Chapter 5
Encroachment! - An Intruder in the Night!
Later that evening, Xelloss accompanied Thyruss through the citadel.
"So where are we going?" the mazoku inquired.
"I'm taking you to meet your comrades"
"What?" Xelloss chuckled. "All seven of them?"
Thyruss didn't reply. Instead he cast a hardened gaze over his shoulder.
"I want you on your best behaviour"
"Really?" Xel replied ironically.
"Yes, really" the warlord growled.
Eventually, after some marching, the two came to a door. The warlord then turned to the mazoku.
"You do realise that my mercenaries won't welcome any new additions – particularly those of a mazoku persuasion"
"Meaning?"
"Once beyond this door, you're on your own. If my mercenaries come onto with blades at the ready, don't come crying to me"
"They don't seem the trustworthy type." Xelloss noted, opening his eyes.
"They're only in it for the money" Thyruss grinned. "And they won't appreciate any competition. So watch your back."
"Desperadoes, eh?" Xel said. "What ever possessed you to hire them?"
"They're the real scum of the earth"
Takes one to know one the mazoku thought privately.
"And" Thyruss went on "They are the best they are at what they do"
Yes, he's desperate Xel thought
"In any case" Thyruss said. "Beyond this door lies your time in my charge. This is your last chance to drop out."
Upon hearing this, Xelloss paused. He had only just begun his time affiliated with this numbskull of a megalomaniac but, truth be told, he wasn't enjoying his company. Thyruss seemed so confident of victory that he seemed oblivious to the blindingly obvious dangers that his plans possessed. And his taste in mercenaries seemed downright questionable. Thus, if Thyruss is so convinced that his invasion of Saillune was definite, then he must be incredibly deluded.
But then again, that's why the mazoku found humans so amusing.
In any case, however, Zelas had obviously seen some potential in this lunatic's scheme. Otherwise, Xelloss wouldn't be here.
Ultimatly, if Zelas has a scheme in mind then chances are, it would eventually be worth it.
Besides, if Xelloss is here then there isn't any reason to have some fun. And if Thyruss' plan is doomed, then the least Xel could do was push it in the right direction.
And then it would be extremely amusing.
The Trickster closed his eyes and nodded his consent
Thyruss and Xelloss entered the room that lay on the other side of the door.
The mazoku recognised the room as the same study that he'd met the warlord earlier that evening. Only now, there was someone else present.
It was a woman – the same woman that Xelloss recognised as Valentina. She smiled warmly at Thyruss as he approached and strode towards him. She greeted the warlord with a gentle palm on his chin followed by a gentle kiss full on the lips.
Eventually, Thyruss broke of the kiss and smiled at the woman.
"Valentina" he said softly.
"My lord" the woman replied.
"I see you've brought the mazoku with you" she went on, casting a hardened gaze at Xelloss.
"Naturally, he's one of us" the warlord replied.
But had the warlord turned his head, he would've noticed the slightest of chuckles escape from Xel's mouth. One of us? the mazoku thought. Oh if only this fool Thyruss knew....
"I see" Valentina said.
Xelloss opened his eyes. He had no difficulty picking up the essence of contempt
that resided in Valentina's speech. Yes, already she didn't like him. Normally,
such a thing wouldn't have bothered Xelloss but she may be a possible obstacle
in his plans.
If she truly does suspect something then she must dealt with accordingly....
"Anyway" she went on. "The others should be here soon. Both of them"
Xelloss blinked at Thyruss. "Both?"
The warlord hesitated with his answer - as if he was uncertain how to answer the question.
"I have two agents in Saillune at the present time" he said. "Consequently, there are only two of my men left to defend my citadel!"
Xelloss didn't reply. Instead he was contemplating on what he had gotten himself into. Does this guy have any idea as to exactly HOW much planning is required to have a revolution?!! If he was planning to overthrow the Saillune ruling house with such a small group of warriors, then he is certainly going to have a tough time doing so. Yes, Xelloss had seen the effects of Alchemy and whilst Thyruss and Valentina were taking the science one step further, it certainly showed potential. But, his two new allies were turning it into an entirely new form of magic. And such a virgin breed of magic was just that - a young breed. Thus, the Trickster Priest had his doubts. Besides, if experience taught him anything, many people have tried to discover new ways of doing things but usually they ended up victims of their own machinations.
