Gourry knocked lightly on the door before coming in. Lina? Any news?

Lina looked up from her seat. She was sitting by Amelia's bed keeping watch. Nothing new. She looks normal now, but she's not woken up yet. How's Zel doing?

He came to my room just a little while ago, but he's just pacing back and forth. Gourry shrugged.

Lina gave a weak smile as she shook her head. He was doing that out in the hall, but I chased him off. I can't blame him for worrying, though. Lina gave a yawn.

Did you want me to take over? Gourry offered.

Lina waved him off. No, not just yet. It's just dull sitting here. Lina turned back to the bed. No offense, Amelia, but if you'd even let us know you're still in there, it would liven things up.

Amelia responded the same way she had been for the past day: she didn't flinch, twitch,or even moan; she just kept on breathing in and out, in and out...

Lina shrugged. It was worth a shot.

Lina and Gourry sat in silence for a moment, then Lina spied something under Amelia's pillow. She pulled it out, revealing a feather. Lina looked at it a moment, then smirked.

Let's see if this gets your attention. Lina brushed the feather under Amelia's nose.

Lina, I'll take over for you. Really. I think you should get some rest. Gourry eyed Lina's odd behavior.

She again waved him off and continued to tickle the underside of Amelia's nose.

At first nothing happened, but then Amelia began to cough and sputter.

Zelgadis barged into the room in an instant. What do you think you're doing?!

Lina shrieked and shot up out of her chair. Gourry also jumped and turned around to see a very angry Zelgadis.

Gourry backed away from Lina. Lina was just- he was silenced by Lina's hand over his mouth.

Lina laughed nervously. I was watching over Amelia, that's all. No need to get all freaky, Zel!

Zelgadis spied the feather still gripped in Lina's hand. He glared back at her. Amelia needs rest, not you aggravating her! Get out!

But Zel, I was just-

Zelgadis practically shoved the two out the door before shutting it.

Sheesh! Someone's grumpy! Lina grumbled.

Well, you probably shouldn't have done that, Lina. Gourry replied.

It's too late now. If he wants to stay up all night, fine. I'm going to bed. Lina stomped off down the hall.

But Lina! Gourry followed after her.

Zelgadis finally relaxed then went to sit by Amelia's side. She had settled back down into a deep sleep, which made him feel better. He brushed some loose hair away from her face, then placed his hand on her forehead.

At least your temperature has gone down. Just concentrate on getting better, don't rush things. Zelgadis spoke softly.

Amelia sighed, as if in response.

Zelgadis gave a slight smile, then pulled her covers closer around her to keep her warm. He then settled back into the chair and prepared for a long night.

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Amelia tiredly opened her eyes and looked around. She was struck with a sense deja vu when she saw Zelgadis sleeping nearby. Light shone in from a nearby window, letting her know it was morning.

Wait! Morning! Was she...?

Amelia tried to crane her neck to see herself, but her muscles cried out in pain. She quickly dropped that idea and instead tried to focus on how she felt. She thought she was laying flat on her back, but her body felt so numb it was hard to determine anything.

Time to get an outside opinion...

She attempted to call out to Zelgadis, but only a rasp escaped her throat.

She quickly realized how painful that was. It felt like someone had scraped her throat into a bloody mess. A whimper of pain managed to escape instead.

Zelgadis twitched, then began to stir. He was greeted with the sight of a very awake Amelia looking at him.

Amelia, you're all right! He leaned in closer to her.

Amelia wanted to respond to him, but her body would not yield. She tried her best to smile at him.

Amelia, what's wrong? Zelgadis sensed that something wasn't right.

She didn't want him to worry, so she mustered up the strength to breathe out, Tears sprang to her eyes as her throat screamed out in agony.

Zelgadis nodded his head in understanding. I'll go get someone to help you. He got up to leave the room.

As he reached the door, he could still feel Amelia's gaze on him. He turned back to see her looking pitifully at him. I won't be gone long, I promise. then he slipped out the door.

Amelia tried to hold back the tears as she collected herself. She had definitely been able to speak, so that was a good sign. Why was her throat so raw, though?

