revised: 4/16/03
Hola Minna-San!!
Okie-dokie! This is supposed to be my first V-Day fic, but as usual, it's late. Sorry ^.^; Oh please let me know if thou likest it. Forgive me for my poor grammar and any mispellings and of course, our famed characters are most likely OOC.
++Disclaimers: Slayers don't belong to me....at all...but I'm hoping I'll win the Big Jackpot Lotto and buy off the rights....then I'll have the anime converted to the correct way, my way that is BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA* cough, cough* Ah damn it. Hooray for Lina and Zel! True Love For All Eternity!!
.....On with the fanfic! HAPPY BELATED VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!
Adios, ~Miss "L" ^_~
7/23/03
Grr..... I can't believe I did that! *sighs* Oh well.....no wonder I haven't any more reviews for this story, I forgot cht 1!! Thanx again Masaki!!! Man.....you're one terrific person for being so patient and informing me about this. Well ~~Bai~ Bai!!
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LOVE IS BLIND
Time had past since they split up to continue with each of their own regular everyday lives, that is with no major evil bad guys coming after them, or more specifically, Lina Inverse, beautiful sorcery genius extraordinaire. Sure, it was boring at times but hey, there are some days that would make up for it, many thanks to minor amateur villains and occasional bandits from time to time.
However, dull moments like the one she's having right now, she wishes she have someone else to talk to besides a certain longhaired blonde for her bodyguard. Yeah, that's what she need right now to keep her mind occupied in something else instead of arguing within her complaintive thoughts. She stopped pacing back and forth on the leaves-scattered road, gave a short sigh, and looked up at the midafternoon sky.
"Where in the world is Gourry?! He's supposed to meet me over half an hour ago! If he forgets....oooh...will he get it!" she yelled towards the sky.
"Get who what Lina?"
"Finally you're here! What took you so long?"
"Oh, well I was just helping some old folks fix the wheel from their wagon cart."
"Did you...nevermind...most likely you cost us another job to charity." decided not to finish the pointless question.
"But Lina....they're old and poor...."
"That's where we'll be too if you keep this up!"
The redhead let out a disgruntled sigh, giving up, and looked at the winding path that lays before them.
"Let's just go Mr. Generousity, I don't like to keep arguing with you else it'll be too dark to travel."
"Um...where are we going again?"
Lina restrained herself from Fireballing his rump back to the village they were in last night. She slowly counted to ten and making sure her thoughts were concentrating on pleasant things instead (a/n: I leave this to your imagination readers, and no hentai stuff).
"O...kay...." she keeps her voice in a deadly low tone and cracks her neck.
"We're going to check out the abandoned observatory like I told you three times earlier today and about thirty times these couple of days." she slowly explained to him like a teacher to a daycare child.
"Oh yeah... but I thought you said it was a laboratory?"
She rolled her garnet red eyes up. "Observatory...laboratory...same difference. The point is that we're seeking treasure and anything valuable that would tie us over til we get to a major town or city, and if we're lucky....they'll be bandits in our path."
"But Lina! The old people told me that that place is really bad."
"Yeah, yeah, I already know it's supposedly forbidden or something like that. But hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained (1), right? Now come on!"
The sorceress pulled the mercenary by his golden hair and towed him towards the slightly spooky forest. After walking for many miles, they finally sighted what Lina was looking for, in a distance, a large yet shambled building was camouflaged by the forest. The swordsman paused for a moment.
"I can see if from here." talking his proctectee after she walked right passed him.
"Good, keep walking."
"But Lina! They...."
"No buts Gourry, I already told you 'bout paying too close attention to what other people say too seriously."
He didn't say anything, he just obeyed her command. Yet, he felt like something is gonna happen, something bad. He walked closer to the little girl, just in case. The closer they stepped, the stronger the feeling, Now both are experiencing the same gutsy feeling, especially when the sounds of nature slowly fainted into nothing, growing darker, and more eerie with each step. Yet, one traveler ignored it while the other is too dense to go into deeper speculation.
They finally reached to the site where a grand structure once stood. Now weather-worned ruins, half broken walls, some parts of the ground crowned with pieces of concrete, and cracked columns covered in vines, lay in its stead. They carefully walked and cut thru the overgrown greenery and treaded it to the what it seems to be the main entrance that surprisingly enough, is still in tact.
The duo explorers ventured in to the desolate place where Lina had to cast a Lighting spell until Gourry found timber to use as a carrying torch. Each went to any room that may deem any sign of treasure and even those that don't, but all they could find were old and broken furniture and junk lain underneath dusty old white sheets. Tired and eyes strained (not to mentioned hungry), they stood in front of a large door.
"Okay Gourry, same as before and if we can't find anything remotely valuable, we're dumping this place and go to back to the village, got it?" as she opens the creaky door.
He gave a curt nod to her question and both went in. They were surprise to find that the area where they just entered is much bigger than the other rooms combined.
"Wow, this is a very big room." the mercenary waved his torch around as to prove the width and length of it.
Which caught the sharp eyes of the ever treasure-seeker.
"Hmm....it looks like whoever owned this place combined the main laboratory and library into one." she walked to the nearest book laden wall.
"What makes you think it's a laboratory too LinOW! Lina! That hurts!" the poor guy was hit on the head by aDUCK!
"OWOWOW! LINA!"
Receiving more thrown objects at him, they bounced and shattered on the floor. (Miss "L" *sighs at Sylphiel's beloved*: I tried to warn him.)
"Because of this *points to a large glass beaker* you Baka!" she flung at him however this time he dodged it. Er....can you tell she's growing frustrated, right?
"Alright Lina....I got it. Geesh...you didn't have to be so mean about it."
"Well if you didn't have to be so dense about things....grr....forget it....let's just get this over with, I'm very hungry and sick of this place. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get food."
"Aaah....fooood." he began to drool.
And thus, the magic words had awaken his senses to look for whatever makes the Dra-Matta happy. He drifted off to one spot, leaving Lina totally in the dark.
"That Yogurt Brain! Grr....*sigh* oh well...it's best if we do split up to cover the grounds more quickly. Lightning!"
The dimmed light grew bright enough to cover her radius. She starts to read the book bindings, pulled some of them from the shelves, and flipped thru them to see if they're keepers or not.
'Hmm...maybe Zel could use some of these...if that is, if I ever see him again....I hope so. Oh wow, I didn't know there's a beginner's guide to Elemental Shamanism.... Sylphiel could sure use this.'
After many chucked tomes, manuscripts, and books later, she later walked towards one of the few lab tables and carefully examine each chemical residued glass containers. She crinkled her nose as some of the familiar contents made her shudder, precisely when certain memories crept in her mind.
