voice, slow and syrupy feeling. They did. "How are you, Merlin?"

"I'm fine, mistress." he said. He didn't look at her, Merlina noticed. Well, she wouldn't either then. Instead, she explored the surroundings. It was mostly a long hallway. They had been walking on a long red carpet with gold trim. There were also several ornate candle sticks bearing their waxy candles. The whole room looked, extremely spooky. And behind the chair where Zelas sat, was a half hidden door that she could barely make out in the candle light. A shoulder in her ribs promptly brought her out of her thoughts.

"Say hi!" whispered Merlin to her. Merlina quickly straightened up and bowed once more.

"Greetings, Beastmaster Zelas." she said smoothly, as if nothing had happened.

"Greetings." she answered back. "What is your name, child?"

"My name is Merlina Quertwen, ma'am." she said.

"How do you like this place, Merlina?" asked Zelas.

"It is a lovely place with a wonderful view, although a bit dark for my tastes." she said, without thinking. Then she gasped. She probably shouldn't have said that. After all, didn't Mazoku like things to be ugly and horrible and dank... and she shouldn't have been that impolite....

"I'm glad you like it, Merlina." said Zelas. She looked at the petite redhead with interest. "Thank you for your honest opinion." Merlin felt a held up breath leave him. He hadn't noticed that he had held his breath. But he was glad that Zelas had taken a strange liking to his daughter. Which meant she wouldn't be killed. Good.

"Merlin?" she asked.

"Yes, mistress?" he asked.

"Leave us for a bit." she said, looking at Merlina. Merlina looked at the floor, wondering what was in store for her.

"Yes, mistress." he said. Merlina would be fine. He hoped. He phased out of the room in a blur of grays and greens.

*****

Xellos looked about him. This was the city of Hyrille, a fisherman's city with docks and harbors. He had spent the past four months traveling and gathering the necessary ingredients to perform the summoning. It hadn't been easy. Having your face plastered on every city stating that there was a reward if you were found made it hard to conduct trade. But he had finally made it. Besides, it had been some time since anyone had tried a summoning and it was widely assumed that they had been killed by the Mazoku they summoned. He looked at his ingredient list. He had let his hair grow out so that it was purple with black tips. It gave him a rough appearance and people usually left him alone. He had changed his clothes, his hair cut style, and many things. For one, his long bangs now covered his eyes and he held a continual smirk on his face. Many people stayed away from him. After all, he looked scruffy and dangerous.

It had taken four months to get the ingredients he needed. Sure, he used some of the ingredients that Merlina had, but she had run low on some of them. For example, bat's wing powder. He had spent some time in libraries learning about summoning and about black magic. He had practiced daily to build his stamina up for the day when he would confront the Mazoku who had taken Merlina away. Speaking of which,.... where was she? How was she? Was she still alive in the first place?

He made a left turn and entered the library. Hirylle had the most complete library when it came to herbs, and other plant species. There, he took out a piece of parchment where he had carefully copied his notes. It had the hierarchy of the Mazoku, various strong spell attacks, lists of magic that were powerful against black and a list of the ingredients he needed. He put a check beside the bat's wing powder. He just needed a rare herb to mix with the powder now. He was planning on looking up the whereabouts of the plant in the library.

After 15 minutes of reading, he had all the information he needed. Only one more ingredient... then to find a summoning spot. It would be hard for him. Merlina had been a half-mazoku and still had some trouble. And the dragons would be on the look out for him now. It would be hard, but he promised himself four months ago that he'd find a way to get her back.

*****

Five months had passed. She had adapted quite well to her surroundings. Under her father's careful tutoring, she had increased her powers of black magic. Her hair had grown past her shoulders, but nowhere near as long as it used to be. Merlin had offered to make it long again, but she had refused. She couldn't explain why, but she wanted it to grow naturally. She had increased her powers so much that she wasn't scared of the other Mazoku anymore. For one, she was known as Merlin's 'brat'. And though not many cared for Merlin, they knew that if she was harmed, Merlin would get them back. Number two, she was also known as Zelas's favorite. She spent the afternoons with her, talking about various topics, like interior decoration, styles, tastes and magic. And number three, she herself could hold her own against another Mazoku. After all, she always carried around with her the Sword of Light and her staff. Zelas had recognized both weapons but Merlina hadn't wanted to give them up. Zelas had allowed her to keep them, and a few errant Mazoku had learned too late that she was pretty good at swordsmanship and at fighting with a staff and at fighting with just her magic and at fighting with her fists.

