A/N: Standard disclaimer, no rights of ownership, etc. etc. If you like this story, make sure to check out its sequels. There are a whole crazy mess of them now. Also view the accompanying fanart at my website, www.vejiitasei.com.

You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.

Reviews are welcome!!

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A few hours later and Zel had the brew ready. Lina had drawn the magic circle on the floor of the shrine, and several shrine maidens and a few priests stood at the ready to lend their power, should it be needed. Zel tenderly laid Amelia's body in the center, with himself at the head and Lina at the foot. I can't believe that bastard had the root the whole time, she was grumbling.


I plan on having words with him about that later, Zel said testily. For now, though, we're going to need every ounce of energy to complete this casting.


Lina agreed, and kneeled in place.


It was an exceedingly difficult shamanistic spell, and the potion had to be delivered into Amelia's body at exactly the right time. The weakening of the bond between her astral and physical form had to be of just the right amount; if it remained too strong, the curse would not be broken, but if the bond became too weak, she would die. Two priests and two shrine maidens sat in the other four points of the star, and when all was ready Zelgadis lead the chanting. He raised his hands, the potion cradled in a vial in his lap, and began to gather the power. He would be the one to watch over her astral form as well, making sure that she was not left vulnerable at any time. It was the least he could do, in his opinion. He was dimly aware of Lina's voice joining the chant, followed by the four others. The power in his hands increased as the chant rose in cadence and he began to spin the casting, directing the energy to where it was needed, forming the equivalent of an astral net. At that moment he released the energy and leaned forward quickly, opening Amelia's throat and pouring the liquid down. She tried to cough, but he immediately began to message her throat, concentrating on her ingesting the potion. There was a surge of power in the spell and he was forced to abandon her body as he quickly reined in the energy. He was aware, through the casting, of the slow separation of her physical and astral forms, and suddenly he could feel the curse. It was like a hot tumor on the side of her astral form, draining her spiritual vitality. He almost couldn't summon the patience it took to wait until the bond was weak enough for the spell to work, but wait he did, sweat trickling from his temples and gathering on his bangs. Then he felt it- it was nearly an audible click, and he flung the casting from him, trusting that the spell would find its proper place on its own. He held his breath as the magic went forth, wrapping and weaving its way around Amelia's astral form. He wished he could see it instead of vaguely sense it, but he did not have that capability, no mortal did. The casting suddenly constricted around Amelia's astral form and her physical body cried out in pain. Cold fear raced through Zelgadis as he wondered if he had unleashed the spell too soon, and he nearly broke off the casting altogether. Then the spell changed somehow and tore itself away from her astral form, disappearing in a white-hot flash that could not be seen only felt. He was aware of Lina collapsing opposite him, and then he experienced it as well. The second the spell was finished he was wracked with a horrible, draining chill, making it difficult to breathe. He felt the stone beneath his cheek and wondered when he had keeled over.


Pushing himself off the ground with shaking arms, he blinked rapidly as he tried to focus on Amelia's body. She was breathing, which was good, and he let down his guard for a split second. Once again, it hit Lina before him, perhaps because he was more experienced with Shamanistic magic. She screamed and began to writhe, and he felt it too, the awful, tearing sensation of his astral form being drawn towards the void left by the spell. The casting must have been too strong, since it was trying to suck their lives away along with the curse. He cried out in agony and convulsed, wondering if this would be the end, if he would save Amelia just to meet his own demise. Blackness opened up before him like a gaping maw, and he felt his astral form begin to break apart within the vortex created by the runaway spell. Suddenly his deterioration stopped, gripped firmly by a force so powerful he had never felt the likes of it. His astral form immediately became stable once more, ripped away from the vortex by the strength of the new power. The connection between his astral and physical forms was reinforced beyond belief, and for a moment it seemed as if he could actually see on the astral plane. A dim shadow in what seemed an almost cone-like shape flickered at the edge of his senses, and then a pair of deeply amethyst eyes and a smooth voice were in his mind. This is no place for you, the voice said, and suddenly he was awake, gasping on the cold floor.


he heard Gourry cry hoarsely, boots pounding across the stones.


A woman's cough reached his ears and he rolled over with a groan, wincing at the light in the room. Shading his eyes with a trembling hand, he saw the steady rise and fall of Amelia's chest. She had lived through the ordeal. He crawled over to her and touched her cheek lightly, looking into her face. Her eyelids fluttered open and he gazed into her midnight-blue eyes for the first time in what felt like eternity.

he whispered, expression softening.


Mister Zelgadis, she breathed, reaching up and grazing the back of his hand with her fingertips.


It's all right, you're safe now.


The others? she asked.


Zel glanced around and saw Lina curled in Xellos' lap. The Monster's eyes met his, their purple depths boring into him. In that moment he knew what had happened.


