Chapter Five
Dis.: I have told you before, and I shall tell you again. I don't own it.
AU: Thanks again Ishy-chan. And people, it only takes, what, ten seconds to review. You don't even have to put your name, just a few words. Okay?
Kevin walked out the door in his usual red shirt, black pants outfit and smiled at the world for no reason. Well, the author corrects herself, only one reason, which had nothing, nothing at all, to do with a certain ebony tressed, justice-loving princess of Seiroon. He waved at said certain person and smiled at her when she waved back. Life seemed to be going well for him.
Lina grumbled at the early hour, I mean, sure the early bird gets the worm, but does no one ever look at the bird's eyes? They'd probably be closed, not to mention he'd be snoring. I know I would be. But noooooo, Lina thought, we have to get up at an hour that I don't even recognize when I wake up- she immediately stopped grumbling, whether in her mind or not, when Zelgadis walked out the door, smiling cheerfully after the night before. The three of them, Kevin, Lina, and Zel, had spent half of the night picking on each other, mainly Kevin, and generally such things provide amusement. Generally.
Zelgadis contemplated how long he should stick with the group when they split. He would, as soon as was normal, split off of the main group and go visit Lina and Kevin's when he could, if only to see her in action. Watching the two siblings squabble made him wish that he'd had a family of his own. Yeah he had had his grandfather but he'd never met him father or mother. He didn't even know if he had brother or sisters! Rolling his eyes and getting off of such somber thoughts, Zelgadis walked forward and gripped Kevin's shoulders. Looking into the lad's eyes, Zel made it clear that nothing bad was to happen to Lina. Smiling, Zelgadis shook the boy's hand and went to Lina. Slipping a package into her hands and meeting her quizzical gaze, Zelgadis smiled (when was the last time he smiled so much?!) warmly. He shook his head when she gestured/asked if she could open it then and held up three fingers, symbolizing days.
Lina pouted and tucked the gift into her coat before anyone saw it. "Just to check again, everyone knows the ruled to his pendant." The group groaned and Lina gesticulated with her hands that groaning was not answer enough. The group wondered yet again if the awesome gift was worth the constant questions making sure they had it down. Speaking in unison the group said,
"Yes, Lina/Miss Lina we understand perfectly. Now, go," and they made shooing motions with their hands, "before we get tired of this and make you go." The harshness in their words was belied by the warm smiles sent her way and Amelia with Sylphiel came over to Lina and hugged her. Lina gave voice to a surprised grunt and pushed them away, but clasped their hands warmly.
To Gourry, Lina gave a sisterly pat on the back (More of a 'slap-you-upside- the-head' pat...but I guess that might be considered the same ting to certain brothers. Cackle, cackle.) and said, "Keep track of Syl, okay? I don't want anything happening to you, her, or anyone else while I'm not here to protect you."
"Why, Lina" Zelgadis stated smoothly, "It would almost seem as if you were worried about us!"
Lina rolled her eyes and grinned at him good-naturedly. "Now where would you get that idea? I know it certainly wasn't from me!" and with one, last look Lina and a silent Kevin set off towards the outside barrier.
Two days later the two siblings were wondering what the hell had prompted them to go.
"It's so hot." Kevin grumbled, barely trudging along.
"Well, if you didn't complain so much the trip might go faster." Lina snapped.
Kevin rolled his eyes and he considered something. "Lina," she looked his way. "Two days ago it felt like spring, but now it feels like the middle of summer and more." He sent her a confused face and she gave in to the slight pleading look she also saw there.
"Fine, there's some shade and a river over there," Lina held up a slim finger. "It's only halfway through the day and we can take a break." Her eyes shone with happiness and relief, which was reflected in her brothers. They made their way to the small place and were rewarded by a much cooler spot and a medium breeze. Dipping their hands into the cool stream, the sorcerers gave vent to relieved sighs. It would have been their luck if it had been boiling hot.
"I've been thinking about that Kevin," Lina said after spending a few minutes in the shade, cooling down. "And I think you're right that something is wrong." She puzzled and her brow wrinkled. "But that is where I get confused. Nothing seems wrong and other than the weather nothing had changed since we saw out friends two days ago."
Kevin stayed seated for bit and then a thought struck him. "Lina, I forgot to tell you but the first night, when we stayed out in the forest?" he looked to her to see if she knew what he was talking about. She remembered very well and shuddered when she thought about those stupid roots poking into her backside all night. Well, all night until she fired them. Seeing that she remembered Kevin smiled and went on, though the smile quickly disappeared. "Well, on my watch I felt something," she looked at him sharply and he winced, "it felt as if someone was casting a spell."
"And you didn't tell me?" her aura glittered deep red and dangerous. He shook his head. "Why not?" she demanded.
