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

Chapter  29

    THE SLAYERS

          After packing their musical equipment in the van, the Slayers meandered about the food-laden tables and listened to the warbling Seven.  Many kids with families at the ball greeted them enthusiastically and said they wanted to hear more!  Lina told them that they had a two-day gig at the beach early next week while Amelia handed out flyers. Zel reminded Xelloss that he had to get up early tomorrow and would bus home with him if the others wanted to stay late.

"Early?  How awful!" cried Sylphiel.

"Yes, doesn't the dojo give you a break for performing at Friday's match?" asked Amelia.

"Huh?  Oh, the dojo, well, no—students still take lessons. Ah, would you like to dance?" he smiled and offered Amelia his hand.  She was so stunned that she simply nodded and politely joined him out on the dance floor.

Zel shook his head.  The fool was going to kill himself with activity.  Sylphiel may have been looking discretely for Gourry, who was still visiting the banquet tables, when her eyes met Zel's.   Oh, joy…I'm sure she expects me to ask her to dance.  I should have made my get away faster.  "Would you, ah…care to dance?" 

"Oh—kay, Zel…" Sylphiel  smiled, wondering what got into him.

If Filia was disappointed that Val was no ballroom dancer, she didn't say so.  Instead, they found Gourry and Lina and watched the spectacle.  Graceful couples dancing to enchanting music in the most glamorous of ballrooms in the county.  No one noticed or considered the Slayers leather-look out of place on the dance floor, but they were easy to spot.  Midway through the piece, Zel and Xelloss had switched partners, because Lina pointed out that Zel was blushing and Amelia glowing as the Phil said something to them in passing on the floor.

"Well, hey, there, young man!" The voice bellowed like no other.

Gourry jumped, clutching a cube of cheese speared on a toothpick like a head on a pike.  "Uhh, hello, umm….Amelia's dad…."

Mayor Phil grinned broadly and grotesquely at Gourry, letting out a laugh that shook the halls.  "Oh, just call me Phil, my boy!  I'm told that you're the one driving for this road-trip thing, right?"

"Yes!  Sure am!  And don't worry about that!  I drive heavy machinery for my dad sometimes, and I take over for my parents on long car trips, so—"

"Oh, I wasn't worried!  I'm sure you'll get them all there and back safely.  However," there was a gleam in his eyes, "that is not the problem."

"Problem?" Gourry almost squeaked.  The plan—his plan—was in jeopardy.  He wanted this trip very badly, and he couldn't quite explain why.  Freedom?  The itinerary was to drive up, just the band, no adults, to that little resort on the beach where they had a gig.  They'd play there for two performances, an evening and an afternoon, and stay overnight at the resort.  Well, except for him.  He intended to camp out on the beach, like a man, damn it!  Even if it was the wettest, rainiest time of the year.  Zel'd go with him, if he asked.  He'd better go ask him now before he forgot—

"Gourry my lad?  You still in there?  You're almost as spaced-out as that Graywords character!"  Phil laughed.  "Anyway, you can see why Sylphiel and Filia's parents would be a bit….hesitant to allow them to stay overnight with four boys, one of which is on parole!"

"Yeah.…"

"Oh!  Don't look so down!  I'll talk to them about it; I'll figure it all out.  I'm quite influential, you know!" he laughed heartily once more.

"Thanks, Mr. Phil."  He waved, blinking a little bit.

"Nice talking to you, my boy!"  Phil left thinking that his daughter was in good hands.  If only Amelia would fall for a steady, reliable guy like Gourry.  Hell, at least ONE of his daughters could have!  He got a little misty-eyed thinking about his eldest.

Filia nudged Lina and smirked, "Like bookends.  Sylphiel and Xelloss—"

 When the song was over, Zel nudged Xelloss toward the exit.  "There's Lina and everyone, see?  They're anxious to go home.  You've danced now let's go--- oh, no—" Zel moaned as Xelloss hopped over to Lina and begged her, literally to dance with him next.  Zel sighed, "For god'ssake, say yes Lina and get it over with so we can go home."  Zel was tired and not a little exasperated.

Gourry walked over to talk to Zel, "If you asked Filia, it might go better—"

Zel closed his eyes.  I will kill him, if he doesn't do it himself.  "Filia, would you like to dance before we go?  I'm good for one more—"

She looked at Lina, "Sure Zel.  Then I could say I've danced at the Mayor's ball, right?  Come on Lina.  I'm sure you can dance better than I can."

Lina nodded and marched out to the dance floor beside Xelloss.  Zel couldn't look at them.  Xelloss looked so—damned happy, and Lina so –uncomfortable, that Zel felt sick. 

"Promise me something," demanded Filia.

"Huh?  Er, probably—sure, what?"  Zel answered cautiously.

"If that—Xelloss—asks to trade partners, say no," she hissed.

"All right, Filia.  But I don't think he will," Zel said with a touch of sadness.

Lina and Xelloss danced well together.  She flaming in red and he in black, the pair meshed well.

"Have you enjoyed the evening, Lina?"  Xelloss asked pleasantly.

"Huh?  Yeah, we were smokin' tonight—the band, I mean—"

"That's what I meant.  I thought Filia and Val pulled off their song well, considering how little practice they've had.  I wonder—" he left off in thought.

"What?"  asked Lina.  She never knew what to expect from this guy.  He seemed to take rejection pretty well—that's good—and he sure could dance!

"Oh, nothing, Lina.  Okay, if you insist—I wondered why you gave her the song instead of singing it yourself," he smiled.

"Like I said, I can write 'em sappy when I'm in the mood, but to sing it over and over?  I haven't the stomach for it!"  she smiled a bit.

"Intestinal fortitude.  I thought you had an unlimited supply."  That was a joke Lina could appreciate.

Sunday AM:

            Zelgadiss taught Xelloss how to cook the perfect eggs over easy on toast with sausages for breakfast.  Cooking was a relaxing chore for him.  He was in charge, knives in hand, flames a touch away.  Xelloss needed to eat now because he couldn't eat before his 12:30 performance and wouldn't see food until 4:00 at the earliest.  So they fried and toasted.  Zel instructed as he went along, letting Xelloss help.

            "Use the freshest eggs for frying, the yolks don't break, but for hardboiled, use eggs at least a week old so they peel better.  How's the toast doing?  No butter on mine—yeah the sausages are still hot, I kept the burner real low after they were cooked.  All right, look—white's done, yoke's set, now flip carefully—loosen the edges first—right, right, great.  Now just a minute or less, we can put the toast on the plates—yes, and the sausages—now the eggs.  I salt and pepper now so the egg doesn't toughen, and I like a dash of Tabasco.  Hot sauce.  Try a lot and burn your mouth if you want.  No?  Good idea.  All right, Bon appetite, eh?"

            "I can do this!"  Xelloss gloated.  "I shall not starve in future years!"

            "You'll get tired of eggs.  What shall we try tonight?"

            "Something with meat and potatoes—Are you staying again?"  Xelloss sounded different, hopeful, and unsure possibly.

            "Do you want me to?  I can drive—but I haven't tickets, you know," Zel reminded him.

            "Come in with me and I'll get you a pass.  You can watch in the audience, or— okay, backstage.  I don't blame you it gets old fast if you're not in it," Xelloss laughed.  "Um, thanks for coming along—you can bring a book to read, if you want."

            "I will," Zel said, and then finished his breakfast.

            "So—what do you think?  You haven't said anything."

            "About what, Xelloss?  Since when did my opinion matter?"

            He winced, "Ouch!"

            Zel set down his fork, "What I mean is that you go off and do stuff in secret all the time.  So—do you care what the consequences are?  We had this conversation before in October and you haven't changed.  Now are you asking about you and Lina or your ballet dancing career or something else?"

            "The dancing," Xelloss whispered.

            "It's what you like to do, so do it.  Seems a bunch of other guys do too, or are you suddenly becoming image conscious?"

            "You know what—people say about me.  The dancing doesn't help," he said quietly.

