Slayers Fan Fiction ❯ Gypsy Moon ❯ Chapter 5: Gypsy Lament ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter 5: Gypsy Lament

"Ahhh! This really hit the stop!" Lina scrubbed away at her skin while she relaxed in the hot water. She looked at her pale skin and smiled. "Look at how my skin shines! All that dirt and pollen finally coming off!"

Amelia finished scrubbing one of her arms with a wet cloth, than let the cloth float in the water. She faced her friend with a curious expression. "Pollen?"

"Yes," Lina hissed. She drew her body down into the water a little more, and narrowed her eyes. "Pollen."

Amelia watched her friend draw slowly into the water like a snake. Her eyes began to twitch. "Lina-san, your scaring."

The sorceress continued rambling over top the water. "Pollen from those stupid flowers, that those stupid fairies, had to cover me in!"

As Lina droned on, Amelia sighed and picked up her washcloth again. She took in her surroundings. A large room, and in the center was the large onsen that they bathed in. Surrounding the onsen were various plants and flowers that gave the room a tropical feelings. Amelia noticed a small fountain on the side that spit out water. She smiled and then decided to take in the scent; rose water, mixed with lilac and sandalwood.

"Amelia!"

"Huh?" Amelia came around and heard Lina's voice. She looked over and saw a frustrated redhead eyeing her.

"So, are you going to sit there all day?" Lina rinsed her washcloth in the water and squeezed it out. "Your going to miss the party," Lina got a big smile on her face. "And the feast!"

The giddy sorceress began to hum a little tune while she finished washing up. Amelia had been hoping for a moment of contemplation, but realized that she wouldn't be getting it. She sighed and took one more look around the room before she forced herself to finish washing.

~)*(~

"This feels great!" Gourry leaned against the side and let out a sigh of relief. "Man! I feel like I've jumped in a dirty river!"

"Gourry, you did jump in a dirty river..." Zelgadiss put his arms up and relaxed against the side. He had finished washing up a while ago. Part of his mind was telling him to get out and get dressed. The other half was pleading for five more minutes. He hadn't felt this relaxed for a while. Every tense muscle in his body was getting a break. His mind began to drift off. His senses picked up the smell of eucalyptus. There were some other scents among the air, but Zelgadiss was feeling too lazy to sort them out. He wasn't sure if he was drifting off to sleep or not. The chimera listened to some babbling water that was coming out of a fountain and the hissing of the steam. It all came together and began to sound like a lullaby. Zelgadiss didn't realize that he put his head down on the side and had begun to fall asleep. "Ah! This sure feels like a day in paradise, doesn't it Zelgadiss?"

The words hit the chimera's blank mind and made him turn his head slowly to see a grinning Xellos sitting next to him. "Well, it did at first." He groaned as he began to sit back up.

Xellos watched the frustrated chimera sit back up. He smirked. "It sure was nice of Sasheem to let use the bath house."

Zelgadiss didn't reply. He figured that just because Xellos was here, it didn't mean he couldn't move to a different part of the onsen to get some relaxation. As Zelgadiss began to move, a loud thump was heard. The three men turned their heads to the sound. "What the-" Zelgadiss began to get up and go for his towel.

"Well I figured she was just a raging alcoholic!"

"How many times do I have to tell people that she is not always drunk?!"

"I'm sorry, but no one really expects and elf to be drunk."

"If you give her back her pint, she won't kill you!"

The yelling stopped. Neither of the men said anything to each other. Zelgadiss wrapped his towel around him and headed for the changing room. Gourry looked up. "Done, Zel?"

"Yeah, I'm going to get dressed."

"I'll see you at dinner, then." Xellos smiled. Zelgadiss didn't give the mazoku any sign of hearing his words.

Zelgadiss had entered the changing room but couldn't find his clothing. He had spent the last five minutes turning the entire room over and wasn't even able to find his belt. 'This has got to be some kind of sick joke.' He began to walk over to the shelf for another look.

"Here you are, young man."

"Huh?" Zelgadiss hadn't even been paying attention to anything else but finding his clothes. He shot around and saw a small women standing by the doorway. She was very small and had her gray hair tied up in a bun. Her eyes were closed, her dress was wrapped up in scarves, and naturally she had several pieces of jewelry one her. Zelgadiss' blood ran up to his cheeks and made his face go red. "Wh-wh-wh-"

The woman smiled. "Yes?"

"Wh-wh-wh-"

She cocked her head still smiling. "Yeees?"

"What are you doing in here?! Isn't this the men's changing room?!" Zelgadiss was panicking and backing into the wall. He wasn't to sure what he was scared about. He knocked over a clean pile of towels and was about to bend down and pick them up.

"Uh, young man?"

"Huh-yaah!" The chimera had forgotten that he was only in a towel. He quickly got up, and left the towels on the floor. The old women chuckled. Zelgadiss felt his eye twitch. 'What is she laughing about? And what is she doing here?!' The old woman still didn't move. Zelgadiss decided that he should speak. The old woman wasn't moving at all and he was backed up in a corner. "I-isn't this the men's changing room."

"Hmmm." The old woman looked around the room like she had never seen it before.

"Well, yes it is. Then I'm in the right place!"

Zelgadiss wasn't able to catch the next words that came out of his mouth. He was too stunned as it was. "You're a man?!"

"Don't be rude!" The woman snapped. Zelgadiss shifted in frustration at the old woman. She then went back to smiling and shuffled over to Zelgadiss. The chimera wanted to back up further but couldn't. The women, to his surprise, put out her hands and held out a folded pile of clothes for Zelgadiss. On top of the pile were a few pieces of jewelry and three semi- transparent scarves; one blue, one red, and one green. Zelgadiss slowly took the things from the women. She smiled and put her hands behind her back. A voice came from outside the room.

"Grandma! Grand-oh don't tell we you waltzed on in there again! Grandma, we have to get ready!"

"Your Grandma has no moral. I love it!" Zelgadiss looked down at the small woman in shock. "Are you Sasheem's Grandma?" The woman nodded. She turned around from the frightened chimera, and shuffled her way out of the room.

Before she turned the corner she looked at Zelgadiss. "I left some clothing for your friends on the shelf to your right." With that left, she turned around once more and went out of the room.

Zelgadiss didn't know what to say. He looked down at the clothing. Past the clothing on the floor he saw a pair of shoes. 'But what did she do with my original clothes?' He thought. "Are these for us, Zel?" The chimera looked behind him and saw Gourry and Xellos looking at the two piles of clothes on the shelf.

"I think so." Zelgadiss began to get dressed.

~)*(~

"So my Grandma took all the clothing and decided that because it smelled like fish, the cats could sleep on it. But I corrected her, really, I did! So instead I sent for your clothes to be washed. Here, these are the ones that you can now wear." Sasheem handed Lina and Amelia their new clothes and jewelry.

Lina's eyes narrowed and she faced the gypsy. "So the cats are not sleeping on my cloths, right?"

"Yes, yes." Sasheem sighed in annoyance.

