The readers behest of me, and I fulfill. Here's chapter 18; I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

            "Did he say what was going on?" Lina asked, her voice quivering with worry. Her hair was still a little wild, but she had ignored it after Zelgadis had gotten off the phone with Xellos.

            "No, all he said was that he wanted us to come over," Zelgadis shook his head, "And he wouldn't tell me anything otherwise."

            "Try using your cell phone again, maybe he'll answer this time."

            Zelgadis flipped out his cell phone and dialed, putting the phone to his ear. He heard the first ring.

            "Come on Xellos."

            Second ring.

            "Pick it up, damn you."

            Third ring.

            "Xellos, I mean it."

            Fourth ring.

            "Pick up!"

            Fifth ring.

            Zelgadis canceled the call, "He's not responding."

            "What do you mean 'scared'?" Zelgadis asked, a small warning crossing his mind. Xellos' tone of voice had his stomach turning. Something wasn't right, and it made his guts clench as he attempted to puzzle out what Xellos was saying.

            "I mean, I'm scared and I would like some company," Xellos replied shakily, "But, if you and Lina are too busy, I'm sure I'll get by otherwise. I just wanted some company." With that he had hung up, and Zelgadis felt a pinch inside.

            "We're leaving," he told Lina as he pulled his pants on.

            "Why, what's going on?"

            "Something's not right. We have to go see him," he pulled on a shirt, and he threw her underwear to her, "Dress in what you need, we're leaving as of now."

            "Do you think he's okay?" Lina inquired, her own thoughts floating to Xellos' sudden and unexpected call, one that had left Zelgadis so bothered that he'd dressed immediately after setting the phone down.

            "I hope so," Zelgadis said, his own mind awash with possible scenarios, "He better not have done anything stupid." He knew that was wishful thinking, though he wasn't sure how he knew. What lay in store for them when they got to Xellos' house, he wasn't sure, but he was sure what they would find wasn't going to be pleasant.

            "Do you think it has something to do with earlier today; maybe he's just having some bleeding he wasn't aware he was going to have, and that's what scared him?" Lina suggested, her own mind racing through a list of reasons why they shouldn't worry, that they were just overreacting to a little fright Xellos was having.

            "It could be," was all Zelgadis said, his mind hoping that she was right and that there really was nothing to worry about.

            The rest of the trip was silence, even as they pulled up to the open front door of 2190 Astral Break Boulevard.

            "The door's open," Lina noted as she turned to Zelgadis and shut off the car. Zelgadis only nodded.

            "Let's go, Lina." Zelgadis opened the seatbelt and flung the car door open. He came around the car, meeting Lina as she got out, and continued his beeline into Xellos' house, techno softly thumping through the house:

            Deep in my heart, I feel it frozen still

            You left and placed a chill in my heart

            Deep in my heart, I swear it's open wide

            A thorn is in my side 'cause of you…*

            "Xellos!" Zelgadis called, moving into the kitchen. Pots, pans, and a broken glass littered the floor, and several utensils were scattered across the counter.

            "Xellos!" he heard Lina call from the foyer and head up the staircase. He stepped over the broken glass and around the island counter, his eyes searching for any sign as to Xellos' location. He saw Xellos' shoes and a pile of clothes lying on the floor near the door leading to the porch, one shoe flipped on its side, almost comical in its position.

            "Xellos," he called again as he crossed to the pile of clothes, the only thing not in the pile Xellos' boxer shorts. He looked outside through the glass and saw the porch light on, the small Jacuzzi Xellos' parents owned running and several towels set on its side.

            "Zel, He's not up here," Lina called down from the top of the stairs.

            "I think he went outside," Zelgadis shouted back, "I'm going to check it out."

            Zelgadis turned to open the door and fell, the sight of Xellos standing on the other side of the door, heavily shadowed and dripping wet, his flesh even paler than normal.

            "Fuck Xellos, don't scare me like that," Zelgadis started, then noticed Xellos hugging himself tightly with a towel in one arm as he opened the door and stepped slowly inside, his stride wobbly as he planted his feet. His hair, soaked and hanging in disheveled strands about his face, concealed his eyes and showed only the quivering grim expression on his lips. Zelgadis also looked at the drips collecting on the floor in a pink puddle.