            "Xelloss, you're right, but—it's your hair, mannerisms, affectations that make you seem…well…you know.  No!   Not all the time!  Hey, Val stopped with the name-calling; that's something, isn't it?  With some people anything short of you getting married won't convince them.  Who cares?  I know you like girls, and so do your friends.  Let the others go to hell."

            "That's funny coming from you!"  Xelloss smiled.  "You're the most self-conscious person I know."

            "Yeah—well I didn't say I'd listen to my own advice.  My problems are different and I can't cover them up."

            "Cover them up?  Oh, the scars—doesn't seem to effect making friends for you.  Van and his group, Filia and the cheerleaders, Gourry and his crowd, everyone admires you, talks to you, takes you seriously.  I can't help the way I am!  I've been trying to fit in, be nice, thoughtful, controlled like you, but Gourry doesn't trust me, I can tell, Filia, well, that's something else, Lina won't look me in the eye anymore, Amelia and Sylphiel hardly speak to me. You're right, Val's okay, we get along fine now.  But you are the only person I can talk to, who listens, anyway, when I do."

            He looked so down, Zel didn't know what to say.  Then he remembered, "Kiki seems to like your company."

            "Yes, she does, doesn't she?"  Xelloss grinned.

            "And bad-ass kung-fu drummer persona might work," Zelgadiss chuckled.

            "Oh, that's me all over!"  Xelloss laughed. "Hey, Monday, new wardrobe—You drive, Val consults—Okay?  I'll call him—Haircut?  Oh, I'm not going that far.  What, earrings?  That's not quite the direction I meant.  But I might bleach—Don't scream!   I won't turn my hair lady-lavender, oopsie!  That's your hair color isn't it, sooooorry!  Hey, I can block anything you throw.  Yeah.  I. Can. Watch and learn—You stand there and I'll punch at you—No, I won't connect!  See?  When I go at you like that—you do this—That's okay, now try blocking this—sure, that'll work—IF I WAS A GIRL!  Now, watch—swing your other arm up and – Yes!  Hey, come to Karate class with me and I'll teach you everything—You could be good.  You're small and quicker than anyone I've ever fought with."

            "Yeah?  All right, I'll try it until archery starts.  You teach beginners?"  Zel asked.  It was amazing how quickly the two friends could flow from camaraderie to teasing to anger to mutual esteem again.  The two lonely kids needed each other and were helping each other become better people.

            "Noooooo, the sensei likes to bring the newbies onboard and mold them to his ideals—but I'm sure he'll make an exception for my new brother," Xelloss laughed and moved over to the sink to help wash dishes.

            "You keep calling me that—" Zel noted, drying a plate.

            "I'll stop, if you hate it, but it sounds—cool to me.  Friends come and go, but a brother—"

            Zel sighed.  "Fathers and mothers come and go too, don't they?  It's all right.  No one ever—I mean, I can't imagine anyone wanting to be related to me."

            "Me neither!"  Xelloss giggled.  "I was more worried that you would hate me more than ever when they told us they were getting married."

            "Yeah, well—I wasn't feeling blessed by the gods at the time, but I never blamed you.  So—what'll we do for an hour?"  Zel asked.

            "Need you ask?  Your fleet is poised and waiting for mass destruction—"

            "You wish!  You were running off with ice cream on the brain and I found a way—" Zel sneered back running to the door.

            "Prove it!  I bet I'll blow them up before you can say— Flare Arrow!" teased Xelloss as he locked it and ran to catch up with Zel at the practice room door.

            "I'll Fireball your fleet to hell and back!"  Zel taunted running up the staircase to the loft.

            "Been there!  Now I have troops running the place!"  Xelloss yelled, hopping up two at a time.

            "You lie!"

            "We will see, won't we?"

            "Yeah we will!"

~*~

            Xelloss had handed over his treasured cell phone to Zel to guard during his performance.  Of course, it rang.  "Hello?  Lina?  Yeah, Zel.  Xelloss is—busy."

            "Well I was trying to get a hold of you and—what's your number?"  Lina asked.

            "I don't know," he sighed.  "So, I'm here.  What's up?"

            "Gourry's tired of dry-walling or whatever and wants to see who can go to a movie.  I volunteered to call you.  So?"  Lina asked.

            Zel figured Gourry probably called to see if LINA wanted to go to a movie.  Poor guy.  Well he and Xelloss could split—Xelloss might not even want to go.  Oh sure he wouldn't pass up a chance to be around Lina.  Now if Lina found a seat in the theater first, then Gourry next to her, then me, then Xelloss—yeah, that would work—

            "ZEL?  Are you there?  What's your problem?"  Lina yelled, tired of waiting.

            "Yeah, Lina—I'm still here.  The movie will have to be a late one.  Xelloss is busy, then dinner—maybe a seven o'clock show—What's playing?  Huh?  All right. Just us four?  I'll drive then—Shit, Lina stop shouting—Yes, I can drive a car….yes, I have a license….I'll explain later.  I'll call you when we get home—Bye."

            He didn't bother telling Xelloss until the were home and he'd had a chance to shower and eat.

            "Lina called--"

            "Really?"

            "She wants us, Gourry, you, me, her to go to a movie tonight," Zel continued.  "You up for it?"

            "I might fall asleep, but I'm game."

            "Oh, joy—I'll call her back—Um—Xelloss?  What's my telephone number?  Shut up!  It's not that funny!  I never called you at the main house.  How would I know?  I don't get a cell phone.  I'm the poor ingrate, remember?  Forget it.  I'll go look myself."

Xelloss stopped him and wrote out the house number for him, and then lent Zel his cell phone to call Lina.  "Lina?  Yeah, who else?  Fine.  Then I'm Mr. Wonderful.  Ha, ha to you too!  So is it still on?  Sure—Gourry will walk over to our place?  Fine.  We'll pick you up in half a—fine, in five minutes.  Bye."

            "I think I'll change—"

            "Change?  Again?  You just got dressed?" Zel gasped in wonderment.

            "Well it doesn't matter what I wear around you—"

            "And it doesn't matter around Lina and Gourry either!  Besides, there isn't time.  Get your shoes and coat and let's go," urged Zel.

            "But—" whined Xelloss.

            "Move that too!"

            Getting the seating arrangement right was the work of a master planner and skilled manipulator.  Zel sent Xelloss back to buy popcorn, then convinced Lina to sit all the way to the side, so she wouldn't have to share her food, then nudged Gourry to action.  Gourry sat beside Lina and offered her a package of Red Vines.  Appeased and happy, Lina settled in without comment.  Gourry had her to himself, he was happy. 

Zel collared Xelloss wandering aimlessly in the lobby.  "The movie's about to begin.  Forget the popcorn."

"Popcorn?  I forgot what movie we're here to see—I don't think you even told me!"  Xelloss whined.

"You didn't ask.  This way—" Zel said, leading the way back.

"Harry Potter?  Gods, Zel, not that one!  Good—Lord of the Rings?  Wizard, swords, odd-ball characters— Wouldn't be cool if we could live in a fantasy world like that?  Hey, maybe we could come tomorrow night in costume?  Hey Lina!  Gourry!  Let's come tomorrow night in costume!  Gourry, you could be—Aragorn and Lina—Galadriel and Zelgadiss—What? Gandalf?  No you're more of a Frodo—or Legolas with those ears!  Me?  I could be—What was that?  A dark rider?  O-kay, do-kay!  Do you think we could get everyone to—"

"Xelloss, shut up!"  Lina and Zel shouted together.

"Movie's starting," added Gourry.

The movie was great.  Lina had to be held to her seat only twice, but she brandished her milk dud box like a sword, gutting orcs with fervor.  Gourry vowed to read the entire series before the next movie would come out (It gave him a whole year, so it wasn't THAT impossible!)  Zelgadiss secretly wanted to become Legolas, bow, magic, and all-- especially after Lina said he was awesome.  Xelloss managed to stay awake but dropped off on the car ride home.

            Monday morning Zel woke up with an idea.

