LOVE IS BLIND
Capitolo Tres
The group stood there, pondering, and sharing his or her hypothesis to each other, with the exception of Gourry, of course, since more than likely he would just end up getting beat up. At last, they seem to have a theory when they discovered that there's more crystals with a certain shape and color than the rest of the clusters. Everyone positioned themselves to each section of the wall, including Lina after Zel and Syl had her hands placed right directly above them.
"Well....there's nothing we can do but to experiment, everybody ready?"
"Ready!"
"Alright....now!"
All four of them slightly pressed the jewels in with their bare hands. The wall glowed, then the barricade parted in the middle, making them stepped backwards cautiously. A soft glow came from within as they entered. There on a black and white marble stand, stood a small crystal goblet.
"There it is."
They came closer to it and see there's in the cup.
"Nothing....there's nothing in this goblet."
"No....it can't....there has to something in it."
Zelgadiss already had expected this to be a dead end, but this is the first time for Lina, the three looked sorrowfully at her....
"I'm sorry....but it's empty."
She felt like crying, but she can't....she's Lina Inverse, she has to remain strong. He grabbed the cup to get a closer inspection, but something odd happened,
"Wait....the goblet....it fills itself up."
"So does it mean that you and Lina can be cured after all?"
"Let's hope so....cross your fingers everybody, I'm going to try it first."
"Hold it right there Zel....I think I should have first dibs on it."
"Fine...but I wanted to do it first just in case it's poison or...."
"Go right ahead Zel...I can wait."
"How gracious of you."
"I'm only kidding. Give it to me, I have a tolerance for poisons and don't ask me how."
She interrupted them right before they had even considering to inquire.
"Well...I don't...."
She snatched the glass away from him and swallow the clear contents.
"Lina!"
It tasted a bit bitter but it didn't leave an aftertaste. She felt a little strange once the liquid reached her stomach.
"It's okay....it's not poison, although I really don't know what it is. Go ahead Zel...you next." she handed it back to him.
"How? You drank it all."
He accepted it nonetheless. Just when he was ready to put it back, he saw it full once more.
"Oh...I see. It is a magical goblet."
He drank the water-like elixir and went thru the same thing as Lina. Moments of silence passed by and nothing happened.
"Come on....let's leave....it's nothing more than a cheap pallor trick."
With heavy hearts, the troupe exited out the same way they had entered.
They made it back up safely. However, everyone is disappointed at the outcome. There was no cure....just some kind a self-filling glass goblet. But why so much drastic and showy measures? They couldn't believe their rotten luck. After much walking in silence, they stopped at serene spot where they can relax and try to forget that stupid cavern. Lina didn't even bother to get her treasure after what happened.
"We....we're going to find some food...we'll be right back."
"Are you gonna be okay Lina?"
"Yeah...sure...just...*sigh* just go." she stood up and started to have the faroff look on her face, thinking what just happened. She comprehends all the frustrations that Rezo had, all the disappointments and disheartenments Zelgadiss had everytime his cure was a fake, a dead end, or not even the correct one.
"You two go on ahead....I'll keep watch on her."
"Alright Mister Zelgadiss."
Both swordsman and shrine maiden left to forage for food, both feeling sad for not only for Zel but for Lina as well. Once she heard their departing feet fainted in the background, all her emotions begin to mix and overflow. After their departure, she just sat there, her glassy eyes just staring as her sight kept peering in the darkness. He silently sighed and decided to built a small campfire for the fish that they'll most likely bring back. He wish his other decision was just as easy to perform.
"Lina." looking at her back.
"Yes." she didn't bother to turn around.
"I...I'm leaving immediately when we return to town."
She knew it! In the back of her mind and her heart, she just knew he's going to leave them...her behind. Her face now wearing a whole different expression compared to what she had earlier.
"Where are you going? Why are you going?" (1) she asked softly, the best she can do to maint her voice from cracking.
"*sigh* There will never be a cure for me, as proven back there and all of the searches. Plus, I'm of no use to anyone." '....also because Lina....I don't want your vivid, free spirit to die due to me and my curse.'
He didn't realize his words tumbled out of his mouth.
"Zel...."
"Lina....I decided to discontinue our friendship. It is best for you....all of you."
"Why do you have to go? Where are you going?" (1) she asked again, only a little louder.
"Apparantly Rezo not only gave me this horrid, freakish form as my curse but he also added that I will never be able to find and return to my...human self. I don't want my impending doom to contaminate you as well."
The handicapped hereoine remained the same, listening to him. He continued.
"It seems all of my life, it was one disappointment after another, even before my life had ended."
"Even before your life had ended?"
Zelgadiss sat down on a log next to her. He stared into the fire, mesmerized by it's dancing flames. He invisioned her heartshaped face and her wildfire personalilty.
"I don't know what ever to my family....all I know that they died when I was very young. The only memories were the music my mother taught me with her guitar."
'He know how to play the guitar? So that's where the music came from....' remembering the time back on that haunted ship.'
"As I told you before....I knew him since I was born. (2) However, he always journeying to hunt the cure for his blindness, so he never sticks around. I would only see him time to time whenever he feels like visiting." his face scowled.
"After my parents died, I had to live on my own as a street rat, going from town to town, village to village, city after city. There I had to go by my wits as I steal by picking locks to survive. He decided to adopt and had his lackeys searching for me for years, until they accomplished their assigned job. At first, I was relieved that I finally have a family, that he really loved me as a grandfather would. But as I grew older, I found out that he has other agendas for me, that he really didn't care for me....the reality hit me hard. *small chuckle* The great sage Red Priest wasn't so great after all. Did you know before I became his puppet chimera, he would try to convince me that I'm nothing more than a child of misfortunes, a burden, and a weakling? That I can never accomplish my dreams without his help? He kept reminding me that everyday, trying to lower my self-esteem to the level of dirt."
