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Breakfast ended the way every meal they had together did with Lina and Gourry finishing ten plates of food each, patting their stomachs, smiling.
"That was the best breakfast ever," Lina sighed.
"So Lina, what's next for the day?" Gourry asked.
"Don't you remember we're supposed to head over to Briseral," Amelia answered.
"Oh Yeah," the blonde nodded thoughtfully.
"You don't remember, do you?" Lina asked rolling her eyes in his direction.
"Afraid not," he concurred.
"We're going because there's supposed to be a gang of bandits in the area," Zelgadis said.
"With a hoard of treasure," Lina chimed in starry eyed.
"Not to mention the rumors about strange magical activity, " Amelia added.
"But that still doesn't explain . . ." Gourry stopped when he noticed the glare of irritation in Lina's eyes. "It's a good enough explanation for you, now be quiet," she growled trying to check her annoyance at his perpetual ignorance.
"So when are we heading out?" Amelia asked trying to divert Lina's attention before she tried to hit Gourry.
"The sooner the better," she started" Briseral isn't too far from here so we should get there before dinner. I hear they have the best roasted chicken in herb sauce ever," she smiled clasping her hands together at the prospect of another meal.
"She just ate and she's already thinking about more food, doesn't she ever get full?" Amelia murmured. Zelgadis looked over at the princess and almost laughed. He glanced at Lina who had continued her conversation about dinner with Gourry.
"It's a good thing that Lina didn't hear her otherwise this place would have a new exit," he thought glancing over at the princess who was idly nibbling at her last strawberry. He watched as she took a small bite, letting the berry's juices color her lips a darker shade of pink. An image of her now strawberry flavored lips against his crept into his mind, making his cheeks color in embarrassment. Zelgadis pushed back his chair and prepared to leave the table, seeking escape from the object of his wayward thinking.
"Where are you going, Zelgadis?" Amelia asked as she swallowed her last bite of fruit.
"If we're going to be leaving soon I figured I'd go get my things," he said in a strained voice, still mesmerized by her lips.
"That's a good idea. I'll head upstairs with you on the way to my room," her usual sunny expression brightening as she stood up. Lina's attention was drawn away from her talk of future meals upon seeing her friends stand to leave.
"If you guys want to, how about we meet back here in an hour to start heading out," she suggested.
"Okay," Amelia confirmed. Zelgadis nodded his agreement and made his way for the stairs. Amelia was able to catch up to him just as reached the top of the stairs. He had been fairly quiet at breakfast, "more so than usual," she thought.
"Zelgadis, are you alright?" she asked as he was about to enter his room. He turned to her an noticed a look of concern.
"Why do you ask?" he said answering her question with one of his own.
"Well, you've been awfully quiet this morning, more than usual I mean," she answered moving closer to him. Then a thought occurred to her and she smiled.
"I know what's wrong," she said looking up at him through twinkling eyes.
"You do?"
"Sure, you didn't have a good night's rest. You know what they say good dreams, good mornings; bad dreams bad mornings."
Zelgadis thought about the words and his dream. "I wouldn't say my dreams were bad just uncharacteristic," he said carefully "It just made me think. It seems like you're having a good morning, good dreams the night before?" he asked steering the conversation away from himself. Amelia's expression changed to one that Zelgadis could only describe as naughty, playful even sexy.
"Like you wouldn't imagine Zelgadis, Like you wouldn't imagine. See you in an hour," she laughed with a sly smile then headed down the hall, leaving him with a curious expression on his face.
They had been walking for three hours after leaving the Inn when Lina started complaining.
"Shouldn't we have seen some signs of this town by now," she whined.
"Not to mention a few bandits," Gourry concurred surveying the area only to find more trees and other foliage. "I think we should take a rest, by those rocks looks good," he continued pointing to a formation further up the road.
"Alright, but just a short one remember we need to get to town before sunset," Zelgadis reminded them.
As they approached the rocks they noticed an old man with long gray hair and a scruffy beard huddled on a rock shaking slightly. His clothes were raggedy and dirty, his face withered with age and indescribable emotion mumbling continuously under his breath.
"Is there something we can help you with sir?" Amelia asked as she moved closer to him.
"Beware of the Dream Muzuko," he cried.
"Did he say a Muzuko," Lina asked, now standing next to the princess.
"Nephilo, the Dream Muzuko has come to Briseral," he continued pointing a finger in the town's direction.
