Chapter 5
Gourry's late. I sigh and lean back against the wall.
I've been sitting outside of the magic guild for the past half hour, and there's still no sign of him. Better give him a few more minutes...
Did you hear? THE Lina is in my class?
Eh? Who's that? I look around, but see no one nearby. They're getting louder though, so they must be walking closer. I sit back and listen in.
Lina? Lina who?
You know...Lina Inverse!
Yeah, you know, the Enemy To All That Live? Dragon Spooker? Bandit Killer?
Oh...right! So what's she doing here?
I'm not sure, actually. Some of the kids say she's here because she lost her memory.
Really? That's got to be rough.
No kidding. Still, it's kind of cool to see her in the flesh. Cool, but a bit scary, if you know what I mean.
Two kids come in to view. One I recognize from class, but I'm not sure who the other is. I listen in as they walk by. They suddenly go silent.
Isn't that her? Whispers one.
I don't hear a response from the other. I look up to see them staring at me. I smile and wave to them. Got to make a good impression, right?
They stare back in what must be utter horror and stammer words I can't comprehend. (Why do I always get that from people?) Maybe if I break the ice...
Hey guys, how's life?
The friend of my classmate dashes off until he's out of sight. I turn to look at my classmate...
...only to see he's not there, either! Sheesh, it's rough having a reputation, especially when I'm not quite sure what kind it is!
In any case, Gourry's taken way too long. I'd better go see where he's gotten himself to. It beats sitting here and scaring my classmates off.
* * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Gourry? I poke my head in to the room. No sign of him here... I walk over to the wall and slide open the door.
So there you a- I stop in mid-sentence when I realize he's fast asleep on his bed. How long was I up last night, anyway? Hmm...
I shrug. Too late to do anything about it now, and at least he's here in one piece, and not elsewhere. I might as well let him get some sleep. ...at least until dinner time.
Nothing to do now but sit back and study some more. If only I hadn't read through my book already! I'll have to get something new at the library later. I'll have to wait until the weekend's over though, so I may as well go over the basics again...
* * * * * * * * * *
I jerk up from my book.
Uh, wha..? I mutter. Ugh, what time is it?
Gourry's standing there, very much awake, and holding a box that must contain food, as there's a tantalizing aroma wafting about the room.
I got breakfast. Want some? He holds the box out to me.
Food! I eagerly jump up for the box. But wait...breakfast? What happened to dinner?
It's morning already? I squint at the window to see the sun's high in the sky. Definitely not where it was when I first came home. Drat! Did I fall asleep?
It's closer to the afternoon, really. Gourry offers the box to me again.
I rub at my eyes to get the sleep out of them. I really need to get to bed at a better time. Food would be good though. I reach into the box and pull out a pastry.
"I thought you might like some before I ate them all." Gourry grins at me sheepishly.
I thought the box seemed kind of empty. Ooh, thanks! It was still a nice gesture. I sink my teeth into the pastry. Yum, raspberry!
Gourry just stood there and looked at me while I ate my late breakfast.
Don't you work today? I manage through a mouth full of pastries.
It's the weekend.
Oh, oh yeah! Thank goodness for that. I need a break from school. I inhale the last of the pastries before Gourry'll even think I'm not going to finish them.
"So, what do you want to do today? I mean, we both have the day free." He scuffs his boot on the floor as if embarrassed to ask.
"Anything that doesn't have to do with school." I smile back at him. It would be nice to take a break, and to spend time with Gourry would be nice! We've not seen much of each other this past week.
Gourry smiles back. "Sounds great to me. Wanna go out and do something fun together?"
Like what?
You know, go out, eat, maybe catch some entertainment.. It sounds like he's got this all planned out!
Sure, it sounds like it'd be fun! I beam back at him. Heck, just being out and about with him would be great, even if we just walk down the street.
"Okay, I'll go get washed up, then let's head out."
Cleaned up..? I suddenly feel self-conscious as I realize my hair's all bedraggled and in my face, and that's not icing on my face. Yuck, I'm disgusting! Why didn't he say anything?
I glance about the room until my eyes settle on a bowl of water. I hadn't really thought of what it could be used for, but now it makes sense! I just don't want Gourry standing there while I make myself decent.
Okay, I'll meet up with you soon. I smile at Gourry and indicate to the door.
Gourry just stands there and looks at me.
Er, weren't you going to get cleaned up? I stammer.
Oh yeah, right. He takes a few steps toward the door. I'll meet you outside the inn, okay?
I continue to smile as he leaves, and keep it up until he's out of earshot.
I stand in front of the vanity. Man, but I am flushed! Just why does he do this to me? I splash some water on my face to cool down a bit. I can handle this, it's just two friends going out for a day of fun, right?
Or is it something more?
