THE KERMESSE
Part 4
The sun has set and the full moon was raised in the sky when the two couples walked and talked. All four of them were ready to go on their own separate ways, however, Ura did something to Yayoi that made her flushed, infuriating her in the process. She pulled out the beads and successfully snuck it around the smirking prince's neck, which fortunately for everyone, there were just them. With a puff of white smoke, Lina and Zelgadiss witnessed the transformation.
Blink, Blink, Blink, Blink
Eyes adjusting and an unsuspected squeal later…..
"Aw!! He's so kawaii!" looking at a scowling little furry monster.
The Natural Enemy of All That Lives, picked up the cat, hugged him, and started to scratch behind his ear…which was rewarded with a purr….(1)
"Stop that!!! *purr, purr* I'm a Demon Prince! I order you to stop human! *purr, purr* I will eat you!" he continued to purr despite his threats and complaints.
"He can talk?" looking a bit of a mixture of surprise and impressed.
"I know. You wouldn't think he's that adorable with all the grief he gives me." she smiled and pet him on top of his soft furry head.
The cat stared at her. "I could say the same goes for you. Remember it's all your fault what I become! How can I be strong enough to defeat my enemies and be King if I'm in this wretched form?!"
"What a shame that his vocabulary is extensive. Maybe you should put him down Lina, you don't know if he have fleas or what he has come in contact with."
Watching Ura's reaction as he smirked. The fur ball hissed at him.
"Zelgadiss! Would you quit picking on him!" hugging the black tom cat.
"I would listen to your friend here." kitty-smiling at the chimera as he snuggled to her a little closer.
As he was ready to make some more statements, he paused for a moment while his little head nuzzled in the sorceress' hand so that she would scratch him so more. A little too close for his own good. His smirking was soon turned upside down.
"Ah…a little more to the left….aaahh…right there *purr, purr* that feels so good…." keeping one open eye at Zelgadiss, who is frowning and growing more jealous of the slick mazuko's scheme at each second.
Mr. Mystical Swordsman decided to simply closed his eyes not only to stop watching Ura's brazen moves but to wonder on his sudden transformation. He's astonished as to how that happened. He wished his curse would worked as simple as like that. As much as he doesn't want to, he decide to observe the cursed daemon at a closer range. Zel opened his eyes and begin to examine him. The longer he looked at the cat, face to face, the harder it is for him to stifle his laugh. His uncovered his left eye began to twitch.
"What do you want whelp? Are willingly ready to painfully die from my awesome powers?" looking very serious with those slit feline eyes as the girls watched the two with an arched brow.
That did it. It first started as a chuckle then soon became laughter so hard, that tears start rolling down from his eyes. The cat gave him a dark glower.
"This…haha…this is…your…*snicker* your cursed side?!"
"Shut up! I would appreciate it if you do not tell anyone about this….this problem."
"Don't worry Ura….me and him are usually very good with keeping secrets, right Zel."
She started to wave a long stemmed weed in front of the kitty's face which seems to help him calm down and distracted as he starts to bat it around, making him look cuter. She smiled at such an adorable sight. However, the chimera didn't give a response, she turned to see him debating at the question. At least he stopped laughing.
"I said we are good with keeping secrets." saying it a little louder.
No response, she practically shoved the cat to Yayoi and stormed towards where he stands.
"Zelgadiss Greywers! When I said we keeping this a secret…I mean it!"
"I know…I was just waiting for you to give that sneaky, little, seducing mazuko back to Yayoi."
"Then why didn't you say anything?"
"Would you have listened to me?"
"…..?"
"Exactly."
"What difference does it make…and why would you care if I had Ura in my arms?" crossing her arms to emphasize her point.
"If you like me to stay in your arms, I will be more than happy to oblige Lina." he jumped out of the young pretty spiritualist's embrace and sprinted towards to the sorceress. As he was ready to leap into her unfolded soft appendages and warm upper body….
"I don't think so."
He felt a strong hand grabbing hold onto the scruff of his neck. His arms…er…paws…
whatever, cross folded against his chest in defeat.
"Release me you poor excuse of a demon."
"Zel! Let him go! He's just a harmless kitten!"
'Harmless my a…' "Do not be fooled by his innocent demeanor." he handed him to Yayoi.
"He's right Miss Lina…he does have very strong powers but only when he's released fromOuch." he almost fell out of her hold.
"HEY! Watch it! You nearly dropped me!"
