(((.-) Zel ||~.^|| Xelloss
{{$.$}} Lina ((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^))Amelia |))-.-((| Val
Chapter 25
THE SLAYERS
It was Thursday morning. Zel rested his head on his desk, listening to the
other kids tumble into English composition class. He felt a hand on his
shoulder and the sound of keys dropping on the desktop. He looked. There was a
key ring with two keys, one with a purple plastic top and the other a green
top, and some kind of metal fob with a complicated impression and
incomprehensible markings (writing?) as decoration. He heard Xelloss flop into
the seat behind him.
Xelloss leaned forward and said, "I, figured you'd need some so I stopped
at the corner market to have them made this morning."
Zel quickly hid them away in his pocket and shrugged. He'd thank him later.
Lina watched the transaction with interest. She was worried that the
punch-to-the-gut both friends had taken would have repercussions on the band,
and the tryouts this afternoon. She leaned over to Xelloss and whispered,
"That was really nice of you!"
"Now class, I have some work sheets that are designed to help you through
the process of your family histories," the teacher began, but was
interrupted by Xelloss' chuckles, soon becoming out-right laughter. He sank to
the floor sobbing and laughing uncontrollably.
The teacher was livid. Lina jumped onto her chair and proceeded to defend him.
"Just let him calm down-- I'll take him outside--
he's had a personal shock and-- give him a break!"
"You may both entertain one another at the principal's office," the
teacher bellowed.
"That's not fair!" Zel cried out leaping into the fray. "He just
needs a moment-- you don't understand! Lina didn't do anything but try to
explain..."
"YOU may ALSO join your friends-- by the way do you have a written excuse
for yesterday's absence? I thought not! I'm surprised at you, Zelgadiss-- now
leave!" she roared.
"That's like, sooooo unfair! I'd just as soon
have him out of here, but Lina and
Zel were simply trying to explain-- What? ME??" Filia cried out.
Zel and Lina walked alongside the now-quiet Xelloss with Filia walking in front
grousing, "… Now I'm in trouble because of that-- monster! What if we have
detention after school and miss the tryouts! Don't you ever think of the
consequences of your actions?"
Zel glared at her. "Back off, Filia. I'm in no mood to listen to your
harassment's. You didn't get the story, but Xelloss and I have-- some serious
family issues right now-- and this cultural fair shit is making a hell out of
our lives-- I'm NOT going into details now-- but let's just say that his mother
and my… and Rezo are getting married and I'm moving this weekend… and that's
just the tip of the iceberg! Now shut up and let me do the talking in there,
all right?!"
Filia iced up like a Popsicle.
All four kids found themselves shivering in the principal's office, waiting
while a veil of smoke shrouded the scary lady.
"Umm, may I say something, Ms. Metallium?" Zel muttered.
"Of, course, Zelgadiss. I'd like to hear your
version."
"Our teacher started with a reference to the cultural fair project-- and
in light of the past two days-- Xelloss reacted-- a little out of line but--
she has a low tolerance for him anyway-- Lina tried to explain, then me, then
Filia came to our rescue-- but-- and I didn't have an excused absence for
yesterday-- I'm never gone so I didn't know I needed one, but-- that's no
excuse, but-- I'm just full of them aren't I?"
Zelas puffed a few more times, and then asked, "What will help?"
The kids looked shocked. Was she asking for their opinion? Lina piped up,
"We-el, not staying after school, that's for sure… "
Zel interrupted, "I think his teachers should know that he's had some… bad
news…and to be especially tolerable. I can watch out for him in science and
computer lab and acting, but not French or whatever math you're in, Xelloss"
He shrugged but was otherwise unresponsive.
Zelas looked at Filia and Lina. "Girls, here's a note to return to class.
Thank you for supporting your friend, but apologize to your poor teacher after
class, please. You may go."
Filia looked sadly at Zel, and then stood. Lina patted Xelloss on the shoulder,
thanked Zelas for the note, and the two girls left.
"Now then, boys-- what should we talk about?" Zelas queried.
"Can I go now?" Xelloss said thickly.
"And do what? Another outburst? If you have a
problem, this is the time and place."
Cold lady, thought Zel.
"I'll be FINE! It was just the way she put it 'work sheets that are
designed to help you through the process of your family histories'-- as if
anything could help! I just lost it for a minute. It won't happen again… "
"Zelgadiss?" she asked, bringing him to attention. "Here's an
excuse for that teacher. If other's want one, tell, no ask them to speak to me on the matter. Now you're both old enough
to exert some extra self control, and you, son, SOME control during class. I do not want to have to see either of
you in here again today. Go on, you can
go now."