"And exactly how do you know its in town?" Zelgadis asked.
"What's a dream Muzuko anyway?" Gourry asked as they surrounded the old man.
"A monster who invades a persons dreams giving them their wildest fantasies or most dreaded nightmares. It is said he sometimes takes people to the dream world in what they think is a dream but in truth is reality," he exclaimed. "The people of Briseral have already become apart of his playground of dreams," he ended.
"That would explain the strange occurrences we heard about," Zelgadis mused.
"And why we haven't seen any bandits either," Lina concluded.
"Oh, the bandits went mad and fled after one night of that monster's games," the old man managed as he began a fit of coughing.
"Are you alright?" Amelia asked, kneeling beside him patting his back softly.
"I'm fine little . . . ,"the old man stopped and studied the princess closely. "Sir?" she asked as he moved even closer in his inspection of her.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Gourry asked. The old man looked up at the swordsman then over to Zelgadis, who held his attention for a few long moments. Then he looked back and forth between Amelia and Zelgadis. He began to back away from everyone shaking in fear pointing an accusing finger at them.
"Keep away you two," he yelled pointing at Amelia then Zelgadis.
"What is it?" Amelia asked reaching for him only to have her hand batted away.
"You two stink of Nephilo's power. You've already fallen into his clutches. Keep away from me," he wailed.
"Fallen into his clutches," Gourry repeated, "but we haven't been near any monsters or that Briseral place, right?" he asked the others who turned in his direction.
"No, Gourry, we haven't," Lina answered. "And what makes you think this dream Muzuko got a hold of . . . Hey where'd he go." Everyone turned their attention back to the old man only to find him gone.
"That was really strange, I wonder what he meant about me and Zelgadis?" Amelia mused as a worried expression darkened her face.
"It looks like we aren't going to find out until we get to Briseral," Lina reasoned.
"Which means we'd better get there as soon as possible," commented Zelgadis. Lina and Gourry headed out along the road, as Amelia remained kneeling on the ground staring at the spot previously occupied by the old man.
"I wonder if that dream I had last night had something to do with what the old man was talking about," she thought.
"Amelia we have to get going," Zelgadis said, interrupting her thinking. He watched her as she stood up and dusted herself off and noted the dark expression on her face.
"What's wrong?" he asked as they resumed walking.
"I was just thinking about what that man said and the way he was looking at us. He was so afraid to come anywhere near us," she said in a trembling voice.
"Once we get to Briseral we'll get some answers, until then don't plague yourself with unnecessary worry Amelia." "Once again you find the right thing to say at the right time," she smiled touching his hand briefly then letting go to walk ahead and talk with the others who had resumed their morning's conversation about dinner, putting the old man's words aside until they reached town.
Zelgadis looked at his friends engrossed in conversation and worried. If they had fallen prey to some dream demon, he'd feel it, "wouldn't I?" he asked himself. He began to turn over the old man's accusations in his head as well as Amelia's comments from a few moments ago. "He did seem in great fear of us," he thought, "but if we're really victims of this creature then why would he be afraid of us." Finally, he decided to take his own advice and wait until they reached town to find answers to his questions.
In this world many of us have heard about small towns, quiet towns where everybody knows everybody and things move along at a slow, peaceful pace. To say that Briseral was a quiet town would have been an understatement. When Lina and the others finally reached the city limits they found that not only were the people quiet, but most of them were asleep.
"I don't like the looks of this," Lina said observing the townspeople. Some were going back and forth in what could be assumed as their usual routines while others lay napping in anyplace they saw fit from store fronts, in alleys and in some cases on the rooftops of their choice.
"So what's wrong with a few people sleeping?" Gourry asked. He was quickly answered with a smack from Lina. "Ouch, what was that for," he cried, rubbing the sore spot on his head.
"You idiot, don't you think its a little STRANGE for people to be sleeping outside in the middle of the day, ON THE ROOF," the red-head yelled.
Gourry opened his mouth to say something when Zelgadis stopped him. "I suggest you don't answer that Gourry or you may end up with another bruise on your head."
"Why don't we get some rooms at the tavern then have a look around," Amelia suggested.
The Hideaway Tavern was rather small and quiet mainly because the few people that were there just happened to be asleep. Everyone got rooms and went upstairs to get settled. Once in his room Gourry took a moment to make a cold compress for his head. "Why does she always have to hit me on the head," he sighed laying back on his bed staring up at the ceiling. "I mean, I know that I'm not the smartest one in the group and I forget things, but that's no reason for her to get violent."
