Ok so this is the last chapter! Thank you to everyone who has been following this story and let me know what you think in a review! =)

Lina felt as if she was in an exhausted stupor. She spun around and around for what seemed like hours. All Lina could think about was curling up in a warm bed, and sleeping off the excruciating headache she had developed. Her vision began to blur and her head became woozy. Her awareness began to fade as she slowly forgot her surroundings, the drinking finally catching up to her in her activeness. She was in a warm set of arms, but the scent was unfamiliar.

"Gourry?" She asked the pair of arms holding her close, for who else could it be?

"No dear, it is not Gourry. And it never will be Gourry again. You are going to be mine. I will make you forget he ever existed." The man whispered into her ear.

Lina winced, trying to make sense of the man's words through her grogginess. She continued spin in circles, finding herself unable to stop and forcing her to cling to the man, lest her drunkenness cause her to fall. Suddenly, the distant music stopped and so did the spinning. She could feel the grip of one of his arms slip away while the other grew tighter around her waist. Her chin was lifted up until she was staring into a blurred face. Her vision settled, and where she expected to see Gourry's dark blue eyes staring back, she saw a pair of clear blue ones. His face was drawing closer; she could feel his breath on her lips.

"Jarek..." She whispered in shock as her cloudy head sobered slightly. Then, his lips crashed down upon hers.

"I'm being kissed. By a tall, handsome, rich, powerful man. But...I don't... Gourry…" Her mind tried to reason.

Gourry still had ten feet left to go when Jarek made his move. He was lip locked with Lina. His Lina...

"No!" He heard himself yell as he reached them. His hand was in a fist, ready to punch Jarek out.

Before Gourry could act, Jarek was on the ground, the fiery sorceress standing over him shouting obscenities. Gourry saw bright red light gathering in her palm and acted quickly, concerned that the gathering crowd would be incinerated by her rage. He reached for her and roughly grabbed her by the torso, pulling her away.

"Let me at him! Don't try and stop me, he WILL BE PUNISHED!" She shouted, fighting to get out of Gourry's grip.

Once they were safely on the other side of the extensive garden, he placed himself in front of her.

"Lina stop!" He ordered.

Lina finally look up at her captor's face, and her anger subsided into relief.

"Gourry!" She shouted, jumping to throw her arms around his neck and hold him tightly.

He stood shocked for a moment at this uncharacteristic display of affection but got over it quickly, wrapping his arms around her waste.

"Lina..." He whispered tenderly, burying his face in her glossy locks of hair.

"Lina, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let him-"

"No Gourry. It's my fault. I was being stubborn. I had WAY too much to drink, and I should have let you take me back home." She interrupted, picking her head up and looking him in the eyes.

They seemed to glow in the candlelight. He gave her the softest look and she marveled at the dark blue of his eyes. She had never felt so happy to be in another's embrace.

"What do you mean, exactly, when you say you'll protect me for the rest of your life?" She breathed, looking at him more directly than she ever had, deep into his eyes. Searching for the answer.

Gourry pulled her in tighter, staring into her eyes as well with a serious expression. He could hardly believe what he was hearing

"Is this it? Do I say it now?" He thought.

Suddenly a shout was heard and Gourry could feel someone dashing at them. Instead of answering her question, he scooped her up and jumped out of the way, just in time to avoid a charging Jarek. His eyes were burning with fury as he turned to face Lina and Gourry.

"Lina!" Jarek shouted, "I have done nothing but think and dream of you for years! I would be your most humble servant and ardent lover! You WILL become mine!"

With this declaration, Jarek began to gather vicious red light into his hand.

"I will start by eliminating you, dear cousin. With you gone, Lina

Inverse will be mine forever."

He let loose the spell directly at Gourry, and many screams were heard throughout the garden. Lina pushed Gourry out of the fireball's path, letting loose one of her own. He expertly dodged, but Lina could sense his path. It was easy to recall his fighting style from their previous sparring match. A loud explosion was heard to her left and Lina realized that Jarek was paying her no mind. He was relentlessly throwing fireballs at Gourry, who jumped and dodged out of the way. Gourry was swordless. Lina became angry.

