Chapter 14: Training STARTS
The large man stood in front of them. A tennis racket in one hand and a clipboard in the other. "My name is Phil. You may call me Coach." Due to their lack of skills required for the competition, Royal High pleaded for help and the Royal Family kindly agreed. And now, their personal Coach have led them to the rear of the palace where green field lay ready for their first tennis training.
"Please get into teams of two and begin a warm-up." Phil snapped his fingers to alert the nearby butlers to distribute the tennis rackets. Just as quickly as the rackets were being passed out, Lina grabbed Gourry's left wrist and started to drag him to the nearest green field however was pulled back when Gourry resisted.
"Gourry?" She looked back only to be completely disgusted. Martina had grabbed Gourry's right wrist and was pulling him to another field. "GOURRY IS WITH ME."
"GOURRY WANTS TO BE WITH ME." Martina and Lina stepped in front of Gourry's body to glare at each other, still holding onto his wrists tightly.
"He's coming with me." Lina growled through her teeth, using all her strength to not rip Martina's face off.
"I don't think so." Martina dramatically flipped her hair off her shoulders and showed her entire neck to Lina. "Gourry would rather spend the rest of his life with a beautiful Princess instead of an ugly-"
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Lina threw her body forward with her hands wrapped tightly around Martina's neck. As the two girls fought loudly on the grass, the host had no other choice and answered her Team Captain.
"I must decline." Amelia then gave a sweet smile. "However may I ask of my Captain to look for partnership elsewhere? I believe Gourry-San has not chosen a partner yet." Zelgadiss tried to resist but was greatly defeated when her sweet smile slowly formed into a frown.
"You owe me a kiss in the throne room." He carefully stepped around the brawl and grabbed Gourry by his long hair. With a quick tug, their hold had slipped and the two aggressive wildcats looked up when Zelgadiss dragged their partner away. "He's with me."
"Thank goodness." Gourry sighed in relief and allowed himself to be dragged.
"Whatever," Lina got off the grass and looked around her surroundings. "Filia will be my partner. Hey Filia!" She saw the tall woman standing in a field, tying her shoes. "I'll be right there!"
"Hmmm?" Filia looked over her shoulders, finally aware of the redhead. Lina started to jog over until she realized that Filia was not alone on the field.
"I'm going to start now, Fi-Chan!"
"Wait, Xellos, I'm not done tying my shoes!" Filia shouted from her crouched position. Xellos didn't care and hit the yellow ball over the net causing Filia to scream. Lina turned away to look for another partner and saw Amelia. She opened her mouth to call out to the Princess however stopped when Phil grabbed Amelia's shoulder and led her to the next open tennis field.
"Shit." Feeling just a little annoyed now, Lina looked for anybody to play against and spotted the only person who didn't have a partner as well.
"I cannot believe Gourry would just go along with that commoner! I am so tired of this!" Martina stomped her heels into the grass and continued to do so for another minute until noticing Lina standing nearby. "WHAT?"
"Want to be partners?" Lina asked pleasantly with a smile. Like Lina, Martina checked her surroundings first before coming to the same conclusion.
"Great. I'm partners with a filthy commoner." Martina rudely swiped her tennis racket from a butler and stomped toward the last open field. Lina watched the Princess of Zoana walk away while an evil grin spread across her face.
- o -
Laughter filled the training fields. Sadistic laughter and tennis balls.
"WHY DON'T YOU HIT IT BACK?"
"SHE'S INSANE!" Poor Martina screamed fearfully when the balls blocked her from running out of the field. Lina let out a terrifying roar and tossed a tennis ball into the air.
"STAY AND PLAY WITH ME, PRINCESS!" The ball dropped to her sights and Lina aggressively slammed her racket against it making the yellow ball fly straight into Martina's stomach.
"Isn't that nice?" Phil watched Lina bounce in victory whilst Martina crouched in pain. He chuckled when the redhead gave him a thumbs up. "Those two are getting along nicely."
"I'm... glad." Amelia sighed when Lina started to chase Martina around. Phil wrote a small note in his clipboard and motioned to his partner to the next field. There, Filia had just flung forward and managed to hit the ball over the net however Xellos appeared suddenly before her eyes and raised his racket.
