"Hey!
Wait!
I've got a new complaint -
Forever indebt to your priceless advice."
- Nirvana Heart-Shaped Box
"Show me," Lina flatly repeated, shoving Valgarv away and looking up to the 'sky'. "Show me!" she called again, her eyes challenging everything which was All.
So It Shall Be.
Gold wind rushed forth, pouring from every crevice and object of the dreamscape - the blades of swaying grass, the swirling dust... Lina's world became enveloped in the Gold and all her dream faded with it. On some sort of instinct, Lina flailed her arms, searching for an anchor, trying to grab the former mazoku. But he too faded away into the pulsating metal color.
And all was black.
"Hey, it's time to get up!"
"Come on, Lina!"
Aformentioned red head groaned at the familiar voices. "Five more minutes."
"Get up or I'll get the water!"
"It's best to do what she says."
Lina cracked open one eye to glare at the owner of the former voice. "Leave. Me. Alone. Amelia."
The young girl frowned, her pretty face puzzled. "Amelia?"
Now fully awake, Lina threw the covers (silk?) from her person, moving nose to nose with the princess imposter. No, it wasn't Amelia... but the similarities were disturbing. The only real difference was the hair - this girl was missing Amelia's cowlick, and her short hair was blunter. But the eyes were the same. Sky blue and friendly and, wait, were those pupils slit?!
"Now I know you're going crazy," snorted the other voice.
Lina turned her head and nearly fell off the large bed in shock. Seated at her right side was Naga of all people! A Naga with an oddly peaceful expression...
"Leave her alone, Galacia," the youngest girl sighed, playfully swatting at her eldest sister.
"She's just upset that she had to leave Milgasia."
"It's not like that!" Lina cried, blushing. "We're just - " Wide-eyed, Lina clamped her hand over her mouth. Where had that come from?
"See, I told you, Lia."
"Nee-chan, you are blushing."
Nee-chan? Lina looked over at 'Lia' with a scrutinizing expression, her small hands gripping the covers. Her memory was getting cloudy... she didn't belong here, right? She had asked to see something... didn't she want to know something?
She was...Lina...
Lina Inver....
Lina In -
"Nee-chan?"
Shaking her head, the redhead smiled at her younger sister. "I'm fine," she assured, clambering out of bed and placing a light robe over her small frame. "I need to talk with Tou-san right now, though."
She was Lina.
Lina dir Hiko Nova, of course.
When One Is Shown The Past, What Can One Do But Relive It?
She ran down the hallway, carefully avoiding the human servants. Another thing she hated - the whole servant thing. Their family had no need for them, so why did the Gold's feel the urge to provide them? Some defenders of the human race! Hypocrites. Probably doubled as spies...
Lina carefully ignored all of the guilded finery as she made her way through the maze that was their new 'home'. The mansion was amazing but cold.
Too much.
But it was her family's duty.
Damn.
"Kaa-san!" Lina greeted, entering the expansive kitchen. It was one room she had no trouble finding at least.
Her mother smiled and dropped a few more spices into a pot before turning to her middle daughter. Everyday she insisted on helping with the meals. Shiffiel ul Rada Nova was nothing if not kind. Her emerald eyes sparkled with warmth and love as she brushed a stray strand of strait, ebony hair from her face. "Yes, Lina-chan?"
Ooo, breakfast smelled goooood. "Well, I need to talk to Tou-san, but..."
Shiffiel smiled. Lina was having quite a hard time adjusting to the new house. "Study is down the hall, to the right, up the stairs and three doors down. (1)"
"Thanks!"
Lina breathed a sigh of relief when she finally reached the accursed study. Her father sat hunched over some document, his shining blond hair neatly pulled into a ponytail, complimenting his casual white attire. "Tou-san?"
"Lina." He looked up at her and his expansive blue eyes filled with immediate adoration. She had always been his favorite - daddy's girl. "Sit."
"What's up?"
"Eh? WHat do you mean what's up?" he asked, truly puzzled. "The sky I suppose... and our ceiling. A rather good thing, that."