'Poor Zel....I didn't know....??? Wait why is he....' she kept her question to herself, she could be wrong....right?
"But I wanted to prove that he's wrong. With the inherited money he had safe guarded for me, I hired an expert mercenary. He had me practiced day in and day out, Rodimus taught me everything, he kept fueling my confidence and my persistence. He even told me that I may come to defeat the famed Swordsman of Light. His best friend was Zolf...he taught and encouraged me in magic. That's how I discovered I could enchant my father's sword....the Astral Vine." he laughed at his mirth when the image of Gourry popped in his head after he retire the memories of his friends, Rodimus and Zolf.
"However, Rezo sensed my intentions...one day, as I was practicing, he came to me and made an offer. He said if I helped him search for the Philospher's Stone, he would grant me power beyond imagination......that I would be completely transformed. He didn't even wait for my response and well....here I am. *snort* I should had realized the meaning of those words." (2)
She remembered hearing his last sentence....those exact words back when they were escaping from the Shabrinigdu's vessel and his goons. She widened her eyes once her womanly instincts sent her warning bells, cold shivers climbed up her arms and neck.
'Oh gods! He is giving up on everything! No!.....'
"Don't tell me things like that! You never told me anything about yourself before, do don't tell me now!" a tear start to trail down her flushed cheeks. '
"The only two things you told me was that the blood of, as you quote...the virtuous Rezo is flowing thru your veins....that he's both your grandfather and great grandfather and that he's the one who gave you your monstrous body!" (2)
He remained quiet, a bit startled from her question. She hastily raised herself up with a familiar tempered attitude. She started pacing up and down, up and down, to and fro, stomping harder with each step. He observed her furious mood.
"What are you going to do? Just throw you're life away like it was nothing?!" (1) her voice elevated.
"Lina, why are you upset?"
"I'M NOT UPSET!"
"Then why did you just yelled and walking up and down like a caged animal?"
"It's a free world....besides, why do you care?" she stopped in front of him.
He sat there, his heart felt heavy, ready to fall to the ground, and shatter into a million pieces when he heard those last words coming out of her mouth. Her pragmatic comments cut him like Gourry's Hikari no Ken. The pain inside of his heart grew, however, his physical appearance remained the same stoic mode even though his blue diamonds are glistening with upcoming tears.
"You're not the one who's blind! You're not the one who has to stay like this til you die! You're not the one who almost kill your friends.....putting your friends' lives in danger or even able to defend them! The only people you deeply care about!" now it was her hazy eyes that begins to water.
"Lina..."
"No Zel....you think that your curse is the worst thing that ever have existed. You're so wrong. You only look at your appearance, thinking that you're a freak....nobody thinks that way about you....Zelgadiss." her angered voice quakes, emotions are at a break point.
"Why can't you forgive yourself for the wrong decisions you had made? Why do you refuse to accept your extraordinary, wonderful self?"
The chimera had his head bowed down, but quickly lifted it once he heard Lina's last sentence but she didn't stop there.
"Why do you reject other people's hospility, their friendships, their.....crushes, their love?" she raised her eyes to him, even though she's still blind, thanks to his teaching, it looks like she can really see him.
"Don't you know that it hurts them...hurts me...to see and feel your coldness?"
"I...but my intentions are solely done so because I don't....."
"You don't want people to betray you...to hurt you. You rather be the heartless swordsman slash sorcerer so that way, you don't have to get attach with stupid feelings and stupid people who you think might end up leaving you alone anyway...*chuckle* You're such a hypocrite Greywers. Didn't you tell me once that no matter what curse you carry...your never alone because you have friends who care about you, always sticking to your side to keep your strength and hope up, and willing to help you out no matter what the challenge is, even if it means battling with all seven pieces of Shabrinigdu?"
Her voice was getting hoarse from the yelling and from the emotions that are battling with her mind and heart. He felt ashamed.....how can he forget about her and her problems.
"I still will do that...for you, Lina Inverse. Please....."
"Forget it Zel....just forget it....it's hopeless, just leave me alone..as I said before....why do you care? Don't you have something to do? Like giving up on us and your life?! Besides....I'm nothing but a nuisance to everybody...nobody wants a hot-tempered, flat-chested runt, especially that I'm blind and worthless."
"Stop it Lina! Don't do this to yourself....you have to keep your faith up....what ever happened to the great Lina Inverse, beautiful sorcery genius extraordinaire that I knew? The one and only Lina Inverse who never gives up even if you have that one percent chance that you will win?"
"She died! That's what's happened to her! She died once that she got that impossible curse from one of the most powerful mages on this world! She died when the only she loves gave up on her! She can't do anything right anymore! *tears rolling down on cheeks* She can't even properly bop a blonde swordsman for commenting her chest again!" she falls unto her knees.
"Besides ....who would miss her." her rasping voice trailed off.
His eyes widen, he stands up and walked. She heard footsteps and clothes rustling towards her. The noise stopped and once again the sounds of his clothes crinkling when he got to his knees, facing her.
"I would miss her...terribly, Lina...she didn't die....she's right here...infront of me, only that she had grown to be a more beautiful young woman."
He held her in his arms, she starts to weep.