She had met Zelas's general, Mesphisel, three times during her stay. He was a sullen man, who didn't speak much. Merlina didn't cross him and he ignored her. They got along just fine.

She walked to her room. She had just come out of her daily afternoon with Zelas and she wanted to check some things in her father's books. She found her father in her room.

"Hey, dad!" she said happily. She didn't get to see him too often since he was sent out on missions almost everyday. Sometimes, he would be gone for a whole week.

"Hey Lina!" he said. He was a weird Mazoku, Merlina had decided. He was the most open when considering happier feelings, but he had explained to her before that he was a Mazoku, which limited his feelings. He could feel happiness and pride. Those were the positive emotions he was limited to, and he felt both of them strongly whenever he saw her. Most others didn't since Zelas had created Merlin in a different manner. She had created Mesphisel at the same time, but he had turned his back on such emotions while Merlin had tested them out. That was the main difference between them. Basically, Mesphisel was like her uncle, had they been human.

"How'd the job go?" asked Merlina as she sat across from him.

"Fine." he said. "I got here some minutes ago, but Zelas was busy with you. What do you two talk about?"

"Oh, dad." she said. "You know I'm not allowed to tell you." She grinned impishly at him.

"Oh well, one has to try." he said. He got up. "Here, I got you a new book." He reached into his cloak and took out a thin volume. "Have fun. I'm going to meet with Zelas. Behave." He phased out of the room. Merlina smiled, brushed her hair back and settled herself to read the book.

After a few minutes, she got bored and put it into the bookshelf. There were considerably more books than before since Merlin's collection was always increasing. She yawned and walked around. She was bored. Well, most people would have gotten bored four months ago.... She wasn't allowed outside and had to be holed up the whole time. The only things she looked forward to were her chats with Zelas, and her visits with her dad. She wanted to go out. Once more, she drew aside the curtain and looked out. Why wasn't she allowed out? She could defend herself. And besides, she was a half mazoku. She might not be as strong as some of the others but she could run errands. She would talk to Zelas about it next time... one could get very bored staring at the jungle out there for a long time.

*****

The next day...

"You called?" asked Merlin as he phased into the room. Merlina had left the room five minutes ago and Zelas had called him as well as Mesphisel.

"Yes, sit down, both of you." she said. She held a goblet of fine crystal filled with wine in her pale hand. Two of her lesser demon servants brought chairs for them to sit on. "Anyway, I have called you two here to ask a very important question." There was silence. "What do you think about allowing Lina chan to run a few errands here and there on the continent?"

"Lina?" asked Merlin.
"Who's she?" asked Mesphisel. He also had dark black hair but his eyes were blue instead of red.

"She's your niece." said Merlin with a raised eyebrow.

"You mean that brat?" asked Mesphisel. "Red hair? Carries around Merlin's staff?"

"Yes, my daughter." said Merlin.

"I would prefer it if you wouldn't use such humane terminology. Spawn will do just fine." said Mesphisel as he glared at his brother. Merlin glared back.

"We are straying from the point at hand." said Zelas as she looked at them, half amused. They acted like brothers at time, always complaining at each other. Not that she'd tell them. Mesphisel would have objected strongly and Merlina would have used that to bother his 'brother' even more.

"How come, mistress?" asked Merlin.

"She raised that issue today while we were talking." said Zelas.

"Well, I think she'd do a fine job, Zelas." said Merlin. "She is a strong and able fighter. Since she has some human in her, she can pass herself off convincingly. She has also had past experiences with them."

"I think she'll be an asset," said Mesphisel. "You can give her something like information gathering. Something small so that if she messes up, we won't be affected."

