[Six years pass: Ameria-now 20 (still MIA); Lina-21 (still the Bandit Killer); Zelgadiss-25 (Moody as ever); Gourry-26 (Incredibly dense); Xellos/Phiria-Too damned old (fighting still?); Valgaarv - a very spastic 7 year old; Sylfiel-married off a nice farmer, and by now has a bunch of kids]
Two cloaked figures, one slightly built and incredibly short - the other tall and willowy, strode down the path leading to the Saillune Palace. The finery worn by these nomadic people was of extraordinary quality, one a vibrant blue whereas the other was a gauzy ivory. Thick ropes of braided gold served as a belt of sorts, concealing the strangers' identities as well as gender. Slippers softly smacked the harsh surface, giving the impression that they were of noble blood...and yet, no one dared approach. The figures garbed in the expensive garments came to a halt before the gate leading into the entrance and the shorter of the two softly called out:
"Open your doors. I have business with the Crown Prince Phillieonel."
"This marks 6 years from her disappearance." The Crown Prince of Saillune stated in a voice laden with pain. "She...she would be 20 today." Phil was heartbroken, and still suffering from the loss of his youngest daughter.
"God, why did I ever say such a thing to her?"
"Stop wallowing in self-pity already!" Lina grumbled in a very bad mood today.
"Yes, before the great Naga puts you in your place OH HO HO HO!" The white serpent laughed insanely for a moment then added in a serious...almost threatening tone. "I could kill you for making my sister run away." (Note: NO it is NOT fact that Naga is Ameria's sister...but I decided to make use of the rumor)
"Your majesty!" A servant stuttered, crashing into Gourry in his haste to get to his Lord.
"What is it?" He queried in a weary voice.
"A strangely garbed Priest and his companion are at the gates, demanding entrance! What would you have us do?"
"A strangely garbed priest?" Lina echoed faintly.
"Xellos." Phiria and Zelgadiss growled simultaneously, maniacal hatred burning in their gazes.
"Uh Lina...who is Xellos?" Gourry questioned stupidly, his absent-minded state unable to comprehend anything.
"Gourry just shut up!"
"I say we see this 'priest' for ourselves." Phillieonel interjected trying to proceed rationally.
"I've asked permission to enter...has Saillune become so hostile as to forbid a humble Priest within it's walls?" The tallest of the pair murmured quietly, waiting with an air of extreme patience for a reply.
"Of course not, but these are cautious times. What business do you have in my Kingdom?" A familiar voice, reeking with authority, rang out.
"I bring no harm, but gifts of knowledge." Was the vague reply.
"Who are you?" A high pitched voice inquired.
"I will reveal myself only when I am secured within the palace." This time it was the youth clothed in brilliant blue that replied...the answer equally as evasive as all previous ones.
"How do we know you intend us no harm?"
"I swear I will not attack upon this bracelet." A gloved hand produced an oddly crafted circlet with a...jewel on the center. Thrust high into the sky for perusal, at the sight of it a man howled in outrage.
"That's Ameria's! How did you get that?"
"Let us in and we shall explain."
They all eyed up the guests warily, uncertain what would happen next. Xellos popped in and with his usual aplomb queried:
"What's going on now?"
"Xellos?!" The question was shouted by all gathered in the Saillune Library (not counting Xellos himself or the two "clergy members")
"But...but how?"
"If...that's Xellos...who the hell are they?!"
"There are two Xellos's?" Gourry blinked, his comment earning a severe beating from Lina.
The youth merely sighed allowing the hood to drop back. Exotic slanted cat eyes, the violet centers oddly familiar, gleamed with the vestiges of an old agony and wisdom beyond her years. Golden tresses were bound by a loose, thick, braid the ends brushing her hips. The companion standing docilely behind her mimicked the motion and soon her features shone under the candlelight. Cobalt hair glittered with an icy fire, drawing further notice to the gems decorating her elegantly crafted features. The most notable quality though, were the translucent silver orbs that glittered with an aura of command and ancient power...probing depths that made it impossible to hold her gaze for too long. Xellos let out a muffled curse and before he could quite calm himself growled:
"Just what the hell are you doing here child? Have you forgotten your task?"
