Inside the mountain it was pitch black. Gourry could barely see his own hand in front of his face. He kept his feet on the ground and shuffled along so he wouldn't trip over anything, and kept one hand along the wall. He didn't know whether there were forks or turns he was supposed to take, and he didn't know which direction he was going in. All he knew was that he had to go through that tunnel to get to Lina.
After walking for about a half hour, though it seemed much longer, it began to get brighter. Gourry went a little faster in his hurry to get to the light. When he reached the source of the light, he found a light spell cast. Just beneath the glowing ball of magical light was a parchment envelope. Gourry grabbed it, and tore it open, his hands shaking. Please don't let it be too late... Please don't let it be too late... he thought over and over again.
When Gourry unfolded the letter, he was greeted with Lina's handwriting on the paper.
Gourry,
What's taking you so long? This guy is creeping me out! He won't even let me see his face! Just... hurry up, okay? This guy says he wants me to tell you that I'm alive for now and that you'd better hurry your jellyfish butt here fast or I'll Fireball you into the Demon Sea!! I swear, Gourry, if I die because you didn't get here, I WILL HAUNT YOU!!
Lina
Gourry had to chuckle a little at that. Typical Lina. She was probably scared, Gourry decided, but she must be hiding it with her anger. Still...
Quickly, Gourry glanced at the bottom of the letter.
This is the last clue you will receive, Gourry. After this, you should be able to find your Lina and myself. I'm sure you'll be surprised when you see me. Hurry up.
It swallows light,
Kills dreams.
Brings the night,
Induces screams.
Gourry let his arms drop to his sides. He had to figure out another riddle? He couldn't think at a time like that. Lina's life was in even more danger than ever, and he had to try to solve another riddle?
Sighing, Gourry looked around. He was positive Lina was in the mountain. But where? Gourry saw the passage he'd just come through. A tiny point of light far at the end indicated the door leading outside. But he couldn't go there. Instead, Gourry's eyes set on another passage. There wasn't a speck of light in there. It was pitch black.
Black? Dark! That was the answer to the riddle! It swallows light becuase darkness takes over daylight. It kills dreams because darkness is so depressing. It brings the night, because night is dark. It induces screams because people are scared of the dark! It all made perfect sense!
Clenching the letter tightly in his fist, Gourry nodded determinedly and headed down the pitch dark passage. Lina was down there. He could feel it. He had a gut instinct.
"Hang on just a little longer, Lina," Gourry said, speaking as if to Lina. "I'm coming!"