"Hey Lina! I think I found something!"
"What is it Oh-Mentally-Challenged One?" putting back a black vial on the dusty table.
"It looks like somekind of red rock or stone or something."
"Well? What are you waiting for? Bring it over here already."
As usual, he obeyed her command and brought over the questionable item to her.
"Are there anymore like these?"
She asked as she brought the stone up to her eyes as her light spell grew a tad brighter.
"No. That's the only thing I see that you'll like."
"Doesn't matter, it's not a real genuine gem anyway, just certain manmade compounds mixed in."
"Oh...it's a fake."
"By Jove, you understood what I just said."
"Bye who?"
"*sigh* Nevermind."
"Hey Lina....since there's nothing here....let's just leave, okay?" the feeling came back.
"Oh don't tell me that you're getting scared. Sheesh....you're worse than a woman." she smirks.
"Me? Naw...I just want to eat."
The smiling Lina counted to 30 while she looks at Gourry's facial expression slowly changing. Finally understanding at her sarcasm.
"Hey! What do you mean I'm worse than..."
"Oh yeah, it's time for dinner. Hmm...my stomach didn't even grumble. Weird." she interrupted his sentence.
"Well...isn't that a good thing?"
"......? Why you say that?"
"Cuz if it did, the walls probably would crash down on OWWWW!"
"SHUT UP!"
Gourry massages his large lump on the top of his head as Lina, grumbling, stomps off in another direction. Without paying attention to anything, her face bumped hard against a wall.
"Ouch! Damnit! Thanks alot G...huh?" as she rubbed her sore forehead, she found a circular indention right in the middle of it.
She massaged the bruise quickly, recasted her spell and with the bright glow she noticed somekind of a vault within the wall, with her gloved fingers, she dusted off the cobwebs and debris.
"Did you find something Lina?" he stood right next to her.
"Oh yeah. I bet there's valuable stuff in this safe."
The redhead rubbed her greedy little hands together as the fairheaded mercernary took a closer look at the wall, her eyes sparkled with her usual treasure lust in them.
"It looks small to me...hey what's with the hole?"
Lina shoved him out of her way to look and realized it was probably the one that matches with her unfortunate bump.
"I'm not sure."
"Maybe it's somekind of a keyhole or lock."
Lina blinked in total disbelievement.
"Wow Gourry....twice today....I think there's still hope for you yet and don't you dare ask me anything else of what I just said." she gave him a warning look once she saw the familiar expression.
"Um...okay." he forgotten anyway, besides, he was beginning to feel sleepy. He yawned as he crossed his shoulders against his chest.
The sorceress supreme inspected it closer and found that he did guess it correctly,
"Now the only problem is: Where's the key?"
Slyphiel's sweetheart didn't pay too much heed to the babbling girl, in fact he's falling asleep and when Lina turn around to ask why he didn't answer her question, her eyebrows began to twitch....
"Wake up Jellyfish Brains!" she yelled right in his large ears.
"Ahhhhhhh! I'm awake! I'm awake!"
His big blue horrified, eyes saw the gritting-teeth-clenched-fists-Bandit Killer staring up at him and tapping her feet.
"Well? I'm waiting."
'Uh oh....she's pretty mad....and she's waiting for something....uh....'
His brain is quickly trying to remember what she asked before she do some serious damage to him.
"The phony stone?"
Poor thing, too much pressure, and sensing that he did indeed give the wrong answer when Lina's stressmark appeared on the side of her head. He starts to prepare for the worse and hid his head between his arms.
"YOU STUPID...*pause, blink, blink* maybe...." her hand held the artificial gem before the hole as her mood steadily calmed down.
"This might actually work. Good thinking although I doubt you were listening."
Lina carefully inserted the jewel into the cavity, it fitted perfectly. The joined key glowed in a blood reddish color, making the two covering their eyes. Once the glow subsided,
"That's it?! Is that all it could do?!....I'VE BEEN HAD! Damnit! All that work for nothing...."
"Maybe you need to push it in further or turn it?"
"Damn it Gourry.....why didn't I think of these simple things before you did?"
He shrugged his shoulders, he knows better than to say something he'll later regret. The black magic user tries pushing it in but it won't go any further, so she tries the second option.
"How would you turn this thing..." she grumbled.
A strange voice crept in her mind....
'Remove your glove and touch the key...'
She wildly turns around to see who was speaking, there was only Gourry, falling asleep again, against one of the books. She shrugs her shoulders and follow directions.
'Besides, what's the worse it could happen? I've been thru narrower escapes where I get out without a scratch.' she removed her glove from her right hand.
As her delicate fingers touched the stone, it grew brighter by the second. Once her skin contacted the smooth surface, the safe's door shifted and slowly opened with the sounds of stone grinding against stone, powdered debris falls to the ground. Needless to say, Lina observed as she jumped back a bit, fascinated to see what kind of expensive booty lays in the safe. It halted, then another golden glow appeared but inside the safe, curious and entranced, Lina got closer to it until she sees an old-looking scroll. As her hand grabbed the yellowed parchment, a brilliant flash of light appeared without a warning, blinding her. She screamed which awaken Gourry to a full alert.
"Lina! Lina! What's wrong?!" with his sword ready on hand, he ran to her kneeled form as her hands covered her stinging eyes.
"I....I don't know....all I can remember was....." slowly opening her eyes, she shakily yet slowly stands up, feeling dizzy and nauseous once the black, grey, red, and white tiny dots appeared in her vision.
"Lina!"
She collapsed in the middle of her sentence but not before her bodyguard catches her. He quickly carried her with the paper tightly in her hand, out of the laboratory...observatory...whatever, out of the creepy forest, until he found a stream where its safe. Just as he was about to grab a handful of cool water and splash it on her face (luckily for her), she wakes up.
"Oooh...my head....where are we?" she placed her left hand gingerly on the side of her head.
"We're far away from that place Lina."
"Egads Gourry, it's pitch black....light up that torch will ya....my head hurts too much to even cast a small spell."
He blinked, well he knows it's late and all, but it's not that dark enough to burn a torch.
"But Lina....it's not that dark....there's still light, as a matter of fact if we leave now, we can go back to that village."
"Have you flipped your lid? It's midnight....with no moon, stars, not even shadows....." her voice drifted off.
"Lina?"
He looked at the silent redhead quizzically. She sat and trying to make sense why there are no light from the constellations nor the moon.
"Now I remember....that bright light...of course, that explains everything."
"Explain everything about what?"
"Well, I'm blind."