            "Val?  Oh, sorry Sano, too early?  I wanted to catch him before—sure, I'll hold—Val?  I need another favor—"

            "Shit, Zel!  It's not even noon yet an' I don't havta work and I'm gonna be there for practice later and see your friken face—" Val was not pleased, but Sano was roaring with laughter in the background.

            "Val—I know I owe you already, but –"

            "Biiig debt.  Lina nearly ripped off my—don't matter, whaddyer want now?"

            "Fashion consulting.  Stop laughing, I'm serious!  Not for me.  For—Xelloss, all right?  I'll call back later when you'll listen-- All right then, I'll pick you up—yes, I can drive and yes, in a car – in, say 20 minutes or—thirty, fine—bye."

            Zel shook his head and clamored out the door to the practice room.   "Xelloss!  You up?  No, it's a giant white rabbit who swallowed Zelgadiss and is now lurking about your drums thump, thump, crash .  Good you're up.  Nice hair—listen get dressed.  We have plans—we'll pick up something to eat on the way.  Stop whining!  For god'ssake, Xelloss, be a man—no you don't need to take a shower, you simply slept since your last one—all right and went to a movie—big deal.  Just throw on the nearest thing.  Yeah, well I don't care!  Yes we need to do laundry—later—I'll even help clean up!  Hey, I walked the dog this morning already!  No I don't smell like a dog, that's just—shut up.  Get in the car we have to pick up Val."

            Xelloss flopped into the passenger seat grinning.  "So where to?"

            "That's a secret," smirked Zel.

            "Funny," Xelloss muttered.

            "I thought so—Ah, the slums, gotta lov'em, eh?"  Zel smiled.

            "Probably where I'll end up—"

            "You sound gloomy this morning," Zel glanced briefly to his passenger.  "Well this trip ought to perk you up.  Here, we are."

            "Val's?  Oh, I'm perky now— Yeah I'm getting out!  Oh, Sano—yeah, bow I wasn't at my best either at the Karate tournament.  Those Saotomes can have it for all I care.  I need both arms unbroken, thank you."

            "Val, you ready yet?  We'll pick up food on the way—Yeah, I thought that would get you moving.  The car?  My gr—father's and no he doesn't know I'm driving it around.  Bad Zel.  Now breakfast—No, Xelloss we'll stop by Polly's AFTER this jaunt—Why?  That's a secret!  Ha!  That's so much fun to say!  Ha, ha!"  Zel chuckled and drove downtown where the band hard shopped before.

He parked near a second-hand store and got out.  Val pointed out a coffee shop with 'decent' enough food and they both followed his lead.

            "I get it now!" Xelloss smiled goofily.  "It's my makeover!"

            Val pushed away his plate. "Shit, not so loud!  People know me 'round here.  So, Zel tells me you wanna a new image—need one, yeah.  I gotta idea, come on."

             Val wandered up and down aisles yanking out a shirt here and there.  Xelloss refused jeans or any tight pants and anything purplish.

            "And nothing that reveals scars, not mine anyway," he insisted.

            Success under their belts in the clothing department, Val moved on.   They entered a building with Day-Glo TATTOO & PIERCING spray-painted on the windows.

            "Yer right 'bout the earring bit.  To faggish fer ya.  Nose ring?  Pierced eyebrow'd be okay, huh?  Those are tattoos—how 'bout a dragon like mine?  No?  Yeah that one's scary, good choice.  Lemme consult widda man."

            Xelloss was pale but resolute as he took a seat in what looked like a dental chair.  'The Man' covered in colorful tattoos swept over and pulled out some tools.  He was three sentences into his detailed description of what acts he was about to perform with his needle-like tool, when Xelloss fainted.

            Val was shaking his head as he and Zel supported a weakened, but untouched, Xelloss out of the shop.  "Yeah, guess it musta looked like a torture chamber, eh?  That's okay, he gotta good laugh outta it anyway," Val smiled.  He really hadn't thought about Xelloss' reaction to the idea of getting stuck with sharp needs over and over and over, but understood that it was currently, out of the question.

            "What's this?  A dog collar?"  Xelloss asked as he held up a piece of neckwear sporting one inch spikes that Val tossed at him.

            "Image stuff, try it!"  Val demanded.

            "Okay…"

            By the time the rest of the band showed up, Xelloss was spiked, dressed in all black, and beating the hell out of a 'new' song Val had just made up.  He called it '"Only a Lonely Soldier,' which was the chorus and the only words anyone could make out.

            Gourry whooped with excitement and lay down the bass to a definitely 'boys only' punk rocker.  Val screamed his indecipherable words, and danced maniacally.  Sylphiel looked appalled, Filia gaped at Xelloss then Val, and then back again, Amelia blushed and held her hands over her mouth, and Lina, envious that the song belonged to Val, danced along with him screaming too.

            When the 'song' was over, Lina approached Xelloss and complimented him.  He smiled and said, "Yeah, thanks.  It's what my little brother calls my new 'bad-ass, kung-fu, drummer look'!" He smirked toward Zel.

            "That's gotta get to ya after awhile," Val said to Zel.

            "What the 'brother' bit?  That's the least of it—he's all right though, when he's not trying to put on an act," Zel answered.

          "Yeah, he's almost normal—sometimes—Hey, Filia!  Like the song?  Whaddayer mean ya don't know?  Couldn't understand the words?  Shit, that don't matter!" he grinned and reached up to touch a strand of her hair.

            The band rang though a couple songs and talked mostly about the upcoming job.  "I guess your father talked my folks into it 'cause they said okay this morning," Filia announced to Amelia and all.

            Sylphiel smiled shyly. "My father too!  When the Mayor told my father you were driving, Gourry, it made a big impression.  "So I can go, as long as I call him twice daily."

           Lina grinned, "Then it's on the road for the Slayers!  This is too good to be true!  FREEDOM FOR ALL!  So what kinda rooms do we have, Amelia?"

            "Okay, everybody shares, of course—we can draw straws, okay?  There are two adjoining rooms, one bath, for us girls.  Mr. Val and Mr. Xelloss share a room and Mr. Gourry and Mr. Zelgadiss will be camping, right guys?"

            "Yeah!"  Gourry answered.  Zel pointed to himself in shock. 

           "And we can use the spa and indoor pool, but we have to pay for our own food.  But we can handle that, right everyone?"  Amelia glowed with enthusiasm.

            While they laid out plans for packing up the RV, courtesy of the Mayor's campaign director, Xelloss skipped out on his own to the pastry shop.  Lina's stomach growled.  "So—where could he have gone?  The store's not that far away?  Zel?  Go chase him down!"

"Lina.  I am not his watchdog or your lackey.  He can take care of himself just fine.  He probably found someone to talk to—Kiki maybe.  If you're concerned, you go!"  Zel bit off the words and returned to picking out a tune on his guitar.  Oooh, must have been that extra milk intake that was growing him a backbone!

The next thing he knew, Lina's hands were ripping the guitar out of his grasp and she was screaming at him, "You ARE his watchdog.  I am hungry and too weak to walk so YOU are going out.  Get it, buster?"

Zel sighed.  He shoved his arms into his jacket and yanked on his boots, muttering under his breath.  He gave her a deadly glare, and then slammed the door behind him.  Xelloss was just leaving the bakery carrying the requisite pink parcel, when Zel met up with him.

"Am I that late?  An hour?  Really?  My, my, Zelgadiss, you don't have to be so grumpy.  Kiki's parents are flying in as we're taking off to the resort.  I just wanted to—talk to her before we left, that's all."

Zel glared.  "Really?" he said in a perfect imitation of his friend.  "For more than an hour?  What about?"

Xelloss looked like he was about to tell him something important, "Maybe later—" he smiled and returned to his goofy persona.

"Food has arrived!"  He greeted Lina with a smile and the box.

"Wow, it had better be lots cause you made us wait a long time!" she winked.

"Oh, of course, Lina!"  He smiled back. It was a deceptively sincere smile.

