<Gabriel> "Looks like Im gonna have to learn to be noctournal huh?"

<Sanosuke> "Wh..y?" The wolf turned his ametheste eyes to her.

<Gabriel> "Well.... youre noctournal..... and you are my traveling companion

<Sanosuke> "I... I li-ke... all.. t-..ime.."

<Gabriel> "Its safer to travel by night anyway though...... most of the goons stay inside...."

<Gabriel> ~And theres less chance of the guys finding me....~

<Sanosuke> The wolf nodded his head and stretched his humanion body. Something on his chest caught her eye.

<Gabriel> Ouch... that from when you got hurt earlier?"

<Sanosuke> He looked down and pawed the strange mark on his chest. "No... th-..is.. is... f-..ar.. older..."

<Sanosuke> The mark was right over his heart.

<Gabriel> "Looks fatal.."

<Sanosuke> "I..." He fell silent and whimpered, pawing at the mark.

<Gabriel> "What? Who cares if youre undead... Im lonely...'

<Sanosuke> "I.. d-..on..'t... re-memb..er... it's.... b-een... too.. l-..ong..."

<Gabriel> "You been stuck as a wolf?"

<Sanosuke> "I... am... t-h..is..." He made a gesture to himself.

<Gabriel> "I can see... Hmm..."

<Sanosuke> "Memory... hurt... confused..." He whimpered some more.

<Gabriel> "I wasnt criticising you.... its okay"

<Sanosuke> "But... I can't.. remember.. much...."

<Sanosuke> He was talking much better now...

<Gabriel> "No problem... you'll have lotsa stuff to remember after traveling with me. That is.... considering you want to stay with me....

<Sanosuke> "Forgotten some... but, want to... remember... remember very little... so much... confusion."

<Gabriel> "Anything I can do to help?"

<Sanosuke> "No... I... I'll.. be.. fine." He tried to stand up.

<Gabriel> Lina watches him quietly... knowing things like to do stuff on thier own sometimes

<Sanosuke> He stumbled though, and fell against Lina.. his soft purple fur brushing against her skin.

<Gabriel> "Whoa... you okay?" Lina says.... surprised for a moment

<Sanosuke> "Forgotten... how... legs.. work."

<Gabriel> "Well... you can lean on me and we can walk a bit"

<Sanosuke> "Thank.. you.. Lina." His fur was so soft...

<Gabriel> "Did we meet somewhere before? Youre familiar.... in an odd sort of way....

<Sanosuke> He didn't answer, he just stumbled and leaned on her more as he tried to walk along the path.

<Gabriel> Linap puts a hand on his arm to help steady him... marveling at his soft fur

<Sanosuke> Soft fur... dark purple... that color she'd seen before.. the eye color too, but not the look of the eyes.

<Gabriel> ~He reminds me so much... but it cant be....~

<Sanosuke> Even in another form a Mazoku couldn't disgues the slitted puplils.. and this wolf had dotted ones.

<Gabriel> ~just a weird coincidence.... Im not doing anything big ... so I doubt I'll ever see him again~

<Sanosuke> The wolf eventually was able to walk on his own, but stayed close to her side because it was cold out.

<Gabriel> "So... whatcha think I should do?"

<Sanosuke> "Do?" He asked, his speach more regualer now.

<Gabriel> "Yeah... now that Im out on my own"

<Sanosuke> "I.. don't.. know."

<Gabriel> "I think I'll just explore local legends... you know.... find this town or thats lost artifact...."

<Sanosuke> "Alright. When the... sun rises.. I... will.. be in.. pain.. again."

<Gabriel> "I understand.... we can rest during the day"

<Sanosuke> "Thank you..."

<Gabriel> "Does it bother you.... you can only speak once a month?"

<Sanosuke> "I.. don't.. remember."

<Sanosuke> They traveled the rest of the night.. and when day dawned he was down on the ground, whimpering and changing again

<Gabriel> Lina sits beside him and tries to comfort his pain

<Sanosuke> Soon he looked just like another wolf and was licking her hand.

<Gabriel> "Feel better?"

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked and curled up against her.

<Gabriel> "Well... lets find a safe place to sleep... Im beat"

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked in responce and managed to his feet

<Gabriel> 'I see some smoke over that way... a town I hope... c'mon"

<Sanosuke> The wolf followed at her feet every step of the way, seeming to be excited.

<Gabriel> "Ahh... great..... sleep time pal..." Lina says... spotting an inn

<Sanosuke> The innkeeper was startled as she walked in with the wolf, asking why she was bringing such a creature with her.

<Gabriel> "Dont insult him... he's a friend under a curse...." Lina warns...

<Sanosuke> The innkeeper gritted his teeth. "Um, as long as he stays in your room and away from everyone else."

<Gabriel> "He will... " Lina says setting her money on the counter "See you for dinner pops... hope your food is good...."

<Sanosuke> "It is.... young lady."

<Sanosuke> The wolf panted as Lina took him to the room.

<Gabriel> Lina flops down face first onto the bed "Walking for a day and a night.... ugh..."

<Sanosuke> The wolf lay down next to the bed and yawned wide.

<Gabriel> "Wake me up for dinner.... kay?" Lina mumbles... already half asleep

<Sanosuke> The wolf licks her hand as she fell asleep.

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis rose out of bed, kissing gourry's cheek to wake him.

<Gabriel> "Mmph... morning already...?"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis nodded. "Yes. We need to figure out what we are going to do as well."

<Gabriel> "What do you mean by going to do?"

<Sanosuke> "Like... shall we continue to travel or settle down now that the girls have left.. and Xellos has vanished."

<Gabriel> "Well... you still wanna find a cure .... right?"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis sat down on the bed and looked at Gourry. "I've searched for so long... perhaps if I stop for a bit if... if that's alright with you.. perhaps then I will find it."