"By the way, thanks for the keys, and for the record, I don't think you're
over reacting at all. What she said was pretty funny, considering…" Zel
smirked to his quiet friend walking at his side.
"Wasn't it? I thought so! Ah, Zelgadiss? I was thinking…Yeah, a dangerous
thing, I know. Look, I'm 18. I'm moving out, if I can get steady work at
the dojo, which the sensei promised. I-I
just wanted you to know what I'd decided to do. I'll take classes at the university or local
city college. The 'Zelas secret' won't last long and I can't stand my life here
at school or at home any more, understand?
I-it's not about you, don't get me wrong,
nothing personal, okay? In fact, when you can, I mean, I was going to ask if
you'd like to…to share an apartment or something. You'll think about it, won't you? B-but it's okay if you say no, I understand…"
"Xelloss!" was all Zel could think of to say.
"That's okay! I-I got some stuff to do. I'll see you in computer
lab!" and he turned another direction and disappeared.
At lunch Filia was in a huff. Never before had she been sent to the principal's
office, and all because of him! Lina
nearly strangled her when she started screaming that 'poor Zel's going to have to live with him…as a step-brother!'
"IS that TRUE?" cried Amelia, tearfully.
"Thank the Gods he's not here to endure this…" Zel thought in his own
funk. "Yes, Amelia, it is. Now would everybody
please shut up about it already! I don't want the school to know this, all
right? Filia, it's supposed to be a secret. Now the band knows, so please, for my sake, don't let it go any farther.
Xelloss is on the edge of losing it. It's not his fault and he's pretty
unstable right now. We may have to skip the tryouts today--or go without a
drummer-- we'll see…maybe if we're real nice to the guy he'll have a chance to…"
"Well, you're taking it all in stride, that's more to your credit!"
sniffed Filia.
"Maybe so, but our situations are different and he has…more problems than
I'd wish on my worst enemy," Zel muttered in obvious despair.
"Mr. Zelgadiss? Would you like to take a walk and go find him? I'll go,
too…" Amelia asked softly. "Kiki's confused and worried about him. It
would do her some good to talk with him, and maybe talking to an.. outsider would help."
"I don't know where he is, but I guess we can look. Fine, I'm not hungry anyway. See you guys at
play practice," Zel said resignedly and left the table with Amelia and
Kiki.
"He looks like death warmed over. How terrible! If my father ever re-married,
I'd be upset, but to one of my best friends' mother? Ugh!" moaned
Sylphiel.
"That's just the frosting on top of an entire family structure of
rottenness for both of those guys," Lina continued. "It would put a
strain on even the best and strongest friendships. We have to be supportive
gang or the band is bust, got it? We're nothing without a guitarist and a
drummer and a practice room and our friends, RIGHT? Okay then here's
the plan for our next band practice…"
Zel, Amelia, and Kiki found Xelloss in the computer lab, playing a game and
drinking a can of carrot juice.
"Hello?"
"Lo," he answered. Then noticing the girls with Zel, he perked up. "Oh, Hi! Sorry to miss lunch. I ...
I…"
"They know, Xelloss, the whole band knows, but hopefully is hasn't gone
any further. You know… that our 'parents' are getting married and I'm moving to
your place-- that stuff. "
"Oh, please, don't be so sad, Monsieur. It makes me sad too. Is there
nothing that will make you feel better? We are your friends and would like
nothing more than to see you smile… just a little?" Kiki urged.
"How can I resist?" he smiled. "I shouldn't let it get to me so
much. I have my own place and don't have to deal with any of them. It's
Zelgadiss, here, that's to be pitied."
"Pitied? Oh, should you be pitied? You both have wonderfully happy new
parents and a comfortable home. I miss mine so…though I expect them to arrive
for the winter holidays!" Kiki exclaimed gleefully.
"Really? That is
good news!" Xelloss smiled sincerely. He was slowly being coaxed out of
his shell, like a startled snail.
"Will you all live with your
aunt and uncle above the bakery?" Amelia wondered.
"Oh, no! We'd be too cramped! Papa said we'd get
a house or maybe rent one. I hope close by, because I wouldn't want to leave
you all so soon…" Kiki said, voice breaking with emotion.
"Mr. Zelgadiss? What about your
house? What's your grampa's plan-- would he consider
renting it to Kiki's family?" Amelia asked.
"Actually, Rezo is… his father-- just to keep you up to date on the
changing family relationships," Xelloss chuckled.
The girls gasped. Zel shook his head. "You wouldn't want to know the whole
story. Please, give me awhile to adjust
to it… But, what Xelloss said was correct.