"No...I'm not her....that's not me at all..." she shakes her head on his shoulder.
He gently made her face him despite her blindness as he cups her cheeks. With the pads from both of his thumbs, he wipes away her tears.
"Yes you are her, only you don't see the most powerful, intelligent sorceress with a perfect balance of Chaos like the rest of us do. You have the same flaming tresses, a more perfect proportioned body, your heartshaped face have become even more attractive, alluring ruby eyes...."
He closes his eyes, trying to stop his tears from starting to flow. Lina laid both of her hands on his chest. Her right hand can feel his heart beating erratically but not in a dangerous way. Now her heart starts to do the same. Zel's face lowers closer to hers, she can feel his proximity, making her nervous and yet happy at the same time.
At that moment, Lina blushes, she never imagined Zel...her Zel to be so forward yet romantic to her. To her, of all people, and most of all, not to Amelia. She couldn't believe what she's listening, could it be possible that she's finally experiencing happiness? Butterflies are doing sommersaults and flips in her stomach, welcoming tingles are going up and down her spine, she shivered.
'I....am I scared? Why am I trembling so much inside?'
As she contemplates over her new risen feelings, Zelgadiss felt her faintly shaking, so he hugged her tighter. Now he definitely has to tell her, else he will never have an opportunity like this again....now the only problem is, how would she feel about it, about him. The chimera continued.
"....and lips that would entice any being to kiss them."
Lina's shivers ceased immediately when she heard those words. She blushed harder and gently pulled away as she continuously blinked.
"Zel? *snifle* Did I just heard you..."
A slim blue finger touched her rosy mouth, stopping her from continuing.
"Lina, please let me finish what I had started. I just want to tell you, to express my feelings for you." he pulls away his finger, his emotions are now mixed with worries and happiness.
It's a good thing she can't see, because she couldn't really look into his eyes, showing her secret, inner turmoil of the relationship between the princess and the chimera.
"But I thought Amelia is....."
Once again, she was interrupted, not by his finger but by his flesh stone lips. She closes her eyes all her fears, her doubts, and her anger, disappeared. She felt his warm and gentle skin caressing her, the longer he kiss, the more she wants it to last.
As they continue to stay in the same position, a mysterious glow came from once they first kissed. The white glow grew bigger and bigger until at last it enveloped them. At the precise moment, here comes the priestess and the swordsman. They dropped everything and came running towards them, for fear they're in danger. They recognize the area but couldn't find Lina nor Zel, instead, in its place, was a giant bubble-like shape of brilliant light, wavering a bit. They had to covered their eyes as they turned around when illumination made a painful flash. The two turn back around when it subsided, they blinked, rubbed their eyes, and blinked again. Their jaws hit the floor, the blushing Sylphiel and the ever-confused Gourry couldn't trust their eyes...for what they saw is their fearless leader, kissing a total stranger...a handsome stranger, with alabaster skin, a slim figure, short brownish black hair with lighter frosted lilac highlights, and elfin ears poking out. The Sairaag maiden would had drool if it wasn't the fact that Lina could be in trouble....better make that the gorgeous creature may be in bigger trouble.
"LINA?!" both exclaimed as they got closer to them.
They immediately pulled apart, blushing like crazy for being caught, and saw their friends.
"Um...hehehe....hi guys." she put her hand behind her head, chuckling sheepishly.
The stranger coughed and got up, offering a hand up to Lina. She accepted it and stood up.
"Lina? What's goin' on?"
"Nothing is goin' on Gourry...." she crossed her arms across her chest, trying to win a staring contest with the blonde questionnaire.
"But if nothin' is happening Lina....who's that guy then?" he points to the fellow stranger who stood beside her.
"It's Zel you id...." saying rather nonchalantly at first.
The four looked at each other with eyes agape, none would move, they stood paralyzed once she mentioned his name. Then, the realization is slowly dawning on the group.
"Oh my gods!"
"Zel! You're cured! You're cured!" the redhead jumped into his arms.
"In case you haven't notice, you're cured as well, Lina."
"Oh thank Cephieed! You can see again!"
The happy, powerful healer spoke as she sees the former chimera whirls her around tightly in his embrace.
"I can't believe it! I just can't believe it! We're back to normal!"
As soon as Zelgadiss put her down, he starts to kiss her again with more sweetness, more passion, more loving tenderness into it. Gourry, who just so happened to be right next to Sylphiel, looked at the two, happy to see his comrade and in his arms, his little play sister are finally together. He turns to gaze at the lovely brunette, feeling the excitement in the air...
"Um....Sylphiel?"
"Yes Gourry-dear?"
The ex-Swordsman of Light stared directly into her shimmering emeralds, and within those eyes of hers, he knows what to do next, he must do this. He sees the truth within those windows of her soul. His heart beats wildly against his chest as he lowered his face next to her sweet blushing one and then kissed her innocently yet at the same time, with much sensuality. Needless to say, both couples were too occupied with their private, blissful moment to not notice an eerie wind blowing carelessly around them.
The odd breeze made them stop however when they thought they heard a faint voice carried in the wind. Both guys put on their fighting stance and placed a protective arms around the two ladies, of course, the gals wouldn't dream (or more specifically, Lina) of becoming damsels in distress so they too decided to get their magic ready. The voice grew stronger and they are finally able to listen. They looked up, with startled gasps, only to be replaced by anger. The quad Slayers hastily prepared for the worse when an old enemy's phantom image, donning red priestly robes, floats directly across from their spot. However, before they began with the attacks, Rezo held up his hand, signaling that he comes in peace.
