Crimson Moon - Chapter 10.5 Chapter 10.5 - Preperations

Spike's Interlude: Yes, this isn't exactly a chapter, but more like an interlude. You see, this is more of a quiet chapter. I felt that Amelia and Zelgadis needed some time alone to sort themselves out. But, not willing to detract from the action, I presented this necessary scene as a minor-chapter. This doesn't serve much to the general plot (apart from the scene where Gunther proposes his plan) but it is to keep the supporters of Amelia+Zelgadis coupledom happy (Hey, I'm one of them!). So you non-romantics are advised to skip this part (But you might as well hang around to hear of Gunther's plan).


Gunther cleared his throat and gazed at the five other occupants of this room. There was Gustav (looking rather worse for wear); Zelgadis; a tall blond who introduced himself as Gourry; A red-head who was, without a doubt, the infamous Lina Inverse and a girl who called herself Amelia and the (so-claimed) princess of Saillune.

But now, these four newcomers required an explanation.....

"Well now" Gunther began. "May I begin with saying that you four are all in terrible danger. You have all been under the spell of a powerful hypnotist."

Gourry blinked. "A hypnotist?"

"Someone who can control minds." Lina said.

Gourry said nothing. Instead he carried on with a blank stare.

"Oh, never mind" groaned Lina.

"As I was SAYING," Gunther went on, despite being somewhat annoyed at the interruption, "You have all been under the power of a great evil, who resides in these walls. All but one of you. Zelgadis?"

The chimera looked up at the mention of his name.

Gunther grinned. "Since you resisted the evil in this mansion, perhaps you would like to explain what had happened to your comrades?"

Zelgadis nodded. And then he began his tale. A tale that had begun ever since he had entered the mansion. He explained everything. Leopold, Isabella, the dinner, the meeting with Gunther, the behaviour of his three comrades, the fight they all had, everything. No detail was left undisturbed.

And when he finished, Zelgadis looked up at his audience. Gunther and Gustav looked thoughtful, taking the entire story in. Gourry and Lina both bore expressions of guilt and anger. Amelia however, kept her head bowed, her expression hidden. It was as if she couldn't bring herself to look at the chimera. Zel noticed the princess and he bowed his head He could feel her pain.....

"So what are we going to do about Leopold?" Lina inquired.

"We're going to destroy him, that's what!" Gustav answered.

"But how?" Gourry asked.

"Well, to begin with", Gunther explained, "as far as I know, he's keeping you four here for a purpose."

"But for what purpose?" Gustav asked.

"I know." Zel said. "Leopold wants to keep Amelia here. For she looks like a lost love Leopold once had...."

"....And now he wants to turn her into a vampire so she can stay with him forever?" Lina finished.

Lina's expression then turned into one of annoyance.

"Ha!" she scoffed. "Why do these bad guys we keep running into, have to take the most unoriginal motivations?!"

"Maybe they're not bright enough to think up something new..." Gourry suggested.

"You can talk." Lina retorted.

"QUIET!" Gunther snapped, in attempt to restore order.

Immediately, the room fell silent.

"Look" Gunther said firmly. "Leopold wants us to get to Amelia, right?"

"Yes" said all of the listeners. All, bar one.

"Amelia?" Gunther said.

But Amelia wasn't listening. She had, instead, shut herself off from the rest of the meeting. Her mind was elsewhere. Or, to be more accurate, Amelia's brain was drowning in a sea of her own tormented guilt.

Her ears had just suffered the tragedy that was Zelgadis' story. She was shocked, appalled and completely distraught at what she had said and what she did. She had forsaken the love she used to hold for Zel and had nearly obliterated it in the process. She had created hazards with herself and Zelgadis. The love she once possessed for the chimera had been tainted by an intruder. An intruder who specialised in the craft of lies, deception and the creation of walls.

She couldn't believe her ears when she heard Zelgadis' triad. She was struck down with disbelief at the horrible things she had down. How could she? How could she be so horrible to Zelgadis? How could she, after holding onto her love for so long, just throw it all away like that? How could she destroy it all when she had gone to so much trouble to change his introverted behaviour? How could she turn into such a monster?

A monster. Exactly what Amelia was trying to eradicate from Zelgadis' self-perception. How ironic....