"Because I didn't know what kind of spell it was. For all I could tell, it might have been a light spell. Then you would have been mad at me for waking you up." She paused and the statement sunk in. Sighing and letting her anger go, it was too hot for torture anyway, Lina stood up and paced through the small area.
"There haven't been any animals anywhere and no bandits have come up on us either." She narrowed her eyes and walked off without a word. Kevin jumped up and followed her, but when she started to pace the road, Kevin stepped off and watched her.
"What's wrong, Lina?"
"Hush, Kevin. I need to think." He nodded and silently walked back to the stream. Half an hour later Lina startled him from a nap with a sudden, "AHA!" (Sounds like a detective if you ask me, but hey, ;) you didn't)
"Lina! What's going on?" Kevin was beside her in seconds.
"Nothing, but I figured out what's up." Kevin glanced at her for explanation. She grinned and pointed at a piece of the ground. Kevin stared at it and then looked at his sister as if she was crazy. Lina rolled her eyes and thrust his face a few inches away from the ground. "Look closely, you dolt."
Kevin analyzed the ground and then started. He touched it and his finger went through. "What's going on, Lina?"
She grinned and told him in no uncertain tones. "Your sorcerer friend that's mad at you fabricated a world to trap us in. We can get out if we really need to, but it would be difficult." She smiled again. "I can't wait."
He looked at her. "Can't wait for what?" he asked warily.
"For him to show up." She answered promptly and with a grin that said trouble was ahead. Kevin gulped and laughed nervously. She wasn't after him, and he would make sure that never happened.
Lina stood up and walked back to the little shady spot, taking out her sword. Sharpening her sword with a small, gray whetstone. A small, evil smile played on her lips and Kevin almost felt sorry for the sorcerer. Almost. Shaking his head, Kevin took out his own, new sword and examined it. Zelgadis had helped him pick it out, and it was an excellent sword. Three feet long and sharp as Lina's tongue, it gleamed brightly in the sunlight. Taking a rock from the ground, Kevin tossed it to the sky and readied his sword. A week of grueling practice from Lina, Gourry, and Zel, really paid off. The rock came quickly back to the ground and he sliced down. He didn't even feel the sword bite through the rock and the rock fell the rest of the way in two pieces. Sliding his sword back into its sheath Kevin felt a peculiar gust of wind. Glancing around he saw Lina standing in the middle of the road with her devil-may-car grin and a familiar to Kevin, though not Lina, man.
"Lina, that's him!" Kevin warned him.
"So I gathered." She retorted.
"Do you think anyone can defeat me?" the man chuckled. "I'll have you know that I defeated Xellos Metallium, servant of Zellas Metallium." He glared at Lina when she started to laugh. "What's so funny?" he demanded. "He's a top monster!"
Lina rolled her eyes and told him confidently, "There's no way you could have defeated him." At the same time as Kevin spoke wonderingly, "You really did? But no one can kill him. He's too good." Lina snickered and both people looked at her quizzically. Lina pointed at the sorcerer, still snickering, and spoke in mocking tones. "You aren't anywhere near as strong as Xellos and even if you were it wouldn't matter. If you killed him, Filia would have killed you." She smirked and went on. "By the way, your wig is falling off." Everything was silent for a moment and then the guy panicked.
"Oh no, oh no, what do I do, what do I do?" he shouted at no one and ran in circles, his wig completely falling off. The person it left was taller than Gourry and the wig had been long, to his knees, mouse brown hair. His eyes were an unremarkable brown and he wore a black cape that, when he stood still, wrapped completely around him, leaving nothing visible. He was now bald and wore striped bloomers with a checkered shirt.
Lina lost it and collapsed into fits of laughter with tears of mirth running down her face. Kevin stared stupidly at the once-imposing man. Collecting herself Lina walked over to him and knocked him unconscious with the butt of her sword. "I wanted a good fight. Ah, well, we'll have to make do." Her eyes glowed in anticipation. She brought a coil of rope from her cape and wrapped up the man, tight. She secured him to a tree and sat down to wait for him wake up. Kevin shivered and sat down beside her. An hour later Lina grimaced and looked back at the man. "Maybe I shouldn't have hit him so hard. He hasn't come back yet." Her eyes gleamed. "Maybe he knows what he has in store."
Another hour passed and Kevin stood up, grabbing a big leaf, and walked over to the stream. He filled it and walked back to the man, smiling. He dumped the cold water on him and the guy opened his eyes venting a startled shout. Lina smiled gratefully at Kevin and he nodded at her.
"Thanks, Kevin, I was getting tired of waiting for him to wake up." She looked towards the man and smiled benevolently. "So what piece of you would you like removed first, hmmm? By the way, you haven't told me your name yet and it seems Kevin doesn't know it. Spit it out."
"I-It's Fascalry." He managed to stutter out.