"What do you want Rezo?"
He smiles as he opens his eyes, revealing a dark violet hue, bearing the sane, serene self that he once was. He then speaks................
"This lesson is to cherish anything simple that you possess
And not the material wealth, strength, nor power that any of you overly obsess.
For two cursed beings have finally found what they are meant to become
True love is the secret key for your curses to be undone.
Forgive me, the both of you, but these curses had to be set,
Otherwise, none of your closest friends would have ever met.
Live long and happy lives, oh chosen ones,
I give my blessings to you my great grandson.
*looks at* Zelgadiss.....I am proud of you, my beloved grandson....
Good-bye, farewell...for my spirit may now rest in peace
Journey well, L' Sama's favorites, and find the path to your destinies.
........................I do love you Zelgadiss............."
Both his spirit form and his voice have vanished into thin air, all remain speechless. After recooperating from the appalling visitation, they turn to see Rezo's descendent. His facial expression was as he was old chimera stoic self, staring at the space that his great grandfather last stood.
"Ano...Zel?"
.........
"Are you alright? Are you going to be okay?"
........
"Zelgadiss....please say something....please speak to me?" his love laid a gloved hand, gently on his left shoulder.
He turned to see his worried friends, a small drop fell from the corner of his eye. The mask he wore, have broken into many small pieces of negative emotional shards. He closed his eyes, trying to maintain towering emotions building up in his chest. Once he reopens them, he gave them concerned trio a weak smile.
"Something."
--------------------------------Later, back at the tavern----------------------------------
"GOURRY!!!!"
*Pow* *Thunk*
"OW! That hurts...." he nurses the lump that given to him after the sorceress hit his head hard with her elbow.
"That's what you get for stealing my dinner!"
"But you weren't suppo *blink, blink* Oh yeah...*goofy smile* I forgot Lina can see again."
Lina and Zel facefaulted as Sylphiel places an understanding hand on her beloved's. shoulder.
"Why me?"
"Zelgadiss....what does your great grandfather mean when he talked to us?"
The Healer hopes that maybe if they start picking a topic, her new best friend would stop beating up on her poor Gourry-dear. She sweatdrops when she saw the two playing tug-of-war with a rather large piece of roast chicken. Unfortunately, Zel watched the scenario as well, he puts his hand on his forehead in the 'why me' manner.
"Lina-chan....would you please stop and listen....we have an issue to discuss."
"Awa wa *gulp* About what?"
"*sigh* About Rezo and his little departing poem."
She stopped in the middle of her tearing-up-the-chicken-leg part.
"Yeah...kinda thinking 'bout it....what does he mean about finding our destinies?"
"Didn't he mentioned something 'bout L something's flavors?"
*Thunk*
" * . * ow..."
"He said L'Sama's favorites, you Nitwit!"
"Hmm...even though Gourry pronounce it wrong, as usual....he did bring up part of the answer."
"Well....I really didn't expect us to be Her favorites..."
"We had a somewhat idea that you are."
"How do you all figure?"
"Well....you saving the world about three times kinda gave us the hint."
"And able to use the Giga Slave three times without making going out of control."
"Including the time when the Lord of Nightmares was inside of you of course."
"I still don't understand how come She didn't....."
"Can we please talk about something else? We shouldn't speak so freely about Her."
"Sylphiel's right....we shouldn't take any chances in getting Her mad."
"Oh....your brain wave length if finally catching up with us, huh?"
"Quit joking around Lina....what he just said makes perfect sense."
"Fine...back to the subject, all of you know what Rezo is trying to tell us, right?"
"Yeah."
"Apparently, we have a bigger part to play in the fate of the world."
"Maybe even the whole universe."
"Don't get too boastful Inverse."
"Oh my! That is a very heavy responsibility to bear."
"But....what else can we do?"
The looked at their fearless leader for their answer. She gets up, yawned and stretched, she stood there in a thinking stance with her crimson eyes closed. She reopens looked out at the window, gazing at the purples, blues, pinks, and bright oranges of the setting sun. She slowly turned back, softly smiling at her best friend, her brother-like bodyguard, and her true love.
"Do what we usually do. Take everything day by day and not worry about it until it comes our way. And when it does....we'll come out winning like we usually do."
They return the smile at her, knowing how Lina is, everything and anything will come their way. And they will be there fully prepared and waiting for their destinies to come.
"Hai." all agreed.
"Okay! Look out world.....here we come!"
Zel raised himself from out of his seat and hugged his beloved.
"My Lina-itoshii."
He stares into her eyes, there he sees his past, present, and their future. The two kissed, which of course only triggered another couple to do the same.....
"I love you Sylphiel."
"Oh....Gourry-darling."
And thus.....we leave our heroes to fulfill the Slayers world's predestination, and living happily ever after.
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***(1) I heard it from Cowboy Bebop member, Faye Valentine in the last session, #25, I think.
***(2) From the Slayers tv series, tape #2, episode #6: FOCUS! Rezo's the Real Enemy!
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Hola Minna-San!! What did you guys think? I know it's a little mushy but I couldn't think of anything else.
Review please.....oh...by the way...I'm sorry about the long chapters on the last two but I didn't feel like breaking them up. I know it took me forever in finishing but I was sick plus I've been busy these weeks. If there's any questions, I'll try my best to answer them. Thank you for reading my fic! Oh by the way....sorry if I had too many words repeated over....but I couldn't think of anything else to type up, there's also the length restriction. Well...take care and have a great weekday or weekend or both! Adios!!
