Zel paced in his room at the inn. Then he realized what he was doing and sat down. It seemed as if the danger in his quest for a cure continued to accumulate over the years. It was already decided long ago that it had become too dangerous for Gourry and Amelia to come along, and it had even been proven that they slowed him down. Only Lina could keep up. Now he would have to tell her that she would need to follow their friends' example. But Lina would never agree to that. The insinuation alone would earn Zel an instant Fireball. For her sake, he would just have to not tell her then.

Of course, that left one problem. Like his heart being ripped in half, having to deceive and leave Lina like that. No. It was for her own good. If he was going to risk anything, it would not be her. Especially not after they had finally admitted their feelings for each other. Zel could feel the pain and depression setting in already. He got up. If he had to leave Lina, then there was something he needed to do first.

Lina opened her door, waiting for Zel to answer her question.

"Well...Lina, I, uh. Um..." He looked up at her, his mouth moving but nothing coming out, and his eyes afraid to look at her long. Lina smiled.

"Zel."

"Huh?" He abruptly stopped stammering.

"You don't have to ask." Zel continued blushing and Lina admitted him in.

Lina continued to kiss Zel each time his lips crashed down on her, despite the doubt in her mind. The way he handled her body alternated constantly between gentle and almost crushing the life out of her.

On rare nights in the past, he could be so passionate that he was rough. And Lina would end up with scratches and bruises all over from his stone skin. But that wasn't so bad; considering that Zel would lay his hands over her for healing spells afterwards.

But this was different. He hadn't smiled once tonight. And that devious smirk of his was no where to be seen. In fact, Zel kept gazing at her with a hurt look in his eyes. But before Lina could question his strange behavior, she was lost in another kiss.

He hung over her, caressing her face with his palm and each time, stroking his thumb over her cheeks.

"Remember. No matter what happens, I love you, Lina."

"Zel?..." Lina panted, "What are you---?" But he started again, accenting each movement with graze of her breasts, a kiss on her neck, or his tongue in her mouth.

Soon her moans came out like cracking sounds, and he moved more slowly, only inching through her, not recklessly searching. His deep movements to satisfy himself, almost broke Lina, but gave each a climax.

He climbed off of her, and as usual, her arms reached out to hold him, so as to lay her head on his chest. But Zel, realized how hard it would be to get out from that later, without waking Lina, gently took her by the shoulders, and placed her beside him. Now Lina was even more suspicious.

"What's wrong, Zel?"

"Hmm?"

"You were different tonight."

"I was?" He stared up guilty at the ceiling. Lina arched her brow in disbelief. It was time for new tactics.

She reached back towards Zel. But he held her back again. Getting a little annoyed, she quickly gave the pretense of needing warmth. Zel glanced at the bedsheets and lay them over her, sharing the linen. Lina waited until she saw his eyes close, then, little by little, she scrunched over towards Zel. Hopefully, she appeared to only be settling into a good sleeping position within their sheets. Zel's eyes snapped open just as she began to nuzzle his shoulder.

"L-Lina?!" She ignored him and continued over to his collarbone. As she found his neck, she was atop a stiff Zel. He swallowed and his breathing was a little more held in.

"Now, Zel," She continued to pounce her lips all over him. "You're not trying to keep something from me, are you?"

"N-No, Lina." He gulped again, becoming entirely too distracted by her wandering hands.

"Really?" Lina stated matter-of-factly. She put her tongue in his ear and pressed herself into him. Zel gasped out. It would be so easy to just relax and enjoy this.

Lina felt his arms come timidly around her. She abruptly released herself away from him, a superior look coming to her eyes, as she watched him pant. "There's...nothing you want to share with me, Zel?" She gave him her cute, pouting look.

In the reprieve, Zel took control of his breathing again, then looked to the side, exasperated. This game of hers was _not_ going to work. Zel quickly scratched that thought when she came back down on him.

Lina released him just as he began to groan, then asked him again as he panted unsatisfied. But this time, she did not wait for his reply. Her kisses covered him again, as her fingertips slid down past his chest.

Zel screamed out her name when she grabbed his hardness. She continued squeezing as he buckled under her. Zel became faintly aware of her whispers in his ear.

"Zel?...Zel?..."

"Lina..." he let fall from his lips, his mind lost in ecstasy.

"Why won't you tell me?" She whispered seductively.

