Hello all once again. Once again, I am dreadfully sorry that my progress is slow. However, I am happy to announce that I am drawing closer to finishing this fanfic (I'm not happy it's drawing to a close, I just am happy that I will soon have a completed work). Enjoy.

            Zelgadis snapped the leather spike wrist bracelets on, his heart beginning to race and pound hard in his chest, stomach turning at every movement, and a noticeable lack of oxygen from breathing too quickly was making his head spin.

            After the slap, half his problems seemed to vanish as he faced Lina.

            "Snap out of it," she scolded, "Damn, even I wasn't this nervous getting on stage the first time." She adjusted the black t-shirt that hung off of Zelgadis' shoulders, the fishnet on his arms, and grabbed his belt with a tug and dropped his pants further down his hips, "Looks good."

            "You don't have scars," Zelgadis mumbled. Though he knew she wouldn't buy the excuse, particularly with two minutes until they set up on stage, he used it anyway. Somewhere inside he felt a cramp when he said it, and he looked down. How pathetic.

            "But I have something you lack," Lina said as she combed the gold glitter into her hair and sprinkled it on her clothes, "confidence. Don't worry about it, and you'll do fine." She slapped her hand down on his shoulder, "Besides, I would worry more about Xellos than anyone else."

            Xellos, at the mention of his name, bounded over to them, "Someone call?" He was the lightest dressed of the group, wearing a storm gray silk button shirt over a black t-shirt, jet black dress pants, and black tennis shoes with white soles.

            "Yeah, we were just making fun of how badly you're going to crack tonight," Zelgadis jabbed.

            "Well, I don't know about myself, but unless you two can keep your hands off one another we'll be in for a short performance," Xellos retorted, making Lina punch him in the shoulder, "Hey, don't beat on the singer."

            "The longer you talk, the more sore your shoulder will be. Besides, as you can still sing, I don't see where the problem is." Lina laughed and patted him on the shoulder, "Don't worry Xellos, we still love you."

            "Tolerate you," Zelgadis insisted, grinning smugly at Xellos. Xellos looked at him for a moment, smiled back, and leapt forward, planting a kiss on his lips. Zelgadis stumbled back, and Xellos laughed as he dashed off to join the others.

            "Xellos!" Zelgadis spat, glaring angrily at the chuckling purple hair waving in retreat. He heard Lina laughing and turned an annoyed look to her. She slapped his shoulder.

            "Zel, the look on your face was priceless," Lina laughed, and then kissed him, smiling as she pulled away, "There, is that better?"

            Zelgadis blushed, being kissed in front of the band and picked up his guitar. The Explosion Array had invited them to come back, delighted that the band had a few new songs, plus their willingness to do "Dragon Slave" again. "I'm ready to do this."

            A stage crewmember came backstage, "Lord of Nightmares, get ready to come out." They nodded to him, and assembled.

            "Okay crew, we are going out there as if we were newbies again, only this time we've got an advisor's training," Lina said solemnly, "We have spent all this time and four hard days rehearsing and practicing. Let's do this."

            "I will admit, you guys had talent when you came to me for advice," Zelgadis said quietly, "Now, I think we're all ready to wow the fuck out of those people. Let's show them the power of Lord of Nightmares." He looked to Lina, who nodded, and then to the others, who responded the same and dispersed to retrieve their equipment. Lina picked up her guitar and crossed to Zelgadis, taking him by the arm and kissing him on the cheek.

            "Good luck."

            Zelgadis followed her to the right wing of the stage, taking a deep breath as the nervousness crept up his spine again. He bit his tongue to keep focused, and looked to Lina, who only nodded with encouragement.

            "Ladies and gentlemen, back by popular demand, Lord…of…Nightmares!" The announcer shouted into the microphone, a roar of applause and hooting drowning out the darkening stage. Once the lights had gone down completely, the band assembled onstage, the crowd letting out the occasional hoot or holler as the group set up, plugging in their guitars and instruments. Once they were set, Lina looked to Zelgadis, and whispered, "You can do this."

