Slayers Fan Fiction ❯ Dramata Kurage! ❯ Chapter 25 ( Chapter 25 )

Disclaimer: Slayers and their characters are not owned by me. They belong to Hajime Kanzaka, Rui Araizumi and any other companies which own them. I'm just borrowing them for a little bit and I promise to give them back all in perfect working order.

25.0
At first I was relieved to see Lina was still there as my initial worry was that Lina was already taken away. As I glanced around the room before going for Xellos, I noticed Drianne was missing and it made me wonder a little where she was since the others seemed to think she was in here. Anyway, I had seen Xellos and just seeing him pissed me right off knowing what he had planned. I wasn't going to let him get away with it again.

I grabbed the front of his shirt and shoved him backwards against the table, knocking over along with everything that was on it. I shoved him hard against the wall and then I moved my face close to his. My teeth were gritted in anger as I growled. Xellos just looked as peaceful as a summer's day which seemed to irritate me even more. No wonder Zelgadis got so annoyed with this guy.

“Damn you Xellos! Damn you!”

“Gourry? What's going on!” Lina exclaimed.

“It's him.” I replied shortly. “You made a deal with her! You made a deal with Dolphin so you would hand me over in exchange for Lina! You bastard!”

“How can you make such allegations?”

“I heard Dolphin and Riksfalto talk about it! Riksfalto asked about going after Lina in case she tried to come and save me, but Dolphin told her not to because of the deal they made with Zelas! Zelas would lead me into the hands of Dolphin and Riksfalto, in exchange that they wouldn't harm Lina. You want her back don't you?”

At that point the others came in the room and before I knew what was happening next I was being dragged away from Xellos by Zelgadis.

“Let me go! Dammit! Let me go!” I yelled in anger.

“Not until you calm down!” Zel replied as he struggled to hold me back.

“My my, you were treated extremely badly down there, weren't you Gourry-san!” Xellos smiled and pretended as though nothing happened at all and patted his clothing down a little as he arranged himself.

“What are you talking about?”

“Hallucinations. You were tortured and malnourished which can make you have hallucinations. You thought you were listening to Riksfalto and Dolphin talk, but instead it was all just a figment of your imagination.”

“You're lying…You damned LIAR!” I started struggling again, but Zelgadis kept tight hold of me and soon he had me pinned back against the wall so I couldn't move anywhere.”

I looked to Lina who had a worried look in her eyes. Then those eyes moved over to Sylphiel.

“Is what Xellos saying possible?” Lina asked.

Sylphiel looked down a little and I could see her thinking about it. She occasionally glanced towards me as she continued to think it over, and then she looked back to Lina.

“Yes it is. He was hurt very badly, so badly I don't think I would have saved him without the help of Amelia. It's also obvious he had signs of malnourishment and severe dehydration. It's very well known that people will suffer hallucinations because of those problems.”

“I wasn't hullabalooing!”

“Hallucinating…” Lina corrected.

“I wasn't that! I'm telling you guys the truth, that is what I heard. We can't trust him, he's going to take Lina away when we least expect it. Lina, don't let him take you!”

“But why would Xellos do that now? I mean he's been helping you guys get together, and he helped you make the sword stronger. He also helped you over finding Dolphin as she was the real one behind the end of the world stuff. I know Xellos is a bad person but he has done many good things that I don't believe he would do that.” Amelia stated

All eyes were on me at that point which annoyed me when I could see Xellos giving me a knowing look. He'd deceived everyone and made it seem like I was the one going mad and that he was completely innocent. That look was telling me that he had got me. And that nothing I could do would stop him from taking Lina away.

“YOU BASTARD!” I yelled in rage as I started struggling frantically. I managed to push Zelgadis off me and sent him to the floor. As he tumbled to the floor I managed to grab his sword and I charged towards Xellos. I was filled with rage and I had extreme bloodlust as I wanted to make sure he didn't take Lina away, and that he didn't harm her. I wasn't going to let him ruin everything all over again.

“Sleeping!”

I felt a hand on the back of my head, and I realised it was Lina who cast the spell. I dropped the sword to the ground before I slumped to my knees. Lina wrapped her arms around me as she joined me on the ground.

“He's…lying…I…I can't…l…lose you…again.” I murmured as I felt the sleeping spell taking a stronger effect on me, I was trying to fight if off but I wasn't fully fit and so it was taking its toll on me.

“It's ok Gourry. You just need to get some rest and you'll be feeling better. I won't let Xellos take me anywhere. You know that. I don't let anyone take me where I don't want to. Just rest for now and everything will be fine.”

“No…no…L…Lina.”

I reached a hand up to grab on to hers as though I wanted to take her with me. To take her away so she couldn't be harmed or taken away from me. But the spell became all too much and pretty soon I was sleeping.

My dreams were then filled with nightmares. Nightmares of Lina being taken away from me. Xellos would be mocking me as he took her, and I would be helpless to do anything about it. I would try and chase after her but I wasn't able to get any nearer. Or I would be attacked and hurt so badly that all I could do was watch her being taken away. The nightmares kept replaying over and over as though I had no escape from them.

The thing that frustrated me the most was that none of my friends believed in me. They all decided to believe in Xellos; even Zel who I thought would be the first to join me in wanting to know what he was up to. But they all believed in him and they all thought I was insane or something. That I was making everything up and trying to make Xellos look like the bad person. It hurt me that all of my friends would go against me and side with a mazoku.

The one that hurt the most was Lina. Out of everyone I thought the closest to me would be Lina, and I thought she would have believed in me despite what anyone else said. I thought she would always believe in me no matter what was going on. But I quickly worked out I was wrong, and in some sense, I hoped that when I woke up, I would find out I was wrong. Then we could laugh it off, and joke about the time I was crazy. I wouldn't mind being made fun of because Lina would still be there and everything would be ok.

But would it?

Kurage

25.1
“Okay, everyone,” I snapped, clenching my hands into fists at my sides. “Everyone but Xellos, get the hell out. You guys just help get Gourry into another room. I'll deal with this.”

All three of them stared at me, as if they weren't exactly believing what they were hearing.

I sighed impatiently. “Oh, do you honestly think I'll let Xellos take me away? Get real! Get Gourry somewhere warm, and I'll come back to you in a second. I want to talk to Xellos alone.”

“Gee, Lina-san, I'm flattered. I hope my breath is fresh enough.”

I kicked his shin. As he hopped around, Zelgadis, Amelia and Sylphiel awkwardly carried the sleeping Gourry from the room. I shut the door behind them.

Inwardly, I felt guilty. Gourry has never, in all of the time I have known him, lied to me before. And if he truly felt something was true, he would go out of his way to make sure I knew about it. It looked like it was one of those times.

And deep down, I felt as if it definitely wasn't the way I wanted to be reuinited with Gourry, after such a hardship.

I turned to Xellos, frowning. “Xellos,” I said calmly, keeping my distance from him. “Were you going to kidnap me?”

Xellos grinned from ear to ear. “Of course, Lina-san.”

I stumbled and fell to the ground in a disbelieving heap. Then, I quickly recovered, and got right into his face. “Then why would you make Gourry look like such a fool in front of everyone!” I demanded, fury powering through my veins.

Xellos held up his hands. “Please Lina-san, peace. Just hear me out.”

I grunted, but backed away and sat down on the bed. He nodded and sat down on the dresser across from me. “The truth is,” he began, looking embarrassed, “my orders were to kidnap you and bring you to our side, and then force you to become a Mazoku yet again.”

I twitched, but he went on.

“Ah, but lately, it's the common thing among my kind, the kidnapping. I thought it was way too boring and that there had to be an easier way to bring you over.”