"SLICE!" He shouted when he hit the ball back and it zipped inched past Filia's face causing her to yelp and fall to her bottom. Although she had fallen, the ball continued it's course and bounce outside of the court making Filia win the round.
"Yes! I win!" Filia cheered loudly while sitting on the ground. She noticed Amelia and Phil nearby and waved her arms in the air. "Were you watching? Xellos carelessly made an error and I won!"
"Um, Filia-San," Amelia interrupted her with a pointer finger aiming at Filia's legs. "Your skirt."
"My skirt?" She looked down to her long legs. Her white skirt has flipped up and was showing off her milky thighs.
"My, my, my." Xellos laid between her legs with his hands cupping his face as he stared at the sight before him. "What a beautiful-"
"NAMAGOMI!" Filia lifted both legs and slammed her heels into his head, creating a small crater. She then proceeded to dig his face into the cracked field and when he tried to speak, Filia swung her leg into his neck and his limp body flew across the court into a stone wall surrounding the Saillune palace.
"Y-Y..." His lips trembled in pain and Filia swiped a tennis ball from the ground. She threw the ball straight into his quivering mouth before he could complete his words.
"She has great accuracy. Filia-San will excel in archery." Phil noted in his clipboard and proceeded to walk to the next court. Amelia followed, wondering in disbelief regarding Phil's calm demeanor. When they approached the next training field, Phil smiled when Amelia rushed past him and bounced in excitement.
"Just like your mother." He said aloud but Amelia wasn't listening because Zelgadiss had just scored a point against Gourry and she was his personal cheerleader. Zelgadiss noticed her appearance and stopped to watch her loud expressions.
"WATCH OUT!" Gourry screamed but it was too late. The ball slammed against Zelgadiss' shoulder and threw his body to the ground.
"Fuck." Zelgadiss stayed laying on the field.
"Zel!" Gourry got to his side and was about to pick him up however Zelgadiss stopped him. From the side of the court, Amelia stood in worry. She was itching to run to Zelgadiss' aid however Gourry was at his side and speaking to him normally. Then, Gourry looked up at her and she raised to her toes, ready to run over when called.
"She saw the entire thing."
"Fuck." Zelgadiss shut his eyes in grief. "Is she worried?"
"Yeah, she wants to come over."
"Absolutely not. Tell her I'm fine."
"But you're not. Your shoulder is dislocated." Gourry picked up Zelgadiss' limp right wrist and dropped it to the ground. "You need a nurse's help."
"Tell her I'm fine." Zelgadiss grabbed Gourry's shirt collar and pulled him closer.
"I don't think you are fine. I'm going to call her over."
"Locker 312."
"He's fine, Amelia! Just tired!" Gourry suddenly yelled. "Heck, I'm tired too!" He threw his body down next to Zelgadiss and whispered with a pout. "You promised you wouldn't mention it."
"I lied." Zelgadiss whispered back.
"But I swear it was dislocated..." Amelia tilted her head in confusion. She looked when Phil touched her shoulder.
"Why don't you prep the next training session? It'll be held in the Ballroom." He smiled kindly and Amelia gasped in delight.
"Our favorite sport!" She giggled and rushed away. Once out of sight, Phil walked over to the two men laying in the middle of the field.
"You may sit up now, Zelgadiss. She has left the training grounds."
"You." Zelgadiss grabbed a hold of Gourry's shirt again. "Fix me."
"No way! You mentioned my darkest secret! I'm not helping you-"
"You did this to me. You will FIX me." The two men glared at each other until Phil's laughter interrupted their fight.
"Allow me." Phil knelt down and took his limp arm in his giant hands. "When I was a child, my arms would often get dislocated and my Father would kindly fix it for me." Sudden pull and the arm returned back in place. "Back to normal."
"Thanks, Phil." Zelgadiss sat up and carefully stretched his shoulder then proceeded to curse at Gourry. Phil watched with a smile as the two eventually made up and shared half a box of cigarettes together.
"Just like me."
- o -
The Royal Family held their extravagant parties in the palace Ballroom and it was there, the next training session was taking place. Lina and Gourry looked wide-eyed upon the marble floors, cathedral ceilings, gold fixtures and the floor-to-ceiling windows with velvet curtains. It was something from a picture book.