            Zelgadis swallowed and said, "Thanks," as Lina approached the microphone, "Be my guardian, my sword and guide."

            The lights came up, and Zelgadis struck the guitar strings as if it was an instinct, and he started the solo Lina had modified from his original idea. It felt as if the guitar were a living thing, an organism sharing his life force and serving as an extension of himself, and he closed his eyes to focus.

            He followed the notes, the world vanishing around him as he appeared alone in his cool darkness, the only response to his chords and plucks the echo of the blackness around him. He increased the intensity, the solo almost finished. He rocked and nodded as he built toward the peak, his stomach tightening and his lower lip quivering.

            Finally, he reached the peak. He struck the final chord, throwing his hand into the air. The chord floated for a moment, the darkness slowly fading and the warmth returning. He opened his eyes and looked out at the crowd.

            The crowd appeared as beasts broken free of their chains. Screams, hoots and hollers rolled over the band as Jiras pounded away on his drums and Lina started to sing the lyrics.

            "I stare into the coming storm, my broken body cannot fly."

            Xellos stepped forward, swallowing hard as he prepared to harmonize with Lina.

"Winds consume my body's form, pulled into the darkened sky."

Zelgadis stepped forward, looking out at the crowd as he readied his own voice, Xellos harmonizing with Lina while he brought in his own lyrics in response to them.

"And yet I'm not gone." Not while I watch over you.

"I feel I'm not alone." The dark will never take you!

After Zelgadis screamed into the microphone, he joined Xellos and Lina in singing the chorus.

"Be my sword, my bodyguard. Banish those who would oppose me. I will be your charge, hold to your side, your partner forevermore. Be…my…guardian."

They launched into an interval, Zelgadis hop-rocking in rhythm as the guitar lead him around the stage, Xellos rocking his shoulders as he stood at the microphone, and Lina swung hard, her hips gravitating dangerous, sultry, as they forced her body into a half-thrash spin.

Zelgadis kept his face calm, and yet he felt his stomach jump: he knew those wicked hips, and the fire they were attached to. No man or questionable woman in the room could deny the sharp twinge those hips caused.

Zelgadis built the melody back up again, and Lina brought herself to the microphone, holding it tightly against her form.

"Yet you stand there in defense, breaking darkness with your light."

Xellos joined her again, "I hear your voice calling me soft, holding me there with your might."

And Zelgadis started again.

"And yet I'm not gone." Not while I watch over you.

"With you I'm not alone." The dark will never take you!

And the trio continued with the chorus.

"Be my sword, my bodyguard. Banish those who would oppose me. I will be your charge, hold to your side, your partner forevermore. Be…my…guardian."

All the instruments dropped to a simple rhythm as the group stepped back from the microphone. Lina remained and swung her guitar around and started a solo. The rest of the band dropped out as she deftly executed the climbing and descending solo, which caused the crowd to shriek with approval. She spoke into the microphone.

"Okay people, listen up, I have two new members tonight. Some of you might know them out there, but regardless of that I want you to give them a warm welcome: Xellos on backup vocals."

The crowd cheered and Xellos bowed. Zelgadis looked on smiling and noticed Miwan in the crowd, who waved at them enthusiastically.

"And, introducing our newest guitarist, he's very talented, give it up for Zelgadis!"

The crowd hollered, and Zelgadis struck a few chords and did a rolling ascending/descending scale, then stepped forward to the microphone in synch with Xellos, and they continued, the lights all fading until only Lina was lit from above, casting shadows on her face.

"Take me in your warm embrace, let the night rush over us. Let me see you care, let me see you lust. You and I will remain, lovers matched in the stars. As long as you're with me, the future is ours."

The lights flashed on again, and they began the final verse.

"And yet I'm not gone." Not while I watch over you.

"With you I'm not alone." The dark will never take you!

"Be my sword, my bodyguard. Banish those who would oppose me. I will be your charge, hold to your side, your partner forevermore. Be…my…guardian!"

The band rolled off its best set of chords, drum finishes, and completed with a big chord. Zelgadis noticed only know how much each of them was sweating, all except for Xellos, who seemed immaculately cool and composed.

