(((.-) Zel ||~.^|| Xelloss {{$.$}} Lina ((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^))Amelia


Seyruun High Jinx

Chapter 15

Tuesday morning, everyone who had tried out for the play was clustered around the note attached to the classroom door. There could be heard disappointed moans and thrilled yelps, and not too few surprised gasps. Everyone on the list was to return the next day for one more reading before the final cast would be chosen. All of Lina's friends, and Lina herself, were listed. Other than that, the day was class after class after class...

Lina made the most of her time by applying her creativity to song writing. For some reason, sappy love songs were flowing out, ones that were being assigned to other singers. That was her first warning sign. As food began to creep into the lyrics, she decided to quit while she was ahead. "I hope the bell for lunch rings real soon," she murmured.

Her wish was granted. The lunchtime crowd was soon gathering around Lina as usual. Zel was reading the newspaper's theater listings.

"Anything good?" Lina asked as she dug through her lunch sack.

"I'm looking for the Lost Universe announcements. It's that new sci- fi anime I mentioned a while back. Here, opening Thanksgiving weekend. YES! Lost Universe! Something to look forward to," he said with glee, almost.

Others wandered over as well. Kagome drew up to Zelgadiss. "Hi fellow bake-fest friends! How's baking coming along?"

"Fine. The freezer is filling," Zel answered.

"Sylphiel?"

"Oh I'm having more fun! Here, try this new cookie, it's an original creation," she beamed.

"Terrific! Make lots! Lina?" Kagome continued.

"No sweat, my sis says we can have a dozen or so pies. And if we need to store stuff, she said there's freezer space at the restaurant we can use," Lina answered.

"Super! Anything that doesn't sell this week may have to be stored there for next month's sale. Amelia, did you volunteer to bake too? "

Amelia joined up, dragging along a girl about her own age.

"Hello everyone! Yes, Miss Kagome, the estate's cook is making the cakes, actually, so. I can help you hang posters."

Kagome nodded and pulled out a stack for Amelia. "Thanks a lot. And everyone else...be in the cafeteria before and after school to sell, sell, sell on FRIDAY!"

Amelia waved good bye to Kagome, and then introduced the new student. "This is Kiki. She just moved here from France. This is her first day of school here so I'm showing her around," said Amelia with pride.

There were a few empty seats to the right of Xelloss. Zelgadiss was to his left, both approximately across from Lina, as usual.

"Mr. Xelloss, this is Kiki. I wonder if you would move over so that she and I could sit more centrally located?"

Xelloss thought a moment-- and you can sit beside Zel, hum?  "Okay... Kiki? Ye parle un peu de Francais."

Kiki's face lit up. She had learned English, of course, but to be able to chat in her native tongue was a relief. So she and Xelloss conversed in semi privacy for the duration of lunch.

Amelia didn't seem to mind the temporary reprieve from entertaining duty, and ate her lunch while attempting to engage Zel in play-tryouts banter. Zel mostly responded in grunts and nods, and then stood, ready to leave.

"Practice tonight, everyone?" he asked.

Nods around.

"Later," Zel said dryly, turned and exited.

"What do you suppose is bothering him?" she asked Lina.

"Life, Amelia. Meeting new people puts him in a depression. He'll be okay for band practice." and Lina continued devouring her roll and cheese.

Seeing Amelia staring at her for more explanation, Lina went on, "This gives us time to explain why he looks so freaky so that he doesn't have to hear it over and over, get it now? So, Xelloss, break away for a sec will ya? Explain why Zel looks so creepy to your new friend and tell her not to stare at him next time."

"I all ready did that, Lina. Any other orders?" he teased.

"Nope. You may stand down, for now."

"Aye, aye, ma'am!" He laughed a little then shared some of the information he had learned, "Kiki is temporarily staying with her aunt and uncle until her parents get settled in. Her Aunt Polly is the Polly in Polly's Pastries and Pies …where the goodies came from…the ones that Filia and I supplied the morning after the storm, remember? Yes, Lina they were good. Kiki will be helping out with a bicycle delivery service for the shop. Her uncle owns the cleaners and her parents will be opening a wine cellar, also in the strip mall."

This moved the topic of conversation onto modes of transport and from there to driver's licenses.

