Amelia was bored. She had no idea how long she had been bedridden, but enough was enough! I never realized how dull my room is! Amelia sighed. Especially when I can't even walk to the bookshelf.

Books. Zelgadis had read to her recently. Perhaps he left the book out? Amelia glanced over to the chair by her bed. Sure enough, he had left the book sitting there.

When she had first come to, Amelia had been unable to move at all. Even now she could barely move her arm. I won't get any better by laying here.

Her mind made up, Amelia concentrated on getting the book. At first her arm resisted, but finally she was able to will it out from under her bed sheets. Amelia smiled at her progress.

She then reached out for the book, but it was too far away. Amelia's brow furrowed in disgust. I'll just have to get closer.

Ever so slowly, Amelia was able to sidle along until she was at the edge of her bed. She again reached her hand out, but was still a few inches short!

She strained with all her might. Closer...closer... With most of her upper torso teetering on the edge, Amelia finally reached the book!

She gave a small shout of glee, then realized her predicament.

Now what?

As she pondered her actions, Amelia felt herself starting to slip off of the bed. Before she had time to yell, she had conked her head on the floor below. Then the book slid off if its perch and smacked her on the side of her jaw.



Amelia glanced to the door, but no one came. It was a mixed blessing. She was glad there wasn't anyone to see the stupid situation she'd gotten in to, but that also meant that no one would be there to help her out of it.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Who is it? Amelia spoke quietly, if not in embarrassment.

Zelgadis. I heard a strange sound and wanted to make sure you were okay.

Amelia gasped. Not Zelgadis! Of all the people to see her half-fallen out of the bed. It wouldn't be just to lie though, not to mention she wasn't enjoying all of the blood rushing to her head.

Amelia laughed nervously. Actually, I'm not. This was so embarrassing!

She watched as the door opened and Zelgadis poked his head in.

Zelgadis practically dove at her as he lifted her back up onto her bed.

Thank you. Amelia blushed.

What were you doing? You know you aren't allowed out of bed. Zelgadis reprimanded.

Amelia frowned. I'm sorry, Mister Zelgadis. I was just so bored sitting here, and all I wanted to do was get that book. Amelia pointed at the book splayed open on the ground.

Zelgadis gaped in amazement. Amelia, you moved your arm!

Amelia smiled. I've been working at it. It's getting easier the more I try. Amelia proved her point by moving her other arm to rest on top of her blanket.

That's...that's wonderful! I've got to tell the others. Zelgadis made to walk out the door, but turned back. You'll be all right, won't you? You're not going to try and get out of bed again, right?

Amelia gestured to the floor again. Give me that book, and I won't have to.

Zelgadis scooped up the book and held it out to Amelia.

Amelia gradually reached out and gripped the book, taking it from Zelgadis' grasp. Thank you, Mister Zelgadis.

Zelgadis looked sternly at Amelia, but then smiled slightly. I'm serious. Stay in bed.

Yes, Mister Zelgadis. Amelia sighed quietly. She watched him leave, then turned her attention back to the book.

Oh, it's too hard to read lying down! Sitting up in bed was definitely next on the agenda...

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It had been nearly a month since I was cured, and yet, I'm still stuck in bed! I can finally walk upright now, but only with assistance.

Amelia looked up from her journal, remembering having to crawl on her hands and knees to get what she needed, the journal included.

These past few months have been horribly demeaning. I never quite realized how cruel mankind could be until I was no longer human myself. Yet, despite all of the wrongs I was put through, Miss Lina, Mister Gourry, and even Mister Zelgadis were there to see me through it.

Amelia smiled as she wiped a small tear out of her eye.

Miss Lina and Mister Gourry have been gone for over a week now, hoping to find any more of Alexander's followers. We've not heard anything from them yet, and I'm hoping they'll come back empty-handed. It would be nice to not have to worry about usurpers to the throne, if only temporarily.

Amelia reinked her quill, then continued on:

Mister Zelgadis has been my primary caretaker this whole time, for which I am grateful. I don't know how I would get by if all of my friends were to leave just yet. And yet, I know Mister Zelgadis isn't happy here. Already he has sacrificed so much time to help me, instead of pursuing a cure to his own condition. I know I can't keep him here forever. I care too much for his well-being, even if it means sacrificing my own. I

Amelia's thoughts were interrupted by knocking on her door. She looked up in a panic as she slammed her journal shut, shoving it under her pillow. Yes, who is it?

It's me, Amelia. We have to talk. Zelgadis spoke in a subdued tone.

Amelia frowned. It looked like he would be leaving much sooner than she had thought. Come in.

Zelgadis smiled weakly as he entered her room and walked to the side of her bed. He glanced nervously about the room.

