Hello all! I want to thank everyone so far who had reviewed, favorited, and followed this story! You guys keep me going! Well, this is the second to last chapter! We are almost at the climax of our story! I hope everyone enjoys!

The group settled in, Lina and Gourry sitting close on one side with Jarek and Delano on the other. They made idle chitchat until they reached the temple. Then the four joined the large crowd that was filing in to find seats. After ten long minutes they were finally able to make it inside the huge edifice. It was a large, elaborate temple with gargantuan stained glass windows. There were rows and rows of seats and it seemed the entire town was in attendance. Upon seeing Gourry, people parted like the seas to let him through. Many awed looks were exchanged, and lots of whispering. In the back of Lina's mind, she wondered why Gourry's homecoming was such a big deal to people. Just as they reached the front rows, where immediate family was to sit, a group of girls in large, frilly dresses blocked the way.

"Gourry my love, is it really you? Have you really returned after all these years?"

Lina looked flabbergasted while Gourry looked confused.

"Umm, yeah I found out my sister was getting married so..." He explained while scratching the back of his head. Something about this girl and her friends made him uncomfortable.

"So you will show up for someone elses wedding but cannot be bothered to attend your own?"

"HUH?!" Lina and Gourry exclaimed at the same time.

"W-w-what the hell is she talking about, Gourry?" Lina stuttered, grabbing Gourry's arm.

"I don't know, Lina!" He said defensively with his hand up, palms out toward her.

Tears sprung to the young lady's eyes.

"Oh Gourry, to think that you have forgotten all about me. Even though

I have continued to love you all these years..."

Her friends patted her on the back while another handed her a handkerchief.

"Ok, what the hell, Gourry! You never told me you were engaged before!"

Lina yelled, spinning him around to face her.

"But Lina, I don't remember ever having a fiancé!"

Lina narrowed her eyes and saw that he was genuinely confused. Lina began to choke him to jog his memory.

"We have only been engaged since birth. And to think-" Her emotional rant was cut off by another young maiden who pushed her out of the way.

"Out of my way you harlot! It is I who has been engaged to Mr. Gourry since birth!"

Lina, who was still choking and shaking Gourry violently, stopped and snapped her head in the woman's direction.

"Wha?!" She screeched.

"I don't remember her either!" He chocked out.

Suddenly, women claiming to have been chosen to marry Gourry surrounded them.

"What's going on?" A freaked out Lina asked herself aloud.

Everyone was pushing and shoving and Lina was getting angrier and angrier. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and she was pulled out of the chaos. Loosing her grip on Gourry's arm she slipped away, leaving Gourry in the mob.

"What the… Silvanus?" She looked up at the manservant gratefully.

"Hold on my dear." He said to her, diving into the crowd and plucking

Gourry out.

"Ahh!" Gourry yelled as he was dragged. Silvanus took both he and Lina by the arm and quickly lead them away. An organ began to play, and the crowd of women dispersed, realizing Gourry's absence and that they needed to get to their seats.

"That was madness!" Lina whispered loudly so only Gourry and Silvanus could hear.

"You're sure you don't know what was going on?" She asked Gourry who nodded his head.

Silvanus chuckled.

"Gourry has always been popular with the young women in the village."

He told Lina.

Gourry sighed, "I remember always having girls follow me around, but I don't remember promising to marry any of them!" He exclaimed.

"No, that is more your parents doing. You weren't aware, but they used to promise other prosperous families that they would consider their daughters as a potential bride in exchange for services for the family." Silvanus said solemnly.

Gourry was silent. A grave and serious look spread across his face at the thought of this.

"So they were trying to arrange a marriage for me before I left home." He clarified.

"Precisely. But it was never ardently pursued, since the family was slipping into turmoil over the sword of light, as you well know."

Gourry nodded. He remembered that all too well.

"That was the most nightmarish time of my life. And to think, if I had stuck it out..." Gourry didn't want to take that thought any further.

