Chapter 4
Wow, for a beginner's class, they sure give you a lot of books!
You needn't remind me, Gourry, I'm the one carrying them! Sure are heavy... I exclaim, since I'm not carrying them very well.
Want me to carry some of those for you?
I gratefully dump the pile into his waiting arms, stretching out the already sore muscles in my own.
We walk on for a moment in silence, but what that lady said bothers me. Mr. Gourry...what did she mean?
Gourry looks down at me, confusion etched all over his face.
Those names she called me. Do people really call me that? I look at the pamphlet in my hands, pondering over what they could mean.
Oh, those. Yeah, people call you those all the time, but that's just because they don't know you. Sure, you can be destructive, but there's usually a good reason. Most of the time...
He's got that far off look in his eyes again (I've come to understand he does that when he's thinking of something), so I leave it at that. After all, Gourry doesn't call me those names. (At least not to my face!)
It's better to not think about such things until I have a better idea of what's going on, and seeing how my brain is not helping... Anyway, I've got other things to focus on now. Like all of these books..
Speaking of books... Where were we going to stay, anyway?
Gourry looks down at me. Actually...I don't know. We still have money left over, but the normal inns would cost too much. We can't sleep out on the street...
I rub my forehead. Great, got to find some decent place to stay that won't make us go poor. It's too hard to think on an empty stomach though... Ooh, food! I spy a food cart nearby. Umm, before we figure that out, can we get something to eat?
Of course! Gourry cheers, nearly dropping the books in the process!
Here, you stay there, I'll go get something. I dig my bit of pocket change out of my pocket, and buy a few tasty tidbits (times ten!) from the vendor. He's pretty chatty, so I might as well see if he knows of any places we can stay at.
Excuse me sir, but do you know of any, er, decent places to stay?
Well, there's the inn down the road. He gestures to the inn we were at before.
Oh well, yes, that's true, but see, we're going to be here for a little while, so we were hoping to find a nice place to stay that we can afford. I smile sheepishly at him.
Ah, I see. He looks over at Gourry. For the two of you... He tugs on his mustache a moment. Of course. See that building down there, with the red roof? He points down the opposite way.
I follow where he's pointing to, and indeed, there is a building there with said red roof. It sticks out though, the style is nothing like the other buildings here, nor anything like I can remember ever seeing!
He must have seem the puzzled expression on my face, because then he continues, It's actually a really nice little place. It's one of those themed inns, but it's still good.
Okay, we'll go check it out. I smile back at him, then dash back to Gourry's side.
I think I found something. I show Gourry the building down the road.
He spends a moment studying it, much as I had just a moment before. I suppress a giggle, knowing that the vendor must have seen a similar expression on my face.
Gourry asks.
Yep, c'mon, let's go check it out. I tug on his sleeve, and we're on our way.
* * * * * * * * * *
A short chat with the owner later, we found ourselves standing outside of our door. I was a bit nervous about there being only one, but he had assured us that there were, in fact, two rooms. He'd better be right! Gourry opened the door and stepped in.
"Hmm, this isn't bad."
I follow him in and look around. It's unlike anything I've seen before. Everything's so...small! (Well, compared to Gourry. It looks to be to the right scale to me!) "Kind of odd looking."
"Yeah, it is odd." Gourry looks around for a moment, but wanders out of my sight, as I'm still trying to figure out this place. "Okay Lina, I'll be back soon as I've set up."
I call back. I'm still trying to figure out where they expect me to sleep... I wander about the room, still puzzled. As I'm searching about, I become aware of loud noises from the other room.
Gourry? I don't seen him where I last saw him, and I never heard him go back out, so where...? I turn to look at the wall...if it could be considered a wall! Whatever it's made out of is barely even translucent, as I can easily see Gourry's figure on the other side.
I poke at the odd wall, not being very surprised when it easily gives. "Dang, these walls are paper-thin!"
"That's because they are paper, Lina."
I nearly jump out of my skin, as I had been commenting to myself, not expecting an answer. A glance back reveals that Gourry has his head poking into my room. Ah, so the wall is a sliding door! That would explain how he disappeared so quickly before.
Don't do that! My nerves are still a bit on edge from the other day, I guess. I quickly calm down, relaxing my tensed muscles.
Gourry quickly retreats back into his part of the room. Dang, I didn't mean to yell at you!
I sigh, then resume studying the odd wall. It does feel like paper! "Why would anyone make a wall out of paper?"
I dunno. Gourry replies. He left the sliding wall open, so it's easy to be heard. I'll have to be sure to close that before I go to bed...if I ever find my bed!
Time to resume my search...small bathroom (er, thing...), nice carpeting, a chair... "Umm...they did include beds with these rooms, right?"
Gourry pokes his head back in.
I'm tired of searching, so I'll let him point me in the right direction.
