Amethyst Eyes
Chapter 3: "The Game"
by Baka no Ame-Chan
It's nothing but a harmless game
Good for a laugh, but what a shame
For your the finger in which points the blame
Is showing all faults within your name
But what will happen if, oh, say
Suddenly it's not just a game. .
Will things ever be the same?
A day passed... and then 2 more...and then a full week... She thought this journey would never end. She was beginning to doubt herself on why she had did this in the first place. Could it be none other then an attempt to run from the reminders she was getting at home? Wouldn't her father have come after her already? Or did he trust her... had she really dis-obeyed his trust that much...She sighed as 2 more suns rose and fell, one the third day she found she had come to the place she had been traveling to find. Finally, after what seemed to be the never-ending forest... one village she was mortally afraid to go back through, she wondered how it could ever be near her own kingdom when it was so.. frightening. Then that barren waist land.. she hated that most of all. It was worse then winter, it didn't look beautiful, it only gave off the sense of death. She sighed, looking around. This was the town of "Teruen". Last she was here it had been lovely and alive.. but now. The streets where completely empty. It was like a ghost town. She knew it was well into the afternoon hours, yet not a soul was to be seen. This scared her most of all. She suddenly heard the sound of running feet behind her. She turned swiftly, prepared for a mazoku, but ended up colliding with a scared townsperson. He quickly helped her up. "De-Demon! It's the demon-hour! Miss you really should be ins-ohh!" He ran off before uttering out his last words. Amelia stood petrified. "Demon Hour.." she repeated. She knew what it meant.. and she found herself not wanting to have arrived in this dreadful town. She wanted to go home..
Cold eyes watched from the shadows. "Why, what do you know! It's Amelia!" A grin slowly crossed his face at the thought of what fun he could have with this new turn of events. Terrorizing a town was something he could do whenever he pleased, but use that form of fun on a princess, let alone one he knew! What luck! He felt how scared she was, oh this was going to be too easy. But how was he going to play his little game? What move should he use? He took a moment to ponder this. He could appear as the enemy, of course. Or.. he could do something much more interesting.. he could pose as the hero rescuing the damsel in destress and re-gain her trust... trust was something he could play many fun games with. He now knew what he was going to do, and he was excited about it. He slowly phased out from the shadows, the last words he whispered being that of "Let the games begin..."
Amelia looked around herself in a stunned manor. She didn't know where to go, and with noone to ask she had put herself into quite the predicament indeed. Everywhere she looked houses where locked and more then likely double-bolted. She was going to have to face this mazoku by herself.. totally unprepared. "Why Miss Amelia! Whatever are you doing here, out by yourself at such an hour!" Amelia turned quickly at the voice.. it sounded so familiar. She found herself face to face... literally, with the trickster priest himself, none other then Xelloss Metallium. "M-Mister Xelloss?!" She blurted out, hoping back some with a blush on her cheeks. He smiled his usual haunting smile. "You remember me!" Amelia stood her ground, wondering if he was the mazoku.. but before she could answer, he made his move. "What with that terrorist around, though, It isn't good for such a royal person to be out by themselves! It could be dangerous, and I can tell your unprepared. Come, I'll help you!" Now this... this just didn't sound right. Did she hear him correctly? He wanted to... *help* her?! This wasn't the Xelloss she knew, not one bit. But.. it had been awhile. He could have changed.. She looked at him, she was still afraid of him. He had the most mysterious feel around him. She didn't know what she should do. She decided it was only right to give him a fair chance, after all, things can change. "Hai.. alright, Mister Xelloss, lead the way!" His smile brightened as he began walking deeper into the town, motioning her to follow with his hand. She was alittle resistant, but when she saw he was getting slightly irritated she quickly rushed after him.
