A/N: See the first half for disclaimer. I'm almost done with this! Decided to post it as a separate chapter because I know how long-winded I can get. Hope you enjoy! Feedback is encouraged! Oh, except I haven't proofread this or even spell-checked it. Please forgive me.
Lina watched the others walking away down the road, the morning sun creeping over the house. Gorran glanced back several times over his shoulder, his large amethyst eyes moist with tears, but Lecia always put a gentle hand on his back and urged him forward. Val brought up the rear, his golden gaze intense on Lecia's slight form. Lina felt something quiver deep in her body, knowing it to be the first tremors of fear, but knew that nothing bad could befall her offspring with the Ancient dragon and her closest friends near.
She turned back to the house, staring hollowly at the dark, empty windows. Xellos wasn't there. Her children weren't there. Everything she had come to hold dear in the past decade had been wiped away in a matter of minutes. She loved her children, and it was killing her to send them away. There was no guarantee they'd be safe with her, though. Her children's safety came first, even if it turned her soul to ice.
Steeling herself, she walked up to the door and entered, the only sound the ticking of the clock in the hallway. Each small click of the timepiece seemed to bore into her soul, making ugly, rotting little wounds inside of her. The wounds were filled with the absence of those she loved. Silently she surveyed the living room, toys still pushed under the chairs, with a cloak draped over an overstuffed specimen of furniture. It was one of Gorran's. Tears threatened to leap into her eyes, but she roughly forced them back down inside of her, back down into the pit that had formed in the center of her being. She wandered into the kitchen, letting her fingers trail over the knives Xellos had finished washing the day before, cherishing the presence of anything his fingers had touched. Dammit, when had she started to love him? When had she started to need him? She brought her fist down hard on the counter, sending the knives clattering to the floor. Leaving them there, she abruptly left the room to continue her morbid survey of the remains of her life.
Looking at the children's rooms was very difficult. She sat on the edge of Gorran's bed, holding one of his stuffed animals, for quite some time. He had taken his favorites, but he wasn't able to fit all of them into his pack. Lecia's room still held the scent of her daughter, the scent of violets and fresh air, and if she closed her eyes she could hear Lecia's laugh, the laugh that echoed Xellos' chiming mirth.
The memories almost undid her right then and there, her shoulders rolling forward as she stared at the floor between her feet. The self-pity didn't last long, however, as her rage against fate began to bubble to the surface. Standing, she let loose a hoarse cry, the walls echoing with the sound as some of the more delicate glass items in Lecia's room quivered with the rawness of her voice. "Dammit!" Lina screamed, eyes burning with unshed tears.
She stood in the doorway of her daughter's room for several moments, slowly regaining control of herself. Finally feeling bolstered, she immediately went to tackle her own room. She was going on a journey, after all. Things would need to be stored away and packed. There was no telling how long she would be gone. She would walk to the ends of the earth if she had to, until she either found her husband living or found him dead. There was no question that she would find him.
Lina roughly pushed open the door to the room she shared with Xellos, surveying everything with an intense frown to keep the wounds from growing. She hadn't slept there the night before; none of them had. Filia had housed everyone instead, breaking down into tears every time the attack was mentioned. Lina felt something inside her quiver and she slowly walked to the bed, staring blankly at the vast expanse of baby-blue sheets. Tentatively, she reached out and touched the pillow on Xellos' side of the bed, her fingers grazing the trim on the pillowcase. Gripping it hard, she closed her eyes and plunged her face into it, inhaling deeply. Yes, it still smelled like him, that strange herbal scent of his glossy hair existing in the fabric. Her eyes still closed, every minute detail of him flashed before her eyes. She remembered his smile, the genuine one and the secretive one both, his laugh, his eyes sparkling as he opened them to look at her, the feeling of his long-fingered hand groping for hers in the dark, his soft, full lips on the curve of her ear, whispering words of love as she dropped off into slumber… She could remember the way his thighs clenched in the throes of passion, feel the way her fingers fit into the hollows between his ribs as he lay above her, smiling down at her, the length of his legs and lean torso wrapping around her, the wiry strength of his arms enclosing her and letting her know that she was safe, utterly safe. He would never hurt her.