"She won't mess up." said Merlin.

"You have too much faith in one that is untested." pointed out Mesphisel.

"OK, boys... calm down." said Zelas. "I was thinking along those lines. She can go to town and run a few errands and gather information. I'm sure she'll enjoy that. Nothing heavy. She won't have any need to kill people."

"That's good." said Mesphisel. "Who knows if she might scream at the sight of blood and faint."

"Lina chan is anything but the squeamish type who will scream at the sight of blood." said Merlin. "Mistress, she will serve you well, you can count on that."

"I'm glad to hear your vote of confidence." said Zelas. "And I am glad for yours also, Mesphisel. You two may go now. Merlin, call Lina for me."

"Yes, mistress." they said at the same time, and left.

*****

The next day, Merlina finally took a breath of fresh air and felt the grass be squished under her black boots. She was dressed in her old merchants clothes and had a haversack with her. As usual, she carried both sword and staff with her. She had her red hair gathered into a braid at the base of her neck. It was a short braid, but a braid nonetheless.

"Ready?" asked Merlin as he walked out. He was dressed as a merchant again. He'd drop her off at the town and then pick her up at sunset.

"Yeah! I can't wait." said Merlina. He held her hand and then teleported them to the city. They appeared on the docks when nobody was looking.

"OK, take care." he said. He then flew off to go to his destination.

Merlina walked about the town, glad to see different people and not just shadows and Mazoku. Zelas's place was nice, but she missed the city. She took out the shopping list Zelas had given her. She had told her to keep an eye out for information of the Dragons and to tell her what was going on. Oh, and to get another bottle of Zephyrian wine. Merlina bit her lip on seeing the word Zephyria. It was a long time since she had gone by. She wondered how they were.

She walked from the docks to the city and went about shopping.

First, she went to a cafe and had herself a glass of juice and a pastry. Then she went to a store and bought a few things. She got some parchment and quills since she wanted to do some writing. Then she turned to a restaurant where she had some lunch. It was a buffet and it was a long time since she had eaten so much. She went out feeling very full and content. Out of curiosity, she went to the Guild of Mercenaries and asked to look at the list of international members. She remembered that she used to be in that guild. She had been the best in Tryyad. She wondered if she was still in it. She noticed a mysterious absence concerning her name. Oh well,... she didn't blame them. It had been over half a year since she had entered a Guild. Oh well... their loss. She then went to a tavern to the market place to listen to the gossip as she looked at their wares. Voices surrounded her as people talked to each other happily. Some not as happy as others and some were more serious than others.

"... look at these vegetables! Fresh from the farm!..."

"And you know... I always said that he was not good for her..."

"Myrtle, come back here right now! Young lady, are you..."

"Did you hear? My friend told me that her friend told her that her friend told her that her cousin saw..."

"Fresh fish! 10 coppers per fish!"

"2 silvers? Are you crazy? That isn't worth that! I'll give you one!"

"Miss, it's worth more than one! One and a half, and that's my best offer to you."

"Mommy, look! Can I have some candy?"

Merlina sighed. There was no news of Dragons here. If there were, then she was sure that the ladies here would be talking about it. But there was no mention of Dragons. She'd tell that to Zelas. Perhaps if she sent her to another city, then she might find more.

She went out of the market area and bought a newspaper. She searched for names of towns and Dragons. There was a small reference to Dragon patrols further up north, around the city of Kimbala. She'd check that out. She entered the liquor store and asked for a bottle of Zephyrian wine. It was a small store with many bottles of wine everywhere. You had to be careful lest you trip and fall over a few bottles. Some bottles here looked downright ancient.

"You new in this town, miss?" asked the shopkeeper as he looked for a bottle of wine from Zephyria.

"I'm just stopping by. Landed here this morning." said Merlina. It wasn't technically a lie. She had landed here this morning. Of course, she had arrived with her dad, and it wasn't by ship...

"Not many younguns come here for wine you know." he said. He finally found the section and checked the dates. "I have three. You want the oldest one?"