<Gabriel> "You always find what youre looking for when you stop searchin"

<Gabriel> "Happens all the time with my socks...."

<Sanosuke> "Exactly." Zelgadis smiled and chuckled. "I'm usally finding your socks..."

<Gabriel> "Yeah... how do they get where they go anyway?"

<Sanosuke> The shaman just smiled and leaned over to kiss the swordsman. "A mystery for another day. Shall we get breakfast?"

<Gabriel> "Yeah... Im hungry!"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis stood up. "Good. So am I."

<Gabriel> "Well then lets go"

<Sanosuke> Breakfast came quickly, the table stocked with so much food that it was overflowing.

<Gabriel> Gourry sets to work devouring the mountain of food... although for him something is missing.... even though he cant place it

<Sanosuke> The only thing missing was Lina and Amelia fighting him for it.

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis smiled at him as the swordsman ate.

<Gabriel> "This is kinda weird...." gourry remakrs

<Sanosuke> "What is?"

<Gabriel> "I dont have to beat anyway off of my food"

<Sanosuke> The shaman chuckled and grinned. "You miss that?"

<Gabriel> "Not really..."

<Sanosuke> "Good. Cause I don't want to fight you for food."

<Gabriel> "Mm... full... " Gourry says once he's done

<Sanosuke> "Can you still move?"

<Gabriel> "I think so..."

<Sanosuke> "There is some stuff I want to look for in the library.. want to come with me?"

<Gabriel> "Sure... i guess..."

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis stood up and ran his hand through Gourry's hair, happy that he could do that out in the open now.

<Gabriel> "Mmm... dont miss them now...."

<Sanosuke> "We can be without them... we have eachother." The shaman waited for the swordsman to join him before heading to the library.

<Gabriel> Gourry follows Zel as usual

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis headed into the library and all the way back to the ancient part of it.

<Gabriel> "Wow... they dont dust often do they?"

<Sanosuke> The shaman nodded and ran his finger along the books, stopping at one and pulling it off the shelf.

<Gabriel> "Any pictures?"

<Sanosuke> "Probably not.. it's a book on wolves..."

<Gabriel> "Why about wolves?"

<Sanosuke> "Because.. I got a feeling... This book is also about Beastmaster...."

<Gabriel> "Ohh.... " Gourry says...t hen blinks "Whose that?"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis grimaced. "Well, just Xellos's master...."

<Gabriel> "ohh... " Gourry says... a little chibi Xellos image popping up in his head

<Sanosuke> The shaman patted his head. "It's ok. I'll always explain something you don't know." His eyes went back to the book.

<Gabriel> "Thats right... you dont hit me like Lina..."

<Sanosuke> "I will not hit you..." Zelgadis turned and smiled at him, then kissed him softly.

<Gabriel> Gourry smiles "Youre much better... tho I kinda miss her..... she was peppy"

<Sanosuke> "She decided to leave anyway...." Zel returned to his book then blinked. "This..."

<Gabriel> "What?"

<Sanosuke> "I.... these wolves.... were all... taken by.. beastmaster..."

<Gabriel> Gourry looks around confusedly "Where?"

<Sanosuke> "Remmeber that Purple wolf that was following us?"

<Gabriel> Gourry nods

<Sanosuke> "Beastmaster turned them all into Mazoku over a thousand years ago...but... that wolf... didn't have Mazoku eyes.... there, has to be something.. going on..."

<Gabriel> "Is this a bad thing?"

<Sanosuke> "I.. I don't know. But, it also says here.. they were a rare wolf that could turn into a human-like wolf form at the full moon."

<Gabriel> "There was a full moon last night"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis nodded. "Maybe we should go check this out?" Suddenly, he put the book back and pulled out another, reading through it quickly.

<Gabriel> Gourry blinks....

<Sanosuke> "Maybe that wolf was a servent of beastmaster that.... she turned back into a wolf for some reason or another? It is possible for a Mazoku lord to take their power back from a servent and bring them back to life in whatever form they held before becomeing a Mazoku..."

<Gabriel> "So if it is?"

<Sanosuke> "I... maybe Lina's in trouble?"

<Gabriel> "Then we should save her"

<Sanosuke> "Right!"

<Gabriel> "Even tho she might hit and yell at us afterwards..."

<Sanosuke> "I'll protect you Gourry... and we can trail her from a distance."

<Gabriel> "Kei" gourry says brightly

<Sanosuke> As dinner was being cooked Lina felt her hand being licked gently.

<Gabriel> "Dinner's almost here...."

<Sanosuke> The wolf sat next to her, wagging his tail.

<Sanosuke> Suddenly, a white-caped shape burst panting into the inn. "MISS LINA!! I FOUND YOU!!!"

<Gabriel> Lina winces ~Like I wanted to be found~

<Sanosuke> Amelia flung herself at Lina, hugging her. "Ohh!! I'm so tired and so hungry!!" She attacked the dinner as it came.

<Gabriel> "Ano... thats for.... nevermind"

<Sanosuke> "Why didn't you take me with you???" She asked between bites of food.

<Sanosuke> The wolf snapped up whatever fell from the table in the hurry.

<Gabriel> Lina grabs a plate and sets it down for the wolf

<Gabriel> "I thought you would want to stay... "

<Sanosuke> "Why? You left for a good reason.. to give them space.. why shouldn't I?"

<Sanosuke> The wolf hungerly ate all that was on the plate.

<Gabriel> "......"

<Sanosuke> Amelia finished her food. "Then I wouldn't have walked in on them by accident.."

<Gabriel> "You walked in on them by accident"

<Gabriel> "??"

<Sanosuke> "Well, sort of. When I found you were gone I pounded on their door... I crashed in and saw Gourry completely naked and Zelgadis on the bed hidden under the sheets but his clothing was across the room."

<Gabriel> "Must have been scary...."