Except by disappearing. Before she knew what was happening, she was curled in a fetal position atop the bed, teeth clenched so tightly her jaw began to ache. Her heart pounded away so powerfully that her very fingertips throbbed, and for a split second she didn't know how she'd survive the next few moments of agony. Was Xellos dead? Was he alive? Through the bizarre twists of fate she had fallen in love with him, and as a human, he had become her soul mate. Lina had never felt understood. She had felt loved, respected, even feared and revered, but never understood. No one understood her greed, her need for more information, more power, the way her pride was almost all she had, at times. Xellos had understood. She didn't know how, but he did. He showed her every day of their lives together, in every caress and sentence. He was for her, and she wanted him back.
The tears stopped after a while and she stared blankly at the foot of the bed, feeling nothing but a numb, black ache. The edges of her vision were blurred, and her face felt swollen and dry. She didn't want to live the rest of her life alone. Lina had never liked being alone. She had started out that way, but then Naga had found her, then Gourry, and she hadn't been alone since. It wasn't what she wanted. With Xellos gone, and her children sent away, Lina didn't have a choice. She had never let fate push her around. Lina Inverse took what she wanted, and this would be no different. If she wanted her husband back, she would find him and bring him back.
As she walked down the path away from their house, she had to clench her heart
in a fist of iron to keep from turning around. The doors were locked and warded
with the strongest spells she knew, and she had even tidied up before she had
gone. Nobody was going to mess with Lina Inverse's house while she was
away. She adjusted her pack and kept walking, observing the dust of the road
and the way the sky stretched away before her. It had been a very long time
since she had ventured out on her own. Since the very first time she had left
the house of her parents to make her fortune in the world, in fact. Then Gourry
had come into the picture, and that was that. She had some short solo journeys,
such as the time she left and ran into Xellos, which was what had gotten her
in the mess that had occupied the last sixteen years of her life or so, and
the time she journeyed to Filia's when she found out she was pregnant.
So much had happened since she had set out on the road from Zephilia all those
years ago.
To her surprise, even though her heart ached with guilt at sending her children
away, and fear wracked every tiny part of her body when she wondered what had
happened to Xellos, she felt pretty good. Lina had always been exceedlingly
good at journeying. She believed in herself, and wasn't about to let anything
happen to her. It was true she was going to search for Xellos and might never
find him, but she still had her children to live for. In spite of herself, Lina
loved dearly the children she had never wanted in the first place, just as she
loved dearly the part-demon man she had built a life she never wanted wtih.
Funny how life worked out.
She walked along silently, head down as she let thoughts of her children and
husband meander through her brain, only the sound of birds and the occasional
crunch of stone beneath her feet to guide her. For a moment dark thoughts and
despair whirled up inside of her. What if Xellos was out there somewhere, hurt
and dying, and she didn't get there in time? What if she just never found
him? What if it was already too late, and his body lay in some distant land,
torn to shreds? Her heart turned cold inside her chest, and she shuddered in
the sunlight. No, she couldn't think about that. Her imagination was much
too vivid to allow herself to think of such things, the exposed ligaments of
Xellos' body drying and cracking in the sun, his shattered organs lying
about, blackening with rot... No, she had to believe in him. She had to think
that he wasn't stupid enough to just dash off without some sort of plan.
He would survive. Xellos wouldn't want to leave her and the children behind.
She would find him if it took her years. Love had to be good for some purpose,
right? Their souls had been so close, she would be drawn to him, right?
Lina held out her left hand in front of her, studying the golden ring around
her finger. If only Xellos still had his. Then she'd just feel him out
and go where he was. It wasn't going to be simple, now. How strange it
was to reach through the rings and not feel him! How strange it was to not have
his consciousness alongside hers, always touching, always loving. Now, however,
she'd have to think like a Monster. Where would he have run to? The other
demon would have followed him, so Xellos wouldn't have picked anyplace
close. What was the farthest she could get from home? Lina shook her head. Damn
him, he was never easy. Too clever to make it simple. That, of course, was one
of the reasons she loved him. All right, ready or not, here I come,
she muttered to herself, and left her home behind once more.
