Chapter 3: A Royal Problem!
Seyruun is a very lively and huge city full of self-described justice hungry people, but it's also a city of great prosperity where king Philionel promotes peace and never declares war first. As usual the city was bustling with life, it was a cloudless day, and the Palace looked as vibrant as ever. King Philionel was sitting at his usual desk in the auditorium, inside the palace listening to some villagers talk about some recent thievery they have experienced.
"I know you're a good King, but we need some answers about these recent onslaughts of injustice!" A Villager said. King Philionel sat and thought for a while.
"We have tried to catch these so called raiders in the past, but to no avail." The king replied.
"Surly you have not given up your search!" the same villager said.
"We never give up good citizen and we will keep fighting the good fight against the bad! It's just that we need to find them in order to smite them…" The king said as he stood up and looked out the auditorium window.
"We had better organize a search party soon, or the people will start to lose faith in the power of justice and Seyruun." The Kings adviser said.
"We need some time to think about a plan good people of Seyruun, please leave us for now." The king said while his adviser ushered them out of the room. King Philionel sighed and the adviser left the room shutting the door behind him.
"I knew it daddy! There really are thieves aren't there!" a voice said from an aisle of the room.
"Huh? Amelia, how long have you been there!" The king said.
"Long enough to hear that you were keeping information from me… your own daughter!" She said.
"Amelia, I didn't want you involved in this which is why I lied to you, do you realize I couldn't go on living if anything happened to you?" King Philionel replied.
"Oh come on father I helped miss Lina and the others destroy Dark Star, remember? I want to help!" Amelia said.
"I forbid you have any part in this search… I'm sorry but it's for your own good Amelia."
"You can't forbid me father, I'm going weather you like it or not!" Amelia said while stomping out of the room.
"I know I can't stop you Amelia but… I'll be watching." He said. Amelia walked up to her room and stared out of the window. She let out a sigh and opened the window to let a breeze in the room.
"I wonder what Zelgadis is doing, Lina and Gourry even…" She Said. Ever since the battle with Dark Star she had been helping out around the kingdom and focusing on her studies. There were rumors that the town's houses had been broken into, but now she knew this to be true and wanted to do something about it.
"The Insignia of justice burns within me, I will find these fiends!" Amelia said as she put on a jacket and snuck out the window and fell into a bush. "But first I have to get out of this thing…"
King Philionel walked outside into the courtyard of the back palace watching his soldiers train. "My soldiers, it is time to help the people find these fiends once and for all. I will put out a bounty today so hunters may join this search. May the power of justice prevail!" Philionel said as his soldiers cheered his name and filed out into the streets of Seyruun posting up bounties. The King walked back inside and worried about his daughter.
"Maybe I'll check on her…" He said to himself as he walked toward her room. Philionel got to Amelia's door when a guard rushed up to him.
"Sir, we might have a lead about where these thieves are!" The soldier said. The King backed off of his daughter's door.
"Already, the soldiers are putting up the fliers as we speak." Said King Philionel.
"This particular person has been investigating before we even thought about it, at least that's what she says." The Soldier said.
"Ok, lead the way then." The King said as he followed the Seyruun soldier into the auditorium again.
Amelia finally managed to free herself from the bush. "Ha, no bush will stop Amelia wil Tesla Saillune!" She shouted as she continued through the streets looking for the villagers that had seen what these raiders look like. "No one will recognize me with this disguise." She muttered as she stopped a villager.
"Excuse me sir, have you heard about raiders in the city lately?" She asked as the man turned.
"Yes, they are said to have a hideout underground in the sewers but no one is brave enough to check." He said as he bowed.
"Sewers eh? Hey what are you doing sir?" Amelia said.
"As a citizen of Seyruun I'm obligated to bow to royalty, Princess Amelia!" The man said as he smiled at her.
"Err… I don't know what your talking about, I'm not this Amelia person you speak of." She said as she ran. "Looks like I need a better disguise." She said as she sighed. Amelia finally stopped running and glanced at some Soldiers putting up bounty signs. "I hope father doesn't find out what I'm doing." She said under her breath as she walked strait passed the Soldiers. "So, looks like I'll just have to check out the sewers."
The forest trees finally cleared as the three came in sight of Seyruun. "Yes, finally we can get some REAL food before we head to Filia!" Lina said.
"Maybe we can drop by the palace and see how everyone is doing?" Zelgadis said as they started to run for the town.
"Wait up!" Gourry said panting. The three reached the gates of Seyruun and saw the city busy with people as usual.
"All right, a tavern! Food time!!" Gourry said running toward the restaurant with Lina and Zelgadis following. Lina ran to the kitchen of the tavern.
