Author's Note: I'm glad that people are enjoying this story, now to answer some questions:

Seth Turtle: Hmm.......I'm not sure if "Beauty and the Beast" is based on "Cupid and Psyche", but it is very possible. I've noticed that many myths and legends around the world are based on or take certain aspects from others stories. There are a lot of different versions of Cinderella around the world, for example.

Lina Gabriev: The original myth is only a few pages long, so like in most ancient myths and legends, the "falling in love" scene was quick. This might be where the term "love at first sight" came from.

For an extra note: The dancing scene didn't happen in the original myth. A couple of years ago, there was a cartoon which retold Greek myths in a "friendlier cartoon" version. I forget the exact name, but I think it was called "Heros of Myth and Legends" or something similar to that. Anyway, they actually did the story of "Cupid and Psyche" (although they went with the Greek version and "Cupid" was named Eros") and in their version they danced. I thought the idea was cute and I needed a little "icebreaker" for Zel and Amelia, so I had them dance.

Chapter 3

Betrayal

"Filia, I may not be an expert in storytelling but this story of yours is becoming rather dull." Xellos chirped.

Filia repressed her urge to strangle him. It was too late in the evening for violence. "I didn't ask your opinion."

"Actually Mom, I agree with him." Val stated.

She sighed. "This story will get better. Just bare with me and have some patience!"

The coming weeks passed by quickly but pleasantly for the young couple. As the pair came to know one another more personally, they found themselves at ease and quite taken with each other.

Amelia discovered Zelgadis was enjoyable to talk to, once he came out of his shell and Zelgadis was becoming attached to and fond of his new companion. Together, they had gained something that both had been lacking.

Amelia finally had a friend that wasn't intimidated or impressed by her royal status.

Zelgadis had someone to come home to and provide him the comfort he hadn't realized he'd been seeking.

What didn't change, however, was Zelgadis's invisible form. The princess still had no clue of his true physical form and would often inquire about it. In a stiff reply, Zel would answer "I'm here with you? Isn't that enough?"

Amelia would then drop her question, but her curiosity remained aroused.

A routine soon developed. Zelgadis would leave the palace every morning, then return every evening. Amelia would greet him warmly, then they would talk and each night ended with an insisted dance lesson from the princess.

But even with this new happy life, Amelia missed her family and worried about them. They didn't know of her happy fate and she imagined that they had assumed the worst had befallen her.

On a frosty night, Amelia was on her balcony. Palms leaning on the beam, she stared across the mountain terrain in the direction of her old home. She flinched as invisible arms hugged her from behind.

Amelia relaxed and snuggled into them. The princess had grown used to her lover's sudden quiet hugs and she adored them. They were different than the hugs she had received from her parents and sister. The arms were secure and strong, but it was more than that. Amelia thought it was silly, but she felt as if a pair of wings were sheltering her. She loved the feeling all the same.

"You'll catch cold if you stay here." Zelgadis's voice whispered.

Amelia nodded, but stayed in place. "I miss my family. I wonder if they're alright."

"I'm sure they're fine."

"But they must be terribly worried about me."

Amelia pursed her lips. The thought had been lingering for awhile, but she was afraid how Zelgadis would respond. "Would it be alright if my sister Naga came to visit?"

Zel tensed and his hug loosened. "She's the girl with the horrible laugh, correct?"

Amelia sighed. "Yes.

At first she heard no response, then "Do you have to see her that badly? Aren't you satisfied with my company?"

"Of course I am!" Amelia replied. "It's just that I want her to know how I"m doing. She can be hard to handle, but she does care about me."

A deep troublesome sigh came. "Very well, but she can only come during the day, when I'm gone. That way, I won't have to deal with her."

Amelia smiled. She had wanted Zelgadis to meet her sister, but she would take what she could get. The princess quickly turned around. "Thank you!"

She dove in with a kiss on what she assumed was Zel's cheek. The sight of a crimson red colour appeared causing her to giggle uncontrollably.

Zel grumbled. "It's not that funny."

Amelia controlled her giggle attack and smiled again. "I want to give you something."

