Chapter 7: Purpose
Lina sat on the steps of the mountain path, listening to the soft tinkling of the chimes in the ever-present breeze. Swirling fog rolled around the mountain a few hundred feet below, making it seem as though the Mount Taikyoku itself was floating through the sky. Altogether, it was breathtakingly beautiful, a sight rarely enjoyed by mortal eyes. But Lina wasn't feeling particularly moved. She was too busy thinking about Amelia, not only about the horrible experience she had lived through, but also why she hadn't heard her friend's cries for help.
I could have sworn Amelia managed to reach me while I was here, Lina thought, furrowing her forehead. What was different this time? Why couldn't I hear her? She studied the cuffs of her boots, turning the problem over in her mind. She remembered Filia's words the first time she had made the journey back. "Focus on that which connects you to your world…" What connected Amelia to our world?
With a gasp, she sat up, realization dawning. "The uniforms!" she said out loud, letting out a long groan of frustration. "Oh… how could I be so stupid?" she yelled angrily.
"Lina?" Zelgadis' worried voice came to her as he approached. "What are you talking about? What happened?" he said, settling down on the steps next to her.
Lina shot him an appreciative smile, then focused her gaze on the swirling mists below. "I just realized what a total idiot I was," she said, depressed. "I broke the link with Amelia when I got home without even realizing it," she said. "I should have figured out something was wrong when I learned about the time difference!"
Zelgadis scratched his head. "Time difference?" he asked her. "What time difference?"
Lina turned to him slightly. "That's right, you don't know, do you? Time passes more slowly in my world than in yours. I don't know how long I was gone from here, but it was only a few hours back in my world."
Zelgadis looked at her in surprise. "You've been gone for almost a month, Lina. The others didn't think you would come back. Neither did I, actually," he added quietly, reaching for her hand and squeezing it.
She allowed him to do so, but continued to stare listlessly at the mists below. "Zel, about Amelia… she was… something really bad happened," she said, finally. "In a way it's my fault! I could have saved her if I just hadn't taken off my uniform!"
Zelgadis tried to pull her into his embrace, but she flinched away. "Lina?" he asked, worried.
"I know what you're trying to do, Zel, but I just need a few more moments to think, okay?" she said, rubbing her temple. "Just go back to the others and tell them I'm fine, I'll come in soon." she said. Zelgadis nodded mutely and stood up. She watched him go, and then turned back to the scenery.
Moments later, a hand descended on her shoulder. "Lina," came Filia's soft voice.
"I thought I told Zel to tell you I was fine," she said curtly. "Go away."
The hand dropped from her shoulder, but Filia didn't return to the temple. Her voice took on a harder edge when she next spoke. "Lina Inverse, you can sulk out here as much as you like, but it's not going to solve any of your problems," she chided.
Lina turned around, her eyebrows raised. "Sulk?" she said incredulously. "What do you know? Amelia's not your friend!" she shot back heatedly.
Filia ignored Lina's outburst and studied the mists that Lina had been gazing at. "It's easy to forget about the rest of the world up here," she said. "To remove yourself from the problems and concerns of the people below." A soft breeze blew by, stirring the clouds below. "I live here because my power is great, Lina. Too great to allow it to be misused by the mortal world," she said. "I can't allow myself to interfere with the realm of mankind." Filia extended her arm over the mists. "But you, my girl, are another matter."
The mists below began to swirl violently and take form as Filia stared at them, suddenly parting and revealing images below like a magical projection screen. Lina watched in surprise, her mouth dropping open. She glanced at Filia, asking "What are you doing?"
Filia kept her arm outstretched. "Look into the mists, Lina." she instructed. "You must see!"
Complying, Lina studied the images that slowly flickered into shape below. She recognized the buildings as they solidified into view. "Sairoon!" she said. "But… what's happening to it?" she asked slowly.
The city began to crumble, flames rising from the rooftops. The smell of smoke wafted up to them, as well as the faint sounds of screams. The image flickered, and Lina saw Gourry, dressed in full armor, wielding his sword. His face was streaked and dirty, and he looked weary. He turned and yelled something to the men following behind him, and they charged forward. Lina gasped as the scene shifted, revealing the bedraggled Sairoon army's opponents. "Elmekia!" she cried, seeing the blue dragon's standard flying above the rows of troops. And they seemed endless… it was obvious that Gourry and his army didn't stand a chance. "No!" she cried. "Gourry! Is this happening right now?"
Filia waved her hand, and abruptly the mists swirled and the vision vanished. "Watch," the blonde commanded, unmoving.