Xelloss led the confused princess to a small inn around the center of the quiet town. He reached to the door knob and turned it slowly. "Pity!" He said, the smile never fading from his face. "It's locked! That means more work for us, ne, Miss Amelia?" Amelia only nodded, still not so sure of this overly-nice version of Xelloss. It just didn't feel right... it didn't feel right at all. Xelloss knocked on the door... no reply. He knocked a bit more, and didn't stop. The door finally opened with a very annoyed women behind it. She opened her mouth to speak, but seeing Xelloss the look on her face turned from annoyed to horrified. "Ma-May I help..you?" She questioned, stuttering. Xelloss loved this attention. "I need a room..." He said, pulling Amelia next to him. Amelia blinked in confusion, but didn't question him.. she knew that would be the worst thing to do right now. She wondered secretly, though, why this inn-keeper was being so.. generous to Xelloss. The lady nodded and readied a room for Amelia. As she walked in, she noticed everyone seemed to be cowering as they passed. She heard words whispered about them.. it made her feel uncomfortable. She was royalty, but these motions where just flat out ridiculous! She was led to a little room on the second floor. The key was handed to her, then the lady quickly ran off like her life depended upon it. She opened the door.. shocked at what she saw. There was white roses done up in vaces around almost every area of the room, the sent so beautifully wafting throughout the room. The sunlight streamed in through the windows, dancing over the slick floor. On the walls hung pictures of lovely ladies dancing with handsome princes. The bed was white, matching the roses, with a canapé hanging over it. Her eyes sparkled. It was simply gorgeous.. Xelloss looked over at Amelia's shocked face. He grinned inwardly. "This is going far better then I expected.." he thought to himself. Amelia's bag slid from her hand, plopping down on the floor near the entrance way. She ran into the room, looking all about it. "You like it?" Xelloss said with a pleased look on his face. Amelia nodded enthusiastically. "So much white.." his thoughts continued to trail.. he didn't exactly enjoy the color much, but if Amelia liked it then he supposed he would have to put up with it. Amelia looked over at him. "Demo.. how will I pay for this? I brought enough only for a small room.. not something this.. splendid!" Xelloss thought this was another perfect situation, and took ahold of it immediately. "Why my dear Miss Amelia, I am paying for this!" Amelia's mouth dropped to the ground. "I have matters to attend to.. though. I shall see you later!" He said phasing out, leaving Amelia to the room.
Amelia sat on a chair, looking into the mirror as she brushed her hair. The hours passed so fast.. she decided to get a night of rest before going after the terrorist. She wore a light lilac night gown that accented her eyes wonderfully, making them seem even bluer then they actually where. The memories of the day ran through her head. She had the best treatment here.. and she was so certain no one knew that she was Princess of Saillune.. or could they tell? She thought the whole situation far too suspicious.. but for now she would just let herself enjoy it. She looked in the mirror, seeing a figure behind herself. She let out a suprised scream. "I'm sorry Miss Amelia, did I scare you?" whispered a voice in her ear. She let out a deep sigh. It was no one but Xelloss. "Hai.. Mister Xelloss, you did.." Xelloss pulled a blue rose from underneath his cape and put in into Amelia's hair. "You look very lovely, Miss Amelia." Amelia felt her cheeks grow hot. She again found herself unprepared. He flashed a smile. "Arigato.." She said softly. He picked up a teapot then sit it next to Amelia, then brought over two cups. He pulled out the second chair near Amelia and took a seat, pouring the tea into the cups. He offered Amelia one. She set down her brush and took a sip. Both of them began talking about how things have been, about the "terrorist", and of their past adventures, soon both of them forgetting that time even existed... things couldn't be better... so Amelia believed.
But, not all could be as Amelia wanted it. Things seemed to have been going good for her where she was.. but in the castle? King Phil paced back and forth.. his eyes trailing over the letter he had found over a week ago in Amelia's room. It explained of a sick friend in a town not far from here that she must see before it was too late. He was worried for his daughter.. It had been over a week when in the letter it clearly stated it would only take a few days. He found himself doubting her. What with that mazoku running around, and Amelia's fine thurst for justice like himself, he felt she may have went off to end it's rein of chaos. He knew Amelia well.. and he finally set his mind that it was exactly for that reason she had gone, and not because of a sick friend. "Your Majesty..?" A timid servant said meekly as he peered in. "Prepare my horse.." He said flatly. "Bu-but sir!" the servant replied with a shocked look on his face. "Don't question me.. just prepare my horse. I am going to get my daughter." The servant sighed deeply. "What ever you wish.. my lord." He said with a bow, then rushed off to prepare the king's horse. Once the horse was ready, the king left instructions and rode out. This would be a none-stop trip.. he was equipt with lights to lead him on for the darkest night, and packed down with food. He rod off in the direction Amelia had once tred not so long ago.
It was passed midnight now. Way past. Amelia was slumped over onto Xelloss' shoulder, fast asleep. Xelloss' eyes slowly opened, he saw the young princess asleep. He was suprised that even he had fallen asleep. He gently lifted her up and set her down on her bed, then pulled the covers over her and tucked her in carefully. He watched her for a moment. She was very pretty.. something he didn't really take much notice of. She looked so peaceful.. like an angel. He pushed the thoughts from his mind. They would mess up his game if he kept thoughts like those running through his mind. He bent over and blew out the candle near her bed, the room turning dark. He faded away into the darkness, leaving Amelia once again alone... but somehow, more happy.