Gorran was tired of crying. His eyes felt puffy and hot, and the dust rising
in the road didn't help. He rubbed them, blinking at the rump of Lecia's
horse in front of him. His sister sat straight and tall in the saddle, staring
straight ahead. He could only see the dark, glossy waves of her hair running
down her back like a river that wouldn't let light escape. Alfred rode
beside her, casting her nervous glances every so often. Gorran liked Alfred.
The older boy had been really nice to him on the journey. Gorran didn't
think he liked the longing way Alfred looked at his sister, though.
Are you okay? a voice said to his left, and he stared up into Zelgadis'
eyes. He thought Zelgadis looked exactly the way a prince should. His shoulders
were broad and straight, his body seeming strong and graceful at the same time.
He held his head high, and his features were perfect and symmetrical, with a
steely gleam in his eyes. The man radiated calm power, and Gorran was in awe
of the inner stillness he felt in his elder.
Yes, sir, Gorran said softly, glancing at the ground and trying
to blink dust away from his long, dark eyelashes. I'm fine, thank
you.
Zelgadis looked at him, expression unreadable. You've got good manners.
I never thought Lina's children would be so well-behaved.
Daddy always thought manners were really important, Gorran began,
then choked at the mention of his father.
Zelgadis' expression softened. I didn't mean to remind you,
he said gently, but it was too late. Fat tears formed in the boy's eyes
and rolled down his cheeks.
Lecia turned around in the saddle and reined in, slowing to ride by her brother.
Hey, kiddo, it's okay, she said, and held out her arms. Gorran
burst into sobs and levitated wobbily from the saddle, going to his sister and
pressing his face into her shoulder. Her dark hair fell around him like a curtain
and shielded him from everyone's eyes.
I'm so scared, he blubbered, hands clenched into fists and
pressed against her chest. Her hands gently ran through his unruly copper curls,
patting his thin back at the end of each stroke.
Miss Amelia and Mister Zelgadis will take really good care of us,
Lecia murmured, kissing the top of Gorran's head. And Val will come
to visit, too. Maybe he'll bring Aunty Filia and she'll bake some
of that crumb cake you like.
But what about Mommy and Daddy? Gorran sniffled, although now he
was thinking more and more about crumb cake.
They'll be fine. You know how strong they are. Dad's really
strong, and Mom's tough enough to drag him back from the grave if she has
to. You don't need to worry about them.
Then why couldn't we stay home? Aunty Filia could take care of us.
Because Mister Zelgadis and Miss Ameila know what's going on. Besides,
don't you want to live like a prince for a while?
he replied, wiping at his face. Lecia's hands were soft
and tender on his waist. He knew that nothing bad would happen to him if his
sister was around. She was almost as strong as their parents, and he knew she
loved him, even though they fought sometimes.
Alfred and the others are princes and princesses. If we stay with them,
we'll get the same treatment, which means we can pretend to be a prince
and a princess, too. Won't that be fun?
I've never been a prince, he said, raising his amethyst eyes
to hers.
Well, this is your only chance, unless Mom conquers a kingdom or two
on her way to find Dad, Lecia said, her red lips parting in a smile.
Gorran giggled in spite of himself. And can I have crumb cake?
Lecia's smile widened. Anytime you want, so long as you're
a good boy. Isn't that right, Freddy?
Gorran looked over to the boy riding next to them. His cheeks turned pink and
he looked down for a moment. Sure, I don't see why not, Alfred
said softly, his full lips curving in a return smile as he looked at Lecia.
We're almost there, Zelgadis announced behind them, and Gorran
twisted in his sister's embrace. A vast city lay before them, nestled in
rolling hills. It had been a few years since his family had visited Seyruun,
and the tall, white walls seemed even bigger than they had before. After so
long on the road, the city looked really inviting. He could see the palace on
a slight rise in the city, just off the square. The palace was huge, and Gorran
felt excitement build within him. He got to live like a prince, and live in
a palace.