"Yes please." said Merlina. He took it out carefully and wiped it with a damp cloth.

"Here you go." he said. "245 silvers please."

"Thank you." said Merlina as she passed the money. She put the bottle in her bag. "By the way, I was reading the newspaper here. This place seems like a pretty calm town."

"Oh yes," said the shopkeeper. He counted it and continued to talk while he counted out her change. "Hyrille is a very calm port city. We have no need for Dragon guards here. We're quite proud of that. Not many cities can run with out dragons, you know."


"I can imagine." said Merlina sounding interested. "So, do any ever come here?"

"Not usually." he said. He passed her the change. "A squad came here two days ago, but left yesterday. If you noticed, there was a mentioning of some of them dragons here. They were looking for action. Couldn't find it here. Went to Kimbala, I think. Now, that town is the exact opposite of this one!" The shopkeeper found it quite funny. "They're a regular bunch of hooligans, that's for sure!"

"Well, thank you for all your help, sir." she said as she bowed slightly.

"You're welcome, missy." he said. "I don't always get such polite customers. It was nice meeting you."

As she went out a liquor shop, someone called out her name. Surprised, she turned around. How did someone here know her name? She knew she had never traveled here. She looked around her. She didn't see anyone she recognized. No Mazoku, and no father. It was probably her imagination. Too much sun after months of no exposure to direct sunlight.

She walked a bit more when she heard it again. This time, she looked around and saw someone who was running towards her. Something stirred within her memory upon seeing the person.

"Merlina!" he said as he caught up to her. "Is it really you?" He hugged her. She pushed away.

"Hi, pleased to meet you." she said warily. She eyed his amethyst eyes and black/purple hair.

"Where have you been? How are you? How did you escape the Mazoku?" he asked. He was slightly taller than her.

"Sorry, do I know you?" she asked. Something about him made her uncomfortable. Was he a spy from the dragons, perhaps? That would explain how he knew her name. She remembered that she wasn't on the Dragon's Favorite People list.

"Merlina?" he asked. "It is you. Don't you remember me?"

"Sorry, sir. You must have mistaken me for someone else." she said as she stepped away from him.

"I'm Xellos Kyuzan." he said. "You're Merlina Quertwen, right?"

"Yes....I'm sorry..." she said. "The name Kyuzan sounds familiar, but I don't recognize the name Xellos. Excuse me, I really must go." She walked away but he followed her.

"Are you sure? Merlina..." he started.

"Look, I don't recognize you, and if you keep on following me, I will have you arrested for harassing me." she said seriously to him.

"Merlina..." he said softly, not believing what he was hearing.

"Yes, my name is Merlina." she said grumpily. Then her face softened on seeing his sad face. "Hey, buck up. I'm sure you'll find this Merlina you're looking for. I'm sorry, but I don't recognize you. Did she get lost in the city or something?"

"No..." said Xellos, his eyes saddened. "She vanished five months ago."

"Five?" asked Merlina, her interest piqued. "Really? How come?"

"She... well, it's sort of personal, you know." he said.

"Hey, where could I find you?" she asked. "I'll keep an eye out for her, OK?" She rummaged through her purse and got some money. She ran to a vendor and bought a small crystal ball. She imbued it with magic. "I won't be here for long. But if I ever find her, I'll call you, OK?" She passed him the crystal ball. Xellos looked at her, not knowing what to do. Finally, he smiled.

"Thank you." he said. "And if you ever find her, tell her... that I'm sorry."

"Sorry? OK, I can do that." said Merlina. She patted his shoulder awkwardly. "Well met, Xellos Kyuzan. Sorry I threatened to call the guards on you earlier, but well... it's a bit unnerving when someone keeps calling you and you're not that person."

"It's OK," said Xellos as he looked at her. He had been so sure it was Merlina. He had seen her from across the street and had been to surprised to do anything except to call her. But then she hadn't seen him and had gone on. So he had chased her. She looked just how Merlina would have looked. She had the same ruby red eyes and the same wild, untamable, fire-red hair. She even wore the same clothes. He looked at her side and saw her sword, half hidden. He wouldn't call attention to it. What happens if it was a different sword. And he couldn't just ask her about her staff... "Sorry if I sounded a bit crazed back there. I've spent the last five months looking for her, you see. I thought I was hallucinating when I saw you."