While they were eating, Xelloss noticed Filia looking at him strangely.  He stared back and stuck out his tongue. 

"Uh, you're so childish, Xelloss.  I was only trying to figure out what was different about you, other than the clothes-- your glasses!  That's it!  You weren't wearing them last night or today!  Break them already?"  Filia sniffed.

"Nooooo, I got contacts.  Karate and glasses don't mix.  I'll wear whichever to school and contacts for work.  I'm just wearing them all the time now to get used to them.  You are very observant, Filia.  Only Zelgadiss said anything, and he was with me to pick them up.  These are clear—but as soon as I get enough money I'm going to get those cool cat-eye ones, right Zelgadiss?"  Xelloss shot Zel a glance.

"They made you look scary, Xelloss.  If I needed glasses, and could afford them, I'd want some like that—or those weird mirror ones," Zel mused to himself.

"What's with you guys?  Especially you, Zel?"  Filia asked.

"Well I might as well look like an alien lifeform all the way, right?  Since I have the freak aspect down already by accident, you might say.  And he (pointing to Xelloss) might as well look as outlandish as he acts!  Val too!  Not everyone can look wholesome and happy like Gourry!"  Zel finished yelling, then stood and stalked out of the room and out the door.

"Nice going, Filia.  Now we've got Zel's mood to contend with.  Don't bother, I'll go—" Lina said, tossing on her coat and heading out the door.

Xelloss smiled, "I'm glad I'm not sharing a room with any of them!"

Val rolled his eyes, "Oh, joy---" he looked up horrified. "I can't believe I said that—I'm spendin'  way too much time 'round those dudes."

Gourry covered a chuckle and drew him off to play a tune.

"ZEL?"

"No need to yell, Lina.  I'm right here," Zel turned his head away from the wall and stared at the newly painted ceiling of his room.

"Right, well I wasn't sure if you were here—Listen, come back and finish planning the trip, okay?  It won't work without your scheduling ability, you know?  No time that I've been in that van without you along has it gotten anywhere," she began in an unusually kind voice.  "Like a good luck charm!"

"You've got to be kidding.  If something can go sour, and I'm involved, it will," he muttered bitterly.

"Good luck for me, then.  The trouble?  You bring that on yourself.  You don't believe others like you for what you are, so you make sure they don't get too close.  You're afraid that if you have too good a time… that you will have to pay for it, and then, make sure something happens.  I've known you for—forever, Zel, and I know that there is nothing anyone can do about that, but you.  Stop obsessing about your looks and open your heart--," Lina cried out.  She plunked down beside him on his bed.  "I can't believe I said a corny line like that—"

"Me neither.  Kinda gets me right here—" Zel punched himself in the gut without smiling.  "You're one to talk about opening up--!"  he started.

"This is not about me!  You always turning it back to me!"  Lina snipped.

"Because you are hurting two of my friends right now.  Shit!  I didn't mean that.  Forget that—it wasn't what I meant—"  He sat up and threw his pillow across the room.

"You mean Xelloss and Gourry.  Why?  Because I'm honest?  I do like them, but I'm not making any exclusive deals right now, get it?  When was the last time YOU were that honest about your feelings?  Huh?  If the truth hurts, too bad.  It's better than stringing them along one day and dumping on them the next—WITHOUT A WORD!  Are you getting my point now!"  Lina shook him to make him look her in the eye.

"Whom are you talking about now?" he said dryly.

"YOU, you nitwit!"

"Me and who else?"

"AMELIA!  Who else would I be talking to you about?"  Lina was exasperated enough to pound him on his head this time.  "You nothin' but rocks up there?"

"That's right.  For a minute there I thought you were talking about us—forget it—I do have rocks up there and one for a heart too.  I feel nothing, get it?  Nothing at all!  I don't need you or them or anybody, get it?  Now go away!  Leave me alone!"  he moaned and buried his face in his remaining pillow.

Lina stood and stomped out, slamming the door behind her.

When she returned, Zel-less, to the practice room, she simply shrugged and fell into a beanbag chair.  "Well, that was a waste of time—" she groaned.

Gourry sat beside her, stretching out his long legs, "Well—ya still have your head, Lina—"

"Huh?"

"He didn't bite it off—uh, right?"  Gourry smiled.

"No, but he may have left toothmarks this time," she smiled back.

The next day Gourry rolled up in the van.  Xelloss answered his door and began loading instrument cases and boxes.  Zelgadiss left his house and joined them, carrying a sleeping bag and duffel as well.

"You have a plan?" he riveted his one eye on Gourry.

"Ahhh, pick up the others?"  Gourry offered.

Zel sighed, "I have one—all right, first we stop and get Lina.  She's good to help pick out some food with Xelloss if we drop them off at the market while we pick up Amelia.  Gourry will go to the door, not, I REPEAT, not me!  Then Sylphiel, who will want to talk for hours before getting into the van, but I'll take care of that.  We get Val, no trouble there, and then swing by the market for Lina and Xelloss before he decides to go say goodbye to the butcher, baker, or candlestick maker.  Then we head out to the Land of the Lotus-Eaters and get Filia—What's so funny?  Anyway—got all that?  No?  I'll start again, more slowly—first we get Lina—"

Xelloss was choking back hysteria by the time Lina got into the RV, "What did you say?  I'm getting food?  Fine.  I'm better off alone.  Xelloss, what IS your problem?  HE has the money?  Ah---okay.  Here we are, fruitcake, let's go shopping, all righty?"  Lina said, eager to get on the road.

So the road trip started off well.  Zel was along so Lina knew the RV would reach its destination.  There was food, so that would keep the driver happy, not to mention keeping others quiet.  What could go wrong?

They turned off the road onto the highway out of town when Xelloss decided to tell a secret.  He was sitting in the passenger seat next to Gourry.  Zel was behind Xelloss and Val behind Gourry.  Filia sat behind Zel with Lina, --definitely NOT behind Zel—seated behind Val.  Amelia and Sylphiel sat in the last seats.

"Well, I have some news," Xelloss began, turning towards Zelgadiss.  "You didn't answer my E-mail last night or the door so—anyway—" he paused for effect.  "I have an announcement.  Kiki and I—are getting married!"  Xelloss smiled.

Silence. 

Zel's head sank into his hands.  Gourry shot a brief look to Xelloss saying, "Ah—congratulations?"

Lina flew from her seat like a shot out of cannon, flying to pieces as well.  "You idiot!  You can't possibly think we'd believe that crap coming from you?"

"Believe it or not, it's true.  I asked her today and she said yes."

"Mr. Xelloss!"  Amelia cried out.  "You're not serious!  Oh, my—you are!  But, you— you're both so young!"

"Yeah, yeah—and all that and more!  What on earth—" Lina began.

"I don't need my mother's permission, Amelia.  I'm old enough.  Kiki's parents are flying in today—she's probably speaking to them right now," he smiled.

"They'll say no!  They'll kill her or you!  Mr. Xelloss, she couldn't even date you!"  Amelia was practically in tears.

"That's true!  But—things change, I hope," he continued to smile despite the angry barrage.

"She pregnant?"  Val asked.  "Hey, just coverin' the possibilities, eh?"

Xelloss blanched and shook his head violently, "No!"

Zelgadiss moaned, "It's all my fault—"

"Your fault?  Then she should be marryin' you!  gack  I was jokin'!" Val yanked at Zel's fingers grappling for a choke hold around his neck.

Zelgadiss clearly was going to withhold any information until he'd spoken to Xelloss alone.  The riders traveled in silence.

"I brought some CD's—" Xelloss offered to Gourry. 

"Oh, yeah?  Put somethin' in, okay?"  Gourry nodded.

"No crap—here let ME look at what you've got—not bad—all kinds of stuff—here Steely Dan—haven't heard this one—best drummer in his time—" Val said all chummy-like.

"I agree!  I practiced to this stuff a lot—that's why I have the variety, for different drumming styles and all," Xelloss smiled pleasantly.

Before long the guys were deep in a discussion about music, while girls in back were divided about Xelloss' love-life.