Is that it? Is that where we're going to stay? he blurted,
pointing and bouncing slightly on Lecia's lap.
Of course, dummy! Lecia laughed. We stay there every time
we visit!
Gorran cried, seeing people spill out of the city's
gates.
Oh yes, the welcoming squad, Zelgadis muttered. Gorran didn't
know why the older man didn't sound excited, but Gorran thought it was
great that a deluge of armed soldiers and musicians playing fanfare were descending
upon them. He and his sister were with important people, and were important,
too!
Don't get a fat head about this, Lecia whispered in his ear, and he looked up at her, surprised at the slightly hard expression on her delicate features.
They might be royalty, and we might be staying with them, but we're
still Mom and Dad's kids. Don't forget what they taught us.
Gorran frowned slightly, confused. he said. Before long the
crowd of welcomers engulfed them, Amelia smiling and waving at the front of
their procession, and they were ushered inside the city.
Alfred showed Lecia and Gorran to their rooms. They both had spacious quarters,
and they were right across the hall from one another. Gorran was happy they
let them be so near to each other. Maybe it wouldn't be so terribly different
from home, after all. He threw his little pack inside as servants loaded trunks
into his room, giving him leave to dash across the hall to see his sister's
room. He burst through the door and saw her standing still, expressionlessly
watching the servants stack her things against the wall. The look upon her face
stopped him in his tracks. Her face was still, but her dark eyes were dancing
with unshed tears. A crystal tear wound its way down her cheek and dropped off
her jaw, making a little dark spot on her shirt. Gorran's heart tugged
inside him, and he felt compelled to go over to her, putting his arms around
her waist and pushing his head against her abdomen. It's okay,
he whispered, squeezing his eyes shut. He always felt really bad when Lecia
cried.
I know, she said, running her hand over his head. Sometimes,
though, even if you know everything's going to be okay, it's all right
to be scared.
Don't be scared, he replied. Something warm surged inside
his chest, a burning sensation that accompanied the knowledge that he would
never, ever let anything happen to his sister. I'll protect you always.
Lecia laughed, the sound almost like a bark, and squeezed his shoulders. Thanks,
kiddo, but I think I'll be okay.
Gorran pulled away and scowled. He would prove to her someday that he was strong
enough to always save her. I can do it, he said quietly, deeply
amethyst eyes snapping with sincerity. I can take care of you.
Lecia shook her head. Okay, okay, she muttered, wiping her face
with the back of her hand. I believe you. Don't get bent out of shape
about it. She sighed and threw her pack on the bed. Alrighty, go
take a bath. There's probably a tub attached to your room.
Gorran's scowled deepend. But I don't want to take a bath!
It's not even dinner yet!
Lecia answered with her own scowl, her fine black eyebrows drawing to a sharp
point between her eyes. We don't want to show up to dinner all dirty,
she said sharply. It's rude. Now go bathe.
No! I don't want to! Gorra said, losing his temper and stamping
his foot.
You have to. Now go!
Lecia snarled at him and whipped an arm out, grabbing him by the wrist. He
began to thrash and struggle, tugging on his arm. You're going to
take a bath right now, she growled.
I don't wanna!
Lecia took his arm with both hands and bodily dragged him back into the room.
Gorran fought and struggled the whole way, dragging his heels across carpet
and smooth tile. She wrestled him into his room and ripped off his shirt, and
he tried to claw her. You have to take a bath, Gorran. We have to be at
dinner in a little while.
No, no, no!
You can't make me! You're not Mommy! he shouted and immediately
regretted it. Lecia went still and stared at him, the corners of her mouth turning
down slightly as if they were suddenly heavy.
You're right, I'm not Mom, she muttered. She dropped
his shirt on the floor, her expression hardening to stone. Without another word
she turned on her heel and stormed out the door. She went across the hall into
her room and slammed her door, and a few moments later Gorran could hear the
soft sounds of crying. His heart constricted in his chest and he ran across
the hall, tugging on the knob of her door.
he said, her door not budging. Lecia? I'm sorry!