Once again the clouds rolled back, and this time, when the mists parted, she saw Amelia. She was dressed in exquisite blue robes, and wore a jewelled crown on her head. As the image solidified, Lina realized that she was standing in the company of the great Elmekian army, somewhere towards the back. Behind her a tall figure emerged out of the darkness. "Rezo!" Lina breathed, her eyes narrowing. The blind sage put his arm on Amelia's shoulder, and leaning down, whispered something to her. Blindly, Amelia nodded at him, her eyes unfocused, and then lifted her arms to the sky. An unearthly blue light burst forth from her, and behind her, Rezo began to laugh. As the light faded from Amelia's body, she collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Rezo's form seemed to grow taller, then, and darker, and the sound of his sinister laughter echoed off the mountain walls. "No! Amelia!" cried Lina, as the mists rose once again and the image disappeared.
She turned quickly towards Filia, who had finally lowered her arm. "Is this what's going to happen here? Did you show me the future?" she asked, her eyes wide.
Filia shook her head, clasping her hands before her. "It's the future that will occur if you remain here sulking, Lina." she said. "But you can change this future if you choose."
Lina stood up, facing Filia. "But how? What can I do?" she said bitterly.
Filia smiled, and pointed once more at the mists. Lina turned and looked, and her breath caught in her throat. A red glow rose out of the valley below, and this time, the mists didn't part. They rose to meet her, twisting and shaping into a solid form as they came out of the valley. Lina took an involuntary step backwards, covering her eyes as the creature blasted past her and high up into the sky above, spreading its fiery wings. The phoenix shrieked loudly, circling overhead, and then dove towards her. She stared up at it, transfixed, as its eyes locked on her.
Release me, Priestess!
With a burst of red light, the vision exploded around her, turning into tendrils of mist that drifted lazily to the ground before dissipating. Lina stood there, for a few moments, frozen to the spot.
"Do you understand now, Lina?" came Filia's voice. "Do you know what you must do?"
Lina straightened, rubbing her eyes. "C-Cephied," she finally managed to stammer. "Why did you show me Cephied like that?" she asked, turning to Filia.
The mysterious blonde just shook her head. "I didn't create anything that time, Lina," she said with a smile. "Return to the temple when you are ready." The mystic quietly stepped back towards the mountain path.
Lina stood for a moment thoughtfully, and then quickly cried out to Filia. "Hey! Wait a second! You said you couldn't interfere with the mortal world! Why are you helping me?"
Filia paused, and turned slightly. "I suppose that overused adage of my best pupil would be the appropriate answer now," she said with a tiny smile.
Lina stared at the Filia then, an amused grin finally returning to her face. "Fine, keep your secrets, Filia. I'll come back in a little while." And with that she turned to face the mists.
- x – x – x -
The capital of Elmekia was in an uproar. Not only was the Imperial Palace invaded, but the temple of Shabranigdu had been destroyed as well. Amelia had chosen to keep to her quarters during this time, claiming that she felt ill. This was not particularly false, as she did feel listless and depressed. But more than that, the there was a tangible feeling of ill-will towards her in the court, and Rezo had suggested that she remain away from the Emperor's chubby fingers.
"It's not fair," she said to herself. "I'm the one who's trying to seek justice! Why do I have to stay in here?" she whined to herself, pacing the confines of her room. A breeze stirred through the room, and she jumped as she heard a low chuckle. "Rezo!" Amelia said, turning quickly and shivering. "Why can't you use the door like a normal person?" she asked him as he stepped out of the shadows, staff in hand.
"Lady Amelia," he said, bowing to her. "I was concerned as to your welfare and came to check on you," he said, straightening.
She turned and crossed her arms over her chest. "Have you found out where they went?" she asked him, knowing that he would understand.
"I haven't yet," he said, a frown flitting across his otherwise impassive face. "I underestimated the powers of Cephied's celestial warriors. I assure you, it won't happen again."
Amelia threw herself onto the bed, face down. "Ohh!" She muffled her scream in the pillow. "How am I supposed to make Lina answer for all the things she's done if I can't even find her?" she cried, exasperated.
"Maybe it's time for you to take a more active role in finding this justice you seek," Rezo said, watching her.
Amelia raised her head from the pillow and regarded him. "More active? What do you mean?" she asked.
"I've taken the liberty of beginning the search for the remaining four celestial warriors of Shabranigdu," he said. "Undoubtedly your 'friend' is doing the same," he added.
Amelia's eyes widened. "She wouldn't… she told me she didn't want to summon Cephied!" the young girl cried, balling her hands into fists.
"And you trust her?" came Rezo's reply, his face impassive.
Amelia looked down at the pillow clutched in her hands. Sighing, she nodded slowly. "You're right… I can't stay in here forever, pouting and hiding from the emperor."
Rezo smiled at her then, sightlessly as ever. "Excellent, my Lady." he said. "The Priestess of Cephied will most likely return to Sairoon to report to that imbecile of an emperor. Our spies within their court will act quickly when that happens," he said.
"Lina's got to live!" Amelia interrupted him quickly. "Don't forget that! She and Zelgadis have got to live," she said firmly.
