His blue eye scanned the yard. It was heavy with flowers, weeds, and grass. No people were out, it was getting late. Good, he was alone, just the way he liked it. The stars were just coming out, it was becoming darker every mintue. There was a field in the distance, he would perffer the forest, but a field would do. Thats when he saw them..
The blonde swordsman's gaze changed from Lina to forward, and thats when he saw him. "Hey Zel!" He called, waving his arm, his other around Lina's shoulders, which was promptly shook off.
Zelgadiss simply nodded his head in return, meeting up with his friends. "Whats going on?" He finally was able to ask. After all, last he saw they were both making wild dashes down the hallway. Amelia had filled him in.. but.. "And by the way.. your wearing your robes..?"
Lina flushed a little, as did Gourry.
"Ahh.. Well, we can talk later.. After food and sleep!" Gourry said, raising a free fist.
"Agreed!" Lina cried out joyfully, as they made another mad dash to the Inn...
Zelgadiss sighed, rolling his eyes. He'd never truely understand there living style.. aw well, different folks, different tastes..
He continued to walk on for a few more mintues. It was nice and peaceful here, abnormally peaceful.... Ususally with them around, things happened, especailly with Xelloss - Oh L-Sama! He thought, stopping dead in his tracks. "Amelia!" He said aloud, quickly turning towards the Inn and running. I shouldn't have left her alone!
Amelia looked into the chimera's eyes, her own softening as they laid on the bed. "Zelgadiss, weren't you going for a walk?" She asked, a light smile on her lips.
"A walk?" Questioned Zel, leaning on his hand. "Well, I changed my mind." He smiled playfully.
"Y-You changed your mind?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. Why was he smiling like that? He never smiled like that.. "Well then, maybe I should go to bed, because tomarrow we have another long day of searching for your cure!" She began to rise from the bed, when he grabed her wrist. Her head turned to him in a flash, he only smiled to her.
"Ame-Chan, why don't you stay here? Forget the cure.."
Forget the cure?! She repeated in her mind, she felt as though she was spinning. B-But, thats what he had been working toward for so many years! He wouldn't just drop it! And.. when had he ever gave her that nickname?! "But.. Zelgadiss, you've worked so hard for this - " She was cut off as he took her into a tight hug. They laid on the bed like this, unmoving.
Sylphiel sat in a little chair by the window as Gourry sat on the bed, looking around couriously. What was she going to do?! Gourry was... in her room, and wanted to see *her*! But.. But this didn't seem right at all!! He looked her way, and she gave him a brillant smile. He did the same for her. No, nothing could be wrong with this, right?
"Sylphiel, what are you thinking?" Asked Gourry, standing from his seat on the bed and walking towards her.
Her heart beat rapidly. What was he doing?! "I-I am thinking of Zelgadiss-San, and Lina-San - "
"But what about Sylphiel?" He asked, grin growing wide. "Aren't you thinking of yourself at all?"
Slyphiel didn't move. Her eyes wandered to his, something was, to say the least.. Different about them.. "Well.."
"Let me.." He offered, bending down to touch her face.
"Let you?"
"Let me.. make you happy.." He took her cheek into his hands, and leaned his face close to hers...
Lina ripped the last bit of meat from the leg of whatever animal she had just been eatting. Heavily she fell back to her chair, patting her stomach. Ah.. that was a nice meal.. Her eyes wandered to Gourry, who all through the meal, had been glancing at her. He thought she didn't notice.. Jellyfish for brains! Of course she did...
"That was good." Complimented to the blonde, smiling and looking to his smaller compainion. His blue eyes seemed to melt into her, to see through her.. "Lina, are you alright now?"
"I'm fine, I've always been fine." She answered definsively, rattling her chair and then standing. Her statement had been partly true, she did feel alright now... Just not all that great.. Of course, the other half false. She was not always alright.. She shook her head, ridding the thoughts away. No need for feeling sorry for yourself, or making things worse by feeling bad, crying, wasting time...
"Lina.." Called Gourry, patting her head. "Lina, are you awake? Did you fall asleep standing up? See, your not alright!"
Lina growled slightly, staring at him, eyes with a warning filled gaze. "I said I was fine.." She let out a sigh. "But if you - "
Thats when a rush flew past them. Only a blur of blue was seen..