Amelia looked up at him expectantly. What is it, Mister Zelgadis?

Amelia, I...that is... he cleared his throat, still obviously nervous, What I mean to say is...

When he didn't finish, Amelia simply replied, You're going to leave.

Zelgadis nodded his head. Well...yes. It's been over a week since Lina and Gourry left, and we've yet to hear anything from them. I doubt there will be anyone to find.

Amelia lowered her gaze. When will you go?

Zelgadis looked at her somewhat awed. He had expected a more dramatic reaction, even opposition, not Amelia's quiet acceptance. First thing in the morning.

Amelia looked out the window. Already the sun was setting for another day. Zelgadis would be gone in a few hours. She looked back up at Zelgadis' puzzled expression. I apologize, Mister Zelgadis. I never meant for you to get involved.

Zelgadis shook his head. Amelia, what happened to you was not your fault.

Amelia balled up her fists. But because of me, you had to stop your research for your cure! I know how important that is to you.

Zelgadis knelt so that he and Amelia were at the same level. Yes, it is important to me, but if I had lost you...

Mister Zelgadis? Now Amelia was the confused one.

Zelgadis fought off a blush. That is, there are some things more important to me than being cured.

Amelia smiled.

Zelgadis smirked. Why else do you think I travel with Lina? Death threats aside, if I had ever truly wanted to, I would have just left.

Amelia could only smile back, too happy for words.

Zelgadis rose to his feet. I should be going. I still need to get ready to leave.

Mister Zelgadis?

Zelgadis turned to face Amelia again.

Promise me you'll say good-bye?

Of course. Zelgadis gave her a small wave, then left.

Good night, Mister Zelgadis. Amelia sighed quietly.

He was leaving again. She had known he wouldn't stay forever, but to leave so soon? She wouldn't even be able to follow after him. Perhaps that was why he was choosing now to leave.

Amelia slid back under her covers, all intentions of finishing her journal entry forgotten. At least he had promised to say good-bye before he left. Amelia smiled as she closed her eyes. She'd make sure that she was awake and ready when he came again.

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Daughter? Are you awake? Prince Phil knocked lightly on Amelia's door.

Yes, Daddy, I'm up.

Prince Phil stepped in to the room and over to her bed, enveloping his beloved daughter in a hug. He then released his hold and smiled warmly at Amelia. Are you feeling better today?

Amelia nodded and smiled back.

Breakfast will be ready soon. Did you want to come to the dining room today? He held out his arm, indication he would escort her now.

Amelia gently shook her head no. No thanks, Daddy. Could you have some breakfast brought up for me?

Of course. I'll go tell them now. He paused before leaving. I saw that Mister Zelgadis' room is empty. Did he leave already?

Amelia nodded her head. Yes, he has his own affairs to take care of.

Prince Phil thought a moment, nodding his head. Such a driven young man. He again smiled warmly at his daughter. I'll come check on you later, Amelia.

Okay. Thanks, Daddy.

When he had left, Amelia turned back to the letter in her hand:

Amelia-
Sorry for not waking you, but I left earlier than originally planned. Say good-bye to Lina and Gourry for me; you'll more likely see them sooner than I. Don't overexert yourself while I'm away. I expect to see you back to normal on my return.
-Zelgadis

Amelia scanned the letter for anything more, but that was it. No , take care, or even . How like Zelgadis. Amelia couldn't help but smile. The fact that he even took the time to write her a good-bye had to mean something, right?

She carefully placed the letter in her journal, then waited for breakfast to arrive. Zelgadis said he would be back. The next time he came, she'd be ready for him!

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A lone shadow floated just outside Amelia's window, content to watch the princess eat.

Poor Miss Amelia. To think that will be the last time you'll see them. Xellos smirked as he phased out.

This time, there would be no failure.
















What, you were expecting Zelgadis? Man, after months of Writer's Block, I am finally done!! When I originally conceived this idea, I had no intentions of it going where it did. I was originally going to give Amelia better insight to Zelgadis' issues with humanity (and Zelgadis releasing how human he still was), but it didn't work out that way.

I had NEVER intended for Xellos to be in this story either, but things just made more sense with him being there. (He's so evil!)

As to whether there will be a sequel, I have no idea. I was hoping this story would stand alone, but as I was writing the ending, ideas on where to take a sequel invaded my brain! (I blame you, Lina Gabriev! ^_-) All I can say is, if I do ever write a sequel, it will be dark. Much darker than this fic even turned out to be. I really don't want to write it because it will make me sad, and yet...these ideas won't go away!

For now, this is the end! Is it any good, or did this story end up being a wasted read? I'd love to hear your thoughts!