I blinked, tilting my head. “What would make you think I could ever join you willingly?” I demanded, my tone of voice incredulous. I even smiled a little.

“Lina-san,” Xellos said, his tone serious. Slowly, his eyes opened, and I found it hard to look away from them. “My people have been watching you ever since you obliterated that lake in your home town. We know you; we know you like power. And you know, of all people, that we have it.”

I swallowed, my heart suddenly speeding up. It was true. All my life, I have done everything I do so that I could prove that I'm strong, the strongest. Hell, every time my sister kicked my ass I wanted to be stronger.

But...to be a Mazoku, for power? It was something I just wasn't sure I could do.

Could I?

The circumstances last time were different; they had been to save Gourry, someone I loved with every fiber of my being. But to do it willingly...?

Was that what Drianne had meant when she said, “Think about that for a while, won't you?”

I opened my mouth to answer him, but only a croaking sound came out. I couldn't get any words out, and I knew exactly why. I wanted that power. As much as I couldn't stand it, I wanted it.

“Basically, Lina-san,” Xellos went on, his eyes glinting. He knew he had my attention. “I'm offering you a one-way pass to our side. No one would get hurt, and no one would have to suffer. You would have the power you have always wanted, maybe even more, and you won't have to sacrifice anyone for it.”

I was speechless. I just sat there, my hands clutching the sheets at my sides.

“Just mull over it, and when you have your answer, I'll know. Whether it's yes or no, you'll se me again.” Xellos smiled, his eyes flashing underneath his bangs. “See you later.”

On that note, he phased out.

I sat there, frozen on the spot. Then, slowly, I closed my eyes. I summoned up every possible feeling of self-loathing and hatred I felt when I had been a Mazoku before. I let it course through my body and I let it be the only thing I felt for a good ten minutes.

And it made me remember who I was dealing with, and I let it go. I opened my eyes, and silently vowed never to take up Xellos's offer.

No matter how tempting it was.

I slowly slid off the bed and got to my feet. I felt woozy still, and I was starving now. I poked at my hair, and it was still that same whitish colour. I shrugged and opened the door...

...and found Amelia, Zelgadis, and Sylphiel in the hallway. Obviously, they had been trying to listen in, although to his credit, Zelgadis looked annoyed at the idea of even being there. Obviously he had been forced into it. Amelia and Sylphiel pretended to be dusting, but I wasn't fooled.

“You're all idiots,” I snapped. “Do you honestly think anything would have happened in there?”

Amelia looked so offended it made me want to both apologize and smack her. “Lina-san, is that any way to greet us after we have been reunited again?”

“And is that any way to want to greet me?” I answered. “By eavesdropping?”

Sylphiel blinked at me slowly, looking so similar to a doe it worried me. “We were worried. Don't you understand that?”

“I can take care of myself, you lunatics!” I shouted. I stormed past them and went down to the dining room. Once seated, I proceeded to order as much as I could, planning to eat and then go back to bed.

It wasn't that I was angry at my friends. I was torn inside. After all that we had been through, after all that Gourry and I had fought through, I still couldn't shake Xellos's offer from my mind.

Soon, the three of then joined me at my table, much to my annoyance. I glared at them, not slowing down my eating for a second. They glared back.

“What did Xellos say to you, Lina-san?” Amelia demanded.

I grinned at her, swallowing. “Why?”

“Because we're worried,” Sylphiel said softly, and I could tell it was true. “We're worried about you. Something is upsetting you.”

I laughed, the sound grating my own ears. “You're not kidding on that one!” I agreed, scarfing down more food.

“Lina,” Zelgadis said quietly, his gaze piercing. “What happened? Was what Gourry said was true?”

I nodded. “You know it,” I replied.

“Lina-san!” Amelia cried in disbelief. “It was true and you went alone with him?” Then she suddenly realized that she had played a part in alienating Gourry. “But, that means...” She scratched her cheek. “But then, he didn't kidnap you...!” She clutched at her bangs, going cross-eyed.

Zelgadis patted her shoulder calmly. “Just back away slowly and breathe,” he advised.

Amelia walked backwards from the table and took in several deep breaths. As she did this, Sylphiel blinked hard at me. “Lina-san, you're hiding something from us.”

Zelgadis nodded. “Indeed.”

“YES, you ARE hiding something from us, Lina-san!” Amelia suddenly shouted, back to normal. “And you have to tell us, so we can dispense Justice on the offending parties!”

Calmly, I set my plate down. I shot a glare at each of them, stood up, and just walked away.

I knew that they cared, and deep down I was touched. But at that moment, I was too conflicted to care. I didn't want to think. I didn't want to pay attention. I wanted to just ignore the world and pretend everything was okay.

Somehow, I ended up outside of Gourry's room. I stared at the door, hesitating. Should I tell Gourry about what Xellos had said to me?

I opened the door and walked in, shutting the door quietly behind me. I walked over to Gourry's beside and looked down at him. He slept peacefully, as if there was never a skirmish before, although when I looked closer, it looked as if is brow had occasionally been worried during his sleep. Maybe bad dreams?

I bit my lip. I had missed him, I had cried for him, and I had even bled for him. And now here he was, safe and warm and healed. I reached down and touched his hair, running it through my fingers. It was so soft. So silky.

The stinging caught me off guard at first, but I let it come. I just stood there, stroking Gourry's hair as he slept, crying quietly. Inside, I felt raw. I felt strained, and worn out, and confused. I didn't know what to do.

Slowly, I knelt down next to the bed, rested my chin on the edge, and slid my fingers over Gourry's bare arm. I shut my eyes, laying my hand flat on his arm, moving my other arm onto the bed so that I could rest my face somewhere. And it was then that I let it all go, and had a good cry.

And once I had, I felt much better. A rarity in those times, I tell ya.

Dramata

25.2
I felt myself coming around from my sleep. You know how it is. You're eyes are closed but you know you've just woken up from a sleep, there isn't any need to open your eyes. The bad dreams were still fresh in my mind and it was those that made me scared of opening my eyes. I felt that maybe if I didn't open my eyes, then I wouldn't find out Lina was taken away, and so she would still be fine. Maybe I could just stay like that and so everything would be fine.

“C'mon Gourry. You have to open your eyes and get up at some point. You can't lie around all day and avoid it. If Lina is gone, then you have to start searching for her.” I thought to myself.

I knew I was right; I couldn't just stay there for as long as possible. So I had to open my eyes and I had to take whatever was coming my way, whether it was good or bad. At least I started to think that until I realised someone had their hand on me. Then when I was focusing on the hand and not what I was thinking about, I noticed the sound of someone sniffling a little, as though they had been crying.

I opened my eyes slowly and carefully and there infront of me was Lina. It was her hand on my arm and her shoulders were shaking, a sure sign that she was upset. My initial reaction was relief. Relief that Lina was ok and that she wasn't taken away. It made me wonder if I had been imagining the whole conversation between Dolphin and Riksfalto. My eyes weren't open so I didn't even see them. I could have just made up the whole thing.

I stopped thinking about those things for the moment because now I took in the sight that Lina was upset. Now I was filled with concern and wondered what it was that made her so upset. I reached a hand out carefully and gently brushed it against her cheek. She flinched and looked up sharply, her eyes wide a little and it took her a second to take in the situation.

“Gourry?” She spoke carefully and softly.

I sat up slowly from the bed and then I pulled her into me, wrapping my arms around her whilst she placed her head against my neck and continued crying. I stroked the back of her hair and rocked her gently, keeping her close to me. It seemed to work because after a few minutes, she started to calm down a little and just sniffled occasionally.