"Well it wouldn't happen if you didn't bit me!"
"I didn't have to bite you're tongue almost slip out my secrets!"
"Oh. I almost forgot." placing a finger on her mouth.
The black cat gave her a certain hard look.
"It's getting late, we better take our leave. I assume you also must go before your reservation expire." wishing to depart before this 'innocent looking' cat would try to succeed in seducing Lina within his cunning grasps.
"Oh right."
"You know, I'm actually going to miss you, Yayoi. You're a change from the company I take charge of."
Now it was his turn to look at his "leader" with a cocked eyebrow. 'That you take charge of?'
She smiled at a possible new friend, "Arigato…I hope to see you again Lina." holding the cursed demon closer to her as she bowed respectively.
"And I don't know if I should miss you or whack you for being so….so…"
"Charming? Sexy? Handsome?" the cat guised devil looked up at her as she sweat drop.
Another roll of laughter came from the chimera, which annoyed both the sorceress and the cat.
"Damn it Zel! I don't know what got in to you today…but you're starting to worry me."
She bopped him on the head.
"Ow!" they both yelped in pain as each one nursed their bruises.
"When will you ever remember that my body is made out of stone, Lina?" holding on to her hand so as to cast a healing spell on it.
"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, you're too overbearing, egotistical, ugh…Yayoi must be a saint for putting up with you."
"Funny, I was about to say the same about thing about you to your chimera."
"How would you like to take a swim in the water Fish Breath?" 'So far for being an adorable kitty.'
"I am willing to help you." he grinned.
"Ura! I thought I told you to stop being mean. How would like it if I won't you get those shrimp crackers you like so much."
"Very well, then. I'll behave myself."
There was many a stomach rumbling. Sweat dropping, they decided to say their farewells again and depart to their own destinations.
The girl and her black cat walked towards a path that led to where they're reservations are held at.
"Ura?"
"Yes Yayoi." looking up at her.
"I've been meaning to ask you why you laughed when we help Miss Valerie with Miss Lina's and Mister Zelgadiss' names?"
The corner of his mouth slid to the right.
"Remember how I told you I have met a perky yet rather bothersome girl?"
She blinked. "Well, yes but I also told you stop talking unkindly about her."
"If you were only there to listen to her speeches, you would change your mind. Honestly, I have never met anyone so full of sugary energy."
The Sazuka's descendent frowned. "We forgot to let Mister Zelgadiss know that she's been looking for him and to give him a message."
"Something tells me that he doesn't really care that Miss Amelia Wil Tesla de Saillune is searching for him. Besides, I don't think he's going to oblige her requests."
"Hmm….I wonder if Miss Lina and Mister Zelgadiss will be happy and end up together. It looks like they do have feelings for each other…."
"Who knows and who cares. Let's go….I have a taste for fish." licking his mouth.
"Um….let's find somewhere private to be at, first."
His ears perked up. "Oh…private you say….are you ready to give me your powers? Ouch!"
She blushed as she rapped his head. "I don't mean it that way! If you want to eat, don't you think you need to change back?" She looks around for a spot far from prying eyes.
"There." and went toward a dark alley.
Now it was his turn to blink. 'What's with this girl? She's actually letting me return to a human form so that I can enjoy the meal?'
Once that's done, he calmly walked with her into the restaurant. After dinner, they left the Slayers world and back to earth. (a/n: I didn't want to give more detail due to the fact that this is suppose to be a short fic plus the main theme is with Lina and Zelly-boy.)
With Lina's stomach continuous rumbles, the pair were finally able to reach at a restaurant that looks less packed from the rest. But they had to stop at the front desk and…
"Your name sir?" looking at the list.
???? They looked at a older gentleman in a black formal suit, white shirt, and black tie who was still waiting for his response.
"Er…Zelgadiss Greywers."
"Oh but of course, we had a bit of a problem with the some of the conditions of your reservation but all went well. We have your table ready for yourself and your lovely date, sir. Please follow me." taking menus along with him.
Confused and yet curious as to how they came to getting a quick reservation, they followed him with no complaints. They were lead to a quiet, lightly illuminated terrace where a beautiful yet simple table, have a set of china and silver ware, a large red rose in a slim crystal vase and a single candle lit, set.
'Great….this is suppose to be regular dinner and it came out to be romantic one instead!' were the thoughts of the couple.
"Here you go." as he was ready to pull a seat for Lina, Zel reached to her first. Once she is settled, he sat down. He shrugged his shoulders and gave them their menus.