Lina burst out in not very nice laughter. "F-Fascalry?" she managed in- between laughs. "What kind of name is that? Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" she continued to laugh and when she finally controlled herself enough to stop, the man had shrunk as far into his bound as he could. "Oh, you're not getting away. I haven't had a fight where I can hurt the other person in years and I plan to have that fixed. Now." Her glare punctuated the last word. The man shivered in horror. "So, Fascalry," she snickered, "where are you from?" she asked sweetly.
"I'll never tell you." (What's so horrible about telling her where you're from? Oh, well.) You've got to admit, even though he's probably in need of a new pair of pants, he's pluck to the backbone. (My grandma says that to me all the time. I assume it means stubborn, but I'm really not sure.:] )
Lina smiled condescendingly. "I was waiting for that. Back to before, what piece should I take away? Your nose? Ears? Toes? Fingers?" Kevin starts to back away from this unknown person. Lina was never like this. She laughed manically and held her dagger close to the man's nose; Kevin backed up faster. He wasn't so sure that Lina would use him as a cutting board when she was done with Fascalry (well, at least the guys name is original. :] ) Lina was about to make the quivering man into an appendage less person with her drawn dagger, but her body contorted and she dropped her dagger. Lina started coughing up blood.
Oh, no, Lina thought forebodingly, it happened again! She coughed up some more blood and collapsed onto the ground, curling up into a fetal position. Her body continued to convulse on the grass while she coughed up blood. Kevin stood ten feet away, staring at her and his mind was panicking.
What's going on? He thought to himself, rushing to her side. All signs of her former, unusually evil actions dissolved. She was back to being just Lina and a Lina in pain at that. Soon, as he held her in his arms, the world around them melted and became the forest Lina so well remembered. Only for a moment Kevin contemplated the change and looked at Fascalry. He was unconscious which explained the failing of his world. He shook off his thoughtful mood and looked down at his sister. He should be panicking and trying to do something, but it didn't seem as if there was anything for him to do. Quickly scanning the area for a smooth area to lay his sister, Kevin spotted one a few feet off. Kevin scrambled to his feet and picked up his sister. She was as light as a feather. He quickly moved her to the clear area and sat back on his heels, watching her. He started to cast the strongest healing spell Sylphiel had taught him on Lina. Sweat collected on his brow; he wiped it off impatiently. Finally she relaxed and stopped coughing. He laid her flat on her cape, folding his own for a pillow. Tucking it under her head, he glanced at her clothing, wondering if any blood had gotten on her clothing. None, to his surprised, stained the fabric and he looked at her hands to see how much blood was there. Nothing. Shock filled him; he looked around. He knew, he'd seen her do so, she'd coughed up blood, and he was positive that it would be on her hands. His forehead wrinkled and he plopped ungracefully on the ground. Thoughts raced through his head as he figured the ramifications. Unfortunately his knowledge was not as extensive as his sisters and he gave up soon, thinking to ask Lina when she came back to her senses. He stood and walked towards Fascalry; untied his rope, and picked the idiot up. He jogged towards a small lake and laid the man down. As he was turning to get some water the man woke and Kevin turned back.
"I'd go if I was you." Kevin advised the man. Fascalry might have bore him ill will, but it did not mean that Kevin was unforgiving. He knew, without doubt, that Fascalry would never bother him again. If he'd had such a session with Lina Inverse, who should be called master torturer, he would never bother anything dear to Lina again. Fascalry nodded so violently and scrambled to his feet.
"I'll never mess with you again," He promised, "I'm really sorry for bothering you. I'm going to make a new, clean life. It's nice to have a life." He shuddered and scampered out of the forest, if you could call it that. His running I mean. (It's twelve at night when I'm writing this and I'm usually asleep. I like my sleep, but I wanna finish this chapter before I go to sleep.)
Kevin smiled grimly, taking another large leaf and scooping up another batch of water. He carefully brought it back to where Lina slept peacefully, showing no sign of her earlier struggle. Still, even with his caution several drops fell. Standing over Lina he felt only a moments hesitation before dumping it onto her face. He got an immediate reaction. Lina shot forward as if to rip his head off, her eyes glowing a sickly shade of red. He dropped the leaf and backed up as fast as possible turning to run, but after that split second, Lina turned to normal, her eyes switching to her usual red irises. She moaned and clutched her head as if fighting back a migraine, which may very well have been true. Lina blinked several times in rapid succession before turning to him, confused.
"What happened?" she asked in a semi-normal voice.
Kevin, relieved of his worst fears, answered, "I let Fascalry go." He told her no more, assuming she knew what he was talking about. He bit his lip expecting a loud reprimand for letting the pitiful man go. He was therefore surprised and speechless when she simply nodded her head.
"That's good. What did he want again?" Lina wasn't about to admit that whenever 'it' occurred she couldn't remember the things that happened. 'It' was a nightmare and if she could help it, Lina would never tell anyone, not even, especially not, Kevin.
Kevin looked at her sharply but told her again. "He wanted to take me out, but then you nearly tortured him to death and he had a change of heart."
