Chapter 66

New Revelations (hey I can’t do that, it’s the title of the Fic! wait, yes I can XD)

(L) “Alright Fillia, you said you wanted to talk in private while Amelia and Sylphiel were out visiting the guys….” Lina began while lounging on a bear throw rug in front of an elaborate fireplace that cast a warm flickering glow on the objects in the room. “And I’ve already watched some ceremonies with you to see the process of predicting prophesies like you insisted I do over the past couple of days so that hopefully I’ll take this more seriously…” She continued while using a fire poker to tend the fire absently. “I mean we’ve even had the chance to catch up some which has been nice too, but don’t you think it’s time we finally got this whole ‘big bad prophesy’ deal outta the way?”

“Yes but you still aren’t getting the importance of what’s done here at all Miss Lina…” The dragon priestess groaned from the coach she was laying on.

“I’m not sure what exactly it is that you’re wanting me to get Fillia, but me watching a bunch of priestess’s pray all day and starve themselves while carrying out a bunch of rituals that hardly ever yield tangible results isn’t going to impress me into ‘getting it’… whatever ‘it’ is.”

“What I’m trying to get you to understand is the fact that this is what the priestess’s that reside here specialize in, and if they’ve predicted something that you may possibly be- - “

“If that was the entire reason you brought me here, then this was a complete and total waste of time Fillia.” The redhead interrupted while putting aside the poker before rolling over on her back and placing her hands behind her head.

“W-what do you… I thought…?” The golden dragon priestess stammered not sure what to think.

“Look, all I’m saying is that these shrine maidens may be highly trained servants of Cepheid; but that doesn’t impress me.” The sorcery genius said while sitting up to look at the blonde haired girl more directly. “These girls all seem nice enough, but what do I care what kind of rituals they do or what trials they put themselves through to try and get a little closer to their god?”

“But I thought if you could just see their dedication then…” Fillia began before trailing off with a perplexed expression on her face as the sorceress began to giggle while standing and headed over to the golden dragon.

“Fillia, I don’t need to see a bunch of strangers following some musty old methods to believe you have a genuine concern for my well being.” Lina said while stifling a laugh before becoming decidedly more somber as she took a seat on the ground in front of the dragon priestess while looking her directly in the eyes. “We’ve been through hell and back together so I may not always act like it; but I don’t need any proof other than your judgment when it comes to matters like this.”

“Miss… Lina…” Was all the golden dragon managed still at a loss for words.

“Anyway, on that note I have two favors to ask you.” Lina continued with an uncharacteristically serious expression on her face.

“W-what’s that?”

“For one, give those girl’s downstairs something more tangible to work toward and help them become what they’re truly meant to be; not anemic, reclusive shadows of their ancestors… but honest to goodness shrine maidens that are holy forces to be reckoned with like you are Fillia.”

“You’re talking about… true holy magic…?”

“The spells that have been lost to the human race for countless centuries.” The sorcery genius affirmed quietly. “Don’t you think it’s time you leave your own legacy Fillia?” She added before turning around so that her back was against the couch and she was staring into the flame of the fireplace once more. “Why not become the one who reminds the world of what a priestess is really supposed to be again? Maybe if you did that and your teachings spread, people like us wouldn’t have to play hero quite so often anymore.”

“My own legacy…” The golden dragon priestess repeated quietly to herself. “Maybe you have matured after all Miss Lina ….I’ll definitely consider it. She replied with a dutiful expression on her face. “Oh… and didn’t you say you had a second favor to ask…?”

“Yeah…” The redhead looked over her shoulder to answer.

“Well, what is it?”

“I was wondering if maybe…………… you could pull that mace that you have shoved so far up your butt out now and finally tell me the prophesy you’ve been so worried about!” Lina teased before breaking into a fit of laughter while ducking an indignant kick from the golden dragon priestess.

“I stand corrected Lina Inverse, you haven’t matured at all; in fact you’ve regressed to the maturity level of a five year old instead!” The golden dragon priestess exclaimed over the sorcery genius’s peels of laughter.

Meanwhile on the road in another location:

(K) “Bandit attack… how typical.” Katibree said in a bored tone as she stood side by side with Naga while multiple brigands slowly spread out to surround them.

“This lot doesn’t look as ragged as most so the pickings shouldn’t be all that slim.” The ice sorceress deducted while taking a casting stance with a smirk.

“Possibly.” The half drow replied, still not even bothering to take a fighting stance or draw her weapons for that matter. “So why do you wear that huge sword if you have no prowess with it?” She couldn’t help but ask while slowly adjusting to the growing intensity of the ice sorceresses’ powerful and unfamiliar magical energy signature.

“Why as a fashion statement of course.” The dark haired beauty replied as if it were the most obvious answer in the world. “Freeeeeze…!”

“A fashion statement…?” The ex-assassin asked in amusement while finally drawing her blades and giving her head a slight shake to clear the all too familiar fuzziness in it. If she was this powerful why didn’t I feel it when I first met her? When I first met Lina I damn near passed out…And even with Greywords, Princess Amelia and Sylphiel I could at least gage their potential output just by being near them…

“Bullet!” Naga finished casting before looking at the half elf once more. “What else would it be?” She inquired as a large ice projectile formed and launched from her hands catching a majority of the bandit gang in front of her, encasing and freezing them in a huge block of ice.

The magical energy vanished and so did most of her aura right after she casted… so weird… “I figured you were using it as a counter weight to keep those boulders on your chest from making you face-plant actually.” Katibree replied before flipping backwards with a smirk to close the distance between the bandits behind her, twisting her body in mid air to land on her feet to face them with her blades crossed.

“That’s just a ridiculous notion, how clever for you to have come up with it.” The ice sorceress replied.

“I guess you’re right.” The half elf conceded with a shrug before dodging a downward cleave from a nearby thug and swinging her arms apart to release an X shaped blast of crimson energy from her slicers. “I doubt that sword’s nearly heavy enough.” She added as a couple of brigands were incinerated and the rest scattered in all directions from the resulting blast. There’s that stifling blast of aura and energy again…The aura is nearly as intense as Red’s but cooler somehow…it actually does feel kind of familiar now that I feel it again though…

“You know jealousy is a very ugly personality trait Miss Katibree.” Naga replied while gingerly sidestepping a clumsy charging attack from another ruffian. “Freeze Arrow!” She added after he had passed, freezing him solid. Was that a spell just now…? Does she have enchanted blades…?

“Jealousy indeed.” Katibree scoffed while rolling over the back of one attacking bandit and drop kicking the one directly behind him square in the chest, sending him sprawling into his comrades. Where have I felt that before… different but so similar…that’s going to bug me all day.

“You don’t have to admit it, it’s written clearly all over your blue little face.” The ice sorceress turned to say with a flip of her dark tresses as a brigand that she’d missed closed in on her with a 2 handed sword just outside her peripheral vision. Is the energy coming from her or the sword? She wondered.

It’s right on the tip of my tongue, the only thing throwing me off is the intensity and sporadicness of it…The ex-assassin continued to muse as she swung her arm and shot a single blast of red energy out of Chiba to clear out the rest of the bandits on her side before glancing over her shoulder to reply back. “I’d say you’d be at least 30 percent less annoying if you could just manage to somehow get over yoursel - - watch it Naga!” She interrupted her insult to blurt while flinging a blade at the advancing thug reflexively.

The ice sorceress spun around while readying a spell just in time to see the bandit stand there motionlessly with a blank expression in his dulling eyes before his head slowly separated from the neck and toppled to the ground, the neck spurting her with blood before his lifeless body followed suit and collapsed as well.

(K) “Jeez, stroke your ego after battles at least - -“ Was all the half drow managed before Naga’s ice blue eyes glazed over and she collapsed in a dead faint. Did she… get hit or something…? She wondered while scanning the area suspiciously for any missed enemies as she approached the dark haired beauty to check on her.

She doesn’t look injured… maybe a spirit attack but…how many bandits are smart enough to cast? Besides I didn’t feel anything, there’d at least be some reside left over from the spell… “Hey.” The half elf said while slapping Naga’s cheek a bit with the back of her hand.

Eventually the ice sorceress stirred and slowly opened her eyes before taking in her blood spattered surroundings and promptly passing out again.

“You got to be shitting me.” Katibree deadpanned before finally sighing and picking the leather clad vixen up with a grunt. Does she have some condition that makes her just randomly pass out or something? “If that’s the case how’s she lasted on the road alone for so long…?” She wondered out loud while walking in search of a place to camp until the ice sorceress regained consciousness.

A few hours later………..

(N) “Uhm… agh that stings!” Naga hissed as she sat up by the camp fire while holding the side of her head.

“Yeah you racked your head pretty nicely when you fainted.” The mostly platinum haired warrior replied while adjusting some fish filets smoking over the fire.

“Where are we…?” The leather clad vixen asked as she scanned the forested area around them while casting a recovery spell to heal the lump on her head.

“About a mile and a half from where we were attacked.” The half drow replied as she stopped polishing the large sword in her lap to study the waves of energy emanating from the ice sorceress once more. That aura mixed with the healing magic…Gods that feels familiar now…

“That’s right, the brigand ambush…” Naga mused. She carried me all that way…? She added mentally before noticing what the half elf had been polishing. “Hey, isn’t that…?” She began to inquire before trailing off in confusion as she finished her healing spell.

“Yours…? Yes it is, good weapon too.” Katibree replied while handing the 2 handed sword back to her.

The ice sorceress looked perplexed at this while studying the now gleaming blade. “Why did you….?” She began before trailing off once more unsure of exactly shat she was trying o ask as she slowly re-sheathed her sword.

“Weapons aren’t just instruments, they're your partners; an extension of yourself.” The mostly platinum haired warrior answered her unfinished question while beginning to treat her own blades. “I mean… think I understand why you don’t use it now, but - -”

“What do you mean by that?” The dark haired beauty suddenly looked up to ask with her sword only partially sheathed and an unreadable expression on her face.

“You were… talking in your sleep … I couldn’t help but overhear and… I just put 2 and 2 together after what happened today.” The mostly platinum haired warrior replied quietly while checking a filet to see if it was done. “…I’m sorry for your loss.”

Naga was silent a long moment while staring into the fire before finally replying. “Don’t be, it couldn’t possibly be my loss; Naga the White Serpent doesn’t lose.” She said with a flicker of sorrow showing deep within her ice blue eyes. “On a much more interesting note though…” She continued while breaking into a grin. “That fish smells simply heavenly, is that salmon by chance…?”

