Chapter 32
The First Day of Relaxing Finally Comes .
Or So We Thought .
The snow was almost on the brink of melting. Today was a perfect day to go the skill hill. The hill was called Snow's Deep Ridge. I was a valley with a mountain in the middle. The snow was never man made snow all of it was pure nature made. It was . the snow, about 5 feet high . if you where to fall in but I'm sure that hasn't happened to the very fortunate of us . Right, anyways at the very foot of the hill lies a more than large wooden lodge for weary skiers and snowboarder and the occasional tubers (Go Tubing!!). Now inside this where we shall begin .
A fire place near the front is very welcoming to any cold and frozen person who would step place in here. Around the fire place are seated sofas and couches of all kind. A coffee table full of magazines and hot chocolate rests itself in the middle. On the red Victorian walls pictures of the chalet and hills are scattered. The warm carpet offers comfort for tired and sprained feet. At the very end booths are lined up for food and souvenirs.
Lina plopped herself down on the sofa. She pulled off her toque and pushed up her goggles. She was red in the face and was sweating from the long run she had spent on the hill. Gourry soon came to the couch followed by Slypheil, Amelia and Zelgadis. Gourry handed Lina her hot chocolate then sat on the opposite couch next to Slypheil.
Gourry had a touque on that he pulled of he's head letting his hair fall back into place. He tossed his hat on the coffee table. Music was playing in the background. Amelia pulled her gloves off with her teeth then placed them in the arms of her coat that she was sitting on. Zelgadis pulled up his goggles and then kicked off his boots putting them up by the fire. Lina took a deep breath out then took a sip of her hot chocolate. As soon as he tongue touched it withdrew, the chocolate was scolding. But when she looked over at Gourry he was drinking away contently.
Both of their gazes caught then Lina looked away blushing as soon as Gourry flashed a smile at her. Then Gourry not paying attention started to gag on the marshmallow that went down the wrong tube. He started to cough and clench his fist around the cup which resulted in it jumping out of the cup and landing over Gourry's pants. Not only was his face blue from choking a tint of red from pain and burn from the hot chocolate.
"Oh! Gourry-dear! Are you alright?!" asked Slypheil in a worried voice placing her hand on his arm. Gourry lifted his head totally backwards making a final attempt to swallow, which he succeeded. As soon as he recovered he looked up and smiled so did Slypheil. Then she started to giggle. "Oh Gourry-dear you had me worried there," she said holding her hand up to her mouth trying to stifle her giggles. Lina was glaring at the both of them over the rim off her cup her grip on the cup tightened. Then she let go suddenly realizing what she was doing.
"What's that matter with me . why do I feel so angry . There just friends . And why do I care .," Lina was abruptly brought out of her thoughts by a flying pen lid that she dodged just in time. When she looked to see who threw it to go over a beat them, for ever even having a thought of attacking the beautiful Lina Inverse, she saw Zelgadis. He was smirking and then lifted his eyebrows. It took Lina about 2 seconds to realize what he was hinting at then she blushed and glared at Zel cursing over her cup at him.
"Mr. Zelgadis, are you coming with me to go for another run down the hill?" asked Amelia getting back up pulling her coat on. Zel hesitated as the words slithered their way into his ears.
"Yes Zelgadis why don't you," said Lina with a sneer plastered on her lips. Zelgadis stared at her with an eyebrow raised as she glared at him menacingly with a wicked smile on her face.
"You should come to Miss Lina, in your condition you shouldn't be just sitting here eating," said Amelia nodding. In a flash Lina was there, Amelia in a head lock.
"Are you saying I'm fat!!!!?"
"No, I'm just saying that exercise is a good thing!" said Amelia gasping for air sweatdropping.
"Now that you mention it Lina has looked a little round around the belly," said Gourry his eyes closed arms crossed nodding. Lina punched him under the jaw sending him sprawled on the couch. Slypheil sweatdropped then helped Gourry up.
"No one asked you Jellyfish brains!!"
***
Lina took the lift with Zel and Slypheil first. Lina and Zelgadis where the only ones using snowboards and the others where using skis. As soon as their lift stopped then slipped off and boarded to the red line and stopped to wait for the others. Gourry was skiing casually to them then his skis got stuck over one other then fell face forward in the snow his skis sticking up into the air.
"Oh dear, poor Mr. Gourry," said Amelia sweatdropping. Before Gourry got up another seat passed over and got hooked to one of his skis that was sticking up. Gourry paused for a second before realizing what was happening. Then he gave a yelp as he was being dragged around the loop. Lina and them where still walking and didn't notice anything until Slypheil stopped and turned around.
"Miss Lina . Where's Gourry dear? Gourry Dear!! Oh Poor Gourry Dear!!" said Slypheil her hands up to her face with the ski poles attached to her hands. She had a look of horror on her face.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Someone stop the ride!!! Ouch!!! *THUD* AAAHHH!!! *SMACK* *THUD*." On the way down hanging from one leg Gourry's had some . misfortunate events on the way down. His head collided with two perturbing rocks and ice blocks covered with snow. As soon as Amelia had told the control tower he was half way down when they reversed the lift he was dragged all the way back up coming back through the same process. At the summit Lina and Slypheil pulled Gourry up and dragged his slumping body to the tower leaning his back against the wall letting him slip down his head hung. He had a big bump evolving out of his head and his face was bruised and beaten.
Lina shook her head as she stood standing over Gourry with her hands on her hips. Slypheil squatted right next to Gourry wrapping her arms around her knees staring attentively at him. Amelia had a semi smiled and worried look on her face and Zelgadis was just looking out over the vast steep mountain. He sighed then smiled and started to move to the edge of the slope. As he got into position to go down the mountain he slid his goggles on and pulled his gloves on tightly. Then just as he was going down he turned.
"Well I don't want to stand around here and wait. I would want to get some exercise don't want to get fat would we, right Lina?" he said smirking as he disappeared over the edge of the hill. The last thing Zelgadis saw was Lina's head slowly turning in his direction. Then he heard a scream coming from up behind him as he crouched down bending his knees gaining speed. As he past a chunk of ice all his thoughts where concentrated on what was happening as he sped down the slope curving snow spitting out from under him falling down to sit tranquilly back like a thin blanket.
***
Lina slowly turned her head about to strangle Zelgadis as those words escaped his mouth. But when she turned she only saw a figure zooming down the icy depth. Anger boiled in Lina so fast she probably would've had the speed to run down and catch Zel on his board, but before she was able to jump down after Zelgadis to tend to his funeral Amelia held her back. Lina just stood at the edge and strained flaring her arms cursing at Zel and his disappearing figure.
After she had clamed down and Gourry had become conscious and they all trailed to the rim of the cliff. All of them fitted their goggles, touques and mittens on. Amelia gulped and grasped her ski poles. Lina was grinding her teeth ready to show Zelgadis off and beat the living crap out of him, if and when she did find him. Gourry, unknown to the others, was seeing double and not exactly right in the mind . though he never really was. Slypheil was smiling as she took in a deep breath of the white outdoors and the pins and oaks that grew near.
"Do we have to go down this hill.?" Amelia gulped as she thought to her self.
"That jerk! The second I catch up to him he's dead!!"
"Why are their little fishy and Lina's?!?! Oooooooooo, pretty colors!"
"What a wonderful smell, if only papa where here."
"Well come one! What are we waiting for the last one at the bottom . has to pay for the food!!!" said Lina as she pushed her self off and speed down the hill. Amelia glared. Lina new she was at a disadvantage.