<Sanosuke> "Well.. it was.. cute actually. I envy the fly on the wall to have seen those two..." Amelia got a dreamy look for something way to old for her. "But it was embarrising."

<Gabriel> "You would wanna see them..... do.... ?"

<Sanosuke> "Just... well... you never.. thought about it?"

<Gabriel> "Umm.... no"

<Sanosuke> "Oh..." Amelia's cheeks grew very veyr red.

<Sanosuke> There came a light whining from the floor,.

<Gabriel> Lina blinks

<Sanosuke> The wolf was still hungry,

<Gabriel> lina drops some more food for the wolf... not hungry now

<Sanosuke> He gobbled it up eagerly and rubbed his head against her hand.

<Gabriel> "Amelia... are you a closet ... umm.... hentai?"

<Sanosuke> Amelia squeeked and started hitting Lina. "OHH YOU!!!!!"

<Gabriel> "Oww... oww.. quit it!!"

<Sanosuke> Amelia crossed her arms and turned her back on Lina. "It's not a nice thing to say of a princess..."

<Gabriel> "But its the truth...."

<Sanosuke> Even the wolf seemed amused and it quickly jumpd up next to Lina as Amelia got up.

<Gabriel> Lina scratches the wolf's head and grins

<Gabriel> "So you gonna follow us Amelia?"

<Sanosuke> "I... I.. well, I need to." Amelia said as the wolf licked at Lina's fingers.

<Gabriel> "Need to what?"

<Sanosuke> "Follow you.. someone i know..."

<Gabriel> "Okay then... Wolfie and I arent doing anything that you'll be imposing upon..."

<Sanosuke> "I'd hope not." Amelia grimaced.

<Gabriel> "Hmm... we can fix that though if you want to watch... " Lina says with a sly grin

<Sanosuke> The wolf jumped down from the bench, making noise.

<Sanosuke> Amelia gagged. "That's just sick Lina!"

<Gabriel> Lina chuckles "I was kidding... Amelia"

<Sanosuke> "You shouldn't play jokes on me!"

<Sanosuke> After all the food was eaten Amelia yawned. "Time to turn in."

<Gabriel> 'I just woke up..."

<Sanosuke> "You did? But... I've been walking two days with no food or sleep!!"

<Gabriel> "Then ne more wont hurt?"

<Sanosuke> Amelia's face fell. "Ohhh!! Miss Lina!! You're mean!!"

<Gabriel> "Fine.... you can rest... but .... tomorrow night we're traveling... "

<Sanosuke> "Yippy! You run off again and I.... I... I won't ever forgive you!"

<Gabriel> Lina smirks "I'll just stay up and read or something..."

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked and nuzzled at Lina's hand.

<Gabriel> "Or wolfie and I can run around like freaks..."

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked again and licked her hand.

<Gabriel> "You like that idea eh "

<Sanosuke> He whined in responce, wagging his tail.

<Gabriel> "You play fetch or anything?"

<Sanosuke> Another bark, and happy-sounding panting.

<Gabriel> "Alright... lets see how long it takes the villagers to throw stuff at us from their windows!!"

<Sanosuke> Amelia groaned and headed up to bed.,

<Gabriel> Lina smirks... "c'mon... lets go find a stick or something"

<Sanosuke> The wolf padded over to the door and barked again.

<Gabriel> Lina gets up and follows him... opening the door and stepping out into the cool night air

<Sanosuke> The wolf ran out into the night and dragged back a stick.

<Gabriel> "You would pick a heavy one ne?" Lina says and picks it up...... then flings somewhere into the town

<Sanosuke> The wolf chases after it, seeming to be enjoying himself.

<Gabriel> "Ahh... entertainment for the easily amused.." Lina says and laughs

<Sanosuke> The wolf carried the stick back, laying it at her feet like a dog as his tail wagged.

<Gabriel> Lina picks it up and bounces it in her palm a moment... before throwing it again

<Sanosuke> The wolf gave chase to it, running across the streets.

<Gabriel> Lina sighs... and wishes Amelia hadnt shown up

<Sanosuke> The wolf came back with the stick and lay it and himself at her feet, whining a little.

<Gabriel> "Bored already?"

<Sanosuke> He rolled onto his back and whined some more.

<Gabriel> Lina squats down and rubs his belly "Whats the matter now?"

<Sanosuke> His tail wagged at top speed as her hand moved across his rich purple fur.

<Gabriel> "You like that huh?" Lina says and continues... "I never had any pets... "

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked a little, his tail still wagging. and she sort of had one pet once... Gourry.. and that was only sort of..

<Gabriel> "Ive been so depressed lately.... " She confides in the wolf "The guy I sorta liked... is well.... gay ..."

<Sanosuke> He licked her hand as she contiued to confide.

<Gabriel> "There wasnt really anything left for me with them...."

<Sanosuke> She was alone with the wolf now, save for Amelia who was in her room at the inn. Even Xellos hadn't been seen for a while.

<Gabriel> Lina sighs "I really hate to but Im going to have to ditch Amelia too...."

<Sanosuke> The wolf lifted his head, peering at her with his ametheste eyes.

<Gabriel> "Not right away though.... she's probably expecting me to try right now.... " Lina says and ruffles the wolf's fur

<Sanosuke> He turned over and got to his paws, rubbing his head against her leg before heading back to the inn.

<Gabriel> Lina follows him .... because he's the only friend she's got

<Sanosuke> He went to the fire place in the middle of the dinning area and lay down by it.

<Gabriel> "Cold are you?" Lina says and pulls a chair over...

<Sanosuke> His tail wagged back and forth as he lay by the fire.

<Gabriel> "I think the purpose of my Journey now is to find someone ... I feel stupid.... but.... I dont know...."

<Sanosuke> The wolf whined a little at her, as if to say something.

<Gabriel> "Im sure you know what its like to be lonely.. huh? For some reason it hurts...."