Being able to hold her in my arms and comfort her was something I thought I might not be able to do again. I thought that it was all going to end and that I would never be able to hold her. I wanted to apologise too. I wanted to tell her how sorry I was that I wasn't strong enough to overcome Dolphin's control and risked everything because I couldn't do that. Worst of all was what I almost did to her. With my own hands I had nearly killed her.

Once she was done, she pulled away from me slowly and wiped her eyes dry with the back of her hands.

“Well I'm glad to find out I was hallucinating. Maybe I should apologise to Xellos for accusing him of planning to kidnap you.”

Lina brought her head down a little and shook her head slowly.

“No Gourry, you were right about Xellos. He was ordered to kidnap me. I confronted him about it after the others took you away and he admitted it.”

I clenched the bed sheets beside me as I felt the anger rising within me. But the anger wasn't directed entirely towards Xellos, but also Sylphiel, Zel and Amelia for not believing in me. However I realised something strange about it all.

“Well if he was ordered to kidnap you, why hasn't he taken you already?”

“He felt the whole kidnapping thing was old and boring. You know how queer he can be.”

“Well what did he want to do instead?”

“He asked me if I wanted to become a mazoku. Instead of taking me and forcing me to become one like last time, he gave me the choice to turn into a mazoku.”

“And you refused him right? What is there to even think about Lina?”

Lina was quiet now. Her quietness made me a little nervous. I placed my hands on her shoulders and looked at her closely.

“You refused the offer Lina, right?”

“I've not given him an answer yet. But don't worry, I won't accept. I guess he decided to give me a little time to think it over, or make me sweat over it.”

I felt lot of relief at that point but I didn't want to show it to Lina. I was just worried for a moment that she was seriously considering the thought of becoming a mazoku. But throughout it all, I couldn't take my mind off what I had done to Lina.

“I couldn't do anything Lina. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't control myself. I knew what was happening but I just couldn't stop it. I'm just glad I was stopped before…before…”

I went silent then as I didn't want to think about it anymore. I had said it and I made it clear how I felt and now I hoped that I would never remember it again. I felt Lina squeezing my hand gently.

“It's ok Gourry. I know you were being controlled. But…you have to stop blaming yourself for every little thing that happens which gets me hurt. Don't tell me you've forgotten already what you told me when you gave me this ring.”

Lina played with the ring at that point and I blinked for a moment, trying to remember what happened.

“That I would always try to protect you and love you.”

“That's right, and I will always do the same for you. This was why I came to rescue you, because I've promised to protect you, just like you'll try to protect me.”

“Even if that means we risk our own lives.”

“Exactly. I'm not just going to sit around and do nothing if you're suffering.”

As if it was predestined to happen, my stomach growled pretty loudly. I put my arms over my stomach quickly as if to try and cover it up. Lina smirked a little and stood up from the bed and took my arms, trying to tug me up to my feet.

“I guess that means we need to feed you.”

I scratched the back of my head and smiled slightly.

“I guess so.”

Lina lead me down to the restaurant part of the inn. I had a quick look around for the others. My feelings towards them hadn't really changed. So because of that, I was kind of glad they weren't there so I wouldn't have to deal with it. I needed to check it with Lina though.

“Hey Lina. Where are the others?”

“I dunno. They were here before. Maybe they've decided to take a look around the town.”

“Ok, let's eat.”

“I'll pass, I've already eaten.”

“All the more for me then!” I beamed, sitting down at the table and reeling off the order to the service staff.

They returned with plates upon plates of food. Well I had to make up for lost time! Lina still decided to steal a few bites from my plate and growled slightly at her.

“I thought you said you had already eaten.”

“I guess a bit of my appetite came back when I noticed that the food looks tastier on your plate.” She then stole a little more. “And tastes better too!” She mumbled as she chewed away.

I had to slap at her hands throughout the rest of the meal to stop her from stealing anymore of my food. Then once I was finished, I sat back in my chair and felt a whole lot better than I had when I just woke up. I took the mug of water, since Lina wouldn't let me have anything alcoholic at that point, and drunk it readily.

“Slow down, or you'll throw up. You need to keep your food and water in if you're going to get better.”

“I'll drink however I want.” I replied like a told off child.

I started drinking slower though and Lina noticed it, wearing a smile of victory. At that point the others returned and seemed pretty happy to see me up and about.

“Hey Gourry-san! You're up! You must be feeling better then.” Amelia exclaimed.

I looked to Lina knowingly and she realised how I felt. They came over and sat at the table beside Lina and myself but I looked down at the table, not really feeling ready to deal with them at the moment.

“I guess so…” I mumbled, feeling extremely uncomfortable at that point.

“You realise we're sorry for not believing in you, Gourry.” Zel stated as he ordered a cup of coffee.

“Not as sorry as you would have been if Xellos had taken her!” I yelled as I slammed my hand on the table and stood up. Amelia and Sylphiel jumped whilst Zel flinched a little.

“How did you think I would feel? How would you feel if your friends trusted a mazoku over you? I'm angry! OK? It's not as though I don't feel bad enough for nearly killing Lina and ending the world, but I had to worry about nearly losing her all over again because my friends don't even believe in me.”

I seemed to have the rest of the restaurants attention at that point. I sat down feeling a little embarrassed but I still had a point to make to the others.

“You're just lucky that Xellos decided not to follow orders and instead asked Lina if she wanted to be a mazoku.”

“Gourry…” Lina growled a little.

“What?” I asked, wondering what I had said wrong now.

“So that's what you were hiding from us, Lina-san!” Amelia pointed whilst Lina glared at me.

“I didn't know you were keeping it secret.”

“Well it's not anymore, jellyfish!”

“You refused the offer then, Lina-san?” Sylphiel asked.

“Of course I did!" Lina paused for a moment. "Well actually, I didn't. But I will! I mean to say he left before I got a chance to reply.”

“It's a bit strange though. I mean Xellos goes out of his way to save Gourry, Sylphiel and Drianne. Then he asks Lina if she wants to be a mazoku. But why would Lina want to become a mazoku if Gourry is ok? Wouldn't it be better for him if Gourry hadn't made it out?”

I crossed my arms as though the point was as clear as the day.

“Maybe Xellos doesn't want Lina to be a mazoku.”

The whole table turned to me as though I was growing two heads.

“I dunno. Maybe he prefers Lina the way she is and doesn't really want her to be a mazoku. He probably gets a lot more fun out of her being human than she was as a mazoku…”

They all kept looking at me funny.

“What? Do I have food on my face?”

I started frantically scrubbing at my face with a napkin.

Kurage

25.3
For some reason, that creeped me out.

“Gourry, what the hell does that mean, `gets more fun out of her being human'? That sounds too damn creepy for my liking.” I growled, glaring at him.

He sighed at me. “I don't mean it that way,” he mumbled.

“How do you mean it, then?” I demanded, pretty sure that that was what he had meant. There was no other way to take his comments. The way he said it left little for debate.

“I think what Gourry means,” Zelgadis broke it, poking his coffee cup a little. “Is that it's obvious that he's been obsessed with you for years. When he could finally get his hands on you, and you weren't exactly what he thought he was getting, he was disappointed. So he wants to find another way, one that would keep you the way he knows you.”

I felt sick. “That still sounds creepy!” I cried.

Zelgadis shot me a tired look. “Creepy or not, it's still more than likely the truth.”

Suddenly I was the one that felt tired. I sook my head slowly, shutting my eyes. “Whatever,” I muttered. “I don't want to deal with it right now anymore. I'm going to bed.”

“Er, but, Lina-san...” Sylphiel protested, looking confused.

