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The weather in Saliuun was beautiful. If you talked to the people they were friendly and happy, not to mention no bandits to give you a headache... Hardly.
"Fire ball!" Screamed a small orange-red haired girl. Behind her stood a tall, handsome blonde man. He grinned in satisfaction.
"Hey Lina! Let's go 'cause I'd really like to eat..." He said, his blue eyes set on food. "We got enough now...Right?" He asked hopefully.
She nodded, as she started playing with the engagement ring on her finger. It was a habit that had formed ever since Gourry had bought it for her. It wasn't a big ring, it wasn't that expensive either. But, surprisingly, She was happy with it. "Let's go already!" She exclaimed as she smiled in that Inverse way.
As they ran for the restaurant, they didn't see a small girl on a horse. She glanced at the two blurs as they passed by. "Oh, was that Ms. Lina?" She asked in wonder, as she tilted her head. She brushed back her short, blackish-purple hair and headed where the 'blur' did. A man in a bashe cloak followed in silence.
Gourry and Lina stuffed their faces, the food was great! They didn't see the two figures from their past walk in. All they saw was fork against fork. Battle for the last cheese potato.
The small girl narrowed her eyes. She wouldn't let him win. She was a growing girl yaknow... Some things she wanted to grow more than others...
The blonde swordsman wouldn't lose, he was hungry! Just because she was a girl that could act cute didn't mean she'd win! He pushed with all his might. Their forks had broke, and they had to make a dive for it.
"They haven't changed a bit..." Said the small blue eyed girl, a sweatdrop forming. She just hoped they were still working for justice...
The cloaked man also had a sweatdrop. This was just like he remembered..."Hai..." But looks were deceiving, and they had to of matured at least an inch.
Lina was victorious as she sat on the swordsman's back, eating the cheese potato. She giggled at him, patting his head. "Looks like I win!"
Gourry frowned. Maybe being cute did help her a little but... DAMNIT! He glanced back and slightly smiled. At least she was in a good mood.
The small short haired girl made her way to the couple quietly, hoping they weren't to excited. She smiled, glad and nervous about this meeting. "Ms. Lina?" She asked, tilting her head.
"A...Amelia?!" Said a shocked Lina, her jaw dropping. "I wasn't even expecting to see you! Look at you! Have you grown?" She asked excitedly, getting off her blonde fiancee.
Amelia smiled sweetly at the sorceress. "Do you really think so? It's been such a long time! What's happened lately? Anything new?" She tilted her head in confusion as Lina blushed a bright red.
"What? You get married or something?" Asked the bashe cloaked figure. His eyes went wide after Lina had fallen over.
"Hi Zel!" Said Gourry cheerfully, totally not getting why Lina was so embarrassed.
"Oh! Ms. Lina! Does this mean that you married Mr. Gourry?" Amelia asked happily. "Finally!"
The swordsman sat up, putting a finger to his chin. "I haven't married her..." He looked at both Zel and Amelia. "Not yet anyway, but sometime in the future." A blush crept across his face as he grinned to the red head next to him.
Rubbing her head, Lina stood up. "Don't even ask, yeah its true. Its also a long story I'm not gunna go into..." But, I gotta question for you two. Why are you two still hanging around each other?"
"He's my body guard." The princess answered. She smiled proudly. Secretly she knew it was the only way to keep Zelgadiss by her, but she wouldn't tell them that! She knew from experience that one wrong word and Lina would never leave her alone!
"I get free room and board, food, I'm paid, plus I get to look for my cure. If I go with her on her search." Zel added.
Gourry smiled, happy he had some of his friends back. He knew it'd been awhile. He also stood up, putting a hand the small red-orange haired girl's head. She briefly looked up at him and smiled. "Hey, we really haven't been doing much Lina. Do you think we should go with them? Plus, Zel reminded me, wanna get married soon?"
Lina facefaulted. She stood up blushing ferociously. "What made you bring that up out of the blue???!!!" She yelled. It wasn't like she didn't want to, it was just her friends were right there! What was she suppose to do? Did Gourry have no shame?
Amelia laughed to herself, she hadn't laughed as much in a long time. Yes, she had matured some, even though her flame of justice hadn't burnt out. "Oh please Ms. Lina, join us! I would have a lot more fun!" She squealed happily. "Plus you can have a wedding and a celebration for finding my sister!"