Lina could barely contain the gasp of surprise. She with 'it' in control had nearly done something she abhorred. She'd nearly killed a defenseless person that had done nothing to her personally in one of the worst forms possible. If 'it' got in control again, Lina didn't know what would happen. Her eyes turned away from Kevin, haunted memories passed through them and she didn't want Kevin to see. As soon as it was possible Lina shook it off and replaced it with her generally carefree attitude. Acting as if nothing had ever happened, Lina grabbed up their stuff and started walking out of the forest. When Kevin didn't follow, Lina glanced back and saw him standing in the same place, watching her as if he expected something strange to happen, like horns sprouting or and extra set of eyes popping out.
Lina slowly walked back, so as not to alarm him, and took him by the hand. Normally she would have rolled her eyes and told him of knock it off without a second thought. But this was different. Lina had woken one day when she was five, looked around her and started to cry. Carnage surrounded her and it was all her doing. She would reflect on that another day, but right now she wondered what impression she had had on her brother. Letting some worry creep into her eyes and voice, Lina looked him in the eyes and squeezed his hand, asking, "Are you all right? We can stop for the night; go somewhere tomorrow. "
Kevin looked back at her and gazed into her eyes. Looking relieved at what he saw, Kevin shook his head and replied, "No, we can go on tonight, I don't mind." Lina smiled at him. Someday. Someday she would tell him.
A week and a half later Lina and Kevin walked through the streets of a festival. They'd made it to the town the night before and gone straight to bed, not speaking a word. They could have stopped at another village sooner, but they both wanted to make the push and get to the outside before dark. They succeeded, but only by ray winging over a few mountains and levitating over lakes. The result was exhaustion, but they'd made it and were happy. By mutual agreement, without words, the two decided to stay for a few days, to enjoy the festival.
Lina saw a jewel that sparkled at her and she walked over to it. Looking at the array of gems, Lina whistled. They were all of an excellent quality and she looked for an owner. No one was in sight so she looked more closely. She didn't touch them though. She looked speculatively at the one that had called her and decided it to be in perfect condition. It was a half and half stone, a kind that could only be found in a range of mountains to the North. It was extremely dangerous, monsters roaming around, none week, and a guardian of the stones, so seeing one was a rare privilege. Even Lina, with all the money she owned, couldn't afford one. She looked at the price and saw that this continued to be true. 15 trillion gold coins was the price named and Lina didn't have that much. Nevertheless a sapphire/ruby stared up at her and she stared back at it with longing. She narrowed her eyes and caught up with Kevin. For someone to have gotten such a good stone they had to have extreme strength. The mountains were also a test of sorts, for some. The farther into the mountains you went, the more, and better, the gems. What was most unusual is that each gem was made special for the person who managed to get that far.
Back at the booth, a hooded figure watched her go, his face never stopping its smile. It seems, the figure thought, that my work here is done. Amethyst eyes twinkled in the sun, and the figure, with the booth, disappeared.
Later that night the two set off to the center of a forest nearby. "Why do we have to practice today?" Kevin complained.
"Because you need the practice for where we're going. Besides, I have a trick I want to teach you." Kevin brightened immensely and set off with renewed determination.
When they reached the center he asked her before they got started, "Where are we going? And what are you going to teach me?" eagerness laced his tone and Lina chuckled.
"We're going to the mountains of Tamar." Kevin stilled and looked at her in surprise. "You think I would pass up the chance to get gems which I could do, if I had you at my back?" She hid the real reason from Kevin. Once a person had been called by a half and half gem they had to go to the mountains, willing or not. She'd rather go of her own free will. Lina couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret that Zel wasn't there to watch their backs, as he could be well trusted to do. No dreaming on his watch, and he didn't get distracted by justice thoughts; his constitution didn't require all of that sleep. He was the perfect traveling companion. He didn't talk too much or too little and, lately, he was always open to company. It was great to have him around. Truthfully, Kevin was much the same, but she liked having Zel around as well.
Kevin smiled at the short explanation and waited for the answer to his second question. He didn't have to wait long.
"I'm going to show you how to become invisible to lower monsters for a short, and I mean short, period of time." Kevin looked startled and Lina smiled. "Why have I never used it? I can see the question in your eyes. I don't use it because one, I don't need to, and two, it takes a lot out of you and I don't have time for exhaustion usually. But when situations are desperate, it's just the thing. Now here's what you do..." Four hours later the two trudged back to the town, tired but satisfied. Kevin had mastered the technique and couple of others in a few, short hours. They went to their rooms with only murmured good nights and slept soundly all night.
AU: okay people, I know there's more than one person reading, would it kill you to review? No? Didn't thinks so. Come on, please? By the way, no one had told me what to call this thing! My dog died Saturday. It wasn't mine but my aunts. It was the same age as me. ;( Later, people! Myth
Dis.: I have told you before, and I shall tell you again. I don't own it.