Please, come back! he cried, rattling the knob, but nothing happened.
He shivered in the hallway, still shirtless, and banged on the door with his
little fist. he begged, his voice cracking, and leaned his
head against her door. Tears rolled down his cheeks as his chest heaved with
sobs.
Only the muffled sounds of crying came from the other side of the door.
he screamed, sitting down on the floor and leaning against
her door. Please let me in! Pluh-ee-ease!
Oh my, a soft voice said, and suddenly warm arms wrapped around
his torso. He pushed against the arms, but they were surprisingly strong.
Let me go, he cried, sobbing and pushing.
Hey, don't be like that, the soft voice said.
Gorran shrilled, reaching for her door as he was hoisted
into the air. He was almost too big to be picked up like that, but whoever was
holding him didn't seem to care.
I don't like for you to be so upset, and I don't think your
parents would like it, either. Do you want to talk about it? the voice
said, and he looked over at his newest captor, barely able to see through his
tears.
he said peevishly, face contorted with crying.
It might help, Amelia said. A bath might help, too. You're
pretty dusty.
Gorran began to cry harder at the notion of a bath. It was the bath that started
this whole thing. he called.
Amelia carried him into a fancy bathroom. The walls and floor were white, and
a big tub stood in the corner. It was so big he thought it could be a pond.
She sat on the edge and turned the faucet on, the white porcelain filling with
warm water. she said softly, balancing him in her lap. It
won't be so bad.
Gorran rubbed at his eyes and stuck out his lower lip. he
mumbled, hiccuping on a sob.
Ameila sighed. Gorran, I know you miss your parents. It's already
been a little while since you've seen them. I'm sorry about taking
you away from your house. There's nothing I can do, though, except try
to make you comfortable and keep you safe. The rest is going to have to come
from inside you. Do you understand what I'm saying so far?
Gorran looked into her deeply blue eyes and nodded. Her lap was softer than
his mommy's. It was strange, but nice. he muttered,
tears still rolling down his face, although his entire body was no longer shuddering.
Lecia's upset, too. She wants your parents back as badly as you
do. Plus she feels like she has to take care of you. So, you need to try to
be nice to her and do what she asks you to, okay? You both need to make this
as easy on yourselves as possible, because I don't know when you get to
go home.
Gorran nodded and bit his lip to keep from crying more. It didn't help.
He was still crying.
I'm so sorry, Amelia whispered. I love your mommy very
much, and because you're her precious children, I love you and Lecia, too.
Now, please take a bath, and I'll be back to get you for dinner. You're
hungry, aren't you?
Gorran whimpered.
Amelia said with a smile, turning off the faucet. The
soap is here and the towel is here. Just ring that bell if you need anything
and one of the boys will be here to help you.
Gorran nodded and slid off her lap, sitting on the floor and taking off his
socks and shoes.
Amelia stood with a sigh, gazing down at him tenderly. I'm going
to go see your sister now. She walked towards the door, then stopped and
turned around.
he replied, looking up at her.
Don't worry about your parents. They love each other very much,
and they love you, too.
So? They're still gone.
Amelia's face drooped a bit. Gorran thought she looked sad. I know,
but you need to know that love conquers all. The love they feel will save them.
It saves everyone who truly feels it.
Amelia smiled and nodded. Really. Ask your parents when they get back.
It might take them a while, but they'll be back.
How do you know? he asked, tears drying slowly on his round cheeks.
Because I love them, she said with a smile, and shut the door behind
her.