"And my cure..." Zelgadiss added flatly. He was seriously beginning to doubt there was really one out there. His sigh was low and depressing. There went his self-esteem another notch...
An idea popped into the small, red eyed girl's head as her grin grew, looking at Amelia. "You say together, right? That means more food... And you would make it royal and... Lots of food, right?"
"H...Hai.." Said Amelia, she didn't know what else to say. "Daddy's gunna kill me..." She mumbled to herself.
"What exactly are we all looking for then?" Asked the confused blonde. He knew Lina would agree, as long as she got a big party and lots of food. Of course, he'd go along with it.
The princess rose her head to Gourry, and folded her hands in her lap. "Were looking for Mr. Zelgadiss' cure, and my sister. She left long ago, while I was small. After my mother was murdered by bandits. I guess it was to much stress on her, and she turned to black magic." Her voice was calm, though sad. She had lived a justice filled life the best she could. Would her sister? Was she even still alive?
"And what does this sister of yours look like, Amelia?" Lina asked, leaning her hands on her face. 'sister searching' wasn't her idea of fun but... She'd get food, right?
"Well, Ms. Lina!" She put her finger up. "She was as tall as Mr. Gourry last time I saw her. Also she has dark hair and blue eyes like mine-"
"With a ridiculously huge bust?" Lina finished, blue starting to cover her face in both horror and disgust.
"Yeah..." Amelia noted sheepishly, as she looked at her friends face. "Why, do you know her?" She asked, watching the small sorceress facefault. "Uhh.. Her names Gracia."
There was a huge sigh of relief. If she had heard the name Naga she would have been heading for the hills!
"Nani..?" Asked Gourry quietly, wondering if he should even speak. "Shouldn't we start searching then?" He asked, hoping they would rest before.
"Yeah, okay guys here's the plan. We stay here tonight, then start first thing in the morning, ne?" Lina stated, yawning. "Me and Gourry have been walking all day and we blew up like ten different gangs..."
Amelia and Gourry nodded, also tired. But while the swordsman was tired physically, the princess was mentally. She snuck out of the castle with Mr. Zelgadiss, then ran as far as they could. If her father found out what they were doing, he might of thought her mad!
The chimera frowned. He didn't want to go on a journey... He wanted his cure! "Well, there's one thing I was wondering..." He said. "Amelia, do you have any idea where your going to look for your sister?" He knew she probably didn't... That's why it was such a surprise when she said she did.
"I... I think she'll be where my mother died..." She frowned, but went on. "I figure she'll be there tomorrow because... That's the day she died..." Shaking her head, she looked at her friends. "All I've ever really had was my dad... If I could find my sister maybe... Just maybe we can be more of a family. Maybe we can share secrets and giggle when its past our bed time, maybe I can have those sisterly fights that we'd always end up laughing at... And maybe I can have my sister back..." Her arms were held close to her heart. She dare not breathe for the fear tears might fall.
"Why not go there before?" Asked Gourry, tilting his head with blonde charm. "I mean... I don't know why you just didn't go last year..Or the year before." He stopped short when Lina smacked him.
"Gourry... Has it ever occurred to you that maybe she didn't want to go to a place that killed off most of her family?" She exclaimed quietly, fist clenched. She had gotten a little more mature... At least enough to understand her friend.
Amelia lightly smiled as she looked at the two friends. Something clicked. A ridiculously huge bust... She thought a little harder... Then thought of Lina's face as she described her sibling. Oh no, she wasn't as shy as before... "OHOHO!!" She laughed, certainly not as loud as Gracia but... Just as scary.
Lina's face went pale as she fainted. In a flash Gourry had picked her up, but was still staring at the princess. Zel was also staring, eyes wide like saucers.
She just looked at them and smiled smugly. "Just something I picked up." She said, then winked.
The next day they began. Lina, of course, was still sleeping, and held by Gourry, in case she tried to get away. Other than that the group was in a good mood.
The swordsman smiled softly at the small girl in his arms. Ever since that day... A day he would never forget (Even in his little brain.). When Lina had agreed to marry him, he'd felt lucky. Of course, nothing changed, but that was okay with him... Because he knew at least she felt the same way he did about her. He had sensed a slight mental change though... Every time he looked into her eyes. He saw the love she never openly expressed to him before. He saw it, but he would never say anything out loud. He knew the look in her eyes was enough, for now.