Rezo paused, then said "Of course, my Lady. As you wish. But why do you want me to spare the boy?" he asked in irritation.
"He's important to her." Amelia's eyes narrowed. "I want her to know what it feels like to lose him!" she said angrily, her eyes watering.
Rezo watched her with his shut eyes. Then he nodded his assent. "Very well, my lady, if you want the boy that badly, I will present him to you as a gift," he said.
Amelia whirled around in surprise. "What?" she yelled, her cheeks reddening. But all she saw was the stirring of the curtains in the phantom breeze. Rezo was gone.
- x – x – x -
In the real world, Gracia had managed to crumple her sunglasses from the amount of head-grabbing she had been doing as she read the book. The few people rounding the corner to the reading room quickly left again as they took in her dishevelled appearance, whispering to themselves about college drug addiction. Gracia wasn't particularly concerned, however, as her eyes were glued to the book.
"Amelia!" she exclaimed with a groan. "How can you be so gullible?" Naga pounded the table. "How can you manage to take a bad situation and make it worse?" she said, sitting back in the chair and rubbing her eyes.
Looking up towards the clock, she saw that the library would be closing soon. Briefly, she considered telephoning her father, then discarded the idea. He'd never believe her, and even if she did, she wasn't sure he'd be able to handle the idea of his baby being kidnapped and mishandled in ancient China. And dad certainly won't worry about me staying out late, though Gracia to herself with a smirk.
A feeling of guilt washed over her then, as she considered her dysfunctional family. After mom died, we just sort of fell apart. Dad threw himself into work, and I… I guess I was never there for her, either. She sighed to herself. "Amelia," she said out loud to the book, her blue eyes clouding over. "Was Lina really the only family you had these past four years?" She brushed a hand through her hair wearily. "This family is a real magnet for trouble," she mumbled. Picking up the book, she looked at the letters forming before her. "I promise, brat, if you make it back, I'll start being a real sister to you. Just come back. Lina, you've got to bring her back!" she whispered desperately, and began to read once more.
- x – x – x -
Lina, Zelgadis and Xellos took their leave of Mount Taikyoku the next morning. Before Filia saw them off, she handed Lina a large satchel.
"What's this?" Lina had asked as she accepted the package.
"It's my special tea," Filia had said with a smile. "Drink it when you need guidance, and it will show you what you need to see."
Xellos had interrupted then, smiling and waving his finger. "It will also show you what you want to see when you don't need guidance, so—"
Filia's descending mace had quickly silenced him, as she finished his sentence. "So don't share any of it with this piece of trash!" she growled.
When Xellos had finally recovered enough to stand, he had teleported them back to Sairoon, where they had been received at the palace with confusion and relief. Introductions were made, and soon after the party had split, Lina claiming hunger as a reason. Xellos had disappeared after discovering that Gourry was too dense to respond violently to his teasing, and Sylphiel had worriedly begun to ask after the magician's health.
This left Zelgadis wandering around the palace by himself, and after a moment of consideration, he decided to seek out Lina and talk with her. She was, as he suspected, in the dining room, gorging herself on the best 'snack' the Imperial Court could provide. "I can't believe someone as small as you can pack it away like that," he observed as he entered the hall.
Lina looked up from the table and pointed a fork at Zelgadis. He smirked as she gestured at him wildly, and finally, she swallowed and took a large drink of water. "Who're you calling small?" she said, stabbing into another piece of ham angrily.
"You!" he said, turning a chair backwards and seating himself across from her. He rested his chin on his arms and watched her eat.
Lina soon felt self-conscious, and after swallowing her next bite, shot him a hard look. "What?"
"It's just fun to watch you eat," he observed. "Although it's more entertaining when Gourry is here too," he added. "Sometimes I pick up new fighting moves when you two argue over the last morsel."
Lina rolled her eyes at him and pushed her plate back. "Well, sorry to disappoint, but the show's over," she said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "So what's up?" she asked him.
Zelgadis shrugged slightly. "I was going to ask you the same thing," he said. "Filia gave you that tea for a reason. What are you planning on doing next?"
Lina put her hand in her chin and stared back at him. He looks really cute sitting there, she thought to herself. Catching herself staring, she blushed slightly and spoke quickly. "Well, I seem to recall something about Sairoon needing a Priestess, so I thought I'd put myself back in the market," she said with a grin.
Zelgadis raised his eyebrow. "You're going to do it then?"
Lina nodded at him. "I haven't told Gourry yet, I thought I'd bring it up at lunch when we were all together."
Zelgadis felt a sweatdrop forming on his forehead. "But you just ate!" he said, looking at the table.
Lina huffed slightly, pushing her chair back and standing up. "I'm a growing girl, I've got to keep my strength up!" She patted Filia's satchel, which she had attached to her belt. "Besides, if I want to find the last Celestial warrior, I'm going to need to use this. It's potent stuff, so I hope that full stomach will make it a little easier to handle," she explained.
