Chapter 10
Okay guys! First off, Ysengrinn, for the attacks, I never said that Zel had killed his opponent, but that's okay, I guess it's a common assumption. As for Gavulet Flare, that's a black magic attack I made up, just for Elkin. Yes, it is possible to make a bouquet out of cherry blossoms. First of all, they do have a stalk, but it wouldn't be very long. And second, in anime and shows like that, they often make it so there are a lot of petals, as an effect, but that's not really true. Sakura do shed their petals, but not as much as in the anime. Thank you!!!! Ysengrinn, you're the first to notice that Elkin wasn't there! I did that on purpose! Read to find out!
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Lina, after getting Amelia to dragon-sit for her (Fi was not amused with the idea of being sat on), hurried out the door. The festival was about to begin, and after a lot begging, she had finally convinced Zel to be her escort.
Zel was waiting by the door for her, wearing his usual outfit, and hitting his head on the brick structure. As Lina emerged she stopped to watch him for a brief moment.
"Uh, Zel? If you do that for much longer you're going to make a hole in the side of the house." She said as she walked over to stand by him.
"I can't believe I lost him." Zel mumbled.
"Lost who?" Lina turned and looked at him strangely.
"Elkin, he disappeared, and I just noticed! He's going to wreak havoc on the world!"
"Uh, Zel, I think you should calm down, Elkin will be okay, now come on!" Lina grabbed Zel by the arm and began to drag the blushing chimera towards the festival. There were colored lights and booths everywhere, giving good lighting to see propely. It was then that Zel noticed what Lina was wearing.
She was wearing a purple kimono, the same one from earlier, which had white stars and crescent moons scattered around its surface. Her hair was pulled over her shoulder in a braid and she had a red fan in her hand. (AN: I drew a picture of Lina like this, if you want, I can send it to you) She wasn't wearing her usual headband, either. Zelgadis stared at her for a moment, until Lina waved a hand in front of his face.
"Hello? Zel? You in there?"
"Wha?" Zel shook his head to clear it.
"Oh, good, your back, come on! It looks like there's something going on!" Lina pointed towards a crowd of people, tourists and natives. Zel could see a few people in the center. Lina was already running towards the group, Zel followed silently.
Lina stopped flat in her tracks when she saw what was going on. It wasn't a festive at all, but an unfair fight. The crowd of people served as the ring. In the center, a girl who was around Lina's age was struggling to stand. A few yards away stood two others, rather big men, who were laughing as they watched her. The girl had long black hair that was pulled into pigtails; her amber eyes were filled with pain and anger. Lina narrowed her eyes.
"Zel, hold this," Lina then proceeded in taking off her kimono. Zel was about to say something when he noticed that she was wearing a tank top and shorts underneath. Lina stepped into the ring and look at the men. "Two against one is hardly fair." Lina placed her foot down and took a stance that martial arts masters used. She never let her eyes look away from the men. "Well Madison, you up for one more round?" She asked.
The girl, Madison, looked at Lina, awe struck, and then took the same stance as Lina. "They're toast." Zel was about to rush in, but it was too late. Both girls lunged forward. They punched twice, and turned on their heels and did a powerful kick, in perfect time with each other. Their movements were perfectly timed. They both ducked down and tried to swipe their opponent's feet out from under them, but the men jumped. The girls both leapt up, placing a powerful kick to their opponent's jaw.
They landed gracefully on their feet, and then took their stance again. They once again lunged forwards, this time they pulled back and landed a strong kick in their enemies gut, sending them flying. The men immediately ran for their lives, for good reason. Lina stood up and walked over to Madison.
"Lina Inverse! I thought you left to travel the world!" Madison smiled and gave Lina hug. Lina smiled back.
"And I thought you left to care for your family!"
"I did, but do you think I'd miss this festival?" Madison smiled, and then looked at the crowd. "Looks like we drew a little attention, well, I'll see you Lina, I'm going to find that chicken I smell!"
"You haven't changed since childhood, bye Madison!" Lina waved to her friend and then walked over to Zel. "Sorry about that Zel, that was Madison, an old friend, can I have my kimono back now?"
Zelgadis nodded and handed to her the kimono. "Uh, Lina, do I want to know why you had on street clothes?"
"Not really," Lina said as she brushed a few strands of hair from her face. "Come on, they have all sorts of thing to do here!" As they walked, Zel finally released a question that had been bothering him.
"So, Lina, you and, Madison was it? You seemed to have known each other for a while. From the looks of it, you two look like you go way back." Lina stopped for a moment, thinking.
"Way back, I guess you could say that. Our fathers trained together, so our families have always been close. My father was a martial arts trainer. Madison's father and my father opened a dojo together. Madison and I spent hours there, learning and training, hence how I could fight back there. Before I left home, Madison got word that her sister was quite ill, so she set off to find her. I haven't seen her since, so, I really missed my childhood companion."
"I see. Do you we'll be seeing her again?"
"Maybe, I'm not sure. She might just leave after the maiden is chosen." Lina answered with a shrug.
"Well, that would be a short visit." Zel glanced over his shoulder, he had a feeling he was being watched.