"We're here..." Amelia said quietly, looking to the grave stone ahead of her. She knew the people it was for, but she also knew only one body was found. It was the first time since the funeral she had been there, and still it was to much. She fell to her knees and wept.
Zel put a hand on her shoulder, but his face was stern. "Don't cry, we're here and maybe your sister will follow." He saw her nod, and walked past her.
Soon Gourry and Amelia followed as Lina began to stir. The blonde slightly cringed, knowing she wasn't going to be happy if he was holding her.
"Gourry..?" She said tired and questioningly. As she looked around she didn't realize where she was... And couldn't see the inn they were staying in... " Where the hell are we?!!" She screamed, leaving any peace that was there vanish. But then she stopped when she saw a hooded figure in black robes knell before the head stone.
The princess looked in awe as the woman knelt before the grave. Chills of excitement and worry ran down her back as she walked toward the knelt woman. "It's been awhile..." She said finally managing as the woman quickly turned to her.
Who was this girl in front of her? The woman asked herself. She seemed familiar... Why couldn't she place it?! It'd been so long since she'd seen that face... Then it came to her. She pulled back her hood to reveal her long purple-black hair and blue eyes. She stood up, and realized how tall she was to the person before her. "Yes..." Was all she could say as she hugged her, to Amelia's surprise.
Amelia felt... Suffocated to say the least. She didn't mind that she hugged her. But obviously part of Gracia's anatomy had.
Lina tried to run, but both men held her back.
"What's the hurry?" Zel asked Gourry, who only shrugged.
She felt lifted as her fiancee gripped her in a tight hug. "Gourry!" She exclaimed annoyed... Maybe a bit loud.
Gracia looked up to see her greatest rival, Lina Inverse. She stepped away from her sister as she pulled the robes off her, to reveal her skimpy outfit. "Lina Inverse!" She boomed as Gourry got a nose bleed and Zel fainted. "So you came back to me to be my side kick again, ne?" She laughed, to the dismay of all.
"Side kick?" Gourry asked.
"No." Lina answered. She ground her teeth. "Shut up Naga!"
"You dare tell Naga the Serpent to shut up?" She asked as Lina nodded.
"More like fish phesises." She screamed at the taller girl.
Amelia had a huge sweatdrop. She tried to get her older sisters attention, but when that didn't work she tried to get Lina's. That didn't work and she got upset. "I thought were old enough not to yell!" She screamed, then covered her mouth.
Zelgadiss sat on a nearby rock, while the swords man tried to calm Lina.
"Please Lina... I'll buy you dinner..." He pleaded. It seemed to be working. He looked at Amelia, who seemed to have somehow calmed her sister down. Truth be told the new comer scared them all. Of course... Its never a good sign when Lina hides behind Gourry.
"Are you calm now, sister?" The princess asked, incredibly stern. She saw the taller girl nod and she smiled. "You know Ms. Lina?" She asked quietly. "And why did you leave me?"
There was a long pause. "I... She died..." Naga said sadly. "Uncle Randy killed mom..." She fell to her knees. "He said that we couldn't live... Because we were dads..." She looked at her sister as a tear rolled down her face. "He wanted to take over... I know I should of come back to explain the facts... I was scared, gomen nasai." She hadn't spoke of that since it had happened, and when it it she had left Gracia behind, and Naga was reborn.
"I..." Was Amelia's only reply. Her throat had turned very tight. The chimera only looked on as Gourry's face saddened. "I...I never knew..." Lina said quietly, so only Gourry could hear her.
Later that night they set a small bon fire nearby. The two sisters talked happily to each other as Lina and the others sat a little farther away. They cringed as Naga laughed again.
"How long do you think this will go on?" Cried the small sorceress, still staying behind Gourry.
"I'm sure not much longer." Zel said patiently. "Calm down, at least we don't have to talk to them right now."
Gourry nodded in agreement. "I don't think I could stand that.. Either that or the lack of sleep is getting to me... I can't even think straight!"
"You could never think straight." Muttered Lina softly. "I just wanna go to sleep.." She yawned, then laid her head on the swordsman's shoulder, to his surprise. "You make a good pillow, I keep you." She mumbled, then fell asleep.