Darkness, pure darkness. Amelia woke late in the day to the sounds of gently patting rain against the window. She stood slowly, letting out a yawn, opening the shutters and looking out. There was a chill in the air as the water hit against the ice and snow in the street below her. She figured no terrorist would be out in weather like this..what would the fun be? Everyone would be inside anyways. She took in a deep sigh of relief, happy she would have a day more to delay their meeting. She wondered what she would eat for breakfast, her thoughts though be interrupted by a gloved hand stroking her cheek. Her eyes, still tired from newly waking, snapped wide open as she turned..strait into Xelloss' embrace. Her cheeks glowed, she turned her head quickly. 'Mr. Xelloss I thought I told you not to sneak up on me!' she screeched. Then it hit her. Had she really said that...? Yelled at him? Things where getting very odd, especially this new kick of bravery around him. She was scared of him, right? She pushed back, her cheeks once more a normal shade. "Why Miss Amelia I'm dreadfully sorry. I thought you could use some breakfast though.." he said, motioning behind him, one her bed set out a tray of bacon, eggs, rice, and orange juice. The food was positioned so it looked like the plate was smiling. She turned to him in suprise. "You..got this for me?" she spoke lowly, almost in a whisper. He nodded. "Hai, Miss Amelia!" She smiled some, sitting on her bed and picking up her chopsticks began to eat, making sure to use her manners.
Xelloss sat next to her, staff rested on his lap, just watching. Oh how he was enjoying this. Now she was even trying to act especially proper around him. How delightfully intreging! "Ano.. Mr. Xelloss, why are you staring at me?" Amelia caught herself off guard as her cheeks glowed a pale pink, subconchiously her own mind yelling at her for allowing herself to blush over a mazoku, an evil that she was born to justify! She started to doubt her own mind as she began to be the one staring, recalling every single thing they did together over the course of time. She hadn't had so much enjoyment in so long.. like being with an old friend, not someone she had to make right. Something kept nagging at her over this, but her mind kept the upper hand 'It's nothing but a trick, remember Mr. Zelgadis! Good over evil!' Evil was just about starting to win...
'Ah, just admiring how pretty you look with food hanging out of your mouth, Miss Amelia!' Amelia nearly choked, swallowing down the current piece of food in her mouth which got lodged in her throat, virtually drinking all of the orange juice. Xelloss let out a whole-hearted laugh.. that is, if he had a heart, or does he? 'Why Miss Amelia you are quite funny!' Amelia looked up at him for a moment, at first angry..then suddenly busting out in laughter. Xelloss blinked for a moment, and followed her pattern. In the back of Xelloss mind her too was beginning to admit he was enjoying himself.. for once not because she was crying, but because she was *smiling*..so was he.
After the laughter subsided both looked at eachother. Amelia giggled and dabbed at her mouth. Xelloss stood and offered her a hand. Amelia looked at his hand curiously, then looked up at Xelloss. She cautiously put her hand in his, closing her eyes suddenly expecting something horrid to happen. Though when she peaked one eye open she found herself standing. Blinking in confusion, Xelloss took advantage and pulled her out. "Come, Ame-Chan, let's walk about town!" Amelia stumbled as she was dragged along. "I really should be getting to work on the ma-AME-CHAN?!" Too late, both where already outside. Amelia shook her head, thinking to herself "How DOES he do that?!" Xelloss turned to Amelia, about to say something when he saw an opportunity.. and immediately ran past her to a guard who was patrolling the street. Very much like a child he began to make silly faces at the guard. Running over to them, Amelia prepared a justice speech. "Mr. Xelloss! I understand you are a mazoku and you know my deep feelings for our repentance.. but pestering an official of law and justice! How dare you do such an underhanded deed. In the name of justice an-" The guard groaned. "Shut your trap kid! And you..smart guy..." Amelia paused, looked at the guard, then prepared another speech.. Xelloss with his hand clasped over his ears, moaning "Make it stop", slapping a hand over Amelia's mouth just as she got out an "I". Xelloss mumbled to himself, Amelia hearing "ruining all my fun, not everyday I run into.. oh well maybe it is but those speeches! Dear L-Sama!"
Amelia frowned as she was dragged along to who knows where.. oh well, Amelia could care less. She saw the sun rising high into the sky, knowing once it began to set Xelloss would have no choice but to leave her alone to face that... demon, Amelia not noticing how half the people surrounding them as they walked backed away at one sight of Xelloss. Was Amelia in for a rude awaking to Xelloss' trickeries.. or would Xelloss be the one in for a rude awaking when his thoughts actually begin to prove he has emotions? Sore wa.... himitsu desu.