WHAM Lina fell from her chair. How could this man be known the world over for his swordsmanship? How could this man be the best Greater Soldier the Nova family had ever known?
"You're certain you're ready for this?" he asked, going from doofus to serious in point blank time.
She swallowed nervously. Of course, it couldn't be said that Gourry dir Kenshi Nova wasn't intelligent when it counted. "I, I think so."
"That's not good enough," he sighed, rising from his chair and moving towards his daugher. "You have to know."
"I am scared," she admitted, hugging herself as though she was cold. Gourry gathered her up in his arms - father to child.
Lina-chan, it's too late to back out now, he reminded, switching to Mindspeak to avoid prying ears. To any onlooker it would just seem a tender family moment - of course the young dragon would be upset, her whole family had been uprooted.
I know, Tou-san. She let her fingers brush the area between her colarbone and chest. She could feel it inside her... I was always ready to take the burden from you.
In Ancient Dragon tradition, the noble families provided special designations for the Dragon Councils. Her family was especially important. She and her sisters had just recently taken their Oaths, so as to provide the Golds with young, unbiased officials.
But I don't want to be here.
The Golden Dragons of Karyuuoh, the Fire Dragon King, were sharply rising in power and prestigue. And these particular Golds were growing evermore suspicious of their Elders, the Ancient Dragons. As a sign of faith and goodwill, many estranged Ancient families were returning to Karyuuoh, the orgin of the Ancient line.
Including her family.
Especially her family.
No one wants to be here, Lina-chan.
Her family, Nova, was an exceptionally strong noble family. Shiffiel, her mother, was a High Priestess of Cephieed and Galacia, the eldest daughter, followed in her steps. The youngest girl, Lia, proved through her elegant voice and fair heart to be a brilliant Diplomat. And Gourry, her father... he was a Greater Soldier - not of the faceless masses in war, but a man of great skill in the art of war and battle. Unknown to most others, Gourry also guarded one of the five Weapons of Light...
Something that could never be known.
Well, he had anyway. She could feel the tears burn at the edge of her eyes. She didn't cry often, but when she thought of the Kakaart Mountains, were she grew up among the Golds of The Water Dragon King.... when she thought of Milgasia, her dearest childhood friend...
"You should really go and eat," Gourry advised, setting her down. "Your first meeting with the Fire Dragon King's Council is today. I hear that the Knight of Cephieed will even be there."
Lina made a face, noting her father's forced cheerfulness. "Well, I am hungry," she admited, wondering out of the room.
Gathering all the Ancients in one place...
Something was definately wrong.
"Nee-chan, aren't you ready yet?"
"One more minute," Lina called to her sister, who was (very patiently) waiting outside of the room.
She scowled as she finished brushing her long red hair free of tangles. She hated wearing dresses. Scarlet eyes narrowed in distaste at the off-shouldered, baby blue silk.
Eyes. That was another thing. Lina self-consciously brushed away her bangs. Normal dragons, Ancient, Gold or otherwise, never had red eyes. Dragon eyes were blue or gold, green on occasion (like her mother's). Never red.
Can't be helped, she decided, attaching her light armor. It wasn't worth anything defensively - the majorit of it being decorative opal lined in gold. All the small chestplate and hipguards really did was announcer her role as a Greater Soldier. Well, that and the dress - the light blue was the color of Cephieed-sama.
That should do it... no, she was forgetting her circlet. For some odd reason, it just wasn't proper for dragon maidens to go out without some kind of circlet around her head. Lina's was a plain gold band with a stylized metal diamond in the middle. After making sure the jewlry was properly centered, (the small dots on her forehead were great for that - the diamond fit right over them) Lina gave a nod of approval and swept out of the room, donning her white cloak as she did so.
"Took you long enough," Galacia groaned, yawning.
Ever the mature one, Lina stuck her tongue out in reply. "Some of our outfits are more complicated that others."
Well, it was true. As a Priestess, Galacia had the simpelest of robes. Her dress was the same style as Lina's, but as white as her cloak. The only decoration she bore was a small gold chocker and her circlet.