Gourry blinked, then smiled. Little things like this moment was what he lived for. He felt her loose grip on his arm as she slept on.
"CheeseburgerChicken..." She mumbled in her sleep. Her dream was good, yes, she was eating. Food floated along all sides of her, and she happily ate it all.. Then she was falling...? Why was she falling? Screaming, she fell into strong arms. She looked over to see Gourry. "Oh, don't tell me were doing that dream thing again!" (Read Slayers Forgotten) She exclaimed as he only smiled. "I'm hungry." He said as she looked at the arm she was laying on. Taking a sniff, she smelled a Gourry. "Oh...Maybe to much Gourry's a bad thing..." She mumbled quietly.
"Hm?" Asked the blonde as she just shook her head and blushed. Like hell she was gunna tell anyone a dream like that! She looked up to see the two girls had joined the group.
"Oh Lina, don't tell me you left for a man!" She exclaimed, then laughed as the skull on her skimpy outfit jumped. She looked at Lina, who only deeply blushed.
Lina opened her mouth for a comeback when she was cut off.
"I think I'd find a cure sooner if I left." Zel said calmly but sternly. He saw the hurt in Amelia's eyes, and hated to hurt her, but this was the only way...
The princess clenched her fist tightly, fighting the tears that threatened to escape. "No!" She screamed desperately, as she knew if he left it'd probably be the last time she'd ever see him. He turned in surprise, as she held onto the last bit of hope she had. "If you stay tonight I'll search with you until you find it!"
The cloaked figure stared in disbelief as Naga's jaw dropped. Could someone really love him? Was it more than some silly crush? He knew the answers, and shook his head. He wouldn't let her ruin her life for just the sake of finding his cure. He pulled up his hood, as he replied to her sadly. "Go home, princess. Forget about me and your little crush."
At that moment Amelia's heart broke. Little crush? She thought, her mind filling with unanswered questions. It was now getting harder and harder to keep in her tears. She ran into the forest behind her, and cried as she ran. She was so embarrassed! How could she have thought he would of, in his right mind, love her! Heck, even like her! How could she be so stupid?
The older ex-princess stood up, and angrily made her way to the man that had hurt her sister. How could he? That's all she needs, something else to cry about. Was it not enough that she had to grieve over the wrongs her family had done, making it hard to trust anyone. Suddenly, someone had her cape.
"Naga..." Lina said quietly, almost pleadingly. "I'll handle this. I know she's your sister, but their both my friends." She looked at Zel, quite angry.
"I think you should look for her, my good friend Zel." She said coldly. "Even she can get lost in the forest this time of night."
The chimera got the hint, and nodded. Maybe he was a little harsh but... Was there any other way? Slowly he made his way into the forest.
Naga looked at the smaller girl as she sighed. "She's gunna be okay, ne?" She asked, sitting down. She had started to get lonely, traveling by herself.
"I think she'll be okay." Lina answered, looking on to the forest. "She really likes Zel and he's to dense to realize that she's more than 'a little crush'." She put her hand to the back of her head. "I guess it might be different if he were human, but he's so set on finding his cure that he doesn't realize what really matters."
"So... He's not human?" Naga asked as both Lina and Gourry face faulted. "Well..."
Gourry looked at the tall girl blankly as Lina sighed. Slowly she began to explain things from the beginning till the end of the copy Rezo fight.
Amelia only stopped when she fell, and when she did she didn't bother to get up. Nothing mattered, no matter what happened now everyone knew how stupid she could be... She cried until the tears would no longer appear. Then she felt an arm lift her up.
"What do you th-" He started, then saw her dirty, tearstained face. All he could do was stare at her. Was this all because of him? He gently put her down, as he took her wrist and started to walk her back. "Don't cry, if it means so much to you I'll wait till tomorrow... But I'm leaving by myself. Don't argue, I'll promise you something." He saw her face brighten up a bit. "I promise that if I find my cure, I'll come visit you."
The younger princess was disappointed, but decided it was better than never seeing him again... "Okay, then I have to promise you something." She said meekly, sliding her wrist out of his hand and instead replaced it with hers. "Mr. Zelgadiss, I promise you that I will wait for you. You see you have underestimated me." She said, wiping her eyes.
"How so?" Asked Zel.
"You think I just have a crush." She replied shyly, his face also turning shades of red.