AU: Thanks again Ishy-chan. And people, it only takes, what, ten seconds to review. You don't even have to put your name, just a few words. Okay?
Kevin walked out the door in his usual red shirt, black pants outfit and smiled at the world for no reason. Well, the author corrects herself, only one reason, which had nothing, nothing at all, to do with a certain ebony tressed, justice-loving princess of Seiroon. He waved at said certain person and smiled at her when she waved back. Life seemed to be going well for him.
Lina grumbled at the early hour, I mean, sure the early bird gets the worm, but does no one ever look at the bird's eyes? They'd probably be closed, not to mention he'd be snoring. I know I would be. But noooooo, Lina thought, we have to get up at an hour that I don't even recognize when I wake up- she immediately stopped grumbling, whether in her mind or not, when Zelgadis walked out the door, smiling cheerfully after the night before. The three of them, Kevin, Lina, and Zel, had spent half of the night picking on each other, mainly Kevin, and generally such things provide amusement. Generally.
Zelgadis contemplated how long he should stick with the group when they split. He would, as soon as was normal, split off of the main group and go visit Lina and Kevin's when he could, if only to see her in action. Watching the two siblings squabble made him wish that he'd had a family of his own. Yeah he had had his grandfather but he'd never met him father or mother. He didn't even know if he had brother or sisters! Rolling his eyes and getting off of such somber thoughts, Zelgadis walked forward and gripped Kevin's shoulders. Looking into the lad's eyes, Zel made it clear that nothing bad was to happen to Lina. Smiling, Zelgadis shook the boy's hand and went to Lina. Slipping a package into her hands and meeting her quizzical gaze, Zelgadis smiled (when was the last time he smiled so much?!) warmly. He shook his head when she gestured/asked if she could open it then and held up three fingers, symbolizing days.
Lina pouted and tucked the gift into her coat before anyone saw it. "Just to check again, everyone knows the ruled to his pendant." The group groaned and Lina gesticulated with her hands that groaning was not answer enough. The group wondered yet again if the awesome gift was worth the constant questions making sure they had it down. Speaking in unison the group said,
"Yes, Lina/Miss Lina we understand perfectly. Now, go," and they made shooing motions with their hands, "before we get tired of this and make you go." The harshness in their words was belied by the warm smiles sent her way and Amelia with Sylphiel came over to Lina and hugged her. Lina gave voice to a surprised grunt and pushed them away, but clasped their hands warmly.
To Gourry, Lina gave a sisterly pat on the back (More of a 'slap-you-upside- the-head' pat...but I guess that might be considered the same ting to certain brothers. Cackle, cackle.) and said, "Keep track of Syl, okay? I don't want anything happening to you, her, or anyone else while I'm not here to protect you."
"Why, Lina" Zelgadis stated smoothly, "It would almost seem as if you were worried about us!"
Lina rolled her eyes and grinned at him good-naturedly. "Now where would you get that idea? I know it certainly wasn't from me!" and with one, last look Lina and a silent Kevin set off towards the outside barrier.
Two days later the two siblings were wondering what the hell had prompted them to go.
"It's so hot." Kevin grumbled, barely trudging along.
"Well, if you didn't complain so much the trip might go faster." Lina snapped.
Kevin rolled his eyes and he considered something. "Lina," she looked his way. "Two days ago it felt like spring, but now it feels like the middle of summer and more." He sent her a confused face and she gave in to the slight pleading look she also saw there.
"Fine, there's some shade and a river over there," Lina held up a slim finger. "It's only halfway through the day and we can take a break." Her eyes shone with happiness and relief, which was reflected in her brothers. They made their way to the small place and were rewarded by a much cooler spot and a medium breeze. Dipping their hands into the cool stream, the sorcerers gave vent to relieved sighs. It would have been their luck if it had been boiling hot.
"I've been thinking about that Kevin," Lina said after spending a few minutes in the shade, cooling down. "And I think you're right that something is wrong." She puzzled and her brow wrinkled. "But that is where I get confused. Nothing seems wrong and other than the weather nothing had changed since we saw out friends two days ago."
Kevin stayed seated for bit and then a thought struck him. "Lina, I forgot to tell you but the first night, when we stayed out in the forest?" he looked to her to see if she knew what he was talking about. She remembered very well and shuddered when she thought about those stupid roots poking into her backside all night. Well, all night until she fired them. Seeing that she remembered Kevin smiled and went on, though the smile quickly disappeared. "Well, on my watch I felt something," she looked at him sharply and he winced, "it felt as if someone was casting a spell."
"And you didn't tell me?" her aura glittered deep red and dangerous. He shook his head. "Why not?" she demanded.
"Because I didn't know what kind of spell it was. For all I could tell, it might have been a light spell. Then you would have been mad at me for waking you up." She paused and the statement sunk in. Sighing and letting her anger go, it was too hot for torture anyway, Lina stood up and paced through the small area.
