Chapter 6
Okay, I can sort of believe all of the other stuff, but this is just too much! You say I did what to him?
You dressed up Mr. Gourry as a girl!
I stare back at Amelia in shock. No way! ...so how did he look?
Well, he had a man propose to him, if that tells you anything. Amelia stifles a giggle.
Poor guy! That must have been hard on him. I can't help but laugh myself. That must be why he had such an aversion to girly stuff earlier!
We had finished our meal a while ago, but Zelgadis wanted to talk to Gourry over by the bar. I had wanted to go with Gourry, of course, but they turned me down. Something about me not being able to hold my liquor, or some such nonsense.
Amelia offered to stay with me, and we spent much of the evening going over my previous exploits. (Okay, so she was telling me, since I still don't remember any of it.) She's actually pretty cool, once she's toned down the Justice thing a bit.
What did he do? I have to know how this ended! I can't help but crack a smile at the thought of a dolled-up Gourry.
Mr. Gourry turned him down, of course. Amelia replies.
I bet I'd never get Gourry to tell me any of this, it would be too embarrassing! Wait, that reminds me... I glance past Amelia and to the other end of the room, where Gourry and Zelgadis are seated. They have their backs to us still.
Looks like this might be a good time to get some answers...
Miss Amelia, may I ask you a question?
Amelia stops giggling and looks at me. Yes, what is it, Miss Lina?
I shuffle my feet nervously, It's about Mr. Gourry...and me. Do we...you know? Argh! I can't bring myself to say it! I can feel the blood rushing to my face.
Amelia gets the biggest smile I have ever seen! (Uh oh, this can't be good.) You mean, do you two love each other?
Yes, that. I nod.
You love each other more than anyone I've ever known! The way you stay by each other in time of need. It's so romantic! Great, she's got that far off look in her eye. But still, if what she says is true...
I glance back over to Gourry's back. Good thing he's not looking, he might think I'm on fire!
Miss Lina, he was willing to give up everything for you. Amelia suddenly had a solemn expression.
Everything? Like what? He mentioned that sword before... I scratch my head wondering what everything to him could be.
Miss Lina, you must remember that at least! He would have given his life for you.
I sit in stunned silence. He would die...for me? I gaze at the back of his head. Even that is enough to make my heart beat faster at this point.
Miss Lina? Miss Lina, are you okay?
I blink back to attention. Yeah, what is it?
Lina, hey, Lina, you there?
That was definitely not Amelia's voice! I look up to see Gourry standing over me. All I can do is stare blankly back. My face feels like a furnace!
Lina, you don't look so good. Hey Amelia, did you let her drink or something? I feel Gourry place his hand on my forehead, but that only makes it worse.
He loves me. He honestly loves me! He would give his life for me!
I think Lina's had enough excitement for one night. Did you have a place to stay? Okay. We'll catch up with you guys later.
I can't help but hold my breath as Gourry picks me up out of the seat and carries me out of the restaurant. I must be dead, this is just too good to be true!
It was great to see them again wasn't it, Lina?
Oh Heaven, what a wonderful place this is...I snuggle in closer.
Umm..okay, I guess you had a good time, too. I'd better get you to bed though. You don't look so good.
I smile back. Not look good? But I feel great! Wonderful, in fact!
I told her not to let you have anything to drink! Oh well, can't do anything about it now but have you sleep it off.
Sleep? Who needs sleep? I could go on forever! I don't think I'll be sleeping for a long time to come.
Just hang in there, Lina, we're almost there.
Why must we go anywhere? I'm happy right here, where it's safe, warm, and...and...
* * * * * * * * * *
I must have nodded off somehow, because I woke up later to blue skies, and the thought of school looming over my head. Not to mention last night! Gourry gave me breakfast, but I was so transfixed just looking at him...
Hey, Lina, are you still feeling off? Because you don't have to go to school, if you don't want.
I have got to stop losing track of time like this! Oh, uh, I feel fine! Just a little warm, is all. I just need to get some air.
Man, I am so lame! I wince at my poor excuse and glance over to Gourry. He's already getting himself ready for the day, and here I am just sitting on my butt staring! I've got to get out of here before I make a bigger fool of myself!
Er, I just remembered, I have to be at school early today so um...I'll see you later! I grab my books and hurtle out the door.
At least I would have, but I managed to catch myself on the door frame, and plummet to the ground. Stupid me! I can feel his eyes on me again...
I'm okay! Bye! I wave back to Gourry and dash off to the Guild.
What is with me today? Just because Amelia confir-er, ah, told me that Gourry loves me, doesn't mean I have to act like a total sap!
School will do me good. I can get my mind off of Gourry and on to other things! ...like get back my memories so I have more reasons to act like a sap in front of Gourry! With new resolve, I walk confidently down the street.
Say, I wonder what he'd look like in a mage's robe? I stifle a laugh as I enter into the Magic Guild.
* * * * * * * * * *
In no time at all, I find myself walking back out of the Guild. Time sure flies when you're distracted! I hang my head and let out a sigh. So much for that plan. Oh well.
