Lina flopped down on her queen size feather bed in her silk and velvet nightgown and stared around her gigantic room. Her silver-backed mirror was covered with a shimmering purple silk scarf, and hung from it were countless diamond, ruby, and gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Gold, silver, jewels and silks trailed off of every available surface. Near her bed was a pull for anyone she wanted to call on. There was the cook, the secondary cook, the third cook, the…

So why wasn't she happy?

Lina kicked a box of velvets over and stomped to the closet. She stared at the countless dresses, the pointy toed shoes she despised, the fans she had to flutter at the numerous court occasions, the millions of earrings from this and such noble from this and such county that she had to remember when she was visiting them.

She hated it.

She shoved the thought out of her head. Of course I'm happy, I'm happy, I have everyone at my beck and call, I control the lives of an entire country, I own this world. I have kingdoms falling all over each other to impress me. Why shouldn't I be happy?

I think you should ask yourself that. Lina silenced the voice in her head and glared out of her many-paneled window in the shape of a rose. I'm sick of this.

The nobles in court had stopped hoping to wait for her to get old and weak and had started hiring assassins. Of course, they didn't work. She'd been getting plenty of exercise this past thirty years, thanks to them. Lina was more fit than she had been AS an assassin, she got more of a workout more often this way. But it wasn't very nice to have to check your bed, window, closet, etceteras every single damn night.

She lived a life of luxury, of glamour. Despite her being 330 years old, or about forty-five in the country's eyes, she had thousands of suitors after her hand in marriage.

She stared at the window for a moment, then at the closet. I'm the most powerful person for kingdoms. I have more wealth that I know what to do with. I am all I've ever wanted to be.

She punched through the window, unheeding of the glass that sliced her hand. She stared at the dresses hanging in her closet and suddenly a scream of rage escaped her lips, and she tore at the costumes and finery, ripping it to shreds. Two young women hurried into the room and dragged her from the wardrobe.

"Your highness! Your highness, please!" The girl named Amelia begged. "Stop it! Calm down! Your highness!"

The young woman names Sheilfiel shook her head and pushed the queen to the floor. "It's no use talking to her, she's in one of her moods again. Just give her time."

Lina lay still for a moment, and stood. "Thank you," She muttered tonelessly. "I suppose I needed that."

"Your highness, what happened to your hand?"

Lina stared dully at her hand, then at the window. "I suppose I slipped."

"Of course your Highness." It was easier to believe that, anyway. "I'll heal it,"

"NO!"

Sheilfiel jumped back and stared at the suddenly venomous monarch. "Wh-wha…?"

"I don't need you to." Lina stared at her sliced and bloody hand. "I can take care of it." She spun around and put on a gold and maroon dressing gown. She looked at the window.

"And clean this mess up." She spun on her heel and stalked out.

Amelia stared at Sheilfiel. "She scares me."

Sheilfiel nodded. "Me too. I wonder what's wrong with her."

"Is she always like this?"

"Not when I was little. But she's been like this ever since I was about seven." Sheilfiel shook her head sadly. "I would never like to be queen."

"Why not? It's a way to dispense justice to the world and save those who are downtrodden!" Amelia sighed. "Plus you get the money and power."

Shelfiel sighed. "But it comes at so high a price."

* * *

Lina sat at the dinner. She didn't eat anything. She didn't drink anything. She simply gazed and the flames flickering on the candles. Her ladies in waiting were getting worried.

"Ever since shoe smashed her window she's been particularly down." Amelia whispered to Shelfiel. "What should we do?"

Shelfiel bit her lip. "I don't know. I don't know what's wrong with her." Despite how Lina acted and her destructive tendencies, she really was loved by her servants. She didn't overwork them, she didn't ignore them, (Except, of course, when she was ignoring everybody) and she was overall a nice person, sort of.

And they were very worried about her. Last night an assassin had come straight through the window and landed on the dining table. Lina had just stared at it. The man had run straight for her, and she didn't appear to even move. She simply stared at him.

