Chapter 18

The week had come and gone like a shooting star. They were difficult days, that was for sure, however, they were worth while. Aya told Zelgadis what she had discovered from her parents, but it was a larger surprise when her brother told her that he knew everything. She was the only one who did not know. He preferred living by himself. He has learned to be independent and live fully on his own, working, paying rents and all. Aya did not blame him. If she was in her brother's place, she would probably not want to move back with her family. It was not all bad news though. On the following week, the band group received a letter from school that they had won first place for their performance. Amelia invited everyone out for dinner to celebrate their victory and the end of school year. Everyone was dressed to their finest as Amelia and her limousine driver dropped by to pick up her friends.

"More please!" Lina and Gourry exclaimed from their plates. They were dressed high-class, but their appetite was barbarian-class. Hundreds of the restaurant customers stared at their table and the Eiffel tower of plates.

"Lina-san, Gourry-san," Amelia mumbled, very embarrassed, "can you please eat like civilized people? Everyone's looking . . . ."

"That's because they don't know what's it's like to be hungry." Lina explained in as-a-matter-of- fact way. Gourry just nodded in agreement. Despite their attention attraction, the group had an enjoyable meal. Although, they did not expect what would happen on their way home. How could they. The road was nearly empty and the highway was quiet and smooth. Everyone laughed and had the time of their life just being together.

"(Sigh) Another 'New Driver'. Honestly, they do not know how to drive. The limousine driver grumbled.

"What is it Gary?" Amelia asked and peered out the front window.

"There is a truck full of young drivers in front of me. They keep swaying from one lane to the next." Aya looked out the window beside her and watched the truck do as the limousine driver described. She could hear the music booming from the vehicle clearly. They were now turning a corner. An enormous lumber truck appeared from a building on the next lane. The young driver in front of the limousine quickly switched lanes, but it was too late. The truck smashed against half of the smaller truck and sent it on a spiral spin. The limousine driver couldn't do anything. He had nowhere to go. There were pedestrians to his left, a lumber truck to his right and the crumpled vehicle coming towards them. They collided and flew to the next lane.

I knew there were screams. I couldn't hear them, but I knew everyone in the limousine was screaming. Terrified and panicking. I was too. I knew for certain I was going to die. Right when I saw the drunk drivers before us. A feeling inside told me that it won't be long till an accident happens. The world became a slow motion. We were flipping over to the other lane where the lumber truck was heading. I closed my eyes. I only felt pain, emotional and physical. I remember Val embracing me. Holding me tight in his arms. He was my only comfort. That made all the difference. The last sound I heard was a loud explosion-like echo.

When I opened my eyes, or when I think I did, pure whiteness shone around me. I felt my body floating gradually in nothingness. I felt calm and peaceful. It was a wonderful feeling. A beautiful lady stood before me. Her skin was fair and her hair was golden and long. Her black dress ran to her feet.

"Who are you?" My voice vibrated through the air. She smiled gently and replied,

"I am the Mother of Creation. The Lord of Nightmare." I didn't know what else to say. I wanted to stay in this place longer. Everything was wonderful. I had never been this relaxed and pure in my life. The woman spoke, "Aya, do you understand what the Crystal of Erised does?"

"No . . . I don't." I admitted.

"The crystal you used was a magical object created by a great sorcerer centuries and centuries before your time. He had a very terrible life, Aya. His mother died of sickness when he was only a boy, his father left him to live on his own and his wife and children have been murdered by thieves. His life was filled with unpleasant events. This led him to create the Crystal of Erised. It calls upon the light and darkness to combine with the aligned planets of the solar system. This transports you to another universe where you will find the answers to your question. In your case, it was your family and the brother you never got to know in your original world. However, the Crystal of Erised will take you life once you have found the answers to your questions."

"Am I here because . . . I was the holder of the crystal?"

"Yes."

"But why were the others transported here with me?"

"Because they entered the circle in which all the ones would be brought with you."

"I see . . . ."

"I'm afraid we have not much time, Aya. You need to decide. Do you desire to return to the world you originally came from? Or be reborn as a different person?"

"You mean where there is magic?"

"Yes." Aya stared into space pondering on the question. Should she return? Or be reborn and live another life? She smiled at the memory of the times she spent with Lina and her friends. She saw everyone, especially her brother Zelgadis and Valgarv.

"Lord of Nightmare . . ." The blonde lady leaned closer to hear the reply.

"I would like to be reborn."

And so . . . Lina and her traveling companions were sent back to their world. Everything was a dream that was soon to be forgotten. They were never chased by a dragon that led to Aya. In fact, Aya was not born yet. She would return, but only a little later. In the mean time, Lina defeated Valgarv. Filia was now a mother of an Ancient Dragon. Lina and Gourry continue their journey in the new world. Amelia is busy at her home castle awaiting for Zelgadis to return from his search of a cure. Xellos . . . . he has much explaining to do with his mother, Zelas.

The End