Ha! Ha-ah! Ha! Zelgadis swung his sword over and over, trying to strengthen his arms. He had never been very strong, and was bound and determined to change that. As he swung, he became aware of a sound coming from further in the forest.

He paused for a moment to listen, but then shrugged it off as nothing. He knew that nobody ever came out into this part of the forest. That was exactly why he had chosen it to practice with his sword. The locals thought it was haunted, which was ridiculous. He shook his head in disgust and continued swinging his sword.

At least, he tried. Now that his concentration was broken, he was having trouble getting back into rhythm. He scowled but finally gave up.

Stupid idiotic... He cursed under his breath at whoever dared interrupt his practice. He spent a moment of silence cleaning the blade of his sword off, hoping whoever was out there would go away.

They didn't.

In fact, now he could tell that whoever was out there was weeping. What was worse, he couldn't help but feel that he recognized their voice. He rolled his eyes as he put his sword back in its sheath. He'd get no peace until he found out who it was. Maybe then he could get back to practicing.

He walked quietly through the forest, going deeper and deeper as he followed the sound of weeping. Why'd they have to choose here to have a breakdown? Zelgadis shook his head as he searched through the trees and underbrush.

At last he spotted a young girl. She was just sitting next to a tree, her hands covering her face as she wept. For some reason Zelgadis felt a pang of guilt, which was unusual to him. He stood around for a moment, feeling awkward that she wasn't noticing his presence.

He coughed quietly into his hand, but still didn't get a reaction. He let out a sigh. Better get this over with... Why are you crying?

He wasn't even sure if she heard him, but then the girl started to reply. The-they're a-all gone. She sniffled as she spoke.

Zelgadis knelt a bit closer.

M-my family. H-he k-killed them. The girl started to sob openly.

Zelgadis couldn't help but reel back in shock. Normally he wouldn't have even gotten this far, but he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he knew this girl, and that seeing her distressed brought him pain as well. He gradually knelt back down next to her and reached out slowly and placed his hand on her shoulder.

It's all right. You're safe now. He blinked at his words.

The girl stopped crying and looked up at him. She looked quizzically at him for a moment before recognition dawned on her face. She then launched herself into him, grabbing him in a tight embrace as she continued to weep.

Unsure why he was even doing it, Zelgadis in turn wrapped his arms around the small girl, trying his best to offer her some comfort...

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Zelgadis awoke late the next morning, feeling like he hadn't slept at all. He knew he had though. That dream he'd had was proof of that. And what a dream!

What was that? It's never turned out like that. Zelgadis shook his head, trying to sort out the images from his dream. There had been a girl, that he was sure of. She had been really young, but her features were unmistakable.

Amelia, just what's happened to you? Why do you continue to plague my thoughts, and now my dreams? Zelgadis looked around his campsite, as is expecting an answer. He sighed and shook his head. I must be going crazy...

After a quick breakfast, Zelgadis packed up his things and set off - in the opposite direction of where he had been going.

I'll not get any rest until I go check on her. Might as well do it now. Zelgadis mused aloud, not even sure why. He just shook his head and started his journey.

Amelia couldn't help but smile as she followed alongside. Soon she would get some answers!

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The past few days had been long and hard, but Lina Inverse was feeling on top of the world! Again she was out in her element, out communing with nature with nothing to worry about but where she was going to find her next meal. Life was good!

...sort of...

Stupid stinking saddle. Lina scowled as she rubbed her tender bottom. She still had her horse, but had opted to walk the horse to save herself any more pain, not to mention to prevent herself from blasting the horse into the heavens. She didn't need that kind of guilt!

Gourry walked alongside her, also leading his horse. He had tried to convince her they'd make better time on horseback, but had quickly changed his mind when Lina shot him one of her evil looks. It was far better to keep Lina happy.

Don't worry, Lina. We'll be there soon. Gourry gave Lina a warm smile in hopes of lifting her mood.

Lina gave him a grin back. Thank goodness for that! You're right about the travel time, but I don't know if this pain is worth it.

You get used to it eventually. Gourry continued walking on.

Lina gave a sly grin. That's what I keep telling you about traveling via a Raywing, Gourry! You'll never get over your fear by avoiding it.

Gourry stopped dead in his tracks and looked in fright at Lina.

Lina couldn't help but laugh. I'm just teasing you, Gourry.

Gourry started walking again, but looked warily at Lina. It wasn't very funny.

Yeah, you're right. Lina winked. I just couldn't help myself.

Gourry replied by patting Lina on the head.

Err...what are you doing? Lina looked at Gourry in confusion.

Gourry just gave her another smile.

My, aren't you two just so sweet?

Lina and Gourry both jumped in shock at hearing the disembodied voice. Lina made a fist, knowing all too well who their unwanted guest was.

Xellos! What do you want?

Xellos phased into view, standing between the two travelers and the road to Xoana. Me? Absolutely nothing. I just came to warn you.

Lina shot Xellos a skeptical glance. Warn us about what? We already know Martina's crazy. She winked at Gourry.

Xellos smirked at Lina's crack, but then turned serious again. There are those that would rather you...not get involved.

Lina placed her hand on her hip in a defiant stance. Since when has that stopped me? And involved with what? Xellos, I expect some answers!

Sadly Miss Lina, that is a secret! Xellos gave a slight bow then disappeared from sight.

Xellos! Come back here! Lina launched herself at the spot the Monster had been standing on, glaring at everything in anger. After a moment of silence she settled back down and turned back to Gourry. Just who does he think he is?

A Monster? Gourry shrugged and handed Lina back her horse's reins.

Lina accepted the offered reins. Your insight continues to amaze me, Gourry. Come on, this just got more interesting.

Gourry looked over his shoulder before following after Lina. I've got a bad feeling about this...

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AN: I've had that dream sequence in my head for far too long. I'm glad that it turned out pretty close to how I originally envisioned it. (And yes, I like dreams. They can reveal so much to a person, and are a way for the deceased to communicate with the living. Kind of cool but spooky...)

Lina Gabriev: You are awesome! I've been dropping hints hoping someone would pick up on them, and you're the first to even come close! You do not know how much that pleases me. (As for why Xellos was so sloppy, you'll find out soon enough.)

Also, I saw Ghost once, and didn't even think about it when I thought up this story. Psycho psychics I lack, and no one's out to kill Zelgadis. (Or am I thinking of the wrong movie?) As for your other question, you'll just have to wait and see. (I doubt it'll be as you're thinking.) Thanks for your reviews!

And just so you and everyone know, the man, woman, and wolf that entered the town were in fact Gourry, Lina, and Amelia. (I've never seen anything that shows Zelas having a wolf form. She has a rather intimidating beast-like form, yes, but it doesn't really resemble a wolf. And why would she go parading around with Xellos and a random wolf anyway?) ;;

Snapdragon76:I'm glad you're liking it so far. I hope you enjoy my other stories as well. (You ought to read To Err if you haven't yet, as it'll help this story make more sense.)

bluelady: Now that I have a regular work schedule, I don't think I'll have to fear collapsing. But then, this is far from over, so who knows? -;; I hope I can keep updating this every Monday...

Kaeru Soyokaze: I've finally figured out who you are! (Your screen name is similar to another author on here, so I was a bit confused.) I'll try to update more often, but only if you don't give up writing. That one-shot was awesome!

Samantha: A very good question! Amelia will be finding out herself very soon...

Gerao-A: Just hang on a bit longer. You'll find out soon enough. (And keep up the good work on your stories as well!)

Next time, Lina has a nice...er...chat with Martina. oO