"I have a license, but I'll never see a car to go with it!" moaned Gourry. "Dad drives the truck to work, and my Mom practically lives in the van driving my sister's and brothers around…course things change."

"What's the matter?" Lina asked with more sensitivity than usual.

"Well, my grandmother is coming to stay…my brothers and I will have to give up our room and...sleep in the den, I suppose."

Everyone felt bad for him. Val shook his head, "It's getting pretty tight in the trailer with Sano, but your story will make even him feel better."

"Why don't you build a place above the garage, like mine?" chirped up Xelloss. "Your dad's a builder, you can learn.  I'm no good with tools but I can lend a hand. There's a lot of space there…each of you could have a room!"

"That's right!" beamed the tall blond kid. "That's a great idea! I bet he's got left over materials."

"Hey, we've got rugs and mattresses, and all kinds of junk from cleanin' out those dorm rooms. Yes, Xelloss, including MORE beanbag chairs!" Lina glared to stifle any objections or interruptions.

So, for awhile they designed Gourry's new digs, then Lina began the driving license topic again, "Sylphiel, I know you drive, Gourry can, but has no car, Amelia's way too young, I've got a few month's to go…Val?"

"Not with my record. I've got another six months pro-ba-tion," he muttered.

"Zel's gone.  I don't know when his birthday is exactly...never got celebrated," Lina began again until Xelloss interrupted.

"His birthday is next Thursday, on Thanksgiving!" Xelloss grinned.

Lina wondered where and how he came by that information.

Amelia jumped up and stood on her chair. "That's it! We'll do something REALLY nice for Mr. Zelgadiss. We'll throw him a birthday party!"

"Uh…that's a holiday. Won't you be having a big family dinner that night? I know Gourry, Sylphiel, and Filia probably are.  I help my sister at the restaurant, if I don't get asked over someplace better…"

Gourry missed the hint.

"We'll have it on Friday then! Can everybody come? I'll plan it. We'll have it at the coach house, but it's got to be a surprise. How can we get him to come over and not clue him in on what's going on?" Amelia cried.

"That will be Xelloss' problem," Lina casually said.

"What? Why me? Shit, Lina, why don't you talk you him. You're his BEST friend.  Invite him over. You know, he really doesn't seek out my company…oh…all right," Xelloss said, frowning a bit.

"Great! Then I'll start planning right now! Do you think we should have pizza or barbecue or...?"

"Both," Lina put in.

"Hey, Lina. Is this for Zel or Amelia?" Gourry wondered.

"We just have to let Amelia do this. We can't stop her anyway. Besides, Zel deserves it, the moron," Lina grumbled.

"Words of true friendship. Yes, he's our dearest friend who has never had a birthday party and I bet loves surprise ones. He has been treated cruelly in the past by his otherwise adoring fans. He will be soooo grateful to the instigators, who he will believe to be Amelia and me. And will he take it out on sweet little Amelia?  Not…on your life!  On mine!  Me!  Yours truly! Oh the pain, the pain! I can feel his nasty, bony fingers throttling my neck now…the fist to the face, the knee to the…gut… Oh, it's so, so, exhilarating!" Xelloss swirled around in an imitation of their acting teacher and then sighed dramatically into his seat.

Kiki thought he was funny and laughed. Lina raised an eyebrow and shook her head. Gourry was talking to Sylphiel about her new batch of cookies. Filia and Val simply watched the performance with a mixture of disgust and amusement. Amelia was about to give him a piece of her mind when Kiki interrupted.

"Amelia, the morning announcements said there is a holiday next week, no?"

"Yes, there is! Thanksgiving holiday is Thursday and is celebrated in the USA by having a feast for family and friends. I'm sure you aunt's business will be selling lots of pumpkin pies!" Amelia began, but further discussion was ended by the ringing of the bell.



Zel left 'his' locker with Xelloss, while discussing the video project.

"I've seen too many crows. We'll have to record something else to mess with. I want no crow dreams," Zel muttered.

"Okay by me. I've brought it along in my backpack, so if you feel inspired. Hey look!  There are about 200 crows flying over to the park!" smiled Xelloss, pulling out the camera and following the birds in a sweep.

"Leave the recorder alone! No more crows!" cried Zel in mock anger.

"Hello, isn't that Kiki? Bonjour, Kiki. You look a little lost," said Xelloss.