"You can't see at all? Oh no! That's bad...how ar...."
"Chill out Gourry, it's just temporary. I'll give two to three days tops when I get my complete sight back."
He looked doubtful, but since Lina is always right about things all of the time....well, almost, he just hopes this happens to be one of them. They headed back to the village, rented the same rooms they had before, and ordered enough for the girl to feel more satiated and the swordsman were able to pick up certain tricks that involve having more than his share of dinner. Afterwards, they headed for their rooms, but Lina being Lina, he could only tell her the directions, step by step, and Gourry being Gourry, his reward was receiving many lumps and a black eye to match along with her stubbed toes and bruises.
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Two weeks later, during their many travels, they had encountered a burly group of bandits who made a unpleasant surprise on them. As her protector was fighting off them off, Lina had tried to defend herself against the ones he missed by using her sword. They found out after a couple of far off casted Flare Arrows, that's she blind and tried to kill her right then and there, so she can only do what she had to do. The Bandit Killer end up not only killing and incapicitated the thugs but also managed to hurt her companion. She kept apologizing to him as she casted Recovery the best she could since white spells aren't her strong point, feeling worse everytime she heard him trying to stifle his pain whenever she's around. He can walk and do what he usually can do that doesn't involve in lifted heavy object nor can he do sudden movements, otherwise he felt the sharp pains jabbing him. He already done it a couple of times and Lina had to heal his reopened wounds again. She never did forgive herself for that, but he understands that it was just an accident.
Days had come and go as they decided to just stay in a village nearby where they were attacked.
Knock
Knock
Knock
"Hey Lina! We got your breakfast ready."
"Hurry up....I'm starving."
The young blonde man opened the door first, allowing the inn keeper's wife entered first and then him, both carrying food laden trays that were not too heavy for either of them, especially for the still injured man. The visitors saw the poppyred haired girl sitting up on the bed in her flannels.
"Hello dear, how are you feeling this morning? Better I hope."
"I'm fine Mrs. Dyshi. Any news on the Traveling Healer?"
"Oh yes, the Healer is supposed to arrive either today or tomorrow. Well, all is set, until lunch, good day Miss Lina, Master Gourry."
The kind woman left the two and went on with her business.
"Here you go Lina."
He set the tray before her, tells her what's what, their position, and handed her the eating utensils.
Instead of her usual manners, she ate more slowly, with less interest. It's not because her friend had already eaten his full eight course meal and it's not because of her handicap. With a sigh, she pushes the tray away from her, and of course anyone who hangs around the Chaos Child...
"Is there anything wrong with the eggs? Or is it the bacon and sausage?"
"No, no....the food is fine Gourry."
"Maybe it's the griddle cakes....they did kinda made me burp....OW!" he massages he forehead.
"Wow Lina...your getting better..."
"Shut up Moldy Zombie....I'm just not hungry." she sighed again and crossed her arms without a care as he removed the tray.
"But you said you were starving...."
"I only said that so Mrs. Dyshi wouldn't fuss over me again."
Gourry looked at her silent form, most likely thinking about something.
"You're thinkin' bout that paper again, aren't you Lina?"
"*sigh* Hai. That stupid scroll....nobody knows what it says nor is there a library where the language can be translated, what really bugs me is that I can't see what's written."
"Oh. But I thought you said that they told you that there's no writing, just bumps."
"I know what I said. It's somekind of an old language of sorts...that's my guess anyways from that description."
Lina doesn't have to use her eyesight to figure that he isn't paying attention, again. She heard his footsteps receding towards the window and with a click, they're open. Oh well, he might as well leave her alone to allow her to ponder on the nerve-wrecking enigma.
"Gourry....why don't you go and do something....."
"HEY! HEY!!!! YA YOU!! UP HERE!!" he waved his hands wildly outside the opened window.
'Wha?' "Gourry who in the world...."
"YEAH.... HI! COME ON UP!!"
"GOURRY! Who in nine hells did you invite to come in here?!"
"Ah...don't worry Lina....everything's okay now."
"Okay he says. Sure why not....for all I know this person can be a bandit, a serial killer or a FRIGGIN' VENGEFUL MAZUKO!!"
She resigned....she trusts Gourry, even though he's a doesn't have much memory span in his brain. He knows the difference between good and bad guys, but just in case, she silently casted a Fireball.
Knock
Knock
He went to open the door with a certain happy gait to it. She furrowed her eyebrow as she heard the door opened, the magic grew larger, her hand itching to throw it.
"Hi! Oh it's great to see you again, come on in."
"Grr....Gouuuurrr...." hoping he would mention who it is first before letting the stranger in first, she raised her Fireball to the entrance.
"Thank you Gourry-dear."
????
"Sylphiel? Is that you?" she blinked as she recognized the familiar voice from her past, the magic spell extinguished right away once she was surprised.
Footsteps of a gentle nature walked towards her bed and gave the petite gal a warm hug. The sorceress returns the caring gesture.
"It's wonderful seeing you again Miss Lina. How is your eyesight?"
Both the sorceress and the mercenary are surprised.
"How do you..."
"Well, Miss Lina and Gourry-dear...you see (a/n: no pun intended), I'm the traveling Healer."
"Wow! Really?"
"Of course you Nitwit! Remember, she brought yours truly back to life. I'm proud of you Syl, you do have an extraordinary gift. Er...you're not gonna charge a good ol' friend, are ya? You know....for good times sake."
"Ah Lina!"
The young ravenhaired giggled. "Oh no....all my work is of a charitable nature."
"*sigh* Of course it is....well, at least I won't be billed."
"Gourry-dear, can you please leave the room, I want to check on Miss..."
"Wait! Sylphiel...heal him first."
"What's wrong with Gourry-dear?" she voiced her concerned.
"Nothin' is wrong with me."
"Oh yeah? Gourry....come here."
He did what he was told, when she felt that he's near enough....
"Yeah LinaAaahhhh!"
She punched him in the ribbed area. He hunched over in pain.
"Whatcha do that*wince* for?"
"Oh no! Let me heal you Gourry-dear.."
She removed his shirt, ignoring her burning cheeks, she unwrapped his bandages and quickly casted Recovery on him. The pain had left him as his injuries are completely healed. Now it's Lina's turn.
"Now you can go Chucklehead."
"What for? She can do that while I'm still here." feeling that he should do his bodyguard/brotherly thing for her.
"No way! I'm not gonna let you...."
"It's alright Gourry-dear, I need Miss Lina to be free from uncomfort and tense."
"Well....*wheels turning* I guess it's okay then....I'm gonna get somethin' to eat. Bye."