"Give us everything below your name on the menu!" Lina said.
"Lina, do we even have that much money?" Zelgadis replied.
"Who cares, I need food to think then money later." She said as the cook started to work frantically.
Amelia saw that her father was roaming the streets with a familiar face and she hid. "I'm glad you decided to drop by, we will get to the raiders in the sewers immediately." King Philionel said to the lady next to him.
"Whew, that was a close one." Amelia said as she saw her father continue walking. "They really are in the sewers huh? Better get moving." She said as she ran to the nearest grate.
Lina, Gourry, and Zelgadis walked out of the restaurant very satisfied with the food.
"Oh man that food was great!" Lina exclaimed while holding her stomach.
"Yeah, I Don't think I'll ever be hungry again." Gourry said looking at Lina.
"Somehow I doubt that Gourry." She said, as she looked and smiled at Zelgadis.
"Hey get back here! You need to pay for that!" The cook said running out with them.
"Heh, I guess we were so busy eating we forgot… Lina give the man his money." Zelgadis said.
"Uh…well about that." Lina said.
"Great… you don't have it do you?" Zelgadis yelled.
"No one leaves here until I'm paid!" The cook said.
"Chill out Zel l couldn't think when I was that hungry so I just needed to be fed!"
"Lina you need to start thinking first!" Zelgadis said.
"Looks like we might be doing dishes for awhile." Gourry said. Zelgadis turned from Lina and was hit by someone running down the street.
"Ouch!" The girl said as she hit Zelgadis. Lina looked at the street.
"I don't believe it, Amelia!" Lina yelled.
"Ugh…" Amelia said still fazed from hitting Zelgadis.
"Put the bill on her tab!" Lina said as she pulled the royal card out of her pocket.
"Fine, but next time bring money… I doubt another one of your friends holding money will run into you again." The cook said as he gave Lina back the card and shut the door.
"Amelia!" Zelgadis said as he gave her back the royal card.
"Mr. Zelgadis!" Amelia said as she regained consciences. "Oh Zelgadis, Lina, Gourry! I didn't think I would ever see you guys again!" She said.
"Amelia, I uh…" Zelgadis said.
"Yes, Zelgadis?" Amelia replied.
"Sorry about that, I would have moved but I didn't have time to react." Zelgadis explained.
"Don't worry about it Mr. Zelgadis!" She said as she hugged him. Zelgadis's face turned beet red as he turned away from Lina and Gourry.
"Aww, isn't that cute Gourry? Zel has a crush on Amelia." Lina said.
"Knock it off Lina." Zelgadis said.
"Lina, Gourry! What brings you to Seyruun?" Amelia asked.
"Well uh, we stopped here to re-supply on food. What about you, you look like your in a hurry!" Lina said.
"Well, actually… my father doesn't know I'm looking for these raiders that have recently been ravaging peoples house's in Seyruun so… please don't tell him!" Amelia pleaded.
"Raiders, hmm if your having trouble we'll help!" Gourry said.
"Really?" Amelia said. Lina nodded her head.
"Yeah! Don't worry we won't tell Phil." Lina said.
"Wait Lina… how did you meet up with Zelgadis?" Amelia said.
"Actually that's a long story, you see each of us had a piece of this map that lead to a treasure inside the Ciered mountains and one thing led to another…" Lina replied when Amelia stopped her.
"You can fill me in later Lina its ok…" Amelia said.
"Ok, so where are these so called raiders your after and why not just let your father handle them?" Lina said.
"Well, you see… My father has been overprotective lately and I want to prove to him that I can handle situations by myself. We have to catch them before they do!" Amelia explained.
"But doesn't Phil remember you helped us destroy Dark Star?" Zelgadis said.
"Yes, but he is just too complicated!" Amelia said.
"Hmm, well we'll try to help you in anyway that we can." Zelgadis said.
"Thank you all!" She said as she gave Zelgadis another hug.
"If this gets any sweeter I'm going to become a diabetic!" Gourry exclaimed.
"Oh, shut up Gourry you don't even know what that means." Lina said.
"Hmm… Ooh yeah." Gourry replied as Lina slapped her head. The four followed Amelia to a sewer grate and she tried to lift it.
"Uh… let me try." Zelgadis said as he lifted the grate with one hand.
"Great Mr. Zelgadis now… could you put me down?" Amelia said still hanging from the grate.
"Oops, there you go." He said as he brought the cover down and she hopped off.
"Gees Zel I've never seen you so love struck before." Lina said.
"Love struck? Hardly." He said.