Amelia somewhat felt.. Uncomfortable.. Yet, she felt safe in his strong grasp. To be strong.. She pondered to herself, slowly closing her eyes.
Suddenly the door flew open, making her jump practicaly from his arms and out of the bed. She looked up to the door immediately..
"Zelgadiss?!" She cried out, sitting up, trying to break away from the copy Zel's grasp. "Zelgadiss!!" She cried out again, realizing the situation.
The true Zel ran to his fiancee's side, taking her into his arms and away from the copy. Yet it was not that simple...
"I wonder what that was about." Lina said offhandly as she walked to her room. She had dropped Gourry off at the stairs, he proably wanted to get more food before he went to bed or something... She let out a tired yawn. So much, too much, had happened today. And she still wore the stupid bathrobe and slippers! Geez.. Was Gourry rubbing off on her?! Oh she sure hoped not...
Finally she reached her room. Finally.. She thought, she was so tired she thought she could colaspe right there! She could get in, She thought, letting herself sigh once more. I'm no damsel in distress.. She reached out, and turned the knob of the girls room slowly, it creaked open.
There was Sylphiel and Gourry... He leaned down, kissing her passionatly, tenderly.. And she had thought he went to get food.. Oh boy, the halls getting dizzy.. Maybe she was wrong, she could sleep in the hall..
She fell heavily to the floor, fainted.
Gourry walked out of the kitchen, streching. He needed that dessert, and figured Lina needed time to herself. She was sad, and she would not tell him why. This made him hurt, he had wanted to help her so bad.. He grabed hold of the railing, climbing up the stairs. What was he to do? He sighed, looking up toward the girls room door from the stairs. "I'll talk to her and make her feel better!" He said determinely, just above a whisper. He made his way up the stairs, and saw Lina laying on the floor, very unconsious. "Lina!!!" He called, running to her side.
Slowly she opened her eyes, and looked at him. "Gourry? But aren't you..?" She looked to the room..
As did Gourry, his face turning to confusion. "Who's that?" He asked, just as both Sylphiel and copy Gourry did the same.
"What - ?!" Sylphiel asked, looking to both the copy and orginal. "Whats going on?"
"Its alright Sylphiel.." The copy Gourry cooed, bring her closer to himself. "I won't let that copy near you!"
"Copy?" Gourry asked, raising and scraching his head. "I'm no copy!!" He pulled out his sword.
"Oh?" Asked the copy, releasing the girl. "And I supose you'd like to prove yourself?"
"Of 'course!" Answered the orginal, they began to fight.
Lina walked to the stunned Sylphiel to pull her away.
"Do you have any idea whats going on?!" Asked Sylphiel franticly, watching the identical Gourrys swing their swords.
"Have no clue.." Lina answered, watching the same scene. "The question is, what were you doing?" Her head turned to the preistess, looking her sqaure in the eye.
"I-I.." She looked down, blushing madly. "He said he came to see me.. Err.. Lina-San, what about them?" She gestured towards the two men.
"They can handle themselves, don't change the subject." Lina said, eyes narrowing.
"Sylphiel dropped her head sorrowfully. "I'm sorry Lina-San.." She whispered in a hush. "I should no better-"
"Don't think I was jealous!" Lina said quickly before Sylphiel could finish. "Because I'm not. I'm just saying, didn't you notice the orginal from the fact? Was it really that good?" She then looked to the two fighting. He was pretty good... "What I mean was.. what happened exactly? We need to know what were up against.." Of course, Gourry was finding out by fighting him.. But, ah well..
"Well.." Began Sylphiel, wiggling in her seat nervously as she told her tale.
"That is definatly NOT Gourry.." Lina said with a laugh, standing to her feet.
"Oh.." Said Sylphiel, at the moment feeling pretty dumb. "I supose it was what I wanted to hear instead - "
Lina quickly looked down to her, giving a smile and hand. "Don't worry bout it!"
Sylphiel nodded, taking her hand and also rising her her feet. "Shall we?" She asked, smiling back at the sorceress.
"Indeed!" She answered. "Let me - "
"Oh no Lina-San, let me do the honors!"
"If you insist.." She smiled as she backed away.
"Darkness beyond twlight, cimsion beyond the blood that flows...."
Of course, during this time they had forgotten about the orginal Gourry.. and the other room beside them... At least Sylphiel had.
