Ascend
By: blue lady
Chapter Five – Getting there
"What does he look like, Amelia?"
"What?" I asked, confused at the sudden question. It was the perfect day for traveling; the sun was bright and there was a slight breeze in the air, creating a perfect balance between the two elements. We had been traveling for seven days now and there was still a day or more before finally arriving at Solaria. We had decided to take a little break beside a flowing river before continuing for the rest of the day.
"Your fiancé," Lina-san said, looking at me. "Is he handsome? With beautiful blue eyes and stunning raven hair. Does he look like what a prince should look like?"
"Fiancé? Isn't that some type of pickle?"
"No, you idiot!" Lina-san said quickly, whacking Gourry-san on the head.
"Well, I don't know actually…I haven't met him yet." I replied thoughtfully.
"What?! You haven't met this guy yet?" Lina-san asked, waving her arms wildly in the air, "How can you marry this guy then?"
"As the princess of Seyruun, it is my duty. Also one that I will gladly uphold for the good of my kingdom." I replied clenching my fist in a determined gesture.
"Yeah, but do you know anything about this guy? His interests? His personality? What if he's just a ugly, sixty-year-old fart looking for some young meat?" Lina-san asked, quirking an incredulous brow at me.
"Don't worry, he is only two years older then me," I replied, trying to wave away her doubtful expression. "His name is Clarence. He is son to Baton Sol Alsenurn, Seryruun's most powerful noblemen. My father and his father were close friends and had always wanted to connect the two families."
"Aren't most princesses suppose to marry princes?" Gourry-san asked, confused.
"Well yes, my sister Gracia was promised to Prince Elberin of Ralteague. However, since Gracia renounced the throne, the marriage has become void and it was too late to reestablish one with me. By that time I was already promised to Clarence." I said, sighing a bit, letting my mind wonder a little on Gracia's whereabouts. "It was a good thing that the King of Ralteague was so understanding, however it did cause some minor setbacks in our diplomacy."
"Bleh," Lina-san said, sticking out her tongue in disgust. "I asked for a simple description of her fiancé and she gives me a lecture on politics."
I giggled slightly, "I always thought you liked this kind of stuff, Lina-san."
"Only if it's interesting and important to the matter at hand." Lina-san replied quickly, flashing me a grin, "Come on, I think we should cover some more ground before nightfall."
Night seemed to descend upon us quickly and before I knew it we were camped out in a little clearing under the brightly twinkling stars. I smiled slightly as I inhaled the scent of burning wood floating in the breeze. As usual, Gourry-san took first watch while Lina-san snored away in the background. I took another breathe as my heart fluttered slightly with happiness. This was how traveling should be. Being in Lina-san and Gourry-san's company reminded me why my earlier adventures with them became such cherished memories. I watched the trees above me shuffle silently as a gentle breeze passed by them as the moon shined in the sky like a perfect gem. The sound of Gourry-san's cheerful humming and his whetstone scraping across metal, soon became a lulling melody as I felt myself drift away from the world…
I grimaced slightly, as I examined the huge bruise on my cheek courtesy of Lina-san's violent sleeping habits. I watched my reflection in the Inn's bathroom mirror, as I healed the purple-blue bruise, causing it to turn a light green. However, the sound of rustling fabric outside suddenly reaches my ears, startling me. I opened the door of the bathroom quietly, looking cautiously around the hallway. What I saw made my heart drop straight to my stomach; the door to Gourry-san and Zelgadis-san's room was left slightly ajar.
"He wouldn't…" I mumbled to myself, making a dash down the stairs and out the doors of the Inn. I frantically scanned the horizon, knowing that he couldn't have gone that far. Then I saw it, something beige whipping around in the midnight breeze; cresting over a distant hill.
"Zelgadis-san!" I yelled, as I ran up the hill after him. However, when I reached the top I noticed he had increased his pace.