I got up and waved my hand at her, already turned away and heading towards the stairs. I tuned them all out, even Gourry. I wasn't at my best, and I didn't have the head or the heart to deal with speculations of any sort until I was back to normal. To put it bluntly, I still fell like crap, and because I felt like crap, I wasn't in the mood to deal with MORE crap.

I went into the room and locked the door behind me. This would be an incentive for people to leave me alone, but it was also a trick; it meant that if he wanted to, only Gourry could come into the room. I'm sneaky like that. Gourry was the only other person who had a key.

I slumped down onto the bed and shut my eyes, ready to slumber for many, many hours, only to awaken for food and bathroom breaks. Within minutes, I was sleeping quite nicely, wrapped in dreams.

The dreams were nice, mostly, until I had that dream again. The one I kept having before...

I stood there, in that all-familiar empty field. The wind was calm and gentle, and it ran through my hair like fingers.

Normally I would like such a dream. This time, I was just annoyed.

I decided to just get it over with. I started forward, the grass cool and crisp under my toes, and I kept my eyes on the sky, watching it slowly turn from memorizing blue to blood red. The grass slowly turned crunchy and painful, like it was in an oven, and I stood there, waiting, waiting for the worst part to come, the one that scared me without any reason.

But it didn't come. I just stood there, in the midst of the burnt-out world, watching the land around me decay. I looked around, frowning. What was going on? Why wasn't the dream progressing?

I started walking again, the grass crunching under my bare feet. I keep my eyes open, but I couldn't see anything else change. It looked as if I was trapped in an endless field of dead grass.

That was, until my foot landed on something cold.

It was a relief to my dried-out feet. I knelt down and parted the grass, the blades crumbling under my touch.

Underneath the blades of glass was a round mirror, about the size of a plate. I frowned and picked it up, looking at it. My reflection stared back, also frowning.

Ugh, I thought inwardly. The weather made my hair frizz out and my bangs stick to my forehead with sweat. I wasn't the most attractive of field-journeyman. I started to set the mirror back down, but something caught my eye and I looked back, squinting at my reflection.

It was then that I saw it.

My eyes weren't their normal red. They were glinted with gold.

I dropped the mirror like it was burning hot, scooting back, crab-style, away from it. I sat there, staring at it, my whole body shaking. I didn't want to know what it meant. I didn't want to know why my eyes were like that. But my mind thought of a thousand reasons, all mashed together, and one thing was clear:

It sure looked as if my life wasn't my own anymore, and that it was being dictated.

“Think about that for a while, won't you?”

I felt as if my blood turned to ice. What the hell did that mean? Think about what?

“Your sister, she's the Knight of Ciephied, yes?”

Oh.

Oh.

No way...

And it was then that I woke up.

Only because I felt that there was someone in my room, and their presence was so overwhelming that it disturbed my slumber.

I jolted up, sitting up quickly. There, standing there, was Xellos.

“Ah, so you're awake now, Lina-san?” he trilled, smiling.

I wrinkled my nose, crossing my legs. “How long have you been standing there?” I demanded.

Xellos shook his head. “Not very long.”

Inwardly I was very, VERY grateful for this. However, there was something I had to ask Xellos, and I think he knew it too. Otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered showing up to begin with.

“Xellos,” I said slowly, blinking at him. “Is it true what Gourry said? That you are offering me this deal because you want me to be the way I am now, only loyal to your cause?”

He smiled brightly, waving a finger to his lips. “That is a secret,” he replied. I growled, but he wasn't done. “No one knows as well as I do that when you held the power of a Mazoku, you were happy. Any other time in that form, you were a miserable excuse for a life form. But it was the power, Lina-san, that truly made you come alive. You were at your liveliest when you held the power in your hands.”

I sat there, speechless. I even had to think about it for a moment.

It was true.

I stared at him, unable to say a word, but Xellos just opened his eyes halfway. The colour glinted in the light, and I has to struggle to keep my gaze on his. Nothing was said between us, but he knew as well as I did that if I had a choice, I would have that power if I could.

“See you later,” he said suddenly. With a wink, he phased out again.

I sat there, spellbound, unable to move. That was, until, I felt so tired that I had to move. I fell onto my side, and without another thought, returned to slumber, pushing everything from my mind, including the conclusions I had made.

Those conclusions, if I chose either one, would change everything.

Dramata

25.4
I was a little surprised by Lina's reaction and I guess maybe what I said was creepy. But I really didn't mean to sound creepy at all. I thought I was helping by coming up with a reason for why Xellos didn't want to turn Lina into a mazoku. Obviously it didn't work and soon Lina had decided to go to the room to be alone. My initial reaction was to go after her but I knew Lina, and realised she needed time to let off some steam.

I sat there as I continued to sip some water from the mug. The others started to look at me again and I was getting freaked out with the sudden attention from everyone.

“What now?” I asked a little flustered.

“Shouldn't you be going after her?” Sylphiel told me.

“Why should I?” I replied simply, sipping some more water.

“Lina-san needs help! She needs you to talk things through with her, so you can help sort out whatever is bothering her.” Amelia protested.

I sighed placing the mug down on the table a little firmly, making some of the water splash up on to the table. I still wasn't happy with the way they sided with Xellos instead of me. But my argument about that got brushed to the side when I revealed what Lina had been hiding.

“I think with the way you guys have treated me recently, then you should be the last to tell me what to do. I know what Lina is like and how she works, and going up there and trying to find out what is wrong is probably the worst thing I could do right now.”

I leant back into the chair with crossed arms.

“Lina needs a little bit of time to herself. Once she has done that, she'll be ready to talk to me about it. Until that time, then I just have to be with her and help her no matter what. But right at this minute, she needs to be alone.”

I got up from my seat and pushed back against the table.

“And I think I need a bit of time to be alone too.”

I then quickly left the inn and began taking a walk through the town. I needed to stop thinking about what had happened, and I knew once I did, then everything would be ok again. But if I stayed there with them, then what they did would have stayed in my mind and I wouldn't be able to let it go.

I walked past the various shops in the town, making my way slowly so that I could look at what was on offer in the various windows. Nothing really seemed to jump out at me, so I just continued walking, just glad to not have to think about everything that I had been through. I hoped that maybe with a lot of details, I would forget them, but I seemed to have a knack of remembering the most important ones, whether they were good or bad.

Soon I found myself nearing the edge of the town and thought about turning back when I noticed a small play area. There was a see-saw and a few swings and the inner child got the better of me. I sat down on one of the swings and began moving my body to get it going. As I kept swinging, I got higher and higher. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the wind blowing in my face on the way forward and up. And then the feeling of my stomach about to jump out my mouth on the way down and my hair blowing forward and covering my face.

I stopped moving my body then and I just let the swing slow down, keeping my eyes closed as I concentrated on the feelings I had as I moved, and let the other feelings I had that were dragging me down, escape from my mind.

“It's good to see that you're enjoying yourself after what happened.”

I drove my feet into the dirt, bringing the swing to a sudden halt. Dust was kicked up into the air and I just kept my hands on the chains holding the swing.

“Why did you save me, Xellos?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Why didn't you just leave me to die along with Sylphiel and Drianne? Why didn't you just take Lina with you?”

I glanced to Xellos and I could see him smirking slightly. He was sat on a swing beside me, holding onto the chains like I was but still keeping a hold of his staff at the same time.

“Why would you say that, Gourry-san? You always assume the worst in me!”

“I don't know. I thought with me out of the picture, you might have thought that getting Lina to join you would be easier.”

“You still surprise me with some of your insightful comments. It makes me wonder if your dumb swordsman show is a simple façade.”

“A simple what now?” I blinked in confusion.

Xellos nearly fell of the swing after my response.

“You're a real mystery Gourry-san. I would hazard to guess that you're more of a trickster than me.”