<Sanosuke> His ears flattened and his tail stopped wagging.

<Gabriel> "I say somethin wrong?"

<Sanosuke> There was a breeze... a cold breeze she felt.

<Gabriel> Lina shivers "cold.... but Im right by the fire... thats odd"

<Sanosuke> Outside there was a wolf howling.. or was that two wolves.

<Gabriel> Lina moves her chair a little closer in to the fire "Im getting a really bad feeling pal..."

<Sanosuke> The wolf whimpered, seeming to agree with her.

<Gabriel> "My powers arent back yet either....."

<Sanosuke> He seemed to be shivering and he got slowly to his paws and took hold of her cape gently, as if to pull her somewhere.

<Gabriel> Lina blinks and stands

<Sanosuke> He led her back up to her room before diving under the bed and making whimpering noises.

<Gabriel> "Youre really scared of something...." Lina mutters and sits down on the bed

<Sanosuke> She could hear the howls from somewhere in the woods again... it was more then one wolf.

<Gabriel> "Im guessing those arent your friends......"

<Sanosuke> The wolf whimpered.. and Lina remembered how hurt he had been when they'd found him...

<Gabriel> "They're after you... to kill you?"

<Sanosuke> There was no answer but the whimpering from under the bed.

<Gabriel> "Dont worry.... they cant get in here.... I hope...

<Sanosuke> The howling of the wolves drew steadily closer to the inn.

<Gabriel> "Mind if I come under there with you?" Lina says... unnerved

<Sanosuke> The wolf moved over to give her room.

<Gabriel> Lina climbs under there with him ~look at me... scared of some wolves.....~

<Sanosuke> But there were reasons to be scared of wolves... especially since she knew of a certain someone who was very fond of wolves...

<Gabriel> "I dont think traveling by night is going to be safe anymore" Lina says and pats the Wolf's head... trying to calm herself and it

<Sanosuke> The wolf licked her hand as he whimpered still.

<Gabriel> We'll be okay.." Lina says reassuringly.... again for herself and the wolf

<Sanosuke> Eventually the howls grew faint and the wolf had fallen asleep at her side.

<Gabriel> Lina falls asleep as well... feeling more secure under there with him

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis headed down the road with Gourry, both books secure under his cloak.

<Gabriel> "Nice to be moving again...." Gourry comments

<Sanosuke> "Yes.. very." Zelgadis held Gourry's hand, pleased to have privacy as him for a change.

<Gabriel> "So .... where we goin?"

<Sanosuke> "To find that wolf..."

<Gabriel> "Oh.. yeah"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis paused only to kiss Gourry softly then went back to walking with him.

<Gabriel> "Its getting chilly huh?"

<Sanosuke> "Yes... it is, isn't it?"

<Gabriel> "Gonna have to get ourselves some winter gear.... or migrate.... "

<Sanosuke> "Where do you want to go?"

<Gabriel> "How bout a nice hot springs resort?"

<Sanosuke> "sure. Sounds like a good place to me."

<Gabriel> "But first we gotta find Lina..... an make sure she's safe" Gourry says.... remembering his oath

<Sanosuke> "Yes. And once she is we can find a place to live."

<Gabriel> "yeah... just you and me...."

<Sanosuke> "Forever?"

<Gabriel> "Yeah... of course"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis' smile grew and he wrapped his arms around Gourry's waste. "You've taught me being human is not what you look like, but what's underneith.

<Gabriel> "I dont know why you ever thought you were horrible looking"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis blushed. "I just... see myself as a freak. It's hard to see myself as anything but... seeing as most people shutter or flee from the site of me."

<Gabriel> "Forget them.... all that matters is me right?"

<Sanosuke> "Right. And it's why a cure is only second to being with you forver. You already want me as I am."

<Gabriel> "Yup"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis smiled. "Gourry, can you handle flying so we can get this over faster then have fun again faster?"

<Gabriel> "Umm.... I gues... just dont drop me like... Lina "

<Sanosuke> "I never would... just hold tight." Zelgadis smiled to him.

<Gabriel> "I trust you..."

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis held Gourry to him and cast ray wing, pulling them both up into the air and flying them out across the path to the next town.

<Gabriel> "woow.... I wish I could do this.... "

<Sanosuke> "Maybe you can some day..." Zelgadis made sure Gourry's arms were nice and tight around his waste.

<Gabriel> "Too dumb..."

<Sanosuke> "You make up for it with a good heart."

<Gabriel> "Mm... yeah.... dont need ta be smart"

<Sanosuke> "And I don't need to be human on the outside as long as I can be human on the inside.. and with you."

<Gabriel> "All ya need right?"

<Sanosuke> "Yes." They landed in the town and headed for the inn, where Lina and Amelia were wolfing down breakfast... unlike the wolf at Lina's feet.

<Gabriel> "Arent you hungry?" Lina asks the wolf... nudging him gently

<Sanosuke> The wolf looked up and panted.

<Sanosuke> "So, you are here..." Came a voice from the door,

<Gabriel> Lina looks up at the door... away from the wolf

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis was standing there next to Gourry.

<Gabriel> Lina frowns ..... familiar pangs kicking in

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis walked over to her and sat the two books down before her. "Read those Lina."

<Gabriel> Lina nods and starts reading

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis looked up at Gourry, waiting for the swordsman to join him.

<Gabriel> Gourry walks over to Zel and leans on him..... watching Lina read

<Sanosuke> Amelia looked at her. "What's the book about?"

<Gabriel> "Wolves...." Lina says quietly.... reading along and slowly piecing things together

<Sanosuke> "Anything to do with all those howls last night?"

<Gabriel> "Yes... a lot..."

<Sanosuke> "Oh?"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis scowled. "What happend?"

<Gabriel> "Wolves last night... a lot of them....."