Zelgadis stood up with her. "Considering the rate that you eat, Lina, I doubt that'll make a difference." She elbowed him in the side, then winced and rolled her eyes as he smirked at her. Together, they stepped out of the hall.
The mid-morning sunlight scattered random patterns across the wooden planks of the floor as they strolled down the balcony leading to the guest quarters. "Lina," Zelgadis said eventually, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about."
Lina sighed slightly, feeling a blush rising to her face. "Do we have to discuss that right now, Zel? It's been such a good morning so far," she said.
Zelgadis frowned slightly. "And talking about it would make it a bad morning?" he grumbled in annoyance. "Lina, I don't think either of us can ignore what we said in Elmekia."
Lina flinched slightly, and stopped. "Why can't we, Zel?" She turned and faced him. "Listen, a lot of stuff has happened since then. Do you really think it's a good idea for us to get together, now that you know I'm going to be the Priestess?"
Zelgadis' face had turned stonier than normal as she said this. "What's going on between us, Lina?" he asked her, his brows lowering. "I don't just go around to every pretty girl I meet and tell them I'm in love," he said angrily. "And now you just want to forget all that, and pretend nothing happened? That's bullshit!" he growled.
Lina blushed as he said that, refusing to meet his eyes. "There's nothing between us, Zel," she said. Feeling his unrelenting stare, her anger flared up and gladly, she threw it between them as if it were a shield. "I lied, alright? I don't like you, not that way," she said hastily. "We're just friends. I can't help it if you want to misinterpret our friendship just because no girl ever showed an interest in you before," she said flippantly, and turned to continue down the walkway.
Zelgadis stood there, staring after her in shock for a moment, before his eyes narrowed. Grabbing after her, he caught Lina's arm and twisted her around painfully. "I don't believe you," he hissed, drawing her close to him. "You're lying now!" he said, glaring at her fiercely. "Why?"
"Oww! Zel, let go, you're hurting me!" she said, twisting and squirming in his grasp. "Why don't you believe me?" she squeaked, trying to avoid his gaze.
He clamped his other hand around her free arm and pushed her against the railing, forcibly holding her still. "No, I'm not going to let you go. You tell me what's going on here right now!" he snarled, his face livid. "I know you're lying! What you said just now, Lina…" He stopped, lowering his face for a moment, hiding his eyes from her.
Lina felt a pang of guilt and stopped struggling as she watched him. She met his eyes when he raised his head once more. The intensity there took her breath away, and she realized faintly that it wasn't completely fright that held her in check.
"What you said just now was ugly, Lina, and I know that can't be the truth." he said in a low voice. "I saw the ugly part of you, Lina, and I saw what you did to it. You nearly stabbed yourself to death rather than let that part of you exist! And you expect me to believe that now, you're telling me the truth?" His grip tightened, and he shook her slightly. "Why are you avoiding me, Lina? Why can't you tell me how you feel?" he said, his voice rising as their eyes locked.
"Oh, hey guys! Did I interrupt something important?" Gourry's bumbling question broke the intensity that had settled between them, and they both looked up to see the emperor standing before them, wearing his usual clueless smile.
Zel growled in frustration, still holding onto Lina. "Now's not a good time, Gourry. Get lost!" he muttered, focusing his attention on the redhead once more.
Gourry rubbed his chin for a moment, looking at them, then shook his head. "Naw… I don't think I want to go anywhere right now."
Zelgadis looked back up at the emperor sharply, while Lina felt her eyes widen. "Gourry...?" she began.
The blonde shrugged, and pointed at Zelgadis. "I think you should let Lina go. She doesn't look like she's enjoying your company right now," he said simply.
Zelgadis cursed softly under his breath. "Gourry, why don't you mind your own business, and get back to… emperoring, or something!" he said with irritation, tightening his grip on Lina.
There was the sound of energy crackling, and suddenly, Zelgadis found the point of the sword of light crackling inches from his nose. "Mother always said you should treat a lady with respect," he said, the smile from his face gone. "Now let her go."
Zelgadis stared at Gourry, anger flashing in his turquoise eyes, and then released Lina, stepping back and facing her. "This conversation is far from over, Lina," he warned, and strode down the walkway in the opposite direction from them.
"Oh, uh, lunch is in an hour, Zel!" Gourry called after him, waving. Lina sweatdropped. Gourry faced her, the smile returning to his face. "Are you okay, Lina?" he asked her. "Zelgadis looked like he was in a really bad mood!"
Lina felt a blush rising to her face, and rubbed her sore arm slightly. "I know, Gourry. I know." Thinking about what Zelgadis had said, she turned and made her way back to her room, ignoring the emperor's questioning look.
"Girls!" said Gourry, shrugging cluelessly. Then: "Emperoring! That's a good one! I think I'll make it a real word!" And with that, he wandered off to look for the court scholar.