I never did ask him exactly what we were to each other, and now I'm too scared to ask! In any case, I'll have a good idea after today. Just got to keep myself together until then.
* * * * * * * * * *
Finally content with myself (I can't stand in front of the mirror all day, after all), I leave the inn and step out into the street. Hmm..Gourry doesn't seem to be anywhere in sight.
Mr. Gourry? I call out, hoping he'll respond.
I jump as I feel weight on my shoulder. A quick glance back calms my fears as I see it's only Gourry. I thought you said you were going to wait for me? I smile at him.
He scratches his head and grins sheepishly. I was, but when you didn't come out for a while, I thought I'd go get us something to eat. Oh, here. He hands over an ice cream cone.
I take it gladly. Ooh, thanks! Ack! It's starting to melt on me! There's only one thing to do in this situation...
Lina, are you coming?
I look up from my treat to see Gourry's suddenly at the end of the block.
He smiles at me as I catch up, then continues on, casually strolling down the street with one hand in his pocket, the other stationed near his mouth to consume his ice cream.
Looks like I'll have to wait before I can talk to him. I busy myself studying the different shops we pass by.
One in particular catches my eye. It doesn't have a sign to say what kind of business it is, and I can't see anything through the windows as they've been covered up. It doesn't look vacant...just what kind of shop can it be?
What kind of place is that? I point it out to Gourry, hoping he'll know.
Gourry glances at the store, but instead of answering me, he makes a weird face, grabs my hand, and pulls me away.
Hey, I just wanted to know what..
Let's go to another store, Lina. Gourry keeps the steady pace up. I think they have a cool crafts store up ahead. He points to another shop.
I can definitely tell what kind of shop this one is just by looking at it! At least some shop owners know how to promote their wares.
But wait, I've never seen Gourry have any interest in crafts. You make stuff, Mr. Gourry?
He slows down and releases his grip on me. No, I don't. A nice old couple that works there do, though.
Oh? Like what?
Did Gourry wander about town while I was in class? I have been spending a lot of the day studying. He must have gotten bored waiting for me.
They've got these nice soap dishes and cups. Gourry uses his hands (he's long since finished his ice cream) to show me what shapes and sizes there are,
and some other girly stuff.
You like girly stuff? I never knew he was so into...that. So he's a guy that likes girl stuff. I can live with that...I think.
Gourry winces. No, I don't! You! I was thinking you might like it.
Yikes, I didn't realize it was such a touchy subject for him! He's trying to find things I'll like, and here I'm jumping to conclusions.
Oh, right! I grin at him, but can't help but feel my face flush. Talk about embarrassing! I hope he doesn't notice.
Okay, sounds good to me. Lead the way. I step to the side to let him by.
Gourry doesn't move. Not his legs, at least. He just stands there and rubs the back of his head.
Is something wrong?
Gourry shakes his head. Soon as you're done, we'll go.
What? Finish..? I follow his gaze down to...Ack! My ice cream's melted all over my hand! Wearing these gloves deadens my senses. I totally forgot I was holding anything! Man, I am so gone!
I giggle nervously up at Gourry, then proceed toward the shop. I'll need to find some place to ditch this and..
SPLAT!
Oh, kill me now, somebody.. I am a danger to myself! I can't even walk down the street without tripping over my own feet! And gross, I just HAD to land in my ice cream...
A moment of total silence passes.
Gourry? Did he go inside already? Ugh, someone just whisk me away to some place else!
You okay? I finally hear. Oh great, Gourry probably saw the whole thing.
Why me? I ask, but since I'm still face down in my ice cream, it sounds more like,
I hear Gourry crouch down next to me, and feel his hands on my shoulders as he pulls me up off of the ground.
I bring my hands up to my face. Bad idea, one is still all sticky! Not that it matters now. My face is covered! I can't even open my eyes without getting ice cream in them. Can this day get any worse?
Gourry escorts me a ways then sits me down. I can hear water running... I feel a rough cloth on my face (cold, too!) It hurts, but at least I can see now.
Gourry's led me into the town square, more specifically to the fountain there. He's busy cleaning the sticky ice cream off of my face with his handkerchief. I can't help but inwardly smile; he's so kind! He didn't even laugh at me. (I'm not sure I'd be so composed if I saw someone do what I just did.)
I'm sorry, I didn't watch where I was going. Yuck, I got dirt in my mouth! I don't want to spit it out in his face, though.
He just smiles back at me and continues washing off my face. (That water is cold!)
Man, being so close to him, I can't help blushing. He really is nice to look at, now that he's on eye level. Would that I could say the same for myself at the moment. Gross, I got it in my hair, too.
Gourry finally stops, then cups my cheeks in his hands. His hands are so warm.. I look into his eyes. He looks so wonderful when he smiles. All better?
Yes, thanks. I lie. My heart feels like it's going to burst out of my chest, it's beating so hard. This love stuff is dangerous!