"Oh, this is so pretty! Thank you, Sasheem-san!" Amelia only had to look at the pile in her hand and already knew she loved it.

"Well, thank L-sama I still have my armor in my room. But thanks, anyway." Lina put the pile down. "I'll get dressed, then we just come out and you can show us where to go?"

"Of course." Sasheem gave off a smile to them and left the room.

"Sometimes she scares me. And I hardly even know her." Lina began to unfold the clothing and look at it. "All this gold jewelry! Amelia, give me your jewelry!"

Amelia turned to the sorceress. "No! Why?!"

One could say that Lina's eyes were sparkling more than any bright star. "We have to hit the pawn shop!"

Amelia was shocked. "Lina-san! No! That is absolutely unjust!"

"Amelia-"

"No! These are Sasheem-san's! Besides, if they are ours, they are beautiful and were given to us as gifts! You don't pawn off people's gifts!"

Lina got a disgruntled look on her face. "Amelia, I am allowed to! And if I want to, I can!" The sorceress looked down at one of the necklace. It was pretty. The necklace was a gold ring that went around her neck like a hoop; the amulet was gold that fell down like a teardrop, and curled at the end. Boarding the pendent were small red stones, and buried in the middle were a few stones that took the form of a small flower. Lina sighed and put the necklace on. It did look good on her.

Amelia looked at Lina in the mirror. "You look good in gold, Lina-san." Amelia looked in the mirror. Lina turned from side to side looking at the necklace.

"Yeah, it does look good on me."

~)*(~

Lina and Amelia finally came out into the hall. Zelgadiss and Gourry were already waiting for them. Sasheem was in the middle of a conversation with Gourry till she heard the footsteps of the girls coming out. She smiled as she saw them in their new clothes. "They fit perfectly! You look great!"

"Naturally!" Lina spun around in her thin blue dress. She had sashes tied all around her and wore a pair of black shoes. As she spun around, the jingling of several bracelets, chains, and ankle bracelets chimed. "So, how do I look?"

Gourry smiled and scratched the back of his head. "You look good Lina."

Lina slightly blushed. "Really, Gourry?"

"Yeah. With that scarf draping over your chest, it looks like your bust got a little bigger!" Sasheem sighed. "Well your quite the gentleman, aren't you Gourry?" Lina began turning red in the face. The gypsy looked in wonder. "What's this?"

"This is a usual day." Zelgadiss sighed.

"Lina-san don't!" Amelia grabbed her friend's arm. "Gourry-san is wearing new clothes too! Don't ruin them!"

The redhead ignored her friends pleading. "FIREBALL!"

"Not in my bath house!" An old voice came in.

Gourry turned away so his face wouldn't burn. He closed his eyes and was prepared for a fireball to hit him. Nothing happened. "Huh?" He slowly turned around. "Why am I alive?" He looked down.

"It's that old woman." Zelgadiss backed up a few steps.

"She blocked my attack!" Lina hissed. "Hey! Old woman! Don't block Gourry, he's a per-"

"SHUT UP, young lady." The old woman calmed down again. The quick change in her tone of voice scared Lina enough for her to shut up.

Sasheem ran over to the old woman. "Grandma!"

The old woman put down her shield and looked up at Gourry. The swordsman turned to face the old woman. "Thanks! I thought I was gonna' get these clothes burned for sure!" Gourry was wearing the same kind of clothes that Lina thought he would look good in. Baggy pants that had a sash tied around the waist and some leather that held the boots to the pants. He wore a white shirt that had baggy sleeves, but the chest of the shirt couldn't be seen. It was blocked from a buttoned up decorative vest that hugged it close to Gourry and framed his figure. Even Gourry wore a few pieces of jewelry. He stretched his arms and sighed.

Lina huffed and turned away. Amelia sighed and put her arm on Lina's shoulder. "Lina-san, can't you not fireball Gourry-san for one night?"

"I'm not making any promises I can't keep." Lina folded her arms.

Amelia sighed. Sasheem walked over to the princess. "Princess, you are looking good as well."

Amelia blushed. "Um, thanks." Amelia looked down at herself and smiled. She had on a thin dark blue skirt that went to the middle of her thighs. A bordered sash was around her waist and wove in and out of a small gold ring that was at her side, and one last transparent light pink scarf hung behind her. She wore a midnight blue sleeveless top that had a single strand connecting it in the back. It was worn over another shirt, which was transparent and light pink, but it hung over very loose. The two shirts connected by two gold rings, one on each of Amelia's shoulders. Her shoes were more like sandals that tied up on her legs. She only wore a single necklace, but she got several bracelets and a pair of hoop earrings.

Zelgadiss shifted his eyes to the princess. "Zel." The chimera looked over to Gourry who had called for him. He didn't bother asking 'what?', instead he shifted his eyes and let them speak for him. Gourry pointed to the chimera's ear. "Did that hurt?"

"What hurt?"

"That earring."

Zelgadiss put his hand on the gold hoop that was on his ear. "No." He remembered what had happened. He really didn't want the earring, it was out of force.

)~*~(

"Stop being a baby, and get your ear pierced!" The old woman pouted and looked up at the chimera. In her left hand she held a needle.

Zelgadiss got out of the chair and turned away. "I don't want any hoop in my ear! It's fine the way it is!" He began to walk away.

"All the men wear one! Besides, it will look very nice on you." The woman grabbed the chimera's hand and pulled him over.

"Let go! I already said I don't want any-"

"Bouday Vrase!"

Zelgadiss felt his entire body relax. His muscles loosened and he collapsed on the floor.

"How cruel..." He couldn't move at all. His face was on the floor and his will now belonged to a small old lady that was hovering over him with a needle.

"I promise this won't hurt at all."

"I don't care if it hurts or no-" Zelgadiss felt a small cold tip hit his ear. But nothing went through.

"Oh, that's right. Only those light weapons can damage you." Zelgadiss shifted his eyes to look at the woman, from the floor. She began to chant something. The chimera watched as the needle started to glow yellow.

"Are you insane?!"

"Now hold still!"

)~*~(

The old woman smiled at the chimera. She watched him flick the golden hoop on his ear. "See, that didn't hurt so much, now did it Zelgadiss?" The chimera grunted. The old woman chuckled and began to shuffle away. "Such a nice young man. Hohoho."

Amelia blushed a little bit. "Well, you do look nice, Zelgadiss-san."

"Huh?" Zelgadiss felt his face turn a little warm. He folded his arms and tried to forget that moment with the old lady. Besides the gold hoop on the chimera's ear, he a gold ring around his neck, and three cuffs. One was on his right arm, almost up near his shoulder, and the other two were each on a wrist. Amelia blushed as she saw Zelgadiss had no shirt on, instead he had on an open vest. He left the rings that would close it detached from one another. The vest was dark blue and had a yellow boarder around it; on the front on the vest, at the bottom, two small tassels hung from little gold rings. Instead of any baggy or puffy pants, Zelgadiss had on pants that cut off slightly bellow his knee. Not having belt, he had tied a piece of rope around the pants accompanied by a sash. The last sash he had on was hanging loosely around his waist from another gold ring. On the boarder of the sash, little bells hung down and tinkled a small sound whenever he moved around.