"They are FAR too young.  I thought she'd have more sense, but if that's how she wants to throw away her life then—" Filia sniffed.

"Oh, I think it's somewhat romantic, don't you Amelia?"  Sylphiel asked dreamily.  "Like Romeo and Juliet—"

"And you know how wonderful that marriage turned out!" barked Lina.  "Why would he do such a thing?  That's what bothers me—"

"They must be in love!" sighed Sylphiel.

"Bah!  That I know for a fact is not true, at least not him!"  Lina said, then blushed as she went on, "—but I'd rather not say why—And, NO, Filia it's not AT ALL what you're about to say."

After a lot of needling, Lina admitted that she had turned down Xelloss.  They all agreed that he must be using poor Kiki to get over Lina. 

"That's ridiculous.  He's not that shallow or that stupid!"  Lina yelled over the sound of the music and engine noises.  "I don't know—but I bet I know who does—" she flashed her ruby gaze in Zel's direction.  Like magic, he turned and leveled his icy blue glower her way.

"What?" he shouted.

"Come back here, a minute—please," she added hopefully.

Zel closed his eyes, then slowly crept back toward the girls. "If this is in any way about Xelloss, I'm mute.  I'm going to speak to him in about—13 minutes.  There's a rest station turnout.  Gourry needs a break.  We can all use the facilities and walk around then."

Business done, Zel slipped back into his seat, closed his eyes and enjoyed a few minutes of music.

Zel hopped out of the RV and followed Xelloss into the men's room.  Xelloss stopped and smirked, "Don't I get I little privacy?"  Then he continued on in alone. 

Zel waited his turn, and when done, searched for Xelloss.  Xelloss was sitting on the branch of a tree, humming a song without a care in the world.

"Xelloss, are you listening to me?"  Zel called up at his friend.

"Zelgadiss?  Is that you?  Wait, I'll come down," he said jovially and landed lightly at Zel's feet.  "Yes?  You wanted to see me?"

Zel grabbed him by his jacket lapels and pushed him into the tree, hard.  "What do you think you're doing?  Tell me this has nothing to do with what I said the other day—You know what I mean,  'nothing short of getting married---' yeah that – Well?  Oh, god, not the contest?  You're not going to hurt that kid because of some stupid joke, are you?"

"I think I win, little brother.  But I do actually care for her—" he smiled.  "Maybe not as much as someone else, however—"

"You are crazy.  You need help.  And I feel somehow responsible for you—and all this mess.  When we get back, you will put a stop to it, or I will.  Take your pick."  Zel released his hold and waited to see if Xelloss had anything else to say. 

He did.  "If she even had the nerve to ask her parents for permission, they will most certainly say no, and it's over.  But they might say yes!  I will most happily honor my promise.  I always do.  So what else?  Can I go?"

"You are not eighteen yet," Zel said.

"I will be very soon, as you know.  Zelas can't stop me," Xelloss answered angrily.

"But she can force you out!  Where would you live?"  Zel snapped back.

"Maybe in your old room!  Or not—on the moon, I don't know.  I don't have to decide that right now, do I?  I don't want to think about it!"

"Fine.  Just act out and leave the consequences for someone else to deal with.  That's you.  That's you all over.  You need help, my friend-- and I'm talking medical professional," Zel lowered his voice to a near whisper when he saw Lina cruising around.

Xelloss stood arms at his side, head down.  "You're pretty mad, huh?"

"Yes.  But I'm more concerned about you than mad, Xelloss.  I don't want you flipping out on us.  I want to help you, but— this is out of my league," Zel said.

"Can we drop the whole thing until we get back?"  He asked sadly.

"Yeah, sure.  If that's what you want.  But if you change your mind and want to talk, you know where to find me—"

"Oh, yes!  Out in the elements freezing your butt off and chatting about skateboards and building with Gourry!"  Xelloss laughed.

"Yeah!  Like the tough outdoorsmen we are!" chuckled Zel just as Lina drew up.

"Hi, guys?  So what's the scoop?  You marrying her for her money?"  Lina winked.

"Oh, that's right!  I never thought of that angle.  No, Lina, that's not it.  And I'm not going to answer another question or talk about the entire thing any more—until we get home and I see her.  That's final—and you can quote me too!"  And with that Xelloss grinned and hopped into the RV, ready to go.

Zelgadiss exchanged looks with Lina, put a hand on her shoulder and sighed, "Let's go, I guess."

The rest of the drive was unremarkable.  Gourry turned into the ample parking lot for grotesque RVs, parked, and got out with Zel to check on the stage.  Lina and Filia left to check on the room reservations, while the others were commanded to guard the vehicle and all it contained.

Gourry loped back grinning.  "S'okay to unload the band stuff.  Zel's got a trolley thing to roll it all in."

Val was impressed with the cart.  "Maybe we can rip this one off for ourselves—come in handy?"

No one answered him.

Lina, however, was fuming upon her return.  "I don't believe it!  Someone screwed up the reservations!  We only have two rooms—the two adjoining rooms with ONE, count it, ONE bathroom!  The place is reserved to the hilt and unless someone doesn't show, we'll be packed in like sardines."

Zel smirked at Gourry, "Like I said, the out of doors is looking better and better—"

Gourry smiled, "Oh, yeah!"

Filia had already staked her claim, "You all can sleep where you like, but his is MY bed."

"But that's not fair!" cried Amelia.  "How can you so unjust?  There are four of us and only two beds?"

Lina was close to the boiling point, but before she erupted, Amelia whispered to her and gently pulled her back to the lobby.  There, Lina made it clear in no uncertain terms that there were to be two more beds stuffed into their room IMMEDIATELY!  Two rollaway beds were dispatched with haste.  "Now that we've turned our room into wall to wall mattresses, let's go check on the equipment," Lina said.

"Xelloss and Val already went," said Sylphiel, pausing in their doorway.  "There's so much room in here, maybe—but that wouldn't be right, would it?"

"Miss Sylphiel?  What are you thinking?"  Amelia recoiled in horror at the thought of sharing a room with the 'boys'.

"Well—when we had that scary night with no lights?  And stayed in the practice room—everything was okay then?"  She stared, glassy-eyed at the floor space, then turned and left.  "Besides, Xelloss is getting married, isn't he?"

"You do what you want, Sylph.  I'm claiming the other bed!"  Lina yelled and flung her bag onto the far bed.

They had half an hour to set up and Xelloss couldn't concentrate on his drums.  He was all thumbs and kept dropping hardware.  Val was amazingly patient.  Zel kept his distance or he might have rammed his drumsticks—down his throat anyway.  Gourry was cool as a cucumber.  Gourry was relaxed and hummed a ditty, country-western flavored, which was floating around in his brain.  Gourry was looking forward to these two days and NOTHING could spoil it for him.

"So what kinda crowd we gonna have tonight?"  Val wondered aloud.

"Drunk, mostly—" Gourry smiled.  "Even I can hope—"

"Yer not nervous or anythin'?"  Val asked, a note of concern creeping into his voice.

"Me?  Ah—no, I figure a few drinks and the mistakes don't get noticed, eh?"  He nodded Xelloss' way.

Zel yelped.  He broke a string while tuning and the wire flew up into his face.

"Okay over there?"  Val asked.

"Yeah, wait the string's caught in my hair—Gourry?  I can't see what I'm doing?'  Zel's low voice was rising to the shrieky stage.

"On it— There got it out—Bring spares? Wow, I never noticed how weird you hair felt—like wire!"  Gourry mused fingering Zel's mop, Zel's glare going unnoticed.

"That's just one of my alien attractions, Gourry—if you hadn't noticed—"Zel muttered.

"He meant, that he'd never felt it before.  Gourry's not the type to go around handling other kids hair by choice, Mr. Sensitive!" Lina was oozing with sensitivity herself.  Changing gears like a roadwarrior, Lina continued, "How's it goin' here?  We got the mics set up and tested, but the guy at the sound system's mixing board wants a couple tests and Amelia's still searching for the fogger."