Just then Xelloss' thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a pair of newcomers to the room.
One was a man. He was lean of stature and certainly had the appearance of a veteran warrior. The man sported an enormous moustache and a head that was shaved bald apart from a top-knot. He wore only a pair of black trousers, leaving his bare-chest exposed for all to see the amount of scars he had acquired over countless battles. But most impressive of all was the amount of weapons that dangled from the man's belt. There were an impressive collection of blades, knives, daggers and other silent weapons - all of which screamed out as the tools of an assassin.
The other was another woman. But, in Xelloss' mind she looked more battle-hardened than Valentina. This woman had arms that pulsed with strength and might. She also dressed in an impressive breastplate with knee-high boots and a shortened skirt. The woman's blonde hair was cut short - to her ears - and whilst her face was truly feminine, it also showed signs of seeing many battles - mixed with high intelligence.
The two warriors stood to attention before Thyruss. But Xelloss could feel their gaze prying upon him.
"Sir!" the man said. "We've come on your command!"
"Indeed" Thyruss answered. "I want you to meet our latest recruit."
"And I assume it is him?" the woman inquired nodding in Xelloss' direction.
The warlord nodded and turned to the mazoku.
"Xelloss?" he said, indicating towards the man. "This is Innokenti. He's under my charge as an assassin, ready to remove any obstacles at my command."
The mazoku nodded but remained silent. He could feel the assassin's gaze upon him - indeed, the man looked like the type whom will gladly slit a throat for two copper pieces. Truly this assassin had the appearance to match his deadly trade.....
He didn't seem the type that one would want to mess with – and if anything, Xelloss could feel the assassin's contempt burning from his eyes.
"And this" Thyruss went on, indicating towards the woman. "Is Anastacia."
"Pleasure" the woman answered. But even then Xelloss could feel her voice full with abhorrence for the newcomer.
"Now" the warlord said, addressing his underlings, "Xelloss has offered us new information on the events within Saillune if we allow him in our ranks. I have decided his words worthwhile enough to accept his offer"
"Really?" Innokenti growled - it was fairly obvious that he wasn't liking the mazoku even though they've just met.
"And how does this information help us?" Anastacia demanded, her voice rich in sarcasm.
Xelloss cleared his throat. "Right now, even as we speak....."
"Cut to the chase!" Innokenti snapped, cutting off Xelloss completely.
Xelloss twitched, resisting the temptation to break the assassin's neck. Nevertheless, he opened his eyes and delivered his information in a rather definite manner:
"Lina Inverse is in Saillune"
Immediately, the two mercenaries were swept up in a tsunami of panic! Upon hearing the name of the infamous bandit killer, Innotenti's threatening composure fell away entirely! Anastacia's knees began knocking and her hands began shaking! Even Valentina paled.
Thyruss however, blinked in disbelief whilst Xelloss shielded his eyes with his palm.
"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS?!?!?!" Innokenti shouted, his voice frightened and his expression frantic.
Anastacia meanwhile shouted at Thyruss: "YOU EXPECT ME TO GO UP AGAINST THAT DESTRUCTIVE BITCH?!?!!?"
The warlord raised an eyebrow. "I take it you've heard of Lina?"
"AND YOU HAVEN'T?!!??" shouted everyone - including Xelloss and Valentina.
"Enough of this!" the warlord boomed, in an attempt to restore order.
Upon hearing the loud, commanding voice of their leader, everyone fell silent.
"Innokenti?" Thyruss snapped. "I want you to go to Saillune and get rid of this.....Lina"
"You're kidding right?" came the reply.
"Oh come on" the warlord snapped, who was now getting quite annoyed. "Why should this Lina be a threat to you, the man whom has killed so many?"
"You sure you haven't heard of Lina?" the assassin demanded. "You don't get out much do you?"
"I have heard of Lina okay?!" Thyruss snarled, irritably. "I have heard of the stories and I am well aware of how destructive she can get. But in any case, she is just another obstacle and any obstacle can be removed if dealt with appropriately!"
