A rather stern and serious Phil sat at his interrogation desk, Marcus and Cedric standing behind him. Lina, Gourry, and Zelgadis stood before him, surrounded by guards.
Lina Inverse! Phil barked, You are charged with the kidnapping and murder of my daughter. How do you plead?
Hn nn rg rn! Lina cried out, still bound and gagged.
Gourry, not gagged, tried to speak up on Lina's behalf. But Prince Phil, we would never-
Phil pounded his desk. You shall address me as Prince Philionel', or not at all. Now then, as Lina Inverse has no way of proving her innocence, and since I can only imagine you assisted her, I sentence you all to-
Prince Phil was interrupted by the double doors being forcefully opened.
Amelia, followed by an entourage of guards stood in the doorway.
Prince Phil bolted up out of his chair. You're still alive?!
Even though she knew it wasn't actually her father speaking, the anger in his words stung. Amelia fought back tears. Give it up, Alexander, they know everything! Your injustices could not go on unpunished!
Alexander? Whatever are you talking about, dear daughter? Phil's voice dripped with excess sap (even for him!)
Amelia was not swayed. And relinquish your hold on my father! She yelled out into the room, knowing her traitorous relation was nearby. She spotted Marcus and Cedric trying to sneak away.
Guards, seize those men!
The entourage of guards easily overtook Marcus and Cedric.
Phil looked about in panic. No, it wasn't supposed to be this way!
Amelia knew that Alexander had to be somewhere nearby, most likely in the same room. While Prince Phil fought with the guards, she spotted a suspicious looking curtain in the far corner of the room. Unable to use her magic, there was only one thing to do...
Justice Kick! Amelia launched herself -feet first- at the curtain, and was rewarded with a shout of pain as she made contact. She pulled back the curtain to reveal none other than Alexander himself slumped against the wall.
Amelia glared down in anger at Alexander, but was struck with a jab of pain in her gut. She hugged her middle and grit her teeth. No...not yet! She fought off the pain and stood up, turning to the guards.
Guards, here he is! Make sure he cannot get away before Justice has been dealt.
While the guards dragged away a dazed Alexander, Amelia saw her father was equally out of it. She took a step toward him, but stumbled as the pain fought to overcome her.
A nearby guard steadied her. Princess, is everything all right?
I'm fine. Please, help my father. The circlet on his forehead...please..remove it. Amelia fought to remain in control.
At once, Princess.
Amelia watched the guard make his way across the room, passing by her still bound friends. Amelia gasped, having forgotten about their situation. She motioned to another guard to free them.
What happened? How did you all get here so fast? How did I get here? Prince Phil, now free from Alexander's spell, was utterly confused. He looked out to see a familiar face. he cheered.
Amelia smiled back at him, then keeled over, unable to hold back the pain any longer.
Amelia? What's wrong with my daughter? Prince Phil rushed to her side, but stepped back in surprise to see a wolf in her place. He gasped in shock.
What's happened to my precious daughter? Prince Phil bellowed out in grief.
Lina slowly stepped forward. Well Phil, you see...
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Zelgadis let out a yawn of boredom as he shifted in his seat. Last night, after Phil had been filled in on everything, they had decided it safest to move Amelia (still unconscious since yesterday's ordeal) out into the stables to avoid any further trouble. It wouldn't do well if the citizenry of Seyruun were to learn of Amelia's fate.
After a short debate, Zelgadis had been elected (by one Lina Inverse) to watch over Amelia until she woke up. This morning so far had been uneventful. Phil had only just left, having lectured his unconscious daughter on overcoming adversity, and some such thing. Zelgadis tuned him out when he went into Justice Speech mode.
Zelgadis peeked into the stall.
Nope, she was still snoozing away. He noted the two ropes tied about her neck, each anchored to opposite sides of the wall to keep her from escaping. They were more of a precaution, Lina not wanting to take any more chances.
Speaking of Lina... She and Gourry were leading a small group of soldiers about the countryside, searching for the elusive Wolfsbane. After all, Alexander couldn't have possibly killed it all off, could he?
Zelgadis was brought out of his musings by a sudden commotion. Amelia was finally beginning to stir...
She whimpered as she came to, but as she woke up more, she began to snarl quietly. She sat up and looked right at Zelgadis.
Zelgadis gasped in alarm.
Two bright yellow eyes met his gaze, no trace of blue at all, as if they had never been anything but yellow. These yellow orbs also showed no signs of familiarity. In fact, the wolf backed as far away as possible and bore her teeth, warning Zelgadis to back off.
Amelia...no, it wasn't supposed to be like this! Zelgadis smashed his fist into the ground, knowing all too well what had happened.
You shouldn't have sacrificed yourself like that, Amelia. We're not worth it! ...I'm not worth it. Tears stung his eyes as grief overtook him. An anguished cry escaped his throat.
The wolf bristled and snarled at Zelgadis. She was quickly becoming agitated.
Zelgadis couldn't bear to look at his former companion any longer, so he staggered to the other side of the stable, letting his usually pent-up emotions loose.
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Sir? Are you well?
Zelgadis woke to a guard shaking him. He realized that he had collapsed into a bed of straw in one of the stalls. He quickly got up, brushing the loose straw out of his hair.
Yes, I'm fine. What did you need? Zelgadis fought back a yawn.
Prince Philionel has offered for you to dine with him at dinner, and a room has also been set aside for you as well. The guard replied.
Zelgadis shook his head. That won't be necessary; I'm needed more here.
Let Prince Phil know that I'll be needing my meals sent down here. A room also won't be necessary, as this stable is just fine. Zelgadis would never forgive himself if something were to happen to Amelia at this point.
The guard gave him a puzzled look. But sir, surely you-
Just do as I say! Zelgadis snapped.
Yes sir! Did you need a blanket or anything?
Yes, a blanket will do just fine. Zelgadis sighed.
Yes sir, I'll let him know right away! The guard saluted Zelgadis, then marched back to the palace.
Zelgadis shook his head as he went to go check on Amelia. He peered into the stall to be met again by those intense eyes. The wolf again snarled back at him.
Zelgadis sighed, then retreated back to his corner of the stable.
...does anyone even remember this story? (Argh, I have been neglecting it far too long!) Combine a busy year (what with taking trips, working, getting a new computer -twice!-, preparing for the Holidays, plus working on a different story) with extreme Writer's Block, and you get no story! Things are finally settling down again, and I don't want you all thinking I've abandoned this story. Far from it. I just wanted to make sure that what I put out is good. Now to get out the next part before next year... o_O