And thus he left in two seconds as she asks our heroine how did it occur. The Sairagg maiden starts with her usual magical preparations on her while she explains what happened. She examined the infamous Bandit Killer from head to toe, and she still can't find a reason why Lina still remained blind. So, Sylphiel super charged her abilities into a more astral aspect to it, she gasped in shock.
"What? What's wrong, Syl?'
"I....I don't know how exactly I can explain this Miss Lina....but it's a curse."
"Ah great....just terrific....I got a stupid curse....now how in the world do I find the cure?!"
"If only Rezo the Red Priest was still alive...oh and not evil, he would have cured you, or at least, find a cure for you."
The vertically challenged lass rubbed her face and starts to think. Then she smiled....
"How about the settling for the closet kin who also happens to have knowledge of any leads on many cures?"
She blinked at Lina. "You mean Mister Zelgadiss?"
"Bingo. Now the only problem is where he can be found, that is, if he didn't find his obsession yet. Come on Syl....help me get me dressed and tell Gourry to pack up, we're leaving to go find our elusive chimera now."
"Um....Miss Lina? Can I join you and Gourry-dear?" feeling a bit embarrased for asking her. With her deepest heartache, she has already accepted the fact that the powerful sorceress and her secret love will always be together, but Sylphiel wanted to join the duo to help her learn more on traveling and also to keep her from getting bored. She braced herself for the let-down.
"Of course! When I say we...I mean all three of us. There's no way I'm gonna be left alone with Mr. Kurage...especially since I can't see to beat his rear end up!"
"Oh thank you Miss Lina!" she smiled.
"Besides, I'm pretty sure Gourry wouldn't allow you traveling by yourself now that he knows what you're doing." she smirks at the confused shrine maiden.
By late afternoon, the Slayers trio prepared everything that is need for their journey, including a monstrous supply of food. Off they went to search the Cure Hunter Expert a.k.a Zelgadiss Greywers in the Desert of Destruction.
A month had passed by, the elusive chimera is nowhere to be found.
"Damn it!!!! Where in L' Sama's creations can he be?!"
"This is very confusing indeed. Many people said that they seen him going north from here..."
"Yeah, but others say he went west. Oh hell....by the time we find him, I'll have a sign around my neck and beg money for a lifetime. *thinks* Hmm...."
"Oh no Miss Lina...please don't do that! Please don't get upset and disappointed, I'm certain we can find him soon enough, I can feel it."
"Hey Lina....who are we looking for*thump* OWWWW!!!! LINA!"
"You Big Ignoramus!!! How could you forget 'bout Zel that quick! He's like one of your best buddies and comrade!"
"Miss Lina! Please don't over exert yourself! Remember your illness!"
Sylphiel rushed not only to save her Gourry-dear from Lina's many lucky thrashes, but also to get the short tempered girl to relax before she passes out again. Why you asked? Try to imagine if you're in Lina's shoes, (Miss L: No Gourry....not literary, yes I know she wears boots....it's just a phrase people use..huh? Just forget it Gourry.) you have our favorite ex-Swordsman of Light who you just recently found out that he was snatching up most of your favorite food, keep dodging your Slipper bops and uses things to subsitute for his body and feiging pain, keeps forgetting that you can't see, still makes chest comments, and gives lousy sense of directions? Lina's temper can only go so far, far enough to wanting to Giga Slaving him. Fortunately for you, you have a sane person who happens to be a master healer despite the fact that she's a little too naive at certain things, but nonetheless, helps you from going off the cliff or even commit murder.
"Fine." she stormed off.
The other two just looked at the hotheaded chick and followed her. They finally stopped when her steamed cooled off.
"Lina?"
"Shut up Gourry....I'm in an okay mood right now, so don't ruin it."
"But why can't Sylphiel just use that stick of hers to find Zel?"
The two confused girls just blink, their fine eyebrows arched, and finally understood what he meant.
"Ooooh." the pretty bishoujos exclaimed.
"I don't think it's a good idea, it's too far of a range and..."
"I could give it a try Miss Lina."
"Can you really do it?"
"All I have to do is concentrate from where he was seen last."
She smiled at their smiling leader, there's still hope left to find him. They returned to the small village where he was rumored he stayed at. The damsel kneeled and pulled out her wand that her father had given her. The wand is in mid float, her hands cupped around it, and began with a silent prayer, focusing her energy to the possible directions the chimera had traveled to. The bodyguard observed and marveled at Syl's talent. Lina can feel her friend's pulsating, glowing powers growing. The citizens passed by them like they're not even there, which is really a good thing so they won't get bothered and she can keep her concentration steady.
Just when it seems forever, the Healer finally found the focal point and released her all of bridled energy. Her slightly illuminious blue wand floated higher above her head, and stopped at an altitude of Lina's height. The maiden stands up and looked at the wand, waiting. Lina became somewhat surprise at the young woman, sensing that she had actually improved her psychic abilities, yet curiosity and impatience are getting the best of her, she really wish she can witness this. As for Gourry, well instead of paying attention to the scene, his gaze lays upon Sylphiel. Then the levitated rod started to slowly circling, like a compass needle, it ceased on north from where they stood.
"Okay since I can't see a friggin' thing, can someone please tell me what's goin' on?" she commanded as she taps her left foot.
"Oh...I'm sorry Miss Lina, my wand pointed north. I had a hard time finding a trace of his magical essence, it seems Mr. Zelgadiss journeyed at least a good month already." she caught the instrument before it fell to the floor.
"A month?! You mean to tell me that we just missed....*blink, blink*???? Wait....you can pickup anybody's magical essence just like that *snap fingers*?" now she's in full shock and impressed mode.
"Oh yes."
"But how, when and for how long were you able to do that?"
"Well, I think it's been about a couple of months after Miss Amelia, Mister Zelgadiss, Gourry-dear, and you left after Hellmaster's death. I was bored one day and thought I should practice more on my Astral perceptions...that's how I discovered my powers had grew."
"Wow...incredible. Hey Syl, have you ever cons..."
She would have continue if it wasn't for a certain blonde who happens to be sitting on the floor, asleep and snoring. Lina rolled her eyes as Sylphiel let out a soft sigh.
"Er....as you were saying Miss Lina?"
"Nevermind, just wake him up so we can leave this place."
She obeyed and managed to awaken him within a minute much to Lina's relief. And thus, they journeyed once more, only to halt two villages later for night's rest.
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*(1) quoted by that famous nautical bald spinach lover of old times, Popeye, the Sailorman (he belongs to Fleisher Studios, I think)
Hola Minna-San!!