"Its not good to deny your own emotions Zel!" Lina said while shaking her finger.
"I will PAY you to shut up." Zelgadis said.
"Oh, Lighten up Zel… lets get moving." Lina said as she entered the sewer.
"Wow, she sure knows how to enter a sewer! Almost like she's meant in one." Zelgadis said.
"Damnit Zel I heard that!" Lina said as her voice echoed from below. Amelia, Gourry and Zelgadis entered the sewer where Lina was waiting.
"Ok, lets get to work!" Amelia said while leading the other three. Amelia walked for what seemed to be an hour. "I…I'm lost!" She complained as she sat down on the concrete next to the flowing sewage. Lina let out a sigh and sat down next to her.
"Did you hear where in the sewers they were supposed to be Amelia?" Lina said.
"Well… uh no." Amelia said looking confused, as her eyes got small.
"Well if I know raiders… and I do, their probably near the grate that empties out the sewage." Lina said.
"Why would they be there?" Amelia asked.
"Well when your base is in a sewer you need some fresh air to clear out the smell once in awhile, although I wouldn't imagine that working too well but well enough." Lina explained.
"I suppose that makes since, but where is the place this stuff dumps out into?" Amelia said while whining.
"Go with the flow I suppose." Lina said pointing to the flowing waste. Lina and Amelia got up off of the floor and followed the waste down the sewers as Zelgadis and Gourry trailed behind.
"I think I'm going to lose my sense of smell after this." Gourry said holding his nose.
"Heh, that would be a shame Gourry seeing how that's your only working sense." Lina said laughing.
"Oh, come on Lina… I'm getting sick of this."
"Don't be such a baby Gourry I can see a light at the end of that next turn." Lina said while glancing left.
"I'm not a baby Lina stop insulting me!" Gourry yelled as Lina stopped.
"Shhh, I can hear voices." Lina said while listening. Amelia ran next to Lina as they both creped around the corner.
"Hahaha, I bet those Seyruun fools think that we're ghosts by now!" A voice said while the four saw about ten people sitting around a fire on the concrete.
"Yeah… with this much gold we could pay off a kings ransom!" Another guy said.
"Those fiends, I shall smite them with the hammer of justice." Amelia said as Lina held her back.
"Wait a second Amelia, we have to view the situation first. Besides you don't want to be seen by your father yet do you?" Lina whispered. Amelia calmed down.
"I guess your right lets take a closer look, at this range they could hear us so you stay here Gourry… while we use levitation so no footsteps will give us away." Amelia whispered.
"Good plan Amelia." Lina said.
"Fine but I hate being left out." Gourry said while leaning against the wall.
"Levitation." Lina, Amelia, and Zelgadis said as they floated closer to the gang of thieves.
"I bet with these disguises we can ransack the Seyruun Palace!" Another thief said as he put one on a cloth and became invisible.
"Hmm, so that's how they did it… but where did they get those cloaks I wonder…" Lina whispered.
"Did you hear that?" A thief said.
"No, Your just becoming senile because of our surroundings." Another Thief said.
"Yeah… its nothing, forget it." The thief said. Lina looked at Zelgadis and Amelia.
"Ok, no sight of your father Amelia… and these guys are the real deal." Lina said.
"I'll go tell Gourry to get ready to attack." Zelgadis said as he hovered back to Gourry.
"Ok, ready Amelia?" Lina asked.
"Yup!" Amelia said with confidence. Lina and Amelia jumped out from the wall and the thieves stared at them.
"Damnit I knew I heard something!" The thief said.
"Your rampaging ends now villains! There is still time repent your sins and return the gold to the people of Seyruun!" Amelia said.
"Err… What she said!" Lina yelled. The thieves took to the cloaks and went invisible.
"Heh… oh no you don't, Freeze Arrow!" Amelia said while the thieves froze in place.
"Nice job, Amelia!" Lina said.
"Oh man… I missed out on the action already?" Gourry said running to the battle while Zelgadis was running with him.
"I see you've been practicing your spells more!" Zelgadis said as he looked at Amelia.
"That's right, a Seyruun Princess has to be proficient in peace and be able to defend herself!" Amelia said while she heard footsteps coming from the halls of the sewers.
"Hahaha, Give yourselves up fools!" A woman said while running toward them.
"In the name of Seyruun, your under arrest!" King Philionel said as he ran with the women down the hall.
"Oh no… that laugh, that horrible laugh!" Amelia said.
"Come to think of it does sound familiar, but why?" Lina said as the woman and the King stepped into the area where the thieves were frozen.
"Huh… their already caught! What the, Amelia… Lina!" The woman said now in plane view. Amelia let out a sigh and started to whine.