Suddenly Amelia became aware of someone clicking their fingers in front of her face.

"Amelia?" a voice inquired.

Suddenly, Amelia's sea of torment evaporated in manner of seconds. Her pale, emotionless face blinked. Colour returned to her cheeks and paved the way for expression.

Now free from her inner torment, Amelia's blue eyes were greeted with the sight of Gunther, clicking his fingers, in an attempt to bring her back to reality. When he saw her expression change, Gunther smiled in satisfaction.

"Ah good." Gunther said. "Amelia, we have a plan to finish the evil within this place. But we need your cooperation. Would you like help us?"

Then something extraordinary happened. Upon hearing Gunther's proposal, Amelia's expression grew dark. Her eyelids grew somewhat malevolent, her lips twisted into a sadistic grin. And her soft facial features became as hard as a rock.

Amelia nodded her consent. Yes, she would love to help. Leopold has to pay for his crimes. And buy the code of justice, he'll certainly get what's coming to him......!

Gunther, now convinced that he had Amelia's help, smiled. Then he cleared his throat.

"Great! Now here's my plan. First we return Amelia to her bedchamber. And when Leopold returns to her, she will drive a stake through his heart! Simple yet effective..."

"And what do the rest of us do?" Zelgadis asked.

"We hang around in case things get out of control." Gunther answered.

"HOLD IT!!!!" Lina bellowed. "Is that it?! That's all we do?! We sit around while Leopold gets his heart impaled with three feet of wood?!!?"

Gunther nodded. But it did little to quell Lina's frustration.

"I've got a better idea." Lina snapped. "Why don't I blow this place to oblivion with a Dragon Slave?! That's simple enough and extremely effective!!!!"

"You can't kill that which is not alive." Gustav answered.

Lina blinked. Then she slumped back into her chair, defeated by Gustav's perceptive comments.

"Hey Lina?" asked Gourry.

Lina looked up at the mention of her name. Her eyes were greeted with the sight of an extremely confused Gourry.

"What exactly did Gustav mean by killing that which isn't alive?!"

Lina groaned. It looks like it's going to be long night.....


The moonlight cast it's beams through the bedroom window. Facing no other challenges from any other light source, the moonlight illuminated the entire room. Yet for all it's light, shadows still found their way into the room. It was in this room that Amelia paced up and down the length of her bedchamber, her mind whirling it's way into overtime.

She was situated here in this room to set a trap for Leopold. But she wasn't too interested in the vampire. Her thoughts were on Zel...
He hadn't said a word to her since she had awoke in that room. She, tormented by her own guilt, had remained silent, shielding herself from Zel's gaze.

Why couldn't she speak? Why was she so paralysed by her own guilt? Why couldn't she find the courage to face up to Zelgadis? Sure, she had wronged him but she was under the control of Leopold. But did that make her free to walk away from her crimes...?

Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

Amelia snapped back to reality. Her eyes hardened and her tension grew. What was that? Was it Leopold? Could be....

There was also the chance that it could be Zelgadis...

But Amelia wasn't taking any chances. Her fingers reached out and grabbed a vase off the bedside table. Not exactly the best of weapons but certainly effective if used properly.

Cautiously, Amelia made her way over to the door. She pulled the handle down and pushed the door open to the point of it being ajar. Then, as quick as a flash, she ducked out of the doorway and into the shadows. With the vase raised above her head, her gaze glared at the newcomer. The door swung outwards and light from the hallway flooded into the room. Amelia's muscles tensed. Then a shadow fell across the room's floor. The intruder was on his way in...

A dark shape entered the room. Amelia blinked. Who was this dark shape? Gunther? Gustav? Leopold? Rolf?

Oh to hell with it! She can't afford to take any risks!

Suddenly, without warning, Amelia brought the vase down upon the head of the intruder! The vase shattered into pieces upon the cranium of the unfortunate newcomer. The shape groaned and collapsed onto the floor.

Amelia allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction., at her victory. Now, about the matter on who this intruder is. Amelia knelled down next to the prostrate shape and lifted it's head into the light. She held the intruders face up to allow the light from the hallway to spill in and reveal the intruder's identity.

Gradually Amelia's eyes adjusted to the light and she could see the intruders face..