Weeks passed into months, and there came no word from their parents. Gorran
sighed as he stared out the window into the rain, wondering when his sister
would return. Amelia and Zelgadis did their best to keep Lecia from leaving,
but each time they tried to reason with her, Gorran saw a fire light within
his sister's eyes, a fire that reminded him of their mother. It made him
miss their parents even more. He had told Lecia that before, and it just made
her search for their parents harder. Every few weeks, a shadow would turn the
onset of evening just a bit darker, and Val would land in the private royal
courtyard, black scales and feathers glistening. Gorran had grown up with the
dragon, so he was used to the transformation. There would be a gathering of
shadows, and there Val would be, lanky limbs and greenish hair waving in the
evening breeze. His golden eyes would sparkle and Lecia would leap towards him
with a grin. Zelgadis, Amelia, and their children would sometimes watch, and
Gorran noticed that Alfred's expression became a bit pinched whenever Lecia
and Val touched. Of course, that was nothing compared to the way Val's
lips curled back from his white teeth in a snarl whenever Lecia kissed Alfred
goodbye on the cheek. Still, Lecia never returned with their parents, and even
her wickedly lively eyes had begun to lose some of their spark.
Still moping? Gorran heard someone say behind him, and he turned
to see Zelgadis stick his head through the door.
I'm not moping, Gorran replied defiantly.
Kerra is starting to worry about you. She says that you don't smile
the way you used to.
Gorran snorted and shrugged.
Zelgadis sighed, walking across the room to stand next to the boy, gazing out
at the rain. Are you wondering where they all are right now? he
said softly, his pale blue eyes focused beyond the pane of glass in front of
him. Gorran quietly studied the sharp, composed profile. Zelgadis' looks
had never bothered him, but he was endlessly fascinated by the rocky protrusions
on Zel's blue skin. Gorran thought Zelgadis looked exactly like a prince
should: proud, confident, and otherworldly.
Gorran lied.
Zelgadis snorted, glancing at the boy, and Gorran knew immediately that he
hadn't fooled the prince for a minute. You're probably tired
of people telling you not to worry.
I'm not worried, Gorran grumbled. I just miss them.
And well you should, Zelgadis replied, then stared at the rain
for a few silent moments more. I've watched you, Gorran.
I've watched you play with sticks, I've seen you handle a practice
sword.
Gorran blushed. He wanted desperately to be a swordsman. He had heard from
Kerra that Zelgadis was one of the best swordsman on the continent, but he hadn't
worked up the courage to ask him for training. Yeah, it's just a
game, Gorran said offhandedly. He didn't want Zelgadis to tell his
mother when she got back. For some reason she had never wanted him to play with
swords, and his father had always said that magic and wit beat a sword any day.
Zelgadis sighed, lowering his chin toward his chest, but not breaking his gaze
from the rain. I've been thinking about enrolling you in lessons,
he said.
Gorran's eyes grew the size of saucers. he asked,
suddenly fidgety. Would the captain of the guard teach me? He studied
Zelgadis for a moment, then took a breath. Or would you? You taught Kerra!
he blurted.
Zelgadis snorted. I considered it. But there's someone nearby who's
much better than I am. Well, Gorran? Would you like to train with him?
Nobody could be better with a sword than you, Gorran breathed,
so excited he could hardly keep from running around the room.
Zel's snort became a chuckle. Well, this man is probably the best
swordsman in the world. How about it?
Gorran nodded so vigorously that his neck began to feel sore. Yes, yes!
he said, unable to handle sitting still any longer and scurrying to and fro.
he added, remembering the manners his father taught him.
Even though Zelgadis was really nice, he still expected the prince to take everything
back if he didn't mind his manners.
Zelgadis nodded. All right. Your sister will be gone for at least a few
days, so you might as well learn something you can practice on your own and
feel useful.
Gorran shouted.
Pack your things. We'll be there a few days.
Yes, sir, Gorran said, and ran up to hug the prince, so excited
was he.
Zelgadis chuckled again and hugged him back, tousling his hair as he stood.
Tomorrow, then, he said. See you at supper.
Gorran grinned, and set about packing immediately. He didn't
even notice when Zelgadis left the room.
Gorran didn't think that the next day would ever come. It was really difficult
for him to find sleep, and so the next day found him extremely tired. He didn't
want to get up on the horse and ride behind the prince, he didn't want
to wash his face, he didn't want to go anywhere. The only thing that propelled
his body through space was the desire to learn to wield a sword.