When they got back to their camp, Amelia quickly sat next to her sister, who had many questions. She just smiled as she looked at Zel, who couldn't keep from blushing. "Sister, I have always thought that bandits... They did it, but you say Uncle Randy did." She saw Gracia nod. "Then you have nothing to fear, he's dead..." She said quietly.
"Amelia... You don't fully understand." Gracia said to her younger sister. "I'm sorry I forced so much onto you... You see, I never wanted the throne. I... Couldn't take it... it didn't seem right, and after mother left us I don't think I could handle the pressure anymore..." She frowned, but only slightly. She knew what had happened had happened.
"Please come back, I can promise you I will take the throne. Father has cried so many nights over your death. Please, you don't have to stay!" She was almost begging at this point. Days could be so lonely, and with her sister there she'd have someone to talk to.
She laughed, as everyone cringed. "Dear sister, I think I should pay a visit to father." She said happily. "But only visits for now, I'm not sure I can live there..."
Amelia hugged her sister happily. Visits were better than nothing, and she could always have her party and... Then she thought of Zel, who wouldn't be there for the party... And wouldn't be a main guest... "Mr. Zelgadiss, do you really-"
"I thought I told you Amelia." He said, looking at her. "I have to find my cure... Its not some fairy tale you know. I can't call a magic fairy godmother to turn me human again." He sounded a bit upset, but his face remained calm.
Gourry frowned and looked at Lina. Then he started to whisper. "Hey Lina, I'm starting to get confused... Why are they talking about fairy tales?" He asked.
A sweatdrop formed on Lina's head. "Oh Gourry..." She mumbled, putting a hand on her head.
"Fairy tale..." The blue eyed girl quietly repeated, deep in thought. She'd always loved fairy tales... Good always won over evil, and the main character always got their mate. She had always wished for her shining prince... "Mr. Zelgadiss?"
"Hm?" He slightly tilted his head at her, leaning his hands on his legs.
"do you love me?" She asked, quite bluntly. Everyone's eyes got wide. "Huh?"
"You heard me." He voice was confident, as a smirk painted her face.
"Amelia I-"
"Scared?" She asked laughingly, as she stood up and walked in front of him. "Well...?"
He sighed, then looked up at her. "Do you really think I'd come all the way back here after I find my cure?" He said, then mentally slapped himself. Why'd he say that?! Now she'd just want to follow him and- All thoughts ended as she gently connected her lips to his. Then he felt quite odd...
Lina blinked, then covered her mouth. She fell back onto the swordsman, who only looked equally shocked.
Slowly Amelia pulled away, ready to say her apologies. She opened her eyes, not wanting the taste of him on her lips to leave... Then she gasped.
Zel opened his eyes to see a shocked Amelia. Maybe she finally saw how ugly he was and - "Your skin!" He heard her choke out, and she touched his cheek. He was short for breath when he felt an overwhelming warmth from her fingers to his soft... Soft?! He touched his own cheek, as tears welled in his eyes. "Its..."
The princess fell back and looked at him. "Ever read Sleeping Beauty..?" She asked quietly.
"Yeah... Why?" He asked, still in a daze.
"Because I think we just made a warped version of it.." She answered, smiling.
Zel slammed his fist next to him, trying to be mad. It didn't seem to be working... "It was literally right under my nose!" He repeated over and over quietly, still amazed. He shook his head as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
The taller girl began to laugh. "You've been looking all these years for a cure I'm told. And all along you could've just kissed my sister!" The group cringed.
"Right under my nose..." He repeated.
"Looks like your cured, which means... PARTY!" Exclaimed the small sorceress. "And party means food and..." Suddenly she remembered who else the party was for and for the first time in her life she was to nervous to eat.
"Eh, Lina? You okay Lina?" Asked the blonde swordsman as he looked at a very nervous, and a very red Lina. He tilted his head and looked at Zelgadiss. "I'm glad you found your cure!" He said happily.
"...Me too..." He replied, his daze fading. "Thanks Gourry!" A large grin fell upon his face, and he turned to Amelia. "Thanks!" He smiled at her, trying not to sound so happy.
The princess only nodded, trying to bring in everything that's happened. "Talk about your good days..." She mumbled to herself. As she looked into his eyes she felt happiness. Standing up, she walked in front of all her friends. "Well everyone, we did it!" She said happily. "Were not far from the castle so we should make it by midnight." She brushed back a piece of hair from her face, slightly worried what her father would think.