A life with anyone but Lina was a life he preferred not to think about.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by Lina's voice.

"An arranged marriage, huh? Who does that anymore, save for royalty?" She asked rhetorically.

Gourry gave her a strange look.

"Uh, Lina... You do know that this wedding is arranged, don't you?"

Lina's jaw dropped.

"B-but? What?! But your sister looked so happy!" She stammered.

Silvanus chuckled at her concern.

"Madam Ariella has prepared Jocelyn for an arranged marriage practically her whole life. Here and Paris grew up together. And after Gourry left a lot changed. The family quit fighting amongst their selves, after there was nothing left to fight about. But the family business suffered with the absence of the heirloom. It became a necessity to have Jocelyn married into a prominent family."

"I see. I guess... I just never realized..." She trailed off.

Silvanus just smiled at her.

Suddenly, the melody of the organ changed and the temple went silent.

Lina stopped and looked up at the altar where Paris, the groom, was waiting. He looked nervous. The cadence of the organ died down, and everyone stood up. The sound of trumpets rang triumphant through the air, and the hefty temple doors flew open, revealing the bride. Her extravagant ball-gown surrounded her, and her blonde hair and veil billowed down elegantly. Gourry's sister, led by his father, began her march down the aisle, her long train rippling behind her. The choir began to softly sing what Lina recognized as a typical wedding march. There were no bridesmaids or groomsmen, but an elegant looking swordsman who carried a lush red pillow containing the rings followed them. Lina giggled at the grown man. It seemed she had only seen small boys act as ring bearer, not attractive, grown men. Lina's face grew pink at that thought and she scolded herself mentally. Looking up, she saw that the small procession had made it to the altar. Being at the front with the family she had a great view and could finally make out the details of Jocelyn's stark white, long wedding dress. The bodice was heavily beaded and detailed. The skirt flowed out and was, indeed, a wide ball-gown. Now that Jocelyn was out, Lina could see that her train had to be at least fifteen feet long. It, too, was heavily beaded and intricate. Her face was covered by the veil, but it was easy to see that she fit the bill for 'blushing bride'. Sachiel looked at his daughter with a smile and handed her over to her new husband, retreating to his seat in a nearby pew beside Ariella. Jocelyn turned to face Paris, who nervously took her hand and the ceremony began.

It took an hour and a half for the priest to get to the point, which was FAR too long for Lina Inverse. She fidgeted and coughed and attempting to look interested. She wasn't the only one bored. Many of the town's women had taken to staring at Gourry, who was oblivious to it all. Lina simply rolled her eyes.

"At my own wedding, I'm not going to make people sit around for two hours.

Bing, bang, boom, done! That's how it will be'" She thought.

It took her several minutes to realize that implying she had a mind to get married someday meant she would, consequently, have to choose a man in which to get married to. She outwardly blushed at her thoughts and shook her head, trying to rid of those thoughts.

Gourry, noticing her violent head shaking, glanced over at her.

"Are you having trouble staying awake too?" He whispered softly so she could hear.

Lina gave him a weak smile and nodded. He chuckled and grabbed her hand from her lap, putting it on his thigh.

"Gourry..." She started to warn. He brushed the warning aside, confident she wouldn't fireball him into an oblivion in the middle of his sister's wedding. Her face grew hot at the way he had loosely intertwined their fingers, and how his thumb was tracing little patterns onto the top of her hand. On the up side, she could no longer say she was bored. She spent the next twenty minutes trying to act indifferent and watch the ceremony. Suddenly, her eyes were drawn to the left as the ring bearer came forward with the rings. Paris and Jocelyn picked them up tenderly. The preacher started with Jocelyn, who repeated her vows and then slid Paris' ring onto his finger. Paris followed suit, saying his vows with tenderness and care. The preacher announced that the groom could kiss the bride. The newly wed couple turned to each other and Paris have her a smile. He came forward and gingerly flipped her veil away. They looked at each other for several seconds before leaning in and giving each other a much saucier kiss than Lina was expecting. She realized at that moment that the couple must actually love each other, despite the pre-arrangement of their marriage.