She gasped and drew back. The intruder's head then fell to the floor with a tremendous thud. Amelia blinked in shock. This man was none other then Zelgadis Greywars himself!

He had now returned to his regular travelling clothes but, as he was in a daze, he wasn't looking too good at the moment!

Amelia drew her face nearer to Zelgadis'.

"Oh Zelgadis!" she cried. "I'm so sorry! I didn't know it was you!!"

Zel looked up, his expression dazed.

"I thought you might need some company...." he murmured.

With Amelia's help Zel staggered to his feet. Then, with one hand nursing his head, he closed the door behind him. In doing so, he extinguished all the hall light from the room. Now that the door was closed, the room retained the natural light emanating from the moon beams coming in through the window.

Zel moaned softly in pain. Even though his rock skin had saved him from the vase and severe cranial damage, his head still throbbed with pain. Amelia watched him intently, her eyes full of concern and anxiety.

"Zelgadis, are you sure you're all right?" she asked.

Zelgadis blinked. "I could do with a lie down I guess..." he said softly.

Amelia nodded. It was then that she began leading Zel to the bed. Slowly but surly she guided Zel by his free hand, as his other hand was nursing his rather sore head. Zel blinked at the princess. He could feel her hand upon his. Her touch was as soft as a pillow. It was gentle and delicate......

Amelia reached the bed. But her guiding work wasn't over. She then proceeded to direct Zelgadis into a sitting position onto the bed. Zelgadis, although still in pain, gladly complied. Amelia, satisfied that her attendance to the injured chimera was complete, then sat down next to him.

A grim silence followed.

Zelgadis' head still throbbed. He just couldn't believe his rotten luck. He went to Amelia's room to reconcile their differences, to be reunited after so long in silence, to say things that had been waiting an eternity to be said, to return that which never got received. So what happened? He got a vase brought down upon his head!
But still, he was fascinated at Amelia's reaction. Naturally she was shocked at the stranger in her room was not an enemy, as first assumed, but her friend. Yet she seemed eager to repair the situation. She applied her delicate touch to guide Zelgadis to her bed. Yet this was enough to convince Zel that the Amelia he'd once known had returned. But were her strong feelings for him as steadfast as ever?

Amelia shot a glance at the chimera. He was still grimacing with pain. Yet, with his back to the window, the light was being cast down upon his hair and his back, illuminating all that the light touched. Even though the light never touched the chimera's face, it whole visage was enough to spark the flames of Amelia's heart. It was here that Zel looked so dark, so mysterious, so in need of a friend.
Amelia then looked away. Ever since she woke up in Gustav's secret chamber, Zel hadn't said a single word to her.

Until now.

Was he so distraught at the wrongs she had committed when she was under Leopold's power? Was she still clear of guilt? Was she still clear of innocence? Was there any love left to repair the damage done? Was there enough love to rebuild what was lost?
Well, there was only one way to find out....

"Zelgadis" Amelia said in an attempt to start up a conversation, "What were you doing, coming in like that? Was it to keep me company?"

Zel nodded.

Amelia blinked. What was this?! She couldn't believe it. He was still being nice to her? Even after all that happened since the dinner party?

Amelia smiled wryly. Is this for real? She knew how Zel's mind worked and this wasn't the stoic, introverted Zel she was used to. She must look further into this...

"Say, shouldn't you be out in the hallway with everyone else?"

"No" Zel replied. "Lina and Gourry can take care of themselves. And both Gunther and Gustav have proved to be resourceful."

Amelia blinked. This wasn't quite the answer she was expecting. But still...

"Ah." she said. "You must be in here to make sure Leopold doesn't sneak in."

Zel nodded. "Of course. I couldn't leave you alone when that happen's, now can't I?"

This answer sent a shiver up Amelia's spine. She just couldn't believe it. She even reached out and pinched herself - She couldn't possibly be dreaming right?! One things for sure - This certainly wasn't the gloomy introverted Zel she had met all those years ago.....

"Umm, Zelgadis." Amelia said, her voice full of uncertainty, "Do you remember..."

Zelgadis stopped cold. Hang on a minute here...

"Do I remember what?" he answered.

"That I wanted to speak with you. You know, before we entered this place?"