She removed one of the pair of bracelets that she wore on her wrists. The bracelet dangled. It had a simple pink band and a sapphire stone was attached. A small delicate star was engraved in the smooth texture of the stone. Amelia held it proudly.

"These have been passed down in my family for generations. You keep this one and I'll keep the other."

Zelgadis stared at the gift. Timidly, he accepted the bracelet and held it tenderly. The god had never been given a gift like this before in his entire life, which was incredible considering how long his life was. "Thank you." was all he could reply as Amelia smiled at him lovingly.

The next morning was the normal routine. Zelgadis went off and would not return until that evening. Amelia summoned a dove. She wrote a message, inviting Naga to visit and then attached the note to the bird's leg and sent the creature off.

Patiently, she waited by her window. Hours passed and the young princess began to fear that her sister did not receive the invitation.

A scream broke out.

Grinning, Amelia poked her head through the window. The instant she caught sight of Naga flying through the skies carried by the wind, Amelia raced outside.

She burst through the door and.......stopped short.

Naga was laying motionless in the dirt. In fear that her sister was hurt, Amelia stepped forward. "Naga?"

Upon hearing her name, Naga's head raised. Fallen tangled hair was sprayed across her face. She bore a resemblance to a shaggy dog. Leaping to her feet, Naga furiously fixed her hair. "You could have warned me about that wind!!"

Amelia's sudden fear lifted, and she stared, puzzled. "I thought I did in the letter?"

"You didn't say it would toss me like a bouncing ball! My hair is a mess!"

Amelia sighed and led Naga inside.

Once Naga had fixed her hair and was offered some food and drink, she was in a less irritated mood. "I'll say one thing about this guy of yours, he has a nice place," she said, pouring another cup. "And this wine is to die for!"

"Naga, could you please not drink the whole bottle. It's one of Zelgadis's favorites."

Naga reluctantly said "Fine." and left the wine bottle alone. "So, he's treating you well?"

"Oh yes!" Amelia exclaimed, her eyes sailing into a daydream state. "He was hard to get close to at first, but he's very kind and gentle. We talk about everything together."

"What does he look like?"

Amelia froze. "Um......I don't know."

"Don't know?"

Amelia squirmed. "I've......never actually seen him."

"How's that possible?!"

"............He's.....invisible."

Naga blinked, baffled. "Invisible?"

Amelia nodded.

"So you have never actually SEEN him?!"

"He doesn't want me to see what he looks like."

Naga's eyebrows tweaked in suspicion. She didn't like the sound of that. Why wouldn't this Zelgadis want Amelia to see him? Unless, he had something to hide. Naga stared at her baby sister gravely. If that was true, could Amelia be in danger?

"Don't you think that a bit odd?"

"Perhaps, but if he really doesn't want me to see him.........."

Naga's glass slammed on the table. The table's legs rattled as if ready to collapse. "Honestly Amelia! How do you know this guy isn't tricking you?!

Amelia fell back in her chair, shocked by the sudden outburst. "Trick me? He would never do that...."

"How do you know for sure?"

Amelia straightened in her seat, her gaze firmly locked. "I just do."

Naga scoffed. Her sister could be too naive for her own good. "Really? Well what makes you so certain that he isn't some monster wanting to gain your trust so he can eat you for his dinner? The oracle did say that both the Gods and monsters fear him."

The words struck a chord. The oracle had said that, but Zelgadis was no monster. She had complete faith in him........right?

Amelia tossed her doubtfulness aside. "Naga, you're overreacting. Zelgadis is no monster."

Naga sighed, her face softening. "I'm only concerned for you. As your older sister, it's my duty to look out for you. Besides that, you can't tell me you aren't curious about what Zelgadis looks like."

It was Amelia's turn to sigh. Naga had no idea how much she yearned to see what Zel's true form was. She had spent several hours daydreaming about what her invisible lover really looked like. Amelia attempted to reject this feeling, but the desire remained. "I do, but I promised him......"

"Then why not take a peek at him? Is there anytime he's visible?"

"He is when he's sleeping but....."

"There you go!" Naga exclaimed, a scheme plotting in her mind. "Sneak a peek at him when he's sleeping. He'll never know."