"Zelgadis-san!" I yelled, as I anxiously tried to get to him. However, thanks to my natural gracefulness, I only managed to trip on the long hem of my nightgown and immediately started tumbling down the hill. I shut my eyelids tightly as I prepared myself for the painful and inevitable stop at the bottom, however it never came. I opened my eyes, to see Zelgadis-san's teal ones stare indifferently back at me. I then realized that strong, stone arms were wrapped gently around me, securing me tightly around my waist. I blushed slightly as he helped me back to my feet.
"Did Lina's nocturnal habits wake you again?" Zelgadis-san asked, turning away from me, his tone slightly amused.
I giggled a little at the comment. However, he must have been more reluctant to talk tonight for an uncomfortable silence soon fell upon us. I shifted from one foot to the other, trying to think of what to say, "So you've decided not to come back to Seyruun with me, Zelgadis-san?"
"Yes," He answered, his back still facing me. "I've thought about it and decided that there's nothing for me at Seyruun."
"Oh, I see." I replied, shifting my weight again as I tired once again to find something to say. Then a sudden thought dawned on me causing me to stop my fidgeting at once. The once warm breeze now felt like a cold, harsh winter wind as it whipped across my body.
"So you were planning to leave tonight," I mumbled silently. "Without even telling us? Without even saying a good-bye or anything?"
I saw Zelgadis-san stiffen a little, as he turned around to face me.
"You could have at least told me first or at least given everyone a proper good-bye. Leaving like this is not only unjust and rude but also inconsiderate. Don't you care about us?"
"Amelia…I - your face. Here, let me heal it." Zelgadis-san stepped towards me his right hand outstretched. I quickly stepped away from him, healing the wound myself. I was surprised to find that my cheek was wet. I had been crying without knowing it.
"Answer me." I stated firmly. Zelgadis-san sighed, gently taking my hand aside to heal the wound himself. His gloved hand felt cold against my bruised cheek as he gently touched it, his coarse fingers never touching my skin.
"I didn't want everyone to fuss about it." He stated simply.
"Well, by doing it this way, you just made it a even greater fuss than before." I replied smiling at him.
He snorted a little, as he slowly removed his hand from my cheek.
"Please, Zelgadis-san. Please stay, come back to Seyruun with me."
He sighed again as he turned away from me once more. I watched as the moonlight made his silver hair shine a nice shade of sterling blue, causing a wonderfully dramatic contrast with his skin. No matter what the situation he always looked so beautiful with an air of calm that I only wish I could ever possess.
"The answer is no, Amelia." He replied steadily, "I must search for my cure."
"Why does that matter so much to you?" I asked. "Shouldn't the acceptance of the people you care for be enough? No matter what happens, you know we will always care for you."
Zelgadis-san whipped around to face me, suddenly angry.
"You do not know how it feels to - how can you say something so stupidly selfish. You still don't understand how - you're such a child." He quickly turned away from me again, as I flinched slightly at the harshness of his tone. He started to walk away and then in a slightly calmer voice he added, "Amelia, it does matter. It matters a lot."
"Does it matter so much, that you're willing to disregard the feelings of those who really care for you? What if you died out there Zelgadis-san? What if I never got to see you again…" I trailed off as I realized what I had just said. Zelgadis-san turned to look at me, his eyes unreadable.
"I had said too much." I mused silently to myself, as he continued to stare blankly at me. Now what was I going to do? I couldn't exactly go back in time and take back everything I just said.
"Zelgadis-san… I just want you to know that I-I care for you." I said softly, noticing how clumsy the word "care" suddenly sounded.
I thought I saw his eyes widen slightly but before I could confirm it, they returned to their apathetic expression once more, "What? Of course you don't mean it in that way." He replied quietly seeming to be talking more to himself than me.
I hesitated a little, as I wondered what I had gotten myself into, "Yes I do, Zelgadis-san. Know that whether you are a chimera or not, that I will always c-care for you."
For a moment, Zelgadis-san stood staring at me. However, it did not last long as he soon looked to the right, away from me. On his face was a smile so cold I felt my whole body shiver.
