Chapter 18
Reunions
Night time descended on the mansion. The hallways grew silent and empty. Darkness enveloped the place bringing in a vast number of shadows and swallowing all light that was stupid enough to hang around in the hallway.
With such little light and an abundance of shadows, this was the perfect cover. The perfect cover for concealed movement. The perfect cover for suspicious activity. The perfect cover for plotting most nefarious....
Yet even if this was the time for evil to roam free, the halls of the mansion were unusually silent. Not one soul was awake. Nor was anyone roaming the hallways: The three evils that inhabited the mansion had all retired for the night, leaving the mansion as silent as a tomb.
But suddenly, this silence was penetrated. Penetrated by the sound of a door creaking on it's hinges. A door that was being opened....
The door was the one that led into Amelia's room. Slowly the princess poked her head through the door, her eyes watching for any sign of movement and her eyes on the alert for the sounds of any threat approaching.
Satisfied with the silence, the princess slowly made her way out of the room and closed the door behind her. It was then that she paused. What was she doing? Why was she leaving the security of her room? It may be a prison but it has to rank as the most luxurious prison she has ever been in! Furthermore, it would have to be the most secure place for her in the entire mansion! This mansion is the headquarters of the enemy. The enemy that has been relentlessly pursuing her so they could manipulate her in their twisted schemes. The enemy that was keeping her within the confines of this mansion whilst they keep her friends subjects to some fate most hideous!
Amelia examined her deformed hand. This was the same enemy that altered her appearance and made her into a chimera. And as long as she remains a chimera, she will still remain a pawn to whatever plans Alana, Kurt and Adolphus have concocted.
Amelia's chimera hand moulded in a fist. Such a crime will not escape her gaze unnoticed. Now, her first priority is to find and recover her friends. She can't leave them rotting in a cold, damp cell whilst she is living in luxury as a 'guest'.
And once she does, she'll show her captors absolute inferno from the business end of the Hammer of Justice....
And with that, the princess quickly ducked into the shadows and wrapped herself in the refuge they offered.
It was from there that she began searching for her imprisoned friends.
As she made her way through the confines of the shadows, her mind began pondering on the proposal that Kurt presented to her earlier that day.
He told her that as long as she remained in this chimera form, she would still be able to play host body in resurrecting Damenamecus. And, in order to get her cooperation, the devious teenager promised her an antidote to destroy her cursed form and restore her human body.
But how did she know that what Kurt promised was the genuine article? How did she know he was not leading her one with another of his lies? He had tricked her before so why should she believe him now?
Suddenly, as she was moving past a window, Amelia was struck by another thought. A thought that made her cease her movements.
What about Adolphus and that proposition he presented her to earlier this evening? Was he being truthful by telling her that Kurt didn't have a cure? But, supposedly, if Kurt didn't have a cure, then how honest was Adolphus by telling her that he did? Yet this cure would only come if she would help the liche in his plan to do away with his 'allies'. But was this liche to be trusted? What crooked scheme did he have hidden up his sleeve?
Amelia looked at her hand. Jeez, all these factions want her because of this unique power she possessed - A power that wasn't her's by choice.
Does Zelgadis ever feel like this?
Amelia sighed, as the chimera entered her thoughts. With such a sudden concern the princess immediately forgot all about escaping. It was there and then that she moved out of the shadows and towards the moonlight that emanated from the window. Moved into the moonlight to see her chimera curse in all it's horrific glory. Moved into the moonlight to give her time and space to think....
For years Zel had been obsessed with finding a cure. And, in order to see this quest through to completion, he shunned out everything else around him. Yet in the past week or so, Amelia had managed to rescue him from this grim fate by proclaiming her long-concealed love for him. Since then, the chimera had grown warm towards the princess and her promise of eternal friendship: No matter how dangerous the situation or what dangers they may face from here on in, there was one fact known for certain: They would do it together.
Yet despite this change of behaviour nothing could conceal the fact that every silver lining has a dark cloud. And in this case it would be Zelgadis' never-ending obsession with finding a cure for his cursed form. Even though Amelia's affection for him, certainly broke down some barriers and brought him out of his introverted shell, nothing could shake the one thing that haunted the chimera and tortured his every waking moment
But now she, the only one who had the audacity to love the chimera and show him a new view of living beyond his chimera form, had now been transformed into a chimera herself: An exact replica of Zelgadis.
The princess thought back to earlier this evening. Back to where Zel had seen her transformation for the first time. Although she hid her eyes from him, she could tell that the impact of seeing her like this was hardly good. She could sense him boiling with rage and his eyes blazing with disbelief.
But where does this leave her? Will he look at her the same way now that he knows that she's obtained the chimera curse? Will, he shun her away from his gaze and forget everything that she tried to tell him? Or will she wind up abandoning her duties as a princess and travelling by his side as a pair of freaks on a fruitless quest?