"Look at that." Lina and Gourry stood in front of the empty throne made out of solid gold at one end of the Ballroom. "That's where the King sits and watches his subjects dance."
"Wow." Gourry looked at his Coach. "Can I sit there?"
"If you sit there, Gourry, I'll have to execute you." Phil laughed. He nodded and looked back at the throne, only to yelp to see Xellos sitting on the gold throne with his legs crossed elegantly.
"This truly is the best seat in the room."
"GET OFF!" Lina grabbed the snickering fool and began to pummel him to the ground. Filia immediately apologized for Xellos as Phil just laughed and eased the guards to drop their weapons. While this was happening, Martina sneaked to Gourry's side and wrapped her arms around his.
"I got my dancing partner!" Martina cheered loudly grabbing everybody's attention, especially Lina. "Come on, Gourry, let's start practicing!"
"OH, HELL-"
"Lina is my partner." Gourry suddenly said, stopping Lina from screaming.
"Lina?" Martina scoffed. "What is a Lina?" She was caught off-guard when Lina rushed over and pulled Gourry out of her grip. "That demon has a name?" Lina gave a flirty wink which caused Martina to gasp loudly. "DEMON!"
"If you don't mind a second-rate man, Princess," Someone spoke from behind and Martina carefully looked over her shoulder. "May I ask your grace to entertain the idea of becoming my dance partner?" An open arm offered to her. The Princess tuck her hand between her large breasts and took out a black fan. She opened the delicate fan and covered the lower half of her face.
"My heart belongs to another." She looked over the handsome man before her and blushed secretly. "However I have no choice. You may be my dance partner." She encircled her arm to his and allowed him to lead her to the other side of the room.
"Unbelievable." Filia practically threw up. She watched Xellos take the spoiled brat away and rolled her eyes when he looked back at her and pouted his lips out to her. "Why is he remotely interested in her?" Filia loudly expressed.
"He's a pervert." Lina stood watching as well. "He wants a quickie with a Princess."
"Disgusting." The tall blonde grumbled. "He has poor taste in women. He'll fuck anybody with a decent body. He needs to stop questioning at how big the breasts are and start considering the heart."
"I can't believe I'm saying this but," The redhead snorted. "Quit being jealous." Filia immediately glared at her and Lina laughed. Before she could defend herself, Filia was approached by a large man in a white suit. His sudden presence made her stop her words and his kind smile made her face hot.
"If you would do me the honors." Phil knelt to one knee and bowed his body slightly forward. Filia silently panicked, holding her throbbing chest.
"Y-Yes?" She hesitated. Phil raised his left arm and offered his open hand.
"May I ask you to be my partner, Filia?"
"O-Oh." Filia shyly smiled and nodded with a great blush. "Of course, Phil." She slipped her hand in his and happily followed him to another area of the Ballroom. Xellos watched when they walked past him. Filia was openly smiling with Phil and Xellos was suddenly not interested in listening to Martina's shopping adventures.
As the partners were formed, the french doors to the Ballroom were opened by the servants and Zelgadiss uncomfortably entered. Everyone watched with hidden smiles. Amelia is the Crown Princess and there was simply no getting around it, he needed to dress accordingly as her dance partner. Phil gave the order and the servants forced him into a Royal Family white dancing suit. Zelgadiss thought the suit was the only thing however the servants helping him dress also gave him a quick lesson on Royalty etiquette and he was determined to make an impression. It was Phil who spoke first when Zelgadiss came closer to the center of the Ballroom.
"You look ready to be Amelia's groom." The room roared in laughter when Zelgadiss threw everything he learned from the servants and light a cigarette from the sudden embarrassment.
"It's a little early to mention that." Filia defended Zelgadiss. Phil let out a loud scoff.
"I proposed to my late wife just three days after I met her. We were engaged for only a week when we decided to marry in secret." Zelgadiss looked upon Phil's great smile. "She and I wanted to begin our life together as fast as possible." This made Zelgadiss copy his smile and look at the cigarette in his hand.
"Not until I deserve her. That's when I'll ask."