"I am turned around. I walked to school, but it looks so different looking this way," Kiki replied calmly, "If I stand here and think… I will figure it out."

"True.  Where are you headed?" Zel asked.

"My new home near Polly's Pastries and Pies. We live above the shops," she smiled.

"You're in luck, then. We're going that way too. So, come on…Let's go, everything will be all right!" laughed Xelloss.

"That's beginning to sound like a song..." murmured Zel.

"You could be right! Now for a tune…" Xelloss began to hum.

"Well at least he's off the crow topic." Zel said to Kiki.

"Does he like crows?"

"He's mad about them, but for our video project I want nothing to do with crows. I need an idea," Zel muttered. "Maybe something science fiction like...Lost Universe. There could be action and monsters."

"I have made many video tapes for small business commercials, like my parents'," Kiki announced casually. "I have a good eye for framing, I've been told. Nowadays you really need a new computer system to edit properly, which I don't have."

"But we do!" shouted Xelloss. "Maybe we could trade secrets; you could help us record SOMETHING and we could teach you how to use the newest software."

"I'd like that, but…I don't like crows."

"Well, we don't have a point to our project yet. The crows were just cooperative subjects," answered Xelloss.

"This is it. This is where I'm staying. Thank you both for seeing me to my home. Au revoir!" Kiki said cheerfully leaving the duo.

"She's nice," observed Zel, continuing on to the practice.

"Yeah, lavender is her favorite color," Xelloss smiled, glancing at Zel's hair. "Too bad for me…and I DO like crows, too. I guess that's two points in your favor."

"But you speak French. That's one point for you...and you are practically neighbors. You can walk to and from school together. So we're even," Zel reminded him.

"Damn."

"Damn, right."

Lina, Val, and Gourry, carrying his requisite bag of snacks, arrived at the practice room five minutes after Zel and Xel.  Amelia, Filia and Sylphiel had a chorus performance that evening, and so skipped the band. Lina figured that that was just as well so she could develop the instrumental parts to her new songs better with the boys' exclusive attention.

After setting up the keyboards and amps and tuning the guitars, Lina introduced her newest pieces. "Here's this really cool one that I'm calling 'We Are' for no apparent reason. Here goes..." She belted out a slightly incomprehensible, soul-searching kind of song. "The lyrics need a bit of work," she admitted.

"I think I've got some ideas," Zel began.

"Ha! I knew you'd like this one. I sort of wrote it with you in mind. Take any liberties you want with it. It's yours…" she winked and held her arms out as if presenting him with a gift.

"Thank you, I guess," he said, pretending to pluck it from her arms. "But it's not quite my color. I'll just make it a little darker, if you don't mind."

"Hey, as long as I don't have to sing it, you can make it as dark as you like. Next I've got this really cool one.  It's sort of my theme song. I wrote it in math, and it got me sent to the principal's office."

Zel and Xelloss started, but Lina gave them nothing to worry about, so they covered their odd behavior with coughs and shifting.

"Anyway, here it is: 'No matter how hard this wind / tries to push me back...'"

It was certainly her theme song, determined, capricious, and fierce.

"'Just one slip and to hell you go / so you better not get in my way!'" That line made Zel and Gourry smile.

"'As far as I can / get along, try again!'" she finished.

"That was really cool!" Gourry glowed. "I like that one. It's just like you, too."

"Hey, sing it again, I think I'm getting the chords down.  Zel stop screwing around with that other song and help me with this one or just stop bangin' on that thing!" Val yelled.

Zel rolled his eyes and carried his guitar over to Val's side of the room. "How's this?" he asked, then played a screechy riff with his new effects-pedal turned up.

"Wish I had a picture of that! Try it in this key on the count of 3..." Val suggested.

Gourry picked out a bass rhythm, and then tried alternate notes and styles until he was satisfied with the results.

"Hey Val? Try your part against this..."

Zelgadiss listened, made a suggestion, and overlaid his guitar part the next time through.

"You guys are great," said Lina, "Keep at it, then you can take a break." Lina watched the boys work away, Zel looking moody and devoted to his guitar, Val coolly traipsing the keyboard, Gourry solidly backing the others up, and Xelloss in a world of his own with his kit. It was like being in a sea of chaos, a vibrating life. Or maybe that was just the bass turned up too high.  Anyway, it was a very awesome moment. She just wanted to file it away so that she could always remember this fraction of time forever. Glancing at the corner where Xelloss and Zelgadiss had ditched their stuff, inspiration struck her like lightning.