Everyone in attendance began to stand, clap and cheer. Lina, aware once again that Gourry still held her hand, stood up and clapped. Gourry stood as well only a second later, and they watched as Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft exited the temple.

It was slow filing out of the temple. Everyone had surrounded the in-laws with congratulations as hordes of others funneled their way out. Lina gazed around and saw that she was getting strange stares from many groups of women. The four women closest to her were huddled together. They wore peach, yellow, mauve, and lilac dresses, and shot glances her way as they whispered in confidence. No doubt they had noticed Gourry holding her hand during the ceremony.

"Speaking of Gourry..." She thought, spinning around. She had lost him within the crowd trying to leave the building. There seemed to be no sign of him anywhere.

"Maybe he's already outside"

She turned toward the door, determined to get through the crowd and outside to the gardens where the reception was to be held. Suddenly, Lina felt a hand on her shoulder. She spun around with eyes ablaze and ready to give Gourry an earful for his little stunt during the ceremony but was surprised to see Jarek instead. Her angry expression changed to shock and then she smiled.

"Trying to push your way outside too?" She asked. He smiled back.

"Indeed. Where is my dear cousin? As your bodyguard, he shouldn't leave you alone like this." Jarek responded loudly.

Lina noticed many of the surrounding women's ears perk at this, including the four brightly ball-gowned women from earlier.

"So she's not his lover..." The lilac one said

"I suppose not, it seems she's his employer..." Replied the yellow one

"I knew there wasn't a ring under the glove on her hand..." The mauve one said with a huff.

"Just who is this girl?" The peach one questioned.

Lina scoffed at their heated whispers.

"We just lost each other in the crowd." She replied in a low voice.

"Then...allow me to escort you to the gardens. I am rather hopeful to secure a seat at dinner beside you, Lina. I must admit; I am an admirer of your adventures. One could say you are my...idol. Being able to spar with you was a dream come true." He gave her an intense smile. Lina was dumbfounded at his little speech. She had never had anyone come right out and admire her so openly.

She felt herself smile back in response and answer, "If it pleases you, Jarek, perhaps I could tell you about my adventures over dinner."

A wide smile broke across his face.

"I know a great deal of your adventures, but to hear about them first hand...I would be an honored man."

He took her by the arm and led her through the crowd, using his tall stature and strength to clear the way. More whispers were shared, as the eavesdroppers wondered what kind of woman she could possibly be, whose adventures were so well known.

"The only woman I have heard of who does anything of interest is the infamous Lina Inverse. But this girl is much too handsome to be her." The woman adorned in lilac announced to her friends.

"But... Didn't Jarek call that woman Lina?" The woman in peach responded.

The woman in lilac mulled this over and shook her head.

"No, have you not seen Miss Inverse on one of her wanted posters? This

Lina is much too pretty." She answered resolutely. The other women simply nodded and continued out into the gardens.

"Lina!"

Lina, who was just about to take her seat at the long dinner table in the luscious garden, spun around upon hearing her name. She saw Gourry rushing toward her, with Silvanus not far behind.

"Sorry Lina, I got swept up by family and next thing I knew I lost you."

His eyes went to her left and he noticed Jarek standing in mid motion of pulling out Lina's chair for her. He narrowed his eyes at him, making no effort to conceal his displeasure.

"Ok, now that I have both of you together I need to say something!"

Silvanus announced, stealing Lina and Gourry's attention away from the situation at hand.

He gave them a serious look and bowed his head.

"I understand that the two of you have a...healthy appetite. But the present seating arrangements mean you will be sitting opposite members of the Bancroft family. I beg that you two eat in a manner, which is… respectful to the other guests. We cannot have anyone getting the wrong impression."