"The waitress will be here shortly to take your order and don't worry sir, I remember to place the bill to the Saillune kingdom. Enjoy your dinner Master Zelgadiss and Lady Amelia." he left as they remain dumbfounded.
"Lady…Amelia? Wait one minute there buddy!"
"Hold your tongue Lina." barely managing to have his words seething out his mouth.
"But you heard what he said!"
"Yes I did. Which means this is yet, another plan for Amelia to have me take her to a romantic dinner." he sat there, looking a little livid at yet another dishonest trick.
"Fine." she pouted. Then a thought crossed her mind.
"Oh well…we might as well enjoy it." grabbing the napkin and placed across her lap.
"We should leave here. She is the one who placed this reservation and…"
"Relax Zel. After all, we are getting a free meal out of this." smiled slyly.
He didn't realize it sooner, he smiled as well.
"Quite. It would be shameful to leave this lovely and quiet place, especially when the little feast is gratis."
"I say your little plan is now becoming a bigger and better one, don't you think?"
He nodded in agreement.
Their waitress arrived and brought them a refined champagne in a bucket of ice, which they were bit startled. She grabbed the bottle and tried to pull the cork out only to fail after each miserable attempts. The sophisticated shaman asked for it and popped the cork with such ease that left the girl a bit enthralled at his strength. He starts to pour into their glasses and each took a sip. Their orders have been placed and a weeping server left them to get their food ready. She wanted to relax and decided to remove her rather bulky cloak before her meal(s) arrive.
"Don't you think you over did it with the orders?"
"No. Didn't you see the size for any of them? They're lucky enough I haven't order quadruple or even sextuple portions with the hunger I have."
"I guess you're right."
They sat there in silence.
"So…"
"So…" returning the same tone.
She stares the white table linen. 'Silk….go figures.'
Okay, he needs to change his sulky mood and begin talking with her, otherwise this would be a very boring date…er….evening. She mentally shook off her mental slip up. She has a feeling that someone is watching her, she looked up to see a dark aquamarine looking at her. Then, their eyes mirrored the others. He raised his hand and started to reach towards her cheek. Her heart quickens as it drew closer and closer until it was until she closed her eyes, waiting for something that she a shimmer of hope, would be amazing. A somewhat callous finger gently touched her and then quickly remove. Her eyes opened suddenly to see….
"I…it…your flower, I wanted to put in water…" he blushed.
"Oh…yeah…thank you." blushing as well and see him pour some water from the vase into a small dish where he place the cherry blossom in.
Silence …momentarily.
"Er…so how about the champagne? I can't believe this girl had practically have every detail plan out. I'm surprised she didn't have a violinist come this way and…."
"Hold that thought Lina. I'll be back."
Bemused, she see him got out of his chair and left towards the way they entered. She drank a little more of the bubbly, sparkling, white wine as she wait for him. Moments later he returned, looking relieved.
"What happened?"
"It's what you said." he sat back down and pull closer to the table.
Blink, blink, blink.
"She didn't."
"Yes, she did. I explain to them politely that I rather have a quiet evening to ourselves after all and preferably to disregard the 'other details'."
"You're joking?!" she almost laughed out loud.
He looks at her solemnly.
"What's the other stuff she asked for?"
"Besides the violinist, she also required a small orchestra to play, after dinner, by the terrace so that we may dance together, roses for her from me, after the complete dinner, there would be a serenade, and a shower of flower petals showered above our heads as we dance and, supposedly, when I profess my love to her."
"Ack….I love Amelia and all, but that's just too sugary romantic for me. I'm sure if Xellos was here, he would either cry from laughing so hard at you or he would starve to death from Amelia."
The waitress arrived with a busboy carrying a small folding table of sorts where he had to put the food on there. They quickly placed their orders in front of them and the delicious aroma wafted underneath their noses.
"Oh good! I thought I have to eat this table if you guys didn't hurry up!" she started digging in the first piece of food that reached to her first.
The restaurant employees' eyes popped out not only at her comment but also at her ferocious appetite.
"She is just jesting and very hungry. This is her way of thanking you and I like to thank you as well."
The workers felt relieved at his calming words.
"Is there anything you would like, Mister Greywers?"
"Not at the moment and I will let you know if I do, thank you."
They left the couple alone to their dinner. After he was halfway done eating his main meal, which happens to be Lina finishing off her second plate with an amazing, graceful way….