            "I'm sorry Zel, but I tried to stop it," Xellos started to cry, "After it started, I tried to stop it, but it just keeps coming." He pulled away the towel and few dark drops of crimson fell from his forearms, "And I wanted to be clean by the time you and Lina got here, immaculate me."

            "Oh fuck," Zelgadis uttered, "Lina, get in here!" He got up and crossed to Xellos, who fell into his arms, his skin growing colder by the moment and the towel falling onto the floor, "What the hell were you thinking?" Zelgadis cursed, tears coming to his eyes, "Fucking idiot."

He sat Xellos down in a nearby chair and looked at Xellos' wrists. The cuts were deep enough to open the veins and arteries, but he had cut horizontally. Zelgadis thought back to the days when he had considered doing the same, and he shook his head, "Thankfully you didn't do it right."

"Zel, what the fu--?" Lina started, saw Xellos, and lost her words for a moment, "Zel, we need to get him to a hospital."

"Lina, go start the car and come back; I'm going to need help carrying him." Lina only nodded and ran from the kitchen, and Zelgadis grabbed Xellos' jeans and shirt, pulling them onto Xellos, who grew more limp by the minute.

"Stay with me Xellos," he encouraged, Xellos moving to help Zelgadis get his clothes on.

"I was stupid, wasn't I Zel?" Xellos whimpered, "I thought no one cared anymore, that you and Lina would finish goofing around before you came to find me long gone. But I was wrong, you've come and now you're saving me." Tears rolled down his face as he looked to Zelgadis, "Don't tell Miwan about this, please, he'd get pissed at me." He smiled, "I know now that I have true friends. I love you and Lina, Zel."

"I know you do," Zelgadis answered as Lina came dashing back into the kitchen, "Lina, get the doors for me while I carry him out." He picked up Xellos and started to carry him, Xellos gently wrapping his arms around Zelgadis' neck.

"I'm sorry you have to play the knight again Zel," Xellos sobbed, "But thank you to both of you."

"That's just fine Xellos," Zelgadis assured him, "Just keep talking to me. I don't care what, just keep talking." He could feel the blood from Xellos' wrists cooling, becoming somewhat sticky before hardening against his clothes and skin. Its feel brought him back to the car accident, and he shuddered.

Lina held the car door open for them and pulled the seat forward so Zelgadis could hold him in the back. Zelgadis eased in first, Lina holding onto Xellos until Zelgadis was comfortable, then lowering Xellos into Zelgadis' lap.

Lina slammed the door and ran to the other side, cranking the car into high gear and racing it out of the driveway and down the road toward the nearest hospital.

Xellos smirked, "Guess I really fucked up this time."

Zelgadis shook his head, "You're going to be fine, Xellos, don't talk like that. Hey, I have a question for you."

"Oh?"

"Yeah: When you kissed me on Halloween, what was that about?"

"He kissed you?" Lina asked, shock in her voice.

"Yes Lina, I did kiss him," Xellos admitted, "I wanted to see how he would react; I've always had a little crush on you Zel, though I knew you weren't like that. But just for kicks and a little self-satisfaction, I decided to kiss you and see what it was like. I already had my eye on Miwan, but I wanted to be sure there was nothing with you. I hope you can forgive me."

"Forgive you for what?" Zelgadis asked, "I will admit, I was a little taken by surprise, but I wasn't insulted. And though I'm not into guys, I do appreciate the compliment. Don't worry, I'm not offended."

"That's good," Xellos said, his smile getting weaker.

            "Zelgadis locked lips with Xellos?" Lina mused, "Now I know I'm in over my head. Hey Xellos, you keep your hands off of Zel; he's mine."

            Xellos chuckled, "I know, Lina. It doesn't mean I can't admire that ass of his." Xellos paused and his smile faded, "Zel, I'm getting cold, is that a bad thing?"

            Zelgadis hugged him tightly, trying to share his body heat, "Lina, crank your heater. I know it's going to boil, but we need to keep him warm."

            "On it," Lina confirmed as she switched the fan and heater on full blast, "We're almost there; hang in there Xellos."

              "I'll lie if you don't mind," Xellos said, his voice nearly a whisper as he closed his eyes.

            "Xellos, don't you fucking fall asleep," Zelgadis cursed as he shook Xellos, who didn't respond, "Xellos. Xellos? Xellos!"

            Xellos' eyes fluttered open, "Zel, I'm sorry, I keep getting tired."

            "Stay with me," Zelgadis cursed, "Keep talking to me."