"Miss Lina that's no fair!!!! Your so mean!" shouted Amelia as she slowly went over the edge then started to scream as she went zooming down the hill out of control her knees bent in and her arms crunched in.
"Oh! My, wait Miss Amelia I'm coming," said Slypheil turning to Gourry, "Come one Gourry-dear!" Slypheil gave a tug on Gourry's sleeve causing him to go forward down. He looked like he knew what he was doing but really he didn't. Slypheil fallowed him down the hill catching up with Lina and the others.
***
When Lina stopped by the oak to rest then a voice freaked her right out.
"Finally you caught up, for a second I thought you all chickened out," said Zelgadis smugly walking out from behind the tall oak. Lina had one hand on the oak and the other placed on her knee as soon as she heard Zel she slammed her fist on the oak hoping it would cover him in snow only causing all of it to fall on her. Lina cursed as she pulled her self from the snow pile. Zelgadis was smiling and had a sweatdrop on his head as he stared at Lina who was stuck at the top from the waist down in the snow pile.
"YOU JERK!!! Don't just sit there and stare help me out!!!"
"You where the one who tired to cover me in snow in the first place," remarked Zel which only caused Lina to glare at him as she dug her self out of the snow pile. After Lina paused and looked up. She raised an eyebrow. Coming full speed out of control was Amelia. She looked like she was in much distress. Before she went zooming pass Zelgadis held out his arm and caught Amelia pulling her back. By accident he caught her by the front dragging her to him. He hadn't notice till she was right in front of him that he was holding her chest. Zel's jaw dropped and Amelia was completely red and her eyebrow was twitching. A vain appeared on her head.
"Mr. Zelgadis ." Zel immediately took his hand off he was red in the face.
"I-I didn't mean to . I mean I didn't ." Before Zelgadis could finish his speech Amelia used a Pacifist Crush on him sending him into the tree head first. He slouched and crossed his arms grumbling, still blushing. His spikes, hair, where embedded in the tree trunk. As soon as Lina dug her self out of the snow pile she looked down at Zel and then smirked.
"You grabbed her chest in the first place," she said smugly walking over to the fuming Amelia. Soon after wards Slypheil came to a halt right in front of Lina causing the snow to spew up and cover her.
"WHAT THE HELL IS WITH YOU PEOPLE AND GETTING ME WET!!!!!!!!!!!" Lina shouted as Slypheil apologized. After much time causing Lina to calm down they saw Gourry slowly coming into view.
"Hey Miss Lina, look!"
"What?"
"There's Mr. Gourry."
"Oh Gourry-dear is sure taking along time. I wonder if he's ok."
Gourry, by know was in full view going down the hill at 1km/h. As soon as he reached a little step he went off it speeding up ten times faster. They turned their head fallowing him all the way down . right into the tree . right into Zelgadis. Gourry shook his head before he finally woke up. He blinked twice.
"Where am I?" Lina placed her hand on her head and sighed. She was getting a really big headache. Gourry pushed back up then realized he was squishing Zel who had his tongue sticking out and was firmly pushed into the tree. After much pulling and tugging the finally removed him out of the tree leaving an imprint and a few hairs in the trunk. "Sorry Zel didn't see you there," Gourry laughed whole heartedly slapped Zel on the back. He just grumbled and straightened his hair.
"Well where are we going now, Miss Lina," asked Slypheil as she stared the rest of the way. Trees now became and obstacle and so did platforms, great for jumping off of and at the very end was a tube.
"What else go down!" she said boarding to the end then pushing off once again.
"I can't believe her," said Zelgadis shaking his head fallowing her down the hill. Soon after fallowed by Gourry, Slypheil then Amelia, who had gain a little more confidence. Lina was curving down the hill making S's. Then she saw a jump coming up she smirked. Time to show the others how snowboarding was done.
The second she went over the end of the jump she caught air and crouched down grapping the board in between her feet. But just as she was about to do a perfect landing with a spin, she saw someone sitting one a stool at the end of the jump . of course where Lina was going to land!
"MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" As soon as Lina screamed at the person calmly turned her head to see who was talking to her then her eyes went wide. The glimpse Lina got from the girl is that she had round glasses that covered her green eyes and she had brown hair that was in a braid. She also had a purple snowsuit on.
Then the collision happened. The two rolled down the hill together not only counting the other girl's painting utensils and her easel. Both of them soon created an enormous snow ball encasing both of the girls in it speeding down the hill. Every bump they hit sent them flying into the air higher and higher. Muffled screams could be heard from the inside of the round ball of snow. Then a red glow came from the bottom of the snow ball when they hit the air then a slow murmuring could be heard. "FIRE BALL!!!!"
The snow ball was blow away in mid air sending the chunks of debris flaying all over the hill. Right their in mid air was Lina levitating just above the ground, hanging on her leg was the painter. Lina no the less didn't look to happy see was panting sweaty and covered in wet slushy snow. As soon as they reached the ground the girl began brushing the snow off her pants Lina took her fist to the girls head.
"Ow! What was that for!" said the girl rubbing her head looking at Lin adjusting her glasses.
"That was for being an idiot!!"
"What are you talking about?! You're the one who ran into ME!!" the Girl shouted back both of them had sparks flying their eyes.
"I wouldn't have if you hadn't been in the way! You shouldn't have put your stupid drawings in that spot in the first place!!"
"They're not stupid drawings there my pantin.. MY PANTINGS!!!" The girls said freaking out as she realized that her paintings where scattered across the white plane. She ran down and picked up her canvas and her paintings that where in viewing. Lina stared at the girl in disbelief . she was being ignored!
"Hey what's the big idea I was talking to you!!" shouted Lina at the girl who was obviously in another world with her paintings. As soon as the painter collected all of her paintings she huggled them close to her as if their where some kind of animal.
"Oh they you are my babies! I wouldn't know what I'd do with out you!" she said smiling at her paintings.
"Babies .?"
"Miss Lina are you alright!!!?" shouted Amelia as she and the others halted by Lina.
"Ya I'm fine ... just this girl I ran into ." Before Lina could finish her sentence Amelia and Slypheil where over to the girl.
"Are you all right?"
"She didn't hurt you did she?"
"Miss, do you need help?"
"Hey what about me!!!" said Lina loudly as the other two helped the girl up. Lina placed her hands on her hips staring at the three as they got up. As soon as the girl got with arm distance of Lina she looked away and put out her hand.
"Consider this an honor I don't shake hand with many people. My name is Hikari," she said snappingly. Lina turned her head in the other direction as well but then caught Slypheil's and Amelia's disapproving stare. She rolled her eyes and sighed sticking out her hand as well.
"Consider this a privilege as well, I don't let any one shake my hand," she said smugly, "And my name is Lina Inverse." The two shook hands glaring at each other with evil looks from under their bangs.
***
"So you come here to paint every Sunday?" said Zelgadis finding himself once again in the lodge sitting down at a table with a hot chocolate. The girl nodded her glasses off, being fogged up.
"Yes, It's been kind of a custom for me . I love painting things especially scenery . and that's the best spot on the whole hill," she said sipping her tea.
"But why under a slope, isn't that a little odd?"
"Why ski when there's hardly any snow, isn't that a little odd."
"She got you there Zel," said Gourry.
"Well I think painting the scenery is a lovely idea; it is very pretty now a days. Don't you agrees Miss Amelia?" asked Slypheil. Amelia nodded.
"Anyways it doesn't matter that much I was done anyways just signing it when I was interrupted," Hikari said side glancing at Lina who glared back. Silence fallowed and was interrupting by Slypheil waving her hand and bringing up another subject.