A knot took form inside Amelia. It was so tempting, but she couldn't.......or could she?

Before evening came, the sisters said their farewells and Naga left, though she was not keen on riding the "raging storm wind" as she put it.

Zelgadis returned not long later. Amelia greeted him warmly as usual, but her sister's idea itched inside her like a spider crawling on her skin. She tried to not dwell on the dilemma and stayed in her cheerful mood.

The words of her sister haunted her all through dinner and remained when she crawled into her bed. No sleep came. Amelia pondered on her situation long into the night.

A quick glance wouldn't hurt, right? It would only be a small and fast peek, but she had promised and Amelia was always taught it was unjust to break a promise.

She couldn't look at her reflection in her mirror if she did. Still, was a small, tiny peek so awful? Amelia breathed deeply, digging into her warm sheets.

Finally her decision was made. Amelia's restraint on her curiosity reached it's limits. Her choice was final. She would simply catch a quick glance. No more, no less.

Shaking in anticipation, her adrenalin taking control, Amelia lit a candle. She crept down the dark hall. The candle glowed like a beacon in the night. The light danced along the walls and moved with each passing beat of her heart. Amelia walked slowly.

A part of her told her this was forbidden, this was wrong but her wish to see her love's true form urged her on like she was tied to a rope and being pulled by it.

The fear tripled as she reached Zel's bedroom. The door's creak was as disturbing as a scream to her ears.

The bed was in full view, with a dark shaped figure nestled in it.

Right then, Amelia heavily considered rushing and leaping back to her own bed. Yet, she found the strength to remain.

Her bare feet dragged on the floor. She reached the bed. Her arm tensing, Amelia held the candle high.

She saw him! Clear as crystal. It was not what the princess had been expecting. Zelgadis wasn't normal, but he wasn't a monster.

The enormous wings attached to his back looked golden by the flames light. The smooth stone skin looked like it was glowing and it intrigued her. Amelia stared in complete wonder.

"He's so.......handsome."

Val sweat-dropped. "She thought he was handsome?"

Xellos leaned over the bed. "Some girls have very odd taste. I once knew this girl who was attracted to a giant turtle man......"

"Can I PLEASE continue?!" Filia snapped.

Amelia was relieved and felt foolish for ever doubting him. She stood there, watching Zelgadis's sleeping form. "He looks so peaceful."

The desire to kiss him was no longer manageable. She knelt to gently kiss his cheek.

This was her fatal error. Amelia forgot about her candle. The wax hung on the edge then dripped on Zelgadis's shoulder, burning him.

"HOLD IT!! HOLD IT!!" Val cried.

"Now what's wrong?!" Filia shouted in return.

Both Val and Xellos stared confused. "It burned him?!!"

"Yes! So?!"

"But Mom he has STONE SKIN!! How can wax burn him?!!"

Filia was silent. She didn't think of that. "Um......it was the Wax of Light!!"

Xellos and Val sweat-dropped. "Mom......that's a lame excuse..."

"I'd have to agree with the boy Filia." Xellos added.

Filia huffed. "Fine! If you're going to nit pick at EVERY little detail, maybe I'll just end the story here!"

"NO! NO!" Val protested. "I didn't want a mushy story, but I won't be able to sleep if you end it there!"

Filia smirked in her triumph. "Very well then."

Zelgadis awoke, springing from his bed.

Amelia tumbled backwards. Zel was frozen to the spot. "Amelia? What are you doing here?!!"

The blood drained from Amelia's face. "I.....I can explain!!"

The effect of the shock vanished and Zelgadis's face darkened, his wings flexed with tension. "You promised you wouldn't come in here!"

Ashamed, Amelia said "I know" in a quiet whisper.

It didn't put out Zel's fury. "I thought you were happy?! Weren't you happy with me?"

"Of course I was!" Amelia cried. "I love being with you ......."

"That doesn't explain why you broke your promise to me!!"

Tears were spilling from the princess's eyes. "It's just that......I love you so much ....and I wanted to see what you looked like just once......and when my sister came she suggested....."

"Oh! So you consider listening to your sister more important then keeping a promise with me!!"