"You're asking too much!" Innokenti retorted.
"You dare argue with my judgement?" the warlord shot back. "I've seen the words on the Dark Stone! They are to key to victory! As long as they remain on that stone, nothing can stand in our way!"
Upon hearing this, Xelloss raised an eyebrow. Words? Upon a Dark Stone? This was beginning to get interesting......
"You believe that?!" Anastacia exclaimed.
"Absolutely!" Thyruss snapped. "Those words proclaim destiny! And such a thing can not be argued with!"
"So glad you think so" Innokenti murmured, his scepticism as bright as day.
Xel remained silent - but he is intrigued by the mention of this Dark Stone - It seems he would have to conduct some investigating......
"But in any case" Anastacia said. "I agree with Innokenti - Dark Stone or no Dark Stone. If you send us to kill to Lina then you're sending us to our doom!"
"Listen to me!" Thyruss roared. "Just do what I say! Without question!"
"You're not listening to us aren't you?" Innokenti snapped back.
Xelloss sighed and turned away. Exactly what has he gotten himself in for?!?
As the grip of night further tightened, the moon climbed into the darkened sky to shine it's light onto the city of Saillune. The rays of moonlight blazed their way onto the palace at the heart of the city, illuminating the massive construction in magnificent light.
The palace had been a hive of activity and noise mere hours ago. But now, all noise and light had died down. Philionel's banquet had come to an end and the palace was retreating back into something that resembled normality. All the residents in the building had all retired for the night and lost themselves in the comfort of slumber.
And considering all in the palace were asleep, none could see or hear any activity that occurred outside.
Consequently, no could challenge the black shape as it scaled its way up the palace walls.
With a dagger in each hand and utilising the light of the moon, the assassin Innokenti made his way up the wall of the palace.
Perspiration dripped down from his forehead. But still he carried on. Being so far up this wall, he had no intention of turning back. He had come so far and wasn't prepared to give this latest mission for anyone or anything. His master wanted the head of Lina Inverse and that's exactly what he'll get!
As the assassin climbed further and further up the wall, more perspiration dripped from Innotenti's forehead and onto his bare chest. He blinked. What was going on here? This wasn't like him at all! It wasn't usual for him to feel so uncertain prior to a mission. What was happening to him? Was it the fact that he was positioned at such a mind-boggling height? Or was it the fact that he was ordered to kill Lina Inverse? The infamous, bad-tempered, bandit-killer, mazoku-slayer, with an enormous appetite....?
Now the assassin could feel his hands growing sweaty.....
This was perhaps the first time he had ever felt nervous before an assassination. It was a strange occurrence: he had slain many unfortunates that stood in his way - countless times before. But he never cared much for names. They were all some useless sods that, ultimately, provided him with money promised by various employers.
However, this time the name mattered. He was facing a foe of immeasurable power and fearsome reputation. An adversary that would put his skills as an assassin to the ultimate test. An enemy who had seen the world and slain so many opponents in various shapes and forms – thus why should a professional assassin pose as that big a problem?
But it didn't take him long to grit his teeth in determination. Now was not the time to procrastinate. He had a job to do.
Even if the job in question could probably kill him....
But if he succeeded, then he could truly be a Prince of Assassins.....
And such a prospect spurred Innokenti on.
The pay that Thyruss is promising him had better be worth it!
Meanwhile, inside the palace, the clock struck in a series of loud bongs.
Zelgadis raised an eyebrow in a curious manner. Twelve o'clock? Midnight.
The chimera sat in a wonderfully furnished lounge room. The room was made from wooden panels with framing royal blue squares. The carpet and curtains were also royal blue - made to match the panelling. In the terms of furniture, there was a complete lounge suite, a table and a roaring fireplace. At one end of the room, at Zelgadis' right, there was a series of four doors. One was situated in the north wall and led outside into the depths of the palace. The other three were arranged, in the eastern wall, in a row.