Lina bowed, and the band followed, the roar of the crowd drowning out everything else. The band unplugged their equipment, bowed one more time, and then started to drag their instruments offstage.

"Wow, that was tight!" Jiras remarked.

"I agree," a male voice in the darkness said. All of them looked. He was a handsome older man in his mid-twenties, golden-blond hair cut off at his shoulder and white suit pair with beige polo shirt, a confident and kindly smile on his lips. His only real contrasts were the silver hoop that hung from his left ear and the white tennis shoes he wore.

"Thank you," Lina responded, "Are you here with another band?"

The man shook his head, "No, I'm not with a band. My name is Milgasia Ryuzoku, recording talent scout for Dragon Valley Studios."

Zelgadis' jaw nearly popped, "Milgasia Ryuzoku, as in the guy who got Chimera a record contract with your company?"

Milgasia nodded, "I am that Milgasia."

"Holy shit!" Jiras nearly screamed, "You're from the big records."

Zelgadis could only nod. Dragon Valley Studios was one of the biggest corporate labels in the modern music industry, helping bands like Chimera get the leg-up they needed and supporting old bands like Shitenoe so they could continue to be great.

"But, why are you here?" Zangulus asked, "You weren't…"

"Listening to your band sir," Milgasia nodded, "Yes, Ms. Inverse, you and Lord of Nightmares have made some pretty large waves. We've even begun to hear about your band over in Kakato, where Dragon Valley Studios holds its corporate office."

"So, what does this visit mean," Zelgadis asked, "I don't mean to sound like a dick…"

"Yes you do," Lina poked.

"But if you just tell us we have a lot of talent, I will take this badly."

Milgasia smiled, "I had heard you were pretty to-the-point. Okay, to tell you why I am here. I am an agent sent to investigate potential talent for future labels. Due to the buzz about Lord of Nightmares, my boss sent me to find out what all the hype was about."

"And now that you've seen us?" Lina asked apprehensively.

"Well, I must say I am impressed," he chuckled, "I have seen a lot of bands in my life, and I can tell you that you are a very talented bunch. Now, I know that's not what you would like to hear Zelgadis, but that's the truth."

"Be serious," Zelgadis groaned. He was enjoying his performance, and this clown was ruining it for him.

"Which is why," Milgasia continued, "I would like to tell you that I am placing you on the priority list for a return visit, only this time with another recording agent to see if my boss would want to take you into a contract. Would you possibly have a demo disc?"

Lina looked around, "Um, no, not really but…"

"I do," Xellos piped up as he dashed over to his backpack, "Recorded it while we were practicing, but I think you can get the gist of what we sound like."

Milgasia took the disc, "Thank you. This will definitely help. Well, I wish you all a good night and, if you need to contact me," he pulled out a business card and handed it to Lina, "My number's on the card. Rest up, and enjoy your performance."

They all said their goodbyes as Milgasia disappeared, and finished packing their stuff. They hauled it outside, loaded it in the van, and slammed the double-doors shut.

"What do you make of the sudden appearance of Milgasia, Lina?" Jiras asked.

"I think it's a good omen," Lina commented, "You think so, Zel?"

"Well, it is a start," Zelgadis said, "But unless we hear from him I'm not getting my hopes up."

"Hey, quit being so gloomy," Lina said as she ran her hand across his back, "Let's go get some sleep. I promise you'll be good as new in the morning." At this she grabbed his butt.

            Zelgadis could only blink. It was no mystery that Lina was a passionate person, but how could she be ready to go again after only four days? He shrugged to himself; why should he complain? Most guys would die for a girlfriend like Lina.

            "Well, I guess I am kind of tired," Zelgadis mused, "Goodnight boys."

            "Goodnight Zel," Xellos said, then to Lina, "Don't keep him up all night."

            "Why not, tomorrow's when the weekend starts anyway? Don't worry Xellos, I won't break your little boy-toy."

            "What did you just…" Zelgadis started, but was silenced when Lina kissed him.

            "Oh hush, you know I wouldn't trade you to anyone for anything."

