Part One

     Why do you mock me so? Why do you persist on making me feel worthless?
 Why do you say the only place I can fit in is a cemetary. Why?

     Why do you ask your own conscience questions?

     You don't answer a question with a question.

     Then why do you insist on doing it yourself?

     Because.....

     Because why? You think yourself someone special?

     The others look up to me. They admire me.

     They look up to your magic, nothing more.

     Th...That's not true!

     Really? And how is it not?

     The way they act!

     That actually proves my point.

     And how is that?

     The child; she wants to learn from you. Your magic spells...is that not
 true?

     .......

     And she spends most of her time fawning over the chimera. Also a truth. 
     .......

     And the swordsman. He is not truly your friend. He stays with you 
 because of duty. He protects you because of your appearance....not your true 
 self.

     .......

     Then there is the shrine maiden. She only stays for the swordsman. She
 especially doesn't think much of you.

     .......

     But...the chimera is the worst. His actions show his contempt most of
 all. Sure, he travels with you...but for his own gain. He wishes to use your
 power. He cares nothing about you.

     But....

     You know what I've said it true.

     .......

     Why do you call yourself sorceress supreme? It is only you who thinks 
 so.

     .......

     What are your titles in their eyes? Hmm?

     Bandit killer....Dragon Spooker.

     Do you think these are complimentary? They mock you in your face...and
 yet you deny it. No one knows or wants to know about the real you.

     There must be someone....

     There is no one! No one but me.

     I never had any problems until I met you.

     Trying to pass the blame and shame off yourself? And you had many 
 problems before me.

     You gave me my appearance.

     You asked for it. I warned you of the consequences. But you wanted 
 beauty and power...so I gave it to you.

     But...

     You wante forever beauty for a bit of respect. Now that you have it, are
 you getting respect?

     No....

     Just as I warned. Now you're stuck with me to remind you that I'm right,
 you're wrong. That's the way it always is.

     I'm wrong....You're right.

     Exactly. Remember what I said about your so-called friends?

     Yes....

     Well?

     You're....You're right.

     As always.

     As always....

     Now leave them and return to your conscience....for I know best.

     But I can't just leave them!

     You can! And you will....now.

     Can't I even say goodbye?

     I suppose, but do you think they'll care?

     .....No....But they have a right to know that I'm leaving.

     Make it quick. As soon as you say goodbye, I will bring you home. Where
 you've always belonged.

     Alright.  


     When the discussion turned to silence, Lina returned to where they had set 
 up camp. She stood and stared at the others....remembering what was said 
 earlier. 

     Tears. Real tears, filled with sorrow, regret....pain....steeped from her
 eyes. No one looked at her, as she suspected, until she cleared her throat. 
 Then, after a moment, she had complete attention.

     The looks on their faces were readable, yet confusing.  They showed fear, 
 wonder, and some sorrow of its own. All expressions blurred together as her
 vision was obstructed by the tears.
 
     One single crystaline orb rolled to her chin and fell to the ground. She 
 opened her mouth, but no sound emerged. Closing it again, another tear fell.
 She then opened her mouth again, forcing out the words. "I'm sorry everyone," 
 she looked at the ground. "Goodbye."

     From what she could see, everyone looked shocked. Zelgadis looked 
 like he was about to say something, but a black wind blew in, smothering the
 sound and fire. It encircled her form and she felt herself being dispersed 
 within it. She surrendered and let the wind carry her away as part of it; 
 returning home.

Part Two
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