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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Later in the day found all four of them gathered around a table, eating lunch. We should celebrate, Amelia said, putting down her fork. After all, we're all finally together again, and we're all healthy as well. I think a celebration is in order.
I'm always up for a party, if there's lots of good food involved, Lina mumbled around a mouthful.
Gourry agreed, face also stuffed.
Zelgadis sighed. Not much had changed, not even after all these years. He wasn't sure if he was exasperated or happy. I suppose it would be okay, he said slowly. I just don't want anything to get out of hand.
Aw, jeez, Zel! Don't be such a stick in the mud! When have things ever gotten out of hand? Lina said, brandishing her fork.
Zel shook his head and carefully cut a piece of meat. You really need to ask that question? he replied without looking up from his little task.
He's right, you know, Gourry added.
Shut up, Lina growled, hunching over her plate.
Will your dad mind? Gourry asked Amelia.
The princess paused and her forehead screwed up in thought. Probably not, but I think it's better if we went somewhere on the outskirts of town. It's generally not a great idea to cause a commotion in the castle.
Do they have good places to eat at the edges of town? Lina asked, shoving more food into her mouth.
Actually, they have a lovely place at the northwest perimeter, a familiar voice said, and Xellos appeared next to them, pulling out a chair and sitting next to Amelia. The food there is supposed to be superb and the accommodations are quite comfortable.
Don't tell me you'll be coming along, Zel growled, narrowing his eyes at the demon. He glanced at Amelia, who was sitting directly across from him.
Would you be the person to uninvite me? Xellos said coolly. Even after what happened several days ago?
Zelgadis clenched his teeth and uttered a low sound of anger, fists tightening around his flatware. Zelgadis, what is he talking about? What happened? Amelia asked.
Zel drew a breath and let it out slowly. When we were casting the cure for your curse something went horribly wrong. You see, the spell detached the curse from your astral form and destroyed itself and the curse, but somehow there was too much power involved. I'm guessing it's because both Lina and I had been involved- if someone of less power than Lina had been in her place, I don't think as much energy would have been summoned. Anyway, when the spell destroyed itself, it was so strong that it created a vortex on the astral plane, which in turn began to dismantle my and Lina's astral forms. However, before our astral bodies could break away from our physical forms and disintegrate, a huge force came out of nowhere and shielded us.
That isn't all, Lina interjected. Whatever it was not only was strong enough to shield us, but also to reconstruct the astral damage we had already sustained, reestablish the connection between our astral and physical bodies, and close the vortex.
Amelia's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open slightly. But who could do such a thing, she began, voice quiet with awe, then she turned her head slowly to the man seated at her left. she breathed. You did that?
Xellos smiled sweetly at her and nodded once. Well, if I hadn't done something, Lina and Zelgadis would not be with us today, and that wouldn't be very much fun now, would it?
Well, no, Amelia agreed. I'm very happy that you helped them, Mister Xellos, but doesn't that sort of go against your duties as a Monster?
His smile was gracious as he inclined his head at her. Not precisely, Princess. You see, as long as I'm fulfilling my orders I'm allowed to do whatever I like. My priority, after accomplishing my missions, is simply having fun. Honestly, you people are the most entertaining people I believe I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
I refuse to be your damn toy, Zelgadis snapped.
Xellos raised an eyebrow. Oh, you are nothing of the sort, I assure you. Look at all of you. You have varied talents and personalities. Some of you are as different as night and day, and when you all get together, interesting things are bound to happen. Strong destinies follow all of you, so when you are in one another's presence, things are very entertaining. So, strictly speaking, my Princess, so long as I am not violating my orders, I am allowed to do whatever I like.
Oh, okay then. I suppose if you helped them you're welcome to come along, Amelia said.
Xellos replied, leaning back in his chair. How does tonight sound, then?
Are you strong enough, Amelia? Zelgadis asked, studying her and doing his best to ignore the trickster priest.
I'm fine. How are you and Miss Lina doing? the young woman said in return.
I'm plenty strong for partying, Lina declared.
I'm feeling well also, Zelgadis answered.
Well, I suppose we can go ahead and celebrate tonight, then, Amelia said. I'd just sort of like to keep it rather incognito, though.
That's fine, Xellos replied. I've already arranged accommodations.
That was a bit premature, don't you think? Lina said with a raised eyebrow.
I know what to expect from all of you by now, Xellos replied with a cryptic grin. At any rate, I have some things I must attend to. I shall see you all there an hour or so after the sun sets. He handed Amelia a slip of paper as he stood, waved to the group once, and then disappeared into thin air.
It creeps me out when he does that, Gourry said beneath his breath.
Still, it was awfully nice for him to go through all this trouble for us, Amelia said, studying the slip of paper. I think he picked well, too. I've heard people praise this inn.
I don't trust him, Zelgadis mumbled.
You don't trust anyone, Lina countered.
I think he's right not to trust Xellos. We don't know what he's after, Gourry replied.