Meanwhile in her room, Lina was looking for something in the many hidden pockets of her cloak. "I wish that Gourry would get it together," she complained as she continued her search. "Here it is," she cried happily holding a small bottle with a red label. " Magic Spice, enhancing any meal's flavor," she read off the label smiling even brighter. "First we get the lay of the land, then we eat, " she thought when she heard someone at her door. She looked up to find Amelia poking her head inside the room. "Lina, you got a minute?"
Zelgadis sat in his room and thought over the day’s events. "Maybe I shouldn't have complemented her," he thought. He didn't want Amelia to get the wrong idea. "But she does look really nice." He had taken the time before they set out to Briseral to gather his resolve and calm his wayward thinking completely. His earlier concerns about his dream had all but vanished. He was now plagued with new worries about the old man they encountered. " Not to mention the way everyone around here is so content to fall asleep anywhere they please." He figured he should get the others and go investigating when he heard a knock. Amelia, Lina and Gourry walked in a closed the door. "What is it?' he asked, studying their expressions.
"Remember when you told me not to worry until we had something to worry about?" Amelia started.
"Yes," He nodded.
"Well, I've been thinking and I was just telling Lina about something that may be a reason to start worrying."
Zelgadis sat down in a chair by the window as Gourry took a seat on the floor and the girls sat on Zelgadis's bed.
"I think someone wanted us to come here," Amelia said.
"Someone wanted us to come here, but no one knew we were coming," Gourry said.
"We heard about there being bandits in this area with a stock pile of stolen treasure and strange magical activity. Then we get here and not only are there no bandits and we run into a old man who raves about a dream Muzuko then disappears." the princess stated.
"I'm not one to believe in coincidences especially none like this, but what made you think we were set up to come here?" Lina asked.
"Think about it, you love beating up bandits and taking their money, and strange magic is right up Zelgadis's alley especially since he's looking for a cure. What's the first thing the two of you did when we heard about Briseral?"
"You mean aside from insisting on heading out here as soon as possible," Lina stated gravely. "Which means . . ."
"Which means someone went out of their way to make sure that we'd get curious enough to come here and have a look around," the chimera concluded.
"You mean someone used the two things you guys are interested in the most to get you to come here?" Gourry asked, scratching his head.
"You're catching on pretty quick," Lina said.
"Hey, thanks," Gourry smiled. "But why?"
"I'm not really sure, but I think until we know, we should just play along like nothings wrong. If you see anything strange . . ."
"You mean more than what we've seen already?" the swordsman interrupted only to be answered by another hit on the head. "That hurts," he cried.
"Don't interrupt me while I'm talking," Lina growled. "Like I was saying if you see anything strange let the rest of us know."
Zelgadis was the first to stand up and head out off the room. They decided they would each take a different section of town to investigate, then meet back at the tavern by dinner. To which Lina readily agreed.
Dinner consisted of four platters of the much talked about, highly anticipated roasted chicken in herb sauce as well as other dishes loaded to their limit with food. Along with generous helpings of Lina's magic spice to enhance the meals flavor. The group had the chance to discuss their findings as they waited for dinner to be served.
The bandits according to Lina's information never ventured into town that often, preferring to rob travelers on the various roads in the area exclusively, only coming into town when supplies were needed. "I guess they figured that terrorizing the townsfolk would draw attention to themselves." The unwanted kind of bounty hunters and other variety of do-gooders, which Lina had to admit, was smart thinking for bandits. But that also meant that they weren't a threat to the town, just travelers.
Amelia had discovered that the town had recently finished its planting season and harvesting the summer vegetables. That explained the quietness of the people as well as their tired nature. At least it did for Amelia whose experience with the farming communities in an around Sailunne had taught her exactly how hectic things could be during planting and exhausted everyone was after.
Zelgadis had decided to look for information about the old man that they encountered. After hearing Amelia's theory he felt the old man's appearance and disappearance warranted further investigation. What he found was nothing. No one in town had heard of or seen anyone that fit the old man's description. Which had increased Zelgadis's suspicions. It also made him wonder exactly how deeply the old man was involved in their current situation.