"It's obvious we'll be fine if I do all the talking," Lia laughed, taking each of her sisters by one arm. Her dress was identical to the other two, but green in color. A small string of pearls lined her throat, and her white cape was fastened by a golden olive branch.
"We're doomed," Lina and Galacia groaned.
"HEY!"
It was all she could do, not to squirm in boredom. What Tou-san had failed to inform his daughters was... Council meetings were dull. Very dull. And Galacia got out of it because she was a freaking Priestess. Damn her. Oh well, Lia was doing a good job, Lina hadn't had to say a word yet. V^_^V
Lina decided to take the present moment to really study the people seated around the table. All but two were of no interest. For one, the human girl was... simply fascinating. She had also remained silent during the whole affair and she also wore a light blue dress, proof of her Fighter status, However, her armor was far more elaborate than Lina's.
Her hair - it was shoulder length and stick strait, almost liker her mothers...
Sensing she was being watched, the Knight slightly turned her head to the young dragon girl and smiled.
Lina choked back a gasp. The Knight's eyes... were red. As red as her own. If it weren't for the light blue ring adorning the human's eyes, the two could have easily possesed the same irises. Lina offered a small smile in return.
"You speak elegantly, Lady Lia, but something still troubles me."
Ah, the other person of interest. Lina supressed a glare. Allen Ul Copt(2). Legendary General of the Karyuuoh Golds - as brilliant as he was handsome. And fair he was, from his white-blond hair to his golden eyes... but something about him just wasn't right...
"If the Ancients wish nothing but peace and cooperation, why then do they even need Greater Soldiers?" he asked, a murmur of agreement springing from the Elders.
Internally, Lina fumed. She wanted nothing more than to rip his stupid smug throat out. Who were the Gold's Elders?! The Ancients! Oh, the wont to leash pure pain onto his closed minded little head...
Lia quickly tried to suitably answer his question, but Allen raised one hand, motioning for her silence. It was then that Lina realized that the Gold was addressing her, not Lia. In fact, all eyes in the room were focused on her.
"It's very suspiscious, you know," he continued, gesturing with the same hand. "I'm afraid it only strengthens the rumors."
"Rumors?" Lia questioned, tearing her eyes from her sister and back to the young general.
"Yes. Rumors that... the Ancients have developed some very powerful weapons." His golden eyes narrowed into slits. "And that they are coveting the power - power that could be used against the mazoku, you understand."
Oh for Cephieed's sake, she couldn't take it anymore! "A thousand apologies, Allen-sama," Lina countered, trying to keep her voice a smooth chill. "I did not think a Dragon of your Stature would even hear such based words." Allen's gold eyes flashed angrily at her dangerous speech and Lina smiled.
"Should we drop our traditions and heritage because a few will it? Forgive me, Allen-sama, but I believe the Ancients have as much right to Greater Soldiers as Golds. And though I may be of Ancient blood, I and every Greater Soldier will firstly obey Cephieed-sama. Our work is for the good of the ryuuzoku, of all dragons."
"I agree."
"Lady Knight?" Allen inquired, looking sourly at the new speaker. The human's voice was clear and powerful, Cephieed's essence dripping through her sparse words.
"I am human. But I answer to Cephieed. I work for the common good of all dragons and all humans. My heritage has nothing to do with it."
The Elders nodded in reluctant agreeance and ajourned the Council. Allen quickly made a polite exit, casting a well hidden glare towards Lina as he left.
"Thank you, Knight-sama," Lina said, walking over to the lavender haired woman. With a slight wince, she noted just how much taller the human girl was...
"Please, my name is Luna Inverse, Lady Lina," Luna smiled, shaking the dragon maiden's hand. "I've heard of you and your potential. Perhaps we should spar sometime?"
Lia stood to the side, waiting for her sister. She watched the exchange with a jubilant smile. With the Knight of Cephieed on their side, maybe things would turn out all right after all.
"Oi, Lina?"
"Huh?" She rubbed her eyes sleepily. "Tou-san?" she yawned.
"'DAD'?!" Gourry freaked in a hushed whisper.