Zel's heart began racing. What was this? Does this mean his doubts had been wrong all along?

"Yes Amelia, I remember that well. You wanted to speak with me."

Amelia smiled sweetly at the chimera. "Do you still want to hear me out?"

Zel blinked. Then he smiled slyly.

Amelia nodded her consent. Then, much to the chimera's surprise, he felt her hand upon his knee.

"Look" the princess said. "I know you are so concerned with finding a cure for your curse but I just want you to know that I think you are a very kind and noble human."

Zel's ears pricked up. Did she just call him a human?

Amelia continued: " But what I'm really trying to say is that I like you so very much. And I don't care what you look like, just as long as you continue to remain a good friend."

And then she moved her face closer to Zel's....

If Zel had any doubts on the state of Amelia's memory, they had just disintegrated now. Zel looked into her eyes. They were burning with emotion. Burning just for him...

And then, much to Amelia's surprise and delight, Zel smiled - One of his rare smiles. But this one was special. It was a smile just for her.

"Zelgadis?" Amelia whispered. "I just want you to know that...."

"Shhh." Zel whispered back, cutting the princes off. "I know....."

And with that, they both drew their faces closer together. And their lips touched...

Suddenly the world stopping turning. Everything came to grinding halt. Time lost all meaning, as the princess and the chimera were both interlocked in this magic moment.

Then, after what seemed like an eternity, their lips parted. Amelia's facial expression changed into one of disappointment. Then she noticed Zel's face grow troubled. Amelia immediately sensed danger.

"Zel? Is there something wrong?"

Zel nodded.

"Was it something I said to you when I was under Leopold's power?" Amelia asked boldly.

"Please, you don't want to know...." Zel said.

"No! I want to know!" Amelia answered. "Please tell me. I need to know...."

"Are you sure?" Zel asked, his voice reeking of unease.

Amelia nodded. Then, to her surprise, Zelgadis' features hardened. He screwed his eyes up tight, as if he was forced into remember something he'd rather forget.

"You said" Zel said, his voice hesitant and pained, "That you had forgotten me in favour of Leopold. You said that you wanted to stay by his side at all costs. You even mentioned forsaking your duty as a champion of justice."

Zel then leaned forward and buried his face in his palms. Amelia, meanwhile, watched him with eyes wide open, aghast at the atrocities she had said to the chimera.

"Why Zelgadis. I...."

"Don't say it!" Zel interrupted, withdrawing his face from his hands. "Look, I know you held strong feelings for me. But, even though I was too preoccupied to notice, you stood by your beliefs through thick and thin. But when I finally opened up towards you and accepted your feelings, I actually became happy in the first time in a long time.
However, recent complications caused these newly-discovered emotions to disintegrate. And it was then that I released I was a fool to neglect you in the first place. But then I realised I was beside myself. There was then nothing left I could hang onto. Nothing."

Zel then fell silent. Amelia blinked at him, as the impact of his soliloquy sank in. Was it true? Had Zel changed? Had Amelia really released him from his gloomy shell? Had her mere presence worked wonders upon his personality?

But.... Even after she had been so horrible too him?!

He...

He had been true all the while she had mistreated him. All the while she berated him, cursed him, shunned him, abandoned him....

Tears began welling up in Amelia's eyes. Then, with a tremendous wail, her head collapsed onto the chimera's shoulder. Zel blinked in astonishment. Amelia buried her head into Zelgadis' arm, sobbing uncontrollably. Zel then wrapped his arms around her shoulders and cradled the sobbing princess.

He closed his eyes. Yes, he knew. The pain was shared. The pain of being burdened with things unsaid; the pain of being losing something you had held onto, the pain of doing the wrong thing, the pain of being so preoccupied that the little things were overlooked.

He then began stroking her hair in a tender manner. He wasn't very well experienced in the field of romance but he wanted to do something. A little something that would make everything all seem better.

Yet that little something was plenty.

"Amelia?" Zel whispered into her ear, "Remember, how arranged to meet each other in your room after that dinner?"

Amelia looked up. In spite of her tears, she managed a nod.

Zel grinned "You know, I'm still available if your interested...."

Amelia's lit up with happiness......

And with that, they both embraced each other and fell onto the bed.


Chapter 11
Contents