"There haven't been any animals anywhere and no bandits have come up on us either." She narrowed her eyes and walked off without a word. Kevin jumped up and followed her, but when she started to pace the road, Kevin stepped off and watched her.
"What's wrong, Lina?"
"Hush, Kevin. I need to think." He nodded and silently walked back to the stream. Half an hour later Lina startled him from a nap with a sudden, "AHA!" (Sounds like a detective if you ask me, but hey, ;) you didn't)
"Lina! What's going on?" Kevin was beside her in seconds.
"Nothing, but I figured out what's up." Kevin glanced at her for explanation. She grinned and pointed at a piece of the ground. Kevin stared at it and then looked at his sister as if she was crazy. Lina rolled her eyes and thrust his face a few inches away from the ground. "Look closely, you dolt."
Kevin analyzed the ground and then started. He touched it and his finger went through. "What's going on, Lina?"
She grinned and told him in no uncertain tones. "Your sorcerer friend that's mad at you fabricated a world to trap us in. We can get out if we really need to, but it would be difficult." She smiled again. "I can't wait."
He looked at her. "Can't wait for what?" he asked warily.
"For him to show up." She answered promptly and with a grin that said trouble was ahead. Kevin gulped and laughed nervously. She wasn't after him, and he would make sure that never happened.
Lina stood up and walked back to the little shady spot, taking out her sword. Sharpening her sword with a small, gray whetstone. A small, evil smile played on her lips and Kevin almost felt sorry for the sorcerer. Almost. Shaking his head, Kevin took out his own, new sword and examined it. Zelgadis had helped him pick it out, and it was an excellent sword. Three feet long and sharp as Lina's tongue, it gleamed brightly in the sunlight. Taking a rock from the ground, Kevin tossed it to the sky and readied his sword. A week of grueling practice from Lina, Gourry, and Zel, really paid off. The rock came quickly back to the ground and he sliced down. He didn't even feel the sword bite through the rock and the rock fell the rest of the way in two pieces. Sliding his sword back into its sheath Kevin felt a peculiar gust of wind. Glancing around he saw Lina standing in the middle of the road with her devil-may-car grin and a familiar to Kevin, though not Lina, man.
"Lina, that's him!" Kevin warned him.
"So I gathered." She retorted.
"Do you think anyone can defeat me?" the man chuckled. "I'll have you know that I defeated Xellos Metallium, servant of Zellas Metallium." He glared at Lina when she started to laugh. "What's so funny?" he demanded. "He's a top monster!"
Lina rolled her eyes and told him confidently, "There's no way you could have defeated him." At the same time as Kevin spoke wonderingly, "You really did? But no one can kill him. He's too good." Lina snickered and both people looked at her quizzically. Lina pointed at the sorcerer, still snickering, and spoke in mocking tones. "You aren't anywhere near as strong as Xellos and even if you were it wouldn't matter. If you killed him, Filia would have killed you." She smirked and went on. "By the way, your wig is falling off." Everything was silent for a moment and then the guy panicked.
"Oh no, oh no, what do I do, what do I do?" he shouted at no one and ran in circles, his wig completely falling off. The person it left was taller than Gourry and the wig had been long, to his knees, mouse brown hair. His eyes were an unremarkable brown and he wore a black cape that, when he stood still, wrapped completely around him, leaving nothing visible. He was now bald and wore striped bloomers with a checkered shirt.
Lina lost it and collapsed into fits of laughter with tears of mirth running down her face. Kevin stared stupidly at the once-imposing man. Collecting herself Lina walked over to him and knocked him unconscious with the butt of her sword. "I wanted a good fight. Ah, well, we'll have to make do." Her eyes glowed in anticipation. She brought a coil of rope from her cape and wrapped up the man, tight. She secured him to a tree and sat down to wait for him wake up. Kevin shivered and sat down beside her. An hour later Lina grimaced and looked back at the man. "Maybe I shouldn't have hit him so hard. He hasn't come back yet." Her eyes gleamed. "Maybe he knows what he has in store."
Another hour passed and Kevin stood up, grabbing a big leaf, and walked over to the stream. He filled it and walked back to the man, smiling. He dumped the cold water on him and the guy opened his eyes venting a startled shout. Lina smiled gratefully at Kevin and he nodded at her.
"Thanks, Kevin, I was getting tired of waiting for him to wake up." She looked towards the man and smiled benevolently. "So what piece of you would you like removed first, hmmm? By the way, you haven't told me your name yet and it seems Kevin doesn't know it. Spit it out."
"I-It's Fascalry." He managed to stutter out.