Gourry was saying, obviously trying to find a delicate way to get Lina out of Xellos' arms. The Monster had one arm thrown across her waist while the other supported her shoulders, his gloved hand gripping her upper arm.


See to the others, Mister Gourry, Xellos said, gesturing toward himself and Amelia.


But, Lina-


I'm fine, Gourry, Lina answered, waving him away. Xellos isn't going to do anything. He didn't save me just to hurt me.


Zel thought that Gourry's expression said that it wasn't harm he thought Xellos would do, but he was too tired to draw any conclusions or even comment. Still, as much pain as he was in, and as tired as he was, he was oddly content and happy. Amelia was okay. He would get another chance to see where things would go. He closed his eyes and rested his head on the floor, his shoulder the only part of him still touching Amelia. He felt a strong hand begin to roll him over onto his back, but he groaned in protest. Get Amelia first, he mumbled, feeling his physical strength quickly leaving him.


Okay, Zel. You just hang on, Gourry's deep voice said.


I can get her, she's my daughter, after all, Phil's voice interjected, and Zel was aware of Amelia being lifted off the floor and carried away.


Now will you let me move you? Gourry asked.


Do what you want. I'm going to sleep, Zel replied, and slipped into unconsciousness.


Good morning, Mister Zelgadis! he heard a voice chirp, and he slowly opened his eyes. Amelia was sitting on the edge of his bed, propping herself up with an arm. She closed her eyes and grinned at him.


he breathed, sitting upright and looking her over. How are you feeling? Are you sure you should be up and about so soon?


Her smile brightened and she laughed, the sound music for his very soul. It's been four days, Mister Zelgadis. I got better before you did.


But you're all right? No lingering effects?


I'm fine, I promise. I'm good as new! In fact, Mister Xellos says that he can't see a trace of the curse left on the astral plane.


Zel's face darkened at the mention of the Monster's name. As much as he hated to admit it, he and Lina would have died if it hadn't been for Xellos' intervention. He knew Xellos was powerful, but the memory of that overwhelming energy sent chills up his spine. Xellos had to be very close in power to the Monster lords if he was so strong, and the thought did not bring him comfort. I'm very glad to hear that, Zelgadis said, forcing his mind to return to the present. However, as he looked into her face, all the old doubts and fears began to steal into his heart once again.


Daddy said that you came back to help me, she said softly, face staining pink as she looked away.


I came as soon as I heard, he replied. I wish I could have gotten here sooner.


Well, I'm perfectly fine now, so there's no need to fret over the past. I'm just glad you came back at all, Mister Zelgadis.


Just Zelgadis.



He cleared his throat and looked away, feeling awkward. What was he supposed to do with her now? If he revealed that he was thinking of perhaps becoming more than just friends would she run screaming in the other direction? After all, who could fall in love with an abomination like him? You can just call me Zelgadis. We've known one another too long for you to be so formal.


I'm just trying to be polite, she murmured.


I know, but you treat me very well anyway. You treat me better, perhaps, than I deserve, he said in reply, voice equally hushed. He glanced away, suddenly feeling very embarrassed. Maybe he was already becoming too familiar.


All right, then, Mi. . .er, Zelgadis.


His eyes licked over the bare flesh of her shoulder and something stirred within his chest. He scratched the back of his neck and immediately looked everywhere else in the room but at her. For some reason the sight of her hair shining black in the sunlight streaming through the windows and her rosy skin was driving him slightly mad. Uh, Amelia, do you remember anything that happened while you were sick?


She blushed and looked at the floor. Not really. I had a lovely dream one night, though.


He let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding and folded his hands in his lap.



I was just curious. Sometimes astral abnormalities cause interesting dreams.


Her eyes studied his face for a few moments.


He cleared his throat and wrung his hands nervously for a few moments. Well, I should get up, I suppose. Four days is long enough to lay abed, he declared, throwing off the sheets and beginning to stand. His hand brushed hers and he pulled away as if she was burning hot, cheeks immediately flaming. he stammered, backing away from the bed.


That's all right, she said with a smile, her blush more gentle on her features than his.


Uh, I should get dressed, he continued, standing with his arms at his sides as he stared at her.


Then you probably should get moving.


He stood there for several moments more just staring at her.


Are you going to get ready to dress?


Her words snapped him out of his stupor. Yes, immediately, he said, and turned to go into the next room. He had only made it a few steps when he felt a light touch on his shoulder blade. He stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide and body tense. He felt her place her hands on his back, where they paused for a few moments before sliding under his armpits and coming around to the front. She placed her palms flat against his chest and pulled him to her gently, resting her head against his back. He closed his eyes and relaxed into her embrace, letting out a long sigh.


Thank you so much, Zelgadis, she whispered.


A million things he wanted to say to her raced through his mind. He wanted to turn around and hold her in return, to press her head to his chest and touch that thick, silky hair. Before he could react, however, she was already gone.