A/N: Well, I'm back and here's another chapter. It's not quite as short as some of them have been. What's really scary is that I'm not actually sure it's the next chapter- I'll have to go back to my original copy and make sure I didn't skip anything. Oh well, if I did, you'll know next week. Anyway, sorry again for the jump in time, moving forward so many years at once, but hopefully you like the way things turn out. Thanks for reading!

Gorran sat on the hillside, closing his eyes with pleasure as the wind played with his coppery curls, the setting sun losing its warmth on his face. He reveled in the moment, for he was certain his adulthood would start the next day, on his eighteenth birthday. The breeze was cold, but it felt good on his overheated skin. Gourry had pushed him hard today, so hard that the old man had nearly thrown his back out. The swordsman was still in wonderful shape, but his fifty-something body couldn't take the kind of workout Gorran had experienced when he was just beginning his cirriculum.

"Aren't you cold?" a soft voice asked, its tones falling like snowflakes across his consciousness.

"No," he replied, opening his eyes and turning his head, resting his gaze upon the lovely young woman standing behind him. Her eyes were the blue of the deepest, clearest lakes, and most of her midnight hair was tucked up beneath a cap. She wouldn't wear a woman's bonnet, and so her hat was that of an old soldier. "Sitting in the snow feels good after practice."

"For a while," Kerra laughed, and the sound was so magical to him he blushed at its power. Even better was the fact that she didn't know how wonderful she was. "Then your rear gets cold, and you have to walk back in soaking leggings."

"I'll take that risk for the pleasure of the moment," he replied with a grin, showing off his perfectly straight, white teeth. Kerra had told him once that he had the most charming smile she knew of, and so he used it often in the hope it would work on her.

"You're too impulsive," she murmured, plopping down in the snow beside him. That was another thing he adored about her; she was a princess, but she didn't act like one. Her clothes were sensible and functional, of good quality but not showy. She carried herself well, but wasn't ostentatious in the least. In short, she was perfect, at least to him.

"I take care when it matters," he mumbled, staring out at the darkening sky. "How's Gourry?"

"Fine. Sylphiel put some ice on his shoulder."

"I shouldn't have pushed him so hard."

He felt her gloved hand on his coat, just over his wrist. Her dark gaze passed over him like liquid velvet, making him instantly warm in spite of the icy breeze. She squeezed his wrist and smiled, her pink lips turning up at the corners. Her tiny, rounded nose was running, he noticed, and she wiped it with the sleeve of her free hand. "It's all right," she whispered, leaning in to him slightly.

His heart immediately sped up and he took shallow breaths, trying to control the way his blood was coursing, searing, through his veins. He was thankful for the failing light, for maybe she would miss his blush. Dammit, he was so confident in all the other aspects of his life; why did he always turn into mush when he was around her? They had been friends forever, after all, and he knew her as well as he knew his own sister. Still, he had never caught himself staring at a girl's breasts like he stared at Kerra's, never wanted to run his hand along any other girl's hips. Even in her heavy winter clothes she was gorgeous, strong and vibrant. "Thanks," he mumbled, lips numb with emotion and cold.

Suddenly she leaned in, pressing warm lips to his frozen cheek. "Happy early birthday," she whispered, then silently rose and made her way back to the manor.

Gorran's face erupted in red, and he clasped his snowy mittens over his cheeks to cool them. He stood abruptly, hands still on face, and watched her disappear towards Gourry's house, transfixed. Tomorrow would be the best birthday he ever had.

He woke up the next morning to a soft knock on the door. "Wha?" he grumbled, raising his head off of the pillow with only one eye open.

"Happy birthday," a deep voice said, and he squinted at the figure standing there.

Gorran managed a smile. "Good morning, Mister Gourry," he replied, quickly sitting up and rubbing his face. "Am I late for breakfast?"

Gourry laughed, slowly walking into his room. The man had a slight hitch in his step, and Gorran knew the cold was getting to his mentor. "No, no," he chuckled, sitting on the bed next to the young man. "I just wanted to give you a present, that's all."

He had noticed the large, long box tucked under Gourry's arm, but the white braid of the man had obscured enough of it that he couldn't really tell what might be inside. "You didn't have to get me anything," he said, scratching his head.

The skin around Gourry's blue eyes crinkled in a grin. "You've been my student for so long that you're more like a son to me," he began. "It was because of you that I was able to get my best friend back, and even become friends with your dad. You made peace between us, which was a miracle. I love you, and to me you're family."