Okie-dokie! This is supposed to be my first V-Day fic, but as usual, it's late. Sorry ^.^; Oh please let me know if thou likest it. Forgive me for my poor grammar and any mispellings and of course, our famed characters are most likely OOC.
++Disclaimers: Slayers don't belong to me....at all...but I'm hoping I'll win the Big Jackpot Lotto and buy off the rights....then I'll have the anime converted to the correct way, my way that is BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA* cough, cough* Ah damn it. Hooray for Lina and Zel! True Love For All Eternity!!
.....On with the fanfic! HAPPY BELATED VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!
Adios, ~Miss "L" ^_~
7/23/03
Grr..... I can't believe I did that! *sighs* Oh well.....no wonder I haven't any more reviews for this story, I forgot cht 1!! Thanx again Masaki!!! Man.....you're one terrific person for being so patient and informing me about this. Well ~~Bai~ Bai!!
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LOVE IS BLIND
Time had past since they split up to continue with each of their own regular everyday lives, that is with no major evil bad guys coming after them, or more specifically, Lina Inverse, beautiful sorcery genius extraordinaire. Sure, it was boring at times but hey, there are some days that would make up for it, many thanks to minor amateur villains and occasional bandits from time to time.
However, dull moments like the one she's having right now, she wishes she have someone else to talk to besides a certain longhaired blonde for her bodyguard. Yeah, that's what she need right now to keep her mind occupied in something else instead of arguing within her complaintive thoughts. She stopped pacing back and forth on the leaves-scattered road, gave a short sigh, and looked up at the midafternoon sky.
"Where in the world is Gourry?! He's supposed to meet me over half an hour ago! If he forgets....oooh...will he get it!" she yelled towards the sky.
"Get who what Lina?"
"Finally you're here! What took you so long?"
"Oh, well I was just helping some old folks fix the wheel from their wagon cart."
"Did you...nevermind...most likely you cost us another job to charity." decided not to finish the pointless question.
"But Lina....they're old and poor...."
"That's where we'll be too if you keep this up!"
The redhead let out a disgruntled sigh, giving up, and looked at the winding path that lays before them.
"Let's just go Mr. Generousity, I don't like to keep arguing with you else it'll be too dark to travel."
"Um...where are we going again?"
Lina restrained herself from Fireballing his rump back to the village they were in last night. She slowly counted to ten and making sure her thoughts were concentrating on pleasant things instead (a/n: I leave this to your imagination readers, and no hentai stuff).
"O...kay...." she keeps her voice in a deadly low tone and cracks her neck.
"We're going to check out the abandoned observatory like I told you three times earlier today and about thirty times these couple of days." she slowly explained to him like a teacher to a daycare child.
"Oh yeah... but I thought you said it was a laboratory?"
She rolled her garnet red eyes up. "Observatory...laboratory...same difference. The point is that we're seeking treasure and anything valuable that would tie us over til we get to a major town or city, and if we're lucky....they'll be bandits in our path."
"But Lina! The old people told me that that place is really bad."
"Yeah, yeah, I already know it's supposedly forbidden or something like that. But hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained (1), right? Now come on!"
The sorceress pulled the mercenary by his golden hair and towed him towards the slightly spooky forest. After walking for many miles, they finally sighted what Lina was looking for, in a distance, a large yet shambled building was camouflaged by the forest. The swordsman paused for a moment.
"I can see if from here." talking his proctectee after she walked right passed him.
"Good, keep walking."
"But Lina! They...."
"No buts Gourry, I already told you 'bout paying too close attention to what other people say too seriously."
He didn't say anything, he just obeyed her command. Yet, he felt like something is gonna happen, something bad. He walked closer to the little girl, just in case. The closer they stepped, the stronger the feeling, Now both are experiencing the same gutsy feeling, especially when the sounds of nature slowly fainted into nothing, growing darker, and more eerie with each step. Yet, one traveler ignored it while the other is too dense to go into deeper speculation.
They finally reached to the site where a grand structure once stood. Now weather-worned ruins, half broken walls, some parts of the ground crowned with pieces of concrete, and cracked columns covered in vines, lay in its stead. They carefully walked and cut thru the overgrown greenery and treaded it to the what it seems to be the main entrance that surprisingly enough, is still in tact.
The duo explorers ventured in to the desolate place where Lina had to cast a Lighting spell until Gourry found timber to use as a carrying torch. Each went to any room that may deem any sign of treasure and even those that don't, but all they could find were old and broken furniture and junk lain underneath dusty old white sheets. Tired and eyes strained (not to mentioned hungry), they stood in front of a large door.
"Okay Gourry, same as before and if we can't find anything remotely valuable, we're dumping this place and go to back to the village, got it?" as she opens the creaky door.
He gave a curt nod to her question and both went in. They were surprise to find that the area where they just entered is much bigger than the other rooms combined.
"Wow, this is a very big room." the mercenary waved his torch around as to prove the width and length of it.
Which caught the sharp eyes of the ever treasure-seeker.
"Hmm....it looks like whoever owned this place combined the main laboratory and library into one." she walked to the nearest book laden wall.
"What makes you think it's a laboratory too LinOW! Lina! That hurts!" the poor guy was hit on the head by aDUCK!
"OWOWOW! LINA!"
Receiving more thrown objects at him, they bounced and shattered on the floor. (Miss "L" *sighs at Sylphiel's beloved*: I tried to warn him.)
"Because of this *points to a large glass beaker* you Baka!" she flung at him however this time he dodged it. Er....can you tell she's growing frustrated, right?
"Alright Lina....I got it. Geesh...you didn't have to be so mean about it."
"Well if you didn't have to be so dense about things....grr....forget it....let's just get this over with, I'm very hungry and sick of this place. The sooner we do this, the sooner we get food."
"Aaah....fooood." he began to drool.
And thus, the magic words had awaken his senses to look for whatever makes the Dra-Matta happy. He drifted off to one spot, leaving Lina totally in the dark.
"That Yogurt Brain! Grr....*sigh* oh well...it's best if we do split up to cover the grounds more quickly. Lightning!"
The dimmed light grew bright enough to cover her radius. She starts to read the book bindings, pulled some of them from the shelves, and flipped thru them to see if they're keepers or not.
'Hmm...maybe Zel could use some of these...if that is, if I ever see him again....I hope so. Oh wow, I didn't know there's a beginner's guide to Elemental Shamanism.... Sylphiel could sure use this.'
After many chucked tomes, manuscripts, and books later, she later walked towards one of the few lab tables and carefully examine each chemical residued glass containers. She crinkled her nose as some of the familiar contents made her shudder, precisely when certain memories crept in her mind.
