Author's note: (Edited on 6th June 2004)
These few months, I think I've gotten tired of writing humorous fics, and have been thinking and planning a lot on a serious one. During this time, I've been honing my writing skills by taking a university course on creative writing, learning about how form a good plot, etc. I don't think I've achieved that yet, but I'm trying. It's an AU fic, about the entertainment industry, and how Amelia struggles with the social politics that follow whilst trying to keep her own optimism. This fic won't have any particular pairings. In fact, I aim to pair everyone together at some point, so no one's lonely!
Who knows, I might even add that Xelloss/Dynast thing. . . . . . gets hit by random newspaper
Disclaimer: I don't own Slayers. That's kind of self-explanatory, isn't it?
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Chapter one: The Audition
"Tell us when you're ready."
The raven-haired girl nodded and stepped into the recording room, shivering slightly as a gust of cold air brushed against her bare skin. She could almost feel her heart thumping more rapidly than ever. Trying to ignore the production staff on the other side that were busy preparing for the testing, she wiped her sweaty palms on her dress and breathed deeply. It was going to be perfect, she told herself. She was, afterall, at Seyruun's largest record company. It was a chance that millions of girls would probably never get to experience. She could still remember her excitement when she received a notification letter for the interview, ecstatic that her demo-tape was considered good enough. Putting on her brightest smile, she waved at the staff on other side.
"I CAN START ANYTIME NOW," she shouted, unsure whether they could hear her through the thick glass window. She covered her mouth and stifled an "oops" as she realized everyone was wincing, having heard her loud and clear - since she had just yelled into the microphone. After apologizing profusely (and after everyone could hear normally again), the music began to play.
One, two three. . . . .
The music surrounded her, enveloping her in a sweet embrace. The lyrics flowed out of her mouth naturally. She knew it well, of course. Unlike most people, she chose to write her own songs and lyrics. Everytime, it took her many late nights to retouch every note and word, but what did it matter? She wanted everyone to hear her songs someday. So she chose her best song and sent a demo-tape over to Mazoku Records, praying she would get at least a reply. She knew there were probably other young girls like herself who were prettier, more talented¡Kbut still, it was something she wanted more than anything else.
As the melody trailed off into silence, she closed her eyes, savoring the moment of completion. It was done. How did everyone react? She watched the men's faces for any look of approval, but her heart sank a little when she saw no response. But even if I don't make it, at least I've tried my best, she told herself, bringing her hand to her chest. She had to be brave about it. She wasn't going to let anyone see her disappointment. Taking off the headphones, she gave a polite bow and gathered her belongings.
At this point, one of the men signaled her to come over to the other room. To her surprise, he was smiling. "Amelia-san, we will have the documents ready to sign. . . . . . ."
As he trailed on, Amelia's mind was scattered with confused thoughts. Huh? What was he talking about? In her confusion, she could only hear parts of what he was saying - something about meeting a producer and having a manager. "And of course," he added, "We will need to train you in a variety of things such as singing, dancing, and how to deal with the paparazzi. We'll explain in more detail after the legal documents have been dealt with. Any questions?"
"Ne. . . . . . does this mean I've been accepted?" She slowly asked, furrowing her eyebrows.
Everyone looked at her blank face and burst into laughter.
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Afternoon announced its arrival at the sun's rays creeping into the dimly lit room. The man rolled to one side and rubbed his eyes. Glancing at the girl sleeping next to him, he smiled appreciatively as he traced a finger over the contours of her shapely body. As she stirred, the blankets fell across her shoulder, leaving very little to the imagination. This one would have to last for a while, he mused to himself, recalling the events of the previous night. He didn't really remember her name. . . . . . Merina? Marena? Whatever. She was a pretty good lay. Her "skills" probably rivaled his own. Yeah, almost. Where did girls learn all this these days? Shrugging, he got off the bed and dragged on a pair of trousers, heading for the kitchen. He gargled some water and spat it out, repeating it again and again. Failing to get the taste of her out of his mouth, he chewed on a piece of rotting celery that he'd found sitting there rather forlornly in his refrigerator. He made a face, but kept chewing. Celery was celery, even if it had turned bad. Still better than that dull stubborn taste that wouldn't go. He made a mental note to buy some more from the supermarket that day.
His skin crawled as he felt that girl's body press against him, her arms pulling him closer to her. "Hey Xelloss," she purred, running her fingers through his dark violet hair. He forced a smile on to his face. "Ah, good morning. You slept well?" She was about to reply when the shrill ringing of the telephone interrupted behind her.
"Xelloss, are you up yet?" a woman's crisp voice asked impatiently. Upon hearing his mother's voice, he mentally straightened up.
"Yes, of course. What is it? Ah. . . . . really? Interesting. Yes, certainly. I'll get to it right now."
He hung up, and pried that girl's arms off his waist. "It's time to go," he said brightly, running back into the bedroom, gathering her clothes in one heap and stuffing them into her arms. "Who was it?" she whined as she buttoned her blouse, "And can't I stay a little longer?"
"Work calls me," he planted a short kiss on her forehead to lessen her whining, and held the door out for her, "And I'll call you later."
"I'll see you at work then."
"Certainly, Marina-san."
"It's Martina," the girl pouted slightly.
"Of course. How terribly forgetful of me. It must be the effects of being around you, dearest."
She giggled, mollified by the compliment, and left the apartment. Xelloss sighed with relief. If there was anything he disliked most, it was clingy girls. Oh, and super insanely happy ones.
It was time for work.
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Author's note: Short first chapter, yes. I wanted to test the waters to see what the response is like. If it's reasonably good, I'll continue it. Ever since watching Next on dvd, I thought Martina and Xelloss would make a hilarious couple. Especially the scene where Martina was clinging on to "Master Xelloss" whilst he was drinking his tea. Their relationship would obviously never work out, but I like that bitter-sweetness.
Remember to review! All suggestions are welcomed and will be considered!