"Lina..." he gasped again. "I...I can't." His head tossed, and his eyes closed. Internally, Lina's face folded into an annoyed expression. She slid her grip up and down his manhood. He cried out again.

"Just tell me. It's okay." She whispered softly again. But Lina could see Zel resisting. So just as he was about to be engulfed in a swell of pleasure, Lina released him. Zel was still reeling from the disappointment. The need to be satisfied still fresh in his mind.

"Zel?" She questioned again, teasing him with her fingertips.

"...no...Lina..."

"You're so stubborn!"

She grabbed him again, harshly, fulfilling his desires. But she stopped before his satiation, again.

Zel was becoming quite frustrated. Lina, no doubt was over him with a smug look. What did she want?!

"Lina, it's nothing. I just---" Zel stopped himself. He couldn't believe he almost fell for it! "Lina."

"Yes, Zel?" She continued to coax softly, ready for another round of torturous teasing if need be.

"Possibilities."

"What?"

"I was thinking earlier tonight. What if, in the future," and he paused to add a tinge of truth, "we lose what we have?"

"Was that what it was?" Lina rolled her eyes. "Zel. You're so pessimistic. There is no way I'm letting you get rid of me." Lina paused a moment to look at Zel, a gentleness spreading across her features.

Lina came down to kiss him gently. He reached out and held her to him. Zel's arms constricted around her, enveloping her with his body. He took in the scent of her hair, and buried his senses deep within her flaming locks. His hands soothed over her back, clutching her against himself. Lina could feel him trailing kisses down her neck and his stone flesh clamped against every imaginable place in her body. All except the most vital one... So Lina started to slip her arms around Zelgadis as well. Nibble on his ear while he was at her neck, and rub her hips against his legs. Slow at first. Deepening and later speeding up. She inched her way across him, satisfying a yearning to slide her breasts against him, as he still held her tight. Then finally, no longer able to resist, Lina went back onto Zel. Both cried out, Zel's chest pushing her away with one great pulse. She came back down, engaging him in a kiss her tongue was so hungry for. Lina grinded herself over Zel, feeling him rise further within her. He couldn't help but feel her desire. Each panted, winced, and cried out for their love.

But that wasn't the way it was supposed to be, Zel thought.

Her fingers slinked across his arms and wove between his fingers. Zel seized her hands, and her body, and turned the tables. He began to take her, until the numbing pleasure felt unreal. He stopped to confirm the reality. Hand and breath trembling, he brought his fingertips to her face. He stayed down low against her, lest he lose his equilibrium to the prevalent throbs that threatened his senses.

Lina apparently, felt the same. She couldn't move. Zel was so deep and harsh inside her, she just couldn't, for safety's sake. He worked over her hidden, inner flesh, sensitive to the most subtle brush against it. Zel made circular motions against the slick surface, all the while Lina's legs parting for more. But it never came. Yet she didn't dare to protest. It was all so good... He kept her in a state of both restlessness and pleasure, all her muscles tensing and her legs burning. She was trapped beneath him---just as Zel wanted. He continued to watch her gasps and pleads, and study the intensity of her moans. Finally, he found which motions she couldn't bear to resist. Then he deepened them until it was simply too much for her body.

Suddenly, he went deeper, Lina thinking at last he'd satisfy her, only to find he was renewing the sensations again. So close to climaxing, but still not there. Then he changed. Coming fully into her, the scorching pain gone, and the pleasure soft and subdued. Lina put her arms around Zel, and could now remember her breathing. Without warning, she felt it coming. A sensation deep inside her, warm and growing. Soon Lina felt her heart beating so fast, she thought it would burst. But still, she didn't want Zel to stop. And he continued increasing her pleasure regardless of her consent. Lina didn't know whether to thank him or be afraid. She really couldn't handle anymore. There was too much pleasure and pain scalding inside her. But Zel never stopped. He kept the sensations constant, so there was no escape. And the last thing Lina saw before slipping into unconsciousness, was Zel still caressing her.

Lina had screamed his name one last desperate time. Her eyes tightened, then smoothed out. Her breathing was also becoming more tranquil, despite the fact that Zel was still forcing himself inside. He stopped to look at her limp form.