Gourry didn't know exactly what he was supposed to look for but was determined to have something that would help so Lina wouldn't hit him again. So far she'd only hit him twice today, which was a record and he didn't want to give her another reason for hitting him again. He decided that since there was supposed to be a dream Muzuko involved he'd investigate that. It turned out that Briseral had a small library with a section on magic and monsters. So he spent the afternoon looking through books and even taking notes on the stuff that looked like it might be important. Which amazed everyone when he produced pages and pages of notes when they had meet back at the tavern.
"Wow Gourry, this is really impressive stuff," Lina marveled staring at the amount of work he had done.
Gourry smiled at the praise he received. "I couldn't find anything on that Nephilo guy, but I figured this stuff should help."
"What made you think of looking up all this?" Amelia asked as they settled into eating.
"Well, I just thought about what that old guy told us about Nephilo and how he liked to play with peoples heads an stuff. I figured we should know more about him, like his powers and stuff just in case he shows up looking for a fight," he reasoned. " I even wrote everything down so I wouldn't forget," he smiled.
"That actually makes sense, way to go Gourry," Lina cheered, then continued tearing into her roasted chicken and some other entrees.
Amelia was happy for Gourry. He seemed really pleased that he's impressed Lina. "Her opinion really means a lot to him," she thought. He was proud of the effort he'd put forth and with good reason. She had only briefly skimmed over the notes, deciding to read them more thoroughly after dinner, and was equally impressed. They were very detailed and well written. He had even divided the information into categories. Amelia glanced over at Zelgadis who had stopped eating to look over Gourry's work. "Why don't you wait until later to go over them, Zelgadis?"
Zelgadis looked up from his study of the pages into Amelia's imploring gaze. Which made his mornings thinking fight for revival. "Good idea," he said quietly, setting the notes aside. He had to admit he was also impressed. "It must have taken him a while to write all that especially considering how small the print in magic books can be," he thought recalling how some of the texts in Rezo's lab had been written in script so small at times it bothered his eyes to read.
He watched as Lina attacked her second roasted chicken with Gourry, his own appetite not being considerable. Throughout his investigating that afternoon he had been feeling ill, his thoughts drifting frantically and wariness overtaking his body. He didn't mention it to the others dismissing it as nothing more than fatigue from their long trip. He decided that after dinner he'd take the notes to his room for further study then get some well-deserved rest.
He was thoroughly annoyed with himself at his lose of control when Amelia had looked at him earlier. In fact his reactions to her throughout the day had irritated him. It was if every ounce of reserve he had in regards to women had been completely abandoned since he woke up that morning. The only way he could explain it was that maybe his dream was effecting him a lot more than he originally thought.
Amelia noticed a steadily growing frown on Zelgadis's face. She wanted to ask him if he was alright, but decided against it. Something had been eating away at him all day, long before this business in Briseral had come up. "And it s definitely more than not getting a good night's sleep," she mused mentally, recalling her thoughts on his behavior earlier in the day. She also knew that he'd never say anything, preferring not to talk about himself or his problems. "So asking would be pointless anyway."
After dinner they had all retired to their rooms for the night. Gourry immediately fell asleep, due to a full, stomach and tired eyes from reading through so many books. Lina snored quietly in her room, with a content smile on her face from eating such a good meal.
Zelgadis sat in his room and read Gourry's notes taking in the words and applying his own opinions when he heard his door open. He looked up to see the princess smiling shyly. "I would have knocked but you left the door open."
"Why does she have to look so . . ." he stopped himself forcefully. "What’s the matter with me?" he chided himself, returning his attention to Amelia.
"Lina told me that you decided to look over the notes. I also wanted to look them over," she said softly.
He motioned for her to come in further and Amelia shut the door and took a seat at the window. "I was reading through the stuff on dream manipulation, So why don't you take the stuff on Dream muzoku’s," then he handed her a section of the notes.
"Okay," she said taking the pages, their fingers gently brushing. Amelia blushed slightly and began to read. As she read, she noted that a lot of a dream muzoku’s power was based in the dream world. "Meaning that they're not as strong in the waking world, that could be useful," she thought. Then noticed something that warranted closer attention.
"Here's something," she said turning to Zelgadis. Who placed his notes down to give her his undivided attention. "Remember what that man said about Nephilo taking people to the dream world?" Zelgadis nodded. "Well it says here that one of the ways that is used is when two people share the same dream. It's most likely that they experienced the dream by having their physical bodies transported to the dream world. Or in rare cases the shifting of Dream space which can bring larger items into the dream world but is rarely done due to reasons unknown."