Down there. Gourry points to...a mat on the floor.
I must have stepped over that at least five times! How can it be a bed? "This? But it's...it's so...flat!"
"Hey, just like you are!"
Did you say something? I had been intently investigating the bed', that I didn't hear what Gourry had said, only that he had said something.
"Nothing, nothing." Gourry seemed to be a bit agitated. Just what had he said?
"You said something, I heard you."
Gourry must not have heard me, as he got up and walked over to a cabinet, pulling out...sheets! At least there's something familiar in this place.
Gourry gives me the stack, which also includes a blanket and pillow.
I eagerly take them. At least there's something normal about this place. Time to make this bed more comfortable! I set to work making the bed'.
"So Lina, wanna sleep together tonight?"
The blanket slips from my grasp as I tense up from the sudden question. Did he just...? No! What could he mean by that? I'm suddenly too nervous to look at him.
"Do you wanna leave the door open tonight so in case you need me, you can just walk over?"
Man, that was frightening! I thought that he...that maybe we...no! No! Don't think about such things! He's obviously not interested in me in that way...and for now that's just fine, because I'm not sure if I am or not.
And now he's staring at me! Got to think of a response..."Umm..no, I think I'll be alright." I try to smile, but even I'm not convinced.
Gourry smiles back, then leaves.
...I guess he was convinced. I fall onto my bed. I am so hopeless. What is wrong with me? Argh! And man, but this pillow is hard! Just what's in it? It's not soft enough to be fluffed up...
Gourry's side suddenly goes dark. He must be asleep already. Actually, he is, I can easily hear his snoring through the wall. ...and darn it, he DID close the sliding door.
I get up and grab my pajamas (they were hidden in the cabinet with the sheets) to change, so that I can follow suit. Even so, I have a feeling I'm in for a sleepless night...
* * * * * * * * * *
So warm, so soft...this feeling is wonderful...
It's such a wonderful feeling...
...although that sound is really spoiling the experience.
Ack, not the shaking! I'm suddenly aware of the outside world, and that Gourry is shaking me out of sleep. I reply, to let him know I'm up.
"Lina, wake up. It's time to go."
I rub at my eyes, very aware of the sun trying to get past my eyelids so it can blind me. What time is it?
Time for you to get ready to go."
"Oh no, I've got class!" I jump out of bed to get myself dressed (having the sense to at least change in the bathroom), and gather up my things. Okay, I'm ready.
"Great! Wanna get breakfast? Class doesn't start for another hour."
Another...hour? Just then I notice that Gourry is still in his pajamas. He must have just gotten up himself...or likes to spend the morning that way. My adrenaline surge from just a moment ago suddenly flees, making me feel shaky. Food would be good about now.
"Oh, right, breakfast. ...but aren't you going to get dressed first?"
Gourry glances down at his apparel. He disappears back into his room, leaving me standing there in a daze. Maybe he just forgot what he was wearing?
* * * * * * * * * *
Breakfast was such a good idea. The perfect thing to do as I quickly look through my books, preparing for the day ahead. Speaking about the whole day ahead, "What'll you do while I'm in class?"
Gourry stops eating for a moment to reply, "Hmm, I was thinking of maybe looking for a job while we're here. Your money won't last forever." He then tears back into his food.
"Oh." I sink my teeth into a slice of buttery toast. (So good!) "So what kind of work would you want to do?"
"Whatever they have available."
We lapse into silence as we finish our meals. A short time later we're standing outside of the guild. This is it...
"Have fun at school, Lina! be good to your teacher!
"Alright. Good luck, Mr. Gourry!" I wave to Gourry as we go our separate ways. It feels kind of odd being by myself, but it's too late to worry about it now. I open the heavy door and walk in...
* * * * * * * * * *
Lina, are you home? Oh.
I inwardly scowl, still upset about the day I had. I've been sitting here on my bed since I got out, trying my best not to tear my book to shreds. I'm still not ready to deal with anyone, so I don't reply. Instead I continue to read the book, although I'm not really seeing the words anymore.
How was your day?
I grunt, still looking intently at my book. Please take the hint and leave me be.
"You wanna talk about it?"
Gourry just doesn't quit, does he? At least he knew I wasn't happy at the moment. Ugh, please don't sit by me, I don't want to deal with it! Maybe if I don't say anything, he'll get bored and leave? I shake my head, boring a hole through the book with my eyes.
"If you do, I'm right here." He pats me on the head, and thus dashes my hopes of pouting in peace.
I slam the book shut. It's not like I was really getting anything out of it, anyway. "People are just dumb! So what if I missed a few days of class? So what if I didn't have the robes everyone else did and stuck out? So what if I didn't know what we were going to be studying today!" There, it's out!
