A/N: *Scratches back of head* Hehe…I suppose they do have a fairy tale quality to it, don't they?  Well, I love reading fantasy/magic/fiction books as well as watching that sort of thing – that's probably why I like Slayers so much.

Thanks for consistently reviewing Filing_Sloth!  It means more than you'd possibly know to me! ^_^  Don't worry, I won't give up on this story – I'm too anxious to write the ending to do that, but since school is starting up again, and only one computer to use, and having to share it with two older siblings, my posts are probably going to a lot more spread out…hopefully, I can make up for that with long chapters.  Well, on with the story!  Please review! ^o^

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that isn't mine to own! This includes Slayers!

*A Race to Delay*

            The next morning, Amelia sat down with Liona and Angelina at the huge breakfast table.  After having all eaten their fill, which didn't end until they had consumed approximately 30-40 dishes total (Angelina doesn't eat nearly as much as Liona, or even a typical dragon – she has something called "self-control" and a /lot/ of it), they got to talking.

            When Amelia asked them why they were traveling alone, she had to smile at Liona's reply.  "I'm on a quest to bring Mommy some Dragon Cuisine! ^_^"

            "Lina-san told you where it was?"

            Liona shook her head.  "I don't think so… If she did, I didn't hear it ^_^.  I heard about it from Daddy when he was telling me stories of their adventures together one night.  Ange-chan learned where it was after we left."

            Angelina nodded in agreement.

            Amelia continued to softly interrogate Liona.  "Do you think your Mommy and Daddy know where you are?"

            Liona blinked a few times before answering.  "I left a note, but I don't know if they know we're in Seyruun."

            Angelina sipped some after-breakfast tea (^_^) and added with a shake of her head, "If Luna-san is back, there's no doubt in my mind that they know we're here, Liona-chan."

            Amelia turned her attention to Angelina.  Slowly, she inquired, "Umm… An- Angelina, was it?"  Angelina nodded and took another peaceful sip.  "I don't mean to be impolite, but just how old are you?  Your hair looks as white as snow, but your skin looks as clean and young as a child's."

            Angelina looked up at the Queen of Saillune from the brim of her tea cup, and stared right into her eyes.  With a sigh, she set down the cup gently and put her hands in her lap.  With quiet composure, Angelina took a deep breath before launching into an explanation.  "Don't worry yourself over it, Queen Amelia.  Many people who stop to talk to me have asked the very same question.  The truth is, I'm a dragon born from a male Dimos Dragon and a female White Dragon.  I was born with the overall looks of my mother, but the eyes and knowledge of my father.  I have natural skills from both sides, although I was raised by Liona-chan after she found me.  To be put simply, I have white hair because I inherited it from my mother."

            Amelia had, for some reason, been enraptured by the sound of Angelina's voice.  It definitely did not have any of the childish ring to it that was so obviously woven through Liona's speech.  Instead, it sounded as if she were a full grown adult speaking in a gentle but firm tone.  Amelia cleared her throat and leaned back in her chair.

            Liona giggled as she noticed this and remarked while swinging her legs back and forth, "Ange-chan's so used to scolding me when my parents aren't around that it almost comea second nature to her to sound like that."

            Angelina took another quiet sip before adding, "Unfortunately, that's true.  I wish it wasn't but it is."

            Amelia laughed nervously, but responded, "Actually, that wasn't what I was thinking of exactly, but I do find it interesting.  Angelina-san, do you even /know/ how old you are?"

            Angelina took a last sip from her tea cup, effectively draining it before answering.  "Technically, since I've been hatched, I've been alive eight years, three months, seven days, five hours, and 43 minutes – no, sorry, make that 44 minutes (don't ask me how she knows, she just does).  But for some reason, I think I've been in my egg a lot longer than I should have been, so I really couldn't tell you accurately (^_^;)."

            Amelia sweatdropped but laughed it off.  "Never mind that then.  Oh, before I forget, Liona-chan, how would you like to compete in Saillune's annual tri-tournament (I swear I didn't take this from Harry Potter, but that's all I can think of to describe it!)?"

            Liona cocked her head to one side.  "Sorry, I forgot.  What's an u all?"