Rezo is my father… my mother was
really young at the time…"
"Your age in fact, Amelia!" Xelloss filled
in.
"…AND she died when I was born so people just figured she was his daughter
and I was his grandson. He didn't care enough to correct them so… the lie
became accepted as fact," Zel sighed. He was getting used to telling the
story now, not that it didn't hurt as much.
"He must have been very sad when your mother died, and to be left with a
baby to care for, too. Did he have a picture of her?" Kiki asked kindly.
"Oh, he did! I saw it! Zel looks a lot like his mother…'course that was
before his accident. She was a really beautiful talented violinist from Japan!"
Xelloss again supplied.
"Y-Your half Japanese then?" gasped Amelia. "So am I! My mother
was from Japan
too! See? That's where my hair came from, but my father says I look more like
his mother..."
"And me too!" chimed in Xelloss, glad to have something in common
with two of his friends. "My father came from Japan
too! I have his hair."
"Well, you are all so exotic! It makes me feel very plain," laughed
Kiki. "But, please, Mr. Zelgadiss, would you ask if the house might be
rented to us or sold someday-- if that's not too difficult for you to part
with..."
"Oh, Gods, no! I hate the place! I mean...it's an
okay house, but I have NO fond memories stored there. It'll take an hour, two
garbage bags, and four boxes to move everything I own. Sure, I'll ask him
tonight. He did mention putting it up for sale-- Could I have your number? I'll
ask him to call and arrange…whatever, all right?" Zel asked.
Amelia and whispered something to Kiki and they were both giggling.
"Yes?" Zel viewed them askance.
"Oh, nothing really Mr. Zelgadiss. Just a silly
thing…" Kiki tried to stop giggling.
"I see…" he glared at them. He did not like to be excluded from the
joke, especially if it included himself.
"It really was a stupid thing I said. Just forget it…" Amelia
started.
Xelloss had heard it though and started laughing. "Oh, that's right, Miss
Amelia! It was stupid, but funny-- I heard it too! She said wouldn't it be
funny if I married Kiki and moved into your old house, while you were living in
my house!"
Zel didn't think it was funny at all. He sighed and let it pass. "Amelia,
Kiki, would you both do me two big favors?"
Of course, they would.
"First, would you please stop calling me Mr. Zelgadiss.
We're good enough friends for you to call me Zel like everyone else, except Xelloss."
Zel paused long enough to smirk at Xelloss, then moved
on. "Second, do not repeat our personal family business to anyone else.
The band knows and that's as far as we'd like it to go, all right?"
"Yes, Mr. --Zel. You know we'd never tell anyone about this, but word will
get out eventually, you know," Kiki warned.
Zel looked at Xelloss. "Let's just hope that time's not too soon."
"So you move to where… Z-Zel?" asked Amelia, who blushed and was
definitely having difficulties calling him by that nickname.
"Ummm, the main house.
An upstairs room that was his before the practice place was built. The move
will be over on Sunday."
"This Sunday? That's so quick!" Kiki
exclaimed. "Poor Xelloss, having to say goodbye to your
boyhood, right? But it's not so bad.
What if you had to share like your friend Gourry, with all those
brothers and sisters?"
"It could be worse," he conceded. "Hey that's the bell, we gotta
go to class, right? Zelgadiss and I are going to work on the video in lab next.
If there's anything to show, I'll bring it by... tonight after the band
tryouts?" he asked Kiki.
"Will it be after 8:00? If it's
that late, then I will have to wait till Friday. Bye now!" she said and
skipped off.
"Mr. Zelga-- Zelgadiss, I know it was a childish
thing I said and insensitive too. I could tell you didn't like it. It was
unjust of me!" She added looking up at him meaningfully with watery blue
eyes.
His resentment melted away under that gaze. "Don't mention it…and you can
call me whatever makes you comfortable, Amelia," he said blushing down to
his lavender roots.
"Oh good. I'll try Zelgadiss, like Xelloss. It's
a nice name."
"Really? I like it too, though it's a bit out of
the ordinary, Xel-loss." grinned Xelloss walking
beside her.
"Well, your name's nice too, but I meant Zelgadiss' name..." Amelia
said.
"Now see what you've gone and done? He's all embarrassed," Xelloss
grinned. "Zel-gaaa-diss?
What was that, speak up, I CAN'T HEAR YOU! WHAT? Ooooh,
that's not very nice language to use around a young lady! Ah…Ouch! Stop! Gah! See? It hurts
if I block that way! But look, if I do it like this...Yeah…I could break your
arm. Oh, don't worry, Amelia, already
left down her hall and I wasn't going to break your arm, you know!"