"I don't think the reasons are that unknown if you think about it," Zelgadis said.
"What do you mean?"
"The fewer variables the better control that is had," the chimera mused.
"So the bigger the object or larger the amount of bodies that you bring into the dream world the more chances you have for problems to occur," she said following his logic perfectly.
Zelgadis was surprised how quickly she had grasped the concept without further explanation. "Brains as well as beauty," a little strange voice said in his head. "Shut Up," he yelled mentally, trying to push away the annoying little bug in his head that was making him think things he felt he had no right to.
"Have you found anything in your notes?" the princess asked, reminding him of the task at hand.
"Yes, the information is thorough, but it doesn't play into what we need at the moment," he sighed.
"Don’t mention that to Gourry. He worked really hard to get all this and Lina had been really impressed," she added remembering how happy Gourry had been at dinner by Lina's praise. "What does Lina have to do with this," he wondered.
"Lina's opinion of him means a lot to Gourry. He was really happy that she was impressed by his hard work. It'd hurt his feelings if he thought part of that work wasn't useful," she said with concern.
"I didn't say it wasn't useful, I just meant that the information on Dream muzoku’s is the main thing we need then the stuff on dream manipulations, they both tie together. And besides why does he care so much about what Lina thinks anyway?"
Amelia stared at him in a way that made him want to squirm in discomfort. Reminding him of the way Lina looked at bandits before they ate a fireball sandwich. Then she set down her notes and turned to face him directly. "For a guy who’s supposed to be really smart, you can really be very . . . non-observant," she said choosing her words in a way that wouldn't offend.
Zelgadis opened his mouth to argue but quickly closed it as she continued. "Gourry likes Lina," she explained. "I don't know how much he likes her, just that he does. When you like someone that person’s opinion of you means a lot. It hurts to like someone and know that they have a low opinion of you," she sighed in understanding. "I guess you wouldn't understand that?" she whispered and stared out of the window.
Zelgadis stood up and walked over to the window, stretching his legs. "What makes you think I wouldn't understand?"
"Well you've probably never had to worry about what girls think of you considering how they all drool over you."
He turned to her in surprise. "Drool, women don't drool over me."
"Okay, so its a combination of drooling, fawning and senseless giggling," she amended in a teasing tone.
Zelgadis looked at her blankly. "I'm a chimera Amelia, you know part demon, part human part golem, that's not exactly an attractive quality to women." Amelia just shook her head and laughed. "What's so funny?"
"You," she smiled. "You don't give yourself or the women of the world for that matter enough credit. Yes, you're a chimera, but also a very handsome one. Who has better manners then the princes I met at daddy's banquets, who’s also smart amongst other things. If you think the only thing a girl can see in you is the way you look, you either have a low self-image or a serious ego problem about your good looks."
At that he laughed, louder then he ever had since his incident with Rezo. He thought about what she said as he stared out onto the quiet, star-lit town. "Do I really think too low of myself?" he thought. "I always figured girls liked guys like Gourry," he said quietly.
"Some do, but different women like different kinds of men. Most of the girls we've met all seem to like you, however. I guess its all those other qualities," she mused. "The truth is the only person who cares about you being a chimera is you."
He sat across from Amelia on the windowsill and regarded her silently. He had never fully appreciated her overly optimistic view of the world or her compassionate nature until that moment. For the first time he didn't feel so bothered by the fact that he was a chimera, which felt both good and disturbing. "So what are these other qualities I have that according to you woman like so much?" he asked in genuine curiosity.
"You're not going to get a big ego over this are you, Lina is more than enough for us to deal with," she teased.
"Of course not," he laughed again unable to help himself.
"Well, you have this romantic, mysterious air about you, I guess is the best way to describe it that a lot of girls are drawn to."
"Romantic, in what way?"
"The best example I can think of is this morning when you complemented me on my outfit."
"And?' he asked puzzled.
"It wasn't the complement itself, it was the way you did it by explaining about the color."
"I just explained how the name of the color came about," he reasoned.
"You basically told me that the color came from a magically created shade of moonlight that appeared once ever ten years and that it complemented my eyes. Most guys would have just said "that color really compliments your eyes, or its a nice shade like Gourry did, but you were basically saying that my eyes were complemented by a once in a decade event. Don't you realize how romantic that sounds to a girl?"