Lina smirked and patted Zel on his back. "Well, well, well. Isn't Zel looking good. Who are you trying to impress?"

"No one, Lina." Zel felt a pounding in his head.

Amelia felt a little jolt in her stomach and folded her arms. She let out a long and frustrated sigh. Gourry noticed Amelia's change and grabbed Lina by her arm. "Come one Lina, lets go eat."

"Wait, where's your friend?" Sasheem quickly asked. "Um, Xellos, right?"

Lina shrugged and then turned to face Gourry. "Where's that no good mazoku?"

"Can't we leave him?" Zelgadiss asked.

Gourry scratched his chin. "Last I saw Xellos, he was-" Two voices came from another room.

"Wait, what are you doing?"

"Well this time I don't have to power up the needle. Now hold still, this won't hurt."

Zelgadiss folded his arms. "Poor, poor, fool."

Amelia looked to the chimera. "What's happening to Xellos-san?"

The mazoku came out holding his ear. He wasn't dressed that different from Zelgadiss, except his vest was closed, the color of his clothing was not the same, he had on a white shirt similar to Gourry's, and didn't have a sash with little bells. Everyone turned to Xellos. He gave off a little smile. "An old woman pierced my ear." He exclaimed.

"I really don't see why you guys are afraid of getting your ear pierced." Lina looked at the blushing chimera and mazoku.

They yelled at her together. "We were not afraid!"

Amelia chuckled and Lina grinned. "Sure you weren't."

"Leave me alone, Lina." Zelgadiss turned away from the sorceress.

Lina looked up at Gourry and noticed nothing in his ears. "Gourry, you got away without getting you ears pierced?"

"Huh?" Gourry felt his ears. "I guess so."

"Now where on earth is that blond man?"

Everyone shivered as they heard the old woman's voice draw closer. Gourry grabbed his head. "I don't want any needles going in my ear!"

"Lets go, before my grandma goes on a rampage of using you all as dolls." Sasheem began to lead the group out of the hallway.

"I guess Lina-san and Gourry-san are the only two that the old woman hasn't gotten." Amelia stated.

"Wait a minute!" Lina turned around and faced Amelia. "Only me and Gourry? Amelia, you already have your ears pierced!"

Amelia blushed a little. "I know."

Everyone stared at her in surprise. Zelgadiss gave her a questioning look. "Amelia? What did that old-"

"Ahh! I get it!" Sasheem beamed.

Amelia lifted up her shirt a little, enough to show her stomach. "The old woman pierced my belly button." She pointed to the little gold and beaded ring on her stomach.

"Well look at that!" Xellos smiled.

Zelgadiss felt blood run to his cheeks and turned away in an instant. Lina smiled and looked closer at Amelia's stomach. "Wow, Amelia! I never expected you to go and do something like that!"

Amelia blushed and let out a sigh as she put her shirt back down. "Daddy's not going to be happy about this."

Sasheem patted Amelia on her back. "What are you talking about? It looks great!"

Gourry looked over the gypsy's shoulder. "I like it, Amelia."

Sasheem nodded. "You are a woman. You can make your own decisions. Now, lets go to the dinner."

~)*(~

The room was wide. It looked almost like a bar. There were several tables surrounded by chairs, and the walls were made of wood. Lucky for a certain ale-loving elf, there was a small bar in the room. The first thing that caught Lina and Gourry's eyes was the man cooking at a large stone grill that was buried in the wall. "It smells great!" Lina yelled out. To make them even more excited, a large table was filled with different dishes.

The other gypsies had been sitting around and waiting for the group to arrive. The first to stand up was Melendil. She ran over to the incoming group. "Sashe-woah! Look at them!" The elf stopped in her tracks and stared at the group as if she was going to paint them.

She threw out her arms. "You guys look great! Oh! Look at Gourry! He's built like a-"

"That's enough!" Lina shoved the excited elf out of her way. "Where's the food?!"

Music filled the air of the room. Gypsies sat at the table drinking, eating, some even playing games the group had never seen. Two gypsies were dancing to the music; their scarves rolling through the air, as they moved their bodies gently. The room was loud with the music and conversation. Before the travelers took another step, the people in the room turned around. Melendil took a few steps forward. "My friends, these are the travelers that plan to stop Lestophel!" She turned back around to the group and whispered to them. "Well, you gonna' come in?"

Before Lina could say anything several gypsies cut in. "Welcome!"

"Good to have ya'!"

"Greetings." Some of the gypsies even began to clap. Behind the group of friends, Sasheem smiled. She spoke to the travelers from behind. "Come on, come in. You're here to relax for this night."

"Come on, Gourry! Lets try the food!" Lina grabbed the swordsman's arm.

"I'm all for that!" The two ran off to the man by the grill.

This left Amelia, Zelgadiss, and Xellos to fend for themselves. Wooden flutes, tambourines, guitars and several other instruments could be heard all around. Zelgadiss looked at his surroundings. The dancers seemed to be relaxed, different conversations where heard throughout the room, and Lina and Gourry were already sitting at a table stuffing their faces while making conversation with a few other people. Zelgadiss already felt like he should leave. He wasn't sure what to do. He soon realized that there was an empty table. He could sit down there with a cup of coffee, or whatever they had, and think to himself. Xellos was about to walk over and get some food when he felt someone grab his arm. He looked down and saw that it was a male gypsy sitting at a table with a few others. He grinned at Xellos, then looked back to his friends. "Ahh, see! I told ye' there was a mazoku."

Xellos smiled. "Well, you seem to have good senses."

The man motioned for Xellos to sit at the chair next to him. "Come on, sit down here with us! I'm sure you know how to gamble, right?"

The mazoku grinned and took his seat. "But of course."

Amelia had to only walk into room and already she could feel her spirit rise. "This is great, Sasheem-san!"

"I'm glad you like it, Amelia." The gypsy took off one of the scarves from around her belt.

"You and Zelgadiss should go get something to eat. I'm sure you can have a good time meeting some of the others, they would love to meet you!"

Suddenly, a voice boomed. "I've got the ale! Ah hahaha!" Everyone turned around and saw Melendil drop a barrel on the ground. She stood up and brushed herself off. "Melendil has got the goods!" In less then a second, Melendil grabbed a mug, uncorked the barrel, and began to fill the mug. She took a quick swig and let out a sigh. "The dwarves said this was the best they had got!"

"Count on the drunkest elf out there to get the best ale from their own species rival!" A man shouted.

"Damn straight!" Melendil jogged over to Sasheem, Amelia and Zelgadiss. She swung her arm over the chimera's shoulder and stuffed the mug in his face. "Want some?"

"That's OK." Zelgadiss pushed the mug away. Melendil looked up at the chimera. "Don't like the dinner?"

"I'm afraid I'm just not as social as you." Zelgadiss gently pushed the elf off of him and went over to the bar.