"Is there anything more to this than just pressing the 'on' button?" she thrust the camera at Xelloss as clandestinely as was possible for her.

"Here, let me show you."

By the time Zelgadiss realized what Lina had been doing, there was already a half-hour worth of newly-recorded tape, all of the informal jam session.

"I think it's a great idea! We can make a music video for the project, Zelgadiss!" Xelloss chirped gleefully, pounding out a drum-roll complete with cymbal crash.

"I don't want to be on film." Zel shuddered.

"Would he even show up?" Val snorted. "Whatever, that just means more time for me!"

"But there isn't any Lina on the tape," Gourry pointed out.

Lina's red eyes glowed evilly. "That's right...and I'm the star! Okay, Xelloss, fire it up again! I've gotta do a number so that I can be on the film too!"

"But then I won't be on the film."

"You've already been on the film, you greedy monster!" Lina growled. "It's MY turn!"

"Xelloss does have a point. Whoever is filming won't be on the footage. That means we should have an outsider do the camera work. Besides, this footage is pretty bad," Zel commented, watching it play back. Lina had no sense of the controls, or focus, and the shaking of the camera made him slightly nauseous.

"Are you insulting my-"

"And we know the perfect person, don't we Zelgadiss?" Xelloss piped up.

"We should see her other work before we sign her on- not to mention ask her." Zel said practically.

"Who? What?" Lina frothed.

"Kiki, Amelia's little French friend," Zel informed her. "She claims to have made commercials for the family business-"

"Polly's Pastries and Pies, where she lives!" Xelloss added, knowing that it would win points with the black hole that was Lina's stomach and main control center.

"She lives in a bakery?" Gourry's interest was also piqued.

"Reeeally? Well, why don't we invite that nice kid to our next band meeting and work something out? Or better yet, we show up at her place to see the other videos."

"Why don't we do it now?" Gourry pressed.

"Oh, joy." Zel knew he had lost. The project would be a music video. Well, that would certainly let him play with lots of the features…and he'd always secretly dreamed of being a rock star.  A satisfied smirk crept over his lips.


Xelloss was skipping in the lead. Filia was walking alongside Val, both pretending they weren't with him. Sylphiel had glommed onto Gourry, and was describing in great detail her newest cookie recipe for the bake sale. Lina couldn't tell if Gourry was really interested or just being polite, but she knew that she was becoming more and more bothered by them. Amelia was trying to engage Zel in conversation, as was common, but he seemed to be smiling this time, so Lina decided to ignore that couple.

"Couples," thought Lina.  "Were they really becoming couples? Well, not Gourry and Sylphiel. He's my special friend too. But was he more? Did she want to think of him as a shudder boy, no space, friend? Gaaah! What am I thinking? I'm thinking that if she doesn't let go of his arm real soon, that I might break it, them, both…hers and his…come on, Gourry, shake her off.  Okay, I'm coming through."

"Sylphiel, do me a favor and drop dead…no, no… run on ahead and tell Xelloss to wait up, okay? I've got to tell Gourry something important. That's right, git…go, go, go!"

"Ah, Lina?" Gourry looked curiously down at her, "Ummm…you had something to tell me? Didn't you?"

"Did I? Oh, musta skipped my mind. Ha, ha! Imagine that! What was that now?  No problem, it'll come to me again…so... is your family having a big dinner on Thanksgiving hint, hint?"

His face lit up. "Sure are! Hey, would you like ta come? I asked my folks and they said 'you bet'. I was going to say somethin' before, but…I, ah, forgot…"

"That's okay. See? We both forget stuff we're going to say. Ha, Ha! Anyways, you can count on me. Sis says I'm not needed at the restaurant. Guess snarling at the customers last year was a good idea, huh? Ha, Ha!"

"Miss Lina seems to be in a good mood, doesn't she?" asked Amelia.

"Yeah, we are going to a bakery, right?" Zel sneered.

"That's right, we are…but I think she likes Mr. Gourry and is nervous around him," smiled Amelia with a knowing look.