"What shall we do after this?" unknowingly she spoke in a sensually soft tone.
"Eh?!" letting out a nervous response.
"I mean after today. We yet haven't seen Amelia and there's no sign of Jelly-Fish brains." she cocked an eyebrow at him, confused at his unintelligible answer.
"Oh…well…I guess we should look for the two of them and leave." He sipped his drink to calm his inner scoldings.
"Ok! I heard there's a underground grotto where there lays curious goods. We could check it out first thing tomorrow after breakfast of course." she happily suggested as she started on her third portion.
"Lina, did you forget we both arrive here for different reasons?"
"Of course not, but apparently you did forget about your little revenge on your admirer?"
'Hmm…I did forget...' "No, I haven't. With any luck, Gourry and Amelia would see each other and hopefully the two would think to look for us."
"Hah! I doubt that our persistent princess would ever give up on searching for you. She actually reminds me of you when you're in those moods to look for your cure." softly looking at him.
He sat there quietly, not contemplating but more like stewing over being reminded of Saillune's heir's scheme. Which fortunately for him, didn't last long before he responded and Miss Inverse makes another smart a! remark when the woman, accompanied with a busboy to help clear out the dishes.
"Wait, not this one." She took back the little dish much to Zel's surprise. Once the table is cleared…
"Alright. Are you ready for dessert?"
"Hmm…I don't know what I am in the mood for...what about you, Zel? What do you have a taste for?"
'I could go for something …or more specifically, an extraordinary sorcerEEEEEHHH!!! Stop it!! This is no way for me to behave so boorish and wantonly! Damn that Ura…he must have infected me somehow…'
Lina arched her eyebrow at him. He was just there, arms crossed, and not listening to her which was apparent since he didn't answer her. Then there was that certain look in his eye that reminded her so much of that cursed demon prince when he was coquettish with her and Yayoi. Oh…what's with the blush, she thought.
'Wow, I never knew Mr. Stoic would ever have those kind of feelings. I wonder how often he gets them? Well, he is a guy and it's pretty normal for him to be that way….wait a minute! Did…did I just defended his behavior?! Damn it!! Why am I being….ugh! I give up….and I'm getting a headache now.'
"Nothing really."
His voice startled out of her inner battle.
"Well, I would like to try something different. What kind of dessert you have today?" hopefully that would lighten her mood and forget the tension that pounded within the walls of her skull.
"We have a variety of fruit pies, cakes, petit fours, crème brûlée, meringue…."
"When I said different, I mean as in not the usual kind of desserts." 'As much as they sound very good, I think I'm in the mood for something exotic.'
"Well, we have a new cook, he's seems to know some weird but tasty concoctions. I think he wanted to make something called a fruit flambé (2) all day, but nobody asked for it yet." saying it rather interestingly.
"Fruit flambé?"
"It has strawberries, pineapples, and bananas in a special brandy sauce that when ignited, the flavors meld within each other and thus, bring forth a unique taste." remembering the words of the culinary co-worker.
"That does sounds good…I'll have that, please!"
She sprinted off to place the order.
"You would like to have fire near you even without your magic, don't you?"
"What can I say, I like to play with fire." she flipped her red hair at him.
"So that makes you a pyromaniac, then?"
"I would watch what you say, Mr. Greywers…remember, you married one." grinning on the intent of her words.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Which I guess that means I'm a masochist."
"Don't say things like that!" she hurriedly covered his mouth "You're gonna give me a bad rep!"
"Humph..gen dyo…"
"Huh?"
He pointed to her and then to his face.
"Oops…sorry." she sat back down.
"Here you go."
Placing a small bowl of whipped cream and the platter of fruit in front of her face. The tired waitress lifted the lid and…
"Ah good…I…hey? Where's the fire?"
"Give her a moment Lina, she's not done yet."
As on cue, she used a long stick match to ignite the sauce. Lina was kinda impressed since she could barely see the blue flames wavering. Moments later, the waitress used the lid of the platter to extinguish it. Once that is done, she left the two alone, since it's usually around dessert where young couples in love tend to be more romantic and would appreciate to be left in privacy.
"That's it? I was hoping for a more of a showy demonstration."
"You're just not expecting it to be utilize as more of simplistic exhibition instead of destruction."
"Shut up." ignoring the mirth in his tone.