But the man had landed on the other side of her and fell on his face, blood pooling on the floor. She stood, turned, stared at the body for a moment, and walked to her rooms.

No one knew what was wrong with her, and they all desperately wished they could help.

* * *

Lina stared at her mirror and touched the glass.

What do you see?

I see a child. A child pretending to be what she is not. Who is dressed up in her mother's clothes and prances around in glass beads.

Look closer. What do you see?

I see a child, Lina thought. I see a child who doesn't want to live anymore. Who has seen to many years to ever fully grow up again.

I see a child. And she is afraid.

Afraid of what?

Afraid that she herself will realize she's only a child?

SHUT UP! Lina flung her music box at the mirror, shattering it and send pieces flying to her face. Tiny, razor sharp cuts ran over her cheeks, stinging as the salt water ran through them.

"Your Highness?"

Lina spun around and looked at her ladies in waiting. "What is it?"

Amelia nudged Shelfiel. Shelfiel smiled weakly.

"Ah… um… I… we were going to the faire today, the circus is in town, and we were wondering if… ah… you might like to come with?"

"I'd rather not."

"Come on," Amelia said, touching Lina's arm. "Please?"

Lina stared at Amelia, then sighed. "All right. But it's not going to be a big event!"

* * *

Lina glanced at her 'small' entourage. Enough people to attack Olympus and win. Why did she agree to go? Now all these damn acts were being devoted to her, and she was getting annoyed at how many of the young men were trying to catch her eye. It was one of the worst events she had ever experienced.

Although, given the past thirty years, there were plenty right up there.

"And now, your attention please! I'm sure you all heard of the great berserker?"

The crowd cheered.

"The inhuman monster who wiped out a kingdom alone?"

The crowd hollered.

"The walking statue from the temple of hell?"

The crown screamed their applause.

"Well, I'm sure you also heard he was apprehended and sold to the highest bidder?"

What in Saint Paul's name…

"And would you like to see him?"

The crowd, if possible, screamed even louder and more enthusiastically.

"And her highness, My lady, would you like to see him as well?"

"Why not." Lina sighed. This should prove stupid.

"Then we present, The Hellbringer!" He swept his arms to the center stage.

Two burly men hauled a large cage into the ring, making very sure to stay out of reach of the hunched figure inside. The crown hooted and hollered, and Lina rolled her eyes. "What utter idiots."

Her two ladies in waiting exchanged worried glances.

Light upon metal flared as the shadowed figure moved it's head. Diamond eyes flashed menacingly as all screaming and hollering halted abruptly. The figure turned it's head slowly to get a clear view of the entire audience. It stared at the ringmaster, and it's glare of hate turned to that of loathing, of pure pain and bloodlust. The man just grinned.

"No need to be frightened! He is well held by magical bonds. No one, not even a monster such as himself, could get loose."

Something about the figure was strangely familiar…but Lina couldn't place it. Her face, which was usually blank or filled with rage, took on a slightly curious quality. Her ladies in waiting glanced at each other.

Amelia stood up. "How do we know this is the real Hellbringer and not an actor?"

The crowd murmured approval.

"Well, of it pleases her highness, Shell we let it loose?"

Screams of fear filled the tent, hurting Lina's ears. I'm too old, too tired for this.

"Do not be afraid! His charmed manacles will prevent him from straying too far from the cage." The ringmaster grinned. "Let it out!"

The two men opened the cage and hastily stepped out of the way. The figure inside just sat there.

The ringmaster came to about four feet out of reach. "How are you today, mister Helldemon?"

A slight growl, but nothing more.

"All nice and cozy?"

A larger growl, but the thing inside knew he was out of reach and wasn't going to take the time and embarrassment to attack him.

The ringmaster turned to the crowd. "Due to extensive research, we have found that this monster actually may have been human at one time!"

The thing inside the cage snorted.

"And was even affianced!"