"So . Miss Lina, why didn't Miss Filia show up or Mr. Xellos?" Lina leaned back in her chair.
"Well, Filia has come down with a fever but probably will be at school tomorrow, and Xellos . Well, who knows . He said he had some stuff to prepare and he might show up later. But I doubt it ."
For the rest of the time they mainly spent there time in silence drinking and a usually comment thrown here and there. Little talk was made until Lina stared at her cup. She leaned a little closer too it looking. It was vibrating Lina looked into her cup directly. A ripple was starting just as Slypheil was about to ask her what she was doing a man burst in from the outside, it was the tower guard.
"AVALNCHE!" he yelled as he ran back out fallowed by the rest of the staff. Everyone who was outside was recruited inside and everyone inside was panicking. Another staff member that stayed inside spoke up above all the fuss and havoc.
"Everyone settle down and get under a table or chair. We have some magicians going to put up a barrier spell, now please rest calm!" The group took refuge under a table and they all closed in.
"Those morons! Anything those low 3rd rate magicians can make won't be able to stand a full force avalanche! They're going to get us all killed," cursed Lina s she squeezed under the table.
"Hey Lina maybe you should lose a few pounds, it's kind of squishy down here," said Gourry getting a full blow in the stomach.
"Miss . Lina .?" "What Amelia?"
"Miss. Hikari is gone ."
"WHAT!! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!! OH NO!! THAT MORON!! SHE PROABLY WENT OUT TO SKETCH THE SCENC!!! THAT IDIOT!!!!" Lina pushed out from the bottom of the table and ran to the door but as soon as she got there a bulky man stood in front blocking it his arms crossed.
"Sorry, little girl but no one can leave or exit," he said staring down at Lina. Lina glared up at him.
"First of all I'm not a little girl and second of all someone I know is outside and I need to get her!"
"Sorry Miss but orders are orders ."
There right behind Lina where Gourry and Zelgadis not looking a bit friendly.
"How about letting us through," Zelgadis said dangerously. The tall man seemed to shrink before Zel's glowering gaze then he laughed.
"Hehehehe, Sure, go on right ahead here you go," he said smiling walking behind the door and letting them through waving them goodbye. They all stared at the man weirdly but kept on walking out until the door shut behind them.
"What a weirdo," said Lina then she turned her head to the line of people standing in front of the chalet. They all where getting ready to cast a barrier spell. "Where is she," Lina muttered scanning, with her eyes, the arrear looking for Hikari.
"There!" Shouted Gourry, "Someone is hiding under the rock!" He pointed to the erosion in the snow. It was a big gagged rock that hand a curve and under was a person wearing glasses with a sketch book. Lina jolted to the rock before she thought.
"Lina! The idiot! Look there just out of the barrier's reach. We have to stop those people from setting up the barrier or they'll get crushed!!!!!!" shouted Zel over the rumbling sound of the snow.
"Lina ." said Gourry in a low worried voice.
Amelia ran over to the nearest spell caster.
"Please you have to hold casting the spell! We have friends out there!!" The person looked down on Amelia then paused.
"We can only hold for about 1 minuet. You better get them in, we can't risk the lives for hundreds just for two, now hurry," he said sternly. Amelia bowed quickly then ran back to Zel to tell him.
"We won't get there in time, dammit, we need about 5 minutes," said Zelgadis. His eyes widen as soon as he saw the avalanche sore over the edge. Gourry was running too Lina then he was stopped by two older men who held him back. He struggled then shot his hand out still trying to pull away.
"LINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Lina made it under the rock she skidded too a stop right behind the painter.
"What the hell are you doing you idiot!!! Get out of here there's an avalanche!!!" the girl turned sharply and glared at Lina.
"That's why I'm here," she said turning around and continuing sketching. Lina looked up and saw how close the rapid snow was approaching; it would be on them in seconds if they didn't hurry. She was getting antsy.
"What do you mean!!!? Your trying to get us both killed!!!" the girl ignored her as she continued to sketch. Hikari took one final glance over the rock and scribbled something down.
"Done," she said looking at her drawing smiling. Lina then grabbed her by the wrists and pulled her along quickly.
"Come one!!" she said running to the chalet dragging Hikari after her.
"All right everyone!!! Get into positions its coming!!" shouted the manager as the staff got ready.
"No please you can't start Miss Lina isn't back yet!!" cried Amelia desperately.
"It's too late, they on their own now!!!" shouted the manager over his shoulder. Amelia looked too Zelgadis. He was looking down and his hands where balled into fists.
"There's nothing we can do now . only help them," Zel said walking forward to the others.
"But Mr. Zel. "Amelia was about to cry then she sucked back in her tears and ran forward to help Zelgadis. As she stood beside Zelgadis she took her stance. Then as she was about to close her eyes the opened them again. "Miss Lina!!!" she shouted as she saw the two approaching figures. Just as she was about to run Zelgadis caught her and pulled her back. He held her tight close to him.
"Don't go . all we can do is wait," then he looked up," RUN LINA!!! HURRY!!!" Lina ran with all her might pushing her legs.
"Where not going to make it," she thought then she cast a levation spell.
"Now cast the barrier!!!" shouted the manger.
"Lina!!! "Shouted Gourry as he started to run forward. Lina smiled.
"Where going to make it!" she thought as she came closer holding Hikari tighter in her grip, then she realized she was only holding on to her glove. Lina stopped and turned around to see her face first in the snow. She stopped and dropped to the snow running to her. Lina pulled her up and started at her face. She opened her eyes. "Come on we gotta make it," Lina said genteelly puling Hikari up.
"Miss Lina!!!!!!!" Amelia shouted. Zelgadis let her go and he started to chant the protection spell with the others. The two ran with all there power.
"JUMP LINA!!!" Shouted Zelgadis as the barrier spell was cast. From the top of the chalet a blue transparent shield made its way down. Lina took one last step then jumped with Hikari.
Gourry was there ready to catch her. Amelia jumped up and helped to reinforce the shield. Lina saw Gourry as she was heading towards the chalet she blinked slowly then smiled. Gourry had a smile on his face as he held his arms out. Just as she reached the barrier line it closed. Lina ricocheted off it and went flying back.
"Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!"
"LINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" shouted Gourry as he ran up to the wall and began to bang on it with his fists. Amelia couldn't hold back the tears. One started to flow down her cheek. Then she felt a hand wrapped around her shoulder pulling her close. It was Zelgadis one hand was still emitting energy for the barrier the other was wrapped around Amelia. She still had her hands out for the wall but buried her face in Zel's shoulder and cried.
The snow came up in a wave and smashed against the barrier like the water against the rocks. Then the snow proceeded to cover everything with its white malice returning everything back to silence. The snow calmed and rested back into place.
***
Helicopters arrived at the scene in less than an hour. The rescue crew dug about 20 feet underground before they hit the barrier. After about an hour of relentless digging the whole chalet was uncovered, or at least the shape of the barrier. If you where to fly up above it would look like a crater embedded in the earth. They had the spell casters re-lees some energy opening a tear in top. Soon people where being pulled out like weeds from the hole.
"Are you hooked in tightly Miss?" asked the rescue attendant as he hooked Amelia up in the pulley. She nodded slowly. "Ok hold on to the rope tightly," he said smiling as Amelia was being lifted from the ground. Amelia gripped the rope tightly that was supporting her. Her finger where numb from casting that spell, she almost felt like letting go she was so tired. She closed her eyes as tight as they would go . she could feel her self swinging a little as she came closer to the top. Amelia slowly opened her eyes and looked up. She saw people standing on the barrier and some helicopters leaving and coming to pick people up or drop them off in the town. She gulped and closes her eyes once again.