Lina forked a big strawberry for her first taste. She sniffed it and gently trying to test the temperature with the tip of her tongue so she won't get burned. Unbeknownst to her, she has a certain mysterious fellow companion who is just sitting there, intrigued with her innocent behavior. Satisfied with it being cooled enough, she dipped it into the cream, and nibbled the end, allowing the bit of the berry's juice mixed with both the brandy and the topping, dripped onto her rosy lips. She licked it up carefully before they dribbled down to her chin. He intently observed the private show that his "wife" performed while at the same time, his mind is torn between the wish of that they're really married (with her full consent of course) and demeaning himself for still being in the form of a monster.
"Mmm…this isn't bad." licking more before she took another bite.
'Damn that demon to the deepest bowls of hell!' his thoughts just got dirtied up again.
"Would like to try some Zel." noticing he was staring intently at her.
"Ahm…sure."
He was distracted enough to just let out plain response. Lina smiled and picked another liquored strawberry and dipped it into the bowl long enough to give a nice fluffy crown. She placed in front of his face.
"Here you go."
He awaken to see the red and white piece that she is holding and he continued to stare at the thing, until he decided to shut his eyes.
"Er…no thank you."
She began to feel tired and annoyed that he changed his mind after being so nice to him by offering her dessert. All he's been doing what he does all the time…sitting quietly and just being stoic.
'I'll fix that.' she grinned.
She got up and brought the chair closer to him. His ears pricked at hearing the sounds of clothing rustling and a chair being moved. Next he knew, Lina was sitting a little too close for comfort.
"Zelgadiss…." her warm breath tickled his pointy ear. The sorceress saw his response after seeing the tinge on his cheeks and ears.
She continued, "I have this lovely strawberry that I, unselfishly picked for you, waiting for you to eat it. Why don't you try it? You might actually like it." teasingly waving the said fruit in front of his blushing face.
'What is this woman doing? I'm barely restraining myself with these perverted thoughts and she is simply teasing me in such a manner…I have to put a stop to this before something will happen that soon turn to regret.'
"Lina…please stop."
Her eye sparkled with victory. 'Gotcha!' "Not until you eat this strawberry I got for you."
"Lina…"
"Now, now…you know I'm going to win so why continue with this debate?" she winked at him.
"You don't always win Lina."
"Would you like to prove me wrong, Zelly-chan."
As they were ready to do the battle of the wits, in came the waitress ready to attend them again.
"Ooops…sorry…I'll come back later…"
"No, everything is fine. You may remove…"
"I'll like to take this with me."
"Ok. I'll be back with it." taking the rest of the redhead client's unfinished treat.
Lina took the opportunity as she still have the strawberry.
"Zzeell…." speaking in a sweet tone.
He looked at her, somewhat startled at her voice. "Um…yes, Lina?"
"Please, try it….for me?"
"*sigh* Lina…I already told you…"
He stopped once he saw her expression. He doesn't if it was either the moonlight or the candles, maybe a little of both. The tints of her red hair practically glittered as it gently snug her face, softening her features Her garnet orbs, held a gentle and genuine sincerity to them. It almost took his breath away.
As for the most powerful sorceress of the entire planet, she couldn't help but try to butter him up. However, she couldn't help but look at his features, admiring at his inner ability to help and be concern with others, despite his inner demons would always contradict his kind actions. She knows that how he is and why he does it.
'All he wanted is to be himself without anyone reproaching him with pitchforks or any other arsenal. That's why he strive so hard through out so many years to build his walls. He doesn't anyone to judge him by appearance. *inward frown* Damn that Rezo.'
"Alright, I have a bite…but only one bite, understood?"
She woke up, somewhat startled at his response. "Oh…uhm…okay." she brought the fork with the delectable fruit closer to his mouth.
By now the strawberry would be cold, so the flavors wouldn't be the same. Yet, he is still willingly took the bite as she watches him enthusiastically. She, unconsciously, let her eyes wander on to those delectable lips. Her eyes half lidded as she remembered how they kissed each other a couple of times today. She can still feel his surprisingly soft warm lips on hers. As she was ready to touch her mouth she quickly realize her action and blushed at such a…a what? All she knows is that her feelings are going thru a wild roller coaster ride.
'It is good. Probably would taste better if it still warm.' he mentally concluded as he decided he wanted to finish savoring after all.
Meanwhile, she blushed a bit more as he grabbed her hand to not only steady it but also to bring the retreating fork closer. The leader felt the electric jolt in her body with that simple motion, which she thankfully noticed that he couldn't see her reaction.