Zel was at his wit's end with this man! How dare he come in here and impersinate him! He didn't do a very good job to boot!! His eyes narrowed, he was very anrgy at this point. "Listen here pal, either you let go of her, or I make you!"
"Haha!! Look, I'm giving myself orders!!" Giggled the identical Zelgadiss. He cuddled more next to the trembling Princess. "I can't just leave her, she loves - "
"Shut the hell up!" Zelgadiss screamed, grabbing hold of his neck. "One thing I really don't appriciate is you coming in to decieve Amelia - "
Thats when the explosion hit..
The Inn, now rubble.
The folks, angry.
Our group....
Sylphiel looked around meekly.. She bit her lip, tears stinging her eyes..
"Good job Sylphiel!" Lina cried out, patting Sylphiel's back, making her almost fall over.
"No, no!!" Sylphiel said, holding her hands to her head. "What have I done!!"
"Something GREAT!" Lina said happily, pulling her along. "But you'd better hurry, or the mob will get you!"
"Mob?" Asked Sylphiel, looking behind to see quite a large crowd of angry people...
Gourry had made his way beside them. "Don't worry!" He said quickly, before Sylphiel could apologize. "I'm used to this!" By this, he meant all of the events that had been happening from the explosion to, well, this..
"Yeah.. well.." Zelgadiss began, also at their side. He could, he was a chimera! Amelia laid in his arms, unconsious. " I, myself, didn't really enjoy almost meeting my creator..."
"Complain bout it later!" Lina said, speeding up. "Cuz this mob has other plans!"
They ran like bats out of hell.
That night, they sat around the fire. This night that had decided upon camping out, it was to their advantage. The sky was yet again stary...
Lina fell back on the cool grass, taking it all in. "Tonight feels so good!"
"Yeah right, you just know its parcially your fault!" Amelia said, crossing her arms as Sylphiel tended to her black and blue, swollen eye.
"I'm so sorry.." Sylphiel was whispering to Amelia repeatedly..
Zelgadiss let out a long sigh, good thing he was rock and could handle such things remotely well.. "At least we lost them.." He added dully, before rising. "I think I'm going to my tent." With that, he left.
Oddly enough, Gourry hadn't said a word.. Wait, not odd, he was asleep.
"Hey, Gourry.." Lina said from his side, poking him lightly with her finger. "Gourry, wake up, you guard first you moron! Fine, I won't - "
"I'm UP!" He said, turing to her, face twisted in an abnormal anger.
She was taken back by this, naturally. Such a thing had never really happened between them.. Maybe.. "Sorry! geez, excuse me, sorry you've got your undies in a twist!" She retorted, just as angry. But her insides, he had never done that before! Her mind repeated.
"Now, now.." Tried to calm Sylphiel, trying her best to break up the arguement, which worked very little.
Lina continued, however, ignoring Sylphiel's pleas to stop. "You can sleep for all I care!" Then, she stood and stomped off into the unwelcoming woods.
Of course, they all remembered what had happened the first time Lina had wanderd into the woods alone and upset.. They all looked to Gourry, all with anger marking their faces.
"Ah, I'll go get her.." Gourry said, rubbing the back of his head and following the firey haired girl's path.
Lina practicly ran through the forest as soon as she was far enough that the others couldn't tell otherwise. Her feeling were now in scrammbles, and she was so very confused.. And hurt.. And...
Oh, don't even try to figure it out! Her mind yelled as she clentched her fist tightly. Damnit, if only she could pretend like it didn't matter!
The problem was, it mattered a lot to her.
A large hand reached out, and touched her shoulder lightly. She turned at the touch, and was not too surprised when she found him.
"So, you came to apologize to me for acting like and as - "
"Not quite." Answered Gourry, his voice not sounding like his own.
"Okay.. Then what?" She placed a hand on her tiny hip. "If you think that you being a moron was my fault, you have another thing coming! You started - "
The large hand now covered Lina's mouth, and well, face. She struggled to no end, nothing to help her. Well, except.. She concentrated, until a flame appeared in hand..
That is, until it was grabbed by Gourry, her hand almost crushed by his strength as the fire was put out forcefully. "Now listen here, no funny business you little runt!"