On the plus side, this is our last week at the Guild. It usually goes longer, but the teacher was impressed by how far along our class was (no problem with me in there!), so we just have some written tests to do, and I'm free!
All I have to do is babble on about magical theories. I'm set! Then Gourry and I can get out of here and do something productive.
And I'll get to try out my new skills, I smile. That's going to be the best part! Gourry will get to see what a good student I've been.
I wave to the innkeeper as I enter, and walk to my room. Er, our room... I wonder if Gourry's home yet?
I peek my head into the room. Drat! Where is he? Oh well, I'll just wait for him to show up.
I crack open one of my books and settle onto my bed. The book's mostly for show, though, as my thoughts quickly run off again.
Ah yes, fantasizing of all the possible outcomes of life with Gourry... I wonder if he's ever proposed yet? If not, why not? Ooh, maybe he's waiting for the right moment? I can't help but grin...
Oh, Lina, you're home early! I didn't hear you come in.
Oh, Gourry...you're so...Ack! In my face!
Ga-ga...Mr. Gourry, when did you come in? I stammer out, as he's crouched down to my level, a smile on his face.
I was just over in my room. He gestures with his thumb. So how come you're home so early? You usually don't get home for a few more hours.
Er, ah..oh! Class got out early because we've been doing so well. Class is nearly over, actually. This is not a good time to get flustered!
Oh, okay. You can come with me, then. Gourry pulls me to my feet.
Where are we going? Wow, this is sudden!
Don't you remember? We were going to meet up with Zelgadis and Amelia again. Although we're not going to that restaurant again. Gourry sets his jaw.
Restaurant? Meet up with those two again? When did we decide this?
Last night. I guess you forgot because you were drunk. But that doesn't seem right... Gourry has such a cute expression on his face when he's confused!
Drunk. Right... Okay, let's go! I just barely came in, but what the heck? I smile at Gourry as we walk back out into the street.
So where were we meeting them, anyway? I scan the street, not seeing their faces anywhere. Wait! There's someone who...nevermind...better leave this to Gourry. He actually remembers what they look like!
Gourry is also busying himself scanning the crowds, but doesn't look like he's having much luck, either.
Umm...come on, Lina, let's try this way. He leads me down another street which is equally as busy as the first.
Do you see them yet? I grimace. I don't want to spend all evening looking!
Huh. Well, maybe... on to the next street! This is getting old fast.
Mr. Gourry, do you know where we're supposed to meet up with them? At this point I've stopped looking. If they want to see us so bad, they can look for us!
Gourry looks at me with a pained expression. Actually, I forgot.
I just look blankly at him. Well, this is sure fun, running around town looking for people who could be anywhere because you forgot where to meet them! I cross my arms and turn away from Gourry in a huff.
Uh, Lina?
I reply, not bothering to look back.
Are you feeling alright? He sounds scared, and I almost take pity and yet...
What do you think? I've had a really stressful past few weeks, what with having to figure out just what is going on, have to deal with school and stupid classmates, not to mention you! You confuse me the most of all! By this time I am seething, my fists clenched tightly at my sides. If he says the wrong thing...
A slight rustle of cloth catches my attention, but it wasn't from Gourry... I turn my head to see the two people in question. I scowl at them.
Amelia edges closer, although she looks like she could take flight at any second. Did we come at a bad time?
I really don't want to be bothered with formalities and pleasantries right now. I turn my gaze away. Let Gourry deal with them, he was eager to see them in the first place!
But dealing he his not! At least not verbally. I can't hear any of them. Just what are they up to? My curiosity gets the better of me, so I crane my neck enough to sneak a peek out of the corner of my eye.
Gourry's out of my line of sight, but Amelia and Zelgadis are definitely having a silent war of wills with their gazes.
Zelgadis must have lost because he suddenly speaks up, Is everything all right?
It was. I reply cooly.
Lina's not been feeling so well since yesterday. Gourry responds in a hushed tone.
I see... Should we meet up with you two at another time? Zelgadis seems to be keeping his cool, but then I've not heard him express himself any other way in the past day I've known him.
Yes, we were going to ask if you wanted to come with us, but we can give you some time if you want. Amelia stands next to Zelgadis.
Where're you guys going? Gourry asks.
We're continuing on to the next town south of here. Soru Town, if I'm not mistaken. Zelgadis pulls a map from his pocket and studies it.
Yes, that's right, Mr. Zelgadis. Amelia nods her head. We'll go on ahead and wait for you there.
Is that okay with you, Lina? Gourry turns his attention to me, but is still somewhat subdued.
Whatever. Beats sitting here doing nothing. I reply, wanting to go back to my room as soon as possible.
Okay, we'll catch up with you two later in...Soul Town.
That's So-Ru Town. Zelgadis corrects Gourry.
Just be careful out there, Mr. Gourry. You too, Miss Lina. I just nod my head to indicate I heard Amelia. Come on, Mr. Zelgadis.
Just as quickly as they appeared, Amelia and Zelgadis disappear back into the crowd.