"Yeah!" Lina smiled. "I won't mind a soft bed!" She raised her fist, cheering as she started walking to the castle. She looked back as everyone followed.
Right when they walked into the palace the first thing they saw was Prince Phil, who hugged his daughter. Telling her never to sneak off again. When she pointed out she had found her sister, he quickly gave her a bear hug. Gracia's gags were heard for miles. When Gracia told her father her story, he was amazed. When Amelia told her father about the wedding, Lina used her as a shield.
"We can have the wedding tomorrow." Stated the younger princess. She heard Lina gasp.
"You mean like, after today tomorrow?" She asked as her friend nod. "But - "
"I sent for everyone in carriages, they should be here by noon. I contacted your sister and she also will be coming.."
The orange-red hair girl cringed and dived for the nearest place to hide. "Not my sister!" She exclaimed, crying.
The next morning things were hectic. Lina was woken up at the crack of dawn, and was very crabby. "Tell me why I'm up again." She repeated yet again as she soaked in a bath , Amelia sitting next to her.
"Because today is your wedding." She replied happily as her friend went nose deep in the water, blushing. "Don't worry Ms. Oh sorry Mrs. Lina!" She giggled. "Mr. Gourry loves you, there's nothing-"
Lina popped her head out of the water. "That's not why I'm worried!" She cried. "Its Luna!"
"Why are you so scared of her?" The princess asked quietly.
"It's a long story Amelia.."
"Please!"
"Well...Okay. When I was younger my family really needed money. So I got money the only way I could. I got men to pay me to know where my sister bathed."
The blue eyed girl covered her mouth. "Oh! I'd be mad!" She said, holding a giggle. "She's still mad though?"
"Yeah, I think..." She sighed. "She ran me out of town already. She probably gunna get me back somehow."
Amelia put her hand on her friends shoulder. "Don't worry." She said kindly. "Just be happy, today's your wedding."
Things went well the rest of the morning with a few more outburst from Lina and none from Gourry. Finally it came down to getting the dress on Lina.
"Where'd you get this?" She asked nervously. "It looks really expensive... I don't have to pay you, right?" She saw the princess shake her head and slowly relaxed. Walking up to the mirror, she turned around as a faint blush painted her cheeks. She looked at Amelia. "I think I'll be happy."
"I know you will." She replied softly, smiling. "But come on! If we just stand around like this you'll be late!" She added, grabbing the bride and running down the hall.
Everyone was there, minus Xellos, who couldn't come inside so he waited outside for everyone. There were lots of talking through the crowd, though the most used word was 'finally'. All stopped talking when the bride stepped into view. Sylphiel throughout the reception, cried. But these were not tears of joy.
"You may now kiss the bride." Said the priest, making both Lina and Gourry blush.
The blonde, handsomely dressed, lowered his head to Lina's ear, taking her hands in his own. "Your not gunna hit me, are you?" He tried to sound teasing, but worry broke through his voice.
Lina had to smile. "No, I promise I won't hit you." She replied, her blush doubling. She saw his face move back, as he removed the veil.. Slowly his lips brushed hers, as she returned the kiss with all her affection.
The group cheered loudly, whistling and screaming. Amelia poked the bride softly, causing her to fall back a little, but still in Gourry's arms. 'I think that's long enough, how do you breath?" This made Lina move closer to her new husband. "I thought you were hungry!"
Everything clicked into place, and she ran with Gourry down the steps. Down to were the party would be.
Everyone followed, chatting away. Xellos finally joined the group, doing what he did best... Bother Filia. Sylphiel wasn't crying anymore, and was now trying to except the facts. Amelia glomped onto Zel's arm, which made him blush, but hew didn't pull away. Martina was telling her husband how lucky he was married to her and how disappointed Gourry probably was. Naga wouldn't stop laughing at how Gourry was going to be disappointed with Lina's bust, while her sister tried to explain why things like that didn't matter. Slowly a lone figure made her way past everyone, bangs covering her face.
"Who do you think catered the food, sis?" She asked , as she saw Lina stiffen.
"L...L...Luna?!" She said, unable to move. Slowly she looked back, to see a mop of purple hair. Her sister waved.