I'm sorry, Lina. Zel thought. Then once again clutching her to him, he whispered in her unconscious ear, "I love you, Lina....I love you!" He bit his teeth together and could feel hot tears run, as he wrapped his arms tighter around her. He had to leave. He couldn't conceive how he would live without her... but he had to leave. Zel closed his arms tighter around her silken shoulders. Savoring a few moments more with her.

He hadn't realized that those moments slipped into hours, until the sky outside the window turned a transient wine-red. Carefully, he set her down from his embrace, got up, and began to dress.

"Zel. Where are you going?" The chimera froze and silently swore to himself.

"To order breakfast." He finished fastening his belt over his shirt. He glanced back to see Lina giving him a scowling look. If she were standing, she'd be tapping her foot. But Lina did cross her arms. Now, last night made sense.

"You're trying to go after a cure alone, aren't you?" Zel became slightly downcast.

"It's too dangerous for you to come with me this time, Lina."

"Zel, I've been coming with you for the past 6 years and it's always been dangerous." He stepped closer.

"It's different this time." Lina was unshaken.

"If it's so dangerous, you'd be safer if I watched your back."

"You're human. You won't be able to survive the journey there."

"I can take care of myself!" Lina fumed, ready to throw a pillow at his head, but managed to calm down. "Well, what about when you come back the same way, alone and human?" Zel looked away. "You didn't even think of that did you?" Lina took a moment to drop her smug face. "Zel, if anything ever happened to me, it would be my own fault."

"And I'd have to live with it." Pain stricken across his stone features.

"But nothing's going to happen to me, Zel." She came across the bed to hug him. "And I'll order breakfast." She announced, releasing him. "You'd probably just try to run off." Lina reached for her tunic and leggings. He grabbed her wrists, took her chin in his other hand, and kissed her.

"Sleep." Her eyelids drooped, but not before her eyes flashed with indignation. Zel laid her down, neatly on the bed, taking the time to tug the sheets up around her. He stared at her for a moment. He laid a hand to her forehead, his fingers then trailing and disappearing into her flaming locks. After watching her for what seemed an eternity, he was gone.

Months later, Zel returned from the unsuccessful cure, with a new mission: to find Lina. But from village to village, he could not track her. Eventually assuming that she was too angry with him to love him anymore and did not want him to find her, he gave up. She wanted to move on with her life without him, without remembering how he had hurt her, he told himself. Then, 2 months ago, he heard word that Lina Inverse was spotted, traveling with a tall blond swordsman again...and she was pregnant. Zel closed his eyes at the thought. "It only makes sense that she would go to Gourry." He whispered sadly. "He would never be as cruel to her as me."

Lost in thought, Zel had not realized that he had walked into another kingdom. When he looked up, he saw that he was in Sailoon. Zel pulled on his hood and mask and continued past the entrance gates. Unconsciously, he decided to just keep walking though the city, until he passed the gates on the other side. And from there? Nowhere, hopefully. He'd just keep walking on, trying to lose himself in empty thoughts, far away from anyone else.

"Zelgadis-san!"

One ear registered his name being called. The other told his feet it was OK to keep walking.

"Zelgadis-san!"

He tried to disappear into the crowds.

"Look! It's the Princess!"

"Oh, Your Highness!"

Zel could hear the crowd parting behind him. Whatever. He stopped and waited for her greeting.

"It IS you, isn't it, Zelgadis-san?" The Princess asked the white cloak with its back to her.

"Hello, Amelia." He turned to just barely face her.

"Zelgadis-san...Are you alright?" Amelia leaned slightly to peer beneath his hood.

"Fine." Zel turned his head away. "What is it?"

"'What is it?'... Well, it's just that, I haven't seen you in such a long time, so I thought I'd say hello..."

Zel didn't turn to confirm the hurt on her face, but could hear it in her voice. Good. He needed someone to hate him.

"Hello, then." And he turned to disappear again.

"Wait!" Amelia grabbed him by his sleeve. "Sylphiel-san sent me a letter." She dug through her pockets quickly before he lost interest. "It says that Lina-san is almost due."

"W-What?" Zel watched Amelia search her pouch.

"Yes, she is!" Amelia's smile grew with each passing moment. Amelia produced the letter, unfolded it, and began reading.