The ride seemed to take forever, too. The road wasn't dusty because of
the rain the day before, and not enough moisture had fallen to make it muddy.
Still, they kept riding on and on out into the countryside, until Gorran was
sure they had to be a hundred miles from the castle. They passed farms and ranches
and finally saw a large house made of stone sitting on a hill ahead of them.
The house looked like a fortress but was somehow welcoming, and Gorran found
himself curious as to who lived there.
Zelgadis turned in his saddle. It's only been a couple of hours
since we set out, but I bet you're ready for a rest, he said.
Only a couple of hours? Gorran glanced at the sky. Sure enough, the sun wasn't
even close to being directly overhead. he muttered.
Zelgadis dismounted, leading his horse up the path to the house. I didn't
exactly let them know we were going to be coming, he told the boy.
Gorran scowled. That was weird. How come?
A strange, tight expression flickered across Zelgadis' face. Maybe
your parents can explain that to you when you're older, he replied.
It's rather complicated.
Gorran's scowl deepened. He didn't think that princes were supposed
to keep secrets. Growling to himself, he dismounted as well and led his horse
after Zelgadis. Soon they reached the end of the lane and tied up their mounts,
going up to the front door. The prince knocked and the sound of footsteps on
stone grew near. A pretty woman answered the door, hair even darker than his
sister's or Kerra's cascading down to her waist. Large green eyes
blinked at them. She was a little taller than his mother, but she didn't
have the same slender figure. Her body was thicker around the middle and her
whole body looked soft. Gorran wondered why that was.
the woman said. What a nice surprise!
Hello, Sylphiel, Zelgadis replied, briefly embracing the woman.
How are you doing? How are the girls?
Fine, fine, the woman smiled. And who is this?
Gorran met her eyes, about to introduce himself, when a strange stillness settled
over the woman's face. My name is Gorran, he said, bowing like
his father had taught him. It's nice to meet you.
My, he's a very nice boy, the woman said, her face softening
once more. And he's just a little older than Penelope. Did you bring
him over to play?
I don't know if you heard, Zelgadis said. I'll
tell you later. Is Gourry around?
Yes, he's in the back. Should I run ahead and tell him you've
come, and who you've brought?
Zelgadis shook his head. No, we'll just head out to the field.
All right, then. I'll bring refreshments in a moment.
Thank you. Come on, Gorran, Zel said, and strode off through the
polished hallways.
Gorran follwed the prince, staring around. Even the palace didn't seem
quite as polished as this house did. It was impeccably decorated and was very
bright and cozy, even though many of the walls were made of stone. Gorran thought
it would be a very fun place to play hide-and-go-seek.
He followed Zelgadis out into the sunlight, blinking as they crossed the lawn
and to a fenced practice area. In the midde of the area was a tall, blonde man,
one of the biggest men Gorran had ever seen. He was even bigger than his grandpa
Inverse. The man's blonde main was pulled back in a braid, and his skin
was tanned. Gorran had never seen so many muscles.
Zelgadis shouted, raising a hand in greeting.
Gorran gave a start when he heard the name. It sounded an awful lot like his
name. Was this man a relative? Why had he never heard of him?
the man shouted back, his voice booming across the lawn.
Great to see you!
I have someone I want you to meet, Zelgadis called, bringing Gorran
forward.
The man walked briskly toward them, a big, white smile on his face, and then
he looked down at the boy. Gorran scowled as all traces of the smile on the
man's face disappeared, the blue eyes going still much like the woman's
face had gone still earlier. the man breathed, squatting down
to be on an eye level with Gorran. Gorran narrowed his eyes, not liking the
scrutiny, but glared defiantly back. The man had kind, rich blue eyes, with
lots of crinkles radiating out from the corners. He had a straight nose and
strong chin. Still, Gorran didn't think he was as good-looking as his father
was. You look just like her.
Doesn't he? But he looks like him, too, Zel added.
The man stood, scratching his shoulder. Yeah, he does.
What's going on? Gorran growled. He didn't like it when
grownups talked like he wasn't there.
Oh, sorry, the big man said. I'm Gourry. You must be
Lina's son.