<Sanosuke> The wolf at her feet whimpered, his ears flattning.

<Gabriel> "Who are you... " Lina muses.... nudging the wolf

<Sanosuke> The wolf whimpered again.

<Sanosuke> "This wolf is a werewolf, right?" Zelgadis aske bluntly.

<Gabriel> "Yes..... "

<Sanosuke> "You read what it said in there?"

<Gabriel> Lina nods "Seems like we have to deal with Beastmaster now....."

<Sanosuke> "What's going on?" Amelia asked, another whine from wolf.

<Gabriel> "Not quite sure.... but this one is apparently the reason.... "

<Sanosuke> "Are you going to be ok Lina?" Zelgadis asked.

<Gabriel> "Yeah.... " Lina says halfheartedly

<Gabriel> ~If a confrontation does occur... whats to stop me from losing.... and finally getting out of this....~

<Sanosuke> "Gourry and I wanted to make sure you were ok... We wanted... to get on with our lives.. together."

<Gabriel> "Go ahead guys... thats why I left....'

<Sanosuke> "Only if you mean it Lina.. you might need help with this..."

<Gabriel> "No really guys.... I can handle it.... i mean... I handled Phibrizzo and Gaav and Shabranigdo...."

<Sanosuke> "Not on your own you didn't..."

<Gabriel> Lina frowns "I dont want to be a bother..."

<Sanosuke> "We're gonna see this one through Lina..."

<Gabriel> "But...."

<Sanosuke> "No buts... we can't leave you to die."

<Gabriel> ~but thats the point...~

<Sanosuke> The wolf nudged her leg.

<Gabriel> "I guess... you guys can help....."

<Sanosuke> "Good. Gourry and I can't let you go into something bad alone."

<Gabriel> Lina sighs "I guess we're together again for a time.... but after... you guys are going off and leaving me be.... got it?"

<Sanosuke>

<Sanosuke> "Got it Lina. Gourry and I are going some place warm."

<Gabriel> Lina nods

<Sanosuke> Amelia looked at them. "So, what are we talking about?" She asked, sounding the way gourry would.

<Gabriel> "We're going on another adventure it seems"

<Sanosuke> "Oh. ok." She went back to eating.

<Gabriel> "So... where do we start?"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis shrugged. "Read the other book.... the one on Beastmaster..."

<Gabriel> Lina nods and read through the other one

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis settled down with his cup of coffee and wondered if she would get the same thoughts he did.

<Gabriel> Lina frowns "no wonder..."

<Sanosuke> The wolf had fallen asleep at her feet by this point, since no one had petted or fed him in a while.

<Gabriel> "It is him.... "

<Sanosuke> "You so sure?" Zelgadis asked.

<Sanosuke> Amelia just blinked in her confusion.

<Gabriel> "Yeah... I’ve been.... talking to him and stuff.... its him... Hard to explain though... full moon was a few days ago.”

<Sanosuke> "What.. did he say?" Zelgadis asked.

<Sanosuke> "Eh?" Amelia asked, not getting it at all and looking even more confused then Gourry.

<Gabriel> "Nothing really... but.... when I jokingly decided to call him Xel... he acted funny"

<Gabriel> "It just all adds up... "

<Sanosuke> "I still want to know why... why he's like this then?" Zelgadis asked.

<Sanosuke> "WHO????" Amelia demanded.

<Gabriel> "Xellos you big dummy.... " Lina says... and whaps her

<Sanosuke> "Huh? Where? Wha?"

<Gabriel> "The wolf... He's got a scar on his chest too.... when he's in humanoid form..."

<Sanosuke> Amelia just blinked. "But, the wolf is just a wolf.. it's not a Mazoku... it doesn't have Mazoku eyes."

<Sanosuke> "Scar?" Zelgadis asked.

<Gabriel> "He's not a mazoku anymore..... " Lina says "This is his original form..... "

<Sanosuke> "Huh?" Amelia asked. "But, why? Why wouldn't he be a Mazoku any more?"

<Gabriel> "He must have done something bad..."

<Sanosuke> "Wouldn't beastmaster have just killed him?" Amelia asked.

<Gabriel> "Maybe this is only a temporary punishment..."

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis put down his mug.

<Sanosuke> The wounds... Lina remmebered them then....

<Gabriel> Lina shakes her head "whatever he did it was bad.."

<Sanosuke> "Like what?" Amelia asked.

<Gabriel> "Refusing direct orders perhaps..."

<Sanosuke> "Still doesn't explain this..."

<Gabriel> "mm... true"

<Sanosuke> The wolf started to wake up and made a yawning whine as he stretched.

<Gabriel> "Shh guys"

<Sanosuke> Amelia blinked. "Shh?

<Gabriel> "He's awake"

<Sanosuke> "Why shhh?"

<Gabriel> "Well... he probably doesnt want us to know...."

<Sanosuke> The wolf whined a little.

<Gabriel> "We know pal.... the gig's up"" Lina says and pats his head

<Sanosuke> There was of course the thought maybe he didn't remember... what he had said out in the woods... he just seemed confused.

<Gabriel> "Hmm.... well... we'll just have to go out into the woods at night...."

<Sanosuke> The wolf licked at her hand.

<Sanosuke> "Why?" Amelia asked.

<Gabriel> "You guys game?"

<Sanosuke> "Yep." Zelgadis told her, standing up.

<Gabriel> "Alright then... lets wait until nightfall '

<Sanosuke> "Why?" Amelia asked again.

<Sanosuke> The wolf was still licking Lina's hand.

<Gabriel> "To get to the bottom of this...."

<Sanosuke> "How will going outside help?"

<Gabriel> "Amelia.... did your braincells die? The wolves last night... they'll be back Im sure... maybe if we pick off a few we'll piss someone off"

<Sanosuke> "ARE YOU MAD???" Amelia shrieked.