And so the two friends chided and bickered and punched all the way to the
computer lab. That out of their systems, they quietly settled down to some
serious work, editing the hours of video recording into a three to five minute
advertisement for the band.
"Some of this stuff is too good to toss. We could catalogue it with this
tool and make a longer 'movie' just for the band," Xelloss suggested.
"Good idea! Let's see...Endless Crow
Footage--good title, eh?" Zel kidded. "And, for some reason,
there's more drummer shots here than of anyone else."
Xelloss smiled. "Hmmm, so I noticed."
"So, do you like her, too? I mean, more than that
'just friends' status everyone else floats in."
"What? Why are you asking about tha-- oh our
deal, huh?"
"Deal? Shit, no! I'd forgotten all about that--
it was a joke anyway." Zel blushed at the memory.
"Was it? I don't know."
"Wipe that demonic smile off your face. It's scary! This isn't Japan
in the past, and Kiki and Amelia are really nice girls. Not objects,
got it!" Zel whispered angrily.
"Whatever-- Hey, this close up of Lina is cool."
"Yep! That's worth keeping for sure."
"Hah! The choir girls… I usually see them from… behind. This view is good
too!" Xelloss laughed.
"I think you've been hanging out with Val too much of late." muttered
Zel. "Next you'll be droppin' endin's and cursin' under yur breath."
Xelloss snickered. "He is funny, though, and his character analyses are
usually right on target." He smirked at Zel for emphasis.
"Do I really sound that supercilious? Guess so. What an aa… Hey, we can get Gourry picking
his nose! Zoom in on that one-- No? You are too
kind! Do you think Filia's skirt could get any shorter and still keep the
rating below R here?"
"If I work at this long enough, I'm sure the editing tools can take it up
a notch or two…" Xelloss began.
"I WAS KIDDING! Ahhh, sorry, I'll be quieter. Now
the teacher's interested, better get off hemline close ups, Xelloss. Yeah, me
looking cool doing my solo-- look at that fingering. Could use some touch-up work to make me look like a human sitting
there." Zel became his usual sullen self.
Xelloss stopped working and looked over at his friend. "No one but you is
bothered by your looks, so lay off it, okay? Besides, you're going into the
doctor's."
"Next week, Monday morning sometime. I'll miss
some school if he actually tries some tests. Heh, heh."
"Right, so… what are you smiling about?" Xelloss asked.
"I, ah, kissed Amelia the other day…kinda. We got interrupted by Filia before I could say
or do much, but she's not mad at me about it."
"What?" Xelloss gasped eyes wide open. Then he returned to his grin
and adjusted his glasses, "So there is
a contest! I see."
"No! I wasn't thinking of that at
all! It just…happened…kinda… don't look at me like that, or at all for that
matter! There's no contest! Of course…if
there were…which there isn't…I'd be ahead…but there's not, all right?!"
"Whatever you say, little
brother." Xelloss grinned evilly.
Zel ignored the last dig and the two continued viewing tape, cutting, splicing,
and editing tape until class was over.
The Slayers all met up again in the drama class. All the actors and actresses were learning
their lines; even Gourry had much of his down, for the most part. He was
finding out that Lina was both a help and a hindrance. She knew all his lines
as well as hers from their constant practicing together. This was good, if he
needed prompting. They had many parts together. This was less good. Her close
proximity was becoming a distraction for him, causing him to drop lines or
totally space out from time to time. Once when it appeared she was going to
pound him senseless for missing his cue and fouling up her timing, Zel had to
step in and pull her away.
"Lina! Give him a break! It's just a play."
"Break! I'll give him a break…a break from the..." she started, and
then diffused when she noticed his woe begone
expression. "Aww… jeese, Zel! What am gonna
do? He's fine for awhile then just stares at me like I'm… a teleprompter or
something!"
"Or something else. Lina, come over here a
minute. Ah, Gourry? I'll bring her back in a sec, all right? Lina, how can I
put this…? Are you totally blind, deaf, and dumb?" Zel stopped, noticing
his voice was carrying to other interested kids. Lowering his voice to a soft
whisper, he continued, "We've been over this before. He knows the lines, he's just distracted by you. Don't give me that blank
look. You know what I'm talking about. If I get any plainer… all right then, if
you don't care about his feelings
just tell him to get lost, but don't leave him hanging around. Now that's it from Dr. Zel."
And he stomped off blushing and muttering to himself. Why do I get myself involved in all this? I'm the heartless loner
everyone can count on for a witty, sarcastic remark, not the mender of broken
hearts and inept lovers! As if I know anything!