Amelia sighed. Sasheem and Melendil looked to the princess. The gypsy put her arm around Amelia's shoulder. "Got a thing for Zelgadiss? You sure seem to worry about him."

Amelia blushed slightly. "Its just, well. You see, Zelgadiss really is not one to call social. He was betrayed by his grandfather, who turned him into a chimera. Since then he really hasn't be-"

Sasheem put he hand up to Amelia's lips. "Say no more," she whispered. "I can see what he is like; sad and alone. He doesn't seem like the happiest person alive."

Amelia frowned. "He really isn't. I do care about him."

"And that is what you need to do!" Sasheem patted Amelia's back. "Let us make sure that this is a good night for him, Amelia. I think he trusts you. Go get something to eat and drink, and sit with him."

Amelia looked at Zelgadiss sitting alone at the table. "Hey may want time to himself."

The gypsy looked at Amelia. "Amelia, you really care about him. Lighten up his dark spirit for this night." Sasheem scanned the room. "Look around you. Everyone here is having fun. They are dancing, playing music, talking, eating, and all Zelgadiss can do is get a drink and sit at a table."

Amelia looked up to Sasheem. She couldn't see the gypsy's eyes, but she could tell by her straight mouth that she was serious. The princess smiled. "I'll try."

~)*(~

Zelgadiss put his cup down on the table. He watched Lina and Gourry laugh heartily with some other gypsies. Xellos was obviously doing some good gambling; the men at the table with him had shocked expressions written all over their faces. He the shifted his eyes back to his cup. It wasn't full of coffee, it was tea this time. They gypsy at the bar said he didn't have tea at dinner. "Zelgadiss-san." The chimera looked up to see Amelia smiling down at him. "May I sit here?" Zelgadiss showed no expression but slightly nodded. Amelia sat down in the chair but didn't eat right away. She felt like she had butterflies flying around in her stomach. She got this far, so she couldn't turn back. She still hadn't touched her food.

Zelgadiss hadn't looked at Amelia since she sat down. He was hoping to be alone, like always, and now he had the perkiest girl in the world sitting across from him. He let his eyes travel the ground to see that Amelia hadn't touched her food. 'Isn't that what she sat down for?' He thought. "Amelia?"

"Yes?" She let her gaze reach the chimera's eyes. Zelgadiss noticed the eye contact he had with her and turned his face.

"You aren't going to eat?"

"Oh, um. No, I am." She realized how she hadn't touched her food and instantly picked up her fork. As she ate, she realized the Zelgadiss was still staring down at his cup of tea. She put her fork down.

The chimera noticed this and looked up to the girl. "What's wrong? Is it bad?"

"No, it's not that." Amelia rubbed her arm. "You just...seem real sad. You don't want to be here, do you?"

Zelgadiss looked into his teacup. "I don't know." He brought his head back up. "I haven't really been to something this social for quite a while, without knowing what to do."

"Oh, I see." The princess felt relieved that he wasn't annoyed with her. Still, she had a nagging feeling and wanted to ask one more question. "Do you want me to leave, Zelgadiss-san?"

The chimera hadn't expected her to ask that question. He looked at her right away. "No, no, you can stay."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." He moved his face to the side and looked out at the party. "Look, don't worry about me. I'm fine."

Amelia found herself smiling for some reason. She took a bite of her food, than looked to the chimera. He felt her gaze upon him and turned his head. Amelia smiled. "So, What do you think of this city, Zelgadiss-san?"

Lina grinned and turned back to her table. "Look at those two, Gourry. Gourry?" Lina looked around and realized Gourry wasn't at the table with her. She saw off to her right, that Gourry was with a group of male gypsies. As far as she could tell, they were having a little knife-throwing contest. "Well, more food for me!" She ripped off a piece of meat from a bone and began to chew.

"Yo, Lina!" A hand slapped the sorceress on the back.

Lina turned around. "Hey! I'm eating here, elf!"

"Yeah, that's what I wanted to ask you about!" Melendil took a seat at the table. She looked at the few men throwing knives. "Wow, Gourry's really good!"

"Yep," Lina said between bites. "He's a great swordsman."

"Oh well, enough with that." Melendil put her fist down on he table. "Hey Lina, I hear you can eat more then ten full grown pigs!"

"Damn strai-what?!" The sorceress slammed her fists down on the table. "Pigs? You compare me to a pig?!"

Melendil kept smiling. "Anyone who can eat that much has gotta' have a good stomach!"

"Pigs?!"

"So then it's not true? Ha, I guess this means that I am better then you!" Melendil mocked the redhead.

"Better...then me?" Lina reached the elf's gaze. "Stupid elf, I could out eat you any time!"

A smile crossed over the elf's face. "Filthy human, if you could out eat me, then you should surly be able to out drink me! But no one out drinks Melendil, there for you are weaker!"

"Never!" Lina stood up form the table and leaned over to glare at Melendil. The elf leaned forward and smirked at Lina. The redhead glared and spoke in a soft threatening tone. "I, Lina Inverse, the most talented sorceress in the world, will never be considered weak. You think you can beat me in something? Wait another three thousand years! You stupid elf! Go comb your golden locks and manicure your nails!"

"Well guess what, Lina. I live forever! You hear me? Forever! So even if a filthy, useless, no talent, human waits around three-thousand, I can come back and still prove that I am the stronger one!" Melendil reached up and patted Lina's cheek.

Amelia felt her stomach turn. She was happy, and at the same time nervous. Never had she had a conversation with Zelgadiss that lasted this long. Zelgadiss on the other hand had no idea what had come over him. He found himself interested in the conversation he was holding with Amelia. He hadn't expected her to be this intelligent. He had always passed her off as a young kid, a clumsy young kid. And here he was talking with her about everything form poetry to politics. He remembered what he had heard Sasheem say earlier.

"You are a woman. You can make your own decisions."

Zelgadiss stared to think about that. The gypsy was right. Amelia- "So what do you think, Zelgadiss-san?"

Zelgadiss lifted his head. Amelia was staring at him with a smile across her face waiting patiently for him to answer. He had his head din his hand and leaned on the table. "I-"

The sound of clapping hands cut him off. Zelgadiss and Amelia turned away from one another to the sound of the cheering people. Amelia looked out to see Sasheem walk to a place where a few tables were cleared. "What could she be doing?" Amelia asked.

Sasheem had several scarves on her now. One connected on both her wrists form behind her back. In one of her hand she held a tambourine,

Melendil and Lina stopped fighting and looked to Sasheem. The elf nudged Lina. "Watch this." She said, pointing the gypsy.

The musicians picked up their instruments and began to create the music. It was nothing slow and calm, but it held more a beat and a faster pace. The gypsy began to move with the music. Her actions became poetry in motion, her body never staying in one place. She would bring the tambourine up above her, or sometimes hit it upon her hip. Each part of her was making a new motion, and the hypnotized the eyes of the crowd.

Amelia was taken in by the dancing. Yes, she could dance well, but that was ballroom dancing. This was something she had never seen before, every part of the gypsy was moving, there was strict pattern in her dance, but the result was beautiful. "Her dance is so pretty." The princess whispered.