Gorran's ready smile broke easily across his face, despite how tired he was. "Oh, the pleasure's been all mine. You've been a wonderful teacher, and you and Miss Sylphiel are like family to me, too. My home away from home, if you will."

Gourry nodded his head, his smile fading. "Yes, it's been wonderful. Today you're of age, though, and I realized that you've never had a real weapon. A man should have a proper sword, don't you think?"

Gorran felt his fingertips and toes tingle with anticipation. His mom would kill him, but how could he refuse a wonderful gift like that? "Yes, I feel that's a sound opinion," he replied.

"Here," Gourry said, holding out the box. "Open it now, before your parents show up. I got a bird from Zel this morning saying they're almost here."

Gorran nodded and slid open the box. The object he pulled out was heavy in its cloth bag, a silk golden cord wrapped all the way around it. Unwinding the cord took some doing, but it was worth it when he slid the cloth aside and saw the shimmer of metal. The breath left his body as he grasped the wrapped leather grip, pulling out the most magnificent weapon he'd ever seen, one that had belonged to his mentor for as long as he could remember. "Scundabran," he breathed, amazed. "Mister Gourry, I can't accept this!"

Gourry chuckled again, brushing his white bangs out of his eyes. "You have to. None of my girls will have anything to do with it."

Gorran stood and slid the blade from its sheath, running a finger over the amurium veins embedded along the blade and tracing the runes etched there. "Wow," he breathed. "This is incredible. I don't know how to thank you for this."

Grunting as he stood, Gourry nodded and smiled. "You can thank me by using it to protect yourself and your family. It's a legendary blade, and it's the strongest sword on earth. I know you'll use it well. You have a strong arm and a good heart."

The young man quickly sheathed the sword and laid it on the bed, throwing his arms around Gourry and embracing him tightly. Gorran had grown to be the same height as his father, and as such was nearly a match for Gourry. The swordsman's strong arms encircled the boy and squeezed. They stood like that for a while, eyes shut tightly as emotion flowed between them. Gourry patted Gorran on the back, then pulled away. "See you at breakfast," he said gruffly, his voice thick. Gorran nodded and dressed as soon as Gourry left the room.

His new sword buckled at his side, Gorran ran downstairs, sliding into the kitchen. "Happy birthday," Sylphiel said as he bounded over to her, grinning as he pecked her on the cheek. "Your present will be ready in a moment."

"And it'll be the best ever," he replied, dashing outside. He knew his parents were close, and he wanted to watch them arrive.

"Jeez," he heard someone pant, and he turned around and saw Kerra jogging toward him. "You forgot your cloak, stupid," she said, tossing him the garment.

"Thanks!" Grabbing the cloak from the air, he wrapped it around him.

She stood next to him, rubbing her hands together. "Why'd your mom have to birth you in winter?" she growled.

"I think it's Dad's fault," he chuckled.

"Hey, is that what I think it is?"

He flashed her a smile, then flashed her the sword. "Yup."

"Wow!" she cried. "Can I hold it?"

"Sure." The metal gleamed as the pale winter sun caught it.

Kerra swung it in a slow arc, whistling beneath her breath. "Wow," she repeated, handing it back to him. "I'd hate to get on your bad side with that in your hands."

"You could never get on my bad side," he blurted, sheathing the weapon. "Besides, if I hurt you, I could always just heal you afterward."

"You're stronger than my mom or Sylphiel."

"And Aunt Filia told me she'd teach me some dragon spells, just to see if I could cast them."

"You can, I'm sure of it," she said, reaching for his wrist.

A sudden impulse seized him. It was his birthday, he was a man, and there was just one thing that could make his day more perfect. His hand caught her wrist and gently pulled her to him, his other hand rising to her cheek and brushing away stray strands of her raven tresses. "Kerra," he whispered, his temperature rising. His heart beat in his throat.

Her eyes were wide and sparkling, her cheeks pink and her full lips rounded in surprise. "Eh?"

If he hesitated he knew he would never do it. He had to do it, and so he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, gingerly at first, then with more confidence. A small sound escaped her, and she leaned against him, hands on his chest. Gorran accepted her weight and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, heart speeding in his chest, pounding as if it sought a way to break free of his ribs. Finally Kerra pulled away slightly, gasping, and he knew a moment of horror. What if he had done the wrong thing? What if she didn't feel that way about him?