The ex-assassin couldn’t help but smirk at this. “….The done ones are over there.”

“Oooh don’t mind if I do!” The ice sorceress exclaimed happily.

“Hey, leave some for me already.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of the term most beautiful, first serve?”

“Even if that were the actual term its ‘first serve’ not ‘all serve.’”

“That’s what revisions are for.”

“….Impossible.” Katibree said with a chuckle before trailing off as the elusive answer to her question dawned on her. Princess Amelia, her aura’s like a souped up less pure version of Princess Seyruun’s aura…Hell, now that I think about it… they even kind of smell alike…………And look alike…? Oh come on that just too coincidental. The half drow thought as she studied the dark haired vixen.

“You know, to claim to be in a committed relationship; you certainly do gaze upon my beauty quite a bit.” Naga replied wryly before taking another bite of smoked salmon.

The tips of the half drow’s ears reddened slightly at this. “Get over yourself already Naga.” She replied while taking a bite of her own fish as well.

After a short moment of eating in silence the mostly platinum warrior spoke again.

“Hey Naga…?”

“Yes?”

“You don’t… have a sister by chance do you…?”

Ice blue eyes met and locked with cool lavender ones as the dark haired beauty stopped eating and merely studied the half elf silently a moment at.

“What a positively random question, Naga the White Serpent has no family.” Naga finally answered in an uncharacteristically quiet voice before turning her attention back to her salmon.

“Hum, an odd response fitting an odd woman I suppose.” Katibree replied just as quietly, deciding it’d probably be better to just drop the subject all together.

Back at the temple…………

(L) “Ok I’ve heard the prophesy and we’ve gone round and round, but I still don’t see why you and Luna think that I’m involved in it; it’s just too obscure for me to buy into so easily." Lina replied while leaning her head back and resting it on the stone tile behind her as she relaxed while immersed up to mid-chest in steaming water compliments of the hot-springs beneath the temple.

“Oh come on Miss Lina, it refers to the point between light and darkness, how can you still possibly be so skeptical after all my theories?” The golden dragon priestess beside her replied, lounging in pretty much the same posture with her eyes closed as she enjoyed the feel of the heat of the water relaxing her muscles, her blonde hair wrapped into a bun well out of reach of the springs.

“Because that’s just what they are Fillia, theories.” The sorcery genius answered while studying the rocky terrain of the cavern ceilings as she spoke. “In the prophesy with Dark Star I was the representative of the human race, but even if ‘the point between light and darkness’ means that again this time, who’s to say I’m even the representative again?”

“And how many times have you saved the world now Miss Lina?” The golden dragon priestess asked almost wistfully.

“Saving the world is just fine, been there, done that…” The redhead elaborated with a dismissive wave of her hand that caused the water around it to slosh slightly with the motion. “What doesn’t make any sense is fighting the Monsters and the Gods if that’s what ‘opposing the light and darkness’ even means this time; I have no reason to oppose the Gods at all.

The golden dragon opened her eyes with lowered eyelids and shifted them to the lounging sorceress at this statement. “So you would if it benefited you in other words…”

The sorcery genius sweat-dropped and giggled a bit in response. “…Well no… I was just trying to make my point really…”

“You’ve done it before Miss Lina…” Fillia deadpanned while lifting her head slightly with her eyelid still lowered.

“I have not - - Hawh you mean Sirius and what’s-his-name?? Lina balked while lifting her head as well to look at the former Fire Dragon priestess. “Come on those guys weren’t gods; the only reason they were so badass is because their astral bodies were in a different world so they were immune to magic on this one, they were no Cepheids or Bolfieds, that’s for sure.”

“But they we’re representatives of Bolfied.” Fillia replied simply while leaning her head back to rest it and closing her eyes once more.

“Representatives of Bolfied is a pretty strong title, more like ex-foot-soldiers of the Bolfied that no longer existed, either way grunts of the gods aren’t gods Fillia; and even if the prophesy is talking about that, why doesn’t it say the ‘light’s’…. cannon fodder or something?” The redhead retorted while leaning her head back once more with a roll of her ruby colored eyes.

“I thought you said you were going to take this seriously Miss Lina.” The blonde haired girl sighed with her eyes still closed for the moment.

“I am taking it as seriously as I possibly can for a bunch of cryptic mumbo jumbo that may or may not even involve me.” The sorcery genius replied while placing her hands behind her head. “You said yourself that you’re not sure if this actually involves me or not, you just think it might.”

“Well if that’s the case I say you’re sounding awfully defensive about a warning regarding something that may or may not come to pass or even involve you.”

“…….I’m not being defensive Fillia, and I am taking into consideration what you’re saying, but it’s just… frustrating.” Lina tried to explain with growing irritation. “I just think it’s stupid to have to walk around worrying about some half-baked prophesy when the damn spirits or whatever it is that triggered or caused the premonition to begin with could have just said; ‘Hey Lina Inverse needs to save the world again.’ Or, ‘Hey, this time Lina gets a break.’.”

The golden dragon priestess opened her blue eyes and looked over at the sorcery genius once again who was now gazing up at the ceiling in silence after having spoken her peace. Since when did Miss Lina worry about anything, and when has she ever cared about catching a break in matters like this…? Fillia wondered while furrowing her brows slightly at the uncharacteristic statement. I guess even virtual demi-gods get tired sometimes… “Well, unfortunately things don’t work that way, and we have to work with what we’re given.” She finally answered apologetically.

“Yeah I understand, doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.” The redhead replied before standing and reaching for her towel to leave just as Amelia and Sylphiel entered the springs.

(S) “Oh Miss Lina, are you leaving?” Sylphiel asked.

“But we just got here…” Amelia added crestfallenly.

“Yeah, sorry girls but I need a little time alone to work on some stuff ok?” Lina barely glanced up to reply while wrapping her towel around herself as she left the hot springs.

“Miss Lina sure has been moodier than usual lately…” The princess pouted after the sorcery genius was out of sight.

(S) “Yes I’ve noticed that too… she’s needed an awful amount of time alone and she hasn’t even gone to visit Gourry dear and Mr. Zelgadis since we’ve been here.”

(F) “Well… from what she’s told me of your situation time is ticking and the longer you guys wait the worse your odds get while you’re waiting for your scout to report back.” Fillia mused thoughtfully. And since when did Miss Lina start using scouts anyway… it’s such a… traditional and… organized tactic…

“She could at least let us know what she’s working on…” The Seyruun princess complained.

(S) “Yes at the very least we may be able to help….”

Several days later………………..

Lina looked up from her spell book with a start at the sound of an abrupt knocking at the door of her quarters. “Yeah, who is it?” She asked while getting up from the bed she’d been lounging on.

“Miss Lina Inverse, Priestess Fillia sent me to get you to ok a female elf requesting entry to the sanctuary as she is currently in the middle of a ritual…” A flustered sounding shrine maiden’s voice that the redhead didn’t recognize said through the door.

The sorceresses heart skipped a beat at the news and she broke into an all out grin at this. “I’ll be right down!” She shouted through the door, the room becoming a virtual tornado of clothing as she hurriedly got dressed.

“Yes Miss Inverse, I’ll relay the information!”

“Thanks and would ya let Amelia and Sylphiel know to go to the meeting room?” Lina added before tossing her normal sorceress shirt aside for a yellow v-neck instead and dawning that before hurriedly brushing her crimson colored mane.

“Right away Miss Inverse!” The maiden exclaimed dutifully through the door before hurrying off.

A minute later the redhead emerged from her room and did her best to keep from running as she made her way down the hallway while clasping the last of her talismans in place. I guess formal is better than nothing… She thought to herself somewhat self-consciously while smoothing out her gear as she went.

At the doorway of the temple she stopped at took a deep breath willing her heart rate and breathing to return to normal. Come on Lina it hasn’t even been 2 weeks…keep it casual. She ordered herself before reaching for the door handle to open it.

What was standing in the doorway was a sight for sore ruby colored eyes but the sorcery genius kept her cool and didn’t even let herself crack a smile, merely folding her arms. “Sure are cutting it close aren’t we…?” She chided in mock crossness.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t believe the amount of carriage traffic you run into up here in the mountains…” The mostly platinum haired warrior joked. “Heya Red.” She added with a soft expression on her face that melted the younger girl’s heart.

And with that an excited squeal followed by laughter cracked the redhead’s mask of cool which evaporated with a puff of smoke and she threw herself into the half elf’s arms, holding on with all her might as the larger girl twirled her around a few times before setting her down and relinquishing the embrace while still laughing herself.

(L) “We’re… pretty pathetic huh…?” Lina said after regaining her composure and putting some distance between them with a slight blush.

“Maybe just a little.” Katibree agreed while rubbing the back of her neck with an embarrassed chuckle. “Anyway, I’m not alone so I figured I should have the guest hang back until someone had a chance to approve or disapprove their entry… I didn’t realize this place was going to be a temple…”

“Yeah neither did I… so who’d you bring along and…. why…?”

“It’s a….. long story.” The mostly platinum haired warrior explained with a deep sigh while raising a hand in the air and shooing a crimson beam of energy high into the sky.

“Learned a new trick I see… you can do it without a weapon now- -“

“Ooooooooh, ooh, ooh, ooh…. Ooooooooh, ooh, ooh, ooh…. Oooooooh, ooh, ooh, ooh…..”

The redhead’s question died on her lips at the distant but approaching sound of her long forgotten until now least favorite sound in the world and she began to look very blue in the face as she slowly looked to the skies in denial. “Oh…no.”

“Man she never lets up…” The half elf said with a sweat-drop just as the ice sorceress touched down in front of her and Lina placing her hands on her hips with a dazzling smile.

“……………….Na-ga?!” Lina finally blurted in disbelief. “W-what in the hell are you doing here?!?”

(K) “Uhm… you know her…?” The mostly platinum haired warrior asked in confusion.

(N) “Apparently the legend of my unsurpassed beauty and prowess as a sorceress has spread to even areas as remote as this one………” The dark haired vixen began to boast before trailing off and taking a closer look at the sorceress standing in front of her. “L……..Lina….is…is that you…?” She asked slowly while squinting her eyes in growing recognizing of her old traveling companion.

“Yeah, it’s… it’s me Naga.” Lina affirmed while shifting her weight where she stood uncomfortably.

“I…I…. can’t believe it…” The ice sorceress said in astonishment.

