First off, I just want to say that none of these characters belong to me, not even the ones I made up! (I don't need them anyway...) I wrote this mostly for pleasure because of a silly idea I got.. ^_^ I tried to base the characters more on how they are in the manga (mainly Zelgadis being somewhat friendly -moreso that he usually is in the anime- , and Lina and Gourry actually working odd jobs to make money. That's what they do in the manga! Give those poor bandits a break!). Also, this will be a buddy fic! No romance here because I didn't feel that the story needed it (and I'm not one for too much romance in my stories anyway. Maybe that'll change if I ever have a boyfriend...) Argh! I digress too much! Anyway, so enjoy the fic, enjoy the pics, but don't send me money for them, because like I said before, none of these characters belong to me, nor am I making any money off of them. Thank you!

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Amelia-

I've just found out a tip to a cave south of Seyruun. I'll be passing through the area in a week. You are welcome to come along if you wish.

-Zelgadis

Dear Mister Zelgadis,

I would be honored to go with you! It's been pretty slow here lately anyway. Daddy is pleased with the idea as well. "The more Good-will ambassador trips, the better!" he says. I'll be waiting for you!

Your Friend,

Amelia

Zelgadis read over the letter again as he stood at the gates to the Seyruun palace. Moments before a guard had been sent to inform the princess, Amelia, that her "consort" had arrived.

"All those silly terms to cover up a little trip'." thought Zelgadis.

He looked again to the palace doors, finally seeing them open, and saw Amelia step out. She was quick to turn back inside and yell, "I love you too, Daddy!" before running up to join Zelgadis.

Eying the guards, Amelia asked, "Shall we be off then, Master Greywords?" and winked at Zelgadis.

"But of course, Princess." said Zelgadis as he bowed. They then proceeded to leave Seyruun. As they put some distance between themselves and the palace gates, Amelia turned to Zelgadis.

"Sorry about that, Mr. Zelgadis. Daddy wants me to act more "lady-like". Amelia giggled.

"Not a problem. Let's just get out of here." Zelgadis wasn't one for too much formality.

"Oh! So what's so special about this cave, anyway?" Amelia asked.

"From what I've gathered, an ancient temple lies within it, but no one has been able to enter it for a very long time. I'm hoping that there will be something of use to me there."

"But why wouldn't anybody enter it? You don't suppose it's...haunted, do you Mr. Zelgadis?" Amelia cringed at the thought.

"I'll guess we'll have to find out when we get there." Zelgadis' comment did little to relieve Amelia. "Oh, I'm pretty sure it isn't haunted. And even if it was. you specialize in exorcism, don't you?" Zelgadis gave a skeptical look to Amelia.

Amelia blushed in embarrassment. "Yes, I do... But I can't stand ghosts! ...they scare me. Aren't you afraid of anything, Mr. Zelgadis?"

"Well yes, but fortunately ghosts isn't one of them." he smiled at Amelia. "So we'll be fine."

"Oh, now you're teasing me!"

Zelgadis just smiled.

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They continued out of the city limits and then through the countryside. As they drew closer to their destination, they spied a house. As they got closer, they could see an older man sitting on the porch. He waved and called to them.

"Hello there! And where might you two be off to?"

Amelia, being the outgoing person that she is, was quick to respond, "We've come to explore a cave nearby!"

The old man tsk'ed. "If you mean the cave about three miles that-a-way (he pointed further down the path), you're outta luck. Well, you anyway Miss."

"What do you mean?" Zelgadis asked.

"That cave is protected by some ward. Only non-humanoids, or impure humanoids as the case may be (yes, he was looking at Zelgadis) can enter the cave.

Amelia's shoulder's sagged. "Oh, I really wanted to go with you, Mr. Zelgadis."

Zelgadis wasn't sure how to respond. "Well, you can stay and guard the campsite, I guess..."

"S'cuse me, there is a way she can accompany you, if that's what you wish."

Amelia lit up. "Really? How?"

"It just so happens that I'm a learned mage. I specialize in morphing humanoids into animals and vice-versa."

"Hmm..." Amelia really didn't want to be stuck outside the cave while Zelgadis explored for who-knows-how-long, but to change her form? Was it worth it?

"Absolutely not!" Zelgadis stated.

"Aw, why not Mr. Zelgadis? It would be more interesting than sitting outside the cave all day and possibly night."

"Amelia, we don't know this man. Besides, I'm already trying to remedy a life-altering mishap." Zelgadis frowned.

"I assure you, Sir. My intentions are pure. I actually assist in helping those who so desire to enter the cave."

Amelia looked pleadingly at Zelgadis. "Please, Mr. Zelgadis."

Zelgadis was stuck. He didn't want to do anything that may endanger Amelia, but he also knew that he'd have no way of stopping her if she were determined to go with him. Which she was.

Zelgadis looked at the sky. "Look, it's getting late. How about we set up camp for the night and decide tomorrow morning?"

"Okay!" All the more time for Amelia to convince Zelgadis to let her accompany him. "Is it all right if we camp out in your yard, Sir?"

"No problem at all. And the name's Bert." Bert smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Bert! Well see you in the morning!" Amelia beamed, then set off to set up her tent.

Bert retired to his cabin, leaving Zelgadis to his thoughts.

"Why do I get a sense of foreboding?"