Lina burst out in not very nice laughter. "F-Fascalry?" she managed in- between laughs. "What kind of name is that? Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!" she continued to laugh and when she finally controlled herself enough to stop, the man had shrunk as far into his bound as he could. "Oh, you're not getting away. I haven't had a fight where I can hurt the other person in years and I plan to have that fixed. Now." Her glare punctuated the last word. The man shivered in horror. "So, Fascalry," she snickered, "where are you from?" she asked sweetly.
"I'll never tell you." (What's so horrible about telling her where you're from? Oh, well.) You've got to admit, even though he's probably in need of a new pair of pants, he's pluck to the backbone. (My grandma says that to me all the time. I assume it means stubborn, but I'm really not sure.:] )
Lina smiled condescendingly. "I was waiting for that. Back to before, what piece should I take away? Your nose? Ears? Toes? Fingers?" Kevin starts to back away from this unknown person. Lina was never like this. She laughed manically and held her dagger close to the man's nose; Kevin backed up faster. He wasn't so sure that Lina would use him as a cutting board when she was done with Fascalry (well, at least the guys name is original. :] ) Lina was about to make the quivering man into an appendage less person with her drawn dagger, but her body contorted and she dropped her dagger. Lina started coughing up blood.
Oh, no, Lina thought forebodingly, it happened again! She coughed up some more blood and collapsed onto the ground, curling up into a fetal position. Her body continued to convulse on the grass while she coughed up blood. Kevin stood ten feet away, staring at her and his mind was panicking.
What's going on? He thought to himself, rushing to her side. All signs of her former, unusually evil actions dissolved. She was back to being just Lina and a Lina in pain at that. Soon, as he held her in his arms, the world around them melted and became the forest Lina so well remembered. Only for a moment Kevin contemplated the change and looked at Fascalry. He was unconscious which explained the failing of his world. He shook off his thoughtful mood and looked down at his sister. He should be panicking and trying to do something, but it didn't seem as if there was anything for him to do. Quickly scanning the area for a smooth area to lay his sister, Kevin spotted one a few feet off. Kevin scrambled to his feet and picked up his sister. She was as light as a feather. He quickly moved her to the clear area and sat back on his heels, watching her. He started to cast the strongest healing spell Sylphiel had taught him on Lina. Sweat collected on his brow; he wiped it off impatiently. Finally she relaxed and stopped coughing. He laid her flat on her cape, folding his own for a pillow. Tucking it under her head, he glanced at her clothing, wondering if any blood had gotten on her clothing. None, to his surprised, stained the fabric and he looked at her hands to see how much blood was there. Nothing. Shock filled him; he looked around. He knew, he'd seen her do so, she'd coughed up blood, and he was positive that it would be on her hands. His forehead wrinkled and he plopped ungracefully on the ground. Thoughts raced through his head as he figured the ramifications. Unfortunately his knowledge was not as extensive as his sisters and he gave up soon, thinking to ask Lina when she came back to her senses. He stood and walked towards Fascalry; untied his rope, and picked the idiot up. He jogged towards a small lake and laid the man down. As he was turning to get some water the man woke and Kevin turned back.
"I'd go if I was you." Kevin advised the man. Fascalry might have bore him ill will, but it did not mean that Kevin was unforgiving. He knew, without doubt, that Fascalry would never bother him again. If he'd had such a session with Lina Inverse, who should be called master torturer, he would never bother anything dear to Lina again. Fascalry nodded so violently and scrambled to his feet.
"I'll never mess with you again," He promised, "I'm really sorry for bothering you. I'm going to make a new, clean life. It's nice to have a life." He shuddered and scampered out of the forest, if you could call it that. His running I mean. (It's twelve at night when I'm writing this and I'm usually asleep. I like my sleep, but I wanna finish this chapter before I go to sleep.)
Kevin smiled grimly, taking another large leaf and scooping up another batch of water. He carefully brought it back to where Lina slept peacefully, showing no sign of her earlier struggle. Still, even with his caution several drops fell. Standing over Lina he felt only a moments hesitation before dumping it onto her face. He got an immediate reaction. Lina shot forward as if to rip his head off, her eyes glowing a sickly shade of red. He dropped the leaf and backed up as fast as possible turning to run, but after that split second, Lina turned to normal, her eyes switching to her usual red irises. She moaned and clutched her head as if fighting back a migraine, which may very well have been true. Lina blinked several times in rapid succession before turning to him, confused.
"What happened?" she asked in a semi-normal voice.
Kevin, relieved of his worst fears, answered, "I let Fascalry go." He told her no more, assuming she knew what he was talking about. He bit his lip expecting a loud reprimand for letting the pitiful man go. He was therefore surprised and speechless when she simply nodded her head.
"That's good. What did he want again?" Lina wasn't about to admit that whenever 'it' occurred she couldn't remember the things that happened. 'It' was a nightmare and if she could help it, Lina would never tell anyone, not even, especially not, Kevin.
Kevin looked at her sharply but told her again. "He wanted to take me out, but then you nearly tortured him to death and he had a change of heart."