Good. Lina, I have something to ask you.
I lied about before. How can he not hear my heartbeat? It's deafening to me! I choke. I can't help but look into his eyes, waiting for his response.
Can you wait here? I have to use the bathroom.
........what? I look to see he's still smiling. Is that his default face? I'm such a sucker! Man...
Yeah, I can. I try not to, but can't help but sigh in disappointment.
Gourry releases his hold on me then walks off, until he's out of sight.
I really need to stop reading into this!
Man! Oh well, at least he's not short on generosity.
Yuck, still have dirt in my mouth. I dip my hand in the water and, after cleaning my glove off, swish some of the water around in my mouth. Blech! Okay, that's much better...
Miss Lina!
Now what? I glance up from my task, but I don't see anyone...
I'm so glad I found you!
Suddenly I see a dark-haired girl running straight at me. She doesn't seem familiar...could she be one of my classmates?
Personal space violated! I find myself caught in her tight embrace, and struggle to stay upright.
Let me go! I wheeze.
She does so, then smiles at me. She's not short on friendliness, that's for sure! (The same can't be said for stature!)
Sorry Miss Lina, it's just been so long.
So long since what? She definitely doesn't seem familiar.
Why, since we traveled together of course! The happy feel-good waves of energy coming from her are overpowering!
Umm...can't say I remember that. I'd better go... I turn to go chase down Gourry, but she tugs on my arm.
So it's true then. She states.
Look, I'd love to sit here and chat, but I need to go find my friend. Maybe if I tell the truth she'll leave me be.
Oh, Mr. Gourry! Where is he, anyway?
I blink in surprise. You know him? None of my classmates (or anyone else who recognized my name) knew of him, so how did she..?
Of course! I traveled with you two, and Mr. Zelgadis, too! She suddenly gets a panicked expression on her face. Mr. Zelgadis, she's over here!
Oh great, now someone else is coming over. Gourry, where are you?
Not so loud, Amelia. Her companion growls. Already I can tell he's not very nice. And what's with covering himself from head to toe?
Sorry, I just wanted you to come and say hello. She smiles back at him.
He looks around, then turns to me. Hello again, Lina. He pulls down his hood.
WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?!?! What I thought was a man is not a man! I stumble over my feet as I try to get away, but I collide with someone's chest instead. I try to keep running, but I get caught by my victim's grip.
Let me go, please! I plead. I've got to get away!
Lina, calm down! What's the matter? Gourry! My heart leaps when I see his face. He turns his gaze to the girl and that...thing. Oh, hey Zelgadis, Amelia. he says casually.
You know them? I squeak. I glance at Zelgadis' to see he's looking very shook up. Amelia' is looking pretty shaken as well.
Yes, they're our friends. He replies.
Ah, so these are the friends he was talking about! ...I am so in trouble...
What were you screaming about, anyway? Gourry releases his hold on me, but I don't move.
Instead of answering I look down at the ground. My friends... These are my friends, and I freaked out on them! Well, that Zelgadis guy, anyway. Still, he's so unnatural looking, and it's not like anybody warned me...
It was my fault, Mr. Gourry. I didn't realize that the rumors were true. Amelia bowed her head.
Gourry blinks.
Zelgadis, who I notice has pulled his hood back on, stepped closer and spoke in a quiet voice, People have been saying that Lina lost her memory. I didn't want to think it true myself.
Bandits have been cheering in the streets as they rob people! It's so unjust! Amelia balls up her fists. Whoa, stay calm there.
It's not quite that bad, Amelia. Zelgadis replies.
Well, okay, so there are still rangers and Justice loving defenders out there, but it's still unjust! Amelia shoots back.
Zelgadis turned away from Amelia and looked at Gourry. How long has she been like this?
It's been two weeks now. Wow, two weeks? Time sure flies!
What happened? Amelia was looking at me, expecting an answer. I could only shrug then look at Gourry.
Uh, well... Gourry scratched his chin, We had attacked a bandit camp, and of course Lina had to go after the leader, so she blew him up. She just forgot to move when he landed. Gourry admitted sheepishly.
Pah! Bandits... They cause too much trouble, in my opinion.
Zelgadis and Amelia looked at Gourry intently.
Yeah, why?
It seems rather anticlimactic. Zelgadis replied.
Oh, what a terrible fate to befall poor Miss Lina! We can't stand for this! I won't stand for this! Amelia grips my hands in her fists. (Ow! She's much stronger than she looks!)
Er, thank you. I smile back weakly.
Zelgadis clears his throat, we should take this somewhere more private.
Sure enough, a small crowd has gathered around to see our display. (Amelia should be an actor, if not already!)
Amelia laughs nervously.
Come on, let's go to the inn we're staying at. Gourry saves me from Amelia's grip and we lead the odd duo back to the inn.