"What are you mumbling about?" Filia asked. "You're wanted on
stage to go over the next act and Xelloss is Pucking around without you to
give him those icy glares."
"Of course! Now I have that
lunatic to deal with! What's next?
No, I don't want to know."
As Zel strode over to take command of the rehearsal, Amelia appeared out of
nowhere and clung to his arm.
"Oh! Please, talk to Val! He's
being really mean to me. We're
supposed to go over our lines and he keeps…" she continued pouring out her
sad tale of woe while Zel stood, rather impatiently and listened.
He finally shook her off, strode over to Val, and hooked him by an ear-ring.
"Give the little girl a chance," he growled in his ear.
"OW! Let go! What? I was just…oh? When did you become so pro-tec-tive
of… ah, ha!"
"No, 'ah, ha'! Just act
your age and help her practice!" Zel snapped and returned to his goal, the
stage where Xelloss was juggling jars of paint for the sets.
Bunny and a couple of other squeaky types were trying to get the jars back so
that they could paint over the repairs to last week's ripped canvasses. They
weren't trying very hard, Zel noticed. He stood, arms folded across his chest
and watched with amusement.
"Gimme! Oh, not that
one! OH, you're gonna drop them and-- ooh! Be
careful!" Bunny squealed in alarm.
Zel was afraid that if they bounced much more, his recently girl-crazy,
formerly nerdy and continually unstable friend would loose his concentration
and…oh shit! Zel raced at demon speed to catch the jar and…yes!
"Excuse me…" Zel muttered as he collided with Bunny, jar safely in
hand. He spun away to grab the second jar just inches from the floor. The third
landed on his back, bounced and gently rolled off intact.
"Wow, that was amazing! Aren't you the guy that
dressed up as Tuxedo Mas…? "
Bunny began to ask.
"NO! I mean, yes I was but-- it's supposed to be a secret, all right?
Here, take these," Zel sputtered, quickly handing her the jars and backing
off. She was staring, like everyone did the first time they really got a good
look at his scared face surrounded by that wiry hair.
"Is THAT the guy you said was such a great dancer?" squawked one of
her comrades.
Zel didn't stick around to listen to the rest. He yanked Xelloss out of the
fray, seared him with an acidic stare, and then treated him to an icy cold
shoulder.
"But I never got the chance to try four! I bet I can, what do you think…
okay… I'll shut up," Xelloss whined.
Luckily, the teacher had some 'important things to say' which ate up most of
the remaining class time and allowed Zel time to diffuse. By the time school
was over he only had one thing on his mind, tryouts.
The Amelia Van was waiting to whisk the band over to Xelloss' place, where the
kids packed up their instruments and loaded the van. The next stop was
Amelia's. Sylphiel had had the costumes cleaned, as necessary, and stored in
the gatehouse. There the band rested, had a drink, and dressed, then piled into
the van and rolled on over to the concert hall.
The tryouts would begin in an hour at the Grand Township Concert Hall. The Hall
was an unusual design with an enormous double-sided stage, which opened in one
direction for opera and staged presentations, and the other for a band and
ballroom dancing. Mayor Phil had rented it this afternoon and early evening for
the band tryouts, for this was where they would play in a few weeks. The era of
big bands and couples intertwined in twosome dancing was at an end; that is, at
the end of the evening's entertainment. It was his plan to allow the young
people their own music and fun from 7:00 to 11:00PM, then at midnight, the room
would be transformed into a gracious ballroom of times past until way into the
wee hours. The mayor was a romantic at heart, just like his darling daughter.
So the friends unloaded their stuff again. A crew man introduced himself and
led them set it up on a spot designated for THE SLAYERS to setup their
equipment. So the friends worked and chatted nervously, happy to finally be
getting ready.
"I need to work on a report and project for classes tonight, for awhile.
How about you? Have any of you done that essay yet?" Zel asked Lina, Filia
and Xelloss.
"Nope, guess I should get started. I have some French vocabulary words to
learn. The teacher said if I finish the list, I can start French III after
winter break," Xelloss revealed.
"Hey, that's great! You weren't kidding when you said you finished German
in one year! You're going through French fast too," Lina said. "Yeah
I've got all kinds of work to do tonight. It's tough trying to do it all, isn't
it?"
Xelloss seemed pleased to have someone take an interest his life, and continued
to open up. "Yes it is, I have motivation to learn French, but with band
and all… I mean, the French isn't going as fast as German; I've had other
things to do this year. My social calendar has been ruining my academic one!" He laughed at that. He and Zel were
at the top of their class and running out of certain classes to take.