“Stop avoiding the subject Xellos!” I growled a little at that point and Xellos got the point.

“I think you're learning a little too much from Lina too. Anyway. If I left you to die, then getting Lina would be too easy. It's the challenge which brings a lot of the fun. You know that life is just too boring without challenges. Why do you think you like Lina so much?”

I blushed slightly.

“You see? It's the challenge.”

“Well I didn't really think of it like that. I just like her, that's it. The only challenge in it is making her happy and protecting her.”

“I have met some strange humans in my life, but you and Lina definitely reach the peak.”

Xellos then phased out and left me alone on the swing as I started to rock it gently, thinking about what he said. I guess I should be glad to have met him despite how strange that sounds. He has helped us out of a few tight situations, although he probably put us in most of those tight situations in the first place. All I can say is that I would have been dead if it wasn't for him. I just didn't like the thought that he was still going to try and get Lina to join him. I just thought that I should try my best to help Lina when she needed it, and hoped she realised that becoming a mazoku wasn't worth it just to gain the power.

I started to head back through the town and make my way towards the inn where we were staying. I kept looking in the shop windows though to see if there was anything I could get for Lina to maybe cheer her up a little. I realised that getting her small little items that she enjoyed would always cheer her up. I noticed an old book store and remembered getting her a good book from somewhere like this in another town.

I headed in and had a look around but I couldn't really find much on magic. So I decided to ask the owner who happened to be a woman who seemed to be in her forties.

“Hi. I'm looking for a special book that I want to buy for my very close friend.”

The woman gave me a look that I thought was a little strange, like a slightly knowing smirk.

“And are you very close to this friend?”

“Yeah, really close.”

“Oh, then I have the perfect book for you.”

I left the shop a few minutes later, feeling pretty happy about what I had bought, and thought Lina would be really happy to have it. I kept it in the wrapped up paper and held it close to my chest as I quickened my pace back to the inn.

I didn't notice the others in the restaurant. Whether they were there or not, I didn't know since I was too busy thinking about getting back to Lina. I got to the room and tried to open the door only to find it locked. I was glad I had a key though and used it to unlock the door. I went in and was about to greet Lina when I noticed she was sleeping.

I kept quiet as I closed the door behind me, locking it carefully so not to wake Lina. I then placed the book on the bedside table and carefully lay on the bed next to Lina. She was lying on her side and so we were face to face. Her light brown tresses framed her face, and I reached out to touch them gently. My hand then moved back to run my fingers through her hair. I then brought it back and rested in gently on her cheek. She murmured a little and she nuzzled against my cheek before opening her eyes.

I looked carefully at her ruby red eyes and smiled softly, continuing to caress her cheek.

“Hey sleepyhead. Have a good sleep?”

“It was ok until some jellyfish woke me up?” Lina replied with a half smile.

I didn't pay much attention to the comment and grabbed the book of the table. I quickly moved my position so I was behind Lina and held the book infront of her as my arms snaked around her.

“I got you something! Thought you might like it.”

“What is it?”

“Well you got to open it first?”

I said that but I was too impatient to wait and pretty much unwrapped it for her. When the cover was revealed I tried to judge her reaction.

“It's a magic book! See? It has magic in the title. You might learn something new from it, since it's a different continent.”

“Uhhh Gourry?”

“What? What's wrong?”

“Do you even know what the Kama Sutra is?”

After Lina explained that `The Magic of the Kama Sutra' was not a magic book, leaving me feeling a little embarrassed, we were sat side by side on the edge of the bed.

“I had a little walk just then, and I spoke to Xellos.”

Lina looked to me quickly in reaction.

“What did he say?”

“Nothing really. But I asked him why he saved me, instead of just leaving me to die as he rescued you only.”

“What did he say?”

“He likes the challenge.” Lina frowned a little. “Yeah I know, but what can you expect from Xellos?”

We were then quiet for the moment, but I felt the urge coming up inside me that I couldn't fight it anymore.

“I know you've already said you're going to refuse, but just promise me you won't accept his offer. I just know he is going to keep trying to convince you. I just don't want to lose you, ok? You don't need that power Lina, you're strong now.”

I took a hold of her hand and squeezed it gently, trying to make the point clear.

Kurage

25.5
Of all of the people in the world who would know what kind of book that was, I would have placed Gourry at the top of the list. I mean, come on. It's GOURRY. Hasn't he been around the block a few times? No soldier is THAT pure.

Or are they? So far my judgments on Gourry have proven inaccurate. He acts much more like a virgin than even I do. Hell, I knew more about my own bodily reactions more than he seemed to know about his. What did that mean exactly? That he really didn't know, or he genuinely wasn't comfortable with his feelings? Or worse, he knew about his feelings but was trying to be sneaky about them.

Either way, I had no way to ask him yet. He had just asked me a very important question that I knew I had to answer, or else he wouldn't be happy with me and assume the worst of me. Which, I'm sure you know, I hate.

I could have lied to him, but I knew he would see right through it, so I stayed honest. “Gourry, to be truthful, I'm not as powerful as I could be,” I replied.

Did I dare admit what I had concluded with that dream of mine? I looked right into his eyes and saw deep trust there, and I knew that it wasn't the time for it. Things would end up too strained or too confusing. So, instead, I decided to talk to him about the second conclusion I made, with Xellos's help.

“I talked to Xellos, too,” I admitted, “and he made me realize something that has made me hesitate. When I was a Mazoku, I was miserable, except for the times when I used my powers.”

I kept searching his eyes, and I saw a hint of confusion lurking there. “When I used my powers, it felt like it had whenever I learned a new spell and it was a success. I felt wonderful. Even when I fought Zelgadis. Fighting Zelgadis was fun for me, because the power I had was so incredible.”

“So what are you saying,” Gourry suddenly cut in, his eyes narrowing. “That you ARE going to accept his offer and become a Mazoku, just because of the power?”

I covered his mouth with my hand, shutting my eyes for a second. The tone of his voice hurt a little. “No,” I answered. “I'm not an idiot, and I love you too much and care about the others too much to just abandon you all.”

Gourry looked relieved.

“However, I won't lie to you,” I went on. “I seriously had to think about it. I seriously considered it.”

He looked worried again.

I smiled at him. “You can relax,” I said softly, meaning it. “It's not going to happen. When he comes back and asks me again, which I know he will, I'm going to say no.”

Because, I thought silently, I've found another way to get that power, power better than that.

I kept these thoughts to myself. I had decided that for the next few days, maybe even weeks, the time we would spend would be for pure relaxation, only. I didn't want to think about serious things, things that could alter everything. Instead, I wanted to hang out with Gourry, hang out with my friends, eat delicious food, blast a few bandits, and have a damn hell swell time.

Gourry did relax a little when I said this, and it comforted me. I smiled at him, and I moved my hand from his mouth to his cheek. “You know you can trust in me, right?” I asked softly. “You know that even though I like power, I would never, ever hurt you or anyone else just to get it? Uh...” I faltered, realizing what I said. “By choice, I mean...” I muttered, embarrassed.

However, he nodded. “Yeah, I do,” he agreed. And with that, the conversation was concluded. He reached over and took hold of the book again. “So this book isn't a magic book at all?”

I snorted. “You can skip the innocent act,” I replied. “It's okay that you knew before hand.”

“Innocent act?” Gourry echoed, looking puzzled.

Huh. Maybe I misjudged him for real. Maybe it hadn't been a practical joke, but a genuine mix-up. “Never mind, Gourry,” I replied. I pushed the book towards him. “You can keep that.”

Gourry went red. “Why would I need something like this?” he demanded.