"They all just ignored me, like I was nobody. Like I didn't exist!" I swat at a few stray tears. Where's a tissue when you need one? Guess the bed sheet'll have to do.
Gourry's been silent this whole time. Better make sure I didn't scare him off. I wipe the tears from my eyes and look up into his. "Why do people have to be like that?"
"That's funny.. Gourry places his arm around my shoulders, ...Because I remember you were able to beat all the other magic users we've encountered."
His smile makes me feel better, bringing back some of the confidence I had felt before. "I'll show them. I'll be the best student that school ever had!"
"I know you will be." Gourry smiles back. "That's just the kind of girl you are."
At least I'm getting a few things about myself right. I smile at that. However, if I'm to beat those jerks... "I need to start studying, though."
"Good idea." Gourry picks up a box I hadn't noticed before and opens it, revealing goodies inside! I got some snacks for us.
All thoughts are forgotten as I remember that I never did eat lunch earlier (I was too upset), and it is getting pretty late. I eagerly reach out for the box, grabbing what I can.
"Hey, save some for me!" Gourry pulls the box away, and out of my reach. Drat!
Ugh, I need to stop talking with my mouth full. Still, that wasn't enough to fill me up. Maybe if I distract Gourry I can get some more? "So what did you do today?"
"Oh, I found a site where they're making a new building and got a job there." Bingo. He's not looking!
I try to keep him talking, as I reach out for the box.
"The pay is pretty nice. It'll last us for awhile." Gourry continues to talk, but I still can't quite reach the box. He's going to eat them all!
"Will we be able to afford decent meals?" Please don't tell me this is all you could afford? Dang you, Gourry! Bring that box closer and share!
"Course." Gourry sets the box down and stares into space.
Ah ha! At last I have you! I pull the box back over, but it feels oddly light. Don't tell me...No! He ate them all! My stomach growls it's disdain at being cheated, bringing Gourry's attention back to me.
"Eh he he.. Guess I forgot to eat after breakfast today.."
"Let's go eat then." Gourry practically springs to his feet.
All right! I also jump to my feet, but fall back down as I'm overcome with a horrible tingly feeling in my legs. Oow, it hurts! I massage my screaming legs, wincing as they tingle with every touch.
"..How long have you've been studying?" Gourry looks down at me, somewhat in concern.
"Since I got home?" I smile sheepishly. It's not like me to lose track of time..at least, not in the short time that I've known myself. Ugh, no more thinking, time to eat! I stand up again, but slower this time.
I must be going too slow, as Gourry again puts his arm around my shoulders. I've got to admit, the extra help does make it easier to walk. I'll be getting good food in no time, now!
* * * * * * * * * *
Ah food, how I love you! That snack just couldn't compare to the grand meal I had now! ...okay, so it was just a basic dish of meat and potatoes, but it has sustenance! Ooh, mashed potatoes...
Lina, you'll do great!
I look over to Gourry, who's still encouraging me about my next class. Ugh, class. I nod my head and continue eating.
"Just don't blow anything..or anyone up."
My food gets caught in my throat, and I cough to breathe again. I would never do that! ...would I?
Gourry nods his head. Don't get me wrong, I wish you'd stop...blowing up innocent people."
I ponder his statement for a moment. Are you sure this is a good idea?
I feel his gaze on me as I wait for a response. After a moment of silence I look up to see he's spaced out, or something.
Uh, Mr. Gourry?
Nope, nothing. I wave my hand in his face to the same result. Time to do something drastic!
With the utmost skill I take a pea off of my plate and position it just so on my spoon, then with a quick flick of my wrist...
SPLAT!
Right on target! It smacks Gourry on the forehead.
Gourry jumps back to reality.
Not wanting to get caught I quickly hide my spoon.
"Oh, but yeah. You should learn magic. Especially after the other day." Gourry continues as if he'd never let off.
He had to bring up that... I cringe at the all too recent memory. Oh yeah, that.
Stupid bandits. What right do they have to attack someone like that? Especially someone like me, who can't defend herself?
...at least not yet. I can't help but grin thinking how different things would be if I had known magic. Very different, indeed...
Mm, these mashed potatoes are good!
But you didn't... My spoon clatters to the floor when I realize...he's EATING my food! Mr. Gourry, that's mine! I fend him off of my plate.
Miss Inverse, did you have a question?
...that was not Gourry. I look up to see a room of students staring at me. I mentally slap myself for daydreaming about last night in class. This is not the right way to get noticed!
No, sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I settle back down into my seat.
Very well then. As I was saying, in order to use magic properly, you must be able to channel it and...
Thankfully the teacher goes right back into her lesson. If only I hadn't read ahead the other night, it would be easier to pay attention. Still, I've got to stay focused! I musn't be daydreaming all day in class!
...and with that, class is dismissed.
Dang!