"So? What do you think? Didn't I say it was good?" wishing to keep her mind occupy.
"You're correct."
"Hah! I told you I'm right, always. Not only was I right on the strawberry but also how I would win." she beamed a smile at him as she put the fork down.
"*sigh* You're not always right Lina and another thing about your…"
He paused as he heard footsteps coming their direction. It was their server returning with the dessert, Mr. Greywers immediately got up to pull Lina's chair back and helped her out her sit, which seems to impress her even more. She thanked him with a smile and soon they left the inn and walked slowly towards the Kermesse. It's not as bustling as before, which will be easier to find their fellow companions, however, they weren't really in a rush to do so. They were enjoying each other's company as they talked about their adventures together, what they have been up to during their separations, they exchanged ideas and theories on what they had discovered, and on occasion, their famous knowledgeable skirmishes. Unbeknownst unto them, the moonlight seemed just to shine on the two powerful beings, bestowing upon them, the opportunity for their souls to recognize the other and commence on their blossoming relationship.
During the whole time of their lovely moment after their inner turmoil ever since their "moment" of meeting the Kermesse judge, we find our pretty, young practitioner of Justice looking around for her date.
"Oh…where have Mister Zelgadiss went to? I looked for him practically ever place where he would try to hide. Even in the Kermesse's jail." she practically whined.
She looked at a watchtower and saw the time. She sighed.
"How am I ever going to find him? At least I have a little bit of time before we get to our reservation."
With that sentence said, she cupped her hands underneath her smiling face, her eyes closed as tears of happiness shed which immediately washed away her disappointment.
"Oh Mister Zelgadiss! I just know you're going to enjoy and be so happy today! When we have our dessert, alone, out in the terrace *sigh* underneath the stars and then afterwards we'll dance to the orchestra in the moonlight…it will be so romantic! With so much romance floating around, he will finally profess his love for me and maybe even suggest that we get married in real life because he was inspired to do so after I made the negotiation and….."
….must I continue to add anymore of her puppy love fantasy here? I'll leave the rest up to you.
After *looks at clock* oh let's say…about 15 minutes later…..
"Alright! I just need to find Mister Zelgadiss and then my plan will go into action. Well, I guess the only way to find him is by remembering when I saw him last."
She retraced her steps back at the area by the games of ring toss and win-a-fish. Her blue eyes began to wander at the spot.
"Wow, there's a lot of people today. Maybe I should levitate so I could get a better look. LEVI…"
"Pardon me young lady. But by chance, have you seen a girl, oh about this tall, have long sandy blonde hair and have Cat God's rosary beads wrapped around her wrist….."
"Huh?"
She turned around to only see the most gorgeous young man she had ever seen.
"…O.O…."
"She goes by the name of Yayoi and…..um…are you ok?"
It seems that all her thoughts of searching for her fellow ally of Justice and her future husband have gone out the window. As much as this "visitor" loves this type of attention, he needs to search for her before they get stuck in this part of the world. He still have other plans to put into action which a part involves draining out the powers of the pretty mystic. He does seem to posses some strong power but it's not as strong as his tormentor.
"Er, never mind, Sorry to bother you."
'What are you doing?! You're a princess and upholder of Justice and Truth! This poor, lost, handsome soul is looking for his friend….'
Just as he turned to walk away, he was stopped and notice the young girl holding on to his arm. His mouth open to reprimand this human for daring to touch him but….
"I, Amelia Tesla Wil De Saillune, will help search for your friend! For it is in my power to help those who seeks help! I am a Paladin of Justice and the Fist of Truth! Evil has tried to separate us from the people that we love…."
'Oh boy….wait, did she say her name is Amelia? Why does that name sound familiar?'
As he tried to remember the word love clicked in his mind.
"Love?! I don't love that human!" 'She's nothing more than food to me!'
"Huh?" slightly confused as his tone.
"Look, I only came here with my….friend. I lost her and I would like to find her fast so that we take our leave from here."
"Oh….well I lost Mister Zelgadiss too. Hey, maybe we both can help each other by sticking together. That way, we have an extra pair of eyes to look for them!"
'Mister Zelgadiss? Ah yes….that fractioned demon whelp who accompanied Lina. I better just play along, perhaps I can get a little more info on that red head.'
He considered the two options for a moment, not only it would be quicker but she may provide the facts he wants. However, he doesn't want Yayoi to think that he nabbed this girl as his victim. His decision has been made.