Lina was amazed as well. "How can she keep her balance like that?"

Melendil kept watching her friend as she spoke to Lina. "Sasheem has been dancing for years, she said that this is her way of relieving herself."

Lina looked to the elf. "Relieving herself?" The song ended and the gypsy made her final moves. The room filled with the clapping of hands. The gypsy bowed as the music began to play again. Lina watched as Sasheem came over to the table with her and Melendil. "That was great!"

"Thank you." Sasheem turned to Melendil and gave her a smile. "Ws that better then last time?"

The elf nodded. "Yeah, I like this one more."

Gourry came over to the table and joined the three. Lina looked down at Gourry's hand. "I didn't know you knew how to throw knives."

"It comes along with sword fighting. Watch this." Gourry turned to the men he had been throwing knives with. "I'll get it right above his head."

"What? Gourry!" Before Lina could restrain the swordsman, he threw the knife into the wall right above a gypsy's head. The gypsy looked up and fainted onto he ground.

Gourry turned to Lina. "See. I have good aim!"

"That was great! Throw another!" Melendil clapped.

"You jelly fish brain!" Lina hit Gourry over the head into a chair at the table.

Sasheem looked over to the table where Zelgadiss and Amelia sat. She walked over and greeted the two. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm fine, thank you." Amelia smiled. "I loved your dancing, by the way." Amelia started to become enthusiastic. "I've never seen dancing like that in my whole life! Only ballroom dancing, that's all I ever learned."

The gypsy smiled. "You should expand your horizons!" She took Amelia's hands and pulled her up out of her chair.

Zelgadiss reacted. "What are you doing?"

The gypsy smiled as she pulled Amelia over to the floor. "Don't worry, Zelgadiss. I'm sure you'll like this."

"What?" Zelgadiss sat tense in his chair. 'What does she mean by that?' The chimera told himself to relax.

"Sasheem-san!" Amelia was dragged on to the floor.

The gypsy let go of her hands and began to dance next to Amelia. "Come on, Amelia! You're a good dancer. If you can ballroom dance, then you should have a good chance at learning this way fast!" Sasheem watched as Amelia didn't move. She sighed and went over to the princess and took her hands again.

People began to watch them a bit and make conversation. Zelgadiss stayed in his seat and gawked a bit. Amelia felt embarrassed. "I-I really don't know how to dance like this!" "Just move by your emotion! You aren't supposed to think, it's all unconscious!" Sasheem swung Amelia around in a circle and then let her go. She hit her tambourine against her hip again and began to do her swift movements again. She kept hold of one of Amelia's hands and pulled the princess along with her movements.

Amelia still wasn't sure what to do. The gypsy looked back at her. "OK. Tell you what, copy my movements and move along with me, but keep a hold of my hand. This can be our warm-up."

Amelia smiled. She felt up to this challenge. "Sure."

"Good." Sasheem made swift but slow motions. Amelia studied her closely and focused on her body to copy the gypsy's motions. They would move in and out, side to side. The gypsy smiled. "You are keeping up, you are a good dancer."

Amelia returned her smile. "And so are you."

"Then lets move on." The gypsy let go of Amelia's hand and let their bond separate. Amelia looked at the gypsy with a bit of astonishment. Sasheem kept moving. "Keep up Amelia!"

"I will do my best." Amelia kept copying the gypsy's motions.

Zelgadiss watched in amazement. 'Brains and beauty.Oh Gods, I'm losing it.' The two girls moved in mirror images.

"This is great! Look at them go at it! I never knew Amelia was this good!" Lina was intrigued by the dance.

"Good job, Amelia!" Gourry cheered.

Sasheem grinned as she kept moving, her pace picking up in each step. "Fine, lets pick it up. You're good, but lets see you match this."

Amelia narrowed her eyes and smiled. "Just keep moving." The princess felt like she was getting the hang of the dance quickly. She began to know the sort of motions and the different beats. But in less than a second, she lost the pattern. In one quick move, Sasheem broke the tie she had with Amelia and danced on her own. Amelia stopped for a moment. The gypsy moved around the princess and spun her around again.

Sasheem gave off a small laugh as she took Amelia into her dance. The music ended and they stopped. The princess looked at the gypsy and smiled. Sasheem gave Amelia and hug and looked at her. "See, you were great!"

Amelia blushed a little. "I-well it was my firs time, but thank you. You know, you are really good."

"Amelia!" Lina leaped on Amelia, almost strangling her. "I had no idea you could do that!"

Amelia smiled. "I didn't either." Gourry and Zelgadiss walked over. Amelia looked up to her two friends. "What did you think?"

Gourry cheered. "You were awesome!"

Zelgadiss looked at Amelia. He had been caught up in her movements as she danced.

"You were very good."

"Thank you, Zelgadiss-san." Amelia turned as she heard the music start to play again. Lina and Gourry had gone off again, and Sasheem was on the floor dancing with another gypsy. The other gypsy had long dark hair that Amelia thought was almost gray. Two locks framed her face and the rest of her hair was pulled behind her. Sasheem and the gypsy walked over to Amelia and Zelgadiss.

Amelia and Zelgadiss looked at the two. Sasheem smiled and introduced her friend.

"Amelia, this is my friend Niennafal. The gypsy who came to your city."

It's nice to see you again, Princess." Niennafal gave Amelia's hand a light shake.

"Oh," Amelia shook the gypsy's hand. "I really want to thank you, for everything!"

"It's nothing, it's nothing." Niennafal smiled. "Thank Sasheem, she is the one who sent me with all the goods."

"No, I did nothing. It's all you, Niennafal."

"But you sent me with all the information."

"Then I thank both of you!" Amelia exclaimed.

"Don't bother thanking me, let's dance!" Niennafal and Sasheem went back out on the floor to dance.

Melendil turned back to Lina. "Lina, if you can eat so much then you should be able to drink, like I said before."

Lina growled. "Melendil, you don't know what you are up against!"

"Lina, I challenge you to a drinking contest!"

Gourry gasped from the elf's challenge. "Lina! You don't dr-"

"Silence, Gourry!" Lina snapped her finger in the elf's face. "You're on!"

Melendil smiled. This is what she had been looking forward to all night. "To the bar!" As for Xellos, he did watch the dancing and enjoyed it. He turned back to his hand of cards. He had been doing well in the game so far. His pile of coins was much larger compared to the others. Xellos was about to put his hand down. "Four-"

"Hold it." One of the gypsies stopped him. Xellos looked up at the gypsy. "I would believe you, Xellos. But I know you have an ace up your sleeve."

Xellos smiled. "Well thanks, I think I'm rather smart my-"

"I mean the real card, Xellos."

"What are you talking about?" Xellos said sheepishly. As the mazoku moved his arm out of the man's grip, several cards felt out of his shirt.

Amelia stretched her arms. She felt in such high spirits. The dancing seemed to lighten her up somehow, and she loved the feeling of all the motions. Almost like her body had it's own language. She looked at Zelgadiss. He was watching the dancers on the floor. Amelia got an idea. She grabbed the chimera by his arms and pulled him out on the dance floor with her. "Amelia!" Zelgadiss wasn't sure what she was doing.