            "I will try," Xellos, said, "Zelgadis, if I don't make it, apologize to Miwan for me."

            "You're going to make it," Zelgadis reassured, "Just keep talking."

            The radio still was running, and a soft guitar solo floated across the air:

            When I was young I knew everything

            And she a punk who rarely ever took advise

            Now I'm guilt stricken, sobbing, with me head on the floor

            Stop of baby's breath and a shoe full of rice

            I can't be held responsible

            Cause she was touching her face

            I won't be held responsible

            She fell in love in the first place

            For the life of me I cannot remember

            What made us think that we were wise and we'd never compromise

            For the life of me I cannot believe we'd ever die for these sins

            We were merely freshmen…*2

            Lina pulled up the hospital, blazing a path to the emergency room doors. Zelgadis threw open the door, and Lina ran around to help Zelgadis get Xellos out. Once outside the car, Zelgadis picked up Xellos and rushed to the doors, panic beginning to take over as he realized Xellos hadn't spoken since the song started.

            "Someone help me, we need a doctor here!"

            Zelgadis looked up at the clock, the blood on his clothes and body dried for nearly an hour now. Lina hugged him, though he knew she was worrying as well.

            "Why, why did it have to come to this?" Zelgadis moaned.

            "Zel, we can't figure out exactly why, we can only accept it and…"

            "I know what this is about," Zelgadis replied darkly, "It's that asshole son of a bitch Valgarv! He was harassing Xellos before this, and now look where it lead."

            "Yes, Valgarv was one of the reasons, but there's nothing we can do about him. I hate him for this as much as you do, but right now we need to focus on Xellos."

            "Um, excuse me," a timid voice spoke up, "Mr. Zelgadis, Miss Lina?"

            They looked up and saw Miwan, hair briskly brushed to keep from looking too tussled and deep lines of worry on his face. He kept wringing his hands and tears kept rolling down his cheeks.

            Lina got up and crossed to him, giving him a big hug.

            "Is he okay?"

            "We don't know yet Miwan," Zelgadis spoke curtly, "We have to wait until the doctor comes to talk with us."

            "Zel," Lina scolded, "Watch your tone. I know you're mad, but don't take it out on Miwan."

            Zelgadis looked to her, a comeback prepared, but stopped himself short as he realized that she was right, that he had let his anger take him too far. With a sigh he lowered his head, "I'm sorry Miwan, I guess I'm just getting all emotional about this. I didn't mean to snap at you."

            "I know, Mr. Zelgadis," Miwan nodded, "I understand how angry you must be."

            "Damn that Valgarv," Zelgadis muttered, "If it weren't for him, none of this would've happened."

            "Zelgadis, calm down," Lina warned, "You're letting your temper get out of control."

            "So what!" Zelgadis snapped, "Why can't I get pissed…"

            Lina slapped him, the sting causing him to reorient by looking to the floor.

            "That's why I'm not letting you get pissed off, because then you start losing it and that's a dangerous thing for all of us, Valgarv in particular. Like I said before, I hate the asshole too, but now is not the time or the place to worry about him. Xellos is in there right now, and that's who we should be worrying about right now." Lina knelt in front of Zelgadis, gently stroking his cheek, "I'm sorry if I hurt you, but sometimes that's what is needed to get your attention."

            Zelgadis looked into her eyes, the burn of anger subsiding, "Eh, I'm alright. Thanks for getting me to snap out of it."

            "That's one of things I'm here for," Lina smiled.

            A doctor came down the hall, his face serious and relaxed as he approached them.

            "Zelgadis Graywords, Lina Inverse?" the doctor inquired.

            "We are," Zelgadis responded as he stood, then apprehensively "How is he?"

            The doctor sighed, "Well, he lost a lot of blood, and those cuts were dangerously deep, but it looks like he's going to pull through. Are you two relatives of his?

            "No," Zelgadis admitted.

            "No," Lina said likewise.

            "Do either of you know how to contact his family at all?"

            "They won't be back for months," Miwan spoke up, "Sir, if it is a matter of taking him home and caring for him I can take him home. My mother and I would be more than able to take care of him."

            "Well, someone is going to have to look after him for a while, make sure he rests and heals for a while, and also keep him company so we don't get a repeat of this."