Zel glowered from a corner where he was attempting to tune the new string into submission, "I hope it's F-**-ing gone forever—"

Lina of course took it personally and tore the FENDER out of his hands in order to punch him. 

Zel gasped, "My---"

Val jumped into the fray, wrapping his arms around Lina to hold her back. 

Gourry dove for the guitar, "Got it!" 

Filia, Amelia, and Sylphiel marched over and demanded mature behavior.

"So do you call yourselves The Slayers because you kill one another?" asked a smiling young man.  He pushed a strand of dark red hair out of is violet eyes and nodded to Val.

"Kenshin!  Hey, yer takin' a break and visitin' the resort?"  Val called over Lina's head.  He carried her, kicking and screaming, away from Zelgadiss and tossed her at the famous swordsman, who also was his ultimate landlord.  "Catch, Lina, here, but watch out—she's a real fireball!"

Kenshin stepped to the side in a blur to avoid her, but caught her from falling with an outstretched arm.  "Glad to meet you, Miss Lina, that I am!"

She was about to toast him, but melted under his sweet smile and dreamy gaze, "Ahhh, yeah—ahhh, Kenshin---" She regained her feet and blushed to her root tips.  "Nice to meet ya—gotta go—"

Val chuckled and continued talking to his friend while Zel found the sound technician.  Gourry joined Xelloss who was staring out the window at the gray sky and metallic sea. 

"Think it's gonna be dry out there tonight?"  Gourry asked.

"No.  A storm is about to blow in.  See the birds flying inland and that dark line is water-filled clouds."  He looked at Gourry's puzzled face and added, "But—I could be wrong!  You might get lucky, oh wait—Zelgadiss is with you—too bad!"

Gourry shook his head, "What do ya mean?  Zel's cool—"

"Bad Karma.  I mean, he has bad luck, that's all."  He smiled and returned to his storm watch.

"Seems to me you're not so lucky yourself—" Gourry added cautiously.

"I make my own luck happen.  Or screw myself royally, whichever.  He deserves better.  I get what I deserve," Xelloss said looking out to sea.

"You don't sound very—happy," Gourry observed.

Xelloss turned his head and grinned, "Oh, but I am!  I'm getting married—What could be nicer, eh?"

"Yeah, well—we need to do a sound test so—" he began, still trying to make sense out of what Xelloss had been saying.

"O-kay, Do-kay!"  Xelloss smiled and pirouetted over to his drum kit.

The band retired to change into their band 'uniforms' and fill water bottles and more nerves on edge…

"This eyelash won't stay in place!"  Filia wailed.

"Oh, let me help, Miss Filia.  I'm an expert now with false eyelashes!" Amelia cried.

"I'm going to have to stop eating entirely, or get a new skirt," lamented Sylphiel to her image in the mirror.

"Me too!  After the New Year, I'm eating air twice a day!"  Filia said with determination.

"Not me!"  laughed Lina.  "Food is my hobby, then music, then—I don't know, but I have another!"

"Bugging me," Zel smirked while standing in the open door to the 'shared bathroom'.  "Time to go."

"Yeah, that too!" she snorted and linked arms with him and moved to march onward to the stage.

Behind her, the three choirgirls stood aghast.  A boy!  In their bathroom!  Watching them put on eyelashes and pose in front of the mirror!  This was not a suitable arrangement!  How could Lina be so calm?

"What's your problem?"  Lina snorted at Sylphiel, who was closest and gaping at Zel.  "Let's go!"

Zel smiled inwardly.  He knew.  For a minute there he was just a guy, a male-entity invading the female-space, not some freaky geek to be ignored as inconsequential.  Except to Lina, of course.  He sighed, oh well—

"What was that sigh about?"  Lina glanced sideways at her friend.  "Oh, that—I figure they never had brothers before, me neither but I had you around all the time.  You never had a sister so I'll clue you in—they own that bathroom and you are not welcome at anytime."

"It's the only one!  You can probably lord it over poor Xelloss, but Val can intimidate his way in, besides—they're good for laughs.  Dieting--she's practically a waif already.  At least Filia has—" He paused to catch Lina's tightening grip warning signal.  "—more sense, most of the time.  But Amelia's going to lose all hers it she hangs around them much more.  And if Kiki— no forget it.  I'm starting to babble now--"

"That's okay.  You're pretty cute when you get all flustered.  Hey cheer up!  It's ShowTime!"  Lina loosened her hold and danced onto stage.  Zel shook his head and smiling, took up his post.  Val and Gourry were checking a note and Xelloss was smiling, calmly poised half-hidden in the shadows.  The girls skipped to their microphones, giggling momentarily.

Lina looked at her band and grinned, "Ready?  Let's go!"

Regardless of their individual personality conflicts and attractions, when it came to performing the Slayers were pros.  They ran through songs with polish and feeling and entertained the audience with banter and, often, caustic wit.  After thirty minutes, the band broke for a fifteen minute break.

"Great crowd out there, eh?" grinned Lina after guzzling half a liter of water.

Gourry nodded, "I noticed Allen, ah—"

"Schezar," supplied Xelloss.  "Guy that looks a bit like you, in fact, shorter—" Gourry looked at him strangely, so he walked on over to Val.

"I wanna do our new song," Val scowled.

"Okay with me," Xelloss smiled.

"Fine.  I'll get Gourry interested," agreed Zel.

"Zel looks happy," Val remarked.

"Yep!  The fog machine never turned up." Xelloss' smile turned evil as his eyes opened.

"Oh, so where'd ya put it?"  Val matched his expression with his own leer.

"Me?  I didn't load the RV?  Oh, yes, I guess I did—perhaps one of those boxes—but I used Amelia's checklist, didn't I?  Oh, well, perhaps it was my mistake after all—"  He chuckled and drifted over to annoy Filia.

Filia was holding up a hand mirror for Sylphiel, who was applying fresh lipstick.  "Excuse me," she said to the other girl.  Without even turning her head, she slammed the mirror into Xelloss' stomach and said, "Go bother someone else!" 

He dropped the coil of her hair he was about to pull.

Zel finished speaking to Gourry, who nodded, and then Zel checked his watch and called out,  "Lina!"

"Okay gang—Let's give'em somethin' to dance to, okay?  What's that Val?  Your song?  Sure, when?  After Sylph's? That ought to wake'em up!  Let's go!"

"What's her hurry?" sniffed Filia, primping a bit in her mirror.

"I believe it's the all-you-can-eat buffet I told her about!  Or the pool and spa—You did bring your swimsuit, didn't you?"  Xelloss smiled, and then hopped out of the way of her flying mirror.

"Oh, you annoying jerk!"  Filia screamed.

Sylphiel gripped her arm and whispered, "I think he thinks you are so pretty that he gets all nutty around you."

Filia smiled at her friend. "Maybe you're right—but that makes me feel sorry for him.  I'd rather just hate him."

Amelia slipped quick looks at Zel, trying to measure his mood.  He appeared at ease now—"Mr. Zelgadiss?  I am sooooo sorry about losing the fog machine.  Somehow it's not on any of my lists—and I was sure I typed it there myself.  Xelloss said he checked the disc and he couldn't find it but—and it was in a box right by the door—and—"

Zel ventured a smile in her direction. "It's all right, Amelia.  I don't care for it anyway."

"Oh!  Thank you!  I was afraid you'd me mad at me—Was my song—okay?" she was pushing a bit, but he did smile, didn't he?

"Your song?  It was fine.  You sing—well, Amelia.  Ah, I've got to get over to my guitar now—" and, blushing, the young man rushed away to the safety and security of his part of the stage.

"Amelia, you didn't jinx him or anything, did you?" whispered Lina as she yanked the microphone off the stand.

Amelia shook her head furiously and took up her position next to Sylphiel.

"And WE ARE BACK!" Lina yelled into her microphone.

In the final set, Lina always included the names and introductions.  The crowd cheered and at the end, for their encore, Val introduced his new grunge-rock-styled song, Only A Lonely Soldier.  It too was a success, and he felt better than he ever had in his life.