Zel relaxed back in his chair basking in front of the glow and the warmth of the roaring fire. It had been less than an hour since the banquet with Philionel and now everyone had retired to their separate pursuits. Lina and Gourry were still at the dinner table polishing off some leftovers whilst Sylphiel and Aldebrand had already gone to bed, in this guest quarter of the Saillune palace. Between the five adventurers (Amelia and Naga had their own rooms in the main body of the palace), there were three rooms linked by this lounge room. Zel and Gourry agreed to share one room whilst Lina and Sylphiel took another. This left Aldebrand with a room to his self - perhaps due to the fact that Zel, Lina and Gourry still maintained their suspicions about him.
Zelgadis remained silent as the thought of Sylphiel's newfound friend crossed
his mind. Who was this Aldebrand? If anything, his hardened-appearance
practically screamed out the definite possibility of him being a warrior. He
also retained a grim aura - marking him as not being the trustworthy type. He
didn't seem comfortable around anyone. Anyone, that is, but Sylphiel.
Indeed, this is what Zel found most perplexing about Aldebrand, is that ever
since he had dropped into their lives, his presence had worked changes onto Syl.
Previously, her magic skills were somewhat awkward, her reactions to dire
situations were questionable and she was blinded by her hero-worship of Gourry.
But now.....now she seems to have taken quite a shine to Aldebrand. But why? To
Zel, Sylphiel seemed more so the gentle type - so why the hell would she start
hanging around someone who no one else wanted to be near someone with such a
grim disposition?
If anything, Aldebrand seems to have something to hide. And all the more reason for Zel to be suspicious.
The chimera chuckled to himself. If he didn't hang around people with questionable motives and an equally ambiguous past, then he wouldn't be hanging around anyone at all!
Just then the chimera's thoughts were interrupted. For into the room strode Lina and Gourry, making as much noise to wake the whole palace. They were both still in their dinner clothes and they were looking well fed.
"Man, am I stuffed!" Lina was saying.
"No kidding?" Gourry replied.
"Man, these rich folk certainly know how to live!"
"Well, maybe you should be thankful that your friend Naga is going to succeed Phil, eh?"
To this, Lina spluttered. She immediately turned to Gourry with a ferocious glare.
"Gourry? Two things: Firstly, Naga isn't my friend! Secondly, she couldn't rule her way out of a paper bag, let alone a kingdom!"
Just then, Lina noticed Zel in his chair and keeping an interested eye on the altercation. Immediately, her expression changed, into one more cheerful.
"Hey Zel!" she grinned.
"Good evening Lina, Gourry" the chimera answered softly, as he got out of his chair. "Finished up all those leftovers hrmm?"
"Ah, yes!" Lina chuckled. "Can't leave them lying around now, can't we?"
"Good" Zel replied, now standing right in front of his friends. "Because there's something I would like to discuss with you both. Urgently."
Lina and Gourry exchanged glances before nodding.
Zelgadis' eyes quickly darted around, before he lowered his voice: "I assume that I'm not the only one's whom are suspicious of Aldebrand."
Upon hearing the name of the enigmatic newcomer, Lina frowned.
"Why's that?" Gourry inquired. "He doesn't seem like a bad guy to me!"
Of course, this reply only got answered with simultaneous groans from both the sorceress and the chimera.
"Oh come on!" the swordsman said. "Ever since he has shown up, I have never seen Sylphiel happier!"
"That's what I'm worried about" Zel replied grimly.
"I don't know what you're getting so upset about" Gourry said. "I like him!"
"All the same, I reckon she should be on our guard" the chimera replied.
"No way!" the swordsman retorted. "You're just being paranoid!"
"I wouldn't be so confident if I were you!"
"Look Zel, I like him, Naga likes him and Amelia likes him! You should lighten up before you find yourself short on friends!"
"Guys, guys!" Lina interjected, sensing an argument mere seconds away. "Break it up!"
Both the guys turned to the sorceress as she moved to stand between them.
"Listen to me both of you" she said. "I don't trust Aldebrand any more than you Zel, and I have my reasons to be suspicious. And I'm still uncertain as to what to make of him.
"However" she went on, "Considering we've only just me him, I need convincing that he may be a good person. Therefore I am prepared to give him a chance"
"You have a too easy judge of character Lina" Zelgadis snorted.
