Lina had set a fast pace to get back to Seyruun as soon as possible. It had already been a few days since she'd visited Martina, but she was still stewing over what she had learned.

Okay, so here's what we know so far: an assassin was sent to kill off Amelia and her family. Said assassin used Martina's dagger, so naturally one would think that Xoana had sent the assassin. According to Martina, someone stole her dagger, so this is not the case. Also, Xellos' appearance. Lina counted off what she knew on her fingers.

Gourry nodded his head, keeping pace with Lina.

Lina tapped her cheek in thought. Now that makes things more interesting, because as far as I knew, this had nothing to do with anything other than royal disputes. His appearance changes things...How so? Gourry asked.

Well, Xellos doesn't usually show up unless there's some motive behind it. Add to that that he basically threatened us, and something is definitely underfoot.

Gourry paused to look down at the ground, looking back to Lina with a confused expression.

Lina's eyes narrowed. Meaning we need to have a chat with Amelia.What about Zelgadis?

Lina paused, her line of thought broken. What about Zelgadis?

Gourry turned to look at Lina. Think he'd know anything about it? He was there right before the attack.Ooh, good thinking, Gourry! Only problem is, he left without telling us where he was going. It'll take forever to hunt him down. Lina scowled.

Gourry smiled. as if hiding a secret. It shouldn't take that long at all.

Lina gave Gourry a puzzled look, as if waiting for him to divulge his secret.

He's over there.

Lina looked to where Gourry was indicating, noticing that they were just outside the Seyruun city gates. She also noticed that a certain chimera was currently in a heated debate with the guards. That guy never was good at debating. C'mon, Gourry! Lina kneed her horse enough to get it to pick up the pace.

As she got closer, Lina could hear Zelgadis arguing with the guards. She didn't blame them for not wanting to let him in the city. Given what had just happened, Zelgadis didn't look like a law-abiding citizen. Not that she was going to tell him that. Hey, what's going on here?

Zelgadis and the guards turned to see Lina galloping up to them. They then watched in disbelief as she yanked back on the reins, and promptly found herself kissing the dirt.

Darn it! I thought I had learned how not to do that. Lina spit dirt out of her mouth and glared at her steed.

Zelgadis looked at Lina in confusion.

Gourry casually rode up alongside Lina, dismounted his horse, then picked Lina up off the ground, setting her back on her feet. You okay, Lina?Never better. Lina spit more dirt out of her mouth, then turned her gaze back to Zelgadis and the guards. Zelgadis, what did I tell you about getting in fights with the guards?

Zelgadis just rolled his eyes. Look, Lina, it's not like I knew you were anywhere nearby. I just want in the city. Is that so much to ask? He gave a cold look to the guards.

The guards didn't step down. Sorry sir, but with what's been going on, we can't let just anybody in.Anybody? Do you know who he is? Lina looked at the guards with disdain. This is the Zelgadis Graywords. He's one of my traveling companions, not to mention good friends with Princess Amelia. Do you want me to go tell her that you're not letting a dear friend in to see her?

Zelgadis coughed a bit nervously into his fist.

Lina lowered her voice. You were coming to see her, right?O-of course! Zelgadis stammered.

Lina turned back to the guards. There, you see? Now are you going to let him through, or what?

Amelia let out an exasperated sigh. This would have been so much easier if they could see her. She'd never realized just what trouble it must be for Zelgadis to enter the city. No wonder he didn't visit often.

She watched Lina, somewhat in amusement as she put the guards in their place. For being a commoner, Lina demanded respect. That was something that Amelia had always admired about Lina.

It wasn't long before the guards submitted and let the group through the gates.

Took them long enough. Lina grumbled. So Zelgadis, what brought you back so quickly?He must have heard what happened. Gourry interjected.

Well actually - wait! Heard what happened? Zelgadis looked at Gourry.

About the assassin that almo-erk! Gourry was cut off by Lina's hand covering his mouth.

Gourry, you really lack tact. Lina placed her other hand up to her mouth, indicating him to be quiet.

Zelgadis looked worried for a moment, before his expression hardened. Lina, what happened?

Amelia too waited to hear what Lina was keeping from them.

Lina's shoulders slumped, and she turned so that she wasn't looking directly at Zelgadis. She studied something far off as she replied meekly, Right after you left, an assassin snuck into the palace.

Zelgadis' heart stopped.

They killed Prince Phil and his brother Christopher, and Amelia-

Zelgadis gripped Lina's shoulders. Amelia? What about Amelia? Did they...? Zelgadis turned away, not wanting to see Lina's expression.

Amelia stood next to Zelgadis, trying to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. She fought back tears, knowing Zelgadis was in more need of comfort at the moment.

Lina winced at Zelgadis' strong grip. Ouch! Back off, Zel! Amelia's okay!She's okay? Why are we walking so slow? I have to go see her. I have to make sure she's really all right! Zelgadis made to dash down the street, but was stopped by Lina's hold on his cape.

Relax, Zel! She's not going to go anywhere. There are guards posted everywhere, and the last thing you want to do is give them a heart attack by barreling in on them!

Gourry nodded in agreement. They've been really worked up. We all have, really. Gourry met gazes with Lina, seeing the pain in her eyes.

Lina turned back to Zelgadis. And before you do go rushing off to see her, there's something you ought to know.