- x – x – x -
The lunch shared by the Lina and the four celestial warriors was tense, to say the least. Somehow, Lina managed to express her desire to set out and find the remaining Celestial Warrior. Xellos was annoying as ever, but fortunately Sylphiel's gentle concern for him after Lina or Zelgadis administered a beating kept him in check. Though the others were pleased with Lina's decision, Zelgadis remained morosely silent.
Ignoring the tension mounting between Lina and Zelgadis, Sylphiel leaned forward. "Lina, I'm so happy that you decided to go through with this. But why did you change your mind?" She smiled with worry. "You seemed so concerned about it before. I really didn't think you wanted to summon Cephied."
Lina sighed, thinking of Filia's visions. I can't tell them that… she thought to herself. "I… I just figured out what was really important. And to do all those things, I need Cephied's help," she said.
She felt Zelgadis' piercing gaze as she said this. "So you figured out what was really important? Could have fooled me," came his biting reply.
Sylphiel blushed in embarrassment, whispering "Zelgadis!" in a shocked voice. The chimera shrugged, and pushed away from the table. "Fine. We'll probably leave tomorrow morning, right? I'll be ready." He left the room without another word.
Xellos turned back to Lina with a thoughtful smile. "My my, Lina, what did you do to upset the poor fellow so?" he asked.
"Like you're one to ask, pervert," she said distractedly. "I need to focus right now anyway," she added, fingering the porcelain cup before her. A freshly brewed batch of Filia's special tea steamed out of it. Taking the cup into her hands, she inhaled deeply. "Here goes nothing!" Closing her eyes, she gulped the tea down quickly and concentrated. I need to think about the warriors of Cephied. Cephied, the great phoenix. I need to find the last warrior. The dragon. I need to find the dragon! The familiar disorientation overcame her as the tea began to take effect, and her vision swam.
A winding, rocky path appeared before her. Studying it, she saw a mountain looming up overhead. The baying of a mule caught her attention, and she saw a heavily-laden caravan slowly making its way up the path. Suddenly, a collection of masked men leaped out of the bushes and trees to the pathway, brandishing knives and swords. A general commotion ensued, and as the unfortunate merchants were relieved of their goods, one bandit stood out among them. Lina squinted, and saw the symbol blazing from his ankle. "The dragon!" she breathed. Suddenly the vision swam before her. "No… wait!" she cried out, reaching forward. But as suddenly as it came, the vision fell away.
As her eyes came into focus, Lina saw that she had grabbed Xellos by the collar and was choking him with her grip.
"Lina…" he wheezed, turning blue.
"Oops!" she said, releasing him with a nervous grin and dusting him off. "Er, sorry about that, Xellos…" His goofy smile returned, and with a growl, she knocked him over the head with her elbow. "I take it back, perv!"
"Lina," Sylphiel interrupted gently. "What did you see?"
Ignoring Xellos for the moment, Lina sat back down and explained her vision to the others. When she was finished, they sat back and thought about it. Finally, Gourry spoke up.
"I think I heard something about a bandit troop attacking the Desert Mountains on the west side of the kingdom," he said. "We haven't had time to deal with them because of all the problems on our border."
Lina slapped her palm into her fist. "Then we'll take on two birds with one stone!" she said, smiling triumphantly. "With the four of you helping me, those bandits won't stand a chance."
Gourry sighed in depression, balling his fist under his chin. "But I can't come with you, Lina!" he whined. "I have to take care of the kingdom."
"They can't get someone else to do that for you?" Lina asked him. "I mean, what do you have to do, really, besides sign a lot of papers and sit around? Isn't that boring?" This made Gourry look even more miserable, so she eased up on him. "Uh… I mean… that sounds like a really serious job, Gourry. I guess you're really lucky, being so important and all!" Smiling and laughing nervously, she rubbed the back of her head. "Anyway, don't worry, I'm sure Xellos, Sylphiel and Zelgadis will take good care of me," she added.
The other two nodded in agreement, and Sylphiel clapped her hands together happily. "Okay, I'll begin packing and making preparations. Lina, you should get some rest tonight, it might be a difficult journey tomorrow."
With a nod, they parted to prepare for the trip.
- x – x – x –
As Lina tried to get some sleep that night, she thought about the upcoming journey. Though she refused to show it to the others, Zelgadis' sullen mood had affected her more than she let on. Why can't I just face him? she thought to herself. Come on Lina, you're not a coward, she told herself, and crawled out of bed. Pulling on her fuzzy slippers and a robe over the old pajamas she had brought along, she crept out of her room and down the moonlit walkway. Now… which one was his again? she thought to herself, studying the multiple doors in the guest quarters. Finding the one she was seeking, she stood outside of it for a minute, uncertain, playing with the fraying end of her sleeve.
"What am I doing?" she mumbled to herself, a slight blush grazing her cheeks. "Visiting a guy in the middle of the night in my pajamas… geez, I must be insane." Sighing, she turned to walk back to her room when the door flew open.