I'm pretty sure that just this once he wants to simply have fun, Lina said, crossing her arms over her chest.
You just want the free food, Zelgadis said dryly, looking at the ceiling innocently.
Can we not talk about this? Amelia interrupted. We haven't been together for so long, and I'd really like to just enjoy our time tonight. Is there any harm in that?
Of course not, Lina said, glaring at the other faces around the table. We'll meet up at this place tonight and have a grand old time, right everyone?
Gourry and Zelgadis said simultaneously, each speaking without conviction.
Lina nodded and resumed stuffing her face, followed immediately by Gourry. Zelgadis sighed and turned back to his own plate when he realized Amelia was looking at him. Is there something on my face? he asked, raising his fingers to the corners of his mouth.
She blinked rapidly and blushed. Oh, not at all, she replied, looking away and smiling slightly.
Then what is it?
I was just...I was thinking how nice it is to have you around again.
He felt the blood rush into his face and felt a smile spread across his own features. It's nice to be back, he answered, and they just sat looking at one another in silence for several moments.
Oh, just kiss and get it over with! Lina cried, waving a fork. Gourry nearly had water come out of his nose as he began to laugh.
Amelia turned a deep crimson and quickly brought her hand up to her lips, staring at the floor with intense concentration. Zelgadis' eyes widened and he wondered if she did remember that night during her illness after all. A million different thoughts and insecurities rushed through his mind, but one question rose above it all: could she really feel anything for him?
He found he suddenly was too nervous to eat. Perhaps he would get a chance to speak to her before their little get-together. He didn't know what to say, really, but he wanted to say something. He wanted her to know that he felt more than friendly towards her, but he didn't know how to go about it. He wasn't really someone who was comfortable with physical attention, and he could admit that he was too shy to do something like that anyway. Still, an odd hope fluttered in his chest, and he wondered if perhaps she could feel something for a monstrosity like him. The memory of her embrace earlier in the day sent another blush ablaze in his face and he stood up slowly. I think I'll do a few things before we gather this evening, he said by way of excusing himself.
Do you need any help? Amelia asked eagerly.
he replied without thinking, then mentally kicked himself as her expression fell. I mean, not right now, he amended, cringing inwardly at the thought he might have wounded her feelings. I'll meet you to walk over to the inn, though. I'll be by your suite later.
Okay, that's fine, she replied, a smile touching her face again.
We'll meet you two there, Zelgadis said pointedly, turning to leave the room.
Heh, sure thing, Zel, Lina answered with a devilish grin.
Oh, shut up, he grumbled, and left to go about his business.
He was waiting by the fountain in Amelia's private garden, half sitting and half leaning against the carved marble rim. The burbling sound of the water making its way down the carved statue of a dragon lulled him somehow and let him delve more deeply into his thoughts when what he should have been doing was watching for Amelia's appearance. His heart began to pound harder inside his chest as his thoughts drifted to the young woman, wondering where things could be headed. She seemed to like him, but he couldn't be certain. Amelia could just be being so attentive out of appreciation for saving her, after all. Besides, he couldn't dare hope that things were otherwise. He was a freak of nature, what with his wiry hair and stone skin. In addition, he was a warrior first and foremost, wasn't he? What good could it possibly do to have feelings for her? His desire was to become stronger, to find a cure, not to settle down with a princess of all people. He should forget about her while he still could and spare himself the inevitable rejection.
he heard a voice say behind him, startling so badly that he actually reeled and attempted to walk away from the fountain. In his haste, however, he ended up plowing right into the speaker, nearly knocking them both over. He quickly reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her toward him to keep her from falling. She gripped his upper arms tightly and looked up into his face, and he was transfixed by those sparkling, midnight-blue eyes of hers.
he mumbled, a deep blush settling over his face.
It's all right, she replied, looking away with cheeks stained pink, letting go of his arms abruptly, as if she had burned herself on his skin.
Awkwardness rose between them like a grasping vine, curling them both in discomfort as they pointed looked away from one another. He couldn't blame her for moving away so quickly. It shouldn't surprise him that she found him so repulsive that she couldn't even bear to touch him. In fact, she always had avoided physical contact. Not that he was the cuddly type, but still... Well, should we go? he asked sharply, and immediately regretted his tone as he saw something flinch inside her eyes.
I suppose, she said, straightening out her clothing. She looked up at him with a confused expression on her face. Mister Zelgadis, are you okay?
So, it was back to Mister Zelgadis. She really seemed to want to distance herself from him. Well, that was fine. It was better that way, in fact. It would save them both a lot of grief later on. I'm fine, he said. Let's get out of here. Lina and Gourry have probably eaten everything.
And Mister Xellos will be there too, Amelia added, her footsteps falling into rhythm with his as they exited the garden.
I would rather he wasn't, Zelgadis snarled.
I just don't understand him. He's supposed to be evil, but he does nice things.
No he doesn't. He just does them because it suits his purposes.