“Yeah… it’s pretty wild huh…?” The redhead agreed while rubbing the back of her neck as the memories from all those years ago came back in a flood. Should I… hug her or something… it’s been a really long time…

“It really is…. I don’t…. I don’t think they’ve grown even a tiny bit since we last met.” Naga observed as Lina promptly face-faulted while Katibree sweat-dropped, gritting her teeth in mortification.

I guess that answers my question. The redhead thought to herself dryly while picking herself up off the ground and brushing her gear off. “I see you’re as shallow and brainless as ever Naga.” Lina finally replied before turning to Katibree with a stress-mark. “I don’t know what gave you the audacity to bring that leather-clad, walking set of udders here with you in the first place Katibree, but I refuse to work her.”

(K) Naga’s the one that gave Red the complex isn’t she? The half elf deducted dryly. Xellos, you asshole.

(N) “How terribly rud- -” The ice sorceress began to huff.

“Who’s rude?!” The redhead spun back to the dark haired vixen to blurt angrily. “We haven’t seen each other in nearly a decade and the first thing that comes out of your mouth when we meet again is an insult? I put up with this exact thing on the road with you all those years ago and I’ll be damned if I sign up for it again, you can go to hell Naga.” The sorcery genius exploded before spinning on her heels and beginning to storm away.

(K) “Slight problem with this Red…” The half drow called quietly while smoothing out her mostly platinum colored mane with a sigh. “Xellos set this up; Naga knows where the lab producing the Mazoku clones is located…”

The redhead froze in her tracks with her back turned at this statement while blinking back tears of anger and embarrassment. It figures this is Xellos’s doing… “……..Fine, the conference room is this way.” She conceded quietly. “Well grab the girls and them head over to the guys place afterwards.”

As the trio walked in silence on the way to the conference where Amelia, Sylphiel, and possibly Fillia were waiting, the ice sorceress found herself lost in thought. I don’t know why I did that, I was genuinely happy to see her…I just, I guess I was scared and didn’t know what to say after us parting on such bad terms…She was so young then… I wonder if she even remembers…? “…Lina I….”

“What is it Naga.” Lina replied icily, not even bothering to turn around.

“I… well, never mind.” Naga managed before losing her nerve and changing her mind.

Well, awkward doesn’t even begin to describe the atmosphere in the air right now…Katibree thought to herself with a sweat-drop as they closed in on the conference room door. I wonder what type of history these two had? Lina’s never even mentioned her, but I guess I can kind of see why…

Just then they reached the door designated for the conference room and Lina opened it with Katibree close behind.

“Hey Miss Lina, what’s the reason for the conference - -?” Oh Miss Katibree’s back!” The Seyruun princess chirped cheerfully.

(L) “Hi Amelia.” Lina replied with forced cheerfulness.

“Hey Miss Katibree!” The Seyruun princess exclaimed happily while waving to both girls happily.

“Hey yourself little princess.” Katibree replied with a smirk and a little wave. “Heya Sylphiel.” She added

“Welcome back Miss Katibree!”

“Thanks, hey where are the guys?” The half elf asked as Naga who was further back made her way into the room as well.

(A) “Well guys aren’t allowed here so they have their own private….” Amelia began to explain before trailing off with a confused expression on her face that seamlessly melted to shock. “……..Gracia….?” She practically whispered in disbelief.

Naga ice blue eyes widened at the use of her long retired real name and slowly scanned the room in search of the source of the user. “By the gods………. A-Amelia….?” She finally asked in mirrored disbelief.

“GRACIA!!!” Amelia shouted while jumping up and blasting over the table with a Ray Wing, sending papers flying in all directions.

“Oof!” Gracia grunted as she was bowled over by the impromptu Amelia projectile. “Ooh, hoo, hoo... I’ve missed you too little sister!” She laughed while hugging the younger princess back tightly from the ground as everyone stared at the spectacle in bemusment.

(K) “…You too know each other too…?” Whoever said lighting doesn’t strike the same spot twice was full of it…

(S) “Uhm… Miss Lina…. Who is this…. ‘eccentrically’ dressed woman…?” The raven haired girl asked in confusion.

The redhead began to explain before abruptly cutting off what she was saying as everything clicked at once. “Her name’s Naga but Amelia’s calling her Gracia for some reason - -“ You’ve got to be kidding me.” She finally deadpanned.

(A) “Where have you been all this Gracia? Daddy and I have been worried sick - -“ The younger princess asked from her perch on top of her older sister before being interrupted by a certain redhead who was currently vigorously rustling her crimson colored mane in annoyance.

“Hold it, hold it, HOLD it!” Lina exclaimed while breathing raggedly after her miniature what-the-hell-is-going-on fit. “Don’t tell me Naga here is the long loss 1st crowned princess you were telling me about.”

(A) “Well her name is actually Gracia, Naga is only part of her full title… but yes…” Amelia answered while finally letting her older sister up from her mauling.

(N) “I always did say I was fit for royalty did I not my stature lacking little friend?”

“Like I’ve ever listened to even 10 percent of what you’ve had to say Naga.” The sorcery genius shot back with a glare. “Either way, I think you’ve made a mistake Amelia; I have a hard time believing that someone as moronic, shallow, self centered and all around indecent could ever have royal blood let alone Seyruun royal blood.”

“You take that back Lina Inverse or I swear I’ll…” Gracia fumed as she stood.

“You’ll what, laugh me to death?” Lina scoffed while taking a step toward Naga before Katibree caught her arm. “You couldn’t take me in a fight then and you sure as hell can’t now and you know it Naga.”

(A) “Please don’t fight…. We’ve… we’ve all just finally been reunited…. It should be a happy day….” The younger princess whispered on the verge of tears as she watched the two sorceresses helplessly.

(S) “Miss Amelia’s right… can’t we all just have a good time…?”

The two sorceresses just continued to glare silently at each other.

(A) “Please big sister, if Daddy were here you’d be breaking his heart as much as you are mine right now…” Amelia said while holding one of Naga’s arms as tears pooled in her cerulean colored eyes.

Gracia looked down at her younger sister and her expression immediately softened. “….We’re going to finish what we started Lina, but not today.” She finally looked back at Lina to say quietly.

“Don’t make it look like you’re bowing out for my well being Naga, I’m ready to finish this here and - -“

“Red?” The mostly platinum haired warrior asked while placing a hand on the sorceresses gemmed shoulder guard. “Come on.” She added with a slight shake of her head.

Lina sighed and slowly unclenched her fists at this before closing her ruby colored eyes and taking a deep breath and holding it. “Fine.” She conceded after slowing letting the breath out. “Let go see the guys and we can head to town for a celebration party where alcohol is actually allowed.” She added with a wave of her hand.

(S) “Sounds like fun!”

(K) “Now were talking.”

(N) “You and I actually agreed on something for once Lina.”

(A) “Yay alcohol!”

(L) “Alcohol for everyone except Amelia that is.” Lina teased.

“Miss Linaaaaa….!” The younger princess complained.

“Well it is a special occasion…” The redhead mused. “What do you say Naga?”

“Well cheers of course!” Gracia laughed while doing a fake toast with her little sister while grinning.

“Jeez… is it genetic or something…?” The sorcery genius wondered with a sweat-drop while rubbing the back of her neck. And Kat drinks like a fish too… Naga and Kat swapping stories as they drink is the last thing I need…The sorceress thought with a roll of her ruby colored eyes. “Alright, alright, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go there’s food to be eaten!”

(N) “And brandy to be drank!”

(A) “And towns to paint!”

(S) Sylphiel could help but giggle as they left the conference room. “They all seem pretty pumped up all the sudden don’t they Miss Katibree?”

“My only explanation to any of this is that all three of them have to be completely bipolar with a dose of honest to goodness pure insanity on the side.” Katibree replied with a bemused shake of her head. “Enemies to friends at the drop of a hat, it’s just… wild…”

Several hours later at a tavern in a secluded little town in the mountains, the gang sat around a table and chatted pleasantly.

(Z) “Ok, now let me get this straight…” Zelgadis said with one hand on his chin and the other holding a glass of wine. “Naga, or Gracia as Amelia calls her is the long lost 1st crowned princess of Seyruun making her Amelia’s sister and Phil’s daughter… And apparently when she left the kingdom after the unfortunate events of a certain night, she met up with a much younger Lina and started adventuring with her not too long afterwards…”

(A) “And then they went their separate ways after traveling together for a couple of years only for Miss Lina to happen to meet Mr. Gourry and the rest of us just a few months later…” Amelia picked up where the chimera trailed off.

(K) “And so because Lina and Amelia both knew Naga by different names, neither of them were the wiser that Lina knew Naga too the few times Amelia talked about her.” Katibree finished for the younger Seyruun princess before taking a pull from her tankard of mead.

(S) “That’s really quite the story.” Sylphiel said after putting down her own glass of wine, already beginning to look flushed as she wasn’t much of a drinker.

(L) “Yeah it really is, almost like the chains of fate keep bringing us back together or something.” Lina agreed while leaning back and patting her newly full stomach contently.

(G) “Well, if we’re all just going to keep meeting up like this to save the world and stuff…” Gourry began around a mouthful of food. “Shouldn’t we have a name like all these hero groups around? I mean we’re the biggest and baddest right?” He added after swallowing his food.

(Z) “Haven’t heard of any other groups of heroes taking down a Dark Lord, let alone two, that’s for sure.” Zelgadis said with a smirk.

(L) “Alright, so what do we call ourselves then gang…?” Lina asked as her mixed drink she had ordered was brought to her.

(A) “How about, ‘The Warriors of Justice’!” The princess stood and proclaimed with stars in her eyes.

(Everyone but Amelia) “Nooo.”

“Awww… but it’s such a cool name…” The younger Seyruun princess whined with twin waterfalls streaming down her face at the instant and unanimous rejection of her idea.

(G) “Only to you Amelia!” The blonde swordsman laughed while patting her on the back.

(S) “Uhm… how about ‘The Crusaders of Fate’?” Sylphiel offered shyly.

(Z) “Hum, I actually like that… but it really doesn’t seem to suit our approach to things.” The mystical swordsman mused before taking another sip of wine

(N) “Ok, well how about ‘Team Havoc’?” Gracia asked, her voice echoing slightly as she had a tankard partially up to her mouth.

“……That name doesn’t seem like a very good name for a group of heroes big sister.” Amelia replied with a sweat-drop.

“Well I think it’s a lovely name.”

(L) “I can’t believe I’m saying this but, although I don’t think the name’s ‘lovely’… I do think it’s kind of fitting…” Lina admitted with a sweat-drop of her own. “What do you think Kat…?”