"Then you're a fool. I could never care for you in that way." He replied, and without another word, he turned around and started walking away. Not even bothering to say a good-bye, never looking back once.
I opened my eyes, the unfamiliar surroundings throwing my brain into a loop. Where am I? Where's Zelgadis-san? I clutched my forehead, noticing that the area around my eyes were wet with tears. I gasped slightly as I felt a gentle weight on my shoulder. Zelgadis-san…
I looked up to see Gourry-san a gentle expression on his handsome face, his blue eyes twinkling warmly.
"Amelia, your turn." He said, smiling.
Then everything came rushing back to me. I was eighteen not sixteen anymore and am currently on the second year of my Prugare. I was traveling with Lina-san and Gourry-san to Solaria and will not be required to return to the palace until my twentieth birthday.
"Um…Amelia are you okay?" Gourry-san asked, with his typical look of confusion.
"Oh, Yes Gourry-san!" I replied cheerfully, "Just a little drowsy that's all. It's my turn, right?"
Gourry-san patted me on the head before settling in his own bedroll, which coincidentally, was placed right next to Lina-san's. I smiled a bit; I guess I have something to ask Lina-san about later.
I stirred the embers of the fire gently; glad to have some time alone to think. It was strange for me to have such a dream. That dream reminded me of something that I had forgotten for almost two years now and during those two years I did not once think about that night; the night when Zelgadis-san left us. I felt my cheeks burn slightly; as I remembered the words exchanged that day. He was so cold. I should have known, wasn't it obvious with his constant sighs of frustrations and lack of concern in anything related to me? Though, I reminded myself, there were times when it seemed that he did care, especially during the time fought against Hellmaster Phibirzzo and Gaav.
"Yeah, but after that with Darkstar, he was almost completely indifferent to you." My mind answered, almost mocking me. I shook my head violently. There was no use thinking about it now, the matter was closed and in the end he did not care…
I watched as the moonlight danced across my white Prugare dress, noting all the dirt and grime on it. I cringed somewhat, since as part of the Expedition I was supposed to keep my dress as spotlessly clean as possible for it was a representation of my spiritual purity. When we arrive at Solaria midday tomorrow, washing my robes would be the first thing to do. At that thought, I clutched tightly the Cepheid pendant Cretis-sama had given me, "Please Cepheid, let me find peace there." I whispered, watching as the horizon turned a grayish-purple, signaling the coming of a new day.
As always when traveling with Lina-san, the first thing to do when arriving to town was to eat. So while Lina-san and Gourry-san fought over who would get the first bite of chicken, I had plenty of time to wash and dry my robes. When I came downstairs, Lina-san and Gourry-san were still in the thick of the battle, racing for the last piece of Rosemary - seasoned steak.
"I'm leaving now, Lina-san." I informed her as I passed by, "Wait for me here. I'll come back as soon as I'm done." Lina-san gave me a hasty wave in response, as she concentrated on stuffing one of Gourry-san's sausages into her mouth while swatting his hand away from her meatloaf at the same time.
Outside, the streets were bustling with the usual noises of a big town, as people went about their own business. It was a sea of heads as far as the eye could see, since the Inn we were staying in was situated right next to one of Solaria's main marketplaces, I ended up right in the middle of it. Until what seemed like forever I was finally able to locate a small flower vendor amidst all of the chaos.
"That would be 10 gold, ma'am."
I gave the woman her money as she handed me the two bouquets of yellow and pink chrysanthemums I had chosen.
"Excuse me, madam. Can you please tell me the directions to your town's cemetery?"
"Sure, continue down that road over there and turn left. If you have any problems, just come back here and ask. Have a good day, miss."
I smiled my thanks and soon headed toward the road the flower lady pointed out. As soon as I turned the corner I was met with the sight of beautiful, green pastures and gray marble headstones lined neatly in rows. I was going to need help if I wanted to find the Ralieus' graves. As I entered though the iron gate, I went and knocked gently on the gravekeeper's house door. An old man answered the door in his late forties answered the door: he was neatly dressed with an occasional patch of smeared dirt on his cotton tunic. The old man's brown eyes twinkle slightly as he gave me a pleasant smile, "Yes? How may I help you miss?"