"No thanks."
"Why?"
"Because I don't want my…friend to think that I purposely lost her."
"Oh…well…"
Light bulb
"Hey, I think I may have an idea! We both can deliver messages! You can tell Mister Zelgadiss that I will be waiting for him at the town's inn, Eros' Rose at seven o'clock p.m. so we can have dinner there. And you can tell me where your friend would like to meet you at."
"Hmm…that doesn't sound like a bad idea. So did you came here with just him?"
"Yes, I came here with Mister Zelgadiss…"
"You keep mentioning about him, besides him being your friend, who is he?"
"Oh he's a fellow ally of Justice! We met when Miss Lina and Mister Gourry were trying to get their names cleared because Eris wanted to have them killed because Miss Lina managed to beat Rezo the Red Priest. But because of her evil plans, she…*sad look* died by Koppi Rezo…and then…"
He looked not only confused but not interested in all the details she willingly to give. He mentally sighed as she keeps talking about Mister Zelgadiss this and Mister Zelgadiss that but he also noticed how she kept mentioning Miss Lina a lot.
"Who is this Miss Lina you keep talking about?" showing more interest in the black magic user.
"Why I'm talking no other than Lina Inverse!"
His expression says it all. She face faulted. How would this gorgeous being never heard of her?
"You never heard of Lina Inverse?"
"Nope."
"How can't you?! Every heart, whether they are allies of Justice or evildoers from mazuko lords to bandits, have heard of her!"
He kept looking at her as if she's grown 2 heads on that neck of hers.
"Well, I'm not exactly not from around here. My friend and I only came here to….visit."
"Oh. Well, Miss Lina is known to be one of the most powerful sorceress…well, kinda thinking about it, I think she's the only one since she's able to summon the very scary and dangerous Lord of Nightmares….twice. Nobody on this planet, and maybe this universe, can do that without anybody dying or causing our world to be destroyed." saying it rather thoughtfully.
That got his attention. 'So this human, Lina Inverse, is that strong. *inward smirk* If I get the chance to eat her, then I will in no time defeat all my enemies, and my brother, if I have to.'
"Er….very well. I help you out with your idea. Perhaps you're right, if I do see him…what does he look like?"
She blushed as she describes him as Ura keep his expression of innocent interest. He already knows how the he looks like, he just wish she would accidentally tell him of the chimera's weakness. He frowned at the hard prospect of luring Lina away from Mister Greywers, but he inwardly smirked at the challenge.
"Ok. Well that's all the info I needed. Thank you very much. I got to go."
"Hhhey wait! What message would you like me to tell your friend, Yayoi?"
"Huh? Oh…er…if you see her, tell her that I'll meet her at the food court." he soon left behind a confused princess as he tries to think up of a way to get the powers from that innocent sorceress….he grinned.
Not even an hour later, he found his…er…obnoxious captor.
"There you are, I was beginning to worry about you. What happened?"
"Oh nothing. I was just being detained by another human…do you happen to remember the names that Lina mentioned when the two of you were incarcerated?"
She blinked. "What names?"
He ignored it and continue with his talk. "Well, I happen to meet Amelia." the demon prince hopes she remembers now.
"Oh yeah….I think Miss Lina mentioned her name while you're negotiating." a pinkish hue dusted her cheeks as she remembers very well.
"She told me if I meet him to let him know that she's looking for him and that she'll meet him at Eros' Rose at 7 pm. I think."
"Oh…ok. If we meet up with them again, we'll deliver the message to Mister Zelgadiss then."
"She seems to be infatuated with him."
"She is? I feel bad for her."
"Why? You haven't met her. If you have then you would feel sorry for the chimera."
"Ura! I'm surprised at you…..er…maybe not."
He glared at her. "Shut up woman."
They stopped at the smell of food wafted underneath their noses.
"Let's get something to eat." fighting back the grumbling in his stomach.
"There's a big crowd over there. Let's see what that's about!"
Yayoi practically dragged him to the direction where there is a group of people dressed in red shaped costumes trying to keep balance from the overwhelming mob.
Footnotes:
(1) Well, I did Lina doing cute thing since she thinks the penguins dressed up and greeting her is cute. It's in Slayers Try, you know, when she's in an Alice in Wonderland type of "world"!
(2) So I don't know what it is exactly, how it tastes, and don't even know if it exists….gomen minna-san!!