"Burst Rondo!" She yelled, letting loose the white balls of light.

There were too many for Jarek to dodge, and the resulting explosion threw him off of his feet. People had begun to scatter, running and screaming away, while others simply backed up to watch the action. Lina took the opportunity to run to Gourry.

"Where's you're sword?!" She shouted.

"It's over-"

"Gourry catch!" Demetri, Gourry's cousin, yelled tossing a large blade his way.

Gourry caught it and drew the sword from its sheath, tossing it to the side. Jarek had regained his composure and was facing the side-by-side couple. This time it was Gourry who charged, expertly swinging the sword at Jarek's side. Jarek pulled out a hidden blade, and the two rivaling cousins engaged in tumultuous swordplay. They jabbed and sliced, cutting at each other's clothes. They were close to being evenly matched. Momentarily, Gourry lost his footing. Seeing the opening, Jarek went to strike. Gourry managed to block he brunt of the blow just in time, but was knocked back several feet onto the ground. As Gourry went to stand, Lina came forward and stepped in front of him. Her hands her filled with glowing energy, and she was set in a battle stance.

"Lina…" Jarek said affectionately.

She sneered and sent several large fireballs at him. Jarek countered, shouting, "Flare arrow!"

He loosed several in her direction.

"Elmekia Lance!" she opposed.

The large white light sailed at Jarek, who was unable to fully dodge in time. It exploded, destroying a large part of the garden and sending him flying.

Gourry stood in his tattered tux next to Lina whose dress was ripped and hanging. Her arms were poised and ready with more glowing fireballs.

"Since when have you been so insane?!" Lina yelled.

Jarek smirked and picked his self off of the floor.

"I am not insane, merely passionate. You are my shining star, the vision of power and cunning. And our children will be even more so."

Lina and Gourry's faces twisted at that statement.

"What the hell are you talking about?" She yelled.

A crazed grin spread across Jarek's face.

"I am talking about your fate, Lina. Our life together!"

Lina scowled with determination. She dug her damaged high heels into the ground and got into stance.

"Flare Lance!" She shouted, unleashing a massive spear of energy.

Jarek, too busy with his insane ranting and shouting, didn't react in time and was knocked far back, onto the ground. He felt pain sear his body and found he was unable to get up.

The grounds were quiet, as the dust of the last blow settled. Lina sighed and sagged forward and Gourry caught her by the shoulders. Suddenly a group of armed guards came forward, lifting Jarek up and attaching thick handcuffs to him.

His eyes were as big as saucers, and he howled in fury and misery. He had failed to take out his cousin. Lina had gotten the best of him, and his plans were ruined.

Lina regained her composure and looked around for the first time, realizing that the garden was all but destroyed. Only a few people were left, everyone else fearing too much for their lives to stick around. Lina could make out Paris, Silvanus, Gourry's mother and father, and a couple of his uncles and cousins among the ones remaining. There were a couple more men she didn't know, most likely random townsmen. Lina glanced over at Gourry, who was still on his guard with sword at the ready. She followed his gaze to a pair of guards coming their way.

"Halt! You are under arrest for property damage and the disturbing the peace!" One shouted.

"Hold on buddy! That guy attacked us first!" Lina growled.

The other guard shook his head, "Not my problem missy. You will either come quietly or by force."

"Wait! Gerome, that is my eldest son right there," Sachiel shouted, coming forward, "I will pay the cost of the property damage. Let me handle these two."

The first guard gave him a sympathetic look, "I'm afraid we have to take custody of them, Sachiel. I'm sorry old friend."

Sachiel gave the men a hard look and nodded.

"Wait just a minute!" Lina shouted pointing an accusing finger at the guards. Everyone quickly turned his attention to her. A jagged, crazy look spread across her face.

"You mean to tell me that you two dolts would be willing to take on the Infamous Lina Inverse? Because you must know that Lina Inverse never goes down without a fight."

The two men gulped hard and glanced at each other.

"D-did she s-say L-L-L-Lina Inverse?!"

"She sure d-did. D-dramata…The Enemy of All Who Lives! L-L-Lina Inverse! "

The second man cleared his throat and tried to regain his composure, though his legs still shook violently.