Gourry opened his mouth to protest but Silvanus silenced him.

"Please think of your sister, Gourry."

He nodded and they both turned to stare and Lina, who had given no reply. She stood there looking stubborn, but soon broke down.

"Fine! I won't eat much then. But I better be able to sneak into the kitchen later..." She added, finger pointed at Silvanus.

He chuckled and promised to have loads of food sent up to her room that evening. She sighed and sat down in her seat. Gourry turned to take a seat to her right and was miffed to see Jarek seat himself to her left. He turned to say something to her but was disappointed to see that she was already immersed in conversation with his cousin. Half and hour went by like this as he sat silently, listening in. She was detailing their adventures to him, in her overly dramatic way. Whenever she mentioned some fancy spell or some ominous dark lord they excitedly began a discussion of origins and methods. Gourry scowled. If he didn't know any better, he would say that the two of them were...clicking. His hands balled up in fists at this thought. He had to interrupt them in some way, hell in any way!

"Hey Lina!" He called loudly.

She abruptly stopped what she was saying and looked over at him.

"Yes Gourry?"

His brows furrowed as he fought for something to say.

"Umm... Remember that little kid we fought. Except he wasn't really a kid, but a mozoku..."

Lina rolled her eyes at him.

"That's who I was just talking about jellyfish. That was Hellmaster Phibrizzo in disguise." Annoyed, she turned back to Jarek.

"Wait! What about that blind, red guy?" He said, touching her shoulder.

Lina whipped her head back toward him.

"Are you kidding me, Gourry? We basically fought Rezzo the Red

Priest three times. You still can't remember his name? He was an important, influential person of notable exploits even before he went off the deep end!" She narrowed her eyes at him.

"S-sorry Lina..." He trailed off.

She let out a long sigh and turned back to Jarek.

"Where was I?" She asked.

" I believe you were saying-"

A loud bell ringing interrupted him. Everyone quieted down, the last stragglers making their way to their seats hurriedly. Everyone watched as Sachiel stood and raised his glass.

"A toast to my daughter and son-in-law!" He shouted. Everyone picked up his or her own glass of champagne, raising it toward the sky.

"Huzzah!" Everyone yelled, and gulped down their glasses.

"Ah!" Lina sighed, quickly finishing her glass.

"Keep this coming!" She shouted to a nearby waiter, wiggling her empty glass in the air.

"Lina!" Gourry said sharply, "You really shouldn't, especially if we can't eat very much."

"Gourry quit telling me what to do." She spat at him. He was clearly getting on her nerves. Gourry felt his stomach growl and realized why. She must be starving! And a starving Lina was a very unhappy Lina…

Not long after, another glass was put in front of her, which she drank more slowly.

Dinner finally ended as the sun finished setting. The garden was serenely lit by hundreds of hanging candles. The chamber orchestra began to play, and guests got up from their seats to dance. Lina, carrying champagne glass number 6, strolled around the room observing everyone around her. Gourry had excused himself to the bathroom, and an aunt had dragged off Jarek to dance, leaving Lina on her own. Taking another sip, she teetered but managed to stay up right.

"Damn shoes!'" She cursed, though she knew the champagne had a lot to do with it as well.

A really nice buzz was setting in, putting her in a slightly better mood despite her hunger. She scowled at the thought of all the delicious food that got passed around her. Lina had been able to sneak in a couple bites but over all had been the epitome of good manners. She took another deep swig and finished the last of her glass, just as she heard her name being called.

"Lina! There you are. I apologize for my long absence." Jarek said with a bow.

Lina turned to him and smiled.

"That's ok. I'm just observing." She replied.

"Are you fond of dancing, Lina?" He asked her slowly and delicately, head tilted towards her.

She felt a chill go down her spine at the passionate way in which he said her name, and she took a small step back. He was looking deeply into her eyes. His clear blue eyes...