Gorran nodded. My name's Gorran.
Gourry smiled, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes bunching up. I
saw you when you were just a tiny baby, he said with a chuckle.
Gorran blushed. He also hated it when adults talked about him as a baby, especially
when his dad did it. Xellos liked to tell all sorts of humiliating baby stories.
I don't remember.
That's okay, Gourry said gently. So, you any good at
magic?
Gorran nodded. Yeah, I like it.
Both your parents are really good at it.
I know.
Zelgadis pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. I have a favor to
ask, Gourry.
The man's blue eyes slid away from the boy and Gorran let out a breath.
It had been a little unnerving, the way Gourry had been studying him. It was
like being under a lens, or being searched. What's that?
Train him.
I'm not accepting new students, Zel.
Make an exception. How often do I ask you for favors?
Gourry hung his head and ran a large hand over his hair. Gorran could see that
the temples had gone completely white, and that white was interspersed with
the gold. But you know what happened.
It's not Gorran's fault.
Gourry glanced at the boy. Do you want to learn?
Gorran nodded. More than anything!
Zelgadis leveled a stern look at Gourry. Lina was good, really good.
Xellos was good, too. I've watched Gorran swing a stick around. He'll
be better than either of them. Better than you, if you let him.
Better than me, eh?
Gourry stopped glancing furtively and flat out stared at the boy. You
should have been mine, he heard the man whisper. Gorran's hearing
had always been extremely good.
I know you're looking for an heir, Zelgadis added. And
I know how disappointed you are that none of your girls want to learn.
Gourry nodded. Yeah, they could be my heir, if they wanted to. But none
of em want to learn. Not even Penelope, and she's my blood. But,
if I taught him, I'd have to see Lina and that man again.
They're gone, Gorran said, and watched as Gourry's brow
furrowed. Zelgadis' posture became more rigid as well.
What's that? Gourry asked, crouching down again to be on a
level with the boy.
We were attacked and my daddy, er, dad was taken. Mommy, uh, Mom went
after him, Gorran choked, surprised at how hard it was to say. Tears stung
his eyes and he felt his face get red.
We haven't seen them since, and that was months ago, Zelgadis
finished. We don't know if they're dead or alive. His sister
is out with Val looking for them.
Gourry breathed, his eyes searching the boy's face.
It was too much for Gorran, and he burst into tears. His mommy would have yelled
at him for crying and being a baby, but he wished she was there to hold him.
His daddy would have hugged him tightly and told him it was okay to feel sad.
He missed them so much.
Oh boy, Gourry said, and awkwardly reached out and patted the boy's
shoulder. Gorran cried even harder, and so the large man pulled him into a strong,
but gentle, embrace. It's okay, kid. You'll see them again.
Your mom is the strongest person in the world. What she wants, she gets. She'll
make sure all of you are okay.
Zelgadis asked, a slight smile on his face.
Okay, I'll do it, Gourry replied. Hey, Gorran, was it?
Gorran sniffled, not minding that a total stranger was hugging
him. The man smelled like grass and sunshine.
Would you like to be the world's greatest swordsman? Would you like
to train with me?
Gorran's tears faded quickly and he pushed away slightly from Gourry so
he could look him in the face.
Yeah. I think you've got what it takes. A swordsman's power
is in his heart, and I think you've got a good one, to love your family
so much.
Gorran nodded as hard as he could. I'll be your best student!!
Zelgadis' smile grew. And he will be, too. He's been very attentive
during magic lessons.
Gourry said, smiling down and fingering the boy's coppery
curls.
Kerra will be along every once in a while to join you, and I expect you
to continue practicing your magic, Zelgadis added.
I will, Gorran said. When do we start practicing swords?
Gourry laughed, his broad shoulders shaking with mirth. Right after we've
had something to nibble on, he replied, and gestured toward the house.
The soft woman with green eyes was coming across the lawn to them, tray full
of goodies in hand.
Zelgadis came over and put a hand on Gorran's shoulder. You'll
like it here, he said softly.
I think so, Gorran replied.