"Let me put it this way Zelly boy" Lina said, fixing the chimera in a steely gaze. "If I didn't, I would've already toasted you already over that incident with the Orihalcon"
Zel sighed in defeat before nodding.
Satisfied with this answer, Lina grinned.
"Anyway" she said. "I'm going to bed! G'night!"
"Good night Lina" the chimera answered.
Lina then turned and headed into her room leaving Zel with Gourry.
"Yeah" the swordsman said. "I think I might go to bed too! Goodnight Zel!"
"Goodnight Gourry" the chimera replied before turning around and heading back to
his armchair.
But before he got there, he heard a loud and very angry voice:
"GOURRY! This isn't you room! Yours is NEXT DOOR!"
"Okay Okay! Geez...."
Zel eased back into his chair as he heard the sound of footsteps followed by the
sound of a door closing.
The chimera chuckled at the thought of Gourry, walking in on Lina like that.
Still, it shouldn't be long before he himself retires for the night as well....
A few minutes passed.....
....Before Zel picked up the sound of the door opening and closing.
Followed by the sound of footsteps entering the room.
Zelgadis raised his head to cast a watchful, vigilant eye on the intruder.
And there was Amelia, still in her dinner clothes and fixing the chimera in a
rather concerned gaze.
"Hi there!" she grinned. "Still awake are you?"
"I could ask you the same question" the chimera replied. "Shouldn't you be in your own quarters right now?"
Amelia let out a soft chuckle before adopting a serious expression. "I wanted to see how you were doing."
Zel raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Regardless, the princess strode towards him.
"And from the looks of it." she added. "You look like you could do with some company."
Gently, she lowered herself into the chair and onto the chimera's lap. Then she
lowered her head until it was resting on Zelgadis' chest.
She sighed happily and closed her eyes, taking in his presence, his warmth and
his breathing pattern.
Zel didn't make kind of protest whatsoever
Slowly the chimera wrapped his arms around the princess to establish, and seal,
a tender embrace.
And for a while, silence hung between the two. Not that it mattered: both were
enjoying every second of this intimate moment and the pleasure of each others
company.
"Amelia?" Zel asked. "What do you think of your father appointing Gracia as the next in line to rulership of Saillune?"
The princess opened her eyes to face the chimera.
"I'm so happy for them both" she smiled. "It's great to know my father has appointed a successor and Gracia is looking forward to a marvellous future."
"She didn't seem too happy about the news though"
Amelia giggled.
"Ah well……..
"Still I have faith in Garcia" she said. "And I know she isn't one to back down from a challenge!"
"Just glad it isn't you huh?"
The princess sighed. "True"
"Well looks like you won't be ascending to the throne after all"
"Yes" Amelia argued. "But the position of ruler of Saillune isn't a safe one"
"And should anything happen to Gracia, you would be expected to take up the throne in her absence right?" Zel finished.
"Exactly"
"You think that might happen?"
"Of course not!" Amelia grinned. "I know that Gracia is a powerful warrior! She won't take any challenge lying down! In fact, I feel sorry for any assassin who thinks they might be able to take her on!"
"So do I" the chimera replied dryly.
"But anyway" he went on, "You still think the idea of becoming Crown Princess of Saillune is still feasible?
"Yes" Amelia said softly.
But then she chuckled. "I know that if I do eventually ascend to the throne, I would want a chimera by my side."
And with that she reached up and planted a kiss on Zelgadis' cheek. Then she lowered her head and resumed her intimate position in the chimera's arms.
Zel blinked. A chimera by her side? A princess like herself? He wasn't liking the sounds of this.
Innokenti slowly crept along his way. Already his mind was worried. He had no idea what he was looking for, the whereabouts in the palace his target was residing in and whether they would be asleep. Indeed, knowing Lina Inverse, the best time would be to strike when she would be at her least alert.
But the search wasn't going so well so far. The assassin had scaled every square inch of this colossal wall, casting his gaze into every window that resided in his path. But so far, none of these windows gave him what he was looking for....
He cast a lazy eye into yet another window.....
.....when he suddenly stopped.
There, illuminated by the light of the moon, were two humans.....
....well they both looked human. One was definitely human but the other was something else...