            Amelia patiently explained.  "Annual.  I mean it's a tournament that's held once a year here in Saillune."

            Liona slowly blinked a few times.  Looking up with her huge, innocent, cerulean-blue eyes, Liona asked, "What kind of tournament?"

            Amelia continued to explain.  "It's really a system used to recruit new people for Saillune's military in all subdivisions, but it's also a great tourist attraction so we call it a tournament.  The tournament is divided into three events: a magic tournament – mainly shamanism and white, a triathalon – a race that includes horseback riding, swimming, and running, and a one-on-one fighting tournament between the top 100 finalists.  You don't have to join the Saillune's military if you win your division, but if you don't, the runner-up will get your position."

            Liona couldn't help but exclaim, "100!?!?! Wouldn't that take a long time?"

            Amelia smiled.  "Saillune is a big kingdom.  The royal stadium alone is enough to hold 10,000 people in the stands and hold the 1000 total entrants that compete in this event."

            Liona's eyes were as big as saucers now.  "One thousand?!?!"

            Angelina sighed and refilled her cup before taking another sip.  "Why are you so surprised Liona-chan?  I know you know how big Saillune really is."

            Liona laughed slightly.  "But still… that's really big.  Can you do it all in one day?"

            Amelia shook her head firmly.  "Of course not.  That's why we separate it into five days - two for the magic tournament, one for the race, and two for the tournament."

           Liona stood up, a determined expression upon her young face.  "I can't stay that long!  Mommy's real sick right now!  I gotta go get Dragon Cuisine!"

            Amelia smiled slightly before asking, "I, too, have been informed of Lina-san's frail state.  If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is the link between Lina-san getting better and you retrieving Dragon Cuisine?"

            Liona sat back down with a blank look.  Silence.  "I forgot."

            Amelia and Angelina sweatdropped.  Angelina sighed and asked in an exasperated tone, "How could you forget something like that Liona-chan?"

            Silence.  "I dunno.  I just – did? . . ." More silence… "Oh!  Now I remember!  Mommy was dreaming of Dragon Cuisine right before I left.  I know because she said, 'M-must have Dra-gon Cuisine.'  So I thought that if I got it for her, Mommy would get all better!"

            Amelia laughed inwardly at that.  She spoke her thoughts, "Liona-chan, you are truly your parents' daughter."

            Liona cocked her head again.  "If I wasn't, whose daughter would I be?"

            Queen Amelia shook her head.  "Nevermind what I said.  Will you join the tournament?  For those who compete but aren't going for a military position, and end up winning, are given coupons for five free All-You-Can-Eat meals with no expiration dates.  They're valid wherever Saillune is known, which means mostly only in the 'Old World'."

            At that, Liona's eyes glazed over and she began to drool.  When she came to, she held up a righteous fist and proclaimed, "I'll do it!"

            Angelina sighed in resignation.  Liona would do anything for food.  She looked up when she heard Amelia address her.  "Angelina-chan, would you like to compete also?"

            Angelina smiled softly.  "No thank you.  I don't run, and I don't race horses.  I believe it's cruel to drive horses for racing purposes unless it is absolutely necessary."

            Amelia's eyes glittered.  "You're a fantastic believer of Justice!  I won't force you to if you don't want to though.  I understand perfectly, but as certain jobs call for speedy riders, it is a necessary part of the tournament.  Rest assured, they are treated very well between races and the horses selected for this event are chosen specifically for racing and carrying riders."

            Angelina merely nodded and took another sip (She really likes her tea ^_^).

            Liona's eyes continued to sparkle and shine at the thought of food (^_^).

            Angelina asked loudly to snap her out of her daze, "When does this tournament start?"

            "Registration is today – it's just getting a temporary ID that says what job and division you're going to go for.  Oh, and if you want to pick and choose which events you compete in, the card should have that on as well.  The magic contest will start tomorrow at eight o'clock and end at sundown."

            Liona stood up again.  "Then I should register soon right?  Where is it?"

            Amelia stood up as well.  "Please wait a moment, Liona-chan..  Xavier-san!  Please bring forth the card box."  An old man in a butler-type tuxedo quickly came forward with a beautifully carved wooden box.  It was no bigger than a shoe box, really.