Oops. Lina sat up, bleary eyed. Wasn't he... oh yeah, that was just a dream. Gourry as her dad, Sylphiel as her mom, Amelia and Naga as... weird.
"My watch?"
"Yup."
After a few minutes, Lina was left alone to her thoughts as Gourry quickly fell asleep. Lina was bored. Very bored. Oh well, at least the four of them were traveling together again, she didn't have to stay on the lookout as long that way. Mmm, sleep...
"Interesting dream, Lina-san?" Grr, make that the five of them.
Lina lazily gazed into the shadows. "What do you care, Xelloss?"
He walked out of the woods, the moon's silver light illuminating his figure. "Can't I ask a friendly question?" he pouted, walking through the campfire.
"No." And she ignored him. And ignored him and ignored him and... "Stop staring at me!" Well, she couldn't take it any longer.
"My dear Lina-san, how do you even know I'm looking at you? I could very well be gazing at our stoic chimera."
With his damn eyes closed like that she really couldn't tell... but it was still creepy. Lina shivered. For some odd reason she couldn't wait to wake up Zel for his watch.
"Wake up, Nee~chan!"
Nee-chan?
"Get your sorry, inferior butt up, Lina."
Oh great, she was dreaming of this place again. But, as before, she forgot which reality was correct, losing herelf in the memory. "Go away," she groaned, swatting at her sisters. "Me sleep now."
"Why Lia-chan, I suppose she doesn't want to hear our news!"
"I guess not."
"What news?" Lina yawned, face still buried in her pillow.
"Oh nothing... just that the prince of Aqua's clan is making a diplomatic trip to Karyuuoh. He arrived today and will be here for quite awhile..."
Prince...of...MIL-KUN?! Lina shot up, wide awake and her sisters went flying to the floor. "Why didn't you tell me?!" she shrieked, quickly trading her nightclothes for tight black breeches and a billowy white shirt.
"Um, Nee-chan, I think we just did," Lia sweatdropped, watching the slightly insane redhead struggle with her scarlet vest and black boots.
"How did you two find out before me?!" Lina demanded, quickly putting on her circlet and crystal earings. Where did she put that half-cape?
Galacia held up a note, smiling as Lina threw on the black cloth and her ruby shoulderplates. "A messenger sent a message. He wants to meet you - "
VWOOSH!
" - at this location," Galacia finished, looking down at her note-depraved hand.
"There she goes," Lia sighed.
"Excuse me! Pardon me! Outta the way!"
Shiffiel smiled to herself as her middle daughter tore through the halls. She must have found Mil-kun's note.
CRASH "Sorry 'bout that!"
But that ment... "Lina!" Shiffiel chased after her daughter in a panick but it was too late. "Wait a minute!" Nope, Lina was already racing out in the yard. "Lina!"
Lina obviously didn't hear her mother or she just wasn't listening. Her pace gradually grew quicker and a red light enveloped her speeding form. As she moved, her body began to shift, to grow. Within seconds, a very dragon Lina had taken flight, the air from her mighty wings severly disturbing the humans below in the garden.
Shiffiel held her head in her hands in exasperation, pointedly ignoring the screams and strong winds. Lina really needed to learn control...
Lina sped through the air, thankful for the lack of traffic. I get to see Mil! Milgasia, her dearest childhood friend... finally, someone she could really talk to!
As it was, she really didn't see the other Ancient till it was too late. Watch it! she bellowed, colliding with the greenish/black male and nearly sending the larger dragon out of the air.
Shouldn't have been lolling around like that, she reasoned, never stopping. At least he's not mad...
Unfortunatly, said male dragon decided to let out a tremendous roar, sending the humans below scurrying into their huts. Guess I was wrong. She checked over her shoulder and the male dragon was indeed in angry persuit. Heh, I can beat him!
And on they raced, through the skies. Lina felt confident that she would escape...
Until she felt the energy build up behind her.
He wouldn't! Yup, he definatly had his mouth open, gathering power. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!
The Dragon Breath shot directly above her, exploding overhead. The resulting impact sent the red/black female spiraling out of the skies.