Lina let out a muffled cried as she struggled. Okay, magic would apparently not work.. Could this be.. the.. the copy?!
Gourry grinned widely, as he let go of her mouth and leaned down for a forceful kiss...
The man walked through the woods, each step heavier than the first. What a rough day.. First having to fend off that copy thing.. Then getting Dragon Slaved, and after all of THAT excitment, fending off yet another copy! "Well.. At least they weren't exact copies.." He said wearily to himself. "Or else that copy Zelgadiss would have been tougher.."
A coughing chimera then met his side. "What in the nine hells do you mean Gourry?!" He cried out, knocking him in the head. "I am NOT a copy!!"
"Oh?" Gourry asked, looking to his side. He looked him over, placing a hand over his chin and rubbing it thoughtfully. "How can I be sure?"
"Shut up Gourry.." Zelgadiss murrmered, his head falling. "Lets just - "
"Hey, look Zel!" The swordsman said, waving his arm franticly. "Heeyyyy, Lina!" He called, and then saw the copy...
All hell broke loose.
Amelia was now in her little nap sack, laying in her tent. She sighed lightly, wishing the pouinding in her head would go away.. This, of course, could be cured with a healing spell. She was, at the moment, just finishing that up. But something other then that bothered her.. It was Zelgadiss.
He had seemed distant this night, more so then normal. Prehaps it had been the 'clone' that had disturbed them earlier? He shouldn't let such things bother him.. Slowly she rose from her bed, looking toward the opening of the tent, to the little open door. She peeked out, just enough to stare at the stary sky. How beautiful it was tonight.. She thought in a sleepy state. If only she could share this with Zelgadiss...
Her tent fell heavily upon her, followed by the shouts and screams of Sylphiel.
The shouts echoed throughout the forest, leaving only dreadful images to the people whom stood there. They froze for several seconds, until again the copy Gourry swung, and this time didn't miss.
Gourry cried out, grabing hold of his bleeding arm. He blocked again with his sword, the blood streaming from his wound down the length of his arm. But he would not move, he refused, he would protect her, he would protect Lina!
"That was Sylphiel!" Lina then cried out, looking to Gourry's arm but not saying a word. That could be fixed later.. He couldn't be distracted now.
Another scream echoed through the forest.
"that was Amelia!!" Zel then said, tightening his hold on his sword.
"Go to her!" Gourry yelled, his sword meeting his identicals again and again. "We can handle this! This is - too simple!"
Zelgadiss nodded, then quickly changed his direction and ran. No one was to protect the rest, he would have to!
"Too simple, huh?" Asked the evil twin, his ugly grin spreading. "We shall see.." The power of his blast was clear as he lifted his sword..
Amelia could see nothing, the tent covered her tightly. With a grunt she pulled forth her arms that laid beneath her, and ripped open the used to be opening. Her face turned to great horror as the face that stared back at her was none other then...
"Zelgadiss!" Called a familar voice, his sword to his side as he stood over the scene. "Or should I say, my copy!"
"Zelgadiss!" Amelia cried joyfully, struggling restlessly to get away.
The copy Zel, of course, had other plans. He quickly pulled out a hidden dagger from his cloak, and placed it to Amelia's neck. "Tell me, dear truth, tell me you will risk this young girls life to kill mine?" His smile was sinister.
Zel stood silent, his hand now meekly placed on his sword. What could he do, risk killing her? He came to his conclusion quickly. "Why don't you tell me?" He said sarcasticly, a sly grin playing on his lips.
The other Zel simply tilted his head. "What are you talking about?"
"Zelgadiss.." Whimpered the Princess, a bit hurt. Didn't he care at all?!
He tried his best to ignore her, as hard as it was.. "Thats right, your me, correct?"
"Huh? Well, yeah, I - " Answered the copy, being cut off by the orginal.
"So you should know my next move, right?" Zelgadiss continued his grin. This had to work, it just had to!
"Well, I supose.." The copy was now getting rather confused. "But thats not the point! Stop distracting - "
"I thought we wanted to find our cure." Zel said, his smirk twitching. "I mean, I don't know where to find it, but that girl does. If you kill her, what will you do?"
"Cure.." The copy said slowly, raising a hand to look at the blueish skin. His face turned to one of disgust. "I shall have this cure.." He said slowly, not releasing Amelia. "I shall have this girl as well. I shall be you, Zelgadiss." He grinned up to him, pulling out a throwing dagger. "After all, I need her, not you."