"I was wondering if you could help me find someone." I replied, "Where can I find the grandparents' of Lukas Ralieu?"
"Lukas Ralieu?" The old man asked, looking somewhat shocked.
"Yes." I replied. The old man looked at me strangely, before finally answering.
"Ralieu…Yes…was buried couple of months ago. Follow me."
I was lead to one of the gray headstone resting to the far left of the cemetery. On it engraved in silver letter was the name Cyrus Ralieu. I laid my bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums on the headstone as I kneeled down beside it.
"Forgive me, sir. For the grief my family has caused you." I whispered softly to myself. I quickly got up to place my bouquet of pink chrysanthemums on the next headstone, but stop by when I noticed the name engraved upon it: Melinda Liena. I stood there baffled, remembering distinctly that Lukas had mentioned that he had a grandmother who was sick as well. I quickly turned to the gravekeeper.
"Where is Mrs, Ralieu?"
The Gravekeeper looked slightly taken aback by the question.
"Mrs. Ralieu? You won't find her here." The old man replied, "She's still alive."
I stood staring at the house's wooden front door. After getting directions from the Gravekeeper I had rushed over here immediately. However, I was soon hit with the realization of the sudden predicament I was in. I fumbled nervously with the hem of my jacket, as I tried to collect myself. I couldn't believe it…she was still alive. For some reason I had never thought of that possibility and now I was faced with a terrible task; how was I supposed to tell her about Lukas' death?
I bit my lip, as I tried to ponder the possibilities. However, no of them seem to be gentle for an old woman's heart. I guess I'll just have to hope for the best. I raised my hand, knocking lightly on the door's wooden surface. I stood there waiting for what seemed forever, however no one answered. Perplexed, I gave the door another knock. There was still no answer.
"Maybe she's asleep or something…" I mumbled to myself, as I grasped the doorknob turning it gently. The door opened noiselessly, as I stuck my head inside.
"Hello, is anyone home?" I asked I stepped further into the room. Looking around, I noticed some light coming from a hallway to the left.
"Hello?" I yelled, deciding to see where the light leads. I discovered that the source of the light came from a single candle sitting on a small bedside table. There in the bed lay who I assumed must be Mrs. Ralieu. Her complexion was terribly pale and her forehead appeared to be drenched with cold sweat. I put a hand on her forehead gently, but soon shrunk back; her skin was burning hot.
"Lighting." I whispered and a small ball of silver light appeared instantly in my hand. I studied her closer noticing her shallow breaths and her sunken cheekbones. Also how the hand hanging limply at her side shivered slightly.
"She must be cold…" I mumbled to myself, as I looked around the room for some extra blankets. I was soon searching the whole house for something to cover her with and soon began to notice how unkempt the house was. A thin layer of dust was already beginning to collect itself on the floors and wooden tables around the house. There was also some cobwebs forming in some corners. The poor woman had obviously been sick for some time…I finally found some blankets and returned to the bedroom, wrapping her snuggly in them. After going through the entire house, it was quite evident that Mrs. Ralieu lived alone and had been living alone for quite sometime. She had no one to take care of her and I was the cause of all her suffering. I touched her forehead gently, once again surprised by how hot her forehead felt. Determined, I got up and went to the bathroom to find something to help cool her down.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Ralieu. I'll take care of you." I was the reason why she was like this. I am the reason why her only grandson was needlessly punished, "Don't worry, Lukas. I'll take care of her."
Author's NotesWhat can I say this chapter just felt incredibly forced…Which I find surprising since I had been waiting to write this chapter. Finally a little Z/A though I can't really say I'm to happy with it…Well, read and review. I might re-edit this chapter later. Sorry, took so long to get out, I re-edited several time already and still I don't know whether I like it or not. Please tell me how you feel.