But what did it matter? These two were in a position of weakness. They were both residing in a comfortable-looking armchair in each other's arms.
Innokenti grinned evilly. This was just perfect. If he acted now, they wouldn't know what hit them or how to react to it.....
Suddenly, Amelia raised her head. Her expression was somewhat anxious and her eyes and ears alert.
Zel blinked. "Amelia?" he asked. "Is something wrong?"
"Did you hear something?"
Suddenly, no sooner then a split second since those words escaped the princess' lips, the window shattered with a tremendous crash! As a rush of night breezed into the window, something else came into the room. Something that was heavy and full of murderous intent. It was this something that thudded into the chair and knocked it off its feet.
With a cry of alarm, the chimera and the princess fell out of the chair only to land on the floor on top of each other! The chair came down upon them, thus providing a makeshift shield.
"What the hell was that?!" Amelia said, bewildered by this suddenly chain of events.
Before Zel could answer, a long blade suddenly burst through the cushions of the armchair, barely missing the two prisoners.
Both blinked in a startled manner before Zel, with a roar, kicked the armchair off himself and Amelia. The chair went airborne and into something solid. A muffled shout emerged from behind the chair before it came crashing down onto the floor.
Zel got to his feet and answered Amelia's question.
"An assassin I believe"
"I see" The princess sighed. "I guess that's what happens when the title of Crown Prince is a highly sought after position."
"But then again" Zel noted. "You've survived numerous attacks from many assassins. Why should this time be any different?"
"You're right" Amelia grinned. She got to her feet as the chimera drew his sword.
Suddenly, a series of quick sword movements emerged from behind the chair. Immediately afterwards, the chair exploded! A cloud of stuffing and fabric filled the room, providing obstacles for any fighting environment.
It was the perfect cover for a sudden attack......
And an attack did come! The assassin burst out from the remains of the armchair and charged at Zelgadis with his blade directly aimed at the chimera!
Zel grit his teeth and weld his sword to counter the assassin's blade. The two swords clashed with a loud clang and locked the two combatants in a stand-off. It was here that Zel got his first good look at his attacker. His face was of cruel features and he sported a black moustache and a top-knot set upon a shaved head. He was in black trousers and sported a bare chest which boasted an impressive array of scars. And, most striking of all, he had a belt loaded with a deadly selection of various blades.
The stand-off continued - until the assassin quickly lowered his left hand and pulled out a small dagger. And it was this dagger that he plunged into Zelgadis' stomach!
But the dagger never reached its intended target. No amount of sharpness or power behind the dagger could make it penetrate the chimera's stone stomach.
The assassin blinked at this unexpected obstacle. Sensing a drop in guard, Zel lunged his sword at his attacker, only to have him leap out of harms way.
Raising his eyebrow, Innokenti caught sight of the princess whom was perplexed by the cloud of the chair's remains and dazzled by the swordplay before her. The assassin grinned as he launched his dagger at the hapless princess.
"AMELIA!" Zel shouted. In a blaze of unnatural speed, he sprinted into the flight path of the dagger. Then, he reached out his hand and caught the dagger - as it was mere inches away from the princess' face.
Innokenti blinked before leaping up into the air.
"Z-Z-Z-Z-Zelgadis?" Amelia stammered, the dagger leaving her in a state of shock.
Zelgadis looked up at the darkened ceiling - it was the only place in the room that the moon's light didn't touch. Therefore, it was the perfect hiding place.
Growling in a frustrated manner, the chimera grasped his newly-acquired dagger and threw it, randomly, into the darkened shadows of the ceiling. A dull thud of a dagger hitting a wooden beam was the only reply he got.
Just then, a soft growling voice emerged from the shadows of the ceiling.
"You" the voice said. "You don't seem bothered about grasping a blade with you bare hands"
Zel paused, trying to detect the source of the noise.
He turned to Amelia before nodding upwards and motioned for her to keep him talking.
The princess blinked. What could she say? This sudden intrusion and the urgency of the situation had left her mind blank.
"He's a chimera!" Amelia spluttered, without thinking.
Upon hearing this, Zel's eyes widened in both alarm and annoyance. Regardless, Amelia continued.
"He's got skin of stone! You have no chance of defeating him!"