"There is n-no need t-to be has-sty. I'm sure it will be fine for Sachiel t-to take charge here."

The two men nodded at each other and turned around. They walked briskly for a couple of seconds before breaking into a run.

Gourry could hear Lina chuckling beside him. Sometimes it paid off to be so well known and feared he supposed. Gourry turned his attention to his father, who was looking at the two of them severely.

"I hope you are happy. You ruined your sister's wedding reception."

Gourry narrowed his eyes.

"No, Jarek ruined the reception." He shot back.

"Either way that was a lot of damage that I now have to pay for."

"I don't know what you want me to say." Gourry sighed, shaking his head.

"I want you to say you will stop disappointing this family. You take off with the family heirloom, you loose it, and then you return and wreak havoc. I merely want an obedient son who will do what is asked of him, much like your sister does. She didn't once complain about the marriage." Sachiel stopped and walked forward, putting his hand on Gourry's shoulder, sighing heavily.

"I know we have been on bad terms for years, but I'm willing to put the past to rest. Your mother wants you back at home. We can make all the arrangements. There are already a number of prosperous families lining up to have their daughters marry you. I'll even be generous and let you have some say so on whom. That's more than your sister got. What do you think?" He asked, tightening his grip on his son's shoulder.

Gourry could hear Lina gasp at his father's proposition.

"But, wait-" Lina started, coming forward and reaching out toward the two.

Sachiel whipped his head in her direction and scoffed.

"This is none of your business young lady! We are one of the most prosperous and prominent families in the land of Elmekia. This boy should be here, learning the family business, not out gallivanting with the likes of you. Do you understand how detrimental his association with you could be for-"

"Stop!" Gourry shouted, shoving his father's hand from his shoulder.

Sachiel gave him a disbelieving look.

"I wont allow you to talk to her like that! I'm no longer a boy, father, I'm a man. My whole life I've only done what I had to. Watching the family kill each other and having to kill in return...Miles, my own brother, wanted me dead so he would be next in line for the sword…and I had to do what I had to do to stay alive…Peace only returned to this family after I took off with the Sword of Light." He paused and lowered his head so his bangs covered his eyes, "We are leaving in the morning. You won't have to worry about me coming around again."

Everyone was silent as Gourry's words hung in the air. He reached back, feeling for Lina's hand behind him. He gripped it and pulled her away, not looking back.

Lina allowed herself to be led, picking up the front of her ruined ball-gown to keep up. They didn't stop until they were in front of the large Gabriev mansion.

"Gourry?" Lina whispered, aware of the silent tears falling from his eyes. She felt his grip on her hand tighten but he refused to face her. Suddenly the doors flew open revealing Silvanus waiting for the family to return.

"I'm assuming you'll be going straight to your rooms." He asked as they brushed past him. Lina managed a nod in his direction as she continued allowing Gourry to pull her along. They traversed the stairs and the winding hallways until reaching Lina's room. She stood in front of it with her hand on the doorknob, hesitating.

"Gourry…" She whispered again, "Please don't shut me out anymore." She pleaded.

Lina slowly turned and looked at him, hardly aware of the tears streaking down her cheeks. He stepped closer to her indecisively. She could tell he was struggling with something. Suddenly he wrapped his left arm around her waist, reaching the other around her to open the door. He guided her inside, wiping the tears from her eyes and using his leg to shut the door behind them. He released her and they stood together in the middle of the dim, candle lit room. Gourry avoided eye contact while Lina tried desperately to catch his eye. She saw a single tear fall from the darkness of his orbs and realized he was reliving a horrible memory.

"My... younger brother... He was driven mad, like most of my family...over the sword. I had a lot more uncles before, aunts and cousins too. My poor grandmother was killed, and my own parents barely made it out alive..." He paused to take a shaky breath," Miles... He-"

"I'm sorry Gourry, you can stop! I understand why you never told me about your family." She whispered as her head sunk down, more tears flowing.

Gourry was quiet for a few moments before speaking again, still looking away.

"I'm sorry Lina. I've been carrying the guilt of killing my own brother for years...I've never talked to anyone about it. I could never stand the thought of showing you the darkness in my heart."