Lina could barely contain the gasp of surprise. She with 'it' in control had nearly done something she abhorred. She'd nearly killed a defenseless person that had done nothing to her personally in one of the worst forms possible. If 'it' got in control again, Lina didn't know what would happen. Her eyes turned away from Kevin, haunted memories passed through them and she didn't want Kevin to see. As soon as it was possible Lina shook it off and replaced it with her generally carefree attitude. Acting as if nothing had ever happened, Lina grabbed up their stuff and started walking out of the forest. When Kevin didn't follow, Lina glanced back and saw him standing in the same place, watching her as if he expected something strange to happen, like horns sprouting or and extra set of eyes popping out.
Lina slowly walked back, so as not to alarm him, and took him by the hand. Normally she would have rolled her eyes and told him of knock it off without a second thought. But this was different. Lina had woken one day when she was five, looked around her and started to cry. Carnage surrounded her and it was all her doing. She would reflect on that another day, but right now she wondered what impression she had had on her brother. Letting some worry creep into her eyes and voice, Lina looked him in the eyes and squeezed his hand, asking, "Are you all right? We can stop for the night; go somewhere tomorrow. "
Kevin looked back at her and gazed into her eyes. Looking relieved at what he saw, Kevin shook his head and replied, "No, we can go on tonight, I don't mind." Lina smiled at him. Someday. Someday she would tell him.
A week and a half later Lina and Kevin walked through the streets of a festival. They'd made it to the town the night before and gone straight to bed, not speaking a word. They could have stopped at another village sooner, but they both wanted to make the push and get to the outside before dark. They succeeded, but only by ray winging over a few mountains and levitating over lakes. The result was exhaustion, but they'd made it and were happy. By mutual agreement, without words, the two decided to stay for a few days, to enjoy the festival.
Lina saw a jewel that sparkled at her and she walked over to it. Looking at the array of gems, Lina whistled. They were all of an excellent quality and she looked for an owner. No one was in sight so she looked more closely. She didn't touch them though. She looked speculatively at the one that had called her and decided it to be in perfect condition. It was a half and half stone, a kind that could only be found in a range of mountains to the North. It was extremely dangerous, monsters roaming around, none week, and a guardian of the stones, so seeing one was a rare privilege. Even Lina, with all the money she owned, couldn't afford one. She looked at the price and saw that this continued to be true. 15 trillion gold coins was the price named and Lina didn't have that much. Nevertheless a sapphire/ruby stared up at her and she stared back at it with longing. She narrowed her eyes and caught up with Kevin. For someone to have gotten such a good stone they had to have extreme strength. The mountains were also a test of sorts, for some. The farther into the mountains you went, the more, and better, the gems. What was most unusual is that each gem was made special for the person who managed to get that far.
Back at the booth, a hooded figure watched her go, his face never stopping its smile. It seems, the figure thought, that my work here is done. Amethyst eyes twinkled in the sun, and the figure, with the booth, disappeared.
Later that night the two set off to the center of a forest nearby. "Why do we have to practice today?" Kevin complained.
"Because you need the practice for where we're going. Besides, I have a trick I want to teach you." Kevin brightened immensely and set off with renewed determination.
When they reached the center he asked her before they got started, "Where are we going? And what are you going to teach me?" eagerness laced his tone and Lina chuckled.
"We're going to the mountains of Tamar." Kevin stilled and looked at her in surprise. "You think I would pass up the chance to get gems which I could do, if I had you at my back?" She hid the real reason from Kevin. Once a person had been called by a half and half gem they had to go to the mountains, willing or not. She'd rather go of her own free will. Lina couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret that Zel wasn't there to watch their backs, as he could be well trusted to do. No dreaming on his watch, and he didn't get distracted by justice thoughts; his constitution didn't require all of that sleep. He was the perfect traveling companion. He didn't talk too much or too little and, lately, he was always open to company. It was great to have him around. Truthfully, Kevin was much the same, but she liked having Zel around as well.
Kevin smiled at the short explanation and waited for the answer to his second question. He didn't have to wait long.
"I'm going to show you how to become invisible to lower monsters for a short, and I mean short, period of time." Kevin looked startled and Lina smiled. "Why have I never used it? I can see the question in your eyes. I don't use it because one, I don't need to, and two, it takes a lot out of you and I don't have time for exhaustion usually. But when situations are desperate, it's just the thing. Now here's what you do..." Four hours later the two trudged back to the town, tired but satisfied. Kevin had mastered the technique and couple of others in a few, short hours. They went to their rooms with only murmured good nights and slept soundly all night.
AU: okay people, I know there's more than one person reading, would it kill you to review? No? Didn't thinks so. Come on, please? By the way, no one had told me what to call this thing! My dog died Saturday. It wasn't mine but my aunts. It was the same age as me. ;( Later, people! Myth