"I'm sorry," he began, forehead creasing.

"No," she murmured, running her fingers through his hair and exposing the twin moles on his forehead to the cold.

"I-if you don't love me, I understand-"

"Happy birthday," she whispered, and stood on tiptoe to kiss him again. They stood there for quite some time, lost, when Gorran realized how much time had passed.

"They should almost be here," he said, stepping away from her and gripping her hand.

"Find them," she offered.

Gorran quickly drew some characters in the air, the magic tingling around him as a portion of air the size of a barrel lid solidified and became reflective. He sketched another character on the surface, and suddenly an image of his parents popped into view. "Lecia!" he cried aloud as he saw a slender, dark-haired woman walking alongside his mother. "She came!" Val was striding alongside her, hair cut short and golden eyes sparkling.

"Of course she did," Kerra growled, swatting him on the arm. "She loves you more than anything."

"Even Val?"

"Even Val," Kerra chuckled.

Gorran grinned and traced the runes in reverse, the mirror disappearing. "They should be here any minute," he chirped.

She nodded, eyes grave. "I wish you wouldn't use the runes so often. You can only call things by their true names so many times before they turn on you."

"It's fine," Gorran said. "As long as you don't tell my dad."

She sighed. "I won't. It's your birthday, after all."

He shrugged and tentatively took her hand, his heart soaring as she squeezed him back. They trudged through the snow toward the lane, watching for his family. She snuggled into his side, sliding a hand into his jacket.

"I've loved you forever," she whispered.

He grinned and kissed the top of her head, elated. It was the best day of his life. "I've loved you, too."

They stood, waiting and holding one another, until the silhouettes of people shadowed the far end of the lane. "Lecia!" he cried, releasing Kerra and running with all his might. One of the figures broke loose as well, and they met with a happy collision in the middle, Gorran scooping up his sister and swinging her in the air.

"Gorran!" she squealed, amethyst eyes glittering. "Put me down!"

"No! I'm a man now, and I can do what I want. I'm just getting you back for all those years you picked on me!"

"I didn't pick on you."

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too!"

"Oh my," a smooth voice said, sliding over his skin like silk, and he looked over Lecia's head and directly into his father's eyes. "No welcome for those who bore you, eh?"

Gorran winked at Lecia, then tackled his father in a bear hug. Lina chuckled, and he pulled her into the embrace as well, finally hugging Val and patting them on the back. "Guys, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend," he said, releasing them and taking Kerra by the hand.

"About time!" Lecia squealed, throwing her arms around her brother once more.

"What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely confused.

Lecia's amethyst eyes twinkled, strands of her dark hair floating in the air as a winter breeze passed by them. Her cheeks were pink with cold and her full lips parted in a brilliantly white smile. Gorran knew in his heart that no one was as lovely as his sister was. Men watched her wherever she went, drinking in the sight of her as if she was an oasis in the desert. However, he thought Kerra was nearly as pretty. She was definitely more real-looking, with her bottom teeth just barely not straight, and the way her smile was slightly crooked. Lecia was so beautiful she almost didn't seem human. Sometimes he wondered if he'd grown up with a goddess.

"Everyone knows that you've liked her for years," Lecia giggled, bringing him out of his reverie. "I'm so happy you finally got the guts to tell her."

"I knew anyway," Kerra said, squeezing his hand. "Gorran's never been good at deception."

"Which makes it a miracle I survived, in this family," he chuckled.

A firm hand rested on his shoulder, and he turned to look into his father's laughing eyes. "We should be going inside," he said. "Mister Gourry and Miss Sylphiel are most likely catching their death of cold, standing outside waiting for us."

"They should just go inside," Gorran grumbled.

"Love is sometimes stronger than sense," Xellos replied, glancing at Lina. Gorran was surprised that his father could still make his mother blush, and he wondered if he'd still have that effect on Kerra twenty years in the future. He had a pretty good feeling that if the next couple years went well, he'd ask her to be his wife.

"We should go," Lina interrupted, clearing her throat, and they all pushed through the snow to the manor house.

Gorran smiled, thrilled that Kerra stood beside him, arm around his waist as his parents were welcomed warmly by his surrogate parents. Xellos and Gourry embraced, laughing, then his father wrapped his arms around Sylphiel. Lina was stiff around Gourry at first, just like she always was, but he knew that in no time at all they'd be lifting their ale mugs in the air and going over old times. Over the years he had watched the two become close friends again, just as he heard they had been in their youth. Gorran, on the other hand, understood his father's love of domesticity. He hadn't inherited his mother's itch for adventure, although he had inherited many other things from her.