"Miss . Lina ..."
Hands helped Amelia out of the seat and let her off. She stood up and blinked the brightness of the sun stung her eyes. She began to rubs her eyes as they began to water. She wandered aimlessly between the crowds of worried and horror stricken faces of people. Amelia started to get worried and her pace quickened. "Where are the others ." she thought as she looked around, not looking where she as going. Amelia stumbled back. "Oh . I'm sorry . I didn't ."
"Miss. Amelia?" Amelia looked up to see Slypheil. A smile spread across her face but was turned into tears and crying quicker then the smile had formed. "Miss Amelia? What's the matter? Where are Lina-san and the others?" Amelia ran into Slypheil and Slypheil placed her hand on Amelia's shoulders.
"Miss. Lina and Miss. Hikari didn't make it inside in time . and they . they ." Amelia said through the sobs then breaking down into a rage of tears. She sank to her knees. Slypheil sat down by her looking stunned. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"Their under the snow, aren't they?" Amelia nodded. Slypheil didn't have the same reaction as Amelia, actually it seemed as if she had no reaction. Her mind wasn't able to comprehend the situation . No Lina . It would be so quiet . and dead . Nothing to worry about Gourry . but then an empty space . She was brought out of here train of thoughts by a hand clamping down on her shoulder and giving her a little shake. Slypheil turned her head to look and see who it was . it was her Gourry-dear. Then she snapped seeing his smile. Slypheil launched into Gourry causing him to tumble back and fall on his rear. Slypheil was crying into his chest. With one hand holding him self up and placed the other hand on her head.
"Come on you guys . There's nothing we can do crying won't bring them back," said Zelgadis unusually sharp. Amelia looked up wiping her eyes away with the backs of her hands. He looked away and sighs looking up into the sky. "Slypheil where did you go?" Slypheil turned looking a little embarrassed while being helped up by Gourry.
"I-I was staying inside helping the staff calming everyone else . then ." Slypheil was abruptly cut off because a loud murmur came over the crowd like the wave at baseball games.
Zelgadis started to walk to the source of the sound that everyone was talking about. Gourry followed pulling Slypheil by the hand with him. Amelia watched them from her spot as they pushed through the dense crowd until they disappeared among the many different color heads. She closed her eyes trying to shut all the other sounds out then she caught a glimpse of the sound her eyes springing wide open. Amelia got up and pushed her self off into a running pushing mood through the crowd to catch up with the others. She was pushed back so many times as she plowed with her elbows. Amelia resorted to crawling on her hands and knees and found her self out by Gourry and the other in no time. A smile was plastered on Zelgadis's face and Gourry was still straining to hear.
Before anyone could get a real good grasp of the words the snow about 20 feet away started to glow, in a circular form. Amelia's tried covered eyes stared to perk up and her frown turned upside down (hey that rhymes ^_^ well at least the last bit). The ground slowly started to shake; some people stumbled causing them to fall on their buts.
"What's going on here?" asked a rescue member as he made his way through the crowd. "Is that Magic? Who is doing it?!" Everyone was quiet, they all knew offensive spells with out a permit was illegal. "Well, anyone! Someone is doing it . Who ." Just as he was saying his sentence yelling at everyone the hole melted inwards . What ever it was it was boiling, fast and coming. Everyone turned and stared in amazement as the last words where spoken before the blast of red aurora shot out of the ground and speed into the sky like a gazer then burst at the last minuet right before the clouds. The whole sky turned a blood red and everyone was shrouded in a red shadow. The last words where .
"DRAGON SLAVE!!!!!" after the smoke and snow cleared Amelia got up and started to run forward. The Rescue man shot his arm out to catch her but missed.
"Lina!!!" Shouted Gourry as he ran forward followed by Zelgadis and Slypheil.
"Hey!!! All of you get back here now!!!!" shouted the man as other rescue members came forward from the crowd.
From the ending smoke tow figures came slowly but surly from the hole. As they got to the rim then both plopped to the ground and disappeared in the smoke.
"Dammit . I can't see I thing in this smoke ." said Zelgadis not far from the others lifting up his arm to block the smoke from getting into his eyes.
"Miss. Lina!!! Are you there?!?!?!" shouted Amelia through the smoke coughing.
"Mr. Zelgadis . Do you think you could clear up the smoke?" asked Slypheil. They didn't hear an answer from Zel but Amelia swore she heard a smirk. A slow mumble arose from where Zel was standing and Amelia noticed the wind picked up and the smoke seemed to swirl about them. Her hair that stoke out lifted up as the wind began to take all the smoke above standing level. Soon the smoke lifted into to the sky and disappeared into the cloudy dark blue sky. Right in the middle lay two figures.
Lina and Hikari where down in the snow when the other ran over. Zelgadis and Gourry both stopped right in front of them while Amelia bent down to pick Lina up and Slypheil helped Hikari up to her feet. Lina eyes fluttered open then she sat up on her rear then smiled up at the other and gave a victory sign with her fingers. Amelia smiled then launched to Lina giving her a hug. Lina looked up to Zel and gave him the thumbs up sign. Zelgadis sighed and shrugged crossing his arms over his chest turning sideways facing out from the group.
"You know Lina, next time you pull a stunt like that, tell me at least you had me really worried," said Gourry looking at her with a not so impressed look on his face which made Lina puzzled. She stood up and brushed off her pants then before she looked up she found herself in Gourry's embrace. Lina froze and went totally solid turning red in the face. Amelia was semi blushing and Slypheil's, who had Hikari's arm over her shoulder while helping her up, jaw dropped slightly. Lina upon realizing her position her eye began twitch and she balled her fists.
"Gourry what do you think your doing?" she asked through clenched teeth. Gourry raised and eyebrow then backed up as he noticed Lina's temper.
"I-I was just . giving you a hug like Ame ." Before Gourry could even finish his sentence Lina had him in the snow while she rapidly beat his head with her foot.
"TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME!!!!" Slypheil smiled and Amelia sweatdropped while Zelgadis rolled his eyes.
"Well she hasn't changed," he thought silently as his gaze looked over to the group of gawking on lookers and approaching rescue team members.
"Uuuuuummmmmm. Miss. Hikari . in that entire ordeal where you able to save the picture?" asked Amelia looking over to her. Hikari stood up straight and positioned her glasses then dug into her pocket and pulled out a piece of crumpled paper. Lina soon noticed this and walked over plucking the picture from the painter and opend it as the three other girl peered over her shoulder. Amelia gasped, Slypheil starred stunned and Lina's grip grew tight on the picture. Hikari took it away and looked at it examining it.
"I'd admit it was good for a quick sketch, but I guess I could have done better." she said smiling at approval at her own work. But un revealed to her knowledge. The thing that the where reacting to was not the goodness of the picture.
"Hikari . are you sure that picture is all right? I mean was everything in there what was really there .?" asked Lina nervously a vein on her forehead expanding. The painter nodded.
"Yes . though I don't recognize the man in the corner . I saw him at the last minuet then he faded . must have been an animal really ."
"XELLOS!!!!!!!!!!"
***
Boo: Hallo!!!! GOMEH GOMEH!!! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a long time . I've been really busy and what not . but now I think I'll concentrate on working on this then anything more ^_^'' R&R plz, I liked to know if ppls are still actually reading the story ^_^. Wait for next chapter when most of the un answered questions are revealed . And some new character are appearing and some interesting problems the Slayers run into.