However, as Amelia was too wrapped up with her thoughts she didn't hear the sound of footsteps approaching.
Oh well, At least the latter option certainly has it's advantages.....
Running footsteps approaching.
At least then, neither she or Zel would be alone.....
The footsteps thundered closer and closer, yet still Amelia pondered.
But is it worth travelling every inch and breadth of the world, being perceived as a freak?
Hold on, what was that noise.....?
In that instant Amelia's train of thought collapsed. The princess, sensing danger, turned around focusing her gaze up the darkened corridor.
But it was too late. Something burst out from the shadows and cannon-balled into the startled Amelia. Something that struck with such speed and such force. Something heavy and hard.....
Amelia was knocked off her feet and taken down to the floor. This mystery attacker brought her down in a rugby tackle and pinned her to the floor.
There was little Amelia could do. How could she do anything? She had been caught off guard and brought down in a rapidly-executed attack. Now, for all her trouble, she was pinned to the floor by her mystery attacker.
There was little Amelia could do except see who this mystery attacker.
With the aid of the illumination from the moonlight, she looked up at her attacker.
And what she saw nearly made her eyes pop out of her head.
"Zelgadis?"
The chimera blinked at the familiar sound that was Amelia's voice. Amelia? This was Amelia? He had been making his way down the corridor when he saw, up ahead, something lurking near the window. Concluding that it was an enemy, it was then that he moved into action. He charged at the newcomer and launched himself into attack.
But what he was expecting was a minion of Adolphus or Alana. Not the princess herself.
Zel blinked at Amelia, who lay pinned beneath him. It was here that he got a good look at the horror of her transformation. And it was here that the true nightmare of the situation struck him like a sledge-hammer.
She looked exactly like him.....
No, he wasn't expecting the princess - Especially like THIS!
"Amelia?" Zel inquired. "Is that really you?"
She nodded.
It was then that Zelgadis eased his grip on the princess. He then got to his feet and stepped away from the princess. Having given Amelia enough space to get to her feet, he blinked at the cursed princess. There, was the true nightmare of the situation: It was Amelia's voice, Amelia's distinctive clothes and Amelia's shapely form. But, at the same time, it was also an abomination.....
His nightmares have finally become flesh.
Zelgadis turned his gaze away from Amelia and to the night beyond the window. It seems that everywhere he turns, he can't escape this chimera curse. Nor it's destructive grip it has on his life.
Amelia blinked at the chimera. She could tell what he was thinking.
She moved forward and gently laid a comforting arm on his shoulder.
Zel sighed, before returning his gaze to Amelia and taking her hand in his own.
"Amelia" he whispered. "What have they done to you?"
Amelia closed her eyes and bowed her head.
"I'm so sorry, Zelgadis" she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so sorry...."
Then Zel turned away from the window and placed his arm around Amelia, thus sealing the embrace.
And for a while silence descended between the two. Not a word was spoken and not a word was necessary. Both felt the same pain as the other and both felt the necessity in the other's presence. Both felt the burden the other felt and the futility of escaping said burden.
But what was important was that they had each other. They had one another to feel the pain, the burden and the horror of a hideous curse.
Suddenly, the intimacy of the moment was shattered by a voice. A voice that came from the shadows. A voice that meant trouble to the ears who recognised it. A voice that was disturbingly familiar.
"Awwww. Isn't that sweet?"
Both Amelia and Zel looked up. They both stared into the shadows, at someone whom was emerging into the light from the window.
"Xelloss!"
"The one and only!" the Trickster replied, grinning his head off.
Both Amelia and Zel released their grip on each other. Thanks to Xelloss' abrupt appearance all thoughts of each other were now completely forgotten!
"What are you doing here?!" Amelia demanded.
"Oh Amelia!" Xelloss grinned playfully. "How nice it is to see you again! My, you've certainly changed since we last met! Why, you look exactly like....."
"Cut the crap Xelloss" Zel interrupted. "Just answer the question!"
"What question?"
"The one which asks what you're doing here!" Amelia snapped.
"Oh, that one!" Xelloss giggled. "Sorry! Can't answer that one!"
"Why not?" Zel snarled.
"That's a secret!" came the reply.
Both Amelia and Zel glared at the Trickster Priest with a gaze that screamed murderous.
Eventually Xel regained his composure and opened his eyes.
"I am here to thank you" he said. "For saving me the trouble of destroying Damenamecus myself."
"What?!" Amelia gasped.
"Why would you care what happens to us?" Zel snapped, his voice sceptical and dangerous.
"I am merely acting on the orders of Zelas." Xel replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
Zel and Amelia blinked.
"You see," Xel went on. "Zelas sensed what Alana, Adolphus and Kurt were up to. So rather then allow Damenamecus roam free in this realm, she sent me to stop them."
"Ha!" Zel growled. "Why would Zelas care? She just doesn't want a rival mazoku getting in her way!"