Val and Lecia chatted with the parents near the fireplace for some time, leaving Gorran to cuddle Kerra near a window, gazing at the snow-covered fields as night fell. Gourry's daughters had all been married off save for the youngest, Amaida, who was sitting quietly by the other adults. Kerra murmured that she was in love with Alfred, but while the young man seemed to enjoy the blonde girl's company, Gorran knew that the prince was still in love with Lecia. For some reason even his sister's long-standing relationship with Val hadn't convinced Alfred he didn't have a chance.

Sylphiel, Xellos, and Amaida had cooked Gorran a gigantic birthday dinner, complete with cake and pie. Xellos pulled an instrument out of nowhere, delighting the Gabrievs, although Gorran was long used to such "miracles." He sang a festive song in his clear tenor, and soon everyone was singing along. Kerra, her hand on his knee, beamed at him as she sang, and for a moment he felt all was right with his world.

It turned out he was far too excited to sleep. His first day as a legal adult had been wonderful, and he hoped the rest of his life would go as smoothly. He sat on the roof outside his window, watching the stars, a small barrier cast around him to keep out the cold. "Kiddo," he heard someone say, and looked up to see Lecia. "Let me in."

Gorran drew the proper runes and Lecia stepped inside the barrier, shedding her cloak as she sat next to him. "Hey," he said, watching her graceful movements.

"Happy birthday," she grinned, slugging him on the shoulder. "It's been a while."

"Six months," he replied.

"You grew up to be a good looking fella. I'm happy you found a girl you like."

"You found Val. Why shouldn't I find someone?"

She looped her arm around his neck and rubbed her knuckles against his scalp painfully. As always, he was surprised by her wiry strength. Her frame was slight, although not as slight as their mother's, and he squirmed as he inadvertently brushed up against her generous chest. He had grown to like girls' bodies, but his sister's always made him uncomfortable. It was strange, realizing his sister was actually a woman. "So, you slept with her yet?"

"No!" Gorran protested, scowling as he pushed her arm away. "I want to wait."

"For what? It's fun."

"For our future. Dad told me not to sleep with anyone until I was ready to have children, and I'm not ready yet."

"But if you don't, how will you know if you're compatible with the person you're with?"

"You just know. Besides, that's not something you have to worry about. You and Val can't have children."

Lecia broke out in a grin. "And that's the best!"

Gorran shrugged, hugging his knees to his chest. "Maybe. I think I might want them someday."

"Loser," she chuckled.

Gorran looked at his sister out of the corner of his eye. "Hey, do you think I'm special?"

She scowled, her fine, dark eyebrows drawing sharply downward. "Of course. Stupid question."

"I just wonder sometimes if this is all there is. I don't want to run all over the globe, but it'd be nice to be a hero or something."

Lecia grunted. "You are special. You're the son of the two most powerful magic-users on the planet. Your girlfriend is a princess. Your sword teacher is the most accomplished swordsman on the face of the planet. People would die to have your life."

"Still..."

She put her arm around his shoulders. "You're just starting to realize you could have a life, that's all. It'll come in time. Don't rush it. We only have so much life left."

He looked into her face and saw a strange melancholy there. "You really love Val, don't you?"

A sharp, single laugh escaped her. "So what if I do?"

"More than me?" he teased. He didn't like to see Lecia so serious.

"Nah, never more than you. You're my brother."

He studied her for a few more moments. "Is it because he'll live forever?"

"Thousands of years isn't forever."

"But it's longer than we'll live."

"I know," she murmured, "But there's nothing I can do about it."

They sat in silence for some time, staring at the sky as the clouds moved in front of the silvery sliver of moon. "I love Kerra, and she's my best friend, but you're still the one I tell everything to," he finally said, voice halting.

"You, too," she whispered. "But don't tell. I thought boys weren't supposed to get mushy."

"Unless you're Dad," he chuckled, and soon she joined him.

They sat for a few more moments, smiles on their faces. "I'm coming home in the spring," Lecia muttered. "Val's coming, too. I expect you to be there."

"I will. I can't wait until you come home."

He grinned, the warmth starting deep in his chest and spreading until it permeated his whole body. Lecia grinned back, and they leaned together, watching the sky late into the night. It was definitely the best birthday he ever had.