"I hear you!" Zel cut in. "I was going to do some computer work
for the chemistry department this winter, but the band practices are eating
into my time. If we take on more gigs, I don't know when I'll have time to
breathe," he said shaking his head.
Filia looked askance at Xelloss. "Does that mean you'll run out of things
to take at the high school so we can get rid of you sooner?"
Xelloss looked away, obviously hurt. Lina leap to his side. "You better
hope not! He's the best drummer around! We'd never replace him, right
guys?"
Even Val agreed.
"But, seriously, Xelloss, what will you do for classes next year?"
Lina asked.
"I might take something at the college.
Or maybe just drop out and work at the dojo and play music full time…so
I can move out. I haven't decided yet."
Amelia jumped into the fray. "What? That sounds crazy! Oh, no, Mr.
Xelloss! You mustn't drop out of school! You and Zelgadiss (she did drop that
Mr. didn't she?) should take some classes at the college and some at the high
school and graduate with Mr. Val and Mr. Gourry next year."
"I said I hadn't decided...things happen, Amelia, in our lives that…aren't
easy to deal with, besides, I do crazy things because maybe I am." He shrugged
his shoulders returned
to his drums, adjusting heights and cymbal placements.
Filia whispered, "Well at least he admits it, that's a step. Well. Val?
Could you help me stand up, this skirt is..."
"…Just the thing for sitting on the floor, right Lina?" chuckled Val
as he lent both girls a hand up.
Gourry helped Sylphiel up from the floor, and Amelia was running around looking
for somebody.
"I found them! The Suzaku Seven! That's right! Over there!" she squealed, leading all
the other girls off.
"Well…quiet at last," muttered Zel.
"Yeah, now I can tune-- give me a D, Val?" asked Gourry.
"D for the big guy. How about you-- A?"
Val asked Zel.
"Sure--"
"Ahhh, Zel?" Gourry nudged him,
"Amelia dropped the 'Mr.' -- Mean anything?"
"Hey, that's right! I heard that, but forgot. So what's up? You and the
mayor's daughter, huh? Well she'd got dough and is kinda cute and young
enough to be impressed by… Hey! I was only kiddin', ya know that!"
"After playin' the middle school, Amelia seems
lots older, right?" Gourry added.
"Yeah," was all Zel said. He was blushing and didn't want the guys to
see him so he walked off to go look for the girls.
The first band was called to start, and the girls returned to stand with their
other band members. Lina stood be Xelloss and talked to him throughout the
band's first number. Gourry watched them. Zel watched Gourry. Zel was beginning
to think all interpersonal interactions should cease and desist. He was not
feeling particularly great about Amelia. Mostly he really didn't like being
teased by Val and although Gourry and Xelloss hadn't said anything
incriminating, they could. Ah, to turn back the clock and undo the past...but she was awfully nice and soft.
"Oh! Zelgadiss! We're next-- I'm soooo excited-- I know that you've got
lots of school work, but after this, maybe you would like to come over for
dinner!"
Zel was trying to think of a real good reason why not, when she added, "See
it's my birthday today and…"
"Umm, your birthday? You didn't tell anyone?
Well, I guess so…"
"Come on you guys, we gotta do a sound test and, Zel, you are required to
be present," Lina interrupted.
"What? Oh, yeah, sure, Lina! Excuse me, Amelia, I
have to, ah…"
"That's okay! Oh, and Mr. Xelloss and Kiki are coming too!" she added
eyes glittering with joy.
The SLAYERS rolled out Lina's rocker and Zel's introspective song, and then
waited to find out if more were required.
"Can you cover half an hour, kids?" asked a gentleman seated in the
small audience.
"Sure, we can do an hour or more!" Lina grinned. "We got lots of
stuff, mostly originals too!"
"Is that so? Well, then we'll call you back tomorrow when we've determined
a schedule and let you know how much time you'll need to prepare for…Let's see…
I have a number for Amelia…" he began.
"That's me! I arranged this so I left my number; it links into an
answering service if I'm unable to pick up. Is that all? We can go? Thank you,
sir!"
So after two hours of shuffling our equipment and playing for eight minutes, we
packed it all up again and headed back to Xelloss' place to unpack.
"Just leave it and we'll unpack when? Saturday at
practice? Right, tomorrow is extra play practice after school. I'm sick
of looking at this stuff and I'm tired and hungry. But looks like we got the
job, eh?" Lina smiled at Zel.
"Yep. Zel? You'll be
moving stuff on Saturday? Practice okay still?" Gourry asked
uncharacteristically tuned into the discussion.