"Ask what?" Amelia approached from behind him. Fearful of what she might have heard, Zelgadiss turned around quickly to change the subject however was stunned at what was in front of him. Amelia had on a beautiful white Victorian dress with silver trimming and a diamond teardrop necklace around her neck, sitting on top of her hair was her tiara. She gave him a sweet smile and twirled in front of his eyes, giving him the entire view.
"Wow, Amelia!" Her friends ran over to look at her outfit and even touch the tiara on her head. "You look great!"
"This is just my normal dance wear."
"I have a better one." Martina muttered nearby. Amelia chose to ignore her and once again, look to Zelgadiss. She waited for his response but he stared at her, obviously awe struck. Not getting the hint, Lina elbowed the silent man and it prompt him to regain his composure.
"Yes." He glanced at her outfit but stared at her flawless face. "You look," Zelgadiss hesitated. "You look ready." His friends tilted their heads at his unusual response however Amelia closed the distance between them and took his hands in hers.
"You too, Zel." She whispered. "You look ready." Smiling at each other now, Zelgadiss led her away. Once everyone returned to their training area, Phil clapped his large hands together and a group of musicians strolled in with string instruments.
"Let's begin."
- o -
"WATCH IT." Gourry led his partner around the room, he apologized quickly when his foot accidentally stepped on hers. "OUCH! That's the FIFTH TIME, Gourry!"
"You should shrink your feet." Whilst the two stopped in the middle of the Ballroom to recoup, Filia and Phil danced past them.
"You move beautifully." Filia complimented. "Have you been dancing your entire life?"
"Ever since I was able to walk." He twirled Filia and pulled her back in. "I can tell this isn't your first time."
"I took a few classes." She revealed which made Phil smile. They danced happily past Martina and Xellos but instead of ballroom dancing, Martina had her arms wrapped around Xellos' neck and her face against his chest. Xellos uncomfortably moved around on his tip toes as the Princess hugged him like a stuffed animal.
"That's how I was able to remove the growth on my shoulder." Martina sighed and closed her eyes. "You are so easy to talk too."
"Unfortunately." Xellos sighed then noticed Filia dancing past his eyes. She was smiling openly again and this time, Xellos purposely grabbed Martina's arms and broke free from her grip. "Want to fuck?" He asked bluntly and Martina went to grab her fan again.
"Oh, Xellos-San," She bashfully giggled. "I knew you couldn't resist me."
"Where is the servant room? That should be good enough." Xellos didn't wait to hear her response and drag her out of the Ballroom. Just as he was leaving with her, an elderly man in a gold suit walked into the Ballroom. He had a short grey haircut and a long beard that ended mid-suit. He kept his hands tucked behind his back and watched the beginners dance. A gentle smile appeared when his granddaughter finally spotted him.
"Grandfather!" Amelia gasped. Zelgadiss froze immediately. "What are you doing out of your bedroom? Are you well enough to be walking?" She let go of Zelgadiss and came to the old man's side.
"Can't an old man watch his favorite grandchild dance?" He spoke in a gruff voice. Amelia shook her head and kissed his cheek. Zelgadiss held his breath when the King looked at him with familiar indigo eyes. "Is this the one?"
"Yes. This is the one." Amelia looked to him as well. The King kindly pushed Amelia to the side and walked over. Zelgadiss stood uneasily when the older man stopped in front of him. It was inevitable. Amelia discussed this with him numerous times and yet, it was the King of Saillune. He had forgotten what to do.
"Zelgadiss Greywards." The King stared when Zelgadiss' hand was presented to him. Amelia held her breath at this sudden move however her grandfather took his hand and shook it firmly.
"My goodness." He looked over Zelgadiss carefully. "Alas, her journal is accurate for once. You are quite handsome and might I confirm, have a very cute posterior-"
"Stop reading my journal!" Amelia flung forward to cover her grandfather's mouth from spewing anymore words. She chew her bottom lip in embarrassment when Zelgadiss gave a soft laugh. The King rubbed her arm gently before tapping it which Amelia uncovered his mouth immediately.
"Thank you for allowing me to see her true smile. I was afraid I wouldn't be around to see it."
"Your highness doesn't need to thank me." Zelgadiss smiled at Amelia who shyly hid behind the King. "I was meant to be alone until she ruined it and now, I don't know how to live without her."