"Nahga?" Lina said looking at the women.
"Ms. Lina you know my sister?" Amelia said.
"Your… Sister?" Lina said as she fainted.
"Amelia, daughter are you hurt?" King Philionel said as Amelia stepped back a little.
"I'm fine father, me and my friends captured the bandits!" Amelia said.
"It looks like I may have been a little harsh… I'm sorry Amelia." The king said as she held Amelia tight.
"Daddy… please let go, ugh." Amelia said.
"Oh, I'm sorry dear! Look Nahga has come to visit, she heard about the problem and when she found the thieves she told me their whereabouts." Philionel said.
"Hello, Sis!" Nahga said.
"Err… Hi Nahga." Amelia said with uncertainty. They all left the sewers and returned topside to give the people back their belongings. Lina was still in a trance as Gourry tried to wake her up.
"Lina… wake up!" Gourry said pinching her cheeks. Lina awoke in a daze.
"Oh, hi Gourry I had this horrible dream that Nahga was Amelia's sister." Lina said.
"Uh… actually." Gourry said while Nahga walked into the room.
"Ahhhh! You really ARE Amelia's sister!" Lina screamed.
"Hahaha, It's true but I didn't care much for the royalty side of the job… so I just became a mercenary, remember all the good times we've had together Lina?" Nahga said while laughing.
"Well, I guess I forgot to tell you about Nahga Gourry… She and I go way back." Lina said.
"Is that so? Well for being Lina's old friend you certainly are way more well endowed than Lina here!" Gourry said.
"Hahaha, Lina… Your friend here has got a good eye." Nahga said. Lina's vain popped out of her head as she took Gourry by the neck and pounded his head relentlessly into the wall.
"How many times do people have to keep insulting my breasts… Shut UP Gourry!" Lina said as she tossed Gourry into a building.
"Heh, Sorry Lina I'll remember that from now on." Gourry said as he fainted.
"You damn well had better!" Lina said.
"Well Lina I see you haven't lost that attitude of yours." Nahga said smirking at her.
"Can it Nahga!" Lina said.
"Is that anyway to greet an old friend?" Nahga said with a frown.
"Oh… fine how have you been." Lina asked. Nahga perked up.
"Well, I've been traveling here and there I heard about you and how you destroyed Dark Star and the Hellmaster!" Nahga explained.
"Oh… they were pushovers." Lina said while sticking her tongue out.
"Somehow I doubt that!" Nahga said.
"Well… they did have their points of difficulty." Lina said as Gourry got back up and walked toward Amelia and Zelgadis.
"So, what brings you here Lina?" Nahga asked.
"Yes, Lina now that we have time what are you guys looking for?" Amelia said.
"Well… uh, grab a seat because its quite a story." Lina said as she explained. "Well, that's how we ended up here… pretty crazy lately if you ask me." Lina said while the others soaked up the story.
"So, your headed to Filia's shop all the way over in Holerfan?" Amelia said.
"Yup that's right…" Zelgadis said.
"Hmm, let me see that manuscript for a second." Nahga said as she swiped it out of Lina's pocket.
"Hey!" Lina said.
"Hmm… Hmmmm…" Nahga said while looking at the scroll.
"You… can read that?" Lina said. Nahga paused for a moment and gave it back to Lina.
"Nope!" She said.
"Great a female Gourry." Zelgadis said under his breath.
"However, I have determined that I'm going with you!" Nahga said.
"Ugh… welcome aboard I guess." Lina said. Amelia looked at her father.
"Can I go to?" Amelia asked her father.
"You have much to learn Amelia." Philionel said.
"But daddy I…"
"But you have proved yourself time and time again you can take care of yourself." King Philionel said smiling at Lina.
"Oh, thank you!" Amelia said as she gave her father a hug.
"Please look after Amelia for me… Until she comes back." Philionel said to Lina.
"Don't worry Phil, she is safe with us!" Lina yelled.
"Good… Oh and by the way Amelia I took another look at our credit and it seems you've bought quite a lot of food here… I would appreciate it if you pay it back later!" Philionel said.
"Wait a minute I didn't order any food…" Amelia said looking puzzled.
"Err… We'll make sure she does Phil, don't sweat it!" Lina said looking suspicious.
"But I honestly don't think I did order a thing… wait a minute, Lina!" Amelia said.
"We were in a jam… we'll pay him back don't worry hehehe." Lina said. Nahga grabbed the manuscript from Lina again and took off for the gates of Seyruun, to exit the town.
"Damnit, Nahga get back here! Wait for me!" Lina said as the others followed her out of the town.