"'Dear Princess Amelia Wil Tesla Sailoon. I thought it might interest you to know that Lina-san has returned to Sairaag, and is currently staying with Gourry-sama at the temple here. Because you are one of Lina-san's best friends, you should know that she is with child and will be going into labor any day now.'" Amelia paused before exclaiming slowly. "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT, ZELGADIS-SAN!?! I mean, Lina-san giving birth!" Amelia let out a deep breath before taking in another one. "Oh, she'll make such a great mom! Wow...Lina-san having children already..." Amelia trailed off, much to Zel's relief, but that was quickly dashed as she rambled on again in disbelief and happiness for Lina. He knew he should be happy too, but a constriction in his chest seemed to pull his whole face down.

"You'll be going to Sairaag then?" Zel asked.

"Yes, of course! You'll be going too, won't you, Zelgadis-san?"

Zel paused for a moment, but slowly nodded.

"Then you _have_ to come with me!"

Zel sighed and absently followed Amelia.

Sylphiel lead the princess and the chimera through the halls of the temple. She opened the door to a double-chambered room, wherein Gourry sat. Zel saw the utter concern in Gourry's face as the swordsman stared at the closed door to Lina's room.

"Can we see Lina-san?" Amelia asked Sylphiel.

"I'm sorry, but I'll be able to better work with her if you all stay in here." Sylphiel looked apologetically at the floor.

They all took seats around the room, and the waiting began. Occasionally, Sylphiel would leave the inner room to get more water or a new cloth for Lina's forehead. Her worried expression at such times did not help anyone in the adjoining chamber. They already had to sit there, helpless, listening to Lina's intermittent cries of pain, and her constant harbored breathing.

Sylphiel emerged once again, this time, taking a seat in the room with the others. They all watched her as she settled into her chair for a moment's rest.

"...Lina?..." Was all Gourry managed to ask the shrine maiden. Amelia mirrored Gourry's worried look. Zel sat, back against the wall and arms crossed, trying to hide the same emotion from his eyes. Sylphiel raised her head to reply.

"She will be able to rest for a little while, but it's still not over. I should go back to sit with her."

"Sylphiel. If I can---" Gourry began.

"Isn't there anything we can do?" Amelia finished. Standing, Sylphiel looked at their supplicant, worried faces and tried to smile for them.

"Amelia, could you please get a new pitcher of ice water and some fresh towels?"

"Yes, I will!" Amelia went off and out the door.

"Gourry-sama, could you please show Amelia the way through the temple. And bring back a pitcher of warm water?"

Gourry nodded and went after Amelia.

When the door closed behind Gourry, Sylphiel was left with Zelgadis, who was currently, staring angrily at the floor. Sylphiel stood quietly before him, sensing something hurt.

"Zelgadis-san...?"

How could he have left her to go through all this alone? Zel kept berating himself. Especially if he was the one who did this to her! But even if he wasn't...

Sylphiel waited patiently for some kind of reaction.

"Has Lina....said anything about......"

Zel had to approach this carefully. He couldn't just ask straight out who Lina had been sleeping with.

When he didn't continue, Sylphiel began, "She's been in labor for most of the day now...And when the pain lessens, she passes out from exhaustion. So she hasn't been able to say much." Sylphiel looked off, as if the question Zel had was hers as well. "Lina-san and Gourry-sama arrived just yesterday. She and Gourry-sama didn't say much about what they have been doing lately...except about going through daily activities and wanting food..." Sylphiel shifted on her feet. "Zelgadis-san...?"

Zel looked up slightly at the girl with her hands clasped tightly before her chest.

"I thought you and Lina-san were traveling together?"

Zel looked away.

"We were." He just barely whispered. Zel stood up, took several steps, and paused at the adjoining room's door. "Can I see her?"

Sylphiel pressed her lips together as the sloping lines deepened in her brow. "Alright."

Zel peaked into Lina's room slightly. She was passed out again. Her body was so tiny, except for her abnormally swelled waist. And now, it had to preform this great feat. She seemed so delicate, and about to break, unable to contain such a job. She was obviously in a lot of pain. Zel closed the door, again cursing himself.

Just then, Amelia and Gourry returned, and Zel returned to his seat against the wall, again, crossing his arms. Sylphiel took both pitchers by the handles, one with 2 or 3 small towels across the top. She thanked them and again entered Lina's room. The two who were only glad to help, sat again, their smiles quickly fading as Lina's moans drifted out of the opened door.

Sometime later, the scene was the same as it had been before. Gourry and Amelia were abnormally quiet, as Zel kept to himself in thought.