"Hey Lina! I think I found something!"
"What is it Oh-Mentally-Challenged One?" putting back a black vial on the dusty table.
"It looks like somekind of red rock or stone or something."
"Well? What are you waiting for? Bring it over here already."
As usual, he obeyed her command and brought over the questionable item to her.
"Are there anymore like these?"
She asked as she brought the stone up to her eyes as her light spell grew a tad brighter.
"No. That's the only thing I see that you'll like."
"Doesn't matter, it's not a real genuine gem anyway, just certain manmade compounds mixed in."
"Oh...it's a fake."
"By Jove, you understood what I just said."
"Bye who?"
"*sigh* Nevermind."
"Hey Lina....since there's nothing here....let's just leave, okay?" the feeling came back.
"Oh don't tell me that you're getting scared. Sheesh....you're worse than a woman." she smirks.
"Me? Naw...I just want to eat."
The smiling Lina counted to 30 while she looks at Gourry's facial expression slowly changing. Finally understanding at her sarcasm.
"Hey! What do you mean I'm worse than..."
"Oh yeah, it's time for dinner. Hmm...my stomach didn't even grumble. Weird." she interrupted his sentence.
"Well...isn't that a good thing?"
"......? Why you say that?"
"Cuz if it did, the walls probably would crash down on OWWWW!"
"SHUT UP!"
Gourry massages his large lump on the top of his head as Lina, grumbling, stomps off in another direction. Without paying attention to anything, her face bumped hard against a wall.
"Ouch! Damnit! Thanks alot G...huh?" as she rubbed her sore forehead, she found a circular indention right in the middle of it.
She massaged the bruise quickly, recasted her spell and with the bright glow she noticed somekind of a vault within the wall, with her gloved fingers, she dusted off the cobwebs and debris.
"Did you find something Lina?" he stood right next to her.
"Oh yeah. I bet there's valuable stuff in this safe."
The redhead rubbed her greedy little hands together as the fairheaded mercernary took a closer look at the wall, her eyes sparkled with her usual treasure lust in them.
"It looks small to me...hey what's with the hole?"
Lina shoved him out of her way to look and realized it was probably the one that matches with her unfortunate bump.
"I'm not sure."
"Maybe it's somekind of a keyhole or lock."
Lina blinked in total disbelievement.
"Wow Gourry....twice today....I think there's still hope for you yet and don't you dare ask me anything else of what I just said." she gave him a warning look once she saw the familiar expression.
"Um...okay." he forgotten anyway, besides, he was beginning to feel sleepy. He yawned as he crossed his shoulders against his chest.
The sorceress supreme inspected it closer and found that he did guess it correctly,
"Now the only problem is: Where's the key?"
Slyphiel's sweetheart didn't pay too much heed to the babbling girl, in fact he's falling asleep and when Lina turn around to ask why he didn't answer her question, her eyebrows began to twitch....
"Wake up Jellyfish Brains!" she yelled right in his large ears.
"Ahhhhhhh! I'm awake! I'm awake!"
His big blue horrified, eyes saw the gritting-teeth-clenched-fists-Bandit Killer staring up at him and tapping her feet.
"Well? I'm waiting."
'Uh oh....she's pretty mad....and she's waiting for something....uh....'
His brain is quickly trying to remember what she asked before she do some serious damage to him.
"The phony stone?"
Poor thing, too much pressure, and sensing that he did indeed give the wrong answer when Lina's stressmark appeared on the side of her head. He starts to prepare for the worse and hid his head between his arms.
"YOU STUPID...*pause, blink, blink* maybe...." her hand held the artificial gem before the hole as her mood steadily calmed down.
"This might actually work. Good thinking although I doubt you were listening."
Lina carefully inserted the jewel into the cavity, it fitted perfectly. The joined key glowed in a blood reddish color, making the two covering their eyes. Once the glow subsided,
"That's it?! Is that all it could do?!....I'VE BEEN HAD! Damnit! All that work for nothing...."
"Maybe you need to push it in further or turn it?"
"Damn it Gourry.....why didn't I think of these simple things before you did?"
He shrugged his shoulders, he knows better than to say something he'll later regret. The black magic user tries pushing it in but it won't go any further, so she tries the second option.
"How would you turn this thing..." she grumbled.
A strange voice crept in her mind....
'Remove your glove and touch the key...'
She wildly turns around to see who was speaking, there was only Gourry, falling asleep again, against one of the books. She shrugs her shoulders and follow directions.
'Besides, what's the worse it could happen? I've been thru narrower escapes where I get out without a scratch.' she removed her glove from her right hand.
As her delicate fingers touched the stone, it grew brighter by the second. Once her skin contacted the smooth surface, the safe's door shifted and slowly opened with the sounds of stone grinding against stone, powdered debris falls to the ground. Needless to say, Lina observed as she jumped back a bit, fascinated to see what kind of expensive booty lays in the safe. It halted, then another golden glow appeared but inside the safe, curious and entranced, Lina got closer to it until she sees an old-looking scroll. As her hand grabbed the yellowed parchment, a brilliant flash of light appeared without a warning, blinding her. She screamed which awaken Gourry to a full alert.
"Lina! Lina! What's wrong?!" with his sword ready on hand, he ran to her kneeled form as her hands covered her stinging eyes.
"I....I don't know....all I can remember was....." slowly opening her eyes, she shakily yet slowly stands up, feeling dizzy and nauseous once the black, grey, red, and white tiny dots appeared in her vision.
"Lina!"
She collapsed in the middle of her sentence but not before her bodyguard catches her. He quickly carried her with the paper tightly in her hand, out of the laboratory...observatory...whatever, out of the creepy forest, until he found a stream where its safe. Just as he was about to grab a handful of cool water and splash it on her face (luckily for her), she wakes up.
"Oooh...my head....where are we?" she placed her left hand gingerly on the side of her head.
"We're far away from that place Lina."
"Egads Gourry, it's pitch black....light up that torch will ya....my head hurts too much to even cast a small spell."
He blinked, well he knows it's late and all, but it's not that dark enough to burn a torch.
"But Lina....it's not that dark....there's still light, as a matter of fact if we leave now, we can go back to that village."
"Have you flipped your lid? It's midnight....with no moon, stars, not even shadows....." her voice drifted off.
"Lina?"
He looked at the silent redhead quizzically. She sat and trying to make sense why there are no light from the constellations nor the moon.
"Now I remember....that bright light...of course, that explains everything."
"Explain everything about what?"
"Well, I'm blind."