"NO! I......" Amelia felt helpless. Zelgadis's eyes were filled with pain and sadness. And she was the source of it all.

Zel sharply turned with his back facing her. "I let you in my home and this is how you thank me?" A snarl escaped. "I'll never hear the end of this from my mother."

"Your mother?"

"Yes my mother, who is not a fan of yours by the way. She's Martina, the Goddess of Love."

Amelia was a breath away from fainting, but restrained herself from doing so. "A Goddess? That means.....you're....."

"A God." he replied in a matter of fact tone. "And I'll let you in on a secret, my mother is jealous of you. She had even ordered me to punish you."

Amelia shuddered. "Punish?"

"I was suppose to make you fall in love with a horrible beast by shooting one of my arrows........but I couldn't....I found myself taken with you and even thought that you might possibly fall in love with me.........How foolish was that?"

"Oh......Zelgadis...." It all seemed so unreal! The Goddess of Love was angry at her and Zelgadis was supposed to have punished her!! But he defied Martina and in gratitude........Amelia broke her promise.

Zelgadis stepped towards his window. "I'll take my leave now."

Reality swooped in on Amelia and in great panic cried "No Zelgadis!! Wait!!"

She reached for him.

"Farewell." The God launched from the window.

Amelia jumped, but only managed to snag a feather from his wings. "Come back!! PLEASE!!" she screamed.

Zelgadis flew farther and farther away till he was no longer visible.

The tears could no longer be blocked. Amelia crashed to the floor weeping, the single feather clutched between her fingers.

Elsewhere, Zelgadis sailed through the sky faster than the night wind. His wings flapped hard and heavy. The clouds he ripped through were torn apart, but Zel paid no heed. He didn't give a care.

Flying! Flying was all that mattered! To ignore the betrayal he was feeling. How?! How could Amelia do this to him?! It was all so perfect!!

All Amelia had to do was to keep her word. How difficult was that?!!

The god let himself glide with the wind momentarily. The weariness was catching up and dragging him down. "I need to land."

He spotted and landed promptly on a large sized cloud. A sigh was cast as he lay himself down like the cloud was his bed.

It was the best position, he'd always found, to dwell and deal with his roaring emotions, although he eternally wished he didn't have to confront them.

A combination of feelings was stirring inside of him. Anger was a dominate feeling, but his sadness came in a close second. Why did Amelia have to see him so badly?!

They were so happy together and she just had to keep her promise.

"But was it really that simple?" Zel's inner voice nagged at him. "If you were honestly planning on actually marrying her at some point, she'd have to find out the truth sooner or later."

But he would have told her eventually.

"And that could have taken forever!! And she said she wanted to see you because she loved you."

Zelgadis stayed on the thought. "That's right! She did say she loved me."

A hint of joy flickered, but was stomped on. "Amelia probably said that because I told her I'm a God."

"Ah! But she said that BEFORE you told her. Besides, you know Amelia is too honest to stoop to that level"

An itch made Zel cease his brooding. As he lifted his hand to scratch, Amelia's bracelet caught his eye. He had placed it on his wrist for safe keeping.

Sitting upward, he removed the gift and stroked the blue stone. "Amelia......"

Author's Note:

This was a bit of a challenge for me, because I'm not used to writing angst. If you think Amelia acted a little out of character, well here are my reasons for Amelia's actions. Considering Amelia's character, I doubt our little "Champion of Justice" would break a promise, but she is only human and ALL humans make mistakes. That's going to be a strong theme in a later chapter. Plus, in the original myth, Psyche did break her promise to cupid and sneaked into his bedroom, after her sisters convinced her she should, to see if he was a monster and I wanted to keep it true to the myth.

Now with Psyche's sisters, it was because they were jealous of Psyche, but I figured Naga would tell Amelia to look because she was more concerned for her safety. If I had a sister that was dating a guy she had never actually SEEN, I would be worried too.

And on a another note, in the original myth Psyche's candle wax did burn Cupid's shoulder. As I was thinking of that, I realized that it couldn't happen to Zel because of his stone skin. So I decided to make a joke out of it and the "Wax of light" was an idea that my boyfriend came up with, whom I greatly thank!