The thing tensed. The ringmaster grinned. Idiot. Lina sighed. Chains only last for so long, stupid. One day they're going to break, one day you're going to be sorry. One of these days you're going to die.

"Of course, Then he ended up killing her. But that's okay! Because who would like to admit they even knew this beast? This monster? This…prince?"

The crowd managed a rather timid murmur.

"Yes!" The man cried, "This was once a prince! Which one still lies undetermined, but he was once a very loved and loyal man."

The crowd scoffed.

Why am I feeling so…nervous all of a sudden?

"Your highness," The man scoffed at the thing in the cage, "Would you like your train carried? And what beautiful jewelry you are wearing!"

The thing in the cage tensed up even more, if that were possible.

"Is it for you wedding to your lady love?"

Suddenly an inhuman scream pierced the air, and the thing jumped at paranormal speed towards the man, only to be jerked back by the chain around it's neck. Lina couldn't get a good look at it, but it was dressing in what used to be white rags, and had the grace of a cat, if an abused, infuriated, and ferocious one.

But what was most amazing was his blue skin, embedded with small rocks. His hair had a metallic sheen and stuck out in sharp spikes.

The man laughed. "But though he is chained and caged, he still retains his demonic abilities! Watch!"

Suddenly three men threw four throwing daggers each at the form. It turned slightly and it's arm moved.

It raised it's arm and threw them back with uncanny speed, but they turned into air before they could harm the poor knife throwers.

Lina snorted. Poor knife throwers. Hah. My heart is with the demon, killer it may be.

The thing turned to the ringmaster, and a low growl escaped it's lips. It seemed to debate something, then shook it's head and turned to it's cage.

Which was in Lina's direction. She got a good clear look at his face.

"Give me that creature."

The ringmaster's head jerked towards the queen of half a continent, whose ringing voice echoed off the walls. "What?"

"I said give me that creature."

"But your highness, surely you would--"

"GIVE ME THAT DEMON OR I WILL HAVE YOU HUNG FOM THE HIGHEST TURRET OF MY CASTLE."

The entire crowd shook. Lina Inverse was not renowned to be like this. She was renowned to be emotionless, cold, but not…

Her servants glanced at each other as if to ask What…

"Y-your highness, What--"

"GIVE HIM TO ME!"

Amelia stepped forward to the man. "The queen I not to be denied. You will be paid for him."

The man shakily nodded and left hurriedly.

Lina looked at Shelfiel. "Have him put in the dungeon. With the manacles. I don't want him blowing up the castle."

* * *

Lina walked down to the castle dungeons. The demon looked up at her. She stared at it expressionlessly. Then she turned to her guards.

"Open the doors and leave."

"But your--"

"I SAID, open the doors and leave."

"Yes, your highness."

The two young men opened the doors and reluctantly left.

"REALLY out, not sitting at the top of the stairs."

Sounds of people scuffling and leaving. Lina turned to the hunched figure in the cage and put on her most regal face.

"You."

No answer.

"I know you can hear me. I know you understand me."

No answer.

"I hear you killed five thousand."

No answer.

"Was your true love among them?"

A growl. "I didn't." Barely perceptible.

"You did."

The figure turned to her. "I didn't."

"Yes, you did." Lina glared at him haughtily.

"What do you want?" It asked hoarsly. "Why did you buy me?"

"I didn’t buy you."

"You paid money. He gave me to you."

"I do not own you."

"Sorry to contradict you, your highness," It shifted slightly, and she could see it's, HIS eyes, full of anger, distrust, and annoyance. But not recognition.

Well, I have changed.

"but you pay money to someone and they give you something, you've bought it."

Lina stared at it. "Who were you?"

"No one of consequence."

"A prince?"

"None of your business."

"…And who are you?"

"A monster."

Silence.

"Why do you want me?"

"You intrigue me."

"Sure. Why did you take me from the circus? Why are you within reach of this cage with the doors open enough for me to kill you, with no guards?"

"I feel like it."

"Why?"

"You won't hurt me."