“I honestly don’t think that I’ve pulled enough weight on this team yet to deserve the privilege of helping pick out a name for it.” The half elf replied while refilling her mug of mead. “But I do think that it’d be better to come up with a name that doesn’t make the towns folk of the towns we go into want to run inside and bar their windows even though they probably should.”

“Eh heh… good point.” The sorcery genius agreed while scratching the back of her head with a laugh.

(Z) “I say the name doesn’t have to be too fluffy.”

(L) “’Fluffy’, and when exactly is a name considered ‘fluffy’ Zel?” The redhead asked in amusement before taking a sip from her drink through a straw.

Zelgadis blushed slightly at this. “I don’t know, all I’m saying is the people that we save don’t have to love us or the name, but the name we come up with should definitely strike fear into the hearts of our enemies at least.”

“So…. A name that people can respect… but enemies fear…?” Lina clarified.

“Or a name that reminds our adversaries why they should fear us.” The chimera agreed.

(K) “Ok, so the name should be closer to a reminder than a banner then?” Katibree asked while leaning back in her chair so that it balanced on 2 legs.

(L) “Yeah, I think I’d like that…” The sorcery genius said with a growing grin.

“Alright then, who are the biggest adversaries that this group has had to deal with at any given time then?”

“I guess I’d have to say… our toughest enemies have always been members of the monster race for as long as I can remember.” The redhead mused. “Even Naga’s scraped along side me with demons before.”

The rest of the table murmured in agreement amongst themselves at this.

(K) “And what do you guys do constantly to Mazoku…?”

(Z) “Long story short except for a few exceptions, we kill them.”

(G) “The… ‘Monster Slayers’ then?” Gourry offered.

(L) “Come on Gourry the monster races’ collective ego is big enough without us putting their name into our team title, besides they aren’t the only thing we deal with so why don’t we shorten it to…. ‘The Slayers’.” Lina said with a fanged grin. “That way anyone that thinks about screwing with us will get the point.”

(Z) “I like the ring of that name!” Zelgadis laughed.

(A) “I still like ‘Heroes of Justice’ better, but I can go with that I guess… I have to admit it is fitting…”

(N) “Works for me, but it’s not as if I actually need a group title to strike fear into the hearts of my enemies.”

(K) “That’s right, all you have to do is start laughing and it’ll scare the hell out of your adversaries and your allies too….”

(S) “I didn’t think I’d care for a name so dark sounding, but… I actually like it…” Sylphiel admitted before hiccupping and covering her mouth with a blush.

(G) “So… is it ‘The Slayers’ then…?” Gourry asked Lina.

“That seems to be the general consensus Gourry so we mine as well make it official.” Lina affirmed while standing and holding her glass up with a dazzling smile. “To ‘The Slayers’?” She toasted while looking around the table as everyone else stood as well.

“To ‘The Slayers’!” The team cheered collectively while clicking their various drinks together jovially.

Moments later Katibree suddenly glanced up from the celebration and glanced around the tavern quickly before elbowing Lina in the ribs to get her attention.

“What’s up Kat?” The redhead looked over to ask lightly.

“I think you’d better brace yourself because I have the feeling that a whole new type of it is about to hit the fan.” The half elf said with an unreadable expression on her face.

“What do you mean by th - -?” Was all the sorcery genius managed to ask as the entire table fell silent at a certain mysterious priest’s voice.

(X) “Well, well… it seems like the gang is pretty much all here now minus a certain golden dragon.” Xellos called wryly as he made his way over from the tavern door he’d just entered through. “It gladdens me to see you all enjoying yourself my friends!”

(Z) “Cut the crap Xellos, what the hell are you doing here?” Zelgadis snapped.

“Come now is that anyway to greet an old comrade?” Xellos asked in a hurt tone. “I’ve merely come to join the celebration as well you see.”

(L) Don’t do this Xellos… please don’t do what I think you’re about to…! Lina thought to herself in growing panic while squeezing Katibree’s hand under the table unconsciously.

“Like you actually know what we’re celebrating…” Zelgadis scoffed. “You’ve just come to spy on us and stir up trouble.”

“Of course I know what you guys must be celebrating; I was one of the first to find out about Lina’s big news!” The mysterious priest replied while opening an eye slightly and waggling a finger.

Everyone turned to look at Lina in varying states of confusion and one state of apprehension at this.

(A) “Miss Lina’s…. ‘big news’?” Amelia repeated slowly. “Do you know what Mr. Xellos is talking about Miss Lina…?” Is he talking about… Miss Lina having fallen for someone else other than Mr. Gourry…?

“…Yeah.” The sorcery genius admitted in a barely audible voice while staring down at the table.

(X) “Oh… you hadn’t told them yet Lina….?” Xellos asked in mock surprise. “Huuuum… my bad…”

“You knew I hadn’t the moment you walked in the door Xellos so drop the act.” The redhead replied quietly.

(N) “There’s something that only Lina and the nice priest know…?” Naga asked while leaning forward conspiratorially. “Well I won’t stand for that so let’s hear it.”

(X) “Well it’s pretty much impossible for at least one other person in the room to not know as well…” The trickster priest said with a cackle.

(Z) “What… is Xellos… talking about exactly Lina…?”

After a moment more of silence from the redhead Xellos made his way over to where Lina and Katibree were sitting and leaned on his trademark staff. “Hum, huuum what to do, what to do? All this time and the Kat’s still not out of the bag when the world’s been waiting so long to know what that huge disturbance in the astral plane was that fateful night…!”

(S) “You had something to do with that Miss Lina…?”

“Xellos, don’t do this.” The sorcery genius said quietly.

“Well if I don’t, who will?” Xellos asked with a shrug. “This has been dragging on for nearly half a year now just eating away at you hasn’t it? Think of this as… a favor from one friend to another…”

(Z) “Xellos, stop talking in riddles and get to the damn point.” Zelgadis blurted crossly.

“I’m glad someone finally asked me.” The mysterious priest replied with a grin as he twirled his staff. “I’m sure you’ve all noticed some… changes that you… just couldn’t quite put your fingers on… and as it turns out, as of the night of the astral plane disturbance our ‘lil sorcery genius prodigy’s’ experienced her transcendence to womanhood. Got a new lease on life, a new attitude you might say."

(A) “Transcendence to womanhood…?”

(S) “You don’t mean…?” Sylphiel began to ask before trailing off with a vivid blush.

“Oh but I do my dear friends, our little Lina is officially all grown up.”

(S) “But who…? Gourry dear was in Sairaag with me when that incident happened, I’m sure of it…”

“Oh that’s right… Lina hadn’t been traveling with Mr. Gourry for quite some time until just recently.” Xellos mused. “But our darling Lina wasn’t on the road alone for very long after leaving Sairaag from what I understand you see.” He added while propping a nonchalant elbow up on the back of Katibree’s chair. “So I suppose the real question would be, who our fiery prodigy was traveling with everyday timeline wise when that little astral plane disturbance took place… hum, oh that’s right! It was our third and newest guardian here wasn’t it? It appears that the going history of speculation has finally come to a conclusion and our Lina has finally chosen her lucky suitor!"

At this all the eyes at the table minus Lina’s went to a certain half elf as jaw after jaw hit the floor and Gourry dropped his glass before slowly standing to leave wordlessly with an unreadable expression on his face.

“Oh dear… was it something I said…?” The mysterious priest asked with a cackle while rubbing is neck in mock sheepishness.

Author's notes: there a double whammy for having to wait so long for updates... wait that was a cliffhanger wasn't it...? More months of waiting... NOOOO! LOL. i'll do my best to get 67 ASAP. it's gonna be a dosie.

Chapter 67

67. Matters of the Heart

The rest of the group sat in shocked silence for what seemed like an eternity as Lina looked down at the table and Katibree stared daggers at Xellos who was in the process of putting some much advisable distance between the two and himself.

Finally, Naga was the first to break the nearly tangible silence.

"Lina… is what Mr. Xellos says true…?" She asked with an unreadable expression on her face. "Are you and Katibree… seeing each other…?"

The redhead sat still for a very long moment trying to will her ruby colored eyes to rise from the table and meet those of her companions, but it seemed like the sheer weight of their questioning looks made her unable to do so. She stole a quick sideways glance at the mostly platinum haired warrior who had now turned her full attention to her as well. I'm so sorry, Gourry…She thought sadly to herself before finally taking a deep wavering breath and finally replying.

"…Xellos… has always had the tendency to instigate things… as well as leave out certain bits of the truth for his own amusement… but they're always truths." She began quietly. "If there's one thing that he's always prided himself on, it's the fact that he never lies…" The sorcery genius added while lifting her ruby colored gaze to settle on the mysterious priest directly.

(Z) "S-so… it's… it's true then…?" Zelgadis stammered in disbelief while looking back and forth from one girl to the other with a creeping blush spreading across his face.

"…Yeah Zelgadis, it's true." Lina affirmed never taking her piercing gaze off of a certain Mazoku.

(N) "Well isn't this just deliciously juicy?" The ice sorceress said with an amused smirk. "If that's the case, there's something I simply must know then Katibree…" She added while leaning forward with a coy expression spreading across her stunning features.

"And what's that…?" The half drow inquired, partially dividing her attention between carefully monitoring Lina's emotional state and humoring Naga.

"Putting aside your obvious lapse in taste, just how did you manage to get such a clueless, juvenile, self proclaimed pure maiden who's actually no more than a hopeless prude into the sa-?" Was all the dark haired beauty managed before her younger sister lunged over and clamped a hand tightly over her mouth.

"Gracia…!" Amelia hissed in mortification as the sorcery genius shot Naga a dangerous glare.

Sylphiel, who'd been watching the events unfold in stunned silence up until this point finally spoke. "But Miss Lina, I don't understand…" She blurted before letting her voice trail off in confusion.

"W-well… that's… I mean… it's a long story Sylphiel…" Lina stammered before trailing off herself with her eyes once again downcast.

(X) "Oh most certainly…!" Xellos agreed vigorously. "The matters of the heart are always complex and never easily explained you see."

(K) "And you would be the leading authority in matters of the human heart as you've had such extensive experience with that which you don't possess yourself over the millennia…?" Katibree inquired dryly.

"…I suppose I do see your point Miss Katibree…" The Mazoku admitted after a moment of thought. "No matter how much time is spent observing any one thing, one can only be the proverbial spectator if incapable of actually experiencing what's being studied themselves… That being said, if anyone else truly understands the depth of this little dilemma as well as Lina does, I'd have to say it would have to be the unrequited himself… It would certainly be interesting to hear his take on things wouldn't you all say…?" He baited while nonchalantly gesturing at the swordsman savant's now empty chair.