Amelia smiled to the chimera with all her happiness. "Dance with me, Zelgadiss-san."

Zelgadiss blushed and felt his heart pound in his chest. 'What did she say?' He repeated what the princess said to him over in his head. Zelgadiss turned away from Amelia, and tried to leave. "I really don't feel like da-"

Niennafal and Sasheem came in front of Zelgadiss and blocked his path. They tapped their tambourines and glared at Zelgadiss. "Refusing to dance?" Niennafal asked. The two gypsies bumped their hips against Zelgadiss and knocked him over to Amelia.

Amelia giggled and took a hold of Zelgadiss' arms. The chimera felt like everything was moving too fast. He heard the crowd laughing and clapping. This just made him feel even more embarrassed. Amelia looked at Zelgadiss. "You can dance! Come on!"

"Be a man! Go and dance!" The two gypsies chimed.

Zelgadiss groaned. "Amelia-"

"So, then you can't dance?" The princess questioned.

"No, I never said that."

"Then why won't you dance?"

"Because I just don't feel like it." The chimera pouted.

"But, then why are you dancing with me right now?"

"I'm not-" It hadn't occurred to Zelgadiss. The whole time he had been pushing away from dancing, he had really been dancing with Amelia. He became aware of his body's actions and looked at Amelia.

The princess giggled. "You're a pretty smooth dancer."

The chimera sighed. "It's just..." He didn't finish his sentence. Amelia flew out of his arms and he pulled her back in.

"Just what?" She asked, looking up at Zelgadiss.

"Well," The chimera tilted the princess back in his arms. Amelia gave a slight gasp as she felt herself tilted back. Zelgadiss had his eyes closed and didn't see Amelia blush. "It's just...embarrassing to me, that's all." Zelgadiss opened his eyes and realized Amelia was still tilted in his arms. He quickly pulled her back up, and looked away. 'I should not have done that.' He said to himself.

Gourry watched all the people dancing on the floor. It began to look like fun to him, even if he didn't really know how to dance. Gourry leaned on the table and looked at the sorceress sitting at the bar. He got up and went over to the two women drinking to their hearts content.

"Can't...let...stupid elf..." Lina focused on he mug in front of her. She turned her head over to a bellowing elf.

"Already to give up, Lina?" Melendil sneered at the redhead.

Lina didn't want any more ale, but she wasn't drunk yet. Not yet. "No way! I'm finishing this pint, so shut up!"

"Whatever!" Melendil threw her head back and chugged the rest of her ale. "Barkeep! Another!" The bartender laid down another already prepared pint in front of the elf. Melendil picked up the mug and looked to Lina. Lina slowly turned her head, and watched the elf with lazy eyes. "Here's to us!" Melendil cheered, and she began to take down another pint.

Gourry came up to Lina. The sorceress turned around to stare at Gourry with the expression of someone worn out beyond all reason. This didn't stop the swordsman from his idea. "Lina, wanna' go dance?"

Lina's expression of being worn out quickly changed to one that looked like she had just seen a ghost. "What?!" Gourry didn't wait for Lina to reply. He swung her into his arms and began to take her out on the floor.

Melendil shot around. "Hey, Lina! Where are you going? You aren't quitting are you?!"

"I-I-I don't know! Gourry where are we going?!" Lina demanded.

"Dancing!"

Lina turned back to Melendil. "Dancing. Wait! Dancing?"

Xellos put out his cards. "Looks like I win again!"

"Well, you would have if you didn't have that pair of twos hiding in your vest." A voice came in.

Xellos turned around and saw Sasheem standing behind him. "Ahh, Sasheem. How nice of you to-"

The gypsy wasted no time for the mazoku to talk. With shame not in her mind, she reached down the mazoku's vest and moved her hand around feeling for the cards. The men at the table stared in wonder till Sasheem pulled out a pair of cards. "Here they are. I saw you slip them down your vest." She tossed the cards on the table and looked at Xellos.

The mazoku was still shivering and getting over the sensation of the gypsy's hand moving over his chest. A certain grin crossed his face. "Well, you got me." Xellos stood up from the table moved towards Sasheem. He took her hand. "Care to dance?"

Sasheem huffed. "You're just asking that because I probably turned you on."

Xellos winked. "That's a secret."

The door to the room flew open. "I made it!" A tall man walked into the room. He had no shirt on; only a pair of beige knee-cut pants, but the ends of them were shredded and worn out. Strips of cloth were tied around his ankles and onto his shoe, and wrapped around his writs. His hair was green, and two locks framed his face but the rest of his hair in the back was shaggy and most of it stayed up. What caught most of the people's eyes was the shovel that he carried in his hands.

Lina leaned back a little towards Melendil. "Mel, who's that guy?"

The elf grinned. "That guy? Heh, that's Tybolt. Didn't Sasheem tell you she had a brother? He's only twenty-two if you're interested."

Lina squinted her eyes. "Shut up you stupid elf."

"Filthy human."

Tybolt took a seat and wiped his brow. "Ahh, man. Is this one hot night."

"Tybolt!" Sasheem got her hands out of Xellos' grip and ran over to Tybolt. "How are you?"

"Sasheem!" Before the gypsy could give her brother a hug, Tybolt grabbed his sister in a headlock and gave her a noogie. "I can't believe you started the dinner with out me!"

"Oh give it up, you were late!" One of the gypsies groaned.

Tybolt huffed. "I couldn't help it!" He let go of Sasheem, and let the gypsy fall to the floor.

Amelia left Zelgadiss, and helped Sasheem off the floor. "Sasheem-san, who is this?"

"That is my brother, Tybolt."

"Brother?" Amelia turned her head and found Tybolt standing right above her.

"Aw, she didn't tell you she had a brother?" Tybolt laughed and watched Amelia help his sister up.

As soon as Sasheem got up she folded her arms. "Well, I thought you could introduce yourself, unless you are too lazy."

Tybolt scratched his head. "I can already tell who's new here. They must be the travelers, right?"

Amelia introduced herself. "I am Amelia Wil-"

"Ah yes, the princess!" Tybolt leaned back in his chair. "OK, let me guess who's who! You are Gourry, you must Zelgadiss, you are with out a doubt Lina, oh look a mazoku! Now where the hell did you come from?"

"That's a secret."

"Like I honestly care." Tybolt cradled his shovel.

The music and commotion in he room continued. Amelia sat down at the table and motioned for her friends to come and sit with her. Melendil came over and took a seat next to Tybolt. "So, how did it go today?"

"The way it always went." Tybolt replied. He saw Niennafal walking over. "Hey, you came back!"

"I always come back." The girl smiled.

Sasheem pointed out Lina, Gourry, Amelia, Zelgadiss, and Xellos to her brother. "Well, you guessed them right. Here they are."

Lina leaned forward to Tybolt. "So, what's with the shovel?"