"It never occurred to me that it could be taken that way," he said slowly in amazement.
"Look I know were just being nice because of Lina, but it did occur to me as well as a couple of the waitresses at the Inn this morning. Who were fawning all over you about how much of a gentleman you are, and romantic and how sexy you are," she blushed realizing her last words. Zelgadis also blushed and turned his head to look out the window. "The point is, women like you and if you weren't so hung up on being turned into a chimera you'd notice," she smiled reassuringly and placed a hand over his.
"It's getting late, maybe you should go get some sleep," he said studying her hand over his.
"Alright," she agreed. "We can go over the stuff on dream manipulation sometime tomorrow." The princess stood up ready to leave when she stopped and turned. "I know something been bothering you today and if you want to talk about, I just wanted to let you know that me, Lina and Gourry are your friends. We're here to listen if you need a friendly ear," she said quietly.
"Thank you Amelia."
Amelia smiled shyly and exited quietly leaving Zelgadis by the window, thinking.
Gourry was in the Briseral library surrounded by stacks of magic books, reading pages and taking notes. "Wow Gourry, I didn't know you were so smart." Gourry looked up to find Lina standing next to him staring in amazement. "Thanks Lina." They continued to talk and go through books explaining things about different texts to one another and writing them down. Lina would smile and listen and never once hit him on the head as they continued their work. Anyone who looked in on the sleeping swordsman would have discovered a large blissful smile across his face.
Food. A large banquet table covered with food. Each dish a favorite of Lina's. She stared at the table starry eyed in disbelief of her good fortune. After a moment of silence she attacked the table consuming everything in sight. In minutes the table was left with nothing but empty plates and bones. Lina belched and picked her teeth delightfully. She went into the next room of what appeared to be a castle and sat down in a large chair in front of a fireplace. "What an incredible meal," she sighed, snuggling up in the chairs overstuffed cushions. She looked over at the chair next to hers and found Gourry sitting quietly staring at the fireplaces hearth. Feeling her gaze on him, Gourry turned and stared at her. "Do you hate me Lina?" he asked suddenly.
The question took Lina by surprise as did his emotionless expression. "Hate you, where'd that come from, of course I don't hate you Gourry. You get on my nerves sometimes but so does Amelia and Zel on occasion but you're still my friends. Why do you ask?"
"I just wanted to know for certain," he replied softly.
Lina didn't like this at all, she'd never seen the swordsman look so sad before. "What's wrong Gourry?"
"It's nothing Lina everything's okay," he smiled his face regaining its usual bright expression. Lina turned to stare into the fires flames. They both sat quietly, embroiled in their own thoughts.
Zelgadis sat under a giant oak staring out upon an endless sea of green fields, sprinkled with wildflowers and blue skies. The air smelled exceptionally sweet as a gentle breeze blew the grass in dancing waves. He closed his eyes inhaling the fresh aroma of nature, opening them to discover Amelia sitting next to him admiring the view. "What's on your mind?" she asked.
"You actually," he responded.
"Really, in what way?"
"I had this dream about us together in what could be considered a compromising situation."
"And this bothers you?"
"Yes," he sighed quietly.
"Why?"
"Because, we're friends, I respect you, I don't think of you that way and . . ." he hung his head in desperation.
"You're afraid," she finished for him. "You think my feelings for you are a trivial, passing thing."
"But you're not going to know that until you at least acknowledge completely how you feel about that dream and its effects on you," came a new voice. Zelgadis turned to find Gourry sitting on the other side of him.
"So how do you feel about that" dream, Zelgadis?" Amelia asked.
"Good. Scared. Confused," he responded honestly. "Good, because it didn't feel like a dream, someone wanted me and wasn't revolted by this curse Rezo calls a "gift", like nothing I'd ever felt and scary . . ."
"Because it was with someone you consider a friend and you feel in some way that this dream disrespected that," she finished. Zelgadis merely nodded.
"There is a saying that dreams are the mirrors to one's subconscious wants and desires," Gourry began. "Maybe something inside of you thinks of Amelia as more than a traveling companion," he reasoned.
"Why don't you talk to me about my feelings and see if they help you sort out your own feelings?" she interjected, holding his hand tightly.
"Why do you always touch my hand." Noticing the gesture was a frequent one for her.
She looked up at him and smiled. "Why don't you ask me that too." Then the princess disappeared.