(S) "Gourry dear…?" He's gone…The raven haired girl thought with a worried look on her face.

(A) "He's not here… but he was right there only a moment ago…" Amelia said as everyone's eyes turned to where the swordsman savant had just been sitting.

(X) "Huuum, it seems he has decided to take his leave for the time being…" Xellos observed in his usual cheerful manner.

(Z) "Can you really blame him?" The chimera replied while glaring at the mysterious priest. "Finding out something like this in the way that he just did has to have been devastating for him…"

(L) "I should have told him when I had the chance to do it properly…" Lina whispered to herself before giving Katibree a conflicted look.

"Go to him, I'll be fine Red." The half elf whispered with a slight nod and squeeze of the smaller girl's hand underneath the table.

With this, the sorcery genius stood from the table and headed for the exit in search of Gourry without another word.

(A) "Miss Lina…?"Amelia called as she moved to pursue the sorcery genius with a worried look of her own.

(Z) "Let her be Amelia." Zelgadis said quietly, placing a hand on the Seyruun princesses' shoulder and giving a slight shake of the head as the redhead left, letting the door swing shut behind her.

The chimera turned to the mysterious priest once again at the sound of Lina's exit with a frown. "Alright Xellos, you've got some explaining to do…" He began while standing from the table himself. "How did you find out about this, and how is it any of this your business to begin with?" He pressed while walking toward the Mazoku deliberately.

"As doggedly straight forward and to the point as always I see Zelgadis…" Xellos replied with a sweat-drop while rubbing the back of his neck with a cackle. "I've always had an interest in our dear friend Lina over the years, and this union is merely one of many things that have been drawn to my attention concerning her… Is that really so hard to believe…?" He explained laughingly with a warding gesture at the shaman advanced.

"Don't give me that superficial garbage, I know your sudden interest in Lina's personal life isn't just some stupid coincidence so start talking Xellos." The mystical swordsman demanded as Sylphiel quietly excused herself from the table.

"Myyy, myy… even after all these years I can't get a thing past you my chimera friend…" The mysterious priest conceded with a deep sigh.

"Then stop wasting my time and spill it." Zelgadis growled, inches from the priest's face. "Tell me what you and Beast Master are up to."

"As interesting as it would be to fill you in on all the succulent details, I do have other matters to attend to unfortunately…" Xellos answered while opening an amethyst colored eye with a smirk as he took a step back. "And besides, even if I did have the time…" He added while lifting a pointer finger to his face and waggling it slightly. "Thaaat… is a secret!" He finished, teleporting immediately afterwards while laughing.

"Argh, that son of a - -!"

(A) "Please calm down Mr. Zelgadis…" The cerulean eyed princess implored while placing her hand on the shaman's back to redirect his attention. "Mr. Xellos has always been like this after all…"

"….It's is typical for him to cut and run, but that doesn't make it any less irritating…." The mystical swordsman finally managed through gritted teeth before unclenching his fists and folding his arms in a huff.

Meanwhile outside…Lina had searched the perimeter of the establishment with no sign of Gourry and had since then begun spanning the surrounding area in town. Eventually she came upon a familiar looking lone silhouette standing by the pier in the docking area of town.

The sorcery genius froze upon spotting the swordsman savant and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before swallowing with a dry click and apprehensively walking toward him. At a certain distance she found that her legs would carry her no further and she merely stood several feet behind the blonde warrior silently not knowing what to say, or even how to begin to approach him.

"Hey, Lina." Gourry greeted with a downtrodden but still surprisingly pleasant tone to his voice, sensing her presence although he still had yet to turn around. "I guess we've got some stuff to talk about huh?"

"….Yeah… I guess we do Gourry." The redhead finally managed with a slight rustle of her crimson colored mane, somewhat taken aback by the master swordsman's unexpected directness. "I've been… meaning to talk to you about it for quite some time now but…" She said while taking a few steps closer before trailing off as a lump began to form in her throat.

"So it's true then." The swordsman savant deducted in a barely audible voice before looking over his shoulder at her with an unusual intensity in his sky blue eyes.

Whether the statement was meant to be directed to her or spoken more for his own benefit the sorceress was unsure, either way she nodded slightly in affirmation before helplessly averting her ruby colored eyes from Gourry's as an untold sadness became even more painfully apparent in his baby blue orbs.

"I admit…I didn't… know how to tell you, Gourry… But, I didn't mean for you to find out this way…" The sorceress half explained half pleaded as she tentatively made the rest of the way to his side. "You're… my best friend I…" She tried to continue while reaching for his face, but trailed off as he turned his head away with a pained expression on his face. "Gourry… I'm sorry..."

"You shouldn't make excuses for the way you feel..." The swordsman savant replied more coolly than he had intended.

Lina's hand dropped and her eyes hardened defensively before softening once again at this statement. "….I'm… not apologizing for the way I feel, Gourry." She finally answered evenly.

"Then what are you saying you're sorry for?" He turned his head back toward her to look directly into her ruby colored eyes and ask.

"I'm… I'm just sorry for all the years you waited… to finally get… this answer…"

At this the blonde warrior turned his gaze back to the waters of the pier before speaking once again. "Has it really been that long…?" He wondered out loud.

"Going on six years… yeah." The redhead managed through the lump that had once again returned to her throat.

The blonde warrior smiled at this. "Well, I'm not sorry… I'd wait for you forever Lina."

"Oh, Gourry…" The sorcery genius choked as tears welded up in her eyes and she found herself staring at the ground once again.

"I'm… not sure how, but I guess I always had a feeling that something had changed from the day you came back… I even tried to ask what a few times, but I just couldn't figure out how." The swordsman savant continued while moving a small concealed object about with his thumb in the palm of his hand as he leaned on a waist high pier beam, supporting himself with his elbows. "So… I guess there's only one more thing I need to ask…"

He took a deep breath and turned to her once again, closing his eyes and steeling himself to ask the question that had been forming in the back of his mind from the very day Lina had returned from Zephilia with Katibree by her side…

"Do you…"

The way she treasures Twinkle…

"…I mean… I know you…"

The way she never wanted him to spar with her…

"Love her… but…"

The way that she shared everything with her without even really realizing it…

"Are you…"

Just the way that she always looked at her…

"Are you in love with her Lina…?"

The redhead willed herself to look up at him once more with this question, the reflection of a thousand stars glistening along the surface of the tears pooled in her ruby colored eyes. "Gourry… I never meant for any of this to…I didn't even realize before it had already…" She tried to explain.

The blonde warrior gave her a sad little smile in response. "It's kind of like breathing isn't it…? You don't realize you're even doing it when you first start to…"

"….It just… comes naturally…" The sorcery genius finished for him, beginning to see the swordsman savant in a new light.

"Yeah…" Gourry agreed quietly. Then you notice it one day and realize you've always done it… "Please Lina, I need to hear it from you… my question from before…" He reiterated with a heartrending but determined look on his face, sky blue eyes locked with ruby red ones.

"…I…..." Lina began unsteadily, a single tear rolling down her cheek as she forced the words past the incessant lump in the throat. "I am …" She finally confirmed. "Katibree… she's…she's the one my heart's chosen."

The swordsman savant looked back out at the water with this. "…..…. I understand." He replied after what seemed like an eternity. "…Would you mind… giving me some time alone now Lina…?" He added while moving that small object around in his palm with his thumb once again while still looking out at the water with an unreadable expression on his face.

That's all…? The sorceress wondered worriedly."A-are you sure that you're- -?"

"I've always trusted you Lina; Isn't it about time you started trusting me more too…?" Gourry interjected gently but meaningfully, never taking his gaze off of the dark swirling waters of the pier.

A second tear streamed down Lina's face as her long time friend's words hit home and she searched for something… anything to say as more tears followed.

"You should go to her Lina, I'm sure this isn't the easiest time for her right now either… I'll be fine." The blonde warrior replied to the redhead's unvoiced concerns. "I'll head back a little later."

The sorcery genius' cape and tresses began to rustle as a gentle air current from a levitation spell slowly lifted her from the ground. "...I…I guess I'll… see you when you get back then Gourry…" She replied quietly, unsure of what else she could possibly say before taking off in the direction of the inn with a blast of air, wiping her eyes as she went.

Once the sorceress was out of sight, the swordsman savant looked down at the hand that had been holding the small object and opened it to reveal the ring he'd been planning to propose to her with until the image of the trinket began to waver in his vision, his baby blue eyes filling with tears of his own. Unable to contain his sorrow any longer, he dropped his head into the crook of his arm with a broken sob, letting the ring fall from his hand as he wept openly.

The engagement ring bounced several times off the wood of the pier toward the cobblestones of the streets before rolling over to a large nearby crate along the pier, finally falling over and settling with a clink-clink-cliii-cliiiiiink.

From the shadows behind the crate, a hand reached out and retrieved the ring, bringing it up to a pair of jade green eyes, the tears pouring out of them being wiped and blinked away to study it more clearly. On the inner band of the ring etched in exquisite calligraphy it read: Lina Inverse Gabriev

Sylphiel covered her mouth with a gasp. "Oh Gourry dear… I'm… I'm so sorry…!" She whispered while reading the inscription over and over again as the tears began to slow and the expression on her face began to melt from sorrow to an emotion that the shrine maiden was decidedly far less familiar with as she left her position by the crate and began to stride purposefully back in the direction of the inn.

Meanwhile, back at the inn…

(N) "Amelia, these are the rules so no interfering." Naga said crisply while slamming down another tankard of mead in front of Katibree. "She gets asked a question she refuses to answer and she has to drink, it's only fair."

The remainder of the gang had gravitated to the bar which was currently littered with an assortment of empty or partially empty containers of alcoholic beverages since the events of earlier in the evening, and making good use of it…

(A) "I don't see how making Miss Katibree drink for respecting Miss Lina's privacy is fair Gracia…" Amelia argued weakly, her own mixed drink in hand. "Mr. Zelgadis… please say something…" She turned to implore of the mystical swordsman currently hunched over his own drink at the bar, quite completely lost in his own thoughts.

"It… It doesn't make any sense… Lina's so crude, immature and graceless and Katibree's so… so… the complete opposite…" The chimera muttered to himself with a hand over his face, on the verge of a migraine.

"M…Mr. Zelgadis…?" The princess asked again with a blink.