            Amelia carefully opened the box and scanned the neatly placed cards that were inside.  "You will be participating in all events for no job placement, correct?"

            Liona nodded and made a sound of assent.

            Amelia selected a card and held it out to Liona.  When Liona accepted it and looked at it.  Her name appeared in block letters at the top of the card.  This is what it read:

Name: Liona Inverse

Winner's Prize: 500 gold pieces

                          5 buffet coupons

Events: Magic Contest

             Triathalon Race

             Battle Tournament

            With a magical glow, her picture appeared on the right side of her information.

            Liona jumped back in surprise at this, before poking it with curious awe.

            After Amelia explained that the cards were a new addition that had become the product of a peace treaty with a prospering city in the Outer world, she also added that they were free to do as they pleased as long as they didn't leave.

            With that, Liona was at a loss as to what she should do.  After about an hour or so of thinking (Amelia had excused herself a while back since she was called for, and Angelina had started on her fifth cup of chamomile tea), Liona finally reached the best decision.  "I know!  I'll go train!  Want to come, Ange-chan?"

            Angelina looked at her and quietly asked, "Do you intend to play?"

            Liona was once again lost.  Angelina clarified, "Your 'flute'."

            Liona's eyes lit up and she said thoughtfully while staring into space, "I suppose I could.  Do you want to come and listen?"

            Angelina was abrupt.  "No thank you."  She stood up and added, "I'll be exploring the city.  If you need me, just play my tune and I'll come.  Otherwise, please be sure to be back by sunset, as will I."

            Liona nodded.  Angelina turned as if to walk away before she stopped and turned her head.  "Oh, and /don't/ forget what I just said.  Here's your incentive: If you're not back by sunset, no dinner for you."

            Liona's eyes immediately brimmed with tears.  "No, no dinner?!?!?! Wahhh... I'll make doubly sure to be back in time!  See you later Angel Cake-chan! ^_^"

            Angelina cringed, sweatdropped, said farewell, and went out the door.  Liona watched the door for a few minutes before shrugging and going outdoors as well.  Once outside, she easily cast a levitation spell and looked over the city with a bird's eye view.  After much scanning, she finally decided to go deep into the forest behind the castle and start on her training routine.

            Around the time that Liona had landed in the forest, Zelgadis had reached Seyruun.  The guards knew him well due to his monthly visits to the Queen, so they let him pass without question.  Zelgadis found Amelia signing papers in her "office" (that's what they're called, right?  You know, the room Amelia was in at the very ending of TRY?).

            When she heard the door open, Amelia looked up and her eyes shined with happiness.  She quickly put down her pen and walked around the desk to give him a hug.  Zelgadis blushed as he awkwardly patted her back.

            In his usual calm voice, Zelgadis asked, "Is Liona Inverse here?"

            Amelia looked up at him in surprise and answered, "As a matter of fact, she is.  She arrived last night with her friend.  Why do you ask?"

            "Lina and Gourry sent me to get her to come back."

            Amelia remembered the letter and said, "Oh yes, I received a letter from the Inverses and they said you would be coming soon."

            Zel nodded.  "Where are they now?"

            Amelia put a thoughtful finger on her chin.  "Hmm… I couldn't tell you.  I left them about half an hour ago because I was called away, and they were gone when I came back.  They're probably somewhere around here though."

            Zel nodded again and turned to leave.  "Do you know how long Liona plans to stay here?"

            "She accepted my invitation to Saillune's annual tri-tournament so…"

            "Six days starting today.  That should be long enough.  Inform Lina and Gourry that I caught up to Liona.  I'm going to try finding her now."

            "Why don't you just stay for dinner?  I'm sure she won't miss it."

            "If you set aside a place, I'll probably take you up on your offer.  I'll be back."

            With that, Zelgadis walked, back out the door to continue his search for Liona.  Amelia sighed before returning back to her work.

            Zelgadis found Angelina first.  She was at the local tavern – sipping tea from her personalized tea set.

            When Zelgadis greeted her, she would have jumped if she had not felt him coming.  When he asked where Liona was, she, too, replied that she did not know.  Angelina did tell him that she was training though.  When Zelgadis stood up to continue searching, Angelina politely stopped him and asked if he wanted something to drink – tea perhaps?  Or maybe coffee?  Zelgadis complied and ordered a cup of coffee, since he had been traveling late last night and most of the morning.