"Are you so sure of that?" The demon tilted it's head to the side. "And how are you so sure?"

"I just am."

"I could kill you now. Maybe your pathetic kingdom might figure out a way to kill me."

"How old are you now?"

"what?"

"How old are you now?"

"None of your business."

"Exactly forty nine years and two months."

"What? How do--"

"I know a lot." Lina turned to the wall and yanked a bellpull.

Thirty armed guards came clattering down the stair. She raised an eyebrow. She then turned back to the demon.

"Give him a bath and give him suitable clothing."

The captain stared at her as if she were crazy. "What--"

"But leave the collar on. I believe I've stated before that I enjoy my castle intact." She spun on her heel and turned to leave. "Send him to my main audience chamber when he's done."

* * *

The demon stood sulkily between twenty guards in full armor. He looked rather bored. Lina smiled slightly. "Goodbye."

"What--"

"I said leave."

The guards trooped nervously out.

The demon raised an eyebrow. "Nice outfit."

"Hm?" Lina looked down at her slightly low cut dress with gold and emeralds, made of green silk and velvet. She smiled slightly. "I apologize, it was the only thing left after I shredded my wardrobe in a fit of rage for the third time."

The demon raised both eyebrows but said nothing.

He actually looked rather good. He always did. In the black tunic his silver hair was especially striking, and his lean body was shown off by the tight outfit.

"I take it Amelia picked out your clothing."

"The girl with short black hair?"

"That's her."

"Ah."

Silence. The demon cleared his throat. "So, your highness, Why do you want me?"

"Because I do."

"I don't see. Why are you leaving yourself wide open for me to kill?"

Lina smiled slightly. "Because you're obviously intelligent."

"I don't care if I die anymore."

"And you don't care about anyone else who might be sad that you died?"

"No one would miss me."

"Ah."

"'Ah' what?"

"Nothing. Just ah."

"I'm getting tired of this, your highness."

"Maybe if you would answer the questions I ask and accept the answers I give you'd find it more entertaining."

"Maybe I wouldn't."

"Truth."

"What do you want with me?"

"You remind me of someone."

"Oh? Who?"

"A prince."

The demon stiffened. "Really?"

Lina nodded. "He wasn't particularly liked by his father, however."

The demon looked sharply up at her. "What do you know?" he asked softly.

"I know you. Zelgadis. Greywyrds."

It's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" They then narrowed. "How do you know."

"I know a lot of things."

Suddenly he was right up in front of her, his hand around her neck. "How. Do. You. Know."

She merely stared at him. "You can't hurt me."

"Don't be so goddammed cocky, highness. Even with this collar I can kill you easily."

"That collar isn't going to do anything."

He sneered. "Every time I try magic it feels like a thousand knives are stabbing me. I'm not falling for it."

"Try light."

He looked at her and shrugged. "Light."

A ball of glowing nothingness shone through the room. Zelgadis looked at Lina oddly.

"Either you are very smart, or very stupid. I'm not sure which yet."

"I prefer to think smart. Are you going to let go of my neck?"

"I've already killed five thousand. It won't matter if I kill one more."

"You'll regret it."

"Oh really?"

"Yes."

He peered at her face. "Who Are you?"

"That is unimportant."

"I don't think so."

"I do."

Zelgadis smiled slightly. "I think I will kill you."

"I don't think you'll be very happy when you find out who I am if you did."

"Really? What's your name."

"I used to be Lina Inverse."

Zelgadis stood stock still for a moment. "L-Lina?"

"That's me. It's been a while, Zelgadis."

"You…" He paused, stricken. "You look good."

"Thanks. You too."

"I'm not in the mood for being teased, Lina."

"Neither am I."

They sat there glaring at each other.

"Why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Why did you save me from that torture?"

"Why do you think?"

"I left you and I killed an entire kingdom! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I have no idea."

"I never did understand you."

"No one does."

Zelgadis looked at her.

"Shall I show you your room?"

"Room?"