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I was worried, though I didn't let it show. Lina had disappeared, and Gourry had run after her. The Lord of Nightmares had not given her back to us.
I had to give Gourry credit for his guts. Not even I dared to enter the Lord of Nightmares' domain uninvited. Even if I had gone, I doubted that I would be able to save her. And that hurt.
I had been with Lina for so long now. She was special. She was always very special. The Lord of Nightmares has never been known to act through a person, Human, Dragon or Mazoku, to fulfill her wishes. That she selected Lina showed just how unusual the dear girl was.
I wished I had had more of a chance with her. In my own way, I held deep regard for the one who could control Nightmare magic, and affection for her as well. I have never known anyone who, upon knowing my nature and my occupation, dared to order me about, abused me as often as I provoked it, trusted the information I gave, and most of all allowed me to accompany them. Lina probably knew I could crush her like a bug easily, but persisted in treating me the same way she did from the very beginning. After finding out who I was she still looked to me for information, believing that I would tell her the truth. In return for that precious trust I did tell the truth, but not all the truth. Still, it's more than what I offer most people. While she probably couldn't get rid of me if she wanted to, she usually welcomed whatever aid I could give her at any given time.
I glanced over at the ground. There lay Gourry's sword, forgotten by Amelia, Zel, Martina and Zangulus. They were too busy to notice it. With a wave of my hand I caused it to appear within my own. I would keep it, then, because it was something Lina had used and treasured, and desperately wanted. Gourry would never give it up to her, but would share it with her. I didn't like the implications of that. To a swordsman, the sword is their life. They didn't allow just anyone to handle it. Yet Gourry allowed Lina to use it from time to time. Granted, they were extreme situations, but...
Being jealous of a person who could be presumed dead was not wise. I would have an untied end to deal with. So instead I thought of Lina.
I sighed, letting my head tilt forward, my bangs falling into my closed eyes. And I mourned Lina. It was a quiet, respectful little prayer for her, and was not at all very expressive or loud, but it was the most I had ever offered anyone. I doubted even the death of my own Lord Beastmaster could elicit such a reaction from me. At the most I would refrain from laughing out loud for a day or so.
What would life be like without that laughing, bold sorceress? Hair red beyond belief, body petite but promising, face slightly demonic at times and so adorably cute at others. Appetite of enormous quantities. Power beyond imagining: Black magic lesser than my own, but still an amazing amount for any human to have; Nightmare magic, the final magic, the last lore.
I realized life would be duller, less colorful, less interesting. I always enjoyed seeing her, though every time that blond swordsman was there I couldn't help but want to make a bloody mess of him. She made life interesting, fun. She was such a unique person! I almost laughed at my own weakness for her. I don't honestly think I could truly refuse anything she requested of me. Time and time again I deserted her, only to come back at an apparently unpressing situation and offer her real aid for her future.
Suddenly I wished that I at least could bury her body somewhere, but I couldn't. All I could do was bury her somewhere in my mind.
And suddenly I felt something.
I looked up, opening my eyes. There was her presence. I didn't see her, but she was there.
The question was, where was she? I could sense her, the pure her, not the mixed up Lord of Nightmares her.
And for the first time ever I could feel my heart skip a beat.
A unique experience, really.
Lina was alive.
Not yet back with us, but still...there was hope.
Hope... What a strange feeling it was!
Then Gourry and she appeared in a tight embrace. At the time I was too busy being happy to go over and pulverize him.
Lina didn't remember anything! I was surprised, but then I wondered if Gourry remembered anything. He refused to say a word, and I suspect something happened while in L-sama's domain.
I still had the sword. Should I keep it?
I took one look at her face and decided not to.
"Lina, Gourry, here. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll leave you with this." I handed them the sword and faded away.
Later, I threw a little celebration for myself in honor of Lina's return. I would see her again, of course. What was the point of knowing she was alive if I didn't take advantage of that fact?