            "Except for a monster-sized ice cream sundae," Zelgadis poked.

            "True," Lina joked, then took his hand, "Come on, let's get back to your place."

            The car pulled into the garage, Rezo's car already parked. Zelgadis looked at it for a moment, and nodded.

            "Looks like he's finally here at a time when we are," he commented. Lina looked at the car as well, and also nodded.

            "Yep, looks like we'll have to be a little more careful, huh?"

            "Hardly Lina, I think he knows about us already."

            Lina blushed, and grinned coyly at her lap, "Yeah, after the time four days ago I guess it was no real secret, was it?"

            Zelgadis shook his head, "No, I think that made it pretty obvious to everyone else that we're having sex," he opened the car door, "Well, should we head inside?"

            Lina nodded, and she got out as well and followed him as he opened the door into the house.

            The two of them stopped dead though once they saw the scene inside. On the table were two candles blown out, the setup itself a very fancy meal for two, with an opened bottle of wine and two wineglasses mostly empty. Also, in a path leading to Rezo's closed door was a trail of clothing, shoes, socks, a blouse, Rezo's pants, and a pair of panties hanging from the door handle.

            "Um, well…" Zelgadis tried to explain what he was seeing, but failed to find the correct words to describe his confusion.

            "Maybe we should spend the night at my place, Zel," Lin suggested, "And leave Rezo to…yeah."

            Without another word, the two of them turned, closed the door behind them, got into Lina's car, and drove off to her house.

            Once they arrived at Lina's house, the two of them crept quietly to the door, which had a note taped on it.

            "What's this?" Lina asked as she tore the note off the door and read the note aloud:

Lina,

I hope the concert went well. It better have after all the money you've put into this and the amount of your music I've been subjected to.

Mom and Dad left again on a business trip, not expected back for a few days this time, so you know the drill about getting yourself up and motivated.

There're some leftovers in the fridge if you're hungry and some money on the table if it's early enough to order delivery.

Luna

P.S.: If your boyfriend is staying the night, try and keep it down, I have work in the morning. If I know you've come before the morning, I WILL SHOW NO MERCY!!

Zelgadis watched Lina shudder as she crumpled the note, "We'll have to be quiet, or else Luna will skin me alive."

"One question; how does she know when you're coming home?" Zelgadis asked. How could she, when neither of them talked to her before coming, and it wasn't like he was a common visitor at the Inverse residence?

"I don't know," Lina shook her head at she unlocked the door and let it swing open, "She just seems supernatural about it. She seems to be a monster, or a god."

"Must be hard," Zelgadis remarked as they stepped into the house.

"Shhh," Lina hushed him, putting a finger to his lips, and motioning for him to follow her. He only nodded and obeyed, following her to the basement stairs and descending without uttering a word.

"Is her hearing really that stupendous?" Zelgadis asked as they reached the last step, took a moment to look around, and followed her to her spool table.

"Better than you'd think with someone who listens to music louder than mine, particularly when she's trying to sleep." She turned on the radio, but turned it down to a whisper, which sang in a gentle French:

Voglio ballare per te amore

Voglio per la vita ballare con te

Voglio ballare per te amore

Per la vita voglio ballare

Con te

Per te

Sempre per la vita

Sempre per l'amor'

Ballare con te

Sempre per la vita

Sempre l'amor'

Ballare con te

Amore **

            "This is pretty," Zelgadis said, "Sounds like a dance song." Lina did not seem to hear him, gently swaying to the music, the sultry rhythm giving Lina a sudden energy that ebbed and flowed around her, reaching toward him like an intoxicating perfume.

            Lina danced over to him and hooked him around the waist, gently kissing him and urging him toward the bed. He followed, smiling expectantly, as the music put them in another time and place, surrounded by little more than the sands of time, wrapped in silken ecstasy as they made love.

            Afterward, Lina curled against Zelgadis, looking at his face. He looked back, the fire of her hair lying about in a tangled mess, her eyes content embers and the soft smile on her face making something in his heart grow warm as well.

            "How are you doing?" he asked.