The snow was almost on the brink of melting. Today was a perfect day to go the skill hill. The hill was called Snow's Deep Ridge. I was a valley with a mountain in the middle. The snow was never man made snow all of it was pure nature made. It was . the snow, about 5 feet high . if you where to fall in but I'm sure that hasn't happened to the very fortunate of us . Right, anyways at the very foot of the hill lies a more than large wooden lodge for weary skiers and snowboarder and the occasional tubers (Go Tubing!!). Now inside this where we shall begin .
A fire place near the front is very welcoming to any cold and frozen person who would step place in here. Around the fire place are seated sofas and couches of all kind. A coffee table full of magazines and hot chocolate rests itself in the middle. On the red Victorian walls pictures of the chalet and hills are scattered. The warm carpet offers comfort for tired and sprained feet. At the very end booths are lined up for food and souvenirs.
Lina plopped herself down on the sofa. She pulled off her toque and pushed up her goggles. She was red in the face and was sweating from the long run she had spent on the hill. Gourry soon came to the couch followed by Slypheil, Amelia and Zelgadis. Gourry handed Lina her hot chocolate then sat on the opposite couch next to Slypheil.
Gourry had a touque on that he pulled of he's head letting his hair fall back into place. He tossed his hat on the coffee table. Music was playing in the background. Amelia pulled her gloves off with her teeth then placed them in the arms of her coat that she was sitting on. Zelgadis pulled up his goggles and then kicked off his boots putting them up by the fire. Lina took a deep breath out then took a sip of her hot chocolate. As soon as he tongue touched it withdrew, the chocolate was scolding. But when she looked over at Gourry he was drinking away contently.
Both of their gazes caught then Lina looked away blushing as soon as Gourry flashed a smile at her. Then Gourry not paying attention started to gag on the marshmallow that went down the wrong tube. He started to cough and clench his fist around the cup which resulted in it jumping out of the cup and landing over Gourry's pants. Not only was his face blue from choking a tint of red from pain and burn from the hot chocolate.
"Oh! Gourry-dear! Are you alright?!" asked Slypheil in a worried voice placing her hand on his arm. Gourry lifted his head totally backwards making a final attempt to swallow, which he succeeded. As soon as he recovered he looked up and smiled so did Slypheil. Then she started to giggle. "Oh Gourry-dear you had me worried there," she said holding her hand up to her mouth trying to stifle her giggles. Lina was glaring at the both of them over the rim off her cup her grip on the cup tightened. Then she let go suddenly realizing what she was doing.
"What's that matter with me . why do I feel so angry . There just friends . And why do I care .," Lina was abruptly brought out of her thoughts by a flying pen lid that she dodged just in time. When she looked to see who threw it to go over a beat them, for ever even having a thought of attacking the beautiful Lina Inverse, she saw Zelgadis. He was smirking and then lifted his eyebrows. It took Lina about 2 seconds to realize what he was hinting at then she blushed and glared at Zel cursing over her cup at him.
"Mr. Zelgadis, are you coming with me to go for another run down the hill?" asked Amelia getting back up pulling her coat on. Zel hesitated as the words slithered their way into his ears.
"Yes Zelgadis why don't you," said Lina with a sneer plastered on her lips. Zelgadis stared at her with an eyebrow raised as she glared at him menacingly with a wicked smile on her face.
"You should come to Miss Lina, in your condition you shouldn't be just sitting here eating," said Amelia nodding. In a flash Lina was there, Amelia in a head lock.
"Are you saying I'm fat!!!!?"
"No, I'm just saying that exercise is a good thing!" said Amelia gasping for air sweatdropping.
"Now that you mention it Lina has looked a little round around the belly," said Gourry his eyes closed arms crossed nodding. Lina punched him under the jaw sending him sprawled on the couch. Slypheil sweatdropped then helped Gourry up.
"No one asked you Jellyfish brains!!"
***
Lina took the lift with Zel and Slypheil first. Lina and Zelgadis where the only ones using snowboards and the others where using skis. As soon as their lift stopped then slipped off and boarded to the red line and stopped to wait for the others. Gourry was skiing casually to them then his skis got stuck over one other then fell face forward in the snow his skis sticking up into the air.
"Oh dear, poor Mr. Gourry," said Amelia sweatdropping. Before Gourry got up another seat passed over and got hooked to one of his skis that was sticking up. Gourry paused for a second before realizing what was happening. Then he gave a yelp as he was being dragged around the loop. Lina and them where still walking and didn't notice anything until Slypheil stopped and turned around.
"Miss Lina . Where's Gourry dear? Gourry Dear!! Oh Poor Gourry Dear!!" said Slypheil her hands up to her face with the ski poles attached to her hands. She had a look of horror on her face.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Someone stop the ride!!! Ouch!!! *THUD* AAAHHH!!! *SMACK* *THUD*." On the way down hanging from one leg Gourry's had some . misfortunate events on the way down. His head collided with two perturbing rocks and ice blocks covered with snow. As soon as Amelia had told the control tower he was half way down when they reversed the lift he was dragged all the way back up coming back through the same process. At the summit Lina and Slypheil pulled Gourry up and dragged his slumping body to the tower leaning his back against the wall letting him slip down his head hung. He had a big bump evolving out of his head and his face was bruised and beaten.
Lina shook her head as she stood standing over Gourry with her hands on her hips. Slypheil squatted right next to Gourry wrapping her arms around her knees staring attentively at him. Amelia had a semi smiled and worried look on her face and Zelgadis was just looking out over the vast steep mountain. He sighed then smiled and started to move to the edge of the slope. As he got into position to go down the mountain he slid his goggles on and pulled his gloves on tightly. Then just as he was going down he turned.
"Well I don't want to stand around here and wait. I would want to get some exercise don't want to get fat would we, right Lina?" he said smirking as he disappeared over the edge of the hill. The last thing Zelgadis saw was Lina's head slowly turning in his direction. Then he heard a scream coming from up behind him as he crouched down bending his knees gaining speed. As he past a chunk of ice all his thoughts where concentrated on what was happening as he sped down the slope curving snow spitting out from under him falling down to sit tranquilly back like a thin blanket.
***
Lina slowly turned her head about to strangle Zelgadis as those words escaped his mouth. But when she turned she only saw a figure zooming down the icy depth. Anger boiled in Lina so fast she probably would've had the speed to run down and catch Zel on his board, but before she was able to jump down after Zelgadis to tend to his funeral Amelia held her back. Lina just stood at the edge and strained flaring her arms cursing at Zel and his disappearing figure.
After she had clamed down and Gourry had become conscious and they all trailed to the rim of the cliff. All of them fitted their goggles, touques and mittens on. Amelia gulped and grasped her ski poles. Lina was grinding her teeth ready to show Zelgadis off and beat the living crap out of him, if and when she did find him. Gourry, unknown to the others, was seeing double and not exactly right in the mind . though he never really was. Slypheil was smiling as she took in a deep breath of the white outdoors and the pins and oaks that grew near.
"Do we have to go down this hill.?" Amelia gulped as she thought to her self.
"That jerk! The second I catch up to him he's dead!!"
"Why are their little fishy and Lina's?!?! Oooooooooo, pretty colors!"
"What a wonderful smell, if only papa where here."
"Well come one! What are we waiting for the last one at the bottom . has to pay for the food!!!" said Lina as she pushed her self off and speed down the hill. Amelia glared. Lina new she was at a disadvantage.