"Of course not I've come to bring you news of dire importance."
"The Princess is dying...or very damned close to it." The one named "Nyoko" growled, her expression fierce. "Her condition has gotten worse over this past year, and even Willow could do next to nothing to cure the ailment. A curse...a good one created by the Underlings of that blasted Shabranigdo. In fact your Mistress helped in the creation of the annoying spell." Nyoko spit out her tone reeking with barely held contempt.
"Why would Zelas be interested in Ameria?" Zelgadiss choked out, trying to come to the grips with her actually near death.
"Because she is the present Priestess of Cefied." Willow stated softly, her whisper resembling an angel's choir.
"Damn...how much time do we have left?" Xellos grumbled, wrinkling his nose.
"I give her less than a month...she's hanging on by will alone."
"We must talk Nyoko. Now." Xellos ordered softly, and with a barely perceptible nod, both blurred out from sight.
"Damn it! Of all the times to take off." The chimera growled his expression grim.
"There is nothing to worry about, they shall return shortly. We on the other hand must come up with a solution to the current problem. Or would you prefer to sit here and pace?" Willow questioned gently her gaze glowing with a hint of warm compassion. Before he could quite stop himself, Zelgadiss agreed and the astonishingly beautiful woman gifted the gathering with a bright smile.
"This is bigger than I first imagined..." Xellos trailed off, disliking the feeling that he was definitely being used as a pawn. Again...
"For once you and I are in complete agreement...father" Short, mocking the young woman replied in an utterly insolent tone.
"Nyoko...don't push it"
"You are the one who started this whole mess, aren't you?" She replied logically, a tiny smirk tugging the corners of her lips. Xellos sighed and muttered (as one would when speaking to a small child).
"Daughter, calm down for a moment will you please? I was under orders! Besides, Miss Ameria was better off with out that company."
"I understand that, I still think what you did was unnecessarily harsh."
"Sometimes I can be that way...it's just a part of my personality you are going to have to accept. Now, on to Willow's visions."
"Okay, we pretty much have them figured out and if our calculations are correct...we know precisely how to cure Ameria" She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Listen up and I'll explain everything, even our plan."
"So you're basically saying that there is nothing we can do to help her?" Zelgadiss growled his temper on the verge of shattering.
"I've come across no real solution as of yet, though I shall continue looking." Willow murmur quietly, her voice laced with an unexpected sadness. "She is a dear friend after all, and I will do anything for her. Even risking my own life, or resorting to drastic measures. The love of her friends is what she really needs right now." The statement was gentle, and directed to Lina, Gourry, Phiria and Zelgadiss.
"Where is she! Take us there please!" Lina pleaded, her eyes misted with emotion. Gourry (in an unprecedented flash of insight) captured her fragile palm within his own, and reassuringly squeezed it. The flame-haired sorcerer let out a choked sob, and literally threw herself into his arms. He blushed for a moment, then shrugged and held her with all of his might.
"Do not worry we will find her for you - "
"Willow have you brought them up to speed?" Nyoko blurred in, a shaken Xellos appearing at her side.
"Yes, we must leave immediately for Atlas City ... Ameria will only remain within the cities boundaries for a couple of days." They exchanged a knowing glance Xellos nodded imperceptibly to the pair and then the two (Nyoko and Willow) teleported from sight.
"Damn it!" Zelgadiss cursed.
"They'll go on ahead to make sure Miss Ameria stays put." Xellos said in a reasonable tone, though his eyes held...what was it...? A look that Zelgadiss had never seen before...ever! Could it be...? The "trickster priest" was...afraid? That alone put the chimera on edge, and made him even more determined to find Ameria. He had to get to her!