~~ Miss "L" ^_~
Capitolo Tres
The group stood there, pondering, and sharing his or her hypothesis to each other, with the exception of Gourry, of course, since more than likely he would just end up getting beat up. At last, they seem to have a theory when they discovered that there's more crystals with a certain shape and color than the rest of the clusters. Everyone positioned themselves to each section of the wall, including Lina after Zel and Syl had her hands placed right directly above them.
"Well....there's nothing we can do but to experiment, everybody ready?"
"Ready!"
"Alright....now!"
All four of them slightly pressed the jewels in with their bare hands. The wall glowed, then the barricade parted in the middle, making them stepped backwards cautiously. A soft glow came from within as they entered. There on a black and white marble stand, stood a small crystal goblet.
"There it is."
They came closer to it and see there's in the cup.
"Nothing....there's nothing in this goblet."
"No....it can't....there has to something in it."
Zelgadiss already had expected this to be a dead end, but this is the first time for Lina, the three looked sorrowfully at her....
"I'm sorry....but it's empty."
She felt like crying, but she can't....she's Lina Inverse, she has to remain strong. He grabbed the cup to get a closer inspection, but something odd happened,
"Wait....the goblet....it fills itself up."
"So does it mean that you and Lina can be cured after all?"
"Let's hope so....cross your fingers everybody, I'm going to try it first."
"Hold it right there Zel....I think I should have first dibs on it."
"Fine...but I wanted to do it first just in case it's poison or...."
"Go right ahead Zel...I can wait."
"How gracious of you."
"I'm only kidding. Give it to me, I have a tolerance for poisons and don't ask me how."
She interrupted them right before they had even considering to inquire.
"Well...I don't...."
She snatched the glass away from him and swallow the clear contents.
"Lina!"
It tasted a bit bitter but it didn't leave an aftertaste. She felt a little strange once the liquid reached her stomach.
"It's okay....it's not poison, although I really don't know what it is. Go ahead Zel...you next." she handed it back to him.
"How? You drank it all."
He accepted it nonetheless. Just when he was ready to put it back, he saw it full once more.
"Oh...I see. It is a magical goblet."
He drank the water-like elixir and went thru the same thing as Lina. Moments of silence passed by and nothing happened.
"Come on....let's leave....it's nothing more than a cheap pallor trick."
With heavy hearts, the troupe exited out the same way they had entered.
They made it back up safely. However, everyone is disappointed at the outcome. There was no cure....just some kind a self-filling glass goblet. But why so much drastic and showy measures? They couldn't believe their rotten luck. After much walking in silence, they stopped at serene spot where they can relax and try to forget that stupid cavern. Lina didn't even bother to get her treasure after what happened.
"We....we're going to find some food...we'll be right back."
"Are you gonna be okay Lina?"
"Yeah...sure...just...*sigh* just go." she stood up and started to have the faroff look on her face, thinking what just happened. She comprehends all the frustrations that Rezo had, all the disappointments and disheartenments Zelgadiss had everytime his cure was a fake, a dead end, or not even the correct one.
"You two go on ahead....I'll keep watch on her."
"Alright Mister Zelgadiss."
Both swordsman and shrine maiden left to forage for food, both feeling sad for not only for Zel but for Lina as well. Once she heard their departing feet fainted in the background, all her emotions begin to mix and overflow. After their departure, she just sat there, her glassy eyes just staring as her sight kept peering in the darkness. He silently sighed and decided to built a small campfire for the fish that they'll most likely bring back. He wish his other decision was just as easy to perform.
"Lina." looking at her back.
"Yes." she didn't bother to turn around.
"I...I'm leaving immediately when we return to town."
She knew it! In the back of her mind and her heart, she just knew he's going to leave them...her behind. Her face now wearing a whole different expression compared to what she had earlier.
"Where are you going? Why are you going?" (1) she asked softly, the best she can do to maint her voice from cracking.
"*sigh* There will never be a cure for me, as proven back there and all of the searches. Plus, I'm of no use to anyone." '....also because Lina....I don't want your vivid, free spirit to die due to me and my curse.'
He didn't realize his words tumbled out of his mouth.
"Zel...."
"Lina....I decided to discontinue our friendship. It is best for you....all of you."
"Why do you have to go? Where are you going?" (1) she asked again, only a little louder.
"Apparantly Rezo not only gave me this horrid, freakish form as my curse but he also added that I will never be able to find and return to my...human self. I don't want my impending doom to contaminate you as well."
The handicapped hereoine remained the same, listening to him. He continued.
"It seems all of my life, it was one disappointment after another, even before my life had ended."
"Even before your life had ended?"
Zelgadiss sat down on a log next to her. He stared into the fire, mesmerized by it's dancing flames. He invisioned her heartshaped face and her wildfire personalilty.
"I don't know what ever to my family....all I know that they died when I was very young. The only memories were the music my mother taught me with her guitar."
'He know how to play the guitar? So that's where the music came from....' remembering the time back on that haunted ship.'
"As I told you before....I knew him since I was born. (2) However, he always journeying to hunt the cure for his blindness, so he never sticks around. I would only see him time to time whenever he feels like visiting." his face scowled.
"After my parents died, I had to live on my own as a street rat, going from town to town, village to village, city after city. There I had to go by my wits as I steal by picking locks to survive. He decided to adopt and had his lackeys searching for me for years, until they accomplished their assigned job. At first, I was relieved that I finally have a family, that he really loved me as a grandfather would. But as I grew older, I found out that he has other agendas for me, that he really didn't care for me....the reality hit me hard. *small chuckle* The great sage Red Priest wasn't so great after all. Did you know before I became his puppet chimera, he would try to convince me that I'm nothing more than a child of misfortunes, a burden, and a weakling? That I can never accomplish my dreams without his help? He kept reminding me that everyday, trying to lower my self-esteem to the level of dirt."