<Sanosuke> The wolf started to bark from under the table.

<Gabriel> "No... I want to resolve this so Gourry and Zel can get on with thier life...."

<Sanosuke> "Why would you want to piss someone off?"

<Gabriel> "How else do you get something to come out of its lair?"

<Sanosuke> Amelia shivered. "I want no part in this mad scheme of yours."

<Gabriel> "Fine then...."

<Sanosuke> The healer stood up and stalked up to her room.

<Gabriel> "Stupid Amelia... dont need her anyway..."

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis sighed. "Never know when you need one..."

<Gabriel> "Wont need a healer...."

<Sanosuke> "Lina... you turning suicidle?"

<Gabriel> "a... ano.... no.... no...." Lina says.... trying to change the subject "Just confident..."

<Sanosuke> The wolf whined and licked her hand some more before settling back down.

<Gabriel> "See... he's not worried"

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis looked over. "You sure?"

<Gabriel> "Yeah... positive" ~I dont lie well....~

<Sanosuke> The wolf seemed to fall back asleep.

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis moved back into Gourry's warmth, just wanting to relax there.

<Gabriel> Lina puts her head on the table..... and sighs

<Sanosuke> "Let's go get a room Gourry... and be ready to fight tonight."

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis said.

<Gabriel> "You guys do that.... " Lina says and rises to go to her own room... planning on just lying there and staring at the ceiling

<Sanosuke> The wolf followed her, after waking back up.

<Gabriel> Lina flops down on the bed.... "Zel's far too observant....

<Sanosuke> The wolf yawned and lay down next to the bed, licking his paw off.

<Gabriel> "But.... nothings going to happen to me Im sure.... I just have too much dumb luck"

<Sanosuke> She felt the soft tail fur hitting her hand/

<Gabriel> "And after this... Im probably going to be alone again"

<Sanosuke> Of course, she wasn't alone right then...

<Gabriel> "I hope... we can resolve this... and you can stay... even though youre not talkative.... better than nothing....."

<Sanosuke> A slight bark and she felt him lift his head and rub it against her overflung hand.

<Gabriel> Lina chuckles "Things will be just fine.... Im sure"

<Sanosuke> He was licking her hand again. Rough tongue against her digets.

<Gabriel> "and if all else fails.... well.... I know the way"

<Sanosuke> In the next room Zelgadis had sunk into Gourry's arms and was kissing along his neck and jaw.

<Gabriel> Gourry purrs and squeezes Zel tightly

<Sanosuke> This only caused the shaman to deepen his efforts and kiss into Gourry's warm mouth.

<Gabriel> Gourry returns the kiss, his moving against Zel's

<Sanosuke> The shaman pulled closer to him, leaning down against the bed as his tongue entered.

<Gabriel> "Mmm.. Zel"

<Sanosuke> "Mmm.. Gourry... my beloved."

<Sanosuke> Zel's mouth latched firmly to Gourry's.

<Gabriel> Gourry rubs Zel's back gently.... not minding the roughness of his skin at all

<Sanosuke> The shaman took the armor off his blonde lover and kissed down his chest,

<Gabriel> "MMm... you think we ought to?"

<Sanosuke> "Mm? Ought to what dear?"

<Gabriel> "You know..."

<Sanosuke> "Make love?"

<Gabriel> "yeah"

<Sanosuke> "Why not?"

<Gabriel> "Well the walls are pretty thin..."

<Sanosuke> "Hmm... but it's day... not many inside asleep..."

<Gabriel> Gourry nods

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis went back to his nibbling of Gourry's soft flesh.

<Gabriel> Gourry purrs, his hands sliding some of Zel's clothing off

<Sanosuke> The shaman's mouth kept going lower and lower till it reached one of the swordsman's most sensitive parts and latched on.

<Gabriel> Gourr moans loudly.... not bothering to keep the volume down

<Sanosuke> Zel didn't seemed to mind that, rewarding his lover's moans with hard suckling.

<Gabriel> Someone in the next room minds very much however....

The wolf whined at the moans from the next room as he lay by Lina's bed,.

<Gabriel> "Yeah I know.... i wish I had something to block it out..." Lina says and pulls a pillow over her head

<Sanosuke> It wasn't all that loud, but she could hear Gourry whimpering Zel's name faintly.

<Gabriel> "Least Amelia is probably enjoying it"

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked and rubbed his nose up against her hand.

<Gabriel> "If I ever get the power I'll turn her into a fly... it'll server her right"

<Sanosuke> She felt a wet tongue slobber on her hand.

<Gabriel> Lina smiles and scratches the Wolf's head

<Sanosuke> It whined happily, seeming to have been wanting this attention.

<Gabriel> "Just you and me.... I shouldnt have even let them help me.... what you say to leaving while they're busy?"

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked in responce and padded over to the door.

<Gabriel> "Alright.... they'd just get in the way anyway...."

<Sanosuke> He wagged his tail, panting happily.

<Gabriel> Lina stands and opens the door...

<Gabriel> "dont wanna hang around here anyway.... not If I have to listen....."

<Sanosuke> Night was starting to fall... and the air was getting cold around her,

<Gabriel> "Hmm.. feels like fall is settling in early this year..... or.... well just stay close...." Lina says and sets off towards the edge of town at a Jog.... not wanting anything bad to happen inside the town

<Sanosuke> The wolf trotted after her, staying close by.

<Sanosuke> A howl... she heard a distant howl.

<Gabriel> "well... it looks like they're coming back... and my powers are just a tad...."

<Sanosuke> The wolf whimpered and pressed to her leg as the howls came closer.

<Gabriel> "Keep moving pal.... we want to get as far out as we can in case I have to do serious damage spells. Altho... they're most likely to fizzle...."

<Sanosuke> He whined but trotted on ahead some as the howling got even closer.