"Is that so?" the voice replied, now in a sneering manner. "Perhaps I should be careful. I mean, it would be shame if THIS happened!"
Suddenly, the assassin dropped in from above and landed right behind Amelia. Then, before anyone could stop him, he grabbed Amelia in a headlock and directed a knife at her throat.
Innokenti grinned triumphantly as Zelgadis' face hardened.
"Drop your sword!" the assassin demanded.
"I think not" Zel replied with complete and utter confidence.
"DROP IT!" Innokenti thundered. "Or it's your girlfriends blood that's gonna be spilt!"
The chimera raised an eyebrow.
"Would you dare do that to a Champion of Justice?" he said with a wink.
Amelia caught the signal. Then, in a burst of courage and movement, she brought her foot down on the assassin's own. Innokenti yelped in pain - before he found Amelia grabbing onto his headlock. Seconds later, the assassin then found himself being grasped in a massive over head throw!
The Princess sent the assassin down onto the floor with a terrific crash. But the princess wasn't finished with him yet! Still grasping on his arms, Amelia, utilising all the strength that the power of Justice could provide, immediately threw Innokenti across the room and into the wall!
The assassin hit the wall with a horrendous crash and slid down onto the floor. Innokenti groaned with pain - until a huge foot came crashing down onto his chest!
He looked up to see a big man with a shock of blond hair gazing down at him in an inquisitive manner.
"Aha!" the man said. "I thought I heard something!"
The assassin growled from his prostrate position.
"Gourry, look out!" Zel warned. "That man is dangerous!"
"He is?" the swordsman replied diminutively.
"That guy is an assassin!" Amelia yelled urgently.
And to prove this point, Innokenti drove his feet upwards to knock Gourry in the crotch and off his feet. The swordsman went down with a thud.
The assassin then pulled yet another blade from his belt and leapt onto the swordsman....
Suddenly a pair of arms emerged from the darkness and pulled Innokenti back from his attack path.
Gourry, Amelia and Zel blinked at who held the squirming assassin in check.
"Did I miss anything here?" Aldebrand inquired.
Innokenti blinked. That voice.....
Both the assassin and Aldebrand caught sight of each other - much to their bewilderment!
"Aldebrand!" Innokenti gasped.
"You!"
Thinking quickly, Zel raced over to a particular door and threw it open.
"Aldebrand!" he yelled. "Throw him in here!"
"Huh?" the mercenary inquired.
"Don't think about it, do it!" Amelia said.
Shrugging his shoulders, the mercenary threw the assassin into the darkened room. Immediately, Zel closed the door and threw his weight up against it.
Seconds later......
"FIREBALL!"
Instantaneously, the room shook from a massive explosion
Aldebrand blinked in astonishment
"What on earth was that?"
"That would be Lina" Amelia chuckled. "At her temperamental best!"
And to prove the point, Zel stepped back from the door and opened it.....
...To reveal Innokenti looking well and truly fried. The assassin stumbled in a
daze before falling onto the floor.
Lina followed soon after, looking rather tired and therefore grouchy.
"What the hell was that?" she growled.
"Obviously a professional assassin" Gourry replied.
"Wow Gourry, you can work that out?" Amelia asked
"Who else would look like that? And carry so many blades?"
"Got a point there"
"But if that guy is an assassin then someone wants us dead." Zel said. "I want to know who..."
"ALL RIGHT! ALL RIGHT!" Lina yelled. "Right now, I'm too tired to think. Lets just go to bed and discuss in the morning."
Gourry and Aldebrand nodded before all three retired to their respective rooms - This leaving Zelgadis with Amelia.
The chimera exchanged glances with the princess.
"Are you all right?" he inquired
"I feel a bit....shocked at that assassin....but...."
"Listen" Zel said gently. "Do you want to stay the rest of night here with me?"
Amelia blinked at this offer - before smiling the warmest of smiles and nodding.
"I will do that Zel" she said. "Oh and more thing...."
"Yes?"
She didn't reply. Instead she reached up and planted another kiss - this time on
his lips.
She then withdrew them and grinned at the chimera.
"That's for saving me"
Next Chapter
Contents