"Zel? Are you okay? That's the fifth time you've look over your shoulder and –oh Zel! Look! They're holding a dance competition! Come on!" Lina grabbed Zel and headed towards one booth where there was a sign that he couldn't read.
"Lina! Just how do you know it's a dance competition?" He asked, trying not get hit by anything Lina jumped over.
"The sign." Was her reply, as if it was so obvious. Then Zelgadis remembered. Lina grew up in this town, so she would know how to read and write in its dialect. As they approached, Zel could see many figures behind the booth dancing with a partner. Lina walked up to the man in charge. "Hi!!!! My friend and I would like to try!" The man nodded and allowed them in.
There were many people there, some standing on the sidelines, others dancing happily with their partners. Lina waited calmly until the next song started. The song was slow rhythm, and perfect for couples. Zel gently pulled Lina closer to as he wrapped his arm around her waist. She placed her arms around his neck and then laid her head an his shoulder. They slowly began to move to the slow beat, carefully yet freely.
This rose is our destiny. hikisakarefutari no te wa hanarete-ittanemuru toki moanata e no yume idaki nagaratodoke! sekai no hate madetoki ni ai wa tsuyokuhito no kokoro wo kizutsuke mo suru keredo Ahyume wo atae yuuki no naka niitsumo hikari kagayaki hanatsuhitotsu no chikara ni...This rose is our destiny michibikarefutari wa ima mou ichido deaudonna toki moano yakusoku wasurenaideyatto koko made kita yotoki ni ai kedakakuhito no kokoro wo tsuranuku you ni motome Ahmamoru mono ni mamorareru monoitsumo hikari kagayaki hanatsuhitotsu no chikara ni... toki ni ai wa tsuyokuhito no kokoro wo kizutsuke mo suru keredo Ahyume wo atae yuuki no naka niitsumo hikari kagayaiteai wa tsuyokuhito no kokoro wo ugokashite yuku dakara Ahfutari de iru kitto sekai wokaeru tame ni soshite subete wahitotsu no chikara ni naru *
The song slowed to a stop as the two gently released each other. They didn't notice all the people watching them, or that the people had formed a circle around them.
"Zel, I… I have to tell you something." Lina glanced at her feet, nervous from head to toe.
"Go ahead," Zel answered, equally nervous.
"I"
"Congratulations!!!! You've won our contest! You two are excellent dancers!" A small man waddled in and handed a golden trophy to Zel, who was beet red. As Zel talked with the man, Lina was looking like she was going to Dragon Slave the entire area. She slapped her forehead and then grabbed Zel and stalked out of the booth.
"Uh, Lina?" Zel asked as he was dragged again.
"Hurry Zel! They're going to choose the Maiden soon! I want to know who was lucky! Maybe one of my friends!" Lina answered, keeping her head turned away to hide the tears that threatened to fall.
"LIN!!!!!" Lina waved at the group of girls, Jess, Nick, Amy, Angel, and Luna, who were standing out side of a large tent. They hurried over and Jess told her what was going on.
"They can't choose the Maiden!"
"Why not?" Lina said nearly holding back her temper.
"Because, this girl has got on the stage and is rambling something about a chicken!!!!" Lina stopped for a moment, and then shook her head.
"Let me see." Jess led Lina inside; when Madison stood on the stage shouting, "I want my chicken! I want my chicken!!!" over and over.
"Madison!" Lina screeched. "Look! There is a chicken booth over there! Go get some chicken!"
"Chicken? YAHOO! Chicken!" Madison jumped of the stage and began to run out of the tent, on all fours. Lina shook her head and called the others in.
After a while, the place filled up with people. Zel saw Gourry and the group of girls, minus Luna, who was standing on the stage waiting for quiet. As soon as the talking settled, Luna began.
"Welcome everyone, to our special festive. Most know about this tradition, but for those who don't, I'll let you in. You see, it is tradition that every year we choose one girl. This girl is to tell the man she loves the truth. We do this to give the young girls in this town a little push towards courage. After words, the man she told is to give her a bouquet of Sakura before midnight, to show his returned affection." Luna smiled and nodded. Then, she turned and walked away. A woman with short blue hair walked on.
"Thank you all for coming. It is my duty to announce the Maiden. So, I now officially declare this years Cherry Blossom Maiden…" She paused as she scanned the area. "Lina Inverse!"
Lina froze; she couldn't of heard right. She couldn't really be… The Maiden.
Lina! Lina jumped as the sudden rush of thought, and then realized it was only Zel. Go, they chose you! Lina nodded and stood up, walking up to the stage nervously. She glanced over her shoulder and saw all her friends, Zel and Gourry included, silently cheering her on. (Though she could hear Zel)
She walked up the steps to the stage. The woman smiled at her and motioned her to stand beside her.
"So, Lina, how will you tell him?" She asked gently.
Lina thought for a moment before answering. "I-I think I'll sing a song." The woman nodded and music began to start, everyone except Lina's friends were surprised. Lina had just cast a simple spell for the music. The song was slow paced, but beautiful as she began to sing.