"Miss Lina that's no fair!!!! Your so mean!" shouted Amelia as she slowly went over the edge then started to scream as she went zooming down the hill out of control her knees bent in and her arms crunched in.
"Oh! My, wait Miss Amelia I'm coming," said Slypheil turning to Gourry, "Come one Gourry-dear!" Slypheil gave a tug on Gourry's sleeve causing him to go forward down. He looked like he knew what he was doing but really he didn't. Slypheil fallowed him down the hill catching up with Lina and the others.
***
When Lina stopped by the oak to rest then a voice freaked her right out.
"Finally you caught up, for a second I thought you all chickened out," said Zelgadis smugly walking out from behind the tall oak. Lina had one hand on the oak and the other placed on her knee as soon as she heard Zel she slammed her fist on the oak hoping it would cover him in snow only causing all of it to fall on her. Lina cursed as she pulled her self from the snow pile. Zelgadis was smiling and had a sweatdrop on his head as he stared at Lina who was stuck at the top from the waist down in the snow pile.
"YOU JERK!!! Don't just sit there and stare help me out!!!"
"You where the one who tired to cover me in snow in the first place," remarked Zel which only caused Lina to glare at him as she dug her self out of the snow pile. After Lina paused and looked up. She raised an eyebrow. Coming full speed out of control was Amelia. She looked like she was in much distress. Before she went zooming pass Zelgadis held out his arm and caught Amelia pulling her back. By accident he caught her by the front dragging her to him. He hadn't notice till she was right in front of him that he was holding her chest. Zel's jaw dropped and Amelia was completely red and her eyebrow was twitching. A vain appeared on her head.
"Mr. Zelgadis ." Zel immediately took his hand off he was red in the face.
"I-I didn't mean to . I mean I didn't ." Before Zelgadis could finish his speech Amelia used a Pacifist Crush on him sending him into the tree head first. He slouched and crossed his arms grumbling, still blushing. His spikes, hair, where embedded in the tree trunk. As soon as Lina dug her self out of the snow pile she looked down at Zel and then smirked.
"You grabbed her chest in the first place," she said smugly walking over to the fuming Amelia. Soon after wards Slypheil came to a halt right in front of Lina causing the snow to spew up and cover her.
"WHAT THE HELL IS WITH YOU PEOPLE AND GETTING ME WET!!!!!!!!!!!" Lina shouted as Slypheil apologized. After much time causing Lina to calm down they saw Gourry slowly coming into view.
"Hey Miss Lina, look!"
"What?"
"There's Mr. Gourry."
"Oh Gourry-dear is sure taking along time. I wonder if he's ok."
Gourry, by know was in full view going down the hill at 1km/h. As soon as he reached a little step he went off it speeding up ten times faster. They turned their head fallowing him all the way down . right into the tree . right into Zelgadis. Gourry shook his head before he finally woke up. He blinked twice.
"Where am I?" Lina placed her hand on her head and sighed. She was getting a really big headache. Gourry pushed back up then realized he was squishing Zel who had his tongue sticking out and was firmly pushed into the tree. After much pulling and tugging the finally removed him out of the tree leaving an imprint and a few hairs in the trunk. "Sorry Zel didn't see you there," Gourry laughed whole heartedly slapped Zel on the back. He just grumbled and straightened his hair.
"Well where are we going now, Miss Lina," asked Slypheil as she stared the rest of the way. Trees now became and obstacle and so did platforms, great for jumping off of and at the very end was a tube.
"What else go down!" she said boarding to the end then pushing off once again.
"I can't believe her," said Zelgadis shaking his head fallowing her down the hill. Soon after fallowed by Gourry, Slypheil then Amelia, who had gain a little more confidence. Lina was curving down the hill making S's. Then she saw a jump coming up she smirked. Time to show the others how snowboarding was done.
The second she went over the end of the jump she caught air and crouched down grapping the board in between her feet. But just as she was about to do a perfect landing with a spin, she saw someone sitting one a stool at the end of the jump . of course where Lina was going to land!
"MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" As soon as Lina screamed at the person calmly turned her head to see who was talking to her then her eyes went wide. The glimpse Lina got from the girl is that she had round glasses that covered her green eyes and she had brown hair that was in a braid. She also had a purple snowsuit on.
Then the collision happened. The two rolled down the hill together not only counting the other girl's painting utensils and her easel. Both of them soon created an enormous snow ball encasing both of the girls in it speeding down the hill. Every bump they hit sent them flying into the air higher and higher. Muffled screams could be heard from the inside of the round ball of snow. Then a red glow came from the bottom of the snow ball when they hit the air then a slow murmuring could be heard. "FIRE BALL!!!!"
The snow ball was blow away in mid air sending the chunks of debris flaying all over the hill. Right their in mid air was Lina levitating just above the ground, hanging on her leg was the painter. Lina no the less didn't look to happy see was panting sweaty and covered in wet slushy snow. As soon as they reached the ground the girl began brushing the snow off her pants Lina took her fist to the girls head.
"Ow! What was that for!" said the girl rubbing her head looking at Lin adjusting her glasses.
"That was for being an idiot!!"
"What are you talking about?! You're the one who ran into ME!!" the Girl shouted back both of them had sparks flying their eyes.
"I wouldn't have if you hadn't been in the way! You shouldn't have put your stupid drawings in that spot in the first place!!"
"They're not stupid drawings there my pantin.. MY PANTINGS!!!" The girls said freaking out as she realized that her paintings where scattered across the white plane. She ran down and picked up her canvas and her paintings that where in viewing. Lina stared at the girl in disbelief . she was being ignored!
"Hey what's the big idea I was talking to you!!" shouted Lina at the girl who was obviously in another world with her paintings. As soon as the painter collected all of her paintings she huggled them close to her as if their where some kind of animal.
"Oh they you are my babies! I wouldn't know what I'd do with out you!" she said smiling at her paintings.
"Babies .?"
"Miss Lina are you alright!!!?" shouted Amelia as she and the others halted by Lina.
"Ya I'm fine ... just this girl I ran into ." Before Lina could finish her sentence Amelia and Slypheil where over to the girl.
"Are you all right?"
"She didn't hurt you did she?"
"Miss, do you need help?"
"Hey what about me!!!" said Lina loudly as the other two helped the girl up. Lina placed her hands on her hips staring at the three as they got up. As soon as the girl got with arm distance of Lina she looked away and put out her hand.
"Consider this an honor I don't shake hand with many people. My name is Hikari," she said snappingly. Lina turned her head in the other direction as well but then caught Slypheil's and Amelia's disapproving stare. She rolled her eyes and sighed sticking out her hand as well.
"Consider this a privilege as well, I don't let any one shake my hand," she said smugly, "And my name is Lina Inverse." The two shook hands glaring at each other with evil looks from under their bangs.
***
"So you come here to paint every Sunday?" said Zelgadis finding himself once again in the lodge sitting down at a table with a hot chocolate. The girl nodded her glasses off, being fogged up.
"Yes, It's been kind of a custom for me . I love painting things especially scenery . and that's the best spot on the whole hill," she said sipping her tea.
"But why under a slope, isn't that a little odd?"
"Why ski when there's hardly any snow, isn't that a little odd."
"She got you there Zel," said Gourry.
"Well I think painting the scenery is a lovely idea; it is very pretty now a days. Don't you agrees Miss Amelia?" asked Slypheil. Amelia nodded.
"Anyways it doesn't matter that much I was done anyways just signing it when I was interrupted," Hikari said side glancing at Lina who glared back. Silence fallowed and was interrupting by Slypheil waving her hand and bringing up another subject.