"It's OK." said Merlina with a smile. "I'll see you around. Hey, where will you be in the next few days?"

"Me?" asked Xellos. "I'll be in Seerin."

'Seerin?' wondered Merlina. 'Why does that name sound familiar?'

"OK." said Merlina. "Perhaps we'll see each other then. Take care! I've got to run!"

"You too, Merlina." he said. She grinned and ran off. It was nearing sunset and she had to be by the docks soon.

Xellos went on his way. He had to go find the last herb, and then to Seerin to try to summon Merlin and ask were Merlina was. He'd figure it out. It had been nice seeing that girl. It was said that somewhere in the world, there was a person who looked just like you. He never counted on that person having the same name. It must have been a signal, giving him hope and joy. It was as if the gods were telling him that he would find her. He cheerfully walked to the outside of the city. He had things to do, plants to find, and a Mazoku to summon.

*****

That night, Merlina looked out her window again. Zelas had praised her for finding that bit of news. She had known that the Dragons would be in Kimbala, and wanted to test Merlina to see if she could figure it out. Merlina smiled also when Zelas saw her bottle of wine.

Now, she was back in her room, trying to figure out the puzzle that had been dumped on her lap. Who was Xellos Kyuzan? And why was he searching for a girl that looked just like her and had the exact same name as her? The coincidences were too many for this to be a freak happening... She vanished 5 months ago. She had arrived here 5 months ago. He said that they looked exactly the same, which meant that she had red eyes and red hair also. The names! Not many girls were called Merlina, were they? And the name, Kyuzan... it struck a cord, but she didn't know why. And then, there was that town name... Seerin. Why would he go there? And why did she remember that name?

She sighed and leaned against the window, looking out at the stars. It was too much of a coincidence. She probably was the girl Xellos was looking for. She needed more hints and clues, but she was more than 50% sure. But... why didn't she remember him? Surely someone with amethyst eyes and hair wouldn't be easy to forget... She fell asleep worrying about all she had seen today. She would have to do some exploring.



End of Chapter


Author's Notes

Some suspense, some mystery, and some memories trying to resurface. How did you like this chapter? Did it live up to your expectations? I hope it did!

Concerning Merlina's actions toward her father, her immediate trust... there's a hidden reason that binds in with the Xellos problem. But the basic one is.... he's her dad! She hasn't seen him since birth. She had questions to ask him when she went on her quest to find him. Once here, though... everything's set up for her. She can relax and learn magic. She sees her father, and he acts quite nicely. He brings her books to read, takes care of her, sets up the room for her. He dotes on his daughter without choking her. The perfect dad, right? *grin*

Xellos... poor him... it's been five months and he's trying to find her. He's stubborn and won't give up. He wants to apologize for not understanding her that fateful day she cast the summoning. (check the last chapter if you forgot). But there's some more. (Hey, I was planning this to be a romance, you know. A small one, but a romance entitles at least one kiss...*grin*)

And then... Zelas, Merlin and Mesphisel... the two Mazoku and Beastmaster. Zelas wasn't always the Beastmaster we know now. She can change. She's a fickle lady, I'd think. She tolerates Merlina. Why? She's Merlin's kid. And wouldn't she be curious about a half human and half mazoku? I'd think it was in her interest to inform herself about the girl. Merlin and Mesphisel. The General and the Priest. They are both Mazoku so they put their orders above all else. But they were created at the same time. They were both created by her. So in a sense, they are like brothers. Now, raise your hand, whoever hasn't heard of sibling rivalry? *grin*

OK, those are the notes for this chapter. Comments and Criticisms are very, very, VERY, welcome. Thank you for reading and for all your support. You guys have been so encouraging! Thank you for all your help. Arigato gozaimasu!

Take care, people! I can't believe that we're in the year 2003! Time passes so fast...


Hotaru