"O-Oh Zel! Not in front of grandfather!" She whined causing the King to laugh.
"I see that you too enjoy her reactions just as much as I do." He touched Amelia's cheek. "She is the only grandchild who can make this old man well enough to step out of his death bed."
"Please don't say those words. You know how much I dislike it." Amelia sighed and took his shoulders. "Let's return to your bed chambers before Daddy orders for brand new door locks." She led the dying old man away, leaving Zelgadiss to watch from behind.
"Was that King Eldoran?" Lina and Gourry had been watching from nearby.
"Yes."
"What's wrong with him?" Gourry asked when the elderly man stopped Amelia to cough loudly.
"Cancer." Zelgadiss remembered the late night phone call from Amelia. It was just before they started dating and after they missed their opportunity to have their first kiss at the pool side. She got the news about her dying Grandfather and didn't want to be alone so she called him because she knew he would pick up for her and he did. They talked until sunrise and although he didn't reveal as much info as she did regarding the past, Amelia was grateful for his wise words. "Doctors give him six months."
"His body does not match his youthful spirit." Phil stepped in front of the three, blocking their view of the old man. Filia came next to Lina's side. "The King will die however his legacy will live on." He met with Zelgadiss' eyes. "As long as Amelia understands this, she will not be hurt when the day comes."
"Amelia is strong. She'll be just fine." Lina spoke with a smirk.
"And if she's not, we'll take her out to eat." Gourry said as well. Zelgadiss gave a secure nod and joined his friends' smiles. Phil sighed happily at this and looked back at his daughter and especially his old father.
"She'll be fine." Phil then nodded to silently secure his sore heart. "I'll be fine."
- o -
Amelia and Filia sat around the round table, sipping warm tea and watching a great battle take place. Set next to them, Zelgadiss and Gourry were pitted against Lina and Phil in an intense game of badminton.
"Play more aggressively!" Zelgadiss elbowed Gourry's side.
"But," He tensed up when he heard Lina's low growling. "She's going to make me sleep outside."
"I don't want to pay for dinner tonight!" Zelgadiss pointed out and Gourry sighed. He didn't want too either but he'd rather sleep in bed than sleep outside in the patio again.
"Get ready, Phil. Zel is going to play seriously now." Lina bent her body forward and twirled her wire racquet in her hand.
"This is just a game now." Phil noticed the intensity and tried to cool the players down. He raised his eyebrows when Filia shook her head.
"There is no such thing as 'a game' when the loser pays for dinner, especially with Lina and Gourry's appetites." She informed him.
"I just paid my bills." Lina tossed the shuttlecock in the air and carefully hit it over the net.
"I used my entire payroll on snacks." Gourry hit the object back to the other side. Phil was about to swing his racket when a hand grabbed onto his forearm which deliberately missed the shuttlecock. He looked back to see one of the butlers. The well-dressed servant leaned close and whispered into Phil's ear.
"I see." The large man sighed and patted the racket in his palm. "I must leave immediately. Filia!"
"Y-Yes?" Filia sat up when she was suddenly called, her tea slightly jumped in the cup. Phil stepped to her side and handed his racket to her hands.
"You must take my place." He smiled.
"Excuse me?" Her eyebrows curled.
"I am being called away and I ask you to take my place as Lina's partner."
"I don't do this." Filia pushed the racket back but Phil tilted his head to the side. She stared at his constant smile and uncomfortably stood her ground until a man walked over with a Princess on his arm.
"What a joyous afternoon!" Xellos announced when he arrived. Martina sighed behind the fan over her face. "Strangely, I feel quite rejuvenated."
"I don't." Martina removed herself away from his side and pulled out a chair across from Amelia. She sat down with a high-pitch noise and nonchalantly ordered a servant to pour her tea.
"Everybody is a critic." Xellos scoffed. He finally noticed Phil kneeling in front of Filia with the badminton racket, his eyes slightly widen to see Phil holding her hands over the tool. "What's going on here?"
"Phil is trying to convince me to play." Filia drew back when Xellos suddenly pushed his body between her and Phil, purposely forcing their hands to let go.
"I will gladly," He reached down and swiped the racket from Phil. "Be your substitute."