Lina, did you want to do anything before we go back to the inn? Gourry asks gently.
Let's just go. I've had enough of walking around for one day. I turn on my heel and head back, not waiting to see if Gourry's following or not.
* * * * * * * * * *
It didn't take long for me to outdistance Gourry (sometimes it's good to be small), as I sped back to the inn. I didn't even stop to chat with the innkeeper as I charged into my room, and collapsed onto my bed.
What is wrong with me? I was totally lovesick this morning, and now I feel like maiming something! Oops, already did. Poor pillow never had a chance...
How will I face Gourry now? He must think I hate him!
I cringe as I hear footfalls near my door. Great, what to do? I don't want to talk to him again right now, I'll probably bite his head off again, or worse...
Eek! The door's opening! Maybe if I lay still... I slump onto the bed, laying my head on the mangled pillow.
I lay completely motionless and listen as he steps into the room. Why did he stop? Is he looking at me? Please, go! I don't know how much longer I can stay still like this!
It seems like forever before he continues on his way to his side of the room. What a relief! But now what? If I move, he'll know I'm not asleep. Great...maybe he'll fall asleep soon himself.
I hope so, because whatever they stuffed this pillow with (is it rice?) is poking my eye! Ow...
I don't think I can hold out any longer! He's still moving about over there, and this darn stuff really hurts! That's it, I'm taking a chance!
I quietly get up off of the bed and sneak into the bathroom, then close the door.
Safety!
I'd do a little victory dance, but my eye is really tearing up, and....yuck, things don't feel so great all of a sudden. Got to take care of the eye problem first, where's that water at?
Much better! Now that I'm up and about (and not in a mad rage), I'm being reminded that I have been in class all day...for far too long! Time to gain some relief...
I'm actually starting to feel a bit better about what happened earlier. I ought to go and apolo-
...that's not right.
I quickly yank my pants back on as panic overtakes me, and I flee from the bathroom.
I dash into his room, not caring if he had been asleep or not.
Lina, what's wrong? Gourry looks up from his bed.
I-I...was in the bathroom and...I... I stammer, too scared to think straight. It's got to be something horrible!
Lina, you're bleeding! Gourry shoots up off of the ground and is instantly at my side.
How did he..? I glance down to see that I got blood on my hand. I look up into his eyes and start to cry.
Lina, what happened? Where are you hurt? Gourry places his hands on my shoulders as he looks me over.
I'm too scared to tell him. What could have caused me to bleed from there? Did I get poisoned? I don't want to die!
Don't worry, Lina!
Before I can ask what he means, I'm hoisted off of the ground as Gourry races out of the room. Oh please, don't let me bleed on him...
* * * * * * * * * *
A very enlightening trip to the healer's later...
I shall never show my face in public. Again. I'm currently ducking my head as I study the oh-so interesting floor. Gourry doesn't look so great himself, as the healer continues to drone on about the facts of life.
...as this is all part of becoming an adult, Miss Inverse, and nothing to be ashamed about.
So he says, but I can't help but blush like crazy! I know because I can feel the heat coming off my face. Gourry looks like he might pass out.
...experience this every month or so, and generally lasts for about a week.
Somebody shut him up! I don't want to hear any more!
Any more questions?
I quickly shake my head no, and can only assume Gourry's doing the same.
Okay then... he scribbles something and hands it to Gourry. Here's my bill.
Gourry sighs as he hands over his money. I can only guess, but that was probably his wages for working this week.
Thank you. Now you two have a good day, and Miss Inverse? The healer looks down at me.
I squeak.
Just relax, it's not the end of the world. Just the opposite. He smiles.
That's what you think. How would you like to spend a week every month bleeding out...er...down there? I'm going to need spare clothes...
C'mon, Lina. Gourry places his arm around my shoulders and leads me back out.
First off, let me apologize for not warning any male readers about...this chapter's happenings. ^_^;;; (I know female troubles usually scare the heck out of guys.) I didn't want to give away the reason why Lina was acting so weird.
Now then, time to answer some questions and reveal why we wrote some things.
First off, yes, it's a Japanese themed inn. I don't know why, but paper walls and futons (with rice pillows!) have always fascinated me. No roughhousing in those homes! Also, as Rocky said, the store Lina was looking at was indeed an Adult' store. (I hate those places with a passion. Yuck!)
The comment about Lina not being able to hold her liquor comes straight from the novels. (When Lina gets drunk she understands everything yet sounds completely drunk, but when Gourry's drunk, he seems completely sober, but doesn't remember anything later.) It's got to be an embarrassing thing for her since she comes from a region known for its wine. ^_-
Soru Town was taken from the video game, Slayers Wonderful. (It's a coastal town that holds a fashion contest.) *shudder* I only stole the name though, and nothing else.
I think that's all I have to comment on at this time... Next time: Lina has fun with magic!
Again, sorry to anyone who might have been weirded out by Nature's curse to women. Tis the only time I'll ever mention it in a fic (to that extent). Really. ^_^;;;;