Oh well, more time to do some studying in the library. I've still got hours to go before Gourry gets off work. I gather up my belongings and head out of the lecture hall.
* * * * * * * * * *
Time really flies. Before I knew it, it was time to get back home before Gourry did, so I relocated to my room. To my bed to be exact. I know I shouldn't be reading ahead of the class, but if I don't, I'll never learn anything! (Not until I'm 30, at least!)
I'm not sure when Gourry came in, but next thing I know there's some food sitting next to me, and I can hear him softly snoring in the next room.
I turn back to my book. I must get this Light spell memorized! My supply of candles is running low already, and I don't want to make Gourry go out and buy more when he shouldn't have to.
I jump in alarm at the sudden voice from the other room.
Lina, stop studying and get some sleep.
Gourry peers at me from the doorway. Poor guy looks like he's been having trouble sleeping. His hair's all messy, and his pajamas are a mess. Wait a second...
I glance out the window. The sun had been setting last I looked. ...oh my, it's quite dark out now. Still, I'm not tired.
Just one more minute!
"You'll be cranky tomorrow if you don't get some sleep now." He sounds like he's going to be the cranky one. Still...
But I almost have this down! I show him what I've been working on.
He just yawns and scratches his mess of hair. He looks really tired, and I should let him get some sleep before he has to go back to work...
Okay, I'm going. I blow out my candle, and hear him stumble back to his side.
After a moment I can hear him sleeping soundly again.
Good, the coast is clear! Now to see if I got this right. Just chant the spell and...
Wow, it worked!
I stare at the small orb of light that seems to have come from nowhere. Not wanting Gourry to wake up, I hide under my blanket and read some more...
* * * * * * * * * *
They really need to do something about those walls. That, or I need to blindfold Gourry at night so he won't wake up. He woke up cranky, just as I thought, and walked about the place in a daze.
I was able to get him out the door in time for work, but I was left to walk to class by myself. Not a problem. Not really, anyway. Just lonely, that's all...
I wave to the receptionist as I walk past. She still freaks out when she sees me, so I do it mostly to aggravate her. There's something satisfying about upsetting someone like that, especially when they don't know how to whisper quietly. Heh.
Well, so Miss Inverse decided to join us today.
Crud, I must have left later than I thought. I wish the teacher wouldn't point me out like that!
Sorry, I left late. I quickly duck into my seat.
What took you, Leena? A voice from behind jeers at me.
None of your business. Ugh, why am I doing this again? Oh yeah, that's right. To put punks like the kid behind me in their place. That day will not come soon enough.
What're you smiling about, Leena? The kid pokes me in the back with his quill pen.
I told you, it's none of your business. Now leave me alone. I growl back, as the teacher is going into lecture mode again.
Oh, but we've all heard so much about you. I wanted to know if you were really the Lina Inverse, or just some pathetic copy. The kid snickers at this, and I can hear his friends snickering with him.
That's it, time to get even! I smirk at jerk boy, then raise my hand.
And once you've got that down...yes, did you have a question, Miss Inverse? The teacher is quick to notice. (Yes!)
Actually Miss Scena, Dirk is preventing me from learning. I answer matter-of-fact.
The look on her face was priceless as she glared at the jerky Dirk. It was hard to keep a straight face as she sent him out of the class. No one messes with me!
I glance about the class. Heh, all of the other kids are either listening to the teacher, or avoiding my gaze. I catch a few scared looks out of the corner of my eye. Something about it feels right to me, and I smile as I settle back into my seat.
This class is as good as mine.
Anyone have any idea what sort of themed' inn they stayed at? (Come on, guess. I dare you!) I live in an area that has quite a bit of Asian culture, and have listened to peoples' tales of going abroad, and all of the strange things they saw. (Seeing as cars aren't in the Slayers, there will be no kamikaze drivers zooming through alleys here!) Seeing as Slayers is lacking the Asian element for the most part, I thought I'd toss some in just for fun. (So'd you figure it out yet?) ^_-
Writing Lina and Gourry just playing off of each other is a lot of fun! There's so much untapped potential there, which sadly, isn't used very often in fanfiction. Makes sense though; add in more people and Gourry and Lina don't get any alone time with each other (and seeing as Gourry doesn't have much to say on things, he's often pushed to the side.)
Speaking of which, all too soon will they be invaded, and Lina will learn a thing or two on having a reputation!
(Also, for those wondering about my other fic, I have so much writer's block it's not funny! I'm so close to ending it, but it's not wanting to work. I hope to get something out before too much longer...)
Speaking of other fanfics...for those of you reading Filing Sloth's Eternal Twilight, (good story, I highly recommend it!), he's having his own difficulties writing the next chapter, so don't string him up if it's later than usual. *tosses rope* No mobs, either.
*end public service announcement*
^_-