Disclaimer: I do not own Slayers. If I did, my life would be much more exciting.

Hi! To those who have read my first story, welcome back. I seriously did not think it would be so soon before I came up with another story. But inspiration struck and here I am. Now, about an updating schedule. Simply put, I have none. My school work takes up most of my time, so updating will be sporadic. But for now, read, review, and enjoy!

"..." normal text

'...' thoughts

Spells/Attack names


In the dim light of the lantern, Zelgadis searched through the seemingly endless pile of books. To any other person, this task would be tedious and would give up. But not him. It was routine; every time he came across a new town, he would look for a library or temple, for any hint as to a cure. Now that the barrier was lifted and he didn't have to worry about Darkstar, there were countless more towns for him to look through.

Sighing, he leaned back in his chair, stretching his tired arms. He had scoured through dozens upon dozens of books so far, without a simple clue. The owner said there were some very rare books in his collection, not that Zelgadis could find any. Maybe if the others were here the search would go faster...

He shook the thought from his mind; that wouldn't be possible. Amelia had royal matters to attend to, while Lina and Gourry went of to find a replacement sword. Zelgadis gave a small chuckle, thinking, 'Even if they were here, the town would somehow be destroyed and we could never return.'

Getting back to business, he reached for the next book, "The Amazons of Joketsuzoku." He cocked an eyebrow. 'Doesn't look like much, but it can't hurt to look at it.' Opening the book, he blew away the thin layer of accumulated dust and started reading.

"The Amazons are a matriarchal society, who have inhabited the land of Joketsuzoku of thousands of years. The tribal laws are centered around martial arts, where those with superior abilities rule the tribe. While only females may rule, both genders are trained to fight. The Amazon's have been known to use unique fighting techniques and herbs during battle.

"Joketsuzoku is located to the far west, across the sea and surrounded by mountains. The cursed springs of Jusenkyo can be found in the vicinity (See page 37). Any outsider to enter Joketsuzoku are swiftly dealt with..." Intrigued, he flipped the pages to the indicated page. "Jusenkyo is a training ground covered with various springs. Bamboo poles rising out of the pools are used to fight upon. However, the Amazons try to stay away from these grounds. It is said that any who train at Jusenkyo will face the wrath of God, for the springs are cursed. Any who should fall into the springs are turned into creatures, who had drowned in the springs years ago. Some known curses are: cat, piglet, duck, panda, octopus, girl, man,..."

The book dropped from his hands. Could this be the answer to his problem? Strengthening his resolve, he flipped through the book, looking for a map. Finding none, he moved to where the maps were kept. He would not let this chance pass him by.


Amelia was sitting in her room, writing by candlelight of her latest adventure. She had started doing this after the battle with Copy Rezo. She had found comfort in reading the tales after a stressful day of palace work. But while the stories brought her joy, they also came with a tinge of sadness. She missed her friends, and the thrill of adventure that always followed them. All the people she had met: Lina-san, Gourry-san, Sylphiel-san, Filia-san, and Zelgadis-san, among others. The thought of the chimera brought a blush to her cheeks.

A knock at the door jolted her back to reality. "Come in," she called out. The door opened and in walked one of the maids. "What is it?" she inquired.

"Philionel-sama requests your presence," she said. Holding back a sigh, she replied "Tell Otou-san I'll be right with him." The maid gave a curt nod and walked out. Amelia closed her book, standing up. 'Back to palace life.'


"Mou, this is so boring!" Lina yelled as she poked at the fire. They had been on the road, looking for a replacement sword. "All this time, and nothing! Man, I'm beginning to feel like Zel. There aren't even any bandits for me to take my anger out on!"

Gourry stared at the food, intent on grabbing the biggest as soon as it was done. His focus shifted as he said, "Well, maybe we ought to visit Amelia. Wasn't there an armory, or something? They might let us have something for protecting Amelia."

Lina's eyebrows shot up. "Wow, Gourry. You said something smart for once. Hm, I guess we can go to Saillune. It'll probably take a couple weeks of travel."

Gourry smiled, giving himself a proud nod. His eyes closed, thinking, 'That'll show her I'm not a total idiot.' Seeing her chance, Lina grabbed at Gourry's fish and chomped down. His eyes shot open, saw the food in her hand and yelled, "Oi, Lina! That was mine!" She gave a wink, saying, "It's your loss then."


Hours of searching had paid off. The map revealed itself. Looking over the paper, Zelgadis examined the name of each spring. His eyes swept over the paper several times, coming to rest on what he needed. The Spring of Drowned Man. His heart thudded against his chest, before going for the front desk.

Haggling over the price with the owner, he got it for a few hundred gold pieces. Not too bad, considering past bills over food for Lina and Gourry.

He hurried towards the inn he had been staying at. He got to his room, ready to take off. However, something in his head was telling him to write to Amelia. Relenting, he sat down and got to writing.


Saillune, one week later

Amelia walked out of the meeting, stretching her limbs. Nearly three hours of sitting in a stuffy room, discussing politics was enough to drive most to tears. But Otou-san had insisted, saying it would help prepare her for when she took over.

Her maid walked up to her, an envelope in her hand. "Amelia-sama, a message arrived for you. It says it is from Zelgadis-san." She handed it over and walked away. Amelia's eyes lit up, excited at receiving word of his travels. She tore the seal, carefully slipping the slip of paper out.

"Dear Amelia, how are matters in Saillune? I have found a new lead, it looks promising. I'll be passing by Saillune, so I'll stop by. By the time this reaches you, it'll be about a week until I reach you. I'll see you soon. Zel."

"Amelia, what do you have here?" Surprised, she jumped at the sound of the voice. She turned around, seeing Phil.

"Ah, Otou-san. You scared me," she said. "It's a letter from Zelgadis-san. He says he's coming here in a week."

The excitement in her voice was evident. He knew his daughter had feelings for the sorcerer. "Very well, we shall get a room prepared right away." A broad smile graced her face, as she turned around and ran off to her room. She could sense another adventure rearing its head, right around the corner.


Questions, comments, critisism, anything and I'll see you next time! Ja Ne!