Heeyyyy my dearest buddies that have been reviewing for me regularly. How are you? Well, this is the newest chapter, and I think this one just may be a very well written one. Review and let me know what you think okie? Unfortunately I have bad news. No I didn't save on Geico, and no I don't own slayers or its characters, therefore you cannot sue. Now on with the fic!

Mariah Sunshine

In the bright sunny sky, confetti is strewn across the winds. Music from trumpets and drums are carrying the melody of the crowds' screams throughout the lands. Women in their best gowns and men with their best suits are standing on either side of the gateway. Young children are dodging around and beneath the legs of their parents, pushing to get a better view at the front of the crowd. Vendors stand to the side handing out free food for the celebration ahead. The merry people are lined along the pathway of the castle waiting and hoping full of eagerness. On the steps of the throne stands Princess Amelia in a royal blue gown. Her hair falls in a neat black bob at her chin, and her jewelry glitters of silvers and gold made especially for her. On her arm is a handsome young man with skin of rock and hair of steel. He is dressed in a royal blue suit with a matching bow tie. The both stand together arm in arm with Prince Phil standing behind them, in a tux of black and white silk. Phil raises his hands above the heads of Amelia and Zegaldis signaling for quiet. Amelia smiles widely and looks from side to side as the entryway for her clears. Phil nods his head and Amelia and Zegaldis hands raises to the sky in a synchronized wave to their subjects. Screams and cheers are heard miles away as they greet their Princes and Princess on this most wonderful day. Suddenly a knight came running up the walkway and kneels down in front of Princess Amelia and Prince Zegaldis.

Your Highness, I have caught sight of the chariot, it is on its way now.

Amelia nods her head and the knight scatters to a side with the crowd. Amelia raises her hand, demanding quiet from her subjects. After a few moments, the gates at the far end were opened and the townspeople grew quiet. The tattered and broken carriage rolled slowly to the castle. 6 horses headed the raggedy carriage. Two of white and 4 of black and white speckles. It creaked along and the townspeople peered curiously inside. Children ran upside the carriage until they were yanked back by neighbors and parents. The horses slowed to a crawl, and pawed and neighed at the unusual cement ground they were forced to endure. Finally the carriage slowed to a stop at the steps of the Royal Palace. The servant Amelia had sent out days before stepped off the top of the carriage and ran to the side door. The crowd held their breaths and leaned in hoping to get the first sights of the arrivers. Taking a deep breath the servant opened the door, and bowed to the ground by the side of the carriage. First emerged a gentleman in blue armor and black boots. His eyes were sparkling sapphires and his hair a golden blonde. All the women throughout the crowd sucked in a breath and sighed. Gourry turned back to the carriage and offered his hand inside the carriage. A smaller hand with gloves of deep lavender took it. Her foot came out first, and was covered with the same color boot as the gloves followed by her skinny but shapely legs. All the guys that were able to see her held their breaths as the women patted their rolling pins in their hands. With one foot steady on the ground and another in Gourry's hand, Lina Inverse stepped out into the sun. The crowd instantly went wild and balloons and more confetti was released into the wind. Lina had tiny Mariah held tight in arm and with her other, she swished back her crimson hair and waved to the people standing around her. The crowd went into a frenzy as she smiled brightly, and turned to the castle. Amelia and Zegaldis arm in arm made their way down the stairs of the palace and Gourry took Lina's arm and made their way up. When finally they met in the middle, they were thrown into hugs and tears of joy from Amelia. Women dabbed at their eyes and men held up unknown glasses of wine. Children screamed and applauded, as the 5 friends made their way up the steps and inside the palace. The guardsmen followed them inside and closed the door behind them.

Phil led the crew's way into the conference room, which was set up with food and tablets of information. Phil quickly sat at the head with Amelia to his right, and Zegaldis to his left. Lina sat beside Amelia, with Mariah in her arms, and Gourry sat next to Zegaldis. Phil raised his arms and laughing heartily spoke.

My My MY! Welcome, welcome back to the Palace my dear friends how was your journey?

Fine. Lina replied wearily.

Hey what's with the big welcome? I thought the town hated Lina's guts? Asked Gourry in an equally tired voice. Lina looked angrily at Gourry and began to bounce and cradle the baby in her arms.

Well, word has gotten out how you saved a village from the terrible Fagu bandits. The town is proud that their ambassadors have made an even bigger name for the town. Amelia said happily. We are quite proud of you as well. It seems that they were quite feared in that region.

Amelia, listen, we didn't save the town. By the time we arrived, more than half the people were dead, and more than half the buildings were demolished. Lina said bitterly. Including Rhina.

Amelia looked at Lina with a shocked expression. Rhina had been killed! She had not personally met up with her, but she knew how important Rhina was to Lina. They had been friends for years, the only real contact Lina kept with her old town. Her thoughts were cut short when Lina began to speak again.

I don't think it was the Fagu bandits that did this Amelia. They were much stronger than anything that the Fagu could hand out. They rode trademark white horses, two of which we rode in on, and carried large swords. They weren't after the people either. They were after this child.