(N) "This isn't a matter of privacy dear sister, it's a matter of ethics and it is simply horrendously unethical to keep close friends in the dark for so long about matters as important as this… I won't stand for it." The ice sorceress replied with a pout.

Katibree rolled her lavender eyes at this. "You haven't traveled with Red for how many years now…?"

"Oh I wasn't speaking of your flat chested, insignificant other, I was talking about you." The dark haired beauty corrected matter-of-factly.

"We are not, nor will we ever be close friends Naga." The half elf replied with a stress-mark.

"I can't tell you enough how futile denial is my half elven companion…" The ice sorceress replied with a flip of her flowing dark hair. "Now next question, it's obvious that you two have done the deed… but how many times…? I always imagined Lina as being insatiable considering how much she overdoes everything else…" She continued shamelessly, not missing a beat as her younger sister blushed an even brighter shade of what was beginning to become the permanent color for her face that evening.

(K) "And I can't tell you enough… that this subject is still none of your business…" The mostly platinum haired warrior answered with a resigned sigh before taking another swig of mead. "Why don't you try asking something that's not overbearingly obnoxious and inappropriate for a change…?"

(Z) "Alright, I give up!" Zelgadis suddenly blurted. "I have a question…!"

All three girls turned to look at the shaman with varying expressions of inquiry, but before he could speak his peace, a weary looking Lina walked through the door of the dinning area and made a b-line back toward the bar where they sat with an unreadable expression on her face.

"Really guys…?" The redhead deadpanned while running her ruby colored gaze over the containers littering the bar before placing a hand on her hip with a sigh. "I'm running around town worried sick, and you guys… decide to go and ingest the entire bar."

(A) "Well… this is… moshly big sister and Miss Katibree actually…" The Seyruun princess slurred sheepishly.

(N) "Moshly…?" Naga repeated to her sibling, raising an eyebrow with a knowing smirk on her face.

"W-well… it is…" Amelia reiterated defensively.

(L) "And that makes this soooo much better." The sorcery genius said sarcastically while walking over to the half drow and giving her a borderline glowering look.

"Heya, Red…" Katibree managed while stifling a nervous laugh. "I blame Naga."

(N) "Meeee-eee…?" The dark haired beauty rebutted indignantly.

(L) "Don't 'heya Red' me - - De'Cleary!" Lina casted with a rough smack over the back of the mostly platinum haired warrior's head. "Did she pour the stuff down your throat…?"

"Ow…! Well no but… Argh…" The half drow replied before hissing in redoubled pain as the spell Lina had cast dispersed the affects of the alcohol suddenly.

"But what." The redhead more stated than asked.

"Let's just say you'd be more than grateful for a few drinks yourself if you had to put up with the line of questioning I have." The half elf answered while rubbing the back of her head with one eye squeezed shut.

Zelgadis turned around at the bar while clearing his throat at this statement sooner than Lina could begin to speculate before speaking himself. "Anyway, this entire nonsense aside… I'm assuming you went to go speak with Gourry, did you ever find him Lina?"

(K) "'Nonsense' eh Zel...?" The mostly platinum haired warrior repeated just loud enough for him to hear with amusement.

"Yeah, we talked." The redhead answered with a rustle of her crimson colored mane.

"And…?" The chimera prodded, ignoring the half drow's taunt.

(A) "Is Mr. Gourry sokay…?" Amelia couldn't help but chime in as well.

"No, he's not." A quiet voice answered for Lina from behind her, causing everyone to turn at the sound.

In the doorway that the sorcery genius had just entered through earlier stood Sylphiel, lowering her head as she continued to speak until only the lower part of her face was visible. "Gourry dear may be very strong… but, he is also a very gentle and sensitive man…"

"I've stood by time and time again and watched as you've taken the most noble, courageous, and kindest man I've ever known for granted without a second thought… But this time Miss Lina… This time you've just gone too far…!" She continued while walking toward the sorcery genius until she was standing directly in front of her.

"Back then, I always thought that you treated dear Gourry the way you did because… you were confused about the way you felt or… maybe because you were scared of your feelings for him and didn't know how to go about expressing them; But now… I see the truth…!" The raven haired girl continued as her hands began to clench into fists at her sides.

"And the truth must be that you just don't care, Lina." The trembling shrine maiden deducted quietly.

"S-Sylphiel… you… you can't mean th- -" Lina stammered in shock before falling silent as Sylphiel snapped her head up to glare at the redhead directly, angry tears shining in her vivid jade green eyes.

"I do! It must be the case if you've let things get this far before finally deciding to crush his heart underneath your heel!"

"Now wait a minute Sylphiel, that's just not fair…" The redhead began defensively. "I didn't ask for any of this."

"No you didn't, you just let him believe what he would instead…." Sylphiel replied coldly as she reached into a concealed pocket and produced the engagement ring, firmly setting it down on the table next to where she and the sorcery genius stood. "And he chose to believe this."

Lina reached down and picked up the band with a small frown, failing to immediately see the relevance of the trinket as Zelgadis and Amelia's eyes widened, Naga pursed her lips while leaning forward, and Katibree closed her own eyes, lowering her head with a quiet groan. "What's this supposed to be…?" The sorcery genius asked before trailing off as she noticed the tiny inscription on the inner band of the ring. Oh Gourry, no…

Sylphiel merely glared silently, the anger within her boiling as the redhead stared at the ring.

"Sylphiel, I…" Lina tried while fighting tears and only managing a whisper. "I never meant to…I-I…"

The shrine maiden frowned even more deeply, having heard enough she loosened a fist and reared back with the palm of her hand as the redhead struggled with her churning emotions.

"I honestly didn't kno - -"

SLAP!

"How, could you not know?" Sylphiel exclaimed as an angry red handprint began to form on the side of Lina's face and she staggered back a step with a strangled sob, before placing her hand on her cheek in shock as Zelgadis and the two Seyrunn princesses gaped wordlessly and the shrine maiden suddenly found herself face-to-face with a positively livid half drow.

"How dare you even venture to assume that you have even the slightest inkling of how Lina feels or has ever felt about anything?" The mostly platinum haired warrior snarled with her face barely an inch from the raven haired girl's. "I was there for every fear and every doubt she had, every tear she shed about this very subject… I watched her rip her very soul apart from the inside out some days because of Gabriev and how this may affect him, and you have the audacity to pass your groundless, meaningless judgment on her based on the one fucking thousandth of your perception that makes up an entire picture…?" She practically spat at the shocked raven haired girl.

"You couldn't even begin to fathom all that she's been through emotionally at the expense of that man…. but I can because I was there to see it; so if you really want to hit someone, why don't you try hitting me." She dared with a dangerous flash of her lavender colored eyes.

"Katibree." Lina called firmly before closing her eyes and giving the ex-assassin a barely noticeable shake of the head. "It's alright… everyone's high strung right now and it'd just make Xellos' night to have us all at eachother's throats by the end of it…"

The mostly platinum haired warrior gave Sylphiel one last withering glare before turning away with a barely audible growl and storming off to the washroom to try and cool off.

The shrine maiden who had gone quite pale but had held her ground until now, finally allowed herself to relax somewhat as the half drow disappeared into a backroom.

(Z) "Lina's right, this is the worse time to argue amongst ourselves, and not only because it'll be entertainment for Xellos." The mystical swordsman finally agreed with a decidedly relieved sigh.

(A) "Since when is Miss Lina the cool headed one and Miss Katibree the hothead…?" Amelia wondered aloud, abruptly sobered by the unexpected outbursts of anger.

(N) "Humph, well at least the newest attack dog's well trained." The older Seyruun princess commented wryly.

Sylphiel turned her gaze back to Lina at this. "Regardless of what's said… If you truly care for him like you say, I still don't see how you could have done this to him Lina…"

"And what would you have me do Sylphiel?" The redhead asked quietly. "Tell me the plan… Enlighten me, explain to me how I can just fix this entire situation and make it all better." She continued while examining the ring with a deceptively serene look on her face. "Make it all clear to me how I can just turn this whole ordeal into the perfect storybook fairytale where no one gets hurt and everyone is blissfully happy…

I mean, that's the way things should be… shouldn't they…?" She continued with a bitter little smile, finally lifting her ruby colored gaze to look at the shrine maiden levelly, all humor leaving her face as she set the ring firmly back down on the table. "Since you still want to press the subject, let's cut to the root of it; what's this really all about Sylphiel? Are you actually upset I didn't choose Gourry…? Or are you in all actuality pissed that he didn't choose you…?

The raven haired girl's jade colored eyes widened and she began to stammer as her face began to redden. "I-I admit I've always had feelings for dear Gourry, but I've always stepped aside in respect for his feelings… That… that has nothing to do with this…!"

Just then, the entrance door to the establishment opened once more and in stepped Fillia.

"My goodness is this place out of the way for a gathering…" The dragon priestess currently in human form said while removing her shawl and shaking the condensation off of it before hanging it up as the rest of the gang turned their attention to her, the tension hanging in the air nearly asphyxiating.

"Oh…." The blonde girl breathed while surveying their body language and facial expressions with growing discomfort. "Have I… Interrupted anything…?" She inquired with a half wave, eyes closed with a sweat-drop and uneasy wavering smile.

Author's Note: Nope, you aren't halucinating, it's a new chapter after a lull of about a century... You have my girlfriend to thank for the kick in the ass. Hopefully it was worth the wait... I'm still experiencing computer difficulties but have found a way around them for now. More to come folks, sooner than later if my better half has anything to do with it lol.

Girlfriend's Note: Ello peeps! Just want to say hello! So, Z, has been extremely lazy lately, and I finally pulled the memory card outta her ass and shoved it in the computer. So thats how this chapter got up. She has been working on the next chapter, believe me, but with both of our computer problems, neither of us has been able to update our fanfics. (Both out laptops are broken, isn't traveling wonderful?) Anyways, she has worked really hard on this chapter, slaving away at it as I finished my last days of school. So you better enjoy it (Or I'll end your life). R&R peeps! Peace!

Chapter 68

68.

The Storm Before the Storm

Lina glanced at Fillia before turning her attention back to Sylphiel once more. "Not at all Fillia, we were just finishing up here actually; Right Sylphiel….?" She replied to the golden dragon while looking levelly at the practicing High Priestess.