"GOODNIGHT EVERYBODY!"  Lina cheered to the crowd and bowed one last time.  "ALL right!  Dinner calls and I am sooooo ready!"

That's when the problem began: who got the single shower first.  Well, second, because Lina already was in, but she was a ten-minutes-get-it-over-with type.  Amelia and Sylphiel followed, each forced to beat Lina's time by one minute.  Filia made it in fifteen.  Gourry opened the door a might too soon, misunderstanding her emphatic 'NO!' for 'GO!' or so he said.  It would have been more convincing if he'd hurriedly shut the door, instead of standing and gaping.

When Filia did at last actually exit the bathroom, it was with her trusty hand-mirror.  Lina laughed hysterically as Filia chased Gourry around the room swatting furiously at the air.  She finally smacked him, however, when Sylphiel rushed in to help, and accidentally tripped him up. 

Zel, Val and Xelloss had volunteered to pack up and lug the equipment back to their rooms.  Sylphiel and Amelia hung the costumes 'to air out' in the boy's room as the equipment rolled in.  Gourry was toweling off his hair and was barely half dressed when Lina tore in, "I'm going down to eat.  Join me when you—" she met his surprised eyes and turned red.  "—later—sorry—ah—" She made a hasty retreat while the guys had a laugh at her expense.

Val slipped into the shower, while Xelloss and Zel finished stacking the boxes.  He was good for five minutes.  So was Zel.  Xelloss told them all to go ahead, he'd meet them in a bit.

To his surprise, Val, Zel, and Gourry were still waiting for him twenty minutes later.

"So—ya blow-dry yer hair?"  Val sneered.

"Well, yes.  Ever since I fell in October and had that gash on my head—it was Zelgadiss' idea.  Here try it!"  Xelloss begged Gourry.

"Hmmm, nice and soothing—Wow, it's sorta full and poofy too," Gourry shook his mane around.

Next Xelloss let Val try. "Turn your head upside down and do the underside first, then touch up the top—"

Val did as he was told, then stared at Xelloss. "Doncha dare tell anyone 'bout this!  Shit, what am I sayin'.  Ya know better right?  Don't add hair dressin' to yer talents, okay?  Hear me?"

Xelloss nodded.  Zelgadiss chuckled and slipped on his shoes.  Time to join the female half of the group—oh, joy!

Surprisingly, there was plenty of food left at the buffet.  Gourry cleaned up a couple dishes, Val did a good imitation of a human vacuum, and Zel and Xelloss ate heartily for a change.  Lina was smiling, when her mouth wasn't full.  Filia and Sylphiel had both put down an amazing amount of food, and were going back for seconds.  Amelia was in line for thirds when the boys entered.  Lina decided to hold out for dessert after trip number four through the buffet line.

"Weather's still good." Gourry smiled at Zel.

"That's good to hear." Zel returned the smile.  Yes, this was going to be a swell night, dadgumit!  He could tell.

"Hey, guys!  The kitchen's closing so if you want dessert, better come and get it!" shouted Lina from the dessert bar.

Zel passed.  Gourry thought he'd look it over.  Val agreed and loped along.  Xelloss was in a state of euphoria as he built a very large banana split.

"Oh, gross!" hissed Filia as he carried the overflowing bowl to the table.

Val thought she meant his three-high stacked pie under a flood of melting vanilla ice cream, "Huh?  Just pie.  Gotta problem with that too!"

She closed her eyes. "I do now!"

"Huh?  What did you have?"  Val asked, more hurt than he let on.

"Me?  I didn't.  I am watching my weight!" she sniffed and tossed her bounty of golden locks over her shoulder.

"Why?  Nothin' wrong with it that I see—" Val murmured and dove into his 'pie'.

"Me neither!" piped Gourry a bit too emphatically.  With both Lina and Filia baring down on him, even if it was just their eyes boring into him, his wit quickened measurably, so he added, "From over here—you look, umm, fine—" gulp.

Zel sipped a cup of coffee and watched the play enacted over the edge of his cup.  Gourry was rapidly digging his own grave, Val already had at least one foot in his and was tottering off balance, and Xelloss—well, he was as good as dead, He'd open his mouth sooner or later.   I on the other hand—am cool.  If I don't speak, I'm cool and mysterious.  If I say more than a word, I will be ground up and turned into— "What's that, Amelia?"

"I asked if you wanted to go back to the rooms—where it's quieter."

Don't look at her eyes-- that is how she does it—the 'damn Zelgadiss to hell' spell, Oh Gods, don't forsake me now!  Damn, they are blue, aren't they?

"Mr. Zelgadiss?  Maybe I should take you back—now—before you and Mr. Gourry leave—" Amelia said full of concern for Zel's well-being.  He was looking a bit wall-eyed.

Doing his best fish out of water imitation, Zel let her guide him out of the room.

"Where's he goin'?" Val asked.

"Escaping—while he can," Gourry whispered.

"What was that?" Lina asked with a dangerous glint in her eye.

Gourry pretended to choke on something to avoid answering.

"Yer a bunch of regular Houdini's, aren't cha?" Val smirked.

Xelloss had built a miniature ski-lift out of toothpicks and banana peels and was sending jellybeans slaloming down the other side of his ice cream mountain.

Sylphiel was watching his enactment of the last winter Olympics with a childlike fascination.  Val's attention had been riveted on Filia, not unusual, so he noticed the change in her facial features transition from aloof to horror to murderous intent.  He followed her gaze to Xelloss' bowl, as an energetic jellybean flew off course and made for Filia's hair.

Thinking fast, Val dislodged the goofball from his chair and nearly drop-kicked him out of the dining hall.  "Zel!" he shouted.  "Ya forgot somethin'!"

Lina laughed and pushed at Gourry. "Go on, see to it they all make it."

Gourry nodded and leaped like a gazelle out the door.

"Animals!"  Filia snorted.  "Like a zoo!  They look like humans, but they aren't, are they?"

"Nope!" agreed Lina.  "Give 'em ten years and they'll mellow out.  Five if you work at it."

"Why bother?" Sylphiel wondered, rising to leave.

"I don't know," Lina answered.

"Shall we try the pool now?" Filia asked.

"Sure!" Lina laughed.

This time Filia and Lina stood guard at the door while all the girls changed into their swimsuits.   Zel refused saying he sank like a rock and besides, he and Gourry were readying their stuff for their departure into the dark unknown.

 Amelia seemed intent on embarrassing Zel to the fullest extent possible.  She filled-to-overflowing a very revealing bathing suit and was imploring him fervently to 'be careful!' and 'watch out for creepers'  ('sneaker' waves are unusually large, dangerous waves that suddenly come out of nowhere and wash over, knock over, and often wash away tidepool explorers).  He was attempting to tear himself-- and his eyes--away while debating upon whether or not to correct her wave nomenclature.

 Lina kicked Gourry into action. "Save him, you idiot!"

Gourry was trying not to ogle the girls while also trying to listen attentively to Lina, "Save you, Lina?  What from?"  He saw no enemy, but heard Amelia cry out "Creepers!" so he gallantly swept Lina off her feet and carried her out the door.

"You can calm down now, Lina—no creepers out here!" he smiled cautiously.

"PUT ME DOWN!"  she screamed. "I meant, help get Zel outta there!  Now move it, jellyfish brains!"

"Oh, he's okay—Here he comes now!"  Gourry said as a lavender blur swept by.  "Bye, Lina.  See, ya later!"

Things settled down after that.  A little quiet midnight swimming, girls only.  Val and Xelloss played cards in their room until the girls returned, giggling and exhausted. 

"That a knock on our door?"

"Yeah, WHATTA YA WANT?"  Val yelled over his shoulder.

In came the girls.  "What's up?" asked Lina.

"Nothing, would you like to join us?" asked Xelloss politely.

"What should we do?" asked Amelia, hiding a yawn.

"Maybe the little girls should be good and go to sleep," suggested Val.