“What am I going to do with it!” I snapped, feeling my own face burning. The idea of what was in the book made me feel a little warm, but I sure as hell didn't want to spend any time leafing through it.

“Just keep it for yourself!” I said sharply, before he could protest. “Maybe you can get your money back later!”

Gourry blinked. “Oh, yeah!” he suddenly nodded. “You're right. Okay.” He turned and set the book on the night side table. Out of sight and out of mind.

I blinked at Gourry, smiling sheepishly. “I'm really, really tired,” I admitted. I took a handful of my hair and showed it to him. It was still white around the ends. He blinked, then nodded, looking very serious.

“You should probably have another nap,” he agreed.

“You don't mind?” I wondered. I had an inkling that he was still upset about being treated like a pariah before.

“Nah,” he agreed, stretching out beside me. “I could use the sleep.”

“Who said you were invited to sleep with me?” I demanded, glaring at him. He smiled at me, not saying a word. I put my hands on his shoulders and shoved him off the bed, as hard as I could.

He landed on the floor with a loud thud, one I'm sure could be heard downstairs. I heard him grunt, but I took the opportunity to sprawl out on the bed as much as I could, taking over as much space as I could, so that he wouldn't even think of trying to get back on the bed.

However, instead of giving up, he seemed up to the challenge. He got right back up again and proceeded to do the only thing that made sense in a situation like this.

He jumped on the bed and lay down on me.

I growled, grabbing onto his hair and tugging hard. I did NOT appreciate some heavy blond on top of me when I was trying to sleep and get my strength back. However, Gourry just grinned, reached up, and started to do the most mortifying thing in the entire world.

It was far worse than making fun of my breasts. Far worse than stripping me and locking me out of the room. Far worse than walking in on me in some compromising way…

He reached under my arms, and TICKLED ME.

I screamed. As loud as I could. But it didn't work, especially when the scream ended in high-pitched giggling. No, in fact, that seemed an incentive for him to keep tickling me, harder, in other sensitive places, like my tummy and behind my knees.

I squirmed, kicked at him, screamed at him, and I think I bit him a few times, but he wouldn't stop, and therefore, neither would my helium giggles. It was embarrassing!

Finally, he quit it, but only after a final bite of mine managed to break skin. He yelped and jumped back, holding a hand to his arm. He looked on the verge of whining, so I snapped, “You had many previous warnings, when I bit you and didn't draw blood.”

“Blah,” Gourry answered, giving his hand a final rub and lying down next to me. I glared at him and turned on my side away from him, secretly hoping he knew I was playing a game. I was pretty tired, but it also wouldn't hurt to have his company while I slept, either. After all, now that he had tickled me to death, we were on even ground.

Dramata

25.6
I guess Lina still had ways of suprising me and that maybe I didn't know as much about her as I thought. I felt stunned to hear her say that she had been considering the offer and also surprised as she admitted that she wasn't that strong. So I felt relieved when she made it clear to me that she wasn't going to become a mazoku. It was good to see then that as I relaxed, so did Lina and I think it was at that point, I felt like it was all over. Everything we had gone through was finished and the book was closed.

I think that's why I did what I had done next after Lina shoved me off the bed. I started tickling her and it was good to hear her laugh. The whole thing made me laugh and it was great fun torturing Lina a little. Of course Lina had to make me feel pain in some way which ended all of the tickling. I faked that I was really hurt and tried to play the sympathy game but Lina wasn't falling for it since she glared at me and lay down, facing away from me.

I just smiled a little and looked at the back of her head, playing slightly with her unruly brown hair. It made me think that it was awhile since we had been in a bed together. My mind starting filling with certain thoughts about Lina and I felt my lust beginning to quickly come forward.

I reached my arms towards her and I pulled her back into me so her body was pressed against mine. She growled a little as she wanted to sleep and so she squirmed slightly to get out of my grip. I held her tightly though so she had no chance of escaping, and then I made my intentions known.

I leaned forward and started kissing her neck and nuzzling her slightly as I did so. The growling stopped and was replaced with a slight purr of satisfaction. I pulled her tighter and this time she stopped squirming and turned her head towards me instead, meeting my lips as we kissed. I kept it sweet and gentle at first, just enjoying the careful touch of her lips against mine. But then soon my lust started to overtake and the kiss became more feverish.

Her lips parted which allowed my tongue to probe her mouth freely. As I was doing so, my hands moved up to grasp her breasts gently. Her breathing stopped sharply the moment I touched her, and then as I started to rub gently, her breathing resumed but at a much quicker pace. Her hips started to move back against mine which caused an instant reaction. I groaned into her mouth as her movements felt extremely good.

She knew this and decided to take advantage of it. She turned her body quickly and reached a hand out towards my crotch immediately, and started rubbing against it firmly. I pulled out of the kiss quickly and let out a soft moan. I countered her actions now by bringing a hand down to her crotch and pressed two fingers up against her firmly as I began to rub her. She produced the same reaction and sound as I had.

I listened to her breathing carefully. She was taking short and shallow gasps and with each breath out, ended with the gentlest of moans. I looked into her ruby red eyes and she was staring right back at mine, and I could see the lustful gaze in her eyes which I was sure was matching mine. I kept listening to her breathing and concentrated on the sensations I was trying to give her whilst enjoying those that she was giving me.

We were like that for what seemed like an eternity but it was probably only a couple of minutes. Now our clothing just seemed to be in the way and as we looked at each other, we both knew what we wanted. Her hands moved down to my pants as mine moved to hers and together we were frantically trying to pull them down far enough to gain access.

Lina beat me and soon my boxers followed the pants around my knees and then her hand gripped me. I gasped loudly and for a moment I couldn't concentrate on working on her trousers. She held me tightly and just stayed like that for a moment before her hand slowly began to move over me. My body shivered because of all the feelings I felt and then I realised that I wasn't doing something.

I finally managed to pull her trousers down and now my hand was pressed against her and it was her turn to stop her movements. I remembered exactly the points which she enjoyed from last time, holding those details in my mind almost as well as my sword skills. My fingers moved carefully against her folds whilst my thumb pressed softly against that sensitive nub.

Her breath caught in her throat and she squeezed into me a little tighter as I began rubbing at her sensitive spot. I moved my free hand up to her cheek and she looked back to me. My hand kept moving against her just as her moved against me. I found myself staring into her eyes and getting lost in them as well as the pleasure I was receiving. I knew she was feeling the same as I continued to rub my fingers against her.

We both increased the pace at the same time, as though we knew what we both needed and soon I felt that familiar sensation building up and I knew I was going to have to hold back soon. I leaned in to her once more and kissed her desperately, and started nipping gently at her neck. I then whispered to her gently.

“I can't hold back anymore.”

“Neither can I.” She replied, her voice low with lust.

Knowing that she was on edge like me seemed to send me over the edge because with one more of her strokes, I felt the sensation hit me. The intense pressure in my groin was suddenly released and good feelings seemed to spread up over the rest of my body and leaving me feeling a little tingly. Lina kept a tight grip onto me as she went through the same thing at the same time. I could tell her body had locked up as the pressure she felt was released and then relax as the good feeling spread.

We lay like that, not moving at all, her hand still pressed against me as mine was against her. Our breathing seemed to be going at the same rate as it calmed down, and the thumping I could feel in my ears due to my heart started to die off. Lina looked at me and her eyes were very sleepy at that point and I was feeling the same way. I leaned back in and kissed her gently and then as I moved away, she had dropped off to sleep.

I smiled a little and just lay there, watching her rest peacefully, my hand moving carefully through her locks, and continuing to the ends where they were still white. I then looked over to the table and noticed the book. I honestly didn't realise what that book was about and had thought about taking it back. But when Lina mentioned I should keep it, I wondered if she meant something by it. Anyway, it had now caught my interest and so I decided to keep a hold of it.