'Poor Zel....I didn't know....??? Wait why is he....' she kept her question to herself, she could be wrong....right?
"But I wanted to prove that he's wrong. With the inherited money he had safe guarded for me, I hired an expert mercenary. He had me practiced day in and day out, Rodimus taught me everything, he kept fueling my confidence and my persistence. He even told me that I may come to defeat the famed Swordsman of Light. His best friend was Zolf...he taught and encouraged me in magic. That's how I discovered I could enchant my father's sword....the Astral Vine." he laughed at his mirth when the image of Gourry popped in his head after he retire the memories of his friends, Rodimus and Zolf.
"However, Rezo sensed my intentions...one day, as I was practicing, he came to me and made an offer. He said if I helped him search for the Philospher's Stone, he would grant me power beyond imagination......that I would be completely transformed. He didn't even wait for my response and well....here I am. *snort* I should had realized the meaning of those words." (2)
She remembered hearing his last sentence....those exact words back when they were escaping from the Shabrinigdu's vessel and his goons. She widened her eyes once her womanly instincts sent her warning bells, cold shivers climbed up her arms and neck.
'Oh gods! He is giving up on everything! No!.....'
"Don't tell me things like that! You never told me anything about yourself before, do don't tell me now!" a tear start to trail down her flushed cheeks. '
"The only two things you told me was that the blood of, as you quote...the virtuous Rezo is flowing thru your veins....that he's both your grandfather and great grandfather and that he's the one who gave you your monstrous body!" (2)
He remained quiet, a bit startled from her question. She hastily raised herself up with a familiar tempered attitude. She started pacing up and down, up and down, to and fro, stomping harder with each step. He observed her furious mood.
"What are you going to do? Just throw you're life away like it was nothing?!" (1) her voice elevated.
"Lina, why are you upset?"
"I'M NOT UPSET!"
"Then why did you just yelled and walking up and down like a caged animal?"
"It's a free world....besides, why do you care?" she stopped in front of him.
He sat there, his heart felt heavy, ready to fall to the ground, and shatter into a million pieces when he heard those last words coming out of her mouth. Her pragmatic comments cut him like Gourry's Hikari no Ken. The pain inside of his heart grew, however, his physical appearance remained the same stoic mode even though his blue diamonds are glistening with upcoming tears.
"You're not the one who's blind! You're not the one who has to stay like this til you die! You're not the one who almost kill your friends.....putting your friends' lives in danger or even able to defend them! The only people you deeply care about!" now it was her hazy eyes that begins to water.
"Lina..."
"No Zel....you think that your curse is the worst thing that ever have existed. You're so wrong. You only look at your appearance, thinking that you're a freak....nobody thinks that way about you....Zelgadiss." her angered voice quakes, emotions are at a break point.
"Why can't you forgive yourself for the wrong decisions you had made? Why do you refuse to accept your extraordinary, wonderful self?"
The chimera had his head bowed down, but quickly lifted it once he heard Lina's last sentence but she didn't stop there.
"Why do you reject other people's hospility, their friendships, their.....crushes, their love?" she raised her eyes to him, even though she's still blind, thanks to his teaching, it looks like she can really see him.
"Don't you know that it hurts them...hurts me...to see and feel your coldness?"
"I...but my intentions are solely done so because I don't....."
"You don't want people to betray you...to hurt you. You rather be the heartless swordsman slash sorcerer so that way, you don't have to get attach with stupid feelings and stupid people who you think might end up leaving you alone anyway...*chuckle* You're such a hypocrite Greywers. Didn't you tell me once that no matter what curse you carry...your never alone because you have friends who care about you, always sticking to your side to keep your strength and hope up, and willing to help you out no matter what the challenge is, even if it means battling with all seven pieces of Shabrinigdu?"
Her voice was getting hoarse from the yelling and from the emotions that are battling with her mind and heart. He felt ashamed.....how can he forget about her and her problems.
"I still will do that...for you, Lina Inverse. Please....."
"Forget it Zel....just forget it....it's hopeless, just leave me alone..as I said before....why do you care? Don't you have something to do? Like giving up on us and your life?! Besides....I'm nothing but a nuisance to everybody...nobody wants a hot-tempered, flat-chested runt, especially that I'm blind and worthless."
"Stop it Lina! Don't do this to yourself....you have to keep your faith up....what ever happened to the great Lina Inverse, beautiful sorcery genius extraordinaire that I knew? The one and only Lina Inverse who never gives up even if you have that one percent chance that you will win?"
"She died! That's what's happened to her! She died once that she got that impossible curse from one of the most powerful mages on this world! She died when the only she loves gave up on her! She can't do anything right anymore! *tears rolling down on cheeks* She can't even properly bop a blonde swordsman for commenting her chest again!" she falls unto her knees.
"Besides ....who would miss her." her rasping voice trailed off.
His eyes widen, he stands up and walked. She heard footsteps and clothes rustling towards her. The noise stopped and once again the sounds of his clothes crinkling when he got to his knees, facing her.
"I would miss her...terribly, Lina...she didn't die....she's right here...infront of me, only that she had grown to be a more beautiful young woman."
He held her in his arms, she starts to weep.
"No...I'm not her....that's not me at all..." she shakes her head on his shoulder.