She stared at the door that Zelgadis had just exited through, straining her ears to hear anything. It felt like she had cotton in her ears. Everything was so quiet!

She finally picked up on approaching footsteps and saw Zelgadis walk back in, a man in white robes accompanying him.

The man kneeled down next to her and put his hand on her forehead. And how are we feeling today, Amy?

Amelia stared blankly at the man. Who was he to be so informal with her?

The man continued to look her over. What's wrong, is your throat sore?

Amelia could only stare back, her body refusing to move.

The man tsked, then resumed looking her over. When he was done, he pat her on the head. Just take it easy, you'll feel better in no time. He then gestured to Zelgadis, and the two walked back out into the hall.

Amelia knew they must be talking about her, but try as she might, she couldn't hear anything. She finally admitted defeat and closed her eyes, lapsing back into unconsciousness.


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Not good. The man, obviously a healer, shook his head.

What's wrong with her? Zelgadis asked.

I can't say for certain, but she's been put under horrible stress. Why, she didn't even seem to recognize me!

Zelgadis paused. Should she?

The healer stood a bit taller, Yes, I've been employed to the royal family since before she was even conceived. I was the one that delivered her, you know.

Zelgadis cleared his throat while trying not to blush. He didn't need to know that much! Do you think it's affected her memory?

In some ways, yes. She seemed at ease with you though, so her short-term memory is intact. The healer looked thoughtful.

What should we do?

For now, nothing. Just let her recover, and hope she regains her abilities.

What if she doesn't? Zelgadis bit his tongue, not wanting to voice his concern. Okay, thank you. he replied instead.

The healer smiled back at him. Thank you for alerting me. Now if you'll excuse me, I must let know Prince Philionel know. He bowed, then disappeared down the hall.

Not sure what else to do, Zelgadis went back into Amelia's room. As soon as he entered through the door, he could feel her gaze on him. It was so hard to see her like this. To have been so full of life, and now and invalid; too weak to move.

Zelgadis knelt by her bed. Amelia, do you need anything?

As a matter of fact, she did. Amelia had no idea when she had quenched her thirst last, and part of the pain in her throat was from it being so dry.

She looked from Zelgadis to a pitcher of water on her bed stand, hoping he'd understand.

After a moment, he did. Zelgadis looked around uncomfortably. He'd much prefer if someone else were here to help her (someone who knew what they were doing!). Unfortunately there was only him, so he'd just have to do his best.

He poured a glass of water and held it out to Amelia.

Amelia stared at it with great intent, but her arm didn't even twitch in response.

Oh, right. Sorry. Zelgadis mentally scolded himself. Then, being as careful as possible, he put his free hand behind Amelia's head and propped her up slightly, then placed the glass to her lips with the other.

Now came the tricky part. Zelgadis tipped the glass, watching Amelia's face for any sign he was forcing too much water down her throat.

After she had had enough, Amelia whispered a quiet, Thank you, then leaned back onto his arm. Zelgadis then lay her head gently back onto the pillow.

Is there anything else I can do?

Read to me? Amelia replied, but it came out as nothing more than a mere whisper.

Zelgadis walked over to a nearby bookcase and browsed the selection. It seemed they were all books on fairy tales. That figures, he smirked. Zelgadis took a nondescript book off the shelf and flipped it open to a random page.

He quickly clapped the book shut and glanced back to make sure Amelia hadn't seen. It wouldn't do well to read her diary!

Choosing a safer book, Zelgadis want back to Amelia's side and began to read her a tale about a hero who slew a dragon to rescue his princess. No wonder Amelia was a hopeless romantic!

About halfway through the story, Zelgadis noticed Amelia had nodded off. After making sure she was indeed fast asleep, Zelgadis quietly set the book on her bed stand, then tiptoed out of her room, being sure to quietly shut the door behind him.

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Aww, he's so sweet! Lina mock-sighed as she burst into a fit of giggles.

Caught by surprise, Zelgadis couldn't help but jump in fright, then glared at the two intruders. What do you want?

Lina stopped giggling and looked at Zelgadis. What? You're not the only one who's concerned about her, you know.

How is she? Gourry got right to the point.

She's regained consciousness, but she's not able to move. Zelgadis shook his head.