"Thats right.." Zel said, folding his arms. "Just hurry and get it over with."
"ZELGADISS?!" Screamed Amelia as she tightened under his hold. "What are you doing?! Why are you giving up?! WE FOUND YOUR CURE!!" Tears poured down her face. "For everything you've worked for, and you'll just give up?!" She clentched her teeth together in a rage. "Well its not fair Zelgadiss, its not fair to me or you! You've searched for as long as I have! Both different journeys, but the same result! Zelgadiss, we will be together! You promised you'd cure my heart if I cured you physical form!" She bit the copies rock skin. She struggled with all her might, nothing would make her loose this opportunity!
The copy simply looked to her in astonishment, his eyes not leaving her... "What are you..?"
Too late, with Zelgadiss' chimeric speed, he had sped beside his identical, holding the sword through his eye til it reached the back of his head. The copy slipped heavily from the end of the blade as Amelia screamed, running to his arms. He let out a sigh, looking for Sylphiel whom had disappeared.. "Lets go.." He said, lefting her up to her feet. "The others are waiting."
Amelia nodded, not as bright as usual. "Zelgadiss.." She whispered, clenching to his arm in a protective matter. "You weren't really.. I mean - "
"Nope." He said plainly, pulling her along. "Your father would kill me!"
She lightly punched his side, leaving her with a sore fist. "Zelgadiss Greywords!" She said with a stomp of her foot. "You mean to tell me - "
"Amelia, settle down, your starting to sound like Lina.."
"What an absolutly cruel thing to say Zelgadiss!" She cried out, as she began to chase him through the forest..
As they left, the copy dissappeared from its bloody pool.
Sylphiel ran blindly through the forest. She needed to find help, she needed to find Gourry-San, Lina-San, anyone who could fight! She was only a healer, the only fighting spell she knew well was the Dragon Slave, and she couldn't do that in this closed space! "Lina-San!" She called breathlessly, turning quickly at the sound of two swords connecting. "Gourry... San's?"
Gourry flug backwards, unable to catch Lina as she fell backwards off the tiny cliff like hill they had been pushed to. Gourry called out her name before looking heatly toward the identical character, grabbing tighter to his sword, until his knuckles were white. His eyes falling from him to where Lina had fallen.
"Your angry?" Asked the double, his grin never dying. "Thats good.. lets continue.."
By this time, the two others, Amelia and Zelgadiss, had caughten up.. They looked around the scene.
"Sylphiel!" Amelia cried out, running to the priestess. "Where's Lina?"
Sylphiel bit her lip. "She kinda.. fell.. And thats where I was heading.."
"Then take me there please!" Amelia followed Sylphiel, leaving the fighting to the boys..
Slowly, Lina's eyes opened.. She rubbed her head, but the ache wouldn't leave. Her hand was brought back to her face, oh great, blood. Letting out a sigh, she painfully tried to stand, but was only pushed back down by a hole her elbow seemed to find...
A light broke through, and shone brightly through the tiny creak that grew bigger every second, seeming to consume her as she fell...
"Lina!" Gourry cried out again as he heard her scream. Why was she screaming?! He looked to Zelgadiss, who shook his head.
"Heh, the girl!" The Gourry double said, almost too cheerfully.
Zelgadiss let out a long sigh, then narrowing his eyes toward their enemy. "Listen here, you Gourry double..." He had the same grin as before, this was the fun part!
"What are you doing?!" Gourry whispered harshly to the chimera, his eyes still drifting to where Lina had fallen worriedly. "Lets just-"
"Shh!!" Zelgadiss pushed him away, and took charge.
Gourry's identical titled his head. "What are you two planning?"
"Oh, you know Gourry can't plan anything, you should know better then anyone, besides the orginal that is!" Zel said with slight sarcasim.
"That wasn't very nice.." Gourry pouted.
Zel promply ignored him, waiting for the twin's reaction.
The double looked at them, his face slowly turning to a rage. "Why you- you wouldn't know anything about it!" He screamed, pulling out his sword directly before him. "I'll show you, I'm just as good as the orginal!"
"We shall see!" Gourry said with a twist of his sword. "May the better man win!"