OH SHIT! This was, of course, Lina realizing she was on a oneway course to the canyon walls. In her dragon for this would be most painful... Ah, but there was a convienient little ledge.
Instinct taking over, Lina controlled her fall as much as she could - using her wings to slow her speed even as she reverted back into a human shape. Before she could slame face-first into the ledge, she twisted in midair - landing on one knee and skidding back towards the ravine's walls.
Lina: 1
Gravity: 0
The male dragon swooped down and landed gracefully, also switching to his human form. He had shoulder length aqua hair, amber eyes and a cocky smile. She let her eyes roam over him - to study her opponent! Just to study her opponent! Everything about him, from his sloppy white pants to his high necked jacket, to his posture screamed I'm a badass, what of it?
She was full ready to rip him apart.
"What the HELL did you do THAT for?!" she demanded, yelling up into his shocked face. He was a good deal taller than she.... damn.
"What am I... I just saved you're f*cking life, brat! You didn't even see the mazoku above you, did you?" he snarled back.
Yeah right. "Brat?" she asked quietly, a nice flame aura building up around her small - .... petite body. "BRAT?! I'll show you - Look out!" The rapidly appearing lesser mazoku made his words suddenly very true. With hidden strength, she pushed them both away from one demon's claws.
"C'mere!" the youth growled, obviosly not happy. Several mazoku met their maker with some very well placed, powerful Elmekia Lances shortly thereafter.
Lina cursed under her breath, kicking a wolf mazoku in its teeth. Lesser demons didn't attack in big groups like this unless they were ordered to do so. Too many... I have no choice...
Tou-san would kill her if he ever found out. >.<
Valteria snarled and punched a She-demon in the face, backing away. His day had officially gone from bad to worse - not only had he been nearly knocked out the sky, but he had very nearly hurt a girl. A psychotic, crazy, can't-fly-for-crap girl, but a girl just the same. And now he was fighting off lesser mazoku for said pyscho-girl. Great.
But some kind of light flared from behind, and it was all the fighting enterouge could do but stop and watch - Val in awe and the mazoku in fear.
Ducking away from the battle, Lina brought both hands to her chest, wishing she could just will the damn thing into existence, like Tou-san.
"O Light borne from Darkness..." Under her hands, a iredescent ball of brilliant light was born, sending a melody of peace throughout her soul. Ignoring her audience, she pushed the ball into her chest, Lina's whole body shining white.
The most natural thing in the world.
"Missplaced weapon of Five - " she knelt to the ground, her red hair floating about her head. She extended her right arm, palm out, and crossed her other over her chest. "Relinquish thy blade from my unworthy soul and let my hand be thy master!" The light shattered, her scarlet eyes shot open, and Lina herself rushed forward. "Goru Nova!"
Needels of light raced from her palm, condensing into a sword - a sword with a blade of pure light. With an otherworldy cry, Lina releashed herself on the mazoku, cutting, slashing, killing. Only one managed to return to its master.
The battle now over, Lina willed herself to not banish the sword, to remain strong in front of the stranger. She slowly turned to the youth, narrowing her eyes and...
And...
"Time to get up, Lina-san!" SMOOCH
She was up. "GYAAAAA!! XELLOSS, GET OFFA ME!!" Lina screamed, leaping out of her bedroll. She cast a glare in her friends' direction, and they had the decency to slink off a bit.
"Sorry Lina-san, but none of us could wake you up," Amelia apologized. Oh, sweet Justice! What kind of Servant of Justice was she - inflicting her dear friend with Xelloss-san!?
Said Trickster picked himself off the ground, brushing away the dirt and smiling as always. But something... his smile was the same, but something - perhaps his voice, was sharper, more sinister than normal. Lina shivered involuntarily as he opened his amythest eyes. I think I like them better closed.
"Yes, I think that Lina-san is having very interesting dreams lately."
(1) three doors down... laughs insanely at own, nonintentional joke
(2) Ah, this character isn't a shot at Fillia or anything. ^^; Just thought it might make it interesting - he'd probably be her uncle or something.