Ah! So that's why you helped her. Gourry grinned.

Zelgadis nodded. Yes, that's why I, hey! Were you spying on me?

Calm down, Zel. It's not like we haven't seen your good side before. Although you're much nicer to her than you've ever been to me. Lina pouted.

She needs it more than you. Zelgadis turned away to hide his face. He was sure he was blushing.

Hey, what's that supposed to mean?

Guys, guys. Settle down. Gourry tried to stop a quarrel before it started.

Gourry's right. We shouldn't argue here. Amelia needs to recover. Zelgadis nodded to the closed door.

Excuses, excuses. Lina waved Zelgadis off.

Zelgadis turned away from the two. I need to report to Prince Phil. Are you coming?

You two go on ahead, I'll be along in a moment. Lina replied.

After Gourry and Zelgadis had disappeared down the hall, Lina snuck quietly into Amelia's room. She spent a moment listening to Amelia's peaceful slumber.

Hang in there, Amelia. Lina gently patted the sleeping girl's head, then crept out of the room, closing the door behind her.

She walked down the hall, quickly catching up to Gourry and Zelgadis. The three then proceeded into Phil's study.

Ah, good morning! I didn't realize you were all up already. Phil greeted them warmly.

Yeah well, it was kind of a bad night. Lina replied.

Phil lowered his gaze. How is she? My daughter?

Zelgadis stepped forward. She's regained consciousness, but-

Why didn't you say so? I must go see my beloved daughter! Phil nearly charged out of the room, but was held back by Lina and Gourry.

She's not awake now! Lina exclaimed through grit teeth.

Phil looked to Zelgadis.

She's actually fallen back to sleep, so we thought it wise to let her regain her strength. Zelgadis replied.

Oh, of course. Phil went back to his seat. The next time she wakes, I would like to be informed immediately.

The trio nodded back.

Prince! Prince! Loud shouts came from out in the hall. The door opened to reveal a shaking guard.

What is it? Phil asked.

The prisoner! Sir Alexander! He's dead! The guard wheezed.

Everyone gasped in shock.

When I went to go check on him, he was dead in his cell. The guard replied, trying to catch his breath.

Any idea who did it? Lina asked.

It looks like he took his own life.

How pathetic! Lina shook her fist. Oh well, I guess he saved you the trouble, eh, Phil?

Phil just shook his head. Such a wasted life.

Prince, what should we do with the body? The guard asked.

We'll give him a proper burial, of course.

The guard bowed, then set off to carry out Phil's order.

Lina gripped her fists in anger, but didn't say anything.

What'll you do now, Prince Phil? Gourry asked.

There's nothing more to do than wait for my daughter to recover. You will stay, won't you? Phil looked to each of them. Friends are important in trying times.

Of course, Phil! We've come too far to leave now. Besides, I don't think Zelgadis would forgive me if I left. Lina winked.

Zelgadis shot Lina a small scowl. Even if she was right, she didn't have to point it out.

Thank you, Miss Lina, Mister Gourry, and you, Mister Zelgadis. Seyruun will forever be indebted to you for helping us in our time of need. Phil smiled.

Lina smiled back. Hey, what are friends for?

Wow, I've been working on this fic for well over a year now! (Well, I had been working on it for half a year before I ever even posted it up. Man, how time flies!) So close to the end, and yet, so far away still! I'm horribly tempted to wrap this up within another chapter or so, but just last night I got some ideas on how to make it longer. I think it would be best to kill them off though (they're rather silly, methinks) so that I can finally complete this monster of a fic!

This all would have come out much faster, but my friend and I started writing another fanfic for that Slayers contest (L/G this time, are you surprised?). I'll post it up as soon as I am able. And hopefully I'll figure out the best way to resolve this fiasco, too! ^_^;;;

(And Stara, thanks for the reviews! I didn't mean to pick on Lina and have her fall off her steed, but from the few times she's been around horses in the anime and manga, she doesn't do well. She seems to lack much horse sense, so to speak. It's one thing to stay on a horse when it's just trotting -heck, I can do that!- but as soon as that changes... Let's just say I can see why Lina prefers to walk wherever she needs to go.)