            "If that doesn't work Miwan, I could take care of him," Zelgadis suggested, "I have a week off of school as it is, and I'm sure I could talk Rezo into letting me stay at school. And you can come and help me out after school."

            "We'll figure that out it in a little bit," Lina said, "Doctor, may we see him?"

            The doctor nodded, "Follow me and I will take you to him." The group followed him down a small maze of hallways to a small room with the curtains open, allowing for the sinking sun to cast its rays upon Xellos, who lay in bed looking cleaner and more alert than before.

            "Hey there," Zelgadis said, "Look who's sitting pretty now."

            Xellos turned to look at them and smiled, laughing weakly, "Guess you're stuck with me." He noticed Miwan, and his smile disappeared, "I thought I asked you not to let Miwan know."

            "I know you asked me to leave him out of this," Zelgadis replied, "But do you think I honestly could have kept this from him?"

            "I guess not."

            "So, while you were busy playing patient I called him and let him know what was going on."

            "Xellos," Miwan said as he stepped forward, "Why?"

            "Um, Zelgadis and I are going to wait outside the room until you two are done talking," Lina said as she hooked her arm in Zelgadis' and led him from the room, "Give them some private time to talk."

            As they walked out of the room, Zelgadis stopped, "Wait a sec, I forgot to call Rezo." He fumbled with the cell phone and clicked it on. Almost immediately the cell phone rang. Zelgadis jumped for a moment and then answered the call.

            "Hello?"

            "Zelgadis, where in the hell are you?" Rezo angered voice came over the receiver.

            "Atlas Heights Community Hospital."

            "The hospital?" Rezo's voice was almost thundering with worry, "Are you and Lina alright?"

            "Yeah Rezo, we're fine. Xellos tried to injure himself, but he called us over to pick him up and take him to the hospital. Everything's alright."

            "I'll be there in a few minutes. Don't leave, okay?"

            "Alright, alright Rezo, we'll stay where we are." He hung up, and he looked to Lina, "Rezo's coming. Looks like we're not going anywhere."

            "Oh, I'm sure Xellos isn't going to mind," Lina said as she gently nudged Zelgadis with her elbow. He looked and watched as Miwan kissed Xellos on the cheek, hugged him, and motioned for them to come back inside. Tears streaked Miwan's cheeks, but he was smiling and Xellos had a grin as well.

            "Hey, it looks like I'm still in the game, huh?" Xellos poked, "Guess you have to put up with me for a while longer, Zel."

            Zelgadis crossed to Xellos and patted him on the shoulder, "Yeah, I guess I'm going to have to tolerate you for a while longer. We need you to get better; hiring a scapegoat's just no fun."

            Xellos chuckled, "You're getting sharper, Zel, but a blade's useless unless you know how to use it."

            "Who says I need an edge?"

            "Well, it's obvious from where I'm standing."

            "Standing," Lina mocked, "You're lying down."

            Xellos chuckled again, "You should take lessons from Lina, Zel. She knows her jokes."

            Zelgadis shook his head; despite everything that was happening, Xellos had been able to maintain an incredible amount of control, "Welcome back to the world of the living. Now that you have killing yourself out of your head you can move on, get better, and get back to harassing me and Lina again."

            "I look forward to that," Xellos grinned, "By the way, you still have a nice ass. Frankly Lina, I'm jealous."

            "Keep talking like that, and you'll be here longer," Lina threatened as she took a hold of Zelgadis' butt, "This is my ass, and you can't have it."

            "That's okay," Xellos laughed as he pointed to Miwan, "That's my ass."

            "Xellos!" Miwan squeaked as he came over and swatted the back of Xellos' head. Xellos' laughter caught on, and soon the whole room was shaking with the sounds of friends much relieved.

            Xellos let the laughter die down, and then his smile softened as he looked about at everyone, "But seriously everyone, thank you, you know, for everything."

            "That's what friends and boyfriends are for," Lina winked, "Now get your ass healed; we need you for the fearsome foursome at school and that voice of yours on stage."

            "Fearsome foursome? Sounds kinky," Xellos poked, "Hey Miwan, what do you think? Lina Zel, you, and…"

            "Xellos!" Miwan blushed, and the room shook again with laughter.

            Zelgadis looked at Xellos, and a kind of silent communication went on between them, reassuring one another that it wasn't the end, and that things were just getting good. With the tragedy averted, Zelgadis laughed a little harder, knowing that things could only get better from here.