"Lina?" She spun around quickly at the sound of Zelgadis' voice. Her eyes widened, and then she covered them. "OhmygoshI'msorry!" she blurted, noticing that he was clad only in a pair of loose sleeping pants. Zelgadis motioned to her quickly and looked around. "Lina," he whispered. "I don't know what you're doing here, but be quiet. I heard some noises earlier," he whispered, moving out to the balcony beside her and looking around suspiciously.
"Uhm, yeah, well, it wasn't like I was talking to myself or anything!" Lina said defensively, but Zelgadis motioned for her to be silent once more.
"No, not that, it sounded more like footsteps," he said, irritated, still glancing this way and that.
They both grew still, and Lina held her breath, looking around. A cloud passed over the moon, and in the inky blackness that descended, she swore she could hear the hammering of her heart in her chest. Then there was a slight noise, as if a pebble was rolling across gravel, then a rustle of movement and a shout.
The moon burst forth from behind the clouds, revealing Zelgadis grappling with another masked man. Lina didn't have time to think on this as two hands grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth.
"MMMPFH!" she yelled, struggling wildly. The hands clutched tighter, and squeezing her eyes shut, Lina leaned forward and bit with all of her might. The cloth tasted horrible, but soon she recognized the coppery taste of blood and dug in harder. The figure holding her swore and let her go, leaping backwards onto the rail. Lina quickly ran behind Zelgadis, who had already dispatched the first assailant.
"What do you want?" she said angrily, glaring at the masked man. By now, the light of many torches were rapidly approaching them as the Imperial guard, led by Gourry, rushed towards them.
"Damn… caught unprepared, with her right before me," the masked figure said in an annoyed tone. "Rezo will be most displeased with me," he added.
"Rezo!" gasped Lina and Zelgadis in unison. "Why did you attack me?" Zelgadis said then, suddenly, moving forward. "Speak, if you want to live!"
The man barked out a short laugh, leaning back on his haunches. "My comrade and I are not here to attack you, Celestial Warrior," he said. "I come only to deliver a message."
Lina narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. "And what could a piece of scum like Rezo have to say that might possibly interest us?" she said angrily.
The warrior continued to glare at Zelgadis, ignoring Lina. "Come to the Palace of Elmekia," he said. "Come, if you dare, Zelgadis Greywords, and the border attacks will cease!" Smiling, he stood up to take off as Gourry rounded the last corner and drew his sword. "And if you chose to refuse this invitation… it would be a pity to see such a lovely country overrun by bandits," the masked man sneered. Turning, he leapt off the balcony into the darkness, to escape.
Or at least that's what he tried. There was the sound of a loud crack, and a groan, and the masked figure slid ungraciously to the ground in a twitching heap, as if he had hit an invisible wall. The others stared until a slight crackling in the middle the air appeared before them, and Xellos stuck his head out of the rip. His position made it look as though he was a disembodied head, floating in midair, and his expression was sleepy and annoyed. "Oww! What's all this commotion, and who do I have to thank for that?" he muttered grumpily, rubbing his head.
Lina and Zelgadis sweatdropped, while Gourry rubbed his chin. "Wow, I guess Xellos isn't a night person!" he said. Waving, he smiled at the magician, who had just noticed the unconscious assassin below him. "Thanks a lot for catching the bad guy, Xellos!"
The purple-haired magician shrugged, yawned, and disappeared back into his rip, vanishing in his usual mysterious way.
As Gourry ordered his advisors to clean up and post guards, Lina turned to Zelgadis. "You're not actually going to do it, are you?" she asked with a look of concern.
Zelgadis crossed his arms and watched the figures retreating. Sighing, he shot a glance at Lina. "I'm sure it's a trap," he said simply.
"That's right!" she agreed emphatically. "He's cooking up something and it can't be good. Don't fall for these tricks of his, Zel! I don't know what he did to Amelia, but I, I don't want to lose anyone else to him, okay?" she said, stabbing a finger at him.
Zelgadis stared at Lina for a moment.
"What?" she said finally, exasperated.
"Are those actually supposed to be pink rabbits?" he said, pointing at her feet.
Lina felt her face turn flaming red and turned around quickly, pulling her robe tightly together.
"And those look like white pants with little pink bunnies all over them," he added, looking at her legs. "Where did you find a weaver to make those? I bet it's worth a fortune," he said, bending down to get a closer look. Zelgadis noticed Lina's face turning the shade of a cherry tomato with embarrassment, and with a mischievous smirk he continued. "Too bad it's such a strange pattern… tell me, do those little bunnies have some symbolic meaning in your world?"