Lina's head whipped up and she desperately rushed forward.

"There isn't any darkness in your heart, Gourry! If I've learned anything about you over the years, it's that! Your heart is good and full of kindness!"

Gourry shook his head at her and sighed.

"I met you at one of the darkest times of my life. If you had asked me then where I thought I would be in five years, I would have figured myself dead." Gourry walked away, sagging against the bed frame as he admitted this to her.

Lina gasped at his honesty.

"This is completely unbelievable. He was always so happy and carefree. The pain he was feeling...he hid it so well." Lina thought to herself.

"You brought me out of that darkness." He admitted, finally looking up at her. She was standing in front of him just a few feet away, still in the tattered dress. Her hair was limp, but still framed her delicate face. Her expression was soft, as was his. Gourry smiled.

"Since we first met, I knew you were special. You gave my life meaning. Traveling with you has been the best years of my life. I've realized it doesn't matter if we are robbing bandit camps, following treasure maps, or saving the world..." He paused and looked away, fiddling with the canopy of the bed frame next to him, "as long as I'm with you..." He whispered, so softly Lina had to strain to hear.

"There was no way I could go back to what I was before. I know you really don't need me as a protector, but I need you. I need to be with you everyday, for the rest of my life." He stopped and turned to face her once again.

"I'll be anything you want me to be, Lina, anything so I can stay with you forever."

Lina gasped, contemplating the implications of what he was saying.

"Anything...anything like… best friend… traveling companion… body guard, or..." She thought, her eyes growing wide, "or even my lover..."

She struggled with her thoughts for several moments, trying to decide if she was brave enough to do what she really wanted to do. She came forward and threw herself into his arms. She wrapped hers around his waist and buried her face in his chest. He returned the embrace, holding her gently yet firmly. They stayed like that for a several moments.

Finally, Lina pulled back to look up at him. Gourry's eyes were closed. She reached her left hand up and touched his cheek and his eyes opened in surprise. He looked down at her with that soft, serious expression he sometimes wore when they were alone. She stood on her tiptoes, her thumb caressing his face gently. His hand came up to her face as well, cupping her cheek tenderly. Lina closed her eyes for a moment and leaned into his touch, bringing her other hand up and to hold his.

Then, she did something Gourry wasn't expecting. She gripped his hand, pulled it from her cheek and planted a kiss on his palm. Gourry gasped and his eyes widened. She looked up at him, smiled, and leaned forward, not stopping until their noses were touching. She stared at him, feeling her heart on the verge of exploding. Then, Gourry closed the distance between them, softly pressing his lips against hers. Their eyes drifted closed and they pulled each other nearer. They stayed like that for several moments before Gourry slowly pulled away. His heart was racing as he leaned his forehead against hers.

"I love you Lina. I'm going to protect you for the rest of my life…because I love you…so much."

Lina answered by kissing him again, this time much more deeply. Gourry returned it and they became lost in each other, transported to a new world where no one else existed.

Lina awoke the next morning dazed and still very tired. Looking out into the darkened room, she realized it was just before sunrise. Shivering and looking down at herself, she realized she was in only her underwear. Lina quickly scanned the room and spotted her tattered ball-gown placed carefully on the dresser.

What the hell happened last night?!

She felt someone stir to her left at the same moment she realized a tattered tuxedo was laying next to her dress. Lina slowly turned her head to see Gourry lying next to her, sleeping peacefully. Memories of the night before began flooding back, and a few tears found their way out of her eyes. She felt Gourry roll onto his side, taking her by surprise as he reached for her and pulled her close. His body was warm and hers was not. She snuggled into his bare chest to find warmth. Gourry awoke from her shivering.

"Are you ok, Lina?" He whispered into her hair.

She nodded and managed to stutter out, "J-Just c-c-cold."

At hearing this, Gourry grabbed the comforter, pulled it farther over them, and wrapped his arms tighter around her. Sure enough, her shivering slowly faded away until she was the same temperature as he.

"Are you warmer now, Lina?"

He got a drowsy "uh huh" in response. He chuckled and pressed a soft peck on her lips, before dozing off again himself.