Actually, that isn't true, she replied. He gave that dragon chef man his locket back, and he has done other things like that over the years as well.
He stopped dead in his tracks. How can you say that to me? he said, staring down at her angrily. You know how much he has tormented me from the moment we met!
I-I'm sorry, she stammered, her expression quickly deteriorating into one of wounded feelings. I know what he's done, but I can't hate him. If I hate someone than I am not being true to the spirit of justice.
Oh god, are you still going off about that justice crap? he muttered with a slight shake of his head.
Without justice the world wouldn't be balanced, she said defensively. Justice makes everything right.
Where's the justice in me being cursed with this body for all eternity? he snapped, gesturing at himself. I'm a monstrosity, a freak, that will never be accepted by society! What did I do to deserve that, eh? Where's your precious justice now?
She scowled suddenly and her mouth tightened, her lower lip jutting out slightly. I don't know what's wrong with you tonight, Mister Zelgadis, but I do know this: you are no monstrosity. I know that how you look now isn't how you were born, but it's the only way I've ever known you to be, and I don't think there's a single thing wrong with it. You're the most physically striking man I've ever seen, and there's no other man I'd rather be seen with, she blurted, then opened her eyes wide and clapped her hands over her mouth. Her entire face broke out in a blush as he stared at her, dumbfounded.
he whispered, his heart beginning to race.
I-I. . .Well, um. . .I was too bold just now, please forgive me, she stammered, glancing in every direction except for his.
he said simply.
I just meant that it isn't what you look like that matters. It's what's on the inside that people really care about. If they like you, I mean, if someone, someone else, I mean, um, were to like you someday, they'd like you because of who you are and not your appearance. Although it's awfully nice, but. . .
he repeated.
She turned away from him, her shoulders rounded. I'll be quiet now. I'm sorry.
Something inside him softened as he looked at her back, which seemed hunched slightly with embarrassment. It's okay, he said quietly. You don't need to explain yourself to me.
She glanced at him over her shoulder.
A small smile graced his face. On impulse, he held out his arm to her. He held his breath as well, fearing that she would refuse what little he was offering her. His gesture was a test, and he was actually afraid to know what her reaction would be. He closed his eyes and focused on his speeding heartbeat, trying not to anticipate anything. She wouldn't take it, she couldn't take it, because regardless of what she said, facts were facts and he was a chimera. No woman in her right mind would want to be with a chimera. He felt her warm arms encircle his and he pulled his arm back to his side with a great sigh. Amelia obviously wasn't in her right mind. He blushed as he felt her lean her head against his upper arm, and for a moment he felt very gallant and manly. He was walking through the garden with his woman on his arm. A small laugh worked its way out of him. As if Amelia would ever actually belong to a man; how utterly preposterous. Whoever she ended up with, she would be his partner, not his possession. It was just one more way she had grown up to be a woman. She wanted to be the hero and the princess, and the thought made him oddly happy. In her he could find strength.
They walked along in silence for some time, but eventually he became aware of a soft, melodious sound, and he realized she was humming. Her pitch was impeccable and the tune was haunting, and he slowed their pace so he could hear it better. They passed into the fringes of town in such a manner, and a block before they reached the inn she stopped him. Do you know what it was I was humming? she asked.
he replied, fascinated by the way the moonlight was reflected in her bottomless eyes.
It's a Seyruun folk song that we sing at funerals. It says farewell to the life that has passed before and celebrates a new beginning for the departed soul.
He cocked his head. Why were you singing that?
Because I've decided that things should be different. I hope that all your rage and pain goes away and you can finally find happiness. I really just want for you to be happy. And I also realized that I need to make myself happy, too. I can't make others content if I'm miserable. I was saying goodbye to our sadness and hoping for a new beginning.
He thought for a moment that his heart had stopped in his chest and he felt his skin become warmer. What kind of beginning? he whispered, afraid and anxious for her answer simultaneously.
She looked at him and broke out into a brilliant smile, the expression shining from deep within her and one of the most genuine things he had ever seen in his life. Just looking at it lifted his spirits and made him smile himself. His face fell, however, as she took her arm from his and took a step back. Of course he had been a fool to hope, he told himself, but then she held out her hand. This kind of beginning, she murmured, still reaching out to him.
He looked at her outstretched palm, the skin pale and smooth in the moonlight. It was his turn to accept or reject, he realized. She had passed his test, and now he had to decide if he wanted to pass hers. Slowly, gingerly, he reached out his gloved hand, but she caught his wrist and briskly removed the glove. No reservations, she said.
He curled his fingers to his palm for a moment and hesitated. She accepted him, apparently, and wanted him to accept himself. He didn't want to; it would be too difficult. She stretched her hand closer to him, eyes pleading. He looked at the bare blue skin of his hand, small, dark rocky protrusions obscuring part of his flesh. Was this what she really wanted? There was only one way to find out.
He reached out and took her hand.