"So . Miss Lina, why didn't Miss Filia show up or Mr. Xellos?" Lina leaned back in her chair.
"Well, Filia has come down with a fever but probably will be at school tomorrow, and Xellos . Well, who knows . He said he had some stuff to prepare and he might show up later. But I doubt it ."
For the rest of the time they mainly spent there time in silence drinking and a usually comment thrown here and there. Little talk was made until Lina stared at her cup. She leaned a little closer too it looking. It was vibrating Lina looked into her cup directly. A ripple was starting just as Slypheil was about to ask her what she was doing a man burst in from the outside, it was the tower guard.
"AVALNCHE!" he yelled as he ran back out fallowed by the rest of the staff. Everyone who was outside was recruited inside and everyone inside was panicking. Another staff member that stayed inside spoke up above all the fuss and havoc.
"Everyone settle down and get under a table or chair. We have some magicians going to put up a barrier spell, now please rest calm!" The group took refuge under a table and they all closed in.
"Those morons! Anything those low 3rd rate magicians can make won't be able to stand a full force avalanche! They're going to get us all killed," cursed Lina s she squeezed under the table.
"Hey Lina maybe you should lose a few pounds, it's kind of squishy down here," said Gourry getting a full blow in the stomach.
"Miss . Lina .?" "What Amelia?"
"Miss. Hikari is gone ."
"WHAT!! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!! OH NO!! THAT MORON!! SHE PROABLY WENT OUT TO SKETCH THE SCENC!!! THAT IDIOT!!!!" Lina pushed out from the bottom of the table and ran to the door but as soon as she got there a bulky man stood in front blocking it his arms crossed.
"Sorry, little girl but no one can leave or exit," he said staring down at Lina. Lina glared up at him.
"First of all I'm not a little girl and second of all someone I know is outside and I need to get her!"
"Sorry Miss but orders are orders ."
There right behind Lina where Gourry and Zelgadis not looking a bit friendly.
"How about letting us through," Zelgadis said dangerously. The tall man seemed to shrink before Zel's glowering gaze then he laughed.
"Hehehehe, Sure, go on right ahead here you go," he said smiling walking behind the door and letting them through waving them goodbye. They all stared at the man weirdly but kept on walking out until the door shut behind them.
"What a weirdo," said Lina then she turned her head to the line of people standing in front of the chalet. They all where getting ready to cast a barrier spell. "Where is she," Lina muttered scanning, with her eyes, the arrear looking for Hikari.
"There!" Shouted Gourry, "Someone is hiding under the rock!" He pointed to the erosion in the snow. It was a big gagged rock that hand a curve and under was a person wearing glasses with a sketch book. Lina jolted to the rock before she thought.
"Lina! The idiot! Look there just out of the barrier's reach. We have to stop those people from setting up the barrier or they'll get crushed!!!!!!" shouted Zel over the rumbling sound of the snow.
"Lina ." said Gourry in a low worried voice.
Amelia ran over to the nearest spell caster.
"Please you have to hold casting the spell! We have friends out there!!" The person looked down on Amelia then paused.
"We can only hold for about 1 minuet. You better get them in, we can't risk the lives for hundreds just for two, now hurry," he said sternly. Amelia bowed quickly then ran back to Zel to tell him.
"We won't get there in time, dammit, we need about 5 minutes," said Zelgadis. His eyes widen as soon as he saw the avalanche sore over the edge. Gourry was running too Lina then he was stopped by two older men who held him back. He struggled then shot his hand out still trying to pull away.
"LINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Lina made it under the rock she skidded too a stop right behind the painter.
"What the hell are you doing you idiot!!! Get out of here there's an avalanche!!!" the girl turned sharply and glared at Lina.
"That's why I'm here," she said turning around and continuing sketching. Lina looked up and saw how close the rapid snow was approaching; it would be on them in seconds if they didn't hurry. She was getting antsy.
"What do you mean!!!? Your trying to get us both killed!!!" the girl ignored her as she continued to sketch. Hikari took one final glance over the rock and scribbled something down.
"Done," she said looking at her drawing smiling. Lina then grabbed her by the wrists and pulled her along quickly.
"Come one!!" she said running to the chalet dragging Hikari after her.
"All right everyone!!! Get into positions its coming!!" shouted the manager as the staff got ready.
"No please you can't start Miss Lina isn't back yet!!" cried Amelia desperately.
"It's too late, they on their own now!!!" shouted the manager over his shoulder. Amelia looked too Zelgadis. He was looking down and his hands where balled into fists.
"There's nothing we can do now . only help them," Zel said walking forward to the others.
"But Mr. Zel. "Amelia was about to cry then she sucked back in her tears and ran forward to help Zelgadis. As she stood beside Zelgadis she took her stance. Then as she was about to close her eyes the opened them again. "Miss Lina!!!" she shouted as she saw the two approaching figures. Just as she was about to run Zelgadis caught her and pulled her back. He held her tight close to him.
"Don't go . all we can do is wait," then he looked up," RUN LINA!!! HURRY!!!" Lina ran with all her might pushing her legs.
"Where not going to make it," she thought then she cast a levation spell.
"Now cast the barrier!!!" shouted the manger.
"Lina!!! "Shouted Gourry as he started to run forward. Lina smiled.
"Where going to make it!" she thought as she came closer holding Hikari tighter in her grip, then she realized she was only holding on to her glove. Lina stopped and turned around to see her face first in the snow. She stopped and dropped to the snow running to her. Lina pulled her up and started at her face. She opened her eyes. "Come on we gotta make it," Lina said genteelly puling Hikari up.
"Miss Lina!!!!!!!" Amelia shouted. Zelgadis let her go and he started to chant the protection spell with the others. The two ran with all there power.
"JUMP LINA!!!" Shouted Zelgadis as the barrier spell was cast. From the top of the chalet a blue transparent shield made its way down. Lina took one last step then jumped with Hikari.
Gourry was there ready to catch her. Amelia jumped up and helped to reinforce the shield. Lina saw Gourry as she was heading towards the chalet she blinked slowly then smiled. Gourry had a smile on his face as he held his arms out. Just as she reached the barrier line it closed. Lina ricocheted off it and went flying back.
"Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!"
"LINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" shouted Gourry as he ran up to the wall and began to bang on it with his fists. Amelia couldn't hold back the tears. One started to flow down her cheek. Then she felt a hand wrapped around her shoulder pulling her close. It was Zelgadis one hand was still emitting energy for the barrier the other was wrapped around Amelia. She still had her hands out for the wall but buried her face in Zel's shoulder and cried.
The snow came up in a wave and smashed against the barrier like the water against the rocks. Then the snow proceeded to cover everything with its white malice returning everything back to silence. The snow calmed and rested back into place.
***
Helicopters arrived at the scene in less than an hour. The rescue crew dug about 20 feet underground before they hit the barrier. After about an hour of relentless digging the whole chalet was uncovered, or at least the shape of the barrier. If you where to fly up above it would look like a crater embedded in the earth. They had the spell casters re-lees some energy opening a tear in top. Soon people where being pulled out like weeds from the hole.
"Are you hooked in tightly Miss?" asked the rescue attendant as he hooked Amelia up in the pulley. She nodded slowly. "Ok hold on to the rope tightly," he said smiling as Amelia was being lifted from the ground. Amelia gripped the rope tightly that was supporting her. Her finger where numb from casting that spell, she almost felt like letting go she was so tired. She closed her eyes as tight as they would go . she could feel her self swinging a little as she came closer to the top. Amelia slowly opened her eyes and looked up. She saw people standing on the barrier and some helicopters leaving and coming to pick people up or drop them off in the town. She gulped and closes her eyes once again.