"OOOH!" Lina finally exploded. "Just shut up, okay? My dad gave me these for my birthday. And I happen to like pink bunnies, alright? Besides, at least I'm decent," she said, gesturing at his chest. And then promptly turned pink again as she realized what she was looking at. "Ah—eh—oh—uh, forget it, Zel! I'll see you tomorrow!" she mumbled miserably, wishing the ground would just open and swallow her up whole. Turning, she fled after the remaining guards towards her room once more.
Zelgadis grinned slightly after her retreating form. She's so cute when she's like that, he thought to himself. The smile dropped as he considered message that had been delivered. "You'll be safe with Gourry, Sylphiel and Xellos," he said softly. "If she means that much to you, I'll rescue Amelia for you, Lina." he mumbled, making up his mind. "Then you won't be able to find an excuse to run away from me," he said decisively. Returning to his room, he lit a candle and, drawing out a quill and a piece of paper, began to write.
- x – x – x -
The next morning, Xellos, Gourry and Sylphiel stood in the courtyard, packed and waiting. Gourry was looking forlorn, and Sylphiel was trying to comfort him. Suddenly, a shout came up from the walkway as one of the guards came rushing down towards the little group.
"He's not in his room, sir, and this was left behind!"
Lina's heart sank as she saw the note which was handed to Gourry. Opening it up, the emperor read it out loud.
"Dear Lina, I know you asked me to stay behind. But I just can't pass this opportunity up. I'll bring Amelia back to you. Concentrate on finding the final warrior for now, just trust me. I'm sure that the others will be able to protect you in my place, but please take care of yourself. I meant what I said in Elmekia. I'll be waiting for your answer when I return. Zelgadis."
Lina lowered her eyes and clenched her fists, trembling. "That idiot!" she whispered, feeling tears prick at the corner of her eyes.
"My my, Lina, what happened in Elmekia while I wasn't looking?" Xellos teased, poking her with his staff.
"Be quiet, Xellos," she answered tiredly, and turned to the horses. "Just forget it, everyone. There's nothing we can do now," she growled. "Which of these horses is mine?"
Gourry rubbed his head. "Uh, Lina, are you sure you want to ride by yourself?" he asked. "It might be easier if you rode with Xellos."
"Hey, if Sylphiel can do it, so can I!" she shot back, scowling. As she approached the horse, though, she swallowed. "Just… uh… tell me how to get on it," she said nervously. Xellos laughed and gave her a boost, as Gourry helped Sylphiel onto her horse.
"You're sure you don't want any guards to come along?" Gourry asked again. "You know, like me?" he said pleadingly.
"Your Imperial Majesty!" came the cries from all around the court as the advisors glared at their emperor.
Sighing, Gourry dropped his head disappointedly. "Ok. Be really careful then, you guys, and good luck finding him!" he called out, waving wildly. And with that, the party of Xellos, Sylphiel and Lina set off towards the gates to begin their latest adventure.
- x – x – x -
The Celestial party had been making good time for the last few hours. They had long since lost sight of the city limits and were now leisurely making their way through a secluded forest path. Xellos reigned in his horse, and gave one of his usual half-smiles to the others.
"I think our precious Lina could use a break right now," he said with a grin.
Lina narrowed her eyes at the trickster in annoyance, but grunted in agreement. "My legs are killing me!" she said as Xellos helped her slide off of her mount. Who would've thought riding could hurt so much? she groaned mentally as she tried to stand up straight. Seeing Sylphiel delicately sling her leg around and slip off of the horse as if nothing was bothering her, Lina grit her teeth and mumbled in annoyance under her breath. "Why does she have to be good at everything?" Xellos clapped her on the back unexpectedly, eliciting another wince. "What was that for?" she said, stumbling a little.
"Oh, I was just wondering what it is you were saying, my dear Lina!" he answered with a grin.
Lina felt her eye twitch. "I was saying, GET LOST!" she yelled at him, forming a fist and trying to strike him across the head. He disappeared with a flash before she could connect, however, leaving her windmilling wildly before her legs gave out and she fell over painfully. "He is SO DEAD!" came her muffled groan as Sylphiel rushed over and helped her up.
- x – x – x -
Gourry sat alone in his throne room, chin resting on his hand as he stared out before him vacantly. "Why do emperors never get to have any fun?" he lamented to himself, twirling the hilt of his sword around with absentminded skill.
"So, you'd like a little fun would you?" came a disembodied voice.
Gourry looked up, confused, and glanced around. "Who's there? Xellos?" he asked, scratching his head. "I thought you guys already left?"
A cone of black rose up before the throne, and when it fell, Xellos stood there, his eyes closed and a smile on his face, as usual. "Oh, believe me, your Majesty, we did leave. But I thought I might give you the chance to have a little fun for once," he said, tearing a rip open before the emperor and gesturing at it.
Gourry stood up, grinning, and was about to leap into the portal, when he paused. "Oh… wait a second, but the advisors said I couldn't go!" he said, stopping. "They told me to 'sit right there and don't move!'" he said, pointing at the throne.
