The dark forest was hollow, holding emptiness in it’s wings. The distinct sound of
chimes echoed in the distance. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, nothing that
could be done. The forest was forboding, an uncharted wilderness.
     Opening his eyes, Zelgadiss saw the streaks of golden sunlight flooding though the
window. With the sudden realization that he had slept in, he quickly rose and prepared to
regroup in the inn’s diner.
     Amelia and Gourry were already seated and eating when Zelgadiss arrived and
joined them. He quickly went about ordering tea.
     “Where’s Lina?” Gourry looked over at Zelgadiss.
     “How should I know?” he responded without hesitation.
     Amelia rolled her eyes, “You don’t need to keep asking every person who comes
within four feet of you, Gourry-san! I’m sure she’s coming down any...” Amelia trailed off
as Lina approached the group, looking very sleepy.
     The sorceress yawned and slumped into a chair between Gourry and Zelgadiss,
    “Someone orderrr ferr mee...I’m too tirred...” Lina slurred.
     “Waiter!” Gourry yelled, causing Lina much discomfort, “ A Mega Breakfast over
here please!”
     “Bad sleep?” Zelgadiss inquired while sipping his tea.
     “You could tell?” Lina leaned her head onto the table with a bump.
     “Lina-san, what’s wrong?” Amelia cocked her head to one side.
     Lina sighed, sadly attempting to right herself in her chair, “Nothing you need to
worry about...”
     “Is it because we’re going separate ways today?” Amelia persisted.
     “Hm, partially I guess,” the plate of a great variety and quantity of chewables was
placed infront of Lina, but she only stared at it.
     Gourry whispered in Amelia’s direction, “Something’s definitely wrong!”
     Amelia nodded in agreement. Zelgadiss continued to sip his tea. Lina did nothing
but look at the plate for a while longer, but then slapped on a smile and almost swallowed
everything at once.
 

     “I’ll return to Saillune,” Amelia announced, expecting everyone else to share their
destinations as well.
     They were standing just outside the inn in the street as the towns people
commenced with their daily routines.
     “I suppose I’m going to continue my search,” Zelgadiss was sure everyone knew
that but said it anyway.
    Gourry stood proudly, “Well, I’m gonna stick with Lina!”
     She shot an evil glance at him, “No you’re not!!”
     Gourry’s posture changed, “Huh? Why!?” He was wide eyed in disappointment.
     “Sorry, Gourry, but I have some things to take care of,” Lina crossed her arms,
unintentionally imitating Zelgadiss, “So live with it! I’m not you’re baby-sitter!”
     Amelia expressed understanding.
     “Oh...” Gourry whined as he hunched over and started down the street, “but I
know we’ll meet up again! We always do!”
     Lina waved with a forced grin and relaxed, “AH! Freedom!”
     Amelia chuckled, “Okay then, good luck, Zelgadiss-san.”
     He nodded as she turned to leave.
     “Bye, Lina-san, I’ll see you both again!” Amelia trotted off, “Ray Wing!”
     A brief breeze later, she was gone.
     Lina looked at Zelgadiss, “Aren’t you leaving too, Zel?”
     He adjusted his hood and pulled up his mask, “I’ll be seeing you,” Zelgadiss waved
two fingers, leaving Lina standing by herself infront of the inn.
     She heaved a sigh, “What now?” She asked herself, looking up. Lina decided she
would stay a few more days just in case she would hear of a bandit gang nearby. It had
been a long time since she had practiced her occupation. With that, she started toward the
center of town. Maybe she could find some dessert...
 

     The words kept repeating themselves in Zelgadiss’ mind, “In the city of Medina,
you will find your heart’s desire...”
     “The city of prophets,” he repeated again.
     The name was unfamiliar, but he had asked the inn keeper who had said it lay to
the east. There was a chance that what this prophet had said was true. He was greatful for
even a slim chance of becoming human again. “In the city of Medina, you will find your
heart’s desire...”
     The road was bare as he evenly paced his steps. It was cloudy, but the air stung his
lungs. There was no other sound than that of the timed beat of his footsteps.

To Be Continued...