            Deciding to start a conversation, Angelina asked, "Why are you taking so much time to track us down?  Wouldn't you prefer searching for your cure?"

            Angelina's crystal blue eyes bore into Zel's, and he stiffened.  His head was covered with his hood, and his mask was drawn up over his nose.  Zelgadis answered, "I don't think I have to tell you that."

            Angelina smiled and sipped some tea.  In an offhand manner, Angelina remarked, "As you wish.  I suppose using Liona to get your cure is as good a reason as any, but I wouldn't encourage it."

            Startled, Zel straightened up and looked across the table at Angelina.  "How did you-"

            "How did I read your mind?  Exactly?  That. . ." Angelina smiled yet again.  "Is something that I cannot reveal."

            "And why is that?"

            "Sore wa himitsu desu."

            Zel groaned at the memory of Xellos.

            He changed the subject.  "Do you have any idea whatsoever where Liona is?"

            "If I told you I did, would you go and look for her?"

            "Yes."

            "Then I won't tell you."

            "What?!  Why?"

            Angelina once more trained her tea cup and stood up.  "Trust me, it's for your own good – you don't want to hear her when she trains.  She can take care of herself.  Oh, and like Amelia-san said, she'll definitely be at the dinner table at sundown for dinner.  Don't worry, if she's anything like her mother, she won't miss the opportunity for a free meal."

            Back in Zephilia, Lina sneezed.  Gourry worriedly felt her forehead as he asked, "Oi, Lina… Are you sure you're going to be okay?  It seems like you're getting worse now."

            Lina sniffled and said, "I'm find!  Sumbody's just talking about me… Achoo!"

            Gourry took the towel off Lina's forehead, squeezed the water into a nearby container, and put it back on.  Currently, Lina was going through a very high fever.  Normally, fevers would go away with enough food and rest but, this one had stayed consistent for the past two weeks now.

            Luna suddenly walked into the room, carrying a bottle of clear liquid.  She went over to the bedside, the opposite side of the one Gourry was sitting by, and thrust it under Lina's nose.  "Drink."

            Coughing, Lina sat up and looked at the bottle.  It was about the size of a normal wine bottle.  "/All/ of it?!"

            "As much as it takes."

            "'As much as it takes'?  What the heck is this stuff?"

            "Just drink it."

            "It's not alcohol is it?"

            Luna's tone became more deadly.  "I /said/ just /drink/ it."

            Plugging her nose, Lina chugged as much of it as she could.  She got halfway through the bottle before she blacked out with swirls in her eyes.

            Gourry carefully took the bottle from Lina's grasp, looked at it, tasted a sip, and asked, "Hey, Luna – what /is/ this?  It tastes like Zephilian wine, but it tastes funnier than the usual ones."

            Luna smirked as she took the bottle and corked it.  Her ghastly smile still unnerved anyone who saw it.  "It's quite simple.  It's expired Zephilian wine with a purification spell in it.  I'm hoping it'll cure whatever bug that's latched itself inside Lina, but, you never know.  It could just make her even sicker.  I have to get back to work now.  Watch over Lina and tell me if anything of significance happens."

            Gourry watched the closed door as the effect of her words sunk in.  'Expired Zephilian wine?  Either cure or make worse?  Gourry quickly turned to Lina to make sure she was okay, but she was still out like a light.  Gourry silently prayed that it would be more for the better than worse, tucked Lina back in, and watched her as her breathing evened out to show that she was sleeping peacefully.

            Gourry's mind wandered to wonder what had happened with Liona…  Luna had told them that she was still very good and well, but Gourry had always believed that visible confirmation was the most reassuring thing.  Gourry sighed.  Liona-chan….  Where are you now?

A/N: ^_^; Did you like it?  Whether you did or not, please review and tell me so.  Any comments are welcome, but I should warn you in advance that flames and deeply negative reviews will severely damage my writer's ego, thus making it hard for me to continue.  So, please review!

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I just looked on my account and Filing_Sloth put me on his favorite list!  YAY! *Does happy dance* Thank you for the morale booster!  Ja ne!