"Konayuki ga
maioritekita machi de
Toiki ga shiroku sora ni hodoketeyuku
Anata no koto omoeba doushite?
Konna ni mune ga atsuku naru
Ki ga tsuku to itsumo hitogomi no naka
Youfuku uriba window nozoku to
Kawanai noni erandari shiteru
Anata ni niaisou da nante
Baka mitai da yo ne ima wa hayaranai ne
Tomodachi no koibito to wakattete suki ni natte
Shou ga nai warawaretemo ii taisetsuna kimochi" Lina extended her hand out,
gently singing the words.
"Pure Snow pure heart
Futari deatta hi mo yuki ga futteita
Koi yori mo setsunaku ai yori mo uso no nai
Unmei wo kanjita no
Kanojo ga hanasu jimanbanashi wo
Odokenagara kiitari mo suru kedo
Yappari hitori ni naru to tsurai no tomodachi no kamen wa omotai
Nande anata shika dame nan darou ne
Omou toki mechakucha ni jibun wo kowashitaku naru
Sonna toki sasaete kureru no ichimai no shashin
Pure Snow pure heart
Ano hi mou sukoshi no yuuki ga areba
Samui kisetsu no sei to tobikonde iketa hazu
Demo nazeka dekinakatta
Pure Snow pure heart
Kitto naitari shita koto mo kuyamanai
Wakarikitta tsuyogari
Kizuite kureru koto wo
Itsu made mo matteru
Pure Snow pure heart
Futari deatta hi mo yuki ga futteita
Koi yori mo setsunaku ai yori mo uso no nai
Unmei wo kanjita no **" Lina bowed and headed off the stage. She walked out of
the tent, not bothering to wait for Zel.
Zel was speechless, no, he was beyond speechless. Was it me, or was she looking at me? He hurried after her, trying to find where she went. Dang! There are to may people here! I can't find- wait, Zelgadis listened for a moment, and heard Lina voice, she was singing! He followed her voice, and was led to a small clearing, with a single tree. Under the tree, looking at the stars was Lina. Her face was tear streaked, and he could hear her song clearly. It wasn't actually a song, more like music she was humming. She had her head tilted towards the ground.
What's wrong with her? Zel wondered to himself. She's hurt. Zel froze, that was new voice, not Lina's, not Fi's, and not Seiya's. He turned and came face to face with Luna Inverse. She never wanted to be the Maiden, she was to afraid of being hurt. You wouldn't understand, Lina takes love very seriously. If she falls in love, she wants it to be forever. Luna shook her head. We had an interesting little talk yesterday, now, the question is, do you return her feeling? Me? Zelgadis asked, still a little shaken up. Yes, you! Who else? Gourry. Luna nearly fell over with laughter. You're joking, right? Zel shook his head. Look, Lina told me yesterday that she didn't like him, well, as a brother, but not in that way! She flat out said it was you! Now it was Zel's turn to fall over. Now look who's the joker! You can't be serious! I am, she told me. Now, do you return her affection? Its almost mid night! Zel thought for a moment. Did he? Sure, she was beautiful, and smart, and funny, and brave, and powerful and- Stop that! I'd like to think for my self! Luna turned her head away, giggling slightly. It took him a moment, but Zel came to a decision. Luna smiled, and pulled from behind her back a bouquet filled with Cherry Blossoms. As Zel reached for it, she pulled it away. Don't do this, She warned. Unless you mean it. I will not stand to see my baby sister hurt. Zelgadis smirked and nodded, while taking the bouquet from her. Now hurry! You have about one minute! Zel began to run towards Lina. Stupid customs! Was all he could think about as he neared her. He could hear the people in the town counting down. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!!!!!!!!!! Lina tilted her head down as the fireworks began to fly up and explode, sending a million lights into the air. He didn't come, Lina turned to leave, when a strong hand fell on her shoulder. Her eyes flew open as she spun around, and came to face a bouquet of Sakura. She looked up, and saw Zelgadis Greywords, panting slightly. "Zel, do you mean-" Lina didn't get any farther into her sentence, because she was to busy being kissed. They slowly parted, and Lina nearly collapsed. She couldn't believe it! He came! He actually came! "Zel," She sighed and gently wrapped her arms around his waist, one to support herself, and two because she needed a hug. Zel blushed deeply, but smiled. "Come on, Lina. Amelia's probably got her hands full and could use some help." Lina gasped. "Oh no! Zel! Amelia's going to be heart broken when she finds out!" Lina bit her lip. "Don't worry, we'll work it out." Zel said slowly, trying to brighten her sprits. Lina gave him a smile and nodded. "Yeah, we'll work it out. I'm just worried about how Fi will take this." Both laughed as they walked towards Lina's home. ~****************~ All right! This is the longest chapter so far! Tell me what you think! I'll try to get the next chapter out soon, and before you asked, Madison will make a short, short appearance in the next, and then reappear later. Also tell me if you want me to send you a copy of the picture! * This song I'm sure most of you have heard. It's called Toki Ni Ai Wa, by Masaki Okui.** This song is Pure Snow, from the show Himiko Den. It belongs to Yuko Sasaki.