"I'll make it a point to be here, or there, not far…" Zel groaned
with trepidation.
Xelloss was explaining something to Amelia, and then disappeared into the
bathroom.
"So, who needs a ride tonight?" Amelia asked.
As it turned out, Sylphiel was giving Filia a ride. Lina wanted to walk, but it
was pouring rain. Amelia convinced her to take a ride with Val, Gourry, and
herself in the van, and so they left.
Zel wasn't sure what to do. He had some clothes at one house and others at
another house. Well, he felt like a mess and he was going to dinner. Better
take a shower. He scribbled a note: "X- changing upstairs room, open door
for Amelia- Z".
Twenty minutes later, Zel, in gasp more new clothes, opened the
unlocked door to Xelloss' place. Xelloss was offering Amelia a can of soda.
"See, Amelia! Here he is! No need to worry, our Zelgadiss returns clean,
but otherwise unchanged! Ha, Ha!"
"Hello…" Zel murmured.
"Hi! I promised Miss Sylphiel I'd collect our costumes for cleaning and
storage, so thanks
guys. Now, if you are ready we'll go get Kiki and have dinner!"
Kiki had changed from her school clothes into a rather nice dress. Zel watched
Xelloss' expression go from confident to nervous. "He is so messed
up," Zel thought to himself smiling. "Unlike me…" Zel's smile
disappeared.
Lina tried reading the math assignment for the third time, but it made no
sense. Her thoughts ran to each of her friends and how they'd changed. Val was
really a different guy. He was trying so hard to win Filia's approval and
appear aloof at the same time. Filia was playing the same game, luring him,
catching him, reeling him in, and then callously tossing him back. Amelia was growing up and settling down some,
now that Zel seemed to be noticing her. Zel. Her dear
friend smiled, joked, and had confidence for the first time since his
disfiguring accident. He was coming alive. And Xelloss! That nutcase was
changing so fast that he seemed to be a different guy each day. Sometimes an attractive one, and mysterious. "I must be
getting tired," she yawned.
I wonder what my life would be like with…
… Zel? She pictured him working
late at night at the lab and herself, a…writer… typing away in her office…fixing
dinner together…playing music… meeting friends at a late-night coffeehouse to
talk politics and do poetry readings… a part of the university intellectual
elite…stimulating, challenging…
Then she was sailing on a yacht, dressed to kill, Xelloss all dark and sensuous
at her side…champagne…a sinister man in black nodding his head subserviently and
then handing Xelloss a phone… purple eyes flash with danger… he grins evilly…the
king of the underworld is pleased as he leans in for a passionate kiss…excitement…desire…wealth…power…
Oof! She landed on a patch of soft grass along
with…Gourry. His strong arms holding her
securely… his eyes filled with her and only her…then the dog…and another…then
the kids… they are all laughing and happy…a simple life filled with the joy of
many caring loving people… so happy and content…
Ring
"I love you, Lina."
Ring
"I love you, too…"
Ring
The phone rang quite insistently. Lina lunged at the
phone, picked it up, and groggily muttered into the mouthpiece "--'Lo?
Yeah. I musta dozed off a little. I had the weirdest
dream. No, too hard to explain, but you were in it… part of it anyway. Yeah.. it was nice enough… What? Okay,
I'll meet you at the corner…bye."
In the finer part of town, Mayor Phil resided over the dinner table like a
king. He told stories, mostly funny and mostly untrue. He questioned each guest
within an inch of their secret lives, learning a little bit about his darling
daughter's odd friends.
Kiki was in many of his darling daughter's classes. French,
talkative, a hard working, loyal, good family girl. The
perfect friend for his darling daughter. Not as wild as Lina, who seems
better now that she's not hanging out with my other (sob!) daughter.
He liked that Kiki girl a lot. But she clearly had taken that oddball boy with
the purple hair to heart.
Xelloss, the principal's son--with a history of problems.
He was sharp, self-effacing, goofy, talented-- he
didn't trust him a bit and couldn't put a finger on why. But his best friend
was a good kid.
Zelgadiss, the chemistry professor's son. Poor kid
with the scars. He was polite and very intelligent. Soft-spoken,
kind, and the object of his darling daughter's affections, currently.
Two years older, but he seemed very shy and not particularly in love with her
in return. Hmmm. He liked him though. Good stock.
At least all these kids could behave at a table. "Amelia! Don't talk with
your mouth full!" Too bad she had to be the worst behaved, but she had
always been, and would always be his darling daughter.
"Oh! Daddy! The cake is wonderful!" she cried at the cake baked in
the shape of a castle with little knights and dragons battling around a turret.