"You can't see at all? Oh no! That's bad...how ar...."
"Chill out Gourry, it's just temporary. I'll give two to three days tops when I get my complete sight back."
He looked doubtful, but since Lina is always right about things all of the time....well, almost, he just hopes this happens to be one of them. They headed back to the village, rented the same rooms they had before, and ordered enough for the girl to feel more satiated and the swordsman were able to pick up certain tricks that involve having more than his share of dinner. Afterwards, they headed for their rooms, but Lina being Lina, he could only tell her the directions, step by step, and Gourry being Gourry, his reward was receiving many lumps and a black eye to match along with her stubbed toes and bruises.
*******************************************************
Two weeks later, during their many travels, they had encountered a burly group of bandits who made a unpleasant surprise on them. As her protector was fighting off them off, Lina had tried to defend herself against the ones he missed by using her sword. They found out after a couple of far off casted Flare Arrows, that's she blind and tried to kill her right then and there, so she can only do what she had to do. The Bandit Killer end up not only killing and incapicitated the thugs but also managed to hurt her companion. She kept apologizing to him as she casted Recovery the best she could since white spells aren't her strong point, feeling worse everytime she heard him trying to stifle his pain whenever she's around. He can walk and do what he usually can do that doesn't involve in lifted heavy object nor can he do sudden movements, otherwise he felt the sharp pains jabbing him. He already done it a couple of times and Lina had to heal his reopened wounds again. She never did forgive herself for that, but he understands that it was just an accident.
Days had come and go as they decided to just stay in a village nearby where they were attacked.
Knock
Knock
Knock
"Hey Lina! We got your breakfast ready."
"Hurry up....I'm starving."
The young blonde man opened the door first, allowing the inn keeper's wife entered first and then him, both carrying food laden trays that were not too heavy for either of them, especially for the still injured man. The visitors saw the poppyred haired girl sitting up on the bed in her flannels.
"Hello dear, how are you feeling this morning? Better I hope."
"I'm fine Mrs. Dyshi. Any news on the Traveling Healer?"
"Oh yes, the Healer is supposed to arrive either today or tomorrow. Well, all is set, until lunch, good day Miss Lina, Master Gourry."
The kind woman left the two and went on with her business.
"Here you go Lina."
He set the tray before her, tells her what's what, their position, and handed her the eating utensils.
Instead of her usual manners, she ate more slowly, with less interest. It's not because her friend had already eaten his full eight course meal and it's not because of her handicap. With a sigh, she pushes the tray away from her, and of course anyone who hangs around the Chaos Child...
"Is there anything wrong with the eggs? Or is it the bacon and sausage?"
"No, no....the food is fine Gourry."
"Maybe it's the griddle cakes....they did kinda made me burp....OW!" he massages he forehead.
"Wow Lina...your getting better..."
"Shut up Moldy Zombie....I'm just not hungry." she sighed again and crossed her arms without a care as he removed the tray.
"But you said you were starving...."
"I only said that so Mrs. Dyshi wouldn't fuss over me again."
Gourry looked at her silent form, most likely thinking about something.
"You're thinkin' bout that paper again, aren't you Lina?"
"*sigh* Hai. That stupid scroll....nobody knows what it says nor is there a library where the language can be translated, what really bugs me is that I can't see what's written."
"Oh. But I thought you said that they told you that there's no writing, just bumps."
"I know what I said. It's somekind of an old language of sorts...that's my guess anyways from that description."
Lina doesn't have to use her eyesight to figure that he isn't paying attention, again. She heard his footsteps receding towards the window and with a click, they're open. Oh well, he might as well leave her alone to allow her to ponder on the nerve-wrecking enigma.
"Gourry....why don't you go and do something....."
"HEY! HEY!!!! YA YOU!! UP HERE!!" he waved his hands wildly outside the opened window.
'Wha?' "Gourry who in the world...."
"YEAH.... HI! COME ON UP!!"
"GOURRY! Who in nine hells did you invite to come in here?!"
"Ah...don't worry Lina....everything's okay now."
"Okay he says. Sure why not....for all I know this person can be a bandit, a serial killer or a FRIGGIN' VENGEFUL MAZUKO!!"
She resigned....she trusts Gourry, even though he's a doesn't have much memory span in his brain. He knows the difference between good and bad guys, but just in case, she silently casted a Fireball.
Knock
Knock
He went to open the door with a certain happy gait to it. She furrowed her eyebrow as she heard the door opened, the magic grew larger, her hand itching to throw it.
"Hi! Oh it's great to see you again, come on in."
"Grr....Gouuuurrr...." hoping he would mention who it is first before letting the stranger in first, she raised her Fireball to the entrance.
"Thank you Gourry-dear."
????
"Sylphiel? Is that you?" she blinked as she recognized the familiar voice from her past, the magic spell extinguished right away once she was surprised.
Footsteps of a gentle nature walked towards her bed and gave the petite gal a warm hug. The sorceress returns the caring gesture.
"It's wonderful seeing you again Miss Lina. How is your eyesight?"
Both the sorceress and the mercenary are surprised.
"How do you..."
"Well, Miss Lina and Gourry-dear...you see (a/n: no pun intended), I'm the traveling Healer."
"Wow! Really?"
"Of course you Nitwit! Remember, she brought yours truly back to life. I'm proud of you Syl, you do have an extraordinary gift. Er...you're not gonna charge a good ol' friend, are ya? You know....for good times sake."
"Ah Lina!"
The young ravenhaired giggled. "Oh no....all my work is of a charitable nature."
"*sigh* Of course it is....well, at least I won't be billed."
"Gourry-dear, can you please leave the room, I want to check on Miss..."
"Wait! Sylphiel...heal him first."
"What's wrong with Gourry-dear?" she voiced her concerned.
"Nothin' is wrong with me."
"Oh yeah? Gourry....come here."
He did what he was told, when she felt that he's near enough....
"Yeah LinaAaahhhh!"
She punched him in the ribbed area. He hunched over in pain.
"Whatcha do that*wince* for?"
"Oh no! Let me heal you Gourry-dear.."
She removed his shirt, ignoring her burning cheeks, she unwrapped his bandages and quickly casted Recovery on him. The pain had left him as his injuries are completely healed. Now it's Lina's turn.
"Now you can go Chucklehead."
"What for? She can do that while I'm still here." feeling that he should do his bodyguard/brotherly thing for her.
"No way! I'm not gonna let you...."
"It's alright Gourry-dear, I need Miss Lina to be free from uncomfort and tense."
"Well....*wheels turning* I guess it's okay then....I'm gonna get somethin' to eat. Bye."