<Gabriel> Lina keeps close to him... a little creeped out herself

<Sanosuke> Suddenly, there was a loud screetch from the air... somethig big was coming.

<Gabriel> "Crap.... take cover ....!"

<Sanosuke> The wolf did so as some giant bird swooped down with its tallons.

<Gabriel> Lina tosses an extremely weak fireball at the thing and grimaces

<Sanosuke> It lands and roars... and she could tell right away that it was a Mazoku of some kind.

<Gabriel> ~just what I need...~

<Sanosuke> The wolf whimpered behind her, then started barking.

<Gabriel> "Look you... Im sure you know who I am and I dont want any problems.... or do ya wanna join the rest of your pals?"

<Sanosuke> The mazoku-bird didn't go away, instead it started down at her with it's sharp beak.

<Gabriel> "Great... I get a smart one...." Lina says and tries to dodge the incoming ouchie

<Sanosuke> The beak hit the ground then pulled up again. Razor wings came in from either side at her.

<Gabriel> Lina squeaks and dodges again.... "Pal... you can run fast.... I suggest you do it.... I'll be right behind ya"

<Sanosuke> The wolf barked... and for the first time Lina noticed that the other way out was guarded by a few wolves.

<Gabriel> "Shit..." Lina curses.... and eyes the bird "Looks like I might get my wish..."

<Sanosuke> As the bird swiped another wing at her she felt something pounce on her back and knock her to the ground, just under the wing... Then she heard a yelp of pain...

<Gabriel> ~no... you dumb thing!~ Lina thinks and levers herself up to look at the damage

<Sanosuke> The wolf was hurt... caught in the side by a razor wing which had been meant for Lina.

<Gabriel> "damnit... why'd you do that....?" Lina growls and looks at the wolf a moment....

<Sanosuke> He managed to get up and try to attack the Mazoku-bird that was attacking them, but it looked almost hopeless.

<Gabriel> "Thats it." Lina growls and draws her sword "If youre gonna get yourself killed then Im coming with you"

<Sanosuke> The wolf was bleeding pretty bad, and it got worse as he was pecked in the other side as he fought with the Mazoku-bird... it had to be a hopless battle of course, seeing how Mazoku were very very hard to kill.

<Gabriel> Lina attacks.... attempting to get the blade into the bird... although that will do no damage... a spell channeled through it will.

<Sanosuke> The wolf was thrown down, and yelped in pain again.

<Gabriel> Lina fires a digger bolt through the sword.... albeit a weak one

<Sanosuke> The bird squeecked in pain and flew back and up into the air.

<Gabriel> Lina moves over to the wolf and starts a healing spell... ignoring the bird

<Sanosuke> The bird flew away and was gone. The wolf howerver was badly hurt.. bleeding heavily down both sides.

<Gabriel> "You'll be okay.... " Lina whimpers "Youre gonna travel with me... remember?"

<Sanosuke> He whimpered in pain.

<Sanosuke> Lina heard a growl from near by.

<Gabriel> "Shh... I wont let anything else touch you... cuz its gotta get through me first..."

<Sanosuke> The other wolves had closed in on them.... and she could tell they were Mazoku as well... most likely beasmaster's pack.

<Gabriel> "Dont you dare touch him" Lina growls

<Sanosuke> The wolves stood their ground, almost right next to them, growling.

<Sanosuke> Her wolf whimpered, his paws twitching a little.

<Gabriel> Lina keeps her spell up... knowing its probably useless since they're both going to become doggie treats

<Sanosuke> She heard a soft chuckle from the woods behind her.

<Gabriel> Lina tries her best to feign ignorance.... since that always seems to annoy Mazoku and make them testy... which is usually good since they do stupid things

<Sanosuke> "You wish to die?" A woman's voice from somewhere behind her asked.

<Gabriel> "If its in protecting something I care about.... "

<Sanosuke> "I see.... and he seems to feel the same... I had always figured he had a liking for you."

<Gabriel> ~ I risked my life for Gourry once too.... even though I knew I meant nothing.....~

<Sanosuke> The bleeding wolf whimpered some more, his eyes closed tight in pain.

<Gabriel> Lina grits her teeth .... wishing her magic was stronger ... cursing herself mentally

<Sanosuke> "I'm still trying to decide weather to take him back or not..." The voice continued, "Surely you understand by now, right Lina?"

<Gabriel> "No... Im afraid I dont..... what did he do anyway?"

<Sanosuke> "Forgot about being part of the pack... and finnaly broke an artifact he was supposed to retrieve for me. I needed to teach him a lesson and get him to remember what he would be without my power..."

<Gabriel> "Leave him alone... or.... Im gonna find a way to send you to visit your boss and his other lackeys I took out

<Sanosuke> The voice laughed. "You want him to die then?"

<Gabriel> "...... what do you want me to do then?"

<Sanosuke> "I think he's been punished enough... he knows better now... I can give him back his powers... and he'll be able to remember again."

<Gabriel> Lina sighs and ruffles the wolf's fur

<Sanosuke> He whimpered, hadn't stopped really.... the pain must have been bad as the wounds were.

<Gabriel> "Fine.... " Lina says.... ~Least he wont be hurting anymore~

<Sanosuke> "Step back... You can't be in the way for this."

<Gabriel> Lina nods sadly and ruffles the wolf's fur one last time.... then stands and steps away

<Sanosuke> The woman who had been behind her came forward and so did the wolves and they surrounded the downed one.

<Gabriel> ~I dont want to watch this... I might as well go back and pick up Amelia~

<Sanosuke> She heard a mommintairy yelp, then quiet.

<Gabriel> Lina winces... and keeps moving.... back towards the town

<Sanosuke> She found Zelgadis and Gourry waiting for her at the inn. "Why'd you leave??" Zel demanded.

<Gabriel> "had to take care of things on my own" Lina reply sadly

<Sanosuke> "What happend?"