"Indeed.." Answered the other as the two swords met harshly together.
Zel looked slightly annoyed, but figured he could do something else. After all, it wasn't hard to distract hi - their attention..
He stood where the sun shown, his wire hair gleaming brightly.
This caught the double's eye, he looked toward the shine.. His stomach then meeting the sword.
Gourry, after plunging his sword through the others stomach, quickly took attention to the shine. "Wow.. its - "
"Yes, its shiney Gourry." Answered the chimera, pulling over his hood. Still, he had a small smirk, that was slightly amusing. "Lets just go see where Lina is."
Gourry nodded enthuasticly, as he followed Zelgadiss.
Of course, now the problem was finding her.
Amelia pushed over the next bush. Where could Lina-San be?! She thought worriedly, clentching her tiny fist. Her eyes traveled back to Sylphiel.
"Have you found her yet?" Asked the Preistess eagarly, just as worried.
"Not yet - wait.." She answered slowly. She was sure she had seen something.. "Hold on one moment Sylphiel-San.." She said, inching her way across the forest to what seemed to be a large hole.
"Do you think.." Sylphiel began, looking up the liff she had fallen. "It is highly likely.."
Amelia didn't say anything, she simply bit her botom lip. Had something happened to their friend?! Maybe.. Could it be..
"Hello!" Called a familar voice with a raise of his hand.
Amelia fell over, as Sylphiel jumped back with surprise.
"Please don't do that!! Its not nice to sneak up on - " Amelia began, raising her fist, only to be cut off in her dramatic pose.
"What is this hole doing here?" Asked the mazoku, tilting his head while pointing.
"We don't know Xelloss-San.." Sylphiel answered quietly, looking toward the ground. "But - "
And now it was her turn to be cut off...
Zelgadiss and Gourry fell into view,literally, as Gourry tripped over an obvious branch, landing on Zel.
"Get off of me!" Zelgadiss yelled, pushing him away. His eyes turned to the girls. "See, now I told you - " He froze.
As did Gourry as they saw whom was in the girls, and now their, presence. Now he was gettin up rapidly, making his way toward the mazoku with a great hate. "Why are you - "
"Why am I here?" Finished Xelloss, greatly amused by his popularity. "I came from my creater - "
Gourry pulled out his sword. "I'm not playing around Xelloss. Where is Lina?!"
"Now, how should I know that?" He said, sitting idian style in mid air and leaning his head on his hands. "I mean, I just saw her fall down that hole. Ah well, no matter."
Gourry tok Xelloss by his collar. His eyes a flame. "Believe me," He growled, "It matters greatly." He threw him done, ready to deal with him later. Now he would get Lina, hopefully she wouldn't be hurt.. or.. no, no time to think of such things! But that does look like its a long ways down...
"What are you going to do Gourry-San?" Asked Xelloss, lifting himself to his feet.
"This!" He screamed, falling into the hole..
And not quite making it as he bounced off.
"Oh dear.. Gourry-San, are you alright?" Asked Sylphiel going to his side. "Allow me.." She pulled away from his side, to touch the light barrier. "Let me.." At a touch, she fell through.
"AHH!! SYLPHIEL!" Cried out Gourry, trying to grab for her but getting his in the face with the barrier again. "What in the nine hells?!"
"Hmm.." The Princess said, walking herself to the barrier.
"Amelia!" Called Zelgadiss, running to her side. "What are you planning?"
She shurgged, turning her bright blue eyes toward him. "I figured I'd have to wing it this time. I'm guessing I can go too, why don't you check if you can?" With that, she too jumped in with no troubles.
"A-Amelia?!" Zelgadiss cried out, eyes waidening. "What are you - " He reached out, to find he too was locked out. "What is going on here.." His head wiped back toward the one person whom he'd know to have the answers. "Xelloss.."
Of course, its immpossible to get answers if they are not given.
Are you sick of this fic yet? Are you made at me that its another cliff hanger? being an author is so rewarding sometimes.. *^^* Anyways, how'd ya like it? Kool part is, I haven't been flamed yet =D I feel so special! heehee, sorry, hyper me. Oppsy, better give info, you'll get sick of me~ Anyways, next chapter should be it. The finally of "Love & Trust" Of course, this doesn't mean there won't be a continuation series... =) Thankies for reading!!