Lina held up the tiny baby who started to whimper in Lina's arms. Gourry looked across at the two and his heart softened at the baby's voice. He reached over the table, and decided to take the baby. Lina gladly handed the baby across the table, and Gourry cradled her softly in his arms. Mariah began to giggle as she played with Gourry's golden locks of hair. Lina continued speaking to Amelia and once in a while turning to Phil and Zegaldis.

I know it may seem silly, but on the way over, Gourry and I were attacked. The bandits killed the wet nurse, and the baby was forced to drink cows milk that Gourry stole from a nearby farm. The bandits were stronger than the ones in the town and had Gourry a bloody mess on the ground by the time I finished with two of them. I managed to knock him away from Gourry with a spell, but I didn't kill him. I went over to begin a healing spell on Gourry and the bandit looked at me, and told me that the man wouldn't give up until he had that baby. She said quickly as she pointed to Mariah who was still laughing and playing with Gourry's hair. It may seem silly but there is something about that baby that is gonna get us killed.

Lina, don't be ridiculous! Who wants something from a helpless baby!

Amelia! I think I would know it attacked Gourry and me. It upset me so much I nearly killed the child there after.

Everyone around the table stopped and looked at Lina after she said that. Even Gourry who was preoccupied tickling the baby stopped and looked up at his wife. Lina suddenly ashamed hung her head low, and tried to find an answer that would make them understand.

It just made me so angry to know that because of that child I almost lost Gourry. Don't worry… I didn't harm her. I couldn't bring myself to do it. A child of destruction she may be, but not yet. Amelia quietly lowered her head and looked at the baby. She saw what Lina meant. The birthmark across the child's forehead, it was the same that Lina had on her own forehead. Amelia nodded and turned to Lina.

So then what are we to do about this situation?

Well, I came to check the resources of the Seirune library. I know it may not be much, but I have a golden locket I found at the bottom of a nearby lake, and an idea of who might be behind this. Turning to Gourryshe quietly whispered, and I want an interpreter for the nightmares I have been having.

Gourry looked up at her softly. The baby was laying on his shoulder her tiny pink dress dragging across Gourry's silly face. Lina's eyes smiled for just a moment. He had been with her when she had those dreams. The one who woke her up as she screamed and held her and the baby as they both cried bitterly. She told him about each one, puzzled and unsure of really what they meant. She must have blanked out cause Gourry's hand touched hers softly, and Lina looked up at him. Turning to Amelia, Gourry explained that maybe they should take a rest first and continue first thing in the morning. The maids were called, and Gourry, Lina and Mariah were escorted up to their room on the west wing of the Palace.

After they left Phil, Amelia, and Zegaldis remained in the room, and began looking over papers. Sensing something outside the room, Zegaldis looked up and out the window. He stared for a bit until he felt a hand at his shoulder. He looked up the see Amelia smiling. She nodded to him, and bent down leaving a kiss upon his forehead. She quickly exited the room, and entered the West wing for bed.

Amelia held her dress high and out of the way as she walked up the large staircase. Her glass shoes tapped the ground heavily, and her dress sweeped across the stairs behind her. She wanted to meet this Little Mariah, before Lina and Gourry fell asleep. After that, there was no hope of waking them till morning. When she finally made her way to the top of the stairwell, she stopped and glanced at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a bit out of place, but nothing her dearest friends hadn't seen already. Her makeup was off, but then again who hasn't seen her without it? She peered closely at the gold on her head and noticed a small movement outside the window. She wasn't quite sure what it was, but there was a sweep of black across the sky. She turned around quickly, and walked towards the mirror. Normally everyone else would have been afraid, but she was taught with the magic that worked best in this region.. white magic. She opened the window letting a cold fall breeze into the room. Goosebumps overcame her and she ran her gloved hands over her arms. She had to look out the window and see what the hell was out there.

So standing as close to the window as possible, she stuck her head out and was overcome by a strong wind. She was forced back and onto the floor with a loud thud. When she had regained herself, she stood up, and brushed off her costly gown. Ha... it must have been the wind after all she though to herself. She stepped to the window, closing it tightly, but not before bloodthirsty words seeped through the sill.

Bring me the child.

Amelia slammed the window shut, and locked it quickly. She then cast a white magic spell over the window making sure it stayed shut until she said otherwise. She began to go into a panic as she turned and saw the lights flashing around her eyes. She lifted her skirt high and ran. Her glass shoes pounded the wooden floors heavily, and her dress flew rapidly behind her. Her breathing quickened as she turned each corner and ran up each flight of stairs. She looked up, the 3rd floor. She only needs one more flight and one more corner before she was at Lina and Gourry's room. The lights were already put out, seeing as Gourry and Lina hated it when they slept. So Amelia, slowed down, and creepingly walked to the door of Lina and Gourry's room. When she finally made it to the white oak door, she raised her hand to knock, but was taken back by a loud thud and a scream. Amelia's face turned white, and her body began to shake. Her friends were in the room! She needed to help them. She placed her gloved fingers on the doorknob, and turned it slowly. Once the lock on the door was released, she took a deep breath and quickly opened the door. She stepped inside the room quickly, covered her mouth with her hand, and screamed as loud as she could.

DaDADUUMMM Well what happens next? You gotta wait for the next chapter you guys. Reviews would be greatly appreciated, so that I can keep this story going well. I'll get started working on the next chapter for you guys right away. Hope your enjoying it! Goodbye!