He gently made her face him despite her blindness as he cups her cheeks. With the pads from both of his thumbs, he wipes away her tears.
"Yes you are her, only you don't see the most powerful, intelligent sorceress with a perfect balance of Chaos like the rest of us do. You have the same flaming tresses, a more perfect proportioned body, your heartshaped face have become even more attractive, alluring ruby eyes...."
He closes his eyes, trying to stop his tears from starting to flow. Lina laid both of her hands on his chest. Her right hand can feel his heart beating erratically but not in a dangerous way. Now her heart starts to do the same. Zel's face lowers closer to hers, she can feel his proximity, making her nervous and yet happy at the same time.
At that moment, Lina blushes, she never imagined Zel...her Zel to be so forward yet romantic to her. To her, of all people, and most of all, not to Amelia. She couldn't believe what she's listening, could it be possible that she's finally experiencing happiness? Butterflies are doing sommersaults and flips in her stomach, welcoming tingles are going up and down her spine, she shivered.
'I....am I scared? Why am I trembling so much inside?'
As she contemplates over her new risen feelings, Zelgadiss felt her faintly shaking, so he hugged her tighter. Now he definitely has to tell her, else he will never have an opportunity like this again....now the only problem is, how would she feel about it, about him. The chimera continued.
"....and lips that would entice any being to kiss them."
Lina's shivers ceased immediately when she heard those words. She blushed harder and gently pulled away as she continuously blinked.
"Zel? *snifle* Did I just heard you..."
A slim blue finger touched her rosy mouth, stopping her from continuing.
"Lina, please let me finish what I had started. I just want to tell you, to express my feelings for you." he pulls away his finger, his emotions are now mixed with worries and happiness.
It's a good thing she can't see, because she couldn't really look into his eyes, showing her secret, inner turmoil of the relationship between the princess and the chimera.
"But I thought Amelia is....."
Once again, she was interrupted, not by his finger but by his flesh stone lips. She closes her eyes all her fears, her doubts, and her anger, disappeared. She felt his warm and gentle skin caressing her, the longer he kiss, the more she wants it to last.
As they continue to stay in the same position, a mysterious glow came from once they first kissed. The white glow grew bigger and bigger until at last it enveloped them. At the precise moment, here comes the priestess and the swordsman. They dropped everything and came running towards them, for fear they're in danger. They recognize the area but couldn't find Lina nor Zel, instead, in its place, was a giant bubble-like shape of brilliant light, wavering a bit. They had to covered their eyes as they turned around when illumination made a painful flash. The two turn back around when it subsided, they blinked, rubbed their eyes, and blinked again. Their jaws hit the floor, the blushing Sylphiel and the ever-confused Gourry couldn't trust their eyes...for what they saw is their fearless leader, kissing a total stranger...a handsome stranger, with alabaster skin, a slim figure, short brownish black hair with lighter frosted lilac highlights, and elfin ears poking out. The Sairaag maiden would had drool if it wasn't the fact that Lina could be in trouble....better make that the gorgeous creature may be in bigger trouble.
"LINA?!" both exclaimed as they got closer to them.
They immediately pulled apart, blushing like crazy for being caught, and saw their friends.
"Um...hehehe....hi guys." she put her hand behind her head, chuckling sheepishly.
The stranger coughed and got up, offering a hand up to Lina. She accepted it and stood up.
"Lina? What's goin' on?"
"Nothing is goin' on Gourry...." she crossed her arms across her chest, trying to win a staring contest with the blonde questionnaire.
"But if nothin' is happening Lina....who's that guy then?" he points to the fellow stranger who stood beside her.
"It's Zel you id...." saying rather nonchalantly at first.
The four looked at each other with eyes agape, none would move, they stood paralyzed once she mentioned his name. Then, the realization is slowly dawning on the group.
"Oh my gods!"
"Zel! You're cured! You're cured!" the redhead jumped into his arms.
"In case you haven't notice, you're cured as well, Lina."
"Oh thank Cephieed! You can see again!"
The happy, powerful healer spoke as she sees the former chimera whirls her around tightly in his embrace.
"I can't believe it! I just can't believe it! We're back to normal!"
As soon as Zelgadiss put her down, he starts to kiss her again with more sweetness, more passion, more loving tenderness into it. Gourry, who just so happened to be right next to Sylphiel, looked at the two, happy to see his comrade and in his arms, his little play sister are finally together. He turns to gaze at the lovely brunette, feeling the excitement in the air...
"Um....Sylphiel?"
"Yes Gourry-dear?"
The ex-Swordsman of Light stared directly into her shimmering emeralds, and within those eyes of hers, he knows what to do next, he must do this. He sees the truth within those windows of her soul. His heart beats wildly against his chest as he lowered his face next to her sweet blushing one and then kissed her innocently yet at the same time, with much sensuality. Needless to say, both couples were too occupied with their private, blissful moment to not notice an eerie wind blowing carelessly around them.
The odd breeze made them stop however when they thought they heard a faint voice carried in the wind. Both guys put on their fighting stance and placed a protective arms around the two ladies, of course, the gals wouldn't dream (or more specifically, Lina) of becoming damsels in distress so they too decided to get their magic ready. The voice grew stronger and they are finally able to listen. They looked up, with startled gasps, only to be replaced by anger. The quad Slayers hastily prepared for the worse when an old enemy's phantom image, donning red priestly robes, floats directly across from their spot. However, before they began with the attacks, Rezo held up his hand, signaling that he comes in peace.