The raven haired girl looked back at the dragon priestess before turning her head back to meet the sorcery genius' gaze once more. Her jaw muscles visibly tightened before she finally conceded to drop the subject with a stiff nod; opting for graciousness in light of the newest company. "…Yes, please have a seat Miss Fillia." She said as she shot the redhead one last look that clearly stated 'This isn't over', before turning with a small forced smile while gesturing to a nearby chair. "Hopefully your journey wasn't too taxing…"

"Well… it was a bit wet, but other than that I've no complaints." The former Fire Dragon King priestess joked weakly before finally noticing a certain tall and busty one. "And who might you be, I don't believe I've ever seen you in Miss Lina's company before?"

The ice sorceress puffed out her more than ample chest at this recognition and stood triumphantly. "I am called Naga, Naga the White Serpent, the most beautiful and powerful rival of Lina Inverse!" She began with a flamboyant flip of her dark past-waist length hair.

Lina ran a hand roughly down her face in exasperation at this display as the remaining party members sweat-dropped. "Aww Naga, would ya give it a rest already?" She snapped before Naga could begin the 'distinct' laughter that was sure to follow. "She's actually Amelia's sister apparently, Gracia Ul Naga Seyruun; the first born princess and first heir to the throne of the Holy Kingdom of Seyruun." The redhead went on to explain to the dragon priestess.

Naga twitched slightly and avoided her younger sister's questing gaze at the mention of her full title, taking another drink instead.

Fillia frowned skeptically at this. "Miss Amelia's sister…?"

"Oooooooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh… nice try Lina!" Gracia suddenly laughed with a hand coyly placed to the side of her mouth.

"….What are you talking about Naga?" The redhead asked with a groan. "You're the lost princess of Seyruun, Amelia already confirmed it so there's no use trying to deny it - -"

"It's just like you to try and manipulate people to focus on what's convenient for you at the moment; however I shan't fall for your ploy Lina Inverse!" The ice sorceress interrupted with a declaration while pointing and striking a dramatic and eerily familiar pose as her cape flared behind her. "You're planning to use the distraction of Miss Fillia's arrival to lead the subject matter away from the scrumptious details of you running off to elope with Katibree, am I right…?" She concluded with a victorious smile.

The sorcery genius was at a loss for words, she couldn't decide whether she should be annoyed or impressed…

The golden dragon looked back and forth from one girl to the other. "Miss Lina… has eloped with someone named… Katibree…?" She repeated unsurely before finally settling a questioning gaze on the flustered redhead.

Zelgadis and Amelia, both grateful for the impromptu tension breaker, couldn't help but join in on the fun.

(Z) "Well, that does sound like a typical Lina tactic, wouldn't you say Amelia?" Zelgadis considered with a hand on his stony chin.

"Um hum, Um hum…" The youngest Seyruun princess agreed while nodding with her arms folded and eyes closed in mock solemness.

"Argh! First of all, I didn't 'elope' with anyone…!" Lina finally blurted with a growing blush. "It's not like I ran off and secretly got married or anything…"

(F) "Well to be perfectly honest Miss Lina, I always figured you to be too violent to ever actually settle down with anyone …" The golden dragon replied lightly before catching the withering glare the sorcery genius shot her at the comment. "Eh hem. Anyway, what kind of name is 'Katibree'…?" She asked, hurriedly changing the subject while making her way behind the bar. "The name certainly isn't a typical one, especially not for a male."

"Well… that is… urm…" The redhead stammered with an ever deepening blush.

(N) "What our companion of most diminutive stature is trying to say is: The name doesn't sound masculine because it isn't masculine and neither is the owner of the name." The dark haired vixen explained happily and unwantedly in the sorcery genius' stead.

"Not… masculine…?" Fillia repeated with a raised eyebrow. "As in… not… a male…? She ventured with some hesitation after studying the redhead a moment.

"Bingo." The Seyruun Princess', Zel, and Sylphiel affirmed in union.

"….Well that does figure I suppose." The dragon priestess finally replied with a shrug.

"Wha-hawh! And just what exactly is that supposed to mean?" Lina exclaimed while overturning a chair with a swing of her arm, much to the amusement of her on looking companions.

"Relax Miss Lina, all I'm saying is… I think it's good that you're so in touch with yourself now is all…" Fillia said while holding out her hands in a warding gesture and stifling a laugh.

The redhead folded her arms and gave the golden dragon a cross look. "I'm not sure I liked that answer much better."

The former fire dragon king priestess couldn't help but giggle at this remark. I guess Miss Luna was correct; it seems her younger sister has done some maturing… "Anyway, as long as we're on the subject, is she the young elven woman that I was told showed up at the sanctuary to inform you she was done with her investigation?" She asked while rummaging behind the bar for supplies to make tea. "I really couldn't see you getting involved with someone who wasn't an adventurer as well… or at the very least someone who is capable of fighting her way out of the messes that you tend to drag the people closest to you into…" She continued lightly as she began to heat some water. Incidentally…we seem to be missing a member of the old gang… She added to herself silently.

Lina began to bristle at the blonde haired girl's comments once more before thinking better of it. Well her logic as far as that goes is pretty much right on point, as much as I hate to admit it… She thought to herself while scratching the back of her head sheepishly. "…Yeah, that was her." She finally admitted audibly with a shy glance in the direction of the backroom that the half drow had yet to return from.

"I see." The golden dragon priestess replied pleasantly while poking at the tea leaves now boiling in the water. I know that Mr. Gourry and Miss Lina were quite fond of each other, did things not go well once this newest development of Miss Lina falling for another came to light? "Well, is she out on another errand? If she is around I would certainly like to meet her." From what I've learned of Miss Sylphiel during her short stay at the tower, she seems to be quite fond of Mr. Gourry as well…Perhaps this is what the dispute that I walked in on was about? She pondered while bending down to take a whiff of the soothing aroma wafting up from the brewing tea with a content little smile.

"She… um… well, yeah…" Lina managed oh so eloquently. "I'll… go get her…" She added quietly before heading to the backroom to check on Katibree.

"Oh how positively wonderful!" Fillia replied cheerfully while beginning to pour some tea. Regardless of whether my concerns are founded or not… based on the mood of the room when I arrived and the absence of Mr. Gourry; it seems it would be best to avoid the subject all together... She deducted while holding out the cup of tea to a still noticeably tense Sylphiel with a smile. "Tea anyone…?"

"Oh, yes please." The High priestess in training replied, immediately brightening in demeanor as she took the steaming cup of liquid.

(A) "Yes please, it smells wonderful Miss Fillia!" Amelia agreed exuberantly.

(N) "Hum, I wonder how that would go with rum." Naga wondered aloud.

(A) "Haven't you had enough to drink yet Gracia…?" The younger Seyruun princess chided.

(Z) "Sure, I'll take a cup." The mystical swordsman said with a shrug.

Meanwhile, Lina made her way back to the washing area to find the washroom empty. "Figures…" She said with a little smile as she spotted a partially open window and walked over to it before opening it all the way and poking her head outside. "Your presence is requested, Dear." She called up to the half elf currently sulking on the roof teasingly.

A moment later Katibree stuck her head over the edge to look at the sorceress with an un-amused expression. "Nels Rada want to thank me for letting her keep all her teeth…?"

"No…" The redhead answered while stifling a laugh.

"Not interested then." The ex-assassin deadpanned, once again removing her face from view.

"Come on Kat, don't be like that…" The sorcery genius called back, still looking up with a pout. "Sylphiel's just kind of confused right now, she's never done anything like that before, and I'm sure she'll apologize once she's worked some stuff out in her head…"

"…."

Lina rustled her crimson colored mane with a sigh at the answering silence. "And besides, Fillia's done with all her stuffy priestess stuff back at the sanctuary and finally showed up… She really wants to meet you…" She continued.

"…"

"….So now that I can finally show off and brag about my hawt, shiny haired, blue skinned vixen of a half elf girlfriend without having to worry, you're gonna go and turn into an invisible one on me?" The sorcery genius teased with a lazy smirk.

The half drow rolled her lavender colored eyes at this, unable to help but smile. "Alright, alright, alright." She finally conceded with a deep sigh.

The redhead backed away from the window with a grin as she watched the half elf levitate down from the roof before hopping back inside and closing the window behind her. "You promise to behave?"

"You know I'm always polite when first meeting people unless I have a reason not to be."

"I wasn't talking about Fillia and you know it, Kat."

"I'm not going to go out there and start slapping Nels Rada around or anything if that's what you mean."

"Silent murderous glares are more of your style actually, and none of those either…" The redhead reiterated. "…I really just want to start being my true self around my friends again finally, you know…?"

"Yeah Red, I know." The half drow replied with a small smile. "Best behavior, I promise."

"You'd better!" Lina joked before leaning in and stealing a quick kiss. "Comeon, there's celebrating to be done!" She added before turning and heading for the exit of the washroom with the mostly platinum haired warrior following a few steps behind.

As Lina made her way into the bar area, the ex-assassin stayed just out of sight for her introduction.

"And without further ado Fillia…" The sorcery genius began with a slight blush. "…Katibree Do'Urden."

(Z) "Hum… I didn't know Lina even knew how to be so formal…"

(A) "Me neither…" Amelia replied with an amused expression as the half drow came into view.

(N) "Put a crown on a commoner, and she's still a commoner." Naga replied dismissively before taking a drink of tea splashed with rum. "Hum… not bad" She commented while studying the contents of the cup.

Fillia remained wordless where she sat, but the expression on her face had changed dramatically. That…that appearance…. The hair… the skin… She thought to herself in disbelief and growing horror.

(L) "Um… Fillia…? Are you feeling o - -"

"D… Did you say her last name was…Do'Urden…?" Fillia interrupted never taking her eyes off of the half elf.

"Y-Yeah… why…?" The redhead faltered.

"First… you befriend and force me to work with that…wretched… being Xellos… And now you've gone and endeared yourself to this?" The golden dragon blurted as she shot up right, nearly knocking over the table while slowly clenching her fists.

"Whoa Fillia…easy!" The sorcery genius tried to explain as she quickly put two and two together in her head. Fillia's a golden dragon priestess, she allot older than she looks… chances are…

"Do not tell me to go easy!" The blonde haired girl exclaimed as her orange tail sprouted out from behind her, now clearly visible under her skirt. "Elves taken at birth, twisted and corrupted by the pure essence of Shabranigdo for the purpose of war… skin darkened by the taint, hair drained of color at the abandonment of their very souls….!"

(A)"M…Miss Lina… What is… Miss Fillia… talking about?" Amelia asked somewhat fearfully.

(F) "What I'm talking about is the Resurrection war!" Thousands of corrupted elves deemed 'Drow elves', hand picked by the Dark Lord himself, killed thousands of my people during that horrible battle!"