And thus he left in two seconds as she asks our heroine how did it occur. The Sairagg maiden starts with her usual magical preparations on her while she explains what happened. She examined the infamous Bandit Killer from head to toe, and she still can't find a reason why Lina still remained blind. So, Sylphiel super charged her abilities into a more astral aspect to it, she gasped in shock.
"What? What's wrong, Syl?'
"I....I don't know how exactly I can explain this Miss Lina....but it's a curse."
"Ah great....just terrific....I got a stupid curse....now how in the world do I find the cure?!"
"If only Rezo the Red Priest was still alive...oh and not evil, he would have cured you, or at least, find a cure for you."
The vertically challenged lass rubbed her face and starts to think. Then she smiled....
"How about the settling for the closet kin who also happens to have knowledge of any leads on many cures?"
She blinked at Lina. "You mean Mister Zelgadiss?"
"Bingo. Now the only problem is where he can be found, that is, if he didn't find his obsession yet. Come on Syl....help me get me dressed and tell Gourry to pack up, we're leaving to go find our elusive chimera now."
"Um....Miss Lina? Can I join you and Gourry-dear?" feeling a bit embarrased for asking her. With her deepest heartache, she has already accepted the fact that the powerful sorceress and her secret love will always be together, but Sylphiel wanted to join the duo to help her learn more on traveling and also to keep her from getting bored. She braced herself for the let-down.
"Of course! When I say we...I mean all three of us. There's no way I'm gonna be left alone with Mr. Kurage...especially since I can't see to beat his rear end up!"
"Oh thank you Miss Lina!" she smiled.
"Besides, I'm pretty sure Gourry wouldn't allow you traveling by yourself now that he knows what you're doing." she smirks at the confused shrine maiden.
By late afternoon, the Slayers trio prepared everything that is need for their journey, including a monstrous supply of food. Off they went to search the Cure Hunter Expert a.k.a Zelgadiss Greywers in the Desert of Destruction.
A month had passed by, the elusive chimera is nowhere to be found.
"Damn it!!!! Where in L' Sama's creations can he be?!"
"This is very confusing indeed. Many people said that they seen him going north from here..."
"Yeah, but others say he went west. Oh hell....by the time we find him, I'll have a sign around my neck and beg money for a lifetime. *thinks* Hmm...."
"Oh no Miss Lina...please don't do that! Please don't get upset and disappointed, I'm certain we can find him soon enough, I can feel it."
"Hey Lina....who are we looking for*thump* OWWWW!!!! LINA!"
"You Big Ignoramus!!! How could you forget 'bout Zel that quick! He's like one of your best buddies and comrade!"
"Miss Lina! Please don't over exert yourself! Remember your illness!"
Sylphiel rushed not only to save her Gourry-dear from Lina's many lucky thrashes, but also to get the short tempered girl to relax before she passes out again. Why you asked? Try to imagine if you're in Lina's shoes, (Miss L: No Gourry....not literary, yes I know she wears boots....it's just a phrase people use..huh? Just forget it Gourry.) you have our favorite ex-Swordsman of Light who you just recently found out that he was snatching up most of your favorite food, keep dodging your Slipper bops and uses things to subsitute for his body and feiging pain, keeps forgetting that you can't see, still makes chest comments, and gives lousy sense of directions? Lina's temper can only go so far, far enough to wanting to Giga Slaving him. Fortunately for you, you have a sane person who happens to be a master healer despite the fact that she's a little too naive at certain things, but nonetheless, helps you from going off the cliff or even commit murder.
"Fine." she stormed off.
The other two just looked at the hotheaded chick and followed her. They finally stopped when her steamed cooled off.
"Lina?"
"Shut up Gourry....I'm in an okay mood right now, so don't ruin it."
"But why can't Sylphiel just use that stick of hers to find Zel?"
The two confused girls just blink, their fine eyebrows arched, and finally understood what he meant.
"Ooooh." the pretty bishoujos exclaimed.
"I don't think it's a good idea, it's too far of a range and..."
"I could give it a try Miss Lina."
"Can you really do it?"
"All I have to do is concentrate from where he was seen last."
She smiled at their smiling leader, there's still hope left to find him. They returned to the small village where he was rumored he stayed at. The damsel kneeled and pulled out her wand that her father had given her. The wand is in mid float, her hands cupped around it, and began with a silent prayer, focusing her energy to the possible directions the chimera had traveled to. The bodyguard observed and marveled at Syl's talent. Lina can feel her friend's pulsating, glowing powers growing. The citizens passed by them like they're not even there, which is really a good thing so they won't get bothered and she can keep her concentration steady.
Just when it seems forever, the Healer finally found the focal point and released her all of bridled energy. Her slightly illuminious blue wand floated higher above her head, and stopped at an altitude of Lina's height. The maiden stands up and looked at the wand, waiting. Lina became somewhat surprise at the young woman, sensing that she had actually improved her psychic abilities, yet curiosity and impatience are getting the best of her, she really wish she can witness this. As for Gourry, well instead of paying attention to the scene, his gaze lays upon Sylphiel. Then the levitated rod started to slowly circling, like a compass needle, it ceased on north from where they stood.
"Okay since I can't see a friggin' thing, can someone please tell me what's goin' on?" she commanded as she taps her left foot.
"Oh...I'm sorry Miss Lina, my wand pointed north. I had a hard time finding a trace of his magical essence, it seems Mr. Zelgadiss journeyed at least a good month already." she caught the instrument before it fell to the floor.
"A month?! You mean to tell me that we just missed....*blink, blink*???? Wait....you can pickup anybody's magical essence just like that *snap fingers*?" now she's in full shock and impressed mode.
"Oh yes."
"But how, when and for how long were you able to do that?"
"Well, I think it's been about a couple of months after Miss Amelia, Mister Zelgadiss, Gourry-dear, and you left after Hellmaster's death. I was bored one day and thought I should practice more on my Astral perceptions...that's how I discovered my powers had grew."
"Wow...incredible. Hey Syl, have you ever cons..."
She would have continue if it wasn't for a certain blonde who happens to be sitting on the floor, asleep and snoring. Lina rolled her eyes as Sylphiel let out a soft sigh.
"Er....as you were saying Miss Lina?"
"Nevermind, just wake him up so we can leave this place."
She obeyed and managed to awaken him within a minute much to Lina's relief. And thus, they journeyed once more, only to halt two villages later for night's rest.
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*(1) quoted by that famous nautical bald spinach lover of old times, Popeye, the Sailorman (he belongs to Fleisher Studios, I think)