Xellos grinned, and leaping, seated himself on the throne comfortably. "That's no problem, my Lord," he said with a smirk, and snapped his fingers. Black energy crackled, and when it faded, a mirror image of Gourry was sprawled across the throne, eyes closed and a goofy grin on his face.
The real Gourry brightened considerably. "Hey, that's neat!" he said, smacking his palm into his fist. "Can I get you to do that more often?"
Gourry-Xellos' smile dropped slightly. "Don't push your luck, your Majesty," he said. "Now go, before someone notices me."
Gourry made his way towards the rip once more, then paused again, looking back suspiciously. "Do I really look like that, Xellos?" he asked, peering at the trickster.
Gourry-Xellos shrugged and patted at his crown of long, golden hair with vanity. "Right down to every last hair on your head," he assured the real emperor.
Gourry rubbed his chin. "Well… if you say so. But I think I should give you some advice," he said, pointing at Xellos. "If you don't change your facial expression, someone might notice that it's not really me."
Gourry-Xellos raised an eyebrow. "You mean I should open my eyes?" he asked.
Gourry shook his head. "No, get rid of that goofy smile. It makes me look like I'm stupid!" he said, and jumped through the rip, which closed with a poof.
Xellos sat back on the throne and sweatdropped.
- x – x – x -
Meanwhile, back at the temporary camp the others had set up in the forest, Lina jerked against the rope holding her. "What kind of stupid dumb luck is this?" she yelled out in frustration, struggling even harder. Behind her, she heard the sound of slight movement.
"Lina," came Sylphiel's gentle voice, though it carried a bit of strain. "Please stop struggling, it's getting hard to breathe on this side."
The two girls were hogtied together in the middle of the clearing, while a motley assortment of bandits were searching through the provisions on their horses. Lina gnashed her teeth and growled. "It figures that we'd be jumped by these losers the moment the only capable fighting member of our team left," she said angrily. "Oh, and save your apologies already!" she grumbled, as she almost heard Sylphiel's blush of embarrassment. "Talk about rotten timing! Where's a Celestial Warrior when you need one?" she called out in frustration.
Xellos' travel rip opened in the air before the two girls, and Gourry stepped out with his sword slung over his shoulder. "Hey guys! Why are you two tied up?" he greeted them with a smile and a wave.
"Gourry!" came Sylphiel's cry of relief, hearts springing into her eyes.
Lina rolled her eyes. "Gourry, you idiot! We've been ambushed by bandits! Go over there and kill them or something!" she yelled at him.
Gourry scratched his head. "But I haven't even had lunch yet," he complained to them, lowering his sword and turning around. By now the bandits had noticed his unusual entrance and were surrounding the group menacingly. He sighed, and hefting his sword, nodded at the girls. "Ok, but let's have some noodles after this," he told them, and then lunged forward.
There was the flashing of metal as swords connected, and Gourry's obvious skill shone through. Lina watched him in amazement. "Wow, for someone so slow in everything else, he sure knows how to move with a sword!" she commented. "He's as good as Zelgadis is with his bare hands!"
Sylphiel smiled as she watched Gourry dance back and parry a few thrusts, then spin around and disarm another bandit almost casually. "Yes… Lord Gourry is renowned throughout the land for being the best swordsman in Sairoon. The sword of light has always been passed down through the Imperial line, but he's the first one to have such unearthly skill wielding it," she breathed, following the swordsman's every move with her eyes.
Lina chuckled. "At least his body seems to be more intelligent than his mind," she said, admiring the emperor's skill as he finished off the last bandit. He came shambling back towards the two of them with the sword slung over his shoulder once more.
"Hey, I'm done! Can we eat now?" he said with a grin. Before he could reach them, however, Gourry froze and lifted his nose into the air.
Lina smiled. "Hey, Gourry, that was great work! Now come over here and untie us! Gourry?" Her smile slowly faded as she saw the blonde sway slightly and stagger off towards a bush as if in a trance. "Gourry!" she called louder. "What's wrong?"
Suddenly, the wind blew towards the girls, and the scent of roasted pork drifted towards Lina's nose. Her eyes glazed over. Pork… she thought, momentarily distracted. Shaking her head angrily, she looked at Gourry, who was obliviously approaching a bowl of the steaming delicacy that was very openly being held out of the bush by a rag-cloaked hand. "GOURRY! You idiot! That's a trap! Get over here right now!"
But it was too late. The single-minded swordsman was already at the bowl, his spare pair of chopsticks out of his pocket and in his hand as he reached for the food. A club descended from the bush on top of his head swiftly, coming as a surprise only to the hapless emperor. "But I was hungry!" Gourry managed to whine, before he fell unconscious.
Lina groaned, and would have covered her eyes if she was able to move her hands. "Never mind, there's not a single part of him that's intelligent," she muttered with dismay as bandit leader emerged from the bush and the rest began to pick themselves up off the ground.