"Excellent." Phil stood up and gratefully patted the young man's shoulder. He looked over to Amelia who was staring back. "Spend the rest of the day with your friends. They are all welcome to stay the night."
"Is it..." She proceeded to stand up but Phil's extended hand stopped her from leaving the tableside.
"I'll let you know once I find out." His change in persona frightened her. She watched him walk away with the servant and nervously, Amelia let out a shaky exhale.
"I will... return momentarily." She ran the opposite direction, her hands raised to cover the tears that may come down. Zelgadiss saw this and walked out of the game immediately. He threw his racket to Filia's lap which made her yelp.
"Zelgadiss!" He ignored her calling and went after Amelia. "I don't do this!"
"I need your help, Filia!" Gourry cried. Lina and Xellos were taking full advantage of the solo opponent. Letting out a loud whine, Filia looked to Martina but she was busy reapplying her makeup and texting to a Princess from another Kingdom.
"I... I don't do this!"
- o -
"Thank you for inviting us to dinner, Amelia." Filia sighed. Amelia shook her head as she brushed the knots out of Filia's long blonde hair.
"The chefs enjoy cooking for a large crowd so please, it is our honor to have you all."
"Also Filia doesn't have any money for a buffet tonight." Lina spoke aloud from Amelia's bed, she was laying in the middle of the sheets with her arms crossed behind her head.
"That is why I don't play games." Filia searched for a mirror when Amelia announced she was done with her hair. Standing to look at herself carefully in the full-length mirror, Filia raised her eyebrows at the sight. She had on a simple sleeveless yellow dress with beautiful lace over the polyester material. Resting atop her collar was an elegant pearl necklace with matching pearl earrings.
"This dress is beautiful and the jewelry... It does not suit me at all." Filia touched the necklace gently and looked at Amelia through the mirror. "Are you sure I can wear this, Amelia? I don't want to ruin it."
"Please do not worry, Filia-San. The person who owned this dress would be so happy to see it being used after so many years." Amelia pushed Filia's long hair over one shoulder and sighed in happiness. "You look beautiful."
"It's just... it's really formal considering this is a family dinner."
"It's your first time here. I wanted tonight special for all of you."
"Well, then," Filia smiled. "I guess it's alright."
"It is perfectly alright." Amelia turned to the redhead laying on her bed. "It's your turn, Lina-San. What style of dress would you like to wear?"
"Surprise me."
- o -
"I'm not wearing this."
"Oh, Lina-San!" Amelia groaned while fixing her crown in place. "You've already went through my three closets! Unless you brought your own, you must pick one!"
"I don't LIKE any of them." The redhead stepped out of her twentieth dress and kicked it across the room causing Amelia and Filia to sigh.
"What was wrong with this one?" Filia pointed to the dress nearest to her. "I thought you liked the neckline."
"I don't like it."
"How about this one? You looked great in this one!" Amelia grabbed a dress that was hanging off the dresser.
"I don't like it."
"I know! This one!" A dress was pulled from under the bed. "This one-"
"I don't like it."
"LISTEN HERE, YOU BRAT!" Filia shoved the said-dress at Lina's nose. "YOU ARE GOING TO WEAR THIS! DINNER IS ABOUT TO START AND I ALREADY MISSED COCKTAIL HOUR BECAUSE OF YOUR INDECISIVENESS!"
"IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE AND I'M NOT WEARING IT!"
"It's only uncomfortable because you are not used to wearing dresses, Lina-San." The Crown Princess opened the top drawer of her personal dresser and took out a brown package tied with a white string. She walked to Lina with the package and presented it to her hands.
"The person who owns this dress also owns Filia-San's dress. I can't believe I am using both of her dresses tonight. Oh, it's so exciting!" Amelia bounced.
"It better not be white."
"Heavens no." She shook her head. "Mother never wore white during dinner parties. She loved her colors especially blue." Once the dress owner was revealed, Lina and Filia went silent. Lina stared at the package while Filia touched the pearl necklace again. Amelia noticed the sad silence and smiled.
"It's okay." She pushed the package to Lina's chest. "Please wear it so I may be selfish and see my Mother across the dinner table once again." Lina stared at Amelia's sincere expression and sighed.
"Fine. It better not be tight or your mom is going to get a earful from me."
