War? Why are they going to war?

When Zelgadis questioned the man further, he just shook his head. I don't know the particulars, that's just the rumor going round. I'd rather not be caught away from home should it hold true.

Zelgadis thanked the man, then continued on into the village.

Why would anyone think Seyruun would go to war? They ousted Alexander, and Lina hadn't found any more of his followers...unless something came up since I've been away. Zelgadis thought. As he was puzzling over this bit of news, he got the feeling he was being watched. He turned in the direction he felt the gaze from, only to see dead space.

Zelgadis twitched uncomfortably, but continued on. He hadn't traveled up north just to get paranoid about being stared at, after all. He had heard tale of a renowned doctor a few months back, but only now was able to find the man. As he neared his destination, Zelgadis was stunned to see nothing but charred rubble where a house once was.

Zelgadis grabbed the nearest passerby. What happened here?

The young man quivered in fear, blabbering incoherently. Zelgadis blinked at the young man, then released his grip on the man's collar.

Sorry about that. What happened to your doctor? Is he still here? Zelgadis made an effort to speak in a gentler tone.

Regaining his wits, the young man replied, I-I don't know what happened, but our doctor's house blew up after some suspicious people came in to town.

Zelgadis asked.

Yeah, a man and a woman. Never saw them before, but after they brought a wolf in to town, everything turned to chaos. The young man sounded forlorn.

Lina, don't tell me this was your doing. Zelgadis would have to track down and question a certain short-tempered sorceress later, that was for sure. He scowled as he made his way to a small restaurant.

Leave it to Lina to destroy my hopes and dreams. Zelgadis involuntarily turned to look behind him, not surprised to see nobody there. This has got to stop, or I'll become paranoid.

Elsewhere...

What do you mean you're going to war?! Lina practically shouted at Gracia. Have you lost your mind?! Wait, never mind. Lina opted to glare at the princess in contempt.

What should I do, Lina? Let the murderer get away with what they did? Gracia fought back breaking down in front of her rival. They got away once, but never again. What they did was inexcusable, not to mention, unforgivable! How can I ignore what they've done?! Gracia broke down, openly sobbing.

Naga, I...er... I didn't mean it like that. Lina was instantly subdued. It's just that, war is a serious thing. All of Seyruun will suffer if you make the wrong choice, and declaring war just seems a bit...what I mean is... Rrgh, I HATE this politics stuff! Lina stamped her foot and turned away. She didn't like seeing Naga so fragile.

Leave me. Gracia spoke quietly between sobs. She couldn't bring herself to meet Lina's gaze.

But Naga, I didn't mean-

Just leave! Please... Gracia took the initiative and walked farther into the room, and over to a window.

Lina gave her one last sympathetic look, then walked out of the room. She made her way into the living quarters area of the palace, her dour mood lifting somewhat when she saw Gourry leaning against a wall.

Gourry took one look at Lina and decided it safest to keep his mouth shut.

How is she? Lina asked, trying not to let her earlier conversation affect her. She was failing miserably.

Same as when we first saw her. She won't talk to me. All she does is glare. It's just not right for Amelia, you know? Gourry sighed. He hated seeing Amelia so hateful.

Naga breaking down on one end, and Amelia clamming up on the other. I know this is hard for them, but something just doesn't seem right, you know? Lina looked up to her constant companion.

Yeah, I just wish I knew what it was. Gourry nodded.

Lina sighed. For now, all we can do is give them what support we can. She started to walk to Amelia's door, but was stopped by Gourry's hand on her shoulder. She glanced back at him, curious.

Are you okay? I know that this has got to be hard on you also. Gourry looked at her with a serious expression.

I'll be fine. You know you don't need to worry about me. I'm Lina Inverse! She winked at him, then went in Amelia's room.

That's exactly why I worry. Gourry muttered silently, but resumed his post by the door.

Lina stepped silently up to Amelia's bedside, frowning to see the girl staring emotionlessly out the window. Last Lina had seen her she was really starting to improve, but now she had totally withdrawn from everything. This is so much worse from last time. Lina sighed under her breath. She startled when Amelia turned and looked at her.

Hi, Amelia, just thought I'd come by and see how you're doing. It's a really nice day out today. Wouldn't you like to get some fresh air? Lina tried to sound as happy and full of life as possible.

Amelia just stared back, then scowled slightly.

What, what is it? Is something wrong? This was the first time Lina had seen any expression but apathy from Amelia since she had gotten back.

Amelia's eyes narrowed. You left. She spoke in an oddly quiet, but threatening tone. It sent shivers down Lina's spine.

Lina tried not to let it faze her. I left? Of course I left. I can't stay inside all day, you know. Life can't be lived staying cooped up inside all day, right? She tried to smile, but the dark mood in the room made it difficult.

Amelia's scowl became an expression of pure hatred. You left me...to die!

Lina jumped back at the sudden outburst. She couldn't help but feel guilty. While she had left to prevent anything else from happening to Amelia before, in a sense she had left her friend to die. She cringed, trying to fight off the guilt. No! I would never do that! I had no way of knowing... Amelia, you've got to understand. Lina pleaded.

The girl whispered. Friends do not abandon each other in times of need. She continued to glare at Lina.

I...I didn't...I mean, I didn't want to... Lina could feel tears of remorse sting her eyes. Unable to face Amelia, she turned and fled from the room.

Gourry caught Lina in his arms as she bawled into his chest.

I didn't mean to do it, Gourry! I would never leave my friends to...to die! She bawled, unable to stop the guilt.

Gourry could feel his heart break seeing Lina so torn up emotionally. He wrapped his arms around her trembling frame, doing his best to soothe her. He looked back at Amelia's door, which had slammed shut, as if by its own means.

Lina, come on. You didn't do anything wrong. Gourry rocked her gently.

But...she said...she...how can I call myself a friend? Lina sniffled, starting to let up on crying.

You did what you thought had to be done. How were you supposed to know an assassin was waiting to kill Amelia?

Lina beat her fist on Gourry's chest. I should have known! Don't you understand?

Gourry didn't even react to the small beating. Lina, I don't think anyone knew about it. Why else do you think they were caught by surprise?

Lina was silent as she thought about what Gourry had just said. That's not right. Somebody knew about it. She glared at her imaginary foe. I just don't understand why she'd do something like that. I mean, she was always wanting to kill me, not Amelia!



Lina separated herself from Gourry. We have some investigating to do. She glanced at Amelia's door, then fought off another wave of guilt. After we make sure things are taken care of here.

Where are we going, Lina?

To the place that's responsible for this.

The blacksmith?

Lina decided to ignore that comment, even if technically it was an accurate assumption. No Gourry, we're going to visit the one place I hoped never to go to again. She sighed, but then stood resolute.

We're going to Xoana.

AN: Bum bum bum! Another piece to the mystery is revealed. I really hated writing the confrontation scene between Lina and Amelia. There can't be any worse feeling than that of betraying your friends, whether you meant to or not. And man, Lina sure broke down fast. It's almost as if...nah, better save it for later. -

And only now does Zelgadis think he's becoming paranoid... (Staring! Always staring!)

Now to figure out how to make the next part of my idea work well. (The best but hardest part of writing is getting all of the elements and ideas to flow together. Kind of like the opening scene of this chapter. I never planned to have Zelgadis visit the first place Lina and Gourry went to in To Err, but it just made sense when I sat down to write this chapter.)