Zelgadis and Amelia looked at Lina expectantly.

She's not been herself lately. She... Lina let out a sigh. Maybe you should go see for yourself. Maybe if she sees you she'll cheer up some. Lina couldn't help but notice Zelgadis' lack of surprise. Zel, what is it?

Zelgadis met Lina's gaze, but then averted his eyes. Did you ever...wait, of course you did. Zelgadis coughed nervously at Lina's confused look. I had a dream. Specifically, a dream about Amelia. She didn't tell me what, but she said that something had happened to her family. Now hearing what has happened, I can't help but think that the dream didn't happen by chance.

Lina didn't respond, but Gourry could tell she was thinking about what Zelgadis had just said. He waited patiently for her to sort through her thoughts.

We definitely need to have a chat with Amelia. There's too much that isn't adding up...at least, not to a positive. Lina's features hardened as she gazed at the palace in the distance.

Amelia nodded her head in agreement, and followed along after her friends. As they traveled through the city, she couldn't help but notice how empty the streets were. Those that did venture out looked so...angry! Amelia shuddered at the grim expressions she saw.

If that wasn't bad enough, the closer they got to the palace, the worse Amelia felt. At first she thought it was from feeling a lack of cheer about her, but she ruled that out as she started to feel pain. It felt like something was trying to repel her, yet she was still being pulled to follow after Zelgadis, and since he was moving closer to the palace she had no choice but to follow. She grit her teeth as the feeling intensified, no longer able to concentrate on her friends' conversation.

What is going on here? Amelia tried to fight off the pain and pressure she was feeling, trying to think of something to stop the pain.

Lina glanced at Zelgadis. What? I just told you! Don't tell me you weren't paying attention.Lina, what are you talking about? Zelgadis shot an equally puzzled look at Lina.

Didn't you just ask what was going on? Lina looked back at Zelgadis.

No, I didn't say anything. Are you feeling okay? Lina did look like she was under a lot of stress, and possibly sleep-deprived, Zelgadis noted.

We have been traveling a lot this past week. Lina hasn't been sleeping well, either. Gourry leaned over to whisper in Zelgadis' ear.

I heard that, Gourry. Lina elbowed Gourry in the gut. I am just fine. Although I am a bit tired... She glanced up at the palace, feeling relief and apprehension upon seeing it. In any case, we're here.

Amelia lifted her head, taking a peek at the palace grounds. She noticed a major lack of guards, and also saw that Seyruun's flags were at half-mast. Through clenched teeth she asked, Where are all the guards?Protecting Amelia, if they know what's good for them. Lina continued to gaze at the palace, not quite ready to enter in.

Lina, you did it again. Zelgadis cast a worried glance at her.

....didn't you just ask where the guards were at? Lina blinked at Zelgadis as he shook his head no'. Gourry also shook his head in the negative. If it wasn't you... Lina looked about the grounds. There must have been someone she had overheard! Sadly, they were alone. I could have sworn I heard someone.

Gourry placed an arm around Lina's shoulders. C'mon, Lina. I think you need to get some rest.

Lina was about to retaliate, but opted to go along with Gourry. She was tired, and hearing voices was not a good thing. I think the stress is getting to me. she muttered. She offered no resistance as Gourry led her into the palace.

So where first, Lina? Do you want to report to that Grace person, go see Amelia, or what? Gourry paused in escorting Lina while waiting for a response.

Personally, I wouldn't mind getting sleep, but I doubt Zelgadis can wait to see Amelia any longer. Lina let out a small sigh. Better get that over with. Coming, Zelgadis? She turned, only to see Zelgadis was no longer by her side.

Zelgadis was already far down the hall that led to the personal living quarters of the Seyruun royal family. He stopped in his tracks as he glanced back at his traveling companions.

Hey! Wait up! Lina suddenly got a second wind as she charged after Zelgadis, Gourry following on her heels.

Zelgadis shifted about nervously. Sorry, Lina, I just can't shake this feeling of dread. I need to see her, to make sure she's okay.

Lina nodded knowingly. I know, but I'm telling you, she's not been the same. Don't go charging in there expecting her to gush all over you. She's more likely to bite your head off. Lina grumbled as she kicked at the carpet.

Again she was met with silence. Lina rolled her eyes and made a fist. Why won't he slow down for at least a minute?!

Gourry placed a hand on Lina's shoulder. Still, I can't say I blame him. I mean, I know I'd be the same way if I had just found out something had happened to you.

Lina instantly felt her face flush, and she kept her gaze on anything but Gourry, opting to nod her head to let him know she had heard him. Be...better go catch up to him.

Even before Lina moved forward one step she heard a collision, followed by a very feminine She and Gourry tore down the hallway and rounded the corner to see Zelgadis on the ground shaking his head, and across from him...

Author's notes: I really did intend for the last part to be more drawn out, but I didn't plan on the parts previous to go for as long as they did. The story is wanting to be much longer in the scene(s) to come, so I opted to cut things off here. (Also, after writing this out I'm a bit worn out, creatively. I didn't want to make you all wait that much longer for this chapter to be put up.)

As always, thanks to everyone that reviewed! I've been having fun throwing out clues to see what you all pick up on. Also, much thanks to all my friends that give me C&C as I work this story into something that makes sense. You're all awesome!