Hey, what happened to our date?!
* * * * * * * * * *
This is it.
I follow Gourry into our room, with the other two right behind.
Zelgadis just looks at the room in disinterest, while Amelia's busy exploring the room.
This reminds me of that inn we stayed at that one day. she's poking at the wall'. Just don't tear it, we don't need to be paying for damages!
Which inn was that? Gourry asks.
That inn that had the hot springs. Amelia smiles, as if she's getting lost in her memories. (Not fair!)
You mean that inn where Martina put a curse on Lina? Zelgadis speaks up.
Curse? Why would someone do that? She's not someone I did something bad to, is she?
You blew up her kingdom. Zelgadis replies. The way he looks at me with those cold eyes gives me chills!
Mr. Zelgadis! Amelia scolds her companion, That was after Miss Martina took me hostage and tried to kill Miss Lina!
Oh yeah, that... Gourry doesn't sound like he's too sure.
How did we all meet, anyway? I look to the others sitting around the room. It would be best to start from the beginning, at least, I hope so!
I met up with Mr. Gourry first, he had gone on ahead of you, and we found you, my daddy, and my Uncle Randy in a cave. Then my uncle summoned evil demons to kill my daddy an-
Zelgadis put a hand over Amelia's mouth. Don't overdo it, Amelia, she doesn't need every detail.
Amelia sighed.
I turn my gaze to Zelgadis.
You interfered with my tracking down an artifact. He scowls at this and crosses his arms.
We met up one day on the road. Gourry replies.
There's got to be more to it than that.
Well, we've been traveling together ever since, as far as I can remember. he replies.
Amelia blushed a bit when he said this, and kept giving me a weird look as she smiled. I'll have to ask her what her deal is later.
That's pretty good, for Gourry. Zelgadis smirks.
If Amelia heard his comment, she didn't acknowledge it. Isn't that when you had the Sword of Light, Mr. Gourry?
Yeah! That sword was great. Gourry smiles.
Sword of Light? How does a sword made up of light work?
Surely you remember that, Lina? Zelgadis asks.
I shake my head no. Why, is it important?
You used to say you only followed Mr. Gourry around so that you could get it from him. Amelia replies.
Oh yeah! You even cut off my head one time to get it! Gourry exclaims.
I fall backward in shock. WHAT?!?
But Mr. Gourry, if that were true, you wouldn't be here! Amelia responds.
Still, I wouldn't put it past her. Zelgadis says. Man, you're a real downer, you know that?
Mr. Zelgadis... Amelia sounds like she has to put up with this all too often.
You must be right. Gourry scratches his chin. Still, you were pretty persistent, Lina.
There's not much I can do to fix the past. Still, he obviously doesn't have the sword, and he's never indicated that I have it... What happened to it?
I gave it up. You found me this really great sword though. he holds up his sword.
Hmm..so I said I was only traveling with him to get a sword that he no longer has, and yet, we're still together, and what's more, I found him another sword, and haven't taken it for myself. Argh! This is too confusing!
Are you okay, Miss Lina? Amelia looks worriedly at me.
There's too much to figure out. I pout. And what's worse... my stomach growls fiercely, ..we never got anything to eat!
The others all share a look with each other.
It's good to see you aren't totally gone, Lina. Zelgadis smiles. Hey, he can look nonthreatening!
Did you want to go get something? Gourry asks.
Could we? I add just a touch of pleading to my voice.
Actually, Mr. Zelgadis and I were on our way to a restaurant when we ran in to you. Would you like to join us? Amelia smiled warmly at me.
That's be great! Gourry exclaims. Don't you think so, Lina?
I reply. I had hoped they'd let us get back to our date, but alas, it's not to be. Still, food is food! I stand and look at my companions'
So are we going, or what?
Oh what fun it is to have a reputation... I kind of cheated and skipped through some of Lina's lessons at the guild because it had started to drag the story down (even more than it already is!). Not that we didn't have ideas for things to happen. (And you can bet that Lina's the star student in her class.) ^_-
Rocky's big on the L/G mush, so the date' is her fault. Of course I tossed in extra hormones to spoil things, so no go this time, Rocky! (And if you think Lina's bad now...I'll not finish that thought.)
Also, I had never intended to stick Amelia and Zelgadis in the fic. When we started, we decided the story would only focus on Lina and Gourry. It was actually Rocky's idea to put them into the story, which was odd, because I'm the rabid Z/A fan, not her! ^_-;;; The comment Gourry made about Lina cutting off his head came from the Slayers manga. (At the time I wrote this, I had only seen the Japanese version, but it left a lasting impression on me. If you've not read it yet, do so!)
Thanks again to everyone who has reviewed! I'm glad to see this little project has been enjoyed by others. ^_^
Next chapter: Lina and Amelia sit down to have a nice chat...