(Z) "Drow elves…?" Hum, that explains why no one has ever been able to tell what type of elf she is… and why she never told anyone…

(N) "Resurrection War?" Naga implored more to herself than anyone else.

(L) Technically that was her ancestors that were responsible for that, but I'm sure telling her that won't help the situation any right now… Lina thought to herself with a sweat-drop. "Just calm down and let me explain…!" She tried again with a warding gesture before glancing over at Katibree who remained expressionless as well as motionless.

"And what's worse, the name Do'Urden is the drow family name of some of the highest ranked general's in Shabranigdo's army! A bloodline of warriors handpicked and even revered for their bloodlust, heartlessness, and sheer destructive power... How dare you even bring this scourge of the world's filth into my sight?" Fillia continued in a growing frenzy, eyes beginning to glow.

The half drow's eyebrow twitched slightly and her lavender colored gaze lowered to the floor at this, a glimpse of shame flashing for an instant within them.

At this Lina had heard enough and her eyes snapped back to the golden dragon in barely checked anger. "Enough. Fillia." She commanded through clenched teeth as her ruby colored eyes blazed.

The golden dragon priestess fell silent and she couldn't help but swallow reflexively as the sorceress held her azure colored gaze with her own piercing ruby colored stare and was abruptly reminded why even Mazoku feared the fiery redhead.

(K) "...Well that went well." Katibree noted humorlessly. "Now if you'll excuse me, this 'scourge of the world's filth' is going to find some place else to defile with merely her unwanted heritage." At this she bowed stiffly to Fillia from where she was and then walked briskly past her and out of the establishment without another word.

Straining to keep her anger in check and resisting the urge to go after the half elf, the sorcery genius spoke in as calm of a tone as she could muster. "I understand that your kind has suffered in the past Fillia, but the ones that did this to them… It… it just isn't who she is and it never was."

"If you'd taken the time to notice, she's half drow, by the coloration alone it's easy, to tell, especially the eyes. Also, if you'd taken the time to notice, the legends say that the eyes of the Drow elves were all blood red, just like the color of Ruby eyed Shabranigdo himself… and besides… do you really think I'd be willing to be with anyone who was even remotely proud of the lineage you just described, let alone a part of it…?"

"You have every right to be angry with Katibree's ancestors, but when you attack her as if she were directly responsible for any of it…" Lina took in a sharp breath before continuing. "That…That's where I draw the line!" She exclaimed more loudly than she intended. "….Katibree has beaten herself up with enough shame, and self hate all on her own to warrant the need of judgment by any of you." She added in almost a whisper.

(F) "M-Miss Lina… I didn't….I-I'm sor- - " The golden dragon began.

(L) "I'm going to bed." Lina interrupted quietly. "I'm tired of fighting with friends tonight." She added even more quietly.

At this the redhead turned and began to walk to the inn area of the establishment.

(A) "But, Miss Lina... what about Miss Katibree, aren't you going too - -?" The younger Seyruun princess called after her in decided distress.

"It wouldn't do any good." Lina called back. She wants to be alone. She added mentally to remind herself as well.

The stunned and gloomy group sat together in complete silence for several minutes before Amelia finally spoke. "W-what just happened?" She suddenly blurted with tears in her eyes. "Why is everyone suddenly so angry with each other? This... was supposed to be a celebration..." She added more quietly.

(F) "Oooh, I really screwed up didn't I...?" The golden dragon priestess groaned with her head in her arms on the table.

(Z) "Definitely." Zelgadis replied absently, still very deep in thought. "Hum." He grunted while standing from his stool. I definitely need to speak with Lina. With what Fillia has just revealed and Xellos hanging around... The chimera continued to himself with a small frown.

(A) "I know that grunt Mr. Zelgadis, you've figured something out haven't you...?" The cerulean eyed princess asked, already knowing what the expression on his face would be before she even looked at him.

"...It's nothing, but tonight was pretty much a washout so I'm heading to bed." The mystical swordsman replied. "You should try and get some sleep too Amelia." He added as he walked off with a wave.

He's definitely figured something out... I can't do much about that right now, but maybe I can take the time to try and talk to Gracia now… The younger Seyruun princess thought to herself before turning to her older sister. "Gracia... I've... been trying to wait for you to be ready to talk but- -"

"Talk? What is there to talk about Amelia...?" Naga interrupted with a forced yawn. "Anyway, I think everyone's right... sleep sounds like a wondrous idea." She added as she got up from her stool and headed toward the rooming area before Amelia could say anything else.

"But... Graci...a...?" Better to just let her go, if I push too hard she might just disappear again, this is the first time she hasn't run or tried to use some disguise when she's seen me... Is she just around for Miss Lina...? The younger sister wondered to herself in frustration. "I'm surrounded by secrets..." She said to no one in particular. "….It's ok Miss Fillia, Miss Lina may not seem like it, but she's really a very caring person. She wouldn't abandon a friend over a misunderstanding." The younger priestess commented almost off handedly to the distraught golden dragon before she left to head to her own room.

"...Thank you, Miss Amelia." Fillia whispered into her arms on the table gratefully, not knowing of if the Seyruun princess had even heard her or not.

Upstairs, Lina entered her room and shut the door behind her, leaning back against it for a moment with her eyes closed while letting out a deep sigh. "Damn." She swore before pushing herself off of the door and walking over to the bed before flopping down on it face first. "Everything's still so screwed up…" She whispered into the bed spread. "Never simple… always so damn complicat - -"

Knock-knock-knock

"Damn…" The sorcery genius swore once again while sitting up on the bed. "It's unlocked Zel." She replied matter of factly. I figured he'd come to me about it tomorrow… this must really have him bothered… She thought to herself as the door opened and a grim looking mystical swordsman stepped through the door.

"Did you know anything about what Fillia said just now, Lina?" Zelgadis asked while shutting the door quietly behind him.

Lina stifled a smile at this. Same old Zelgadis, no nonsense and straight to the point as always. "We'll not in that amount of detail… but, yes basically." She replied with a slight rustle of her crimson colored mane.

"Is she a threat?" The chimera asked bluntly after leaning back against the door.

"If I thought Katibree was a threat to the team, I wouldn't have withheld the information about her lineage Zel. You know that." Lina replied with a sigh.

"Do I? Xellos wasn't following you two for his health, and he's not following all of us now for the hell of it either." Zelgadis replied while folding his arms. "What else have you neglected to tell us Lina? Spill it."

The redhead turned her head to look out the window in silence a moment before finally answering. "It's not that I was hiding this from any of you really… I just didn't mention it because… well Kat's had a really rough past, and finally finding out about where she came from has just made it that much harder for her..." I know she's out there training right now, pushing herself until she's nearly too exhausted to stand anymore… Sometimes it's the only way she can sleep, but even then there are still the nightmares… It's always like that when she's this ups- -

"Lina?" The mystical swordsman asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"Oh, sorry about that Zel. Guess I zoned out there for a second…" The sorceress admitted with a small laugh while rubbing the back of her neck.

Zelgadis's expression softened a bit at this. This must be pretty hard for her… He thought with a quiet sigh. "…Look, I know you must be worried about her right now, but this is something that the entire team deserves to know. We've never had a problem supporting you, but we need to know exactly what we're dealing with to be properly prepared for whatever may happen."

"…I know…I know…" Lina admitted before looking down at her hands currently folded in her lap. "What it comes down to is, I meant what I said before about not really meaning to keep it from you guys. It's just that… it's something she's ashamed of, and that I knew she'd prefer to keep from being common knowledge to every one.

And on top of that… the look on her face whenever the subject is brought up…" The sorcery genius trailed off to finally look up at the chimera while struggling to explain how she was feeling. "It… It feels like….. a knife is going through my heart every time I see it." She finally managed with a pained expression.

Zelgadis broke eye contact and stared out a window uncomfortably at this. Was this side of her always there…? That's beside the point, I can't let myself be sidetracked. He reprimanded himself sternly while resisting the urge to go to her side on the bed. "Your feelings aren't relevant if they can end up costing the life of a team mate, you still haven't answered my question Lina; Is Katibree dangerous to us or not?" He reiterated coolly while still gazing out the window.

Lina's ruby colored eyes widened at the implications of what the mystical swordsman had just said, and her hands clenched the comforter reflexively. Have I really been endangering them all…?

She sat on the bed in shocked silence for a long moment before finally composing herself as the chimera waited quietly, still gazing out the window. "Alright Zel, I'm… really not sure of the answer to your question. I mean, I know she isn't a threat to us now; but at the same time… I don't know what to expect in the future. It's really complicated, there's allot of potential factors to consider."

"That makes sense, she is half human, but at the same time she's half drow…" Zelgadis mused out loud. "Alright, so what are you intending to do?" He finally inquired, turning his eyes to meet Lina's once more.

"Well… I don't have a specific plan of action yet; but I do have a few theories to work with and, then plans of action can be formed for those completed theories." The sorcery genius answered, the normally unwavering resolve in her eyes restored once more.

The mystical swordsman couldn't help but smirk at this while shoving himself off the door he'd been leaning against. "Now there's the Lina I'm used to. What have you got?" He asked while pulling over a chair and taking a seat in front of her.

Meanwhile in a deeply forested location several miles from the inn...

Katibree abruptly stopped her rigorous training routine, and slowly leaned her forehead against the tree she'd been using, dropping her arms to her sides to hang near her sheathed slicers while looking over at the shadow approaching her through the trees from a distance.

"Gabriev. Just the man I expected to see." The mostly platinum haired warrior observed almost whimsically.

"Draw your weapons." The swordsman savant replied bluntly as he continued to advance.

"You know, tonight really hasn't been the best night for either of us... you sure it's a good night to 'spar'?" Katibree commented with a mostly platinum colored eyebrow raised.

"Draw your weapons or I'll cut you down where you stand unarmed." The blonde haired warrior replied never slowing his pace as he spoke.

"If that were your style, maybe I'd be interested." The ex-assassin scoffed.

Gourry scowled at this and raised his weapon to aim the empty hilt at the half elf. "Light come forth!" He bellowed as a pillar of horizontal searing white light shot out.

The half drow, who had just barely managed to dodge to the side glanced back at the massive path of destruction the sword of light had cause in one blast, while flipping out her blades. That attack definitely had bloodlust in it... but I couldn't sense it before it happened... Interesting.

"Are you interested now?" Gourry asked matter of factly as Gorunova's light blade reformed.

Katibree smirked at this, and Chiba and Murakami blazed an angry crimson in reply...