I sat up carefully so not to wake Lina and I took the book and placed it into my bag in a discreet place. I then lay back down next to Lina and looked into her face until my eyelids grew too heavy to stay open. Soon they were closed and I joined Lina in a peaceful sleep.

Kurage

25.7
When I woke up again, I had two feelings:

One: I was starving.

Two: I wasn't wearing any pants.

The second feeling was much more mortifying than the first. I actually scrambled around Gourry, trying to locate my pants, before I hurriedly pulled them on, my face burning. I made sure he was asleep when I did so, because damn, I really didn't need him seeing me like that. Being without pants is something different when it's not passionate.

I then did the most sensible thing I could think of. I washed my hands. There was no way I would be eating food without a good wash, first. Don't get me wrong, Gourry is wonderful, an sharing certain physical feelings with him is a wonderful thing, but I didn't need a constant reminder of it as I ate.

I tiptoed out of the room so that I wouldn't wake Gourry, and I headed downstairs. I looked around and realized that we had both slept for longer than either of us expected. It was already night. I blinked a little, then headed down to the dining area, a hand on my stomach.

You ever get that kind of starving feeling that is so intense it hurts? Yeah, that's what I was getting. I guess many hours of interrupted sleep does that to someone, especially someone who has previously burnt themselves out in the magic department.

When I got there, I noticed that only Zelgadis and Sylphiel were left. Amelia must have gone to bed. I walked over, and both looked up from their drinks, surprised.

“Lina-san, you're awake?” Sylphiel blinked, obviously confused.

I nodded, sitting down next to her and waving a waiter down. “Yup. It's time for one of my food breaks before I head to bed for one more nap.”

Zelgadis looked at me curiously. “You seem to know a lot about timing,” he said.

“Duh,” I rolled my eyes. “This isn't the first time this has happened to me, Zel. I know what I need and when I need it.” I grabbed the offered menu and ordered as much as I could.

“So, you're feeling better now?” Sylphiel wondered.

I frowned, looking from her to Zelgadis. Something was up. “Were you two talking about me again?” I demanded.

Sylphiel went red, but Zelgadis wasn't ruffled. He merely took a drink from his mug. “Well, obviously we were. Sylphiel filled me in on some of the holes missing in your story.”

I shot her a look. “Really?” I said, growling a little.

Sylphiel waved a hand at me. “It's not what you think, Lina-san,” she stammered. “It's not like I gave away the embarrassing details.”

“There are embarrassing details?”

“Don't jump all over Sylphiel just because you're hungry,” Zelgadis answered. “I was worried. This whole thing is worrisome, don't you think? Xellos asking you to join up, after he and Zelas spent and wasted so much time on you before. And from what Sylphiel tells me, the Blast Sword is finished. So now Gourry yet again does not have a sword.”

I groaned, slamming my head down on the table. This was exactly the kind of crap I didn't want to deal with at that moment. I buried my face into my arms, the hunger and the annoyance unbearable. “Listen,” I mumbled, “I'm not ignoring any of that! I just don't want to deal with it right now.”

“Be realistic,” Zelgadis chided. I looked up and glared at him, but he merely looked at me calmly. “If the Mazoku want you still, they won't ignore you. They won't let up until you're waving the flag for their side.”

“I don't care,” I sulked. “I'll burn that bandit when I get to it.”

Sylphiel sighed into her own mug, obviously not happy with what I was saying. I shot her a look too, but she wasn't fazed by it. “You should be facing it right now,” she said. “Otherwise once it happens we'll be over our heads.”

That was it. I stood up, slammed my hands on the table, and I shouted, “Listen! I have had enough of this crap right now! I have just come back from slicing a Dark Lord in two! So excuse me for wanting some time to myself, to regroup, to get back on my feet! Zelgadis!” I turned on him, and he jolted, almost dropping his mug. “YOU weren't even there! So you have no say! And Sylphiel!” I turned to her, and she went red again. “You WERE there! So why are you being judgmental!”

I took a breath. “And where's Amelia?” I demanded. “Wasn't she here before, or am I too mental to even know anymore! Ah! Food!” I sat back down in a flash and attacked my plate, ignoring the other two once more.

It was just as well. They sat in silence, stunned by my explosion. Frankly, I wasn't stunned at all. They had it coming.

In any rate, I ate my heart out, and once again the void was filled. It's the best feeling in the world. When I was finished, I heard Sylphiel say softly, “Amelia-san is in bed. It is rather late, you know.”

“Ah, I thought so,” I replied. “I just wasn't sure.”

And that was it. Nothing else was said about it. Zelgadis and Sylphiel didn't press me about it, although to my annoyance they didn't apologize for being so judgmental, either. In any case, I think they finally got it in their heads that I needed some down time, and since the world wasn't in any immediate danger, I was entitled to it.

Dramata

25.8
I woke up slowly and felt as though I wanted to go back to sleep. I would have but something didn't feel right. I reached out infront of me carefully and patted the bed infront of me gently only to find that Lina was missing. I opened my eyes and rubbed them to get the sleep out. I sat up and looked around the room, wondering where Lina was and not hearing her in the bathroom made me realise she must have left.

After quickly pulling my pants up and getting a quick wash, and glad not to have anyone else around, I thought about what to do. My instinct was Lina had gone to get something to eat so I sorted the room out a little and then when I felt ready I decided to head down to the restaurant in the search for Lina. What surprised me was the fact I wasn't that hungry myself, but I was sure that by morning I would be hungry. I had realised by that point that it was night and I just hoped my hunger wouldn't wake me at some ungodly hour in the morning.

I headed down the stairs and it didn't take me long to find Lina who was shovelling food in her mouth. I headed over and noticed then that Zel and Sylphiel were also sitting down at the table and in a pretty quiet mood. Well Zelgadis and Sylphiel were normally pretty quiet, but they seemed to be making the point to be quiet.

I sat down opposite Lina and smiled a little to Sylphiel and Zelgadis as I reached out to grab some food from one of Lina's plates. Ok maybe I was a little peckish, but it was only revenge on Lina for what she did to me earlier. And she was right, it definitely tasted better from someone else's plate, especially hers.

After having my hand batted away I looked to Sylphiel and Zelgadis, noticing slightly strange looks coming from them.

“What's up guys?”

“Are you not hungry, Gourry?” Zel asked taking another sip of coffee from his mug.

I shook my head a little and leaned back into the chair.

“I'm not that hungry to be honest.”

Lina glared at me momentarily and gave a slight growl. To translate it, she was telling me if I wasn't that hungry, then why was I stealing some of her food.

“Are you still not feeling well Gourry-san?” Sylphiel looked a little more concerned now.

“No, I'm ok. I feel fine. I just don't feel hungry.”

I then sat there as the whole table was in complete silence whilst Lina continued to eat away at her food. It was pretty weird to be honest. I was used to there being a lot of talking about various things and I guess with me not fighting with Lina over food wasn't helping either. I decided to try and break the silence.

“Where's Amelia?”

“She's in her room, probably sleeping. It's pretty late.” Zel replied.

“Aa've ashted at already.” Lina mumbled through her mouth full of food.

“Well I didn't know you asked that already Lina…” I crossed my arms, trying to make my point.

Lina just grumbled and continued eating. And the awkward silence continued. I thought hard to try and think of something to talk about. I then remembered the Blast Sword breaking and so now I no longer had a sword. Zel had already had a good look around the continent with Amelia so maybe he found something.

“Hey Zel? Did you find anything about magical swords when you journeyed round the continent?”

Zel set his mug down on the table.