"I know what you like, Amelia-dear! Happy birthday!" he bellowed with
all the love a father could have for his darling daughter.
Lina stomped her feet. "Where is
he? I'll freeze to death before he gets … oh!"
"Ahh, hi, Lina! Here, I brought an extra coat.
Better? Good. So…um…Wanna walk to the market and get somethin'?"
"Ahh, sure, Gourry, though coffee might keep me up ."
"Hot chocolate!"
"With marshmallows!" Lina grinned.
"Whipped Cream!"
"And a slice of pie?" she added, her red eyes flashing afire.
"And Doughnuts!"
"Yeah, all that stuff!" she smiled grabbing hold of his arm.
"You know me pretty well!"
He lavished a smile upon her with his sparkling blue eyes, warm with pleasure.
"Sometimes--"
"Yeah, I'm so complex! The all powerful Lina Inverse, woman of mystery and
intrigue."
"Intri-gu-ing…"
Gourry smiled at her.
Lina blushed, remembering her dream.
"I wish you'd told me it was your birthday earlier. I have no presents for
you," Kiki admonished.
"That was on purpose. I didn't want you guys buying me gifts I don't need.
This was what I wanted. I quiet time with some of my best friends." Amelia
grinned and hopped around adding, "But I have something for each of you!
Wait a second. I'll be right back!"
"Okay… first for Kiki, my old bike bell. You said you didn't have one and
you certainly need one for all the delivering you do. See? A quick tug and it's a loud bell. Pull it
all the way back and it plays a little tune!" Amelia laughed.
"Oh, yes it's just what I need! Thank you so much for the gift! Such a
nice custom-- giving away gifts on your birthday. They do this in Seyruun?"
"It's an Amelia thing, I think!" smiled Xelloss.
"This is for you, Mr. Xelloss. It's
a first aid kit, for your place!" Amelia giggled.
"And a new elastic bandage too! Hey, Zelgadiss! You won't need to plow
through the mysteries of the medicine cabinets again." Xelloss smiled and
winked.
Amelia walked up to Zel, eyes shining with excitement. "I wasn't sure what
to give you, but then I remembered I hadn't returned something from you so--
"
Zelgadiss had been looking over Xelloss' shoulder at the first aid kit, when
Amelia closed in on him. He was trying to recall what he might have lent her,
when he felt her arms wrap around his neck and her lips on his in a very real
kiss. He barely kept himself from falling over and hardly had more than the
presence of mind to put one arm around her and return the kiss.
He was still standing like a statue made of rock as the world again returned to
normal around him. Kiki was explaining how people kiss all the time in France.
"…Men and women both, once on each cheek for greetings and farewells…"
Xelloss was watching him rather saucer-eyed and Amelia was blushing and
pretending to carry on as usual. Amelia's father bounded into the room, voice
booming, directing traffic, moving the guests out the door to the van. Time to go.
"Oh joy!" moaned Zel silently. "What do I do now?'
"So how long are you planning on sticking around?" Lina asked,
licking the last of the pie off her plate.
"I was planning on… forever," he said closing his eyes and folding
his arms behind his head, relaxing.
Lina blushed. She was asking how long they'd stay at the market deli. He had
answered a lifetime. And she didn't think he meant that.
"Well, I've got homework and not much time to do it so, as much as I'd
like to stay here…" she began.
"Oh, sure, I'll walk you back," Gourry answered agreeably.
His long hair caught by the wind tangled in her rusty curls looking like living
flames flying around their heads. She stuffed her hands in her pockets and
found a note.
"What's this?" she wondered out loud.
"Hmm? Oh that, save it
for later… after I go home."
"O-kay… Well, we're here. I guess I'll see you
tomorrow, Friday… biiig play practice too…ahhh…"
She felt his huge hand encircle her petite one holding the
note. He gave it a squeeze and smiled and said, "G'nite"
and left waving.
"Wait! What about the coat?" she cried after him.
"Oh…ah…keep it! Black and red… looks nice on you!" and he disappeared
around the corner.
"Oh… thanks! I like it!" she watched his form until it was out of sight,
then opened the note. A poem for her written in his large careful script:
Roses are red, but Lina's eyes are brighter.
Violets are blue, but not as me
without her.
Sugar is sweet, like Lina's laughter.
You're everything to me, you are
all that matters.
Gourry.
"Oh dear gods…" Lina gasped. "Now what do I do?"
(((.-)) Zel |||^.^||| Xelloss |{{^.^}}| Lina
|((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^)) Amelia
End Seyruun High Jinx Chapter 25