- o -
Xellos tugged on the white tie around his neck. "The color of this suit is nauseating."
Beside him, Zelgadiss was leaning against the wall with an unlit cigarette between his lips. It was going to be a palace dinner and if the women were dressing up, the men were too so with some assistance, the three male guests were forced to put on the mandatory white suits.
"Well, I like it." Gourry expressed.
"You like it because there wasn't a tie that could fit your neck." Unlike Zelgadiss and Xellos who were on the thinner side, the butlers dressed him in a white sport suit and kept him seemingly casual.
"I wonder what Lina looks like." Gourry smiled to himself, imagining his beautiful Bandit Killer. "I bet she looks really pretty."
"She'll look like any woman in a dress." Xellos grumbled as he was trying to loosen his tight tie.
"Is that so?" A set of hands grabbed the tie from him and began to properly loosen it. "Every woman looks the same in a dress?" Xellos stared upon the beauty in front of him. From the gold heels that showed only the tips of her toes, up the yellow lengthy dress that stuck to her tall and slightly but perfect curvy body frame. To the top of the dress that conservatively covered her large breasts and revealed her long perfect arms in which her gentle perfect hands were attached at the end of and was now cupping his face.
"My eyes are up here, Namagomi." Filia whispered coolly. His eyes fell on her perfect beautiful face and he was completely speechless. She watched his mouth open and close a few times, as if he wanted to say something but was afraid to express it.
"Well, Xellos," She called his name softly. "How do I look?"
"Why, you look..." He spoke in such a low tone. Suddenly, Filia twirled for him. This made him gulp and take a couple steps back only he was already pressed against the wall.
"You look... Well..."
"Well?" Filia closed the distance between them. "Do I look like every woman in a dress?"
"I didn't..." For once, Xellos was completely taken-back and didn't have anything to say.
"Hmmm?" Her smile widen when he finally looked away and cleared his throat to bring back his strength.
"What I mean to say," Xellos sighed softly and cautiously looked back at Filia. This time, she had to gulp from his intense stare. "You look how you always do." He raised his arm and offered it to her.
"You look absolutely perfect, Filia." Blushing but with such a great big smile, Filia hooked her arm around his and allowed him to lead her to the dining room. Just as they were entering the room, Xellos moved closer to whisper into her ear.
"Yellow suits you but I find the pink underwear absolutely delightful."
"You are disgusting."
"Only for you, my Fi-Chan."
Moments later, Zelgadiss looked up from his daze when Amelia entered the lobby. She had changed from her white victorian dress for her silver shimmering empress-style dress that had gold beading along her neckline. He got off the wall to meet her in the middle of the room. Making sure his surroundings were clear first, Zelgadiss bent his neck to kiss her lips.
"You ready?" He asked when their kiss ended.
"I'm always ready for you." Amelia and Zelgadiss shared a loving smile and walked hand-in-hand to the dining room. Gourry smiled too at their public affection and turned away to look out the window. As he stared at the dark scenery, Lina was behind the doors that separated her and Gourry from uniting. She stared at the door handles and with shaking hands, grabbed it firmly.
"I'm really doing this." She whined lightly. "How embarrassing." Lina hesitated to turn the door handles however had to do it for her stomach was aching for the feast that was to come. The handles turned and the doors open for her to enter the room. Gourry turned around from the sudden sound and his eyes lit up at the sight.
"Gourry!" Suddenly, Martina jumped into his view and grabbed him by the shoulders, forcing him to look at her. "Do you like what you're seeing?"
"Um," Gourry tried to look over her shoulder but could only see a part of Lina's body. "I can't see-"
"Don't worry." Martina moved to be in his way again. "This is just a distraction to the real treat that you will be getting tonight."
"Okay, whatever." Gourry pushed her body to the side but frowned to not see Lina at the doorway. "But she was just there."
"Come on, everyone is waiting for us." Martina wrapped her arms around his stomach.
"You can go ahead. I'm waiting for Lina." He took her arms and unhook himself from her hold. She let out a loud scoff.
"LINA? Why are you waiting for that COMMONER?"
"She's not a commoner. She's my girlfriend." Gourry honestly told her. The Princess gave the loudest gasp and placed a hand over her aching heart.