Xelloss closed his eyes and chuckled.
"Well done Zel! You're very perceptive!"
Zel twitched with rage. Sensing danger, Amelia quickly spoke up.
"You set us up to do your dirty work?"
"Of course!"
"Xelloss!" Amelia said, in an appalled tone. "That wasn't very nice!"
"Yes, but it was extremely funny!"
Now it was Amelia's turn to twitch with rage. Yet in spite of this she still managed to continue with speaking:
"And what are you doing here?"
"To help clean up the mess"
"Why should we help you clean up your mess?" Zel snarled slowly.
"Don't look at me" Xel sniggered, nodding towards Amelia. "You brought it upon yourself!"
This was the final nail in the coffin. Zel, now lost all concept of self-control, launched himself into a run. A run heading for the Trickster, prepared to pound him like there was no tomorrow.
But the fight never came. For the scene was interrupted by another interloper.
"OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!!!!!!!!!!"
This new sound was enough to make Zel stop dead in his tracks and make Amelia's skin crawl. Even Xelloss grimaced. Then, right on cue, Naga marched in from the shadows.
"Ah there you are Xelloss!" the sorceress grinned. "Now where are these bad guys you promised? I am eager to show them a thing or two!"
And with that, the raven-haired sorceress let loose another of her infamous laughs:
"OH-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO-HO!!!!!!!!!!"
Xelloss opened his eyes, turned towards his 'ally' and began speaking through clenched teeth.
"What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to blow our cover?! Do you want to bring the evils here down on our heads?!"
"Of course!" Naga replied.
Xelloss slapped his forehead in frustration. Man, he sure has a lousy pick of allies....
Zel, meanwhile, blinked in horror. He recognised this newcomer. He had witnessed Xelloss talking her into joining him days ago. But to Zel, this woman was an enigma. What was she doing hanging around the mazoku? Was she the type to be trusted? What type of power was she capable of.....apart from that annoying laugh?!
He looked at Amelia. She too was staring in disbelief.
It was then that Naga noticed the people Xelloss had been talking to. Her gaze grew suspicious.
"And who are you?" Naga inquired.
"They are friends of mine." Xelloss replied.
Immediately, the two chimeras started coughing.
Naga blinked before advancing towards the nearest of the newcomers: Amelia.
The raven-haired sorceress looked up and down at the princess. This was odd. She seemed familiar. She couldn't put her finger on it but there was something there....
"And who might you be?" Naga inquired.
"Amelia wil Tesla Saillune" the princess replied.
Naga blinked at the name. Odd, that too was familiar. She'd heard the name before.....
Suddenly Naga's brain was triggered. Triggered by something long forgotten. Triggered by something undergoing a resurrection. Triggered by something from Naga's past.
"Amelia?" Naga gasped. "Saillune?!"
Meanwhile, Amelia was undergoing revelations of her own. Who was this woman? When she heard Amelia's name, she sure grew surprised! But who was this woman? What was with her clothes? And her laugh? And her rather tall stature....?
She seemed vaguely familiar.
It didn't take Amelia long to place all the pieces in place.
No.... It can't be.....
"Gracia? Gracia Saillune?"
Upon hearing a long dead alias, Naga's eyes widened.
"Are.... you.....?" she stammered.
"...that... I....am" Amelia finished. "....And are you.....?"
"....your..... sister?" Naga replied.
And suddenly, something in the princess and the sorceress ignited. They each let out a shriek of joy and charged into one another. Both Amelia and Naga embraced each other. The sisters had, at long last, found each other.
Then, they started talking:
"I can't believe it's you!"
"Yeah! We have so much to talk about!"
"How's father?"
"Oh he's doing well!"
Meanwhile, Xelloss and Zelgadis exchanged expressions of wide-eyed disbelief.
"They're....Sisters?!?"
Elsewhere in the mansion, Lina and Gourry hurried through the endless maze of twisting corridors and many doors, in their pursuit to find a way out.
"Lina! There are so many doors here!" Gourry exclaimed. 'How do we know which one leads us out of here?"
"I guess we go for the one that looks the biggest I guess!" Lina replied.
"Like that one?" Gourry said, pointing up ahead to a set of huge double doors.
"Yeah!" Lina grinned. "Like that one!"
Quick as a flash, the sorceress and the swordsman charged over to this discovery. They flung the doors open and dived into the world that lay beyond them.
But that world wasn't what they were both expecting. What was not the outside world, was a huge room. It had very little in the way of furniture, it was practically empty, and the room was lit with a whole bunch of candle lamps.
Lina and Gourry blinked. This was most unexpected.
"Going somewhere?" came voice. A voice that could belong to Alana.
The scientist emerged from the shadows with a twisted grin. This was VERY unexpected!
"Well I know one thing Lina" Gourry said. "This isn't outside."
"GOURRY YOU MORON!" came the furious reply.
Chapter 19
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