<Gabriel> "Xellos is back with the pack" ~I hope....~

<Sanosuke> "They came back for him?"

<Gabriel> "Yeah...."

<Sanosuke> "You finished with us then?"

<Gabriel> "Yeah.... go away.... "

<Sanosuke> Zelgadis sighed. "If you're ever down by the hot springs come look us up, ok?" Zelgadis turned to Gourry and smiled.

<Gabriel> "Sure sure... " Lina says... and brushes past them to go retrieve Amelia.... who is better than nothing

<Sanosuke> Amelia was in her room and wasn't letting anyone else in.

<Gabriel> "Amelia.... you want to come with me?" Lina asks... knocking

<Sanosuke> "Go away Lina..." She heard her yell.

<Gabriel> "okay....." Lina sighs and stalks out of the inn.... brushing past Gourry and Zel again on her way out

<Sanosuke> "Bye Lina." Zelgadis called.

<Gabriel> ~Dont say it unless you mean it....~ Lina thinks grumpily..... and casts a feeble raywing.... if only to carry herself far enough away to be out of thier sight before she starts crying

<Sanosuke> It was night and all the wolves had gone... even that bird was gone.

<Gabriel> Lina sniffles as she lands and starts walking... not really caring where she's headed

<Sanosuke> The night was still cold, and now it seemed so lonely.

<Gabriel> "Everyone is gone now.... I guess its better though....."

<Sanosuke> All her friends... well, she had started this journey alone, hadn't she?

<Gabriel> "Hmm.... where do I go now? And why am I talking to myself?"

<Sanosuke> "Maybe cause you've lost it?" Came a voice she hadn't heard in a while... but was overjoyed to hear

<Gabriel> "I dont think Ive ever really had it.... " Lina says... a smile flickering across her face

<Sanosuke> She felt his hand on her shoulder. "Ah, perhaps you are right... and perhaps you're perfect..."

<Gabriel> "Hmmm....?"

<Sanosuke> "Well, I do enjoy following you."

<Gabriel> "Oh? Well thats good to hear...." Lina says.. purposefully keeping her back to him because she feels like an idiot

<Sanosuke> "You upset now Lina?"

<Gabriel> "Yah... bet youre loving it..."

<Sanosuke> "And here I thought you still wanted my company.... it's not my fault I wasn't able to remember much of anything."

<Gabriel> "its okay... I still... want your company..."

<Sanosuke> She felt him hug her. "Good... cause this is where I'm staying for a while. Beasmaster's orders of course."

<Gabriel> "Ohh.... whys that?"

<Sanosuke> "Forced vaction mostly...."

<Gabriel> "You guys get vacation?"

<Sanosuke> "No.... not really. You could say this is as close as they come."

<Gabriel> "Hmm... am I gonna die?"

<Sanosuke> "Not yet... unless that's really your wish."

<Gabriel> "No... not really.... not as long as I have company...."

<Sanosuke> "Alright then." He was still huging her.

<Gabriel> on some level Lina enjoys that as much as she can

<Sanosuke> "So then, where are we off to?"

<Gabriel> "dont really know... cant go anywhere unless ya let go..."

<Sanosuke> He let go of her. "Just happy to be back."

<Gabriel> "Happy to have you back... " Lina says and finally faces him

<Sanosuke> He smiled his typical trickster priest smile. "Thanks. Got the feeling you wanted me to stay as you saw me for a while though."

<Gabriel> "Yeah... used to having you aroun as a Wolf.... by the way... how much do you remember from that?"

<Sanosuke> "All of it now... I didn't remember at the time about anything but being a wolf and stuff really.... had forgotten too much..."

<Gabriel> Lina blushes.... slightly .... but decides not to bring up whether he remembers her bath and such

<Sanosuke> Xellos patted her on the head. "I guess now that we're alone we can have some more fun..."

<Gabriel> "Fun.... like... gourry and zel kind of fun?"

<Sanosuke> "Anything you want. Besides... we got something to offer you if you're ever interested."

<Gabriel> "Oh whats that?"

<Sanosuke> "You made quite an impression on Beastmaster... and she's been toying with the idea for a while now of... inviting you to join us."

<Gabriel> "Inviting me to join you?" ~should I be honored or afraid?~

<Sanosuke> "Yes Lina. It's an open invitation to become one of us... after all, who do you have around here anyway?"

<Gabriel> "I.... I dont know... what to think"

<Sanosuke> "Give it time. Until then, I've been ordered to stay at your side."

<Gabriel> "Oh... well lets give you a little vacation before I make my decision.... " Lina says... getting an idea "You like Hotsprings?"

<Sanosuke> "Yep. You want to go there?"

<Gabriel> Lina nods "can we scare Zel an Gourry?"

<Sanosuke> "They're not their yet... we'll have to wait... and if you really want to scare em... join us first and then we can go scare them."

<Gabriel> "Hmm.. but if I join you too quick you wont get to.... ahh heck youre immortal right?"

<Sanosuke> "Yep. We don't age either."

<Gabriel> "Then we'll have plenty of time....ne?"

<Sanosuke> "Yep." Xellos grinend at her.

<Gabriel> "Okay.... what do I have to do?

<Sanosuke> "Die and be reborn.... just like I did a long time ago... and then again..."

<Gabriel> "Does it hurt?"

<Sanosuke> "Just for a second... you saw the scar on my wolf form when my power was taken..."

<Gabriel> Lina nods "well... I guess do it quick ... before I change my mind"

<Sanosuke> "Can I borrow your sword?"

<Gabriel> "Sure"

<Sanosuke> Xellos took it from her sheath and pressed it to her chest. "Ready?"

<Gabriel> Lina squeezes her eyes shut and nods

<Sanosuke> There was only a mommintary sense of pain the sword went through her heart... Then their was fuzz.... then a wrenching sensation... and power... so much power flooding into her.