Perhaps there was still some hope that the baby was his. It had been 10 months since he left Lina, but sometimes babies were known to be late. Besides, if the child was Gourry's, how could Lina have met up, fallen for him, and already be delivering the child so quickly?

"The baby is early, but seems strong." Sylphiel said, coming into the room where they all waited. "Zelgadis-san," she asked, "Are you alright? You suddenly don't look very well."

Zelgadis waved off her worry and righted himself in his seat. "There don't seem to be any complications. The labor was just going slowly. She's lucky you've taken care of her so well, Gourry-sama." Zel saw from the other side of the room, how Sylphiel tried to hide the pain in her eyes. As if she knew she should be happy, but was fighting some jealousy she didn't know she had. Zel stood up. He knew then and there whose child Lina was carrying. What was he hoping for anyway? Even if the child was his, that didn't automatically mean Lina still loved him.

"So we can see her now?" Amelia asked, a little restless.

"Yes." Sylphiel nodded.

Gourry and Amelia bolted for Lina's room, whizzing past Sylphiel.

"Zelgadis-san? Aren't you coming?"

Zel stared off, again, leaving Sylphiel waiting for a reply.

"I-I..." Sylphiel began. Then looking away to ease her ability to continue. "I can only guess that the baby is early."

Zel quickly turned towards her.

"She never told me how far she was, but the baby seems small enough to be an early infant."

Slowly, Zel brushed passed Sylphiel as well.

Lina sat up, leaning against the bedboard, holding a tiny figure wrapped in cloth. All stood aghast as she turned the baby to face her friends. Although the yellow candle light showed only pale, normal skin, the child had a slightly blue tinge to it, in the moonlight from the window. Zel froze recognizing the familiar purple hair on the infant.

Lina stared him down and announced, "I'm naming her Zelina." At which Zelgadis promptly passed out.

"I can't believe that after all the times we've been together, I get pregnant on the night you leave!" Lina almost laughed. Zel closed the door, as per her request, leaving them alone together. Lina's coping smile faded as she watched Zel just stand there, looking away from her.

"Where were you Zel?" She asked rhetorically, out of emotion.

Zel wanted to tell her how he had looked for her---but only at first. He gave up and stopped looking. Therefore, that initial searching meant nothing. He didn't deserve to give himself the benefit of the doubt in Lina's eyes.

So he replied, "Not looking for you."

Lina's eyes looked hurt, but the rest of her seethed in anger. She tried to fry him with a spell, but had to stop, cursing her fatigue.

"Well, why not!?! Every day, I thought about you! The first thing I was going to do after this whole thing, was look for you!"

"How did you know I survived my last try for a cure?" Zel was being pessimistic again. Lina calmed down for a bit, staring at his downcast eyes tracing the floor.

"Because I have faith in you." There was some quiet for a moment, as Lina crawled over her bed to hold Zel. A part of him still wouldn't allow himself to accept her affection. Just as well, she suddenly punched him and pulled away. For a moment, he felt a little better; then it passed. "Damn it, Zel." She said softly, remembering the talk they had before he left. "I'll always be here for you, but you need to accept my help." Lina looked up at the ceiling. "You can be such a jerk sometimes."

Zel looked over to Lina who tried desperately to keep the water from spilling out of her eyes. "I'm sorry." he choked out and wanted to say over and over again as he held her. But he couldn't form the words anymore as he fought his own tears.

Lina held their child, watching tiny pale hands reaching for her dangling hair. "Ow. Ow! OW!" Zel came up quickly and pried Zelina's grasp from Lina's hair. "Lina, babies have an incredibly strong reflexive grip."

"So I noticed!" Lina saved gratitude from this late warning. At this point, Zel demonstrated how his stone hands would come in handy, as the baby latched onto his finger and they both tugged alternately, without Zel so much as wincing in pain. He stopped for a moment, to see Lina giving him a smiling stare, at which he blushed.

The light streaming in on their little scene came in orange rays from the window. Somewhere on the horizon the sun rose. But what does that have to do with this? Absolutely nothing! ^v^

MD3: OK. So the name "Zelina" is the least imaginative out there. She started out as just a drawing with no story ever intended, so it was fine. But she kept pushing it, and now here she is, with a story, and me reluctant to change her original name. I'm a sentimental fool that way.