Donning their normal travel clothes, Lina and Gourry walked down the road, the Gabriev mansion getting smaller and smaller behind them. Only Silvanus and Ariella had come to see them off. Lina glanced over her shoulder, seeing their waving forms vanish in the distance. It had been a whirlwind of a trip, full of drama and emotion. It would take a lot to get Gourry to ever come back, though Lina would always come if he ever wanted to. They walked through town together, getting the same stares and whispers they did upon arrival. A woman suddenly stepped forward out of the crowd.

"Dear Gourry, you are leaving so soon?" The plain looking, brown haired maiden asked, running forward to catch up.

He looked at her with surprise and replied, "Yeah, we are."

The woman's eyes grew wide in shock.

"Oh! But...everyone was hoping that you would be staying now..."

To this Gourry gave a chuckle.

"There's nothing here for me." He stopped and looked at Lina, "She's all that need."

Lina blushed furiously at his prominent display of affection. He reached out and grasped her hand, making her blush harder. Then, he turned forward and continued down the road not looking back.

Once on the outskirts of town, Lina finally spoke.

"Gourry...you're such a jelly fish!" She exclaimed.

"Hey! I didn't even do anything!" He replied.

"You didn't have to!" She answered, with a giggle.

They walked silently for several minutes.

"So…where to now?" She asked, looking up at the sky.

Their hands were still intertwined and she felt Gourry squeeze hers slightly.

"To Zephilia. Remember? You promised." He reminded.

Lina's body came to an abrupt halt, causing Gourry to jerk back.

"Uh b-but Gourry...that's...I don't know if you understand..." Lina stuttered, her cheeks glowing bright red.

"What don't I understand?" He asked her, looking confused.

"The implications of you going to meet my parents!" Lina yelled, exasperated.

"Lina! I'm not a fool, I know what it means."

She rolled her eyes at that statement.

"Oh I don't think you do! In Zephilia, if you meet someone's parents...well everyone expects a proposal to come soon after and there's no way-"

"So you mean you wouldn't want to marry me? At least someday?" He questioned with a hurt look on his face.

Lina stiffened and stared at him.

"Uh I wouldn't say necessarily... I mean of course I would, just not..." Her embarrassed expression suddenly dissolved into anger.

"Just where do you get off asking me a thing like that?!" She screamed, hands flying in the air.

He gave her a wide smile and grabbed her by the waist, ignoring her shouting and threats. He stooped down and kissed her deeply, silencing her instantly. Her hands fisted his shirt as she thought about throwing him. Changing her mind, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. He took the kiss deeper, turning his head and parting her lips with his tongue. Their tongues danced together until they were breathless. They pulled apart and stared in each other's eyes.

"I love you, Lina."

She flushed and looked down, arms still around his neck.

"I love you too, Gourry."

"Going to see your parents now doesn't mean we have to get married right away or anything."

She opened her mouth to argue but he silenced her.

"Are getting married doesn't mean we will have to stop traveling. Ok? Don't worry about things that haven't happened yet." He finished with a sagely nod.

She stared at him.

"Since when did you get so wise?" Lina asked.

He gave her a wide smile and poked her in the forehead.

"I've always been! You mean you're just barely noticing?"

Lina fumed.

"Why you!" She yelled, taking a swing at him.

But he was already gone, sprinting down the road away from her.

"I'll get you for that!" Lina screamed with her fist in the air, running after him.

He laughed loud and looked over his shoulder as his quick footed sorceress advanced on him.

"Your gonna have to catch me first!" He yelled back, laughing and running faster.

She laughed with him and ran to catch up. She had never felt this happy in her whole life. He said he would be her anything. Her best friend, her protector, her lover. She wanted him to be all three.

"Maybe a trip to Zephilia won't be all that bad after all..." She thought as she finally caught up with Gourry.

"Fireball!" She yelled, releasing the energy and sending Gourry flying.

"There's a head start to Zephilia for ya!" She yelled after him.

Gourry hollered as the spell hit him and sent him flying. He heard her yell something at him, and despite the fact she had just sent him flying through the air and onto the ground with a hard thud, he smiled. They were going to Zephilia.