            She nodded, "Fine Zel, why do you keep asking me, you were as gentle as you have been before?"

            "It's just that look in your eyes," Zelgadis noted, "It looks like you want me to get lost in them."

            "No, it's just that I like to look at you."

            "My scars too."

            "Like I care about that, Zel. Look, I know what you went through."

            "Do you?" Zelgadis asked, a tone of cold in his voice.

            Lina paused only momentarily, "No, I don't really know. But I want to see you get past it."

            "Who says I'm not?"

            "Zel, you obviously haven't, seeing how many times you keep coming back to those scars. At least tell me what it was like."

            "And would satisfy your curiosity, so that you could feel sympathetic toward my pain?" Zelgadis jabbed, suddenly feeling much more aware of his scars.

            Suddenly, Lina slapped him, hard enough to shock him angry, "Lina, what the fuck?"

            "Shut up and listen," Lina said as she pushed him back down, "I only hit you to get you into a state where you'll listen. You need to stop letting yourself sink into this stupid depression. You can never overcome this unless you step forward and face it. And besides, the man I care about wouldn't wallow here; he'd stand up and deal with it."

            For a moment Zelgadis prepared his retaliation and then saw the fire lit again in Lina's eyes, fire that instantly burned any weak resolve from him. She was mad, and he did not want to fight with her when she was this infuriated.

            "Now, please, I want to hear your story, no sympathy, just support."

            Zelgadis took a deep breath, trying to draw the wetness and cold back to himself, "Well, it was five years ago, if you remember. I was thirteen at the time, and my parents and I were driving home in a storm."

            "You used to live down the block from me," Lina said, "I remember that house; always nice and cozy-looking."

            "Right," Zelgadis said, "I remember that house too. I had a lot of memories there, like my tenth birthday party when my parents invited all the kids I was friends with, including you."

            Lina thought for a moment, "Oh yeah, wasn't that the year…"

            "You convinced me to torch my cake? Yep, that was the party." Zelgadis began to laugh, and Lina joined in.

            "We were pretty crazy then, weren't we Zel?"

            "Then, we're worse now," Zelgadis added, his laugh fading into nothing.

            "I'm sorry, continue," Lina encouraged.

            Zelgadis nodded and took another deep breath, "So we're driving through this storm, coming home. I was really tired; we had just come from a movie and dinner. I was starting to fall asleep and couldn't see out the windows. I had forgotten to put on my seatbelt."

            "Not the smartest of moves…" Lina nodded.

            "Suddenly, the car starts losing control. I was shook and rocked for about 15 seconds," a tear rolled down his cheek, "and then hit another car. I was thrown forward, bounced off of the dashboard and through the shattering windshield, hit the other vehicle, and bounced onto a nearby curb. Police officers were still trying to figure out how I didn't get turned into mush with those impacts."

            "With those hits, do you remember anything after that?"

            Zelgadis shook his head, "I don't know how long I was out, but it wasn't so long I didn't wake up to see it before the cops got there," he swallowed back a sob, "There I was on the concrete, turned around to face the wreck, the rain pouring down on me. Blood had run into one of my eyes, but I could see no movement from either vehicle, which at this point looked more like one car than two.

            "It was so cold and wet, I felt like I was dead. I watched the scene until I saw the flashing lights, and then I passed out. I was two weeks later I came to, though everyone insists I was awake within a few days. I just don't remember anything during those two weeks."

            Lina leaned against him, "My family came to see you. I made you a card so you would get well."

            "I remember the cards. I still have them," Zelgadis remarked, then continued, "Well, over the next two months I faced reconstructive surgery and therapy, both psychological and physical. After that, Rezo adopted me and accepted guardianship for me. The rest really is history."

            He looked to Lina, whose eyes had lost their fire and instead glowed with the warmth he'd seen earlier. She edged in closer to his body, warming it with her own, and he let her weight draw him down, the pain dissipating and sleep taking him as she whispered into his ear.

            "Let it past now, I am here. Sleep Zel, it can't reach you anymore. You'll be safe with me," Lina told him, then, as she fell asleep next to him, "Because I will protect you."