“Not really. We weren't really looking for a magical sword though. I was busy concentrating on finding my cure.”

“Oh. Well I'm sure something will turn up. Just a shame Lina broke the Blast Sword. It was pretty good.”

“I DIDN'T BREAK IT ON PURPOSE!” Lina yelled, slamming her fist on the table causing the various plates and cutlery to rattle.

I just looked calm as I lay back into my chair, crossing my arms again.

“I didn't say that…although it's funny how it was in your hand at the time.”

“I didn't break it! But I'll break your neck on purpose if you don't give it a rest!”

“Fine fine fine!” I put my hands up in the air protectively.

I had to admit I was just winding her up a little, but she was snapping at me a little more harshly than I thought she would. I started to wonder if the awkward silence was linked with Lina being in a really bad mood.

“Ok. What's going on? Why are you guys so quiet and why are you so annoyed?” I looked at Sylphiel and Zel at first and then looked to Lina finally, who had finished her meal.

I must have got to Sylphiel who I think noticed the tone in my voice.

“We were just asking Lina about what she was going to do with Xellos.”

Zel came in at that point.

“They're not going to stop Gourry! They're not going to stop trying and they'll put her through anything to make her think she has to become a mazoku.”

I put my hand up to stop him from saying anything more, and I just thought it through in my head. I then looked at Zel with slightly narrow eyes.

“I'm sure Lina knows about all of this already. I don't know if you two are trying to suggest she's shying away from it, but if you are, you're both dead wrong. We've both just been through a lot ok? We just need time to recover from it. Once we're ready, we'll face it head on. I don't know if you realise this Zel, but we've been doing this for the past 6 years or so. Some of that was together, some of it was alone, but not once did we back away from something we were faced with.”

The whole time I was talking, I had started to slowly lean towards Zel until I was finally leaning forward, resting my elbows on my knees. Once I finished I leant back in my chair and let out a small sigh.

“I think it's time we go home. We can keep looking out for a sword for me and a cure for you. As for the mazoku situation, I honestly don't know what can be done about that. It's not like we can just go out and search for them all. Things normally have a way of working out, and I believe that is what will happen with this.”

I then turned to Lina where I smiled slightly, but my face softened up a lot. I had said everything that I wanted to say about the situation and so I was satisfied enough.

Kurage

25.9
Honestly? The thought of going home made me feel a little queasy. I wasn't sure what would wait for me there, if anything, but I guess it was time. We had gallivanted around the new continent enough for now; it was probably best to regroup, head home, and start over again.

It wasn't what Gourry said that annoyed me.

And yes, I was annoyed. They were talking around me, like I wasn't there at all, and it was enough to snap my last rubber band of patience. Once Gourry was done speaking, and he looked at me, I glared at him. Right into his eyes. I don't think he understood why I was so mad, but I didn't care. I was just...too frustrated, and I knew exactly what I needed to do to let off steam.

I stood up, set down my utensils, and walked away from the table. Just like that. I didn't explode, I didn't say a word. I just stood up and left. I went upstairs, got dressed, and headed out the back way through the kitchens, eager to avoid confrontation.

I grumbled under my breath as I walked away from the inn, my fingers worrying at the ring on my hand underneath its glove. Nobody understood how I was feeling. They talked as if everything had been or was always my fault, and that if I didn't fix it, I would pay for it.

Or worse, I thought glumly, they would just treat me like Gourry had at the start, like a kid, who had no idea what her actions would bring. I knew exactly what was happening when I killed Dolphin. I just didn't think that the sword would break.

Maybe I can be impetuous at times, but that doesn't mean I don't try. The breaking of the Blast Sword was pure oversight, and I didn't think it was fair of any of them to rub my nose in it, especially Zelgadis, who hadn't even been there.

I finally reached the outskirts of the town, and with it, I slowed down from a brisk walk to a normal walk. Most of my annoyance and anger had burned itself out, but I knew that I wouldn't feel completely myself until I found SOMETHING to blow up.

Finally my moment of relief came along. And it wore dirty, dingy pants.

“Holy crap,” my salvation declared eloquently. “It's you!”

“Oh, gross,” I replied. “It's you.”

“I would have thought you would have been killed from that neck wound.”

“Please,” I snorted. “It takes more than that to kill me.”

“You've been killed!”

At those words, suddenly, I felt sad. Not sure why, but I did. And when I get sad, I get angry.

In case you haven't been able to figure it out by now, the person in front of me was the very same idiot leader who had tailed Gourry and I with his troupe of bandits and Mazoku buddies. Only he was alone. And looking very worn out.

Now, because of this new found anger, and the annoyance I had, previous to the anger, in addition, I was ready to kick some serious bandit ass, just for the sake of revenge. But something was bothering me and I wanted to get down to it before I humiliated this once proud and smart-assed leader.

“Hey,” I said, glaring at him. “Where are the rest of your idiots?”

The horrible little man blinked in surprise, then, to my astonishment, actually looked embarrassed. “Uh,” he mumbled, “well, first of all, the dude that hired us to bother you suddenly called us off after our last encounter with each other. That was the first reason. My boys have a certain degree of pride, and when they found out that their job was unfinished, they got mad. I, however, knew better than to mess with that guy.” He shuddered from head to toe. “That guy was a Mazoku, and none of the others could tell but me.”

“So?” I put my hands on my hips. “What does this have to do with you being alone right now?”

He kicked at the dirt. I looked closer, and saw, with satisfaction, that his nose was a little crooked. Must have been from my breaking it earlier before. “After you and your pretty-boy humiliated me, most of my boys weren't ready to keep me on as a leader. I barely managed to stay on; that is until I voiced my objection against going after you two.”

“Why the hell would you ever do such a thing?” I snapped. I was seriously tired of talking. I wanted to blow something up!

“Because we were told to drop our charge against you, and I follow orders when it comes to someone as freaky as a Mazoku,” he replied. “So they ousted me. They beat the crap out of me and ditched me. I've been on my own ever since.”

“Ah,” I nodded. “Can we fight now?”

I guess that was unexpected. He paled, from head to toe, and gaped at me for a full minute before saying anything. “You want to fight me?” he demanded.

“Yes,” I agreed. “I'm bored, and I'm annoyed. I need something to blow up.”

“Don't you care at all about my story?”

“Not really,” I replied honestly. He opened his mouth to reply, but I was too fast for him, and finally, I got my nice explosion.

After that? I dunno what happened to him. Do any of you really care? I didn't.

When I got back to the inn, it was already pretty dark. Damn, I hadn't even noticed that. I was too intent on getting my frustration out that I didn't even seem to notice how dark it had gotten. Oh well.

I got back in and looked around, and sure enough, no one out of our little gang was in sight. I shrugged and made a beeline for the innkeeper, and I demanded to know of some nice relaxation spots.

So much for my last nap, but now that I had gotten my magic mojo back, I didn't need it so much.

Instead, I crashed a nearby hot spring. I was lucky to be up this late - there was no one in sight. It was practically a morgue. Happily, I took full advantage of this freedom. I left my clothes lying around without a care and didn't bother looking around to see if anyone could see me naked. When I jumped into the water, I made a huge splash, and I giggled, loudly, from the size of it.

I love moments like that, moments when it's all about me and I don't have to care about anything but me.

After I swam around for a bit and acting like a huge dork, I found a spot I liked and just sat there, relishing in the warmth that is the bath. Screw everything. Screw the Mazoku and Xellos; screw condescending behaviour from Gourry; screw Sylphiel and Zelgadis being snobby.

“Blah,” I said out loud, enjoying the echoes my voice had when I spoke. I didn't care about anything at that moment. I just wanted to be as selfish as I could.

So I was.

Dramata