"Remember Zelgadis you can't be afraid of falling if you never think of jumping," the swordsman smiled.
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"
"That you can't be afraid of heartache until you at least try to open your heart to another. And I thought you were supposed to be the smart one Zel," he laughed then disappeared. Zelgadis sat alone taking in the landscapes serenity while his thoughts lay in a sea of chaos.
Lina woke up with a confused expression. "What was that all about," she murmured thinking of Gourry's words "Do you hate me Lina?" "I must have used too much magic spice at dinner," she shrugged getting up to get dressed.
Zelgadis laid in bed staring at the ceiling, thinking. "Why don't you ask me about how I feel?" she'd said in his dream. It seemed like a good suggestion but "easier said then done," he said aloud. He decided to think about it a little and make a decision later opting for now to get up and get dressed.
Gourry was already awake and knocking on Lina's door.
"Just a second," she called from the other side. Lina opened the door to see Gourry with the biggest smile she'd ever seen.
"Morning Lina."
"Gourry, what are you are you so happy about?"
"Oh, I just had a good nights sleep, how about you?"
"Same," she smiled covering up any concerns she had about her troubling dream. "Let's go eat," she said pulling Gourry toward the stairs.
When Zelgadis left his room he heard his two friends heading for breakfast. "Better go get Amelia," he thought. Then walked down the hall to her room and knocked. No answer. "Amelia," he called then tried knocking again and noticed the door was unlocked. Which put him on the defense instantly. Zelgadis opened the door carefully and looked around the room. Nothing appeared to be out of place by his perception. He looked at the bed and found Amelia asleep and relaxed a little. He walked over to her bed and sat on its edge, making the bedsprings creek under his weight. Amelia's eyes began to flutter as she moved slightly. "She would have to look nice first thing in the morning wouldn't she," he thought.
"What?" she said in a sleepy voice.
"Wake up Amelia," he said quietly while gently nudging her.
Amelia's eyes opened fully and as her vision came into focus she saw Zelgadis sitting on her bed. She smiled. "Did I oversleep?"
"Not to my knowledge."
"Then what are you doing here?"
"Waking you up, isn't it obvious," he smiled.
Amelia watched as a boyish grin spread across his face. She like that smile it suits him she thought.
"You left your door unlocked last night, you should be more careful," he continued with concern.
"I must have been more exhausted then I thought," the princess sighed then sat up fully. "Are Lina and Gourry awake yet?"
"As a matter of fact they're downstairs ordering . ."He stopped hearing footsteps running up the stairs.
Lina and Gourry came flying down the hall. "Zelgadis, Amelia," they called in unison. Then Gourry noticed Amelia's open door and dashed in followed by Lina to see Zelgadis on Amelia's bed.
"What's going on?" the chimera asked.
"I could be asking you guys the same thing," Lina smiled smugly.
"You guys have to see this, come outside," Gourry said grabbing Zelgadis. Amelia followed everyone downstairs. When they stepped outside the princess and the chimera gasped in shock.
A once blue sky was now a pale shade of lavender, streaked with light pink, swirling clouds. The streets were filled to there limits with people laughing and smiling along with children running and playing about in chaotic glee. At the far side of the city stood a building with towers that touched the clouds with mutli-colored flags streaming from their tips.
The streets were not only filled with people put other creatures as well. Baby dragons and fairies flew about smiling hello. Pixies danced about sprinkling magic dust on the ground that sprouted into beautiful flowers of sparkling silver with rainbows that danced in the sunlight.
Amelia and Zelgadis stared at the scene unfolding before them in awe and disbelief.
"Where are we?" Amelia asked.
"It looks like Briseral but it can't be," Zelgadis exclaimed. "How did this happen?" he asked turning to Lina.
"How should I know?" the redhead cried. "We just came down to get breakfast and we heard noise outside so we came out to look and this," she gestured at the streets before them, "is what we found."
"Its not so bad," Gourry said. "Everybody looks happy and everyone's friendly," he smiled as a baby dragon perched itself on his shoulder, wrapping its tail around the blondes neck and giggled. "See."
"But how did we get here and WHERE is here anyway?" Lina cried in frustration.
"I think I can answer that, look," Amelia said pointing up to the sky.
Flying high above them was a medium sized black dragon with a banner attached to its tail that read "Welcome to Briseral, located in the heart of the Dream world."