Even though it had been at least 4 years since their paths had crossed, the faces of her friends were still clear in Amelia’s mind. Lina…Gourry…and….Zelgadis. Together, they had been through many adventures. Memories flooded the young princesses’ thoughts as she closed her eyes, reminiscing. All the battles they’d fought, all the injustice they had seen. The last time they had said a tearful goodbye. The last time Amelia had seen him.

* “Amelia…I’m sorry, but I don’t love you that way”

“But…..Zelgadis-san….why can’t you understand?”

“I’m sorry. I think of you like a sister, Amelia. Nothing else”*

And with those words, the only one she ever loved had walked out of Amelia’s life.

Amelia had tried to contact him many times; but she failed each time. Soon after that, she gave up trying and returned to Saillune. She wanted to forget him; to forget how much she missed him and the others. Lina’s fiery temper…Zelgadis’ perseverance and patience to find his cure…Gourry’s heart of gold…even Xellos’ always smiling face. Maybe if she busied herself enough with her royal duties, she could forget.

Amelia slowly got up and went to sit at her night table. The rain outside was slowing down to a light drizzle. She wondered what her friends were doing now. Lina would probably be on her third plate right about this time, the princess thought; smiling to herself. Gods, she yearned to see a familiar face. Perhaps someday they would encounter each other again. Until that day came, Amelia would have to be strong.

Absently picking up a brush and running it through her hair, Amelia blinked back tears. She had known the truth…known in her heart that Zelgadis could never reciprocate her feelings. Yet, she still continued to love him. Zelgadis was kind, intelligent and strong. How wrong he was when he called himself a monster. Maybe he had found a cure....then maybe, just maybe he would love her. Amelia stopped half-heartedly brushing her tresses; and looked at the six-pointed star symbol on it's handle. It was the same as the one on her wristbands....

*"Zelgadis-san.....wait......" Amelia tossed him one of her wristbands.

He sighed audibly "Amelia....."

"Now you have to come back to Saillune...to return this to me!" she giggled, and ran off.*

She couldn't let him see her cry.

It would have shattered the way he thought of her; the way they all did. Amelia had always been the cheerful; carefree and naivé one of the group. She would often speak of Justice; even when it became tiring for the others to listen to. That was the way she wanted them to remember her.

Amelia put the brush back on the table; symbol face down. It was time to think about the future, not dwell on the past. Whatever was left unsaid..it was enough. Saillune needed her, as did her father. The young princess glanced out the window. The sun was coming out again; and the street was crowded with townsfolk. As Amelia watched the people, a flash of red caught her eye. At a second glance, it was just a flag.

Suddenly; her father’s distinctive voice called up to her.

“Amelia-chan! Can you please come down to the throne room?”

“I’m coming!” Amelia yelled back with as much cheerfulness as she could put into those two words. Getting up; she turned and looked one last time out the window.

“Wherever they are….I hope that they’re happy..”

With a smile of determination on her face, Amelia slowly descended the palace steps.

On to Reflecting!
Main
Index