"Uh, not so much. I-I mean... I was never taught properly..." She answered shakily.

"My heart is racing! That...champagne must really be getting to my head..." She thought.

"Well you must allow-" Jarek started.

"Lina! Sorry I took so long, I kinda got overrun by people." Gourry unknowingly interrupted.

Lina spun quickly around to look at Gourry and immediately regretted it, feeling faint and dizzy. Gourry, recognizing the look in her eyes, immediately came forward to catch her.

"Are you ok, Lina?" He asked, lifting her back to her feet.

"Yes, I'm fine." Lina replied, pushing him away and regaining her composure.

"Are you sure?" He inquired.

"I'm positive. I just got a little dizzy but now I'm fine."

"I don't know Lina, I think I should take you back to your room. You don't look fine."

Upon hearing this, her temper flared.

"I am perfectly fine, Gourry! I don't need you to babysit me."

She gave him a fierce look, and Gourry knew he was one misstep away from being fireballed to the other side of town. He stared her down for several seconds, her stubbornness unrelenting.

"Fine, do what you want then." He replied in a defeated tone.

Jarek roughly cleared his throat to gain Lina's attention.

"Well then. Could I have this dance?" He asked her, offering his hand.

Lina eyed his hand for several seconds before hesitantly reaching out her own. He guided her out to the dance floor and led her in waltz.

Gourry watched them warily; uncomfortable with the way his cousin held her and looked at her. Jarek was a very good dancer, and led the ungraceful sorceress with ease. They spun and dipped, and Lina looked elegant enough to be a princess in her pink gown. Gourry wanted nothing more than to cut in and take her into his own arms. As he looked on, he was unaware of the crowd of women beginning to surround him. At the front of the group was a lady in an ugly, poofy, light purple dress.

"Dear Gourry, we must dance." She cooed.

Before he knew it, he was being pulled onto the dance floor. It wasn't bad. At least from here he could keep a better eye on Lina and his snake of a cousin. Gourry spun and led the ugly purple dress girl around quite expertly, all while keeping his eyes on Lina.

"Mr. Gourry, what are you looking at? Why won't you look at me while we dance?" She purred.

"Ssshh! Quiet! I'm trying to make sure she's alright." He quickly snapped.

The lady blinked a couple of times and looked over her left shoulder.

"Oh you mean your charge? You're her bodyguard, correct? Just who is that magnificent creature?" She inquired, narrowing her eyes.

Gourry gave the woman a questioning look and then responded.

"Uh, she's Lina Inverse. I thought that was obvious." He stated matter-of-factually.

The lady would have tripped over her feet, had not Gourry been holding her waist.

"What do you mean? That woman is far too pretty to be the infamous

Lina Inverse! And why would such a powerful sorceress need to hire a swordsman to protect her?"

He looked at the woman he was dancing with as if she were crazy.

"I can tell you for sure that she's Lina Inverse. And also that Lina is the most beautiful woman you'll ever see. And she doesn't pay me to be her bodyguard. That's silly."

His eyes traveled back to Lina. She was looking tired yet her shimmery pink ball-gown kept her looking elegant. Jarek was holding her closer and whispering something in her ear, sparking Gourry's jealously in a way he had never felt before. The lady's eyes went back and forth between the sight of Lina dancing and Gourry's expression, and she realized what was going on.

"You...you love her, don't you?" She asked, already knowing the answer.

He glanced down at the lady, making no audible reply. She glanced back at Lina.

"It's eating you away that she's dancing with that man. You're cousin,

I believe?"

He was about to open his mouth to reply but the song came to an end. Women vying for his next dance immediately bombarded him. He could see Lina and Jarek, now across the dance floor. They had stopped dancing, but Jarek still held her in his arms. Gourry began to panic as he watched Jarek stare into her eyes. Was his face drawing closer to hers? Gourry reacted quickly, pushing the girls aside to charge at Jarek.

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