"...?..." Zel wondered.  "Could be right. But she gets this way when she's being manipulative. He must have something she wants, like money to pay for a snack or...listen…see? What did I tell you? Thanksgiving dinner. She goes over every year. She just had to remind him again. So wipe that smug look off your face."

"You win," sighed Amelia. "It was so romantic for a minute there."

"If it's romance you want, watch the soaps or…Xelloss and Kiki," mused Zel.

"What?" asked Amelia, looking up the sidewalk to the strip mall.

"This is funny," smiled Zel to himself. "Xelloss is really interested in that little girl. He's chattering away as usual, but he's nervous, just like Amelia said about Lina…whoa...what am I thinking? Could Lina actually be interested in that airhead? Gods, Zel get a grip and start thinking about something else now. Maybe I should go talk to…Val. Ack! He's holding Filia's hand? Shit, I'm going to be sick."  Aloud he croaked out, "No you guys go in.  I'm not hungry and…I need the fresh air."

"So what's his problem?" asked Val, leading the way into the shop.

"Who knows?" Filia said, flipping her hair to the other side, "Can you see if my hair is caught in my earring, Val?"

Inside Xelloss was in a lively conversation with Lina and Kiki. Gourry was ordering a dozen donuts and a quart of milk. "Hey, Lina? Are we eating here or back at the practice place?"

"Here!" Xelloss answered before Lina could open her mouth.

"Sure, here's fine...some of those for me too?" Lina asked eyeing Gourry's table of goodies.

"Gotta come and get'em…" he smiled patting the chair beside him.

Amelia and Sylphiel ordered rolls and juice, Filia ordered tea and a croissant, and Val chose a bearclaw and coffee. They filled three small tables.

Xelloss and Kiki left to find Zel, lurking about outside and dragged him in and then sat him down at a table with coffee and a brioche roll.

"She's interested in taping the band, if we show her how to use the software," Xelloss grinned.

"Well, we are supposed to write some kind of instruction manual for other students to use," Zelgadiss reminded his fidgety friend. "Kiki, would you like to check it out for us too?"

"Yes, that would be most fair, I think. I can keep a copy too? Maybe I can take computer lab next semester and learn more."

"Xelloss can probably teach you more…about computers anyway, than you'd learn in class. But you could take the class and work on more video taping projects, with teacher approval," said Zel, smirking at Xelloss, whose attention was drifting from Kiki to him.

"You have a computer, at home?" Kiki asked incredulously. "You are very lucky."

"Aaahh, Zelgadiss does too!" Xelloss squeaked. "Excuse me."

Xelloss gulped down water from the drinking fountain, and then walked back to their table. Amelia and Sylphiel had slid their chairs over to join Zel and Kiki. Xelloss sat back down and listened quietly, behaving himself for the most part.

"So...Lina?" Gourry asked thoughtfully. "What do we have to do for the play tomorrow?"

"Oh! I forgot about that, too. We meet after school and read more lines so the teacher can decide what parts to put us in. Hey guys!  I've got a TON of homework to do! So until lunch and play after school…see ya! Um, Gourry? You coming too?"

"Sure, Lina," he smiled and cleared the table. "Bye, everyone!"

"Filia, I guess I need to go too," Sylphiel sighed. "Sorry, but if you need a ride from me, it's time to go."

"Oh, that's fine, Sylphiel, I've got homework too, and I really appreciate the ride. See you tomorrow!" Filia waved, but Val returned it.

"Amelia, Zel? You guys headin' out too? I'll walk with ya," Val said agreeably.

"All right," answered Zel standing. "Later."

"Bye Kiki.  Mr. Xelloss?" Amelia asked.

"Ah, coming, Amelia," Xelloss jumped up. "See you at…lunch, Kiki?" he asked for confirmation.

"Qui! And bring your video camera?" she reminded him, "…And watch the door!"

Xelloss rammed his shoulder into the closing door, reopened it, and grinned goofily. "Ok-ay Do-kay!"

"That," Zel remarked to himself, "…was pretty stupid. But at least we've got our cameraman."

And they all wandered off to their respective homes, dreams of rock stardom in their heads. Except perhaps for Xelloss, whose delusions were more along the lines of Gene Kelley, as he sang and even danced to 'Singing in the Rain' all the way home, much to Zel's chagrin.



**** ( ^^ ) ****

End Seyruun High Jinx Chapter 15