Tybolt held up his shovel and smiled. "It's for my job."

Lina shifted her eyes. "That being?"

"Aw, Sasheem didn't tell you anything. I'm a gravedigger." The man chuckled and kicked his feet up on the table.

The group couldn't help but almost fall out of their seats. Amelia twitched. "A gravedigger?"

"Been doing it for ten years." Tybolt bragged.

Melendil sighed. "Yeah, the guys been digging graves and burring the dead since he was twelve."

"That's disgusting." Zelgadiss whispered to himself.

Sasheem butted in. "But he always brings his shovel around with him. He can attack pretty well with it."

"Probably swings it around with out a care in the world." Xellos added.

Tybolt jolted. "Hey!"

"How'd you know?" Sasheem asked.

Xellos smiled. "I know a certain person just like him. Except she uses a mace, not a shovel."

Tybolt grunted. "Leave me alone!"

Lina gave off a coy look. "Don't you ever get scared burying all those bodies at night?"

"Aren't you a smart one." Tybolt shot back. Lina pouted as the gravedigger continued. "Lina, I could tell you stories that would make your young blood freeze and have every hair on your body sticking up like a sea urchin."

The sorceress turned red in the face. "Are you saying I'm scared? Tybolt, I have seen such things that no common man will ever see!"

Tybolt sneered. "OK, Ms. All Mighty. After I eat, I am going to tell you a few stories about some people that I have buried into the earth. Some of them, being common smart-asses like you." He turned to Sasheem. "I'm gonna' go get some food and drink." He got up and gave his sister a quick hug. "Are you going to sing tonight?" He whispered.

"You treat me like I'm five." She gave him a sly look. "I might."

Tybolt gave a kind smile and patted his sister's head. "Good."

The gypsy nodded and headed over by the musicians. "Where is Tobar? He has to play the guitar."

"Drank to much." One answered.

"This isn't good." Sasheem looked around the room. "Can anyone play a guitar?"

"Zel can!" Lina shouted.

Zelgadiss turned to Lina. "Lina, shut up."

"Zelgadiss-san, you play so well." Amelia spoke.

"Sir, we got some sheet music." One of the musicians said.

The chimera sighed as he listened to the pleadings of the people. "I really don't-"

"Just play the guitar!" Melendil pushed.

Zelgadiss folded his arms. "Can't someone el-"

"Play the goddamn guitar!" The elf screeched.

"OK, I'll play the guitar." Zelgadiss instantly got up out his chair. He was starting to fear the drunken elf. If she goes into bloody rages if she even hears someone insult the eleven race, Zelgadiss hated to think what she would be like when she is drunk and in a rage.

Sasheem nudged the chimera. "Thank you, Zelgadiss." She cooed.

Zelgadiss grunted and picked up the guitar on the floor by the players. He propped the instrument in his arms and leaned back against the wall. He looked down at his fellow musicians. "Why are we playing music this time?"

A gray bearded musician chuckled. "It's Sasheem's turn to sing tonight." He handed Zelgadiss a thin sheet of paper.

Zelgadiss took the paper and looked at the music written on it. Not being sure how to hold it up and play at the same time, he took a seat on the floor and put the music sheet in front of him. The people in the room continued going about their business. Lina huffed and sat at the table with her friends. "That stupid gravedigger. Hey, where is Sashe-" Just as she was about to continues ranting, smooth guitar music began to play. The remaining travelers slowly turned and watched Zelgadiss stroke at the guitar. Sasheem sat on one of the tables and sang in a slightly deep voice that was full of such beauty and heart.

"Sleep well, my love Sleep while the night sky weaves her spell Sleep without pain Sleep though I yearn to have you near me The flames of all you were Have vanished in the ground Sweet scented rosemary is scattered all around-"

The room had gone quiet. Amelia and Lina had given the song all their attention and listened carefully. Zelgadiss relaxed and took a deep breath, trying to listen to the words and keep a steady pace.

"Wait just a while For in no time we'll meet again Though you were gone Before we wed I give blood to you earth, not take it to his own No fire or water deep Shall keep this bride from him-"

Lina moved closer to Amelia. "Amelia, do you think this song is supposed to represent something?" Amelia turned to Lina with a puzzled look.

"Represent something?" The princess looked back at the singing gypsy. "Something in her life?"

"He left me while The seas were wild against the shore What foolish thief Would dare defy the hand of fate? I love you now as I'll never love again The rocks beneath my feet Have sunken deep-"

The music had picked up. Zelgadiss had been listening to the words carefully. As he listened closer, he found a story playing out in her words. Every line represented something. Zelgadiss couldn't find out why the song intrigued him.

"Earth to earth My love my own shall be Grow like the willow tree No sadness bring to me He the man, and I the woman My love to me This shall be."

Zelgadiss plucked the last guitar string. He took a deep sigh and stayed seated for a moment, pushing his hair back a little. As he looked up, he saw that Sasheem had already gone over to the table and was talking with her friends. The chimera stood up and placed the guitar on the ground. Before he could leave, one of the musicians grabbed his arms. "Thank you, young man." Zelgadiss nodded and left.

As he reached the table a few people gave their compliments to him for his playing. Sasheem put her hand on his shoulder and looked up at him. "Thank you."

"Um, sure." Zelgadiss took a seat at the table.

Tybolt finished off his meal and looked at Lina. "Alright, what story shall I tell you?"

Lina scoffed. "You're gonna' tell me the stories of how people you had buried died? You're real respectful."

"You're talking to a man who sings while he buries people or digs a grave." Melendil laughed.

Gypsies in the room began to call out to the gravedigger. "Tell her the death of the Fairy King!"

"No! Tell the story of Garridan!"

Tybolt smirked and stared at Lina. Lina already had a grin on her face. The gravedigger leaned back. "Any one who gets nightmares better leave!"

Amelia and Niennafal got up and left the table. "I feel like sleeping tonight." Amelia walked over to the bar to get a glass of water.

"Um," Niennafal paused. "I can't stand murder stories." She left out the door.

Zelgadiss was beginning to think this was all stupid. He pushed out his chair to leave. Lina looked over. "Zel, you of all people!"

The chimera didn't face Lina. "I could listen if I wanted to, but I don't feel like a bloody story right now."

Xellos stayed, preparing himself for some stories full of pain and torture. Gourry got up not wanting to listen to any ghost stories. A large group surrounded the table to hear Tybolt speak. The gravedigger prepared himself. "I'll tell the story of Garridan first! I've only told this one twice." He smirked. "The first time was to scare Sasheem."

"Shut up!" A voice yelled off in the distance.

Amelia sat down at the table across from Zelgadiss. The chimera had gotten himself another cup of tea. "You really have a talent, Zelgadiss-san."

Zelgadiss moved his eyes to look up and spoke into his teacup. "It's nothing."

"No, it really is!" Amelia protested. Zelgadiss had expected her to say that. When Amelia saw him give no reaction she calmed down again. "Well, I think a person should embrace their talents." Zelgadiss still didn't speak a word. Amelia sighed. "When you were playing the guitar, I noticed you seemed very deep in thought."

