Sylphiel, what are you doing here? Lina couldn't help but gape at the woman down on the floor.
Sylphiel didn't reply, in fact, she was glaring at Zelgadis. Why don't you watch where you're- she suddenly looked horror struck and covered her mouth with her hands. I-I, I did not mean that, Mister Zelgadis!
Lina, Gourry, and a very shocked Zelgadis all stared in alarm at Sylphiel as she picked herself up from the ground, then offered Zelgadis a hand up. He took it, but continued to stare at her in shock. Sylphiel had never said anything in such a harsh tone!
Sylphiel...are you all right? Lina looked somewhat timidly toward her, still in shock.
Sylphiel blushed in embarrassment. Yes, I mean no, ah... she glanced back to where she had just come from, seeing guards nearby. She turned back to Lina, bowing slightly. I'm sorry, Miss Lina, but we need to take this conversation elsewhere.
Sylphiel's glance back at the guards wasn't lost on Lina. She met her gaze and gave a nod. C'mon then. Lina gestured to her companions, and they all proceeded to follow Sylphiel down the hall.
When she thought they were alone, Sylphiel ushered the small group into the library. She knew from past visits to the palace that it was empty this time of day. She led them all to a table, indicating for everyone to take a seat.
Lina settled in to a seat next to Gourry, then turned her attention back on Sylphiel. Okay, so what's going on? What was that that happened out there?And where'd you get those clothes? Gourry piped up.
Lina blinked at Gourry, then looked back to Sylphiel. She hadn't really noticed before, but Sylphiel was in fact wearing different attire than what they had last seen her in. Heh, the white robes suit you, Sylphiel. Lina grinned.
Oh, thank you. Sylphiel averted her eyes as she straightened her outfit out nervously. They aren't anything special, just what everyone wears here in the shrine.
There was a moment of silence, then Zelgadis cleared his throat. It's good to see you, Sylphiel, but we're getting off track. What did you want to talk to us about?
Sylphiel fidgeted with her fingers. I'm not sure how to say this, but I think something is seriously wrong here. You saw what happened out in the hallway when I...When you lost your temper, yes. Lina crossed her arms and nodded knowingly. I can imagine running in to Zelgadis wouldn't feel so good, but I've never heard you say anything less than kind! If anything, it's Zelgadis that usually acts the jerk. Zelgadis glared at Lina.
My point exactly. Lina smirked at Zelgadis. So you lost your temper. Happens to everyone...although it did catch me by surprise.That's the thing, Miss Lina. It isn't just me. Everyone here has been acting strangely, from the guards arguing with each other to Miss Amelia's daily tantrums. Sylphiel gave a weary sigh.
Lina didn't seemed convinced. Given what's happened, that's not too surprising.
Gourry poked at Lina to get her attention. But Lina, remember when Amelia made you cry? I've been traveling with you for a long time now, and I've never seen you cry like that! Sylphiel and Zelgadis both sat up and looked at Lina.
Lina glared, You weren't supposed to say anything about that! Gourry scratched his head. I must have forgot!Lina, Amelia made you cry? What happened? Zelgadis tried to meet her gaze, but she was currently hiding her face in the table.
I don't want to talk about it. Lina mumbled into the table.
But Miss Lina, this only adds to my suspicion! Something is making us act in ways we try not to. Ever since that day... Sylphiel dropped off into silent pondering.
That day? Which... Lina raised her head off the table, her eyes suddenly growing large. Were you there when that assassin tried killing Amelia?
Sylphiel nodded. Yes, it was me that prevented her from dying, but even then something felt wrong. Yes, she was saved from death, and yet it felt like it wasn't Miss Amelia that was saved from dying.Are you saying that it's not Amelia who's in the other room? Zelgadis looked worriedly at Sylphiel.
It is, yet it isn't. She looks like Miss Amelia, but she doesn't act like Miss Amelia at all. She feels...evil. Sylphiel frowned and turned away. You must think me insane for saying this...
Zelgadis shook his head. Not at all. Actually, if anything it validates what I've been fearing. She came to me in a dream, which struck me as odd. In everything we've been through, I've never had such troubling dreams about her, but this felt different. It felt like she was really there, and yet..that would mean... Zelgadis choked on what he had been about to say, not wanting to say what he had been fearing all along.
The three all looked at him, unsure of what to do or say to comfort him.
That's why...that's why I have to see her. I have to know if what I fear is true, or if it was all just a horrible nightmare. Zelgadis' eyes narrowed as he took on a determined expression.
Amelia, having spent the duration of the conversation curled up on the floor, looked up when she felt the change in Zelgadis' emotions. She wanted more than anything to tell him that she was all right, even if in truth she could not shake the pain that had overcome her. She was trying to figure out just why she was feeling pain, since dead people weren't known for being able to feel at all.
And yet, what she was feeling was different than any pain she had ever felt. This was more like...something was forcefully trying to repel her. It probably would have if she wasn't bound to Zelgadis. Zelgadis, who was currently debating with Lina about something or other.
She had resigned herself to sitting on the floor curled up in pain for a few more hours at least, Lina and Zelgadis did tend to get carried away when they argued after all, but she was suddenly dragged across the floor. She let out a yelp of surprise, looking to see the group leaving the library. Not wanting to be dragged all across the palace floors, she forced herself to stand and staggered after the group.
Look Zelgadis, I'm telling you you don't want to go in there! I can't imagine you faring much better than I did the last time I tried having a pleasant conversation with her. Lina tugged uselessly at Zelgadis' cape.
Zelgadis continued marching down the hallway back to Amelia's room. I heard you the first time, Lina, but I have to know. I can't put off not knowing any longer. He continued to drag Lina along.
Okay then, fine. Lina released his cape. But no way are you going alone. I want some answers myself. C'mon, Gourry.
Gourry nodded his head. You coming, Sylphiel? Sylphiel shook her head, I've had enough of her for one day. I need to get back to my uncle's before he worries about me. Sylphiel bowed in apology to the group, then parted ways.
Oh, umm, bye Sylphiel! Gourry waved good-bye then met gazes with Lina. She never seemed to mind Amelia's company before.
Lina sighed. Yeah, but that was before, and if Sylphiel's right then it's not Amelia at all. In any case, this visit should be rather enlightening.
The group again approached Amelia's room, and after being scrutinized by the posted guards, they were allowed entry into the room.
Amelia was even more on edge as they passed into the room. Whatever was repelling her was even stronger here! She felt she might die (if such a thing were possible for someone already dead), when suddenly it was gone. She blinked in wonder at this, when she felt someone's gaze on her.
A voice hissed. You are not supposed to be here!
A shudder ran down Amelia's spine as she looked at the speaker. She gasped in shock!
None other than the princess Amelia herself sat in bed, glowering back at her.
Author's notes:
Man, it seems like forever since I last wrote! The past few months were pure craziness, from getting ready for the holidays, to dealing with the holidays, to being sick during the holidays... And trust me, you don't want me writing when I'm ill. (Bad enough some of my story ideas come to me when I'm not well...) I'm just thankful I got well before I go back to work this next week, and that I was able to get this written.
Now I've gone and thrown out a major clue. Things are only going to keep going downhill from here. Even though I've already got this pretty much planned out, the story keeps changing. Even this chapter had a minor change that dramatically changed how things played out. (Thank you, Sylphiel!) Here's hoping I can get the next part written out soon. Things are starting to get exciting!