"Oh, are you still scared of me?" Luna asked Lina, as she put a hand on her shoulder. Lina cringed. "don't worry, I'll get my revenge another day. For today my sister is a woman."
"I thought all girls turned to women when they were sixteen." Said Gourry, stuffing food in his mouth. He slightly titled his head.
The younger sorceress cringed and prayed to L-sama her sister wouldn't explain. She looked up at him and smiled, taking his sandwich and putting it in her mouth.
Luna grinned at her little sister. "Well, at least he's cute." She stated, making Lina blush as everyone walked in.
"Oh Ms. Lina I'm so happy for you!" Said Filia as she fought off the mosoku once more.
The party when on and Gourry and Lina kept eating until...
"You didn't throw those pretty flowers.." Sylphiel shyly, as Lina's eyes widened.
"Thanks!" She said to the long purple haired girl and stood on some chairs. "Its toast time!" She exclaimed.
Suddenly all the women flooded to Lina. They were all excited and screaming to her to throw it already.
The sorceress turned around and threw the flowers quickly, before she was killed.
"It's mine!" Screamed Amelia.
"Oh dear! I'll get it!" Sylphiel said, jumping in.
"Outta my way!" Filia screamed.
"That dragon's so rude." Said Xellos calmly as she hit him with her mace.
No one could see anything but a cloud of dust as the girls duked it out. Screams and the ripping of cloths were heard. Finally, a lone figure stood over the cloud of dust.
"I won!" Exclaimed Filia, holding up the flowers. Her mace was next to her, and obviously used on the people around her.
Lina laughed as her friends started to get up... Holding their heads. "Well, that was fun."
"Speak for yourself." Cried Amelia, in disappointment and pain. Rubbing her head, she looked at Luna. "Why didn't you go for it, Ms. Luna?"
"Oh, I knew what would happen." She replied, snickering. "Isn't it time for Gourry to fling the garter, sis?" She asked teasingly, her sister trying to hide behind the blonde.
"Hey Lina... What's a garter... Is it a fruit?" He asked as she face faulted. Slowly she got up ad whispered it in his ear. His blush spread across his body as he gulped, then nodded. "And... You won't hit me right?"
She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. "If you get hit its for a reason." She was still slightly blushing.
"Ah! This is my favorite part!" Xellos smiled as he looked at Lina.
"Why's that?" She asked.
"Soredawa hismtisu des."
"Figures."
Slowly the bride sat down as Gourry knelt before her. The group has slightly spread out and made a circle around the pair. Lina whispered instructions in Gourry's ear.
Slowly, fearfully, Gourry went for the garter. He tried not to look and ended up with small bruises for not watching what he was doing. As he stood up, he flung the garter into the crowd. Though not as enthusiastic. The guys went after it.
"Oh, what's this?" Asked the trickster priest as he took the garter off his head. He stared at it for a moment. "I don't want to marry that dragon gutter trash!" He exclaimed as he was knocked out cold by a flying mace.
Gourry cringed, knowing that one hurt. He looked back at Lina, and saw her slightly cringe. Then he remembered something. "Hey Lina!" He said, pulling something from his pocket. "Someone told me to give this to you..."
She took the small package and started to open it as Gourry sat next to her. "It's from Umi!" She smiled and looked at the pearl necklace. She started reading the message out loud. "Hi, I knew you two would get together! Just a little something to remember me by. Love, Umi." She blushed and looked at Gourry, who blushed back.
That night the couple retreated to their room, which Amelia had given to them... On the opposite wing of the castle.
"Lina...?" Gourry asked quietly, walking over to her as she started to put their gifts away. She looked at him, and for a moment he thought he would never be able to talk. Then he decided he didn't have to. Slowly he touched her cheek as she began to blush. His face moved closer to hers. "I'm sorry Lina.. 'Cause before I'd kiss you and you would hit me and stuff. And now that you don't hit me I just want to kiss you more often and-"
"Gourry..." She said softly, tears slowly welling in her eyes. She put her hand on his, and moved her lips closer. "I promise I won't hit you if you kiss me now..." She said shyly.
As the two were joined for eternity, a family was cheering for a long to awaited reunion. A man once Chimera is now just realizing his happiness was right in front of him. As another day passed by things went on the same as always, but this time everyone was aware of their destiny.