"What do you want Rezo?"
He smiles as he opens his eyes, revealing a dark violet hue, bearing the sane, serene self that he once was. He then speaks................
"This lesson is to cherish anything simple that you possess
And not the material wealth, strength, nor power that any of you overly obsess.
For two cursed beings have finally found what they are meant to become
True love is the secret key for your curses to be undone.
Forgive me, the both of you, but these curses had to be set,
Otherwise, none of your closest friends would have ever met.
Live long and happy lives, oh chosen ones,
I give my blessings to you my great grandson.
*looks at* Zelgadiss.....I am proud of you, my beloved grandson....
Good-bye, farewell...for my spirit may now rest in peace
Journey well, L' Sama's favorites, and find the path to your destinies.
........................I do love you Zelgadiss............."
Both his spirit form and his voice have vanished into thin air, all remain speechless. After recooperating from the appalling visitation, they turn to see Rezo's descendent. His facial expression was as he was old chimera stoic self, staring at the space that his great grandfather last stood.
"Ano...Zel?"
.........
"Are you alright? Are you going to be okay?"
........
"Zelgadiss....please say something....please speak to me?" his love laid a gloved hand, gently on his left shoulder.
He turned to see his worried friends, a small drop fell from the corner of his eye. The mask he wore, have broken into many small pieces of negative emotional shards. He closed his eyes, trying to maintain towering emotions building up in his chest. Once he reopens them, he gave them concerned trio a weak smile.
"Something."
--------------------------------Later, back at the tavern----------------------------------
"GOURRY!!!!"
*Pow* *Thunk*
"OW! That hurts...." he nurses the lump that given to him after the sorceress hit his head hard with her elbow.
"That's what you get for stealing my dinner!"
"But you weren't suppo *blink, blink* Oh yeah...*goofy smile* I forgot Lina can see again."
Lina and Zel facefaulted as Sylphiel places an understanding hand on her beloved's. shoulder.
"Why me?"
"Zelgadiss....what does your great grandfather mean when he talked to us?"
The Healer hopes that maybe if they start picking a topic, her new best friend would stop beating up on her poor Gourry-dear. She sweatdrops when she saw the two playing tug-of-war with a rather large piece of roast chicken. Unfortunately, Zel watched the scenario as well, he puts his hand on his forehead in the 'why me' manner.
"Lina-chan....would you please stop and listen....we have an issue to discuss."
"Awa wa *gulp* About what?"
"*sigh* About Rezo and his little departing poem."
She stopped in the middle of her tearing-up-the-chicken-leg part.
"Yeah...kinda thinking 'bout it....what does he mean about finding our destinies?"
"Didn't he mentioned something 'bout L something's flavors?"
*Thunk*
" * . * ow..."
"He said L'Sama's favorites, you Nitwit!"
"Hmm...even though Gourry pronounce it wrong, as usual....he did bring up part of the answer."
"Well....I really didn't expect us to be Her favorites..."
"We had a somewhat idea that you are."
"How do you all figure?"
"Well....you saving the world about three times kinda gave us the hint."
"And able to use the Giga Slave three times without making going out of control."
"Including the time when the Lord of Nightmares was inside of you of course."
"I still don't understand how come She didn't....."
"Can we please talk about something else? We shouldn't speak so freely about Her."
"Sylphiel's right....we shouldn't take any chances in getting Her mad."
"Oh....your brain wave length if finally catching up with us, huh?"
"Quit joking around Lina....what he just said makes perfect sense."
"Fine...back to the subject, all of you know what Rezo is trying to tell us, right?"
"Yeah."
"Apparently, we have a bigger part to play in the fate of the world."
"Maybe even the whole universe."
"Don't get too boastful Inverse."
"Oh my! That is a very heavy responsibility to bear."
"But....what else can we do?"
The looked at their fearless leader for their answer. She gets up, yawned and stretched, she stood there in a thinking stance with her crimson eyes closed. She reopens looked out at the window, gazing at the purples, blues, pinks, and bright oranges of the setting sun. She slowly turned back, softly smiling at her best friend, her brother-like bodyguard, and her true love.
"Do what we usually do. Take everything day by day and not worry about it until it comes our way. And when it does....we'll come out winning like we usually do."
They return the smile at her, knowing how Lina is, everything and anything will come their way. And they will be there fully prepared and waiting for their destinies to come.
"Hai." all agreed.
"Okay! Look out world.....here we come!"
Zel raised himself from out of his seat and hugged his beloved.
"My Lina-itoshii."
He stares into her eyes, there he sees his past, present, and their future. The two kissed, which of course only triggered another couple to do the same.....
"I love you Sylphiel."
"Oh....Gourry-darling."
And thus.....we leave our heroes to fulfill the Slayers world's predestination, and living happily ever after.
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***(1) I heard it from Cowboy Bebop member, Faye Valentine in the last session, #25, I think.
***(2) From the Slayers tv series, tape #2, episode #6: FOCUS! Rezo's the Real Enemy!
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Hola Minna-San!! What did you guys think? I know it's a little mushy but I couldn't think of anything else.
Review please.....oh...by the way...I'm sorry about the long chapters on the last two but I didn't feel like breaking them up. I know it took me forever in finishing but I was sick plus I've been busy these weeks. If there's any questions, I'll try my best to answer them. Thank you for reading my fic! Oh by the way....sorry if I had too many words repeated over....but I couldn't think of anything else to type up, there's also the length restriction. Well...take care and have a great weekday or weekend or both! Adios!!
~~ Miss "L" ^_~