"Miss . Lina ..."
Hands helped Amelia out of the seat and let her off. She stood up and blinked the brightness of the sun stung her eyes. She began to rubs her eyes as they began to water. She wandered aimlessly between the crowds of worried and horror stricken faces of people. Amelia started to get worried and her pace quickened. "Where are the others ." she thought as she looked around, not looking where she as going. Amelia stumbled back. "Oh . I'm sorry . I didn't ."
"Miss. Amelia?" Amelia looked up to see Slypheil. A smile spread across her face but was turned into tears and crying quicker then the smile had formed. "Miss Amelia? What's the matter? Where are Lina-san and the others?" Amelia ran into Slypheil and Slypheil placed her hand on Amelia's shoulders.
"Miss. Lina and Miss. Hikari didn't make it inside in time . and they . they ." Amelia said through the sobs then breaking down into a rage of tears. She sank to her knees. Slypheil sat down by her looking stunned. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"Their under the snow, aren't they?" Amelia nodded. Slypheil didn't have the same reaction as Amelia, actually it seemed as if she had no reaction. Her mind wasn't able to comprehend the situation . No Lina . It would be so quiet . and dead . Nothing to worry about Gourry . but then an empty space . She was brought out of here train of thoughts by a hand clamping down on her shoulder and giving her a little shake. Slypheil turned her head to look and see who it was . it was her Gourry-dear. Then she snapped seeing his smile. Slypheil launched into Gourry causing him to tumble back and fall on his rear. Slypheil was crying into his chest. With one hand holding him self up and placed the other hand on her head.
"Come on you guys . There's nothing we can do crying won't bring them back," said Zelgadis unusually sharp. Amelia looked up wiping her eyes away with the backs of her hands. He looked away and sighs looking up into the sky. "Slypheil where did you go?" Slypheil turned looking a little embarrassed while being helped up by Gourry.
"I-I was staying inside helping the staff calming everyone else . then ." Slypheil was abruptly cut off because a loud murmur came over the crowd like the wave at baseball games.
Zelgadis started to walk to the source of the sound that everyone was talking about. Gourry followed pulling Slypheil by the hand with him. Amelia watched them from her spot as they pushed through the dense crowd until they disappeared among the many different color heads. She closed her eyes trying to shut all the other sounds out then she caught a glimpse of the sound her eyes springing wide open. Amelia got up and pushed her self off into a running pushing mood through the crowd to catch up with the others. She was pushed back so many times as she plowed with her elbows. Amelia resorted to crawling on her hands and knees and found her self out by Gourry and the other in no time. A smile was plastered on Zelgadis's face and Gourry was still straining to hear.
Before anyone could get a real good grasp of the words the snow about 20 feet away started to glow, in a circular form. Amelia's tried covered eyes stared to perk up and her frown turned upside down (hey that rhymes ^_^ well at least the last bit). The ground slowly started to shake; some people stumbled causing them to fall on their buts.
"What's going on here?" asked a rescue member as he made his way through the crowd. "Is that Magic? Who is doing it?!" Everyone was quiet, they all knew offensive spells with out a permit was illegal. "Well, anyone! Someone is doing it . Who ." Just as he was saying his sentence yelling at everyone the hole melted inwards . What ever it was it was boiling, fast and coming. Everyone turned and stared in amazement as the last words where spoken before the blast of red aurora shot out of the ground and speed into the sky like a gazer then burst at the last minuet right before the clouds. The whole sky turned a blood red and everyone was shrouded in a red shadow. The last words where .
"DRAGON SLAVE!!!!!" after the smoke and snow cleared Amelia got up and started to run forward. The Rescue man shot his arm out to catch her but missed.
"Lina!!!" Shouted Gourry as he ran forward followed by Zelgadis and Slypheil.
"Hey!!! All of you get back here now!!!!" shouted the man as other rescue members came forward from the crowd.
From the ending smoke tow figures came slowly but surly from the hole. As they got to the rim then both plopped to the ground and disappeared in the smoke.
"Dammit . I can't see I thing in this smoke ." said Zelgadis not far from the others lifting up his arm to block the smoke from getting into his eyes.
"Miss. Lina!!! Are you there?!?!?!" shouted Amelia through the smoke coughing.
"Mr. Zelgadis . Do you think you could clear up the smoke?" asked Slypheil. They didn't hear an answer from Zel but Amelia swore she heard a smirk. A slow mumble arose from where Zel was standing and Amelia noticed the wind picked up and the smoke seemed to swirl about them. Her hair that stoke out lifted up as the wind began to take all the smoke above standing level. Soon the smoke lifted into to the sky and disappeared into the cloudy dark blue sky. Right in the middle lay two figures.
Lina and Hikari where down in the snow when the other ran over. Zelgadis and Gourry both stopped right in front of them while Amelia bent down to pick Lina up and Slypheil helped Hikari up to her feet. Lina eyes fluttered open then she sat up on her rear then smiled up at the other and gave a victory sign with her fingers. Amelia smiled then launched to Lina giving her a hug. Lina looked up to Zel and gave him the thumbs up sign. Zelgadis sighed and shrugged crossing his arms over his chest turning sideways facing out from the group.
"You know Lina, next time you pull a stunt like that, tell me at least you had me really worried," said Gourry looking at her with a not so impressed look on his face which made Lina puzzled. She stood up and brushed off her pants then before she looked up she found herself in Gourry's embrace. Lina froze and went totally solid turning red in the face. Amelia was semi blushing and Slypheil's, who had Hikari's arm over her shoulder while helping her up, jaw dropped slightly. Lina upon realizing her position her eye began twitch and she balled her fists.
"Gourry what do you think your doing?" she asked through clenched teeth. Gourry raised and eyebrow then backed up as he noticed Lina's temper.
"I-I was just . giving you a hug like Ame ." Before Gourry could even finish his sentence Lina had him in the snow while she rapidly beat his head with her foot.
"TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME!!!!" Slypheil smiled and Amelia sweatdropped while Zelgadis rolled his eyes.
"Well she hasn't changed," he thought silently as his gaze looked over to the group of gawking on lookers and approaching rescue team members.
"Uuuuuummmmmm. Miss. Hikari . in that entire ordeal where you able to save the picture?" asked Amelia looking over to her. Hikari stood up straight and positioned her glasses then dug into her pocket and pulled out a piece of crumpled paper. Lina soon noticed this and walked over plucking the picture from the painter and opend it as the three other girl peered over her shoulder. Amelia gasped, Slypheil starred stunned and Lina's grip grew tight on the picture. Hikari took it away and looked at it examining it.
"I'd admit it was good for a quick sketch, but I guess I could have done better." she said smiling at approval at her own work. But un revealed to her knowledge. The thing that the where reacting to was not the goodness of the picture.
"Hikari . are you sure that picture is all right? I mean was everything in there what was really there .?" asked Lina nervously a vein on her forehead expanding. The painter nodded.
"Yes . though I don't recognize the man in the corner . I saw him at the last minuet then he faded . must have been an animal really ."
"XELLOS!!!!!!!!!!"
***
Boo: Hallo!!!! GOMEH GOMEH!!! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a long time . I've been really busy and what not . but now I think I'll concentrate on working on this then anything more ^_^'' R&R plz, I liked to know if ppls are still actually reading the story ^_^. Wait for next chapter when most of the un answered questions are revealed . And some new character are appearing and some interesting problems the Slayers run into.