'She was watching?' Zelgadiss looked up again. He wasn't too sure what to say. "I was trying to concentrate on the music. I didn't want to mess up."

Amelia frowned a bit. "Oh..." She turned her head away. "I thought maybe you had been paying attention to the song." She let out a slight chuckle. "I guess I was the only one who really listened the lyrics."

'How did she know?' He thought. Zelgadiss felt a bit embarrassed. He had been thinking about the song. "No, you weren't." Amelia lifted her head and looked back at the chimera. He sighed. "I was paying attention to the lyrics, as well. I was thinking about the story in the song."

Amelia smiled at the chimera. "I thought you might have. It was very sad, but I loved the song and all the description."

"Ow, ow, ow, OW!" A man tried to shake Lina's hand off his arm. The sorceress' nails dug into his skin and her hands squeezed his arm almost as if to cut off his pulse. The man tried to get up and leave.

"No you don't!" Lina yanked the man back down and continued clutching on his arm. She looked back at Tybolt. "Go on."

The gravedigger chuckled and went on with the story. "So, Garridan laid in bed that night, feeling each organ tighten in his body..."

As the story went on, Xellos paid careful attention to each detail. A few people looked at him and questioned why he was smiling at such a horrid story.

Amelia stood up from the table. "Excuse me, I'm going to get some air. Some of the smoke in here is getting to me." Amelia looked at a table across form her and watched a woman blow out a long, swirling string of smoke. Amelia left the table and walked out the door. When the princess was outside of the bathhouse she looked around.

~)*(~

She let out a long sigh and looked up at the sky; not a single cloud. The stars were bright and clear. The princess smiled. It was pitch dark and the air was cold, but it felt so good. Amelia couldn't help but giggle to herself. It had been one of the best nights she had in a long time. Zelgadiss came to mind. She thought about how her and the chimera had danced and the conversations they had. Everything was perfect.

Amelia looked back up at the sky, from under the roof of the bathhouse. As she looked to the stars, something cold fell on her face. Amelia winced and touched the cold drop on her face. "I guess it's going to rain." She walked out from under the roof, and looked around the small street. Not even rain would ruin this day for her. The princess twirled around and looked up at the tall bathhouse.

~)*(~

"What a fantastic story, Tybolt." Xellos smiled.

"That one is one of my best!" Tybolt faced Lina. The sorceress didn't move. She stared at Tybolt in shock. The man she was clinging on had officially lost all feeling in his arm.

Lina started to speak. "I-" The door swung open and Amelia stood in the doorway. The princess didn't move. Everyone in the room turned to look at the girl standing stiff. Lina got up from her seat. "Amelia?"

Zelgadiss had started to wonder what was taking Amelia so long. When he heard the door open, he turned his head slowly. The chimera almost dropped his cup. Amelia stood still; her eyes wide and all color lost in her skin. Zelgadiss got up and ran to Amelia, Gourry following behind.

Sasheem and Melendil observed from the table, ready to get up when they needed to. Tybolt pulled out a chair for her to sit in, but Amelia didn't move. Lina ran up and grabbed her friend's shoulders. "Amelia? Amelia, what's wrong?" Amelia opened her mouth but nothing came out. Lina felt a spark in her chest. "Amelia? Amelia, what happened?!"

Gourry came up beside Lina. Zelgadiss felt his blood running. At least she was alive, but what was going on. He pushed his way past people and got up beside Lina. "Let her sit down!" He snapped.

Lina lead Amelia to a seat and sat her down. She tried to keep herself from panicking too much. Amelia covered her mouth with one hand. The princess felt her face grow warm and water run in her eyes. Lina cupped Amelia's face in her hands. "Please, say something! Amelia!"

"I'm going to see what happened." Melendil began to go for the door.

"No one is leaving, not yet!" Tybolt blocked the door from the elf. "Not until she says something!"

Amelia choked and put her hand out to Lina. The sorceress looked at the tip of Amelia's finger. "What is-" Lina looked back up to Amelia's face. Smeared across her forehead was a tint of red. "Is that blood?"

Amelia shivered. "Lina-san!" The princess dove for her friend and clutched her close.

"Oh Gods." Lina pushed Amelia up a bit. "What is going on?"

Amelia sniffed and wiped her eyes. She pointed to the door. "I...I was..." She took a moment and collected herself. "She's outside! She's in front of the bathhouse!" The princess blurted out.

Gourry and Zelgadiss ran for the door. Before they left, Tybolt got in front of them and grabbed his shovel. "Stay here!"

"Get out of my way." Zelgadiss hissed. He reached for the door but the gravedigger blocked him. "What are you doing?!"

"Let me check first!" Tybolt shot back.

"You have no idea what's out there! So get out of my way!" Zelgadiss reached for the door again, but Tybolt pushed him back. "What the hell?!"

"You have no idea what is out there, too! And more so, you have no idea what this city is like what you could be getting into! But I do know!" Tybolt put his hand on the doorknob and took a deep breath.

Gourry held the chimera's shoulder. "Just let him go, we can go afterwards."

Zelgadiss waited impatiently. In a minute Tybolt came walking back slowly. He made eye contact with Zelgadiss, his eyes full of sorrow.

Amelia looked over to Tybolt. The gravedigger hung his head. Lina stood up and looked at Amelia and Tybolt. "Tell us what happened!"

Tybolt looked at the sorceress but crossed his eyes over to his sister. "Sasheem, you, Melendil, and Lina stay with Amelia." He turned to Gourry and Zelgadiss. "You two, come with me.

As the three men headed out the door, Sasheem stood up. "Tybolt, tell us what happened!" The gravedigger kept walking out the door not saying a word. Lina stayed hugging Amelia and Melendil got a glass of water for the princess. Sasheem got out of her seat and headed for the door. As Sasheem got to the doorway, she saw the three of them coming back in. They stared at Sasheem as she greeted them at the door.

Tybolt looked out. "We are going to need more help."

Lina looked at Amelia. "Are you feeling a little better?"

Amelia nodded. She looked up to her friend and squinted her eyes. "It's about Niennafal."

"Niennafal? What happened to..." Lina turned and looked at Sasheem talking with her brother. She couldn't tell what was being said. She saw Tybolt put a hand on his sister's shoulder. As Lina watched, the gypsy quickly looked up at her brother.

"No! She was just here!" Sasheem headed for the door and ran out.

"Get back here!" Tybolt tried to grab his sister. Melendil came in, and grabbed Tybolt's arm. The elf gave him a glare that told him to shut up.

"Stop keeping everything bottled up and tell us what happened!' The elf demanded. The gravedigger sneered. "Fine, but is Amelia alright?"

~)*(~

Sasheem was outside. Her heart was beating at a fast pace and she felt a chill run up her spine. She ran out into the street and looked at the bathhouse. "Niennafal..." The gypsy dropped to the ground and stared at her friend's body lying at the edge of the small, straight, roof that covered the entrance to the bathhouse. In the front of the bathhouse, a small puddle of blood was forming.