"G-Girlfriend? That ugly boy is your girlfriend? W-What about me?" She then stomped her foot to the floor. "WHAT ABOUT ME, GOURRY? WHAT ABOUT YOUR PRINCESS?"
"Oh no, I did it again, didn't I?" The dumb man groaned when he finally realized what was going on and took Martina's shoulders to calm her down. "Hey, look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before but... I'm a Teacher."
"I KNOW THAT!" She slapped his hands away. "YOU AND I ARE IN LOVE!"
"Oh... Then I guess it's the other thing." Gourry scratched the end of his chin. "I'm in a relationship with Lina and I'm in love with her."
"L-LOVE? WITH THE UGLY BOY?" She screeched and when Gourry nodded, she raised her hand above her head. "YOU TWO-TIMING BASTARD!" She swung her open palm toward Gourry's welcoming cheek, only to be grabbed mid-swing just a few inches away.
"You touch him, you die." An evil black aura spread from Lina's tiny body. Martina shuddered from the intensity of her threat and sprinted away, screaming of assault and rape. The redhead scoffed at the act. "This promise I made with Amelia is really testing my discipline."
"Lina." Gourry's strained voice brought Lina back and she immediately cursed aloud. She was heading back to Amelia's bedroom to change back to her shorts and tank top but she had to defend her stupid boyfriend from the insane Princess and had forgotten that she was still in the dress.
"It's too much." She tried to cover herself. "I need to change. I need to change RIGHT NOW-"
"Wait." Gourry stopped her from leaving. He turned her around and stared at her. Lina had on a navy halter dress with a mermaid skirt. This dress revealed her entire back and came around to accentuated her shapely buttocks. Her red hair was not in it's usual ponytail and it was in large curls. To complete the look, a long gold chain between her breasts to make her check appear fuller. Gourry walked around her and she could feel his eyes looking up and down her body. When he stopped in front of her, Gourry touched the gold chain on her collarbone and caught her nervous eyes.
"Do... Do you like it?" She asked softly and Gourry smiled at her innocence.
"You look beautiful, my love."
"Oh, Gourry." Lina smiled when he kissed her gently on the cheek twice. She watched him take her right hand and kiss the back of her palm. He looked upon her carefree smile and sighed in happiness.
"Dance with me." He dragged her to the middle of the lobby as she protested.
"Dance? What the hell are you talking about? I need to eat! Dinner is being served right now and I need to get my fill before-"
"Just one dance." He pulled her into position. Lina was about to scream at him until a group of musicians walked out of nowhere and began playing a waltz.
"What the hell?" She stared in bewilderment and yelped when Gourry started to move. Lina followed his lead around the lobby, allowing him to twirl her in the tight dress and catching her so close that her lungs almost gave out. After the second time around the room, Lina noticed that they were not the only couple dancing. Filia and Xellos was to her right, dancing for the first time together and smiling at each other as if they had forgotten that they were supposed to be best friends. Amelia and Zelgadiss was to her left, dancing slowly because Amelia had her eyes closed due to the tremendous feeling of love around her.
"This is... embarrassing." Lina saw the chefs and butlers were watching nearby with large grins and stepped on Gourry's foot due to her distraction. "We should stop. I stepped on your foot."
"No way." Gourry lowered his head to kiss her temple. "I want to dance with you forever."
Lina stared at his sincere expression. This man, whose hands were holding hers, was so genuine and gentle. She couldn't believe that he was in love with someone rough and callous as her.
"Gourry."
"I'm not going to stop dancing." He told her however Lina planted her feet down and stopped their bodies from moving. It was Gourry's turn to protest until her hand grabbed his cheek. In front of everybody, Lina pushed her lips against his and held it there. When their lips separated, Lina smiled and Gourry was breathless.
"I love you." She said quite loudly. Gourry couldn't stop his big smile.
"I love you more." He took her hand from his face and kissed her wrist. Just as Lina was going to express more feelings, the other couples sang out the perfect song to accompany the delightful waltz music.
"Lina and Gourry sitting in a tree-"
"I WILL PERSONALLY SCALP EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!" That ended the loving moment and began the start of an anticipated dinner.
- 14 -
Training STARTS