"Awwww, that's not fair!" one of them whined.

"It is late—" Xelloss said in a low voice.  "I could tell you another—story—"

"Eek!" squealed Sylphiel with a shiver, "Not another ghost story!"

"Well now," he began.  Val flipped off the lights, except the bathroom one, and then closed the door partway.  Xelloss stood up, eyes shining.  He was dark, wearing deep purple pajama bottoms and a long black robe.  Again, he had dropped his goofy sing-song voice and speaking in a low, spine chilling voice.

"Far off in the highest mountain peaks of Seyruun, you could find—the cavern of the dead, wherein lay the book of mysteries.  Or, so it was told in ancient lore of civilizations long gone.  The small group of treasure seekers was strong of heart and greed and was determined to reach the stronghold and find the book, at any cost.  For days, they climbed the mountain, searching for a sign, a trail, anything, but soon were lost in the white, cold, wind-swept plain leading to the range.

"To their dismay, no road or trail could be found up or out.  They were certain all was lost until—" he paused to open his eyes and look around.  Satisfied that everyone was listening, he continued, " a figure appeared—magically out of thin air.  It appeared to be a handsome young man wearing the garb of—a priest. 

"You won't live much longer if you don't find shelter soon!" warned the stranger.

"That much is obvious!" snapped a depressed kid covered with a hooded cloak.

"Do you know a safe place for us?" asked the beautiful, hot-tempered girl.

"Yes—"

"Take us there at once!" demanded the tall knight at their side, drawing his sword.

"It will cost you—" warned the priest.

"How unjust!" cried the little girl from behind the hooded boy.

"It had better not be much!" warned the beautiful, redheaded girl.

Lina's eyes narrowed at that reference. 

"Oh, the cost is not in gold, but to your souls!" said the priest.  "Follow me!"

The travelers had little choice.  Trust the priest and go with him, or freeze to death exposed to the elements.

They followed the priest a short distance to the entrance to a cave.  Inside burned a fire and warm blankets were stacked against one side.  The priest busied himself—he put on hot water for tea, and withdrew a loaf of bread and wedge of cheese.  He found a few sound apples and—"

"No more food!" begged Lina, "I'll puke!"

            "—beckoned for the weary travelers to join him.  The wind began to howl.  An unholy howl of hopeless horror.  The group shrank from the doorway and clustered around the fire.   The kind priest prepared their food and served them tea.  Then when they were relaxed and unprepared—"

            "Something awful is going to happen!" shrieked Sylphiel.  "I just know it!"

            Amelia cried out in alarm, "Oh!"

            Filia snuggled closer to Val, who pretended not to notice with difficulty.

            Lina wrapped her arms around her knees and shivered a little, "Knock it off over there!"

            Xelloss hid his eyes with his bangs and continued, " – the priest asked them why they were risking their precious lives.  What adventure could be worth so much?"

            The angsty boy answered, "My cure!"

            The little girl cried, "So he can be gorgeous looking again!"

            The beautiful girl said, "A book of all the spells and I will be powerful and rich and beautiful all at once!"

            The knight answered, "Yeah, all that stuff!"

            And the priest raised an eyebrow in wonder and asked, "You think you can find all that up here in the mountains?"

            "You betcha!  There's a cavern, kinda like this cave but filled with dead people—" began the beautiful girl.

            "Cause they died and someone stored em in there," clarified the knight.

            "—Yeah, kinda like this cave, like I said, and there's a very special book hidden in the cave.  That's what we are looking for!" she finished.

            The hooded boy drew his sword and pointed it at the throat of the priest, "Don't try and trick us, or I will kill you, understand?  What do you know of this place we seek?"

            "This might be the place you're looking for.  I did have a lot of trouble pushing aside those corpses to make room for more,  I mean—you!"

            GASPS

            The priest held aloft an ancient, weighty tome, "Could this be the Book you seek?"

            "My cure!  Give me that book!" demanded the hooded boy.

            "Yes!  He's searched so long and hard.  It would be so unjust of you to withhold it now!" cried the little girl.

            "That's mine. Gimme!" shouted the beautiful girl, her eye flashing with inner fire her--- ah—

            "Shall I kill him?" asked the knight, brandishing his sword like a fairy wand.

            In a flash, the book burst into flames ashes swirled in a magical wind.

            "NO!!!!" they cried.

            "Believe me," begged the priest, "There was nothing in it you wanted.  But much not meant for your eyes."

            Swords flashing the guys jumped at the poor priest.  He jumped back and cried out in alarm, "No! No Not me!  Save it for—"

            Meanwhile, outside, Gourry and Zelgadiss were huddled inside Gourry's old canvas tent from his scouting days.  It had taken them half an hour to set it up and two seconds for the wind to flatten it, before they finally located a slightly sheltered spot.  They could make out the glow of the resort not too far away.  The low sand dune to one side blocked some wind, to the other was a view of the ocean, if it had been light enough to see.

            "Tent's smaller than I remember," Gourry observed as he lay at an uncomfortable angle to fit all his length inside the tent.

            "When did you last use it?" asked Zel, scrunched up in a ball in a corner.

            "Musta been—ah, ten or twelve—"

            "Well, there you go, then.  You were a lot smaller then," sighed Zel, secretly wishing for his video controller, or computer, or his new bed, sage green and all.

            whooooooo

            "Wind's pickin' up.  Xelloss said a storm was blowin' in.  Somethin' 'bout birds and dark lines—" Gourry scratched his head.

            "He was probably right too.  Funny, he didn't say anything to me," mused Zel.

            plip—plop—plip, plip—plop

            "Rain, huh?" Gourry couldn't be fooled.

            "Yes."

            "Ummm—"

            ""What?  This is waterproof isn't it?" sputtered Zel.

            "Maaaybe, never tried it." Gourry tried to roll over onto his back.

            "Careful!  You might pull down the tent!" warned Zel.

            "Sorry—"

            whoosh

            "Really comin' down hard now," Gourry sighed.

            "Oh, joy—"

            spat! Thunk! Flip, flip, flip

            "What do ya think that was?" asked Gourry, suddenly sitting up.

            "No don't!  Don't touch the canvas or the water—" Zel croaked.

            drip, drip, drizzle

            "—will leak through and onto my head.  Shit Gourry!"

            "Let's get outta here!"  Gourry advised.

          Xelloss, really getting into his priest role, jumped back, hands raised to shield himself from the blows certain to end his life, and cried out in alarm, "No!  No!  Not me!  Save it for—the avenging spirits of the dead!  There they are at the door NOW!"

            Sylphiel screamed in holy terror and glommed onto one of Xelloss legs.  Amelia cried out, frightened to near panic stage, dove onto one of the beds, and disappeared under the covers.  Filia clamped onto the nearest thing, Val, and buried her face in his shoulder.  Val wrapped an arm around his prize and vowed to thank Xelloss passionately in the morning.  Lina, nearest the door, pressed her back into the nearest bed and clenched her teeth, bracing for whatever evil might try to force its way past their door.

            Xelloss folded his arms and stared, figuring that the two shadows flitting past the window moments before were about to materialize inside the room.  An inscrutable smile spread across his face.

          With SLAM, the door flew open.

           "Gah!" one of the figures gasped.  Dripping horrid slime, the tall, stringy one stepped forward and said, "Ahh, hi—um,  it's ah,  really wet out there—"

            "Gourry?  Gourry!  You're dripping wet—and you are dripping on ME!" shouted Lina, oozing sympathy.

            "Lina!  YOU'RE HERE?" gasped Zel, who had been busy ripping off his shoes and coat, and shirt, and had been about to remove his pants. 

            "Well, yeah—and Filia and Sylphiel—and Amelia too!  Hey, what were you thinking?  Zel?"  Lina screamed.

            "Amelia?  Holy Shit!  Where are my clothes?" He sounded desperate now. 

            Gourry looked like a wet golden retriever.  He looked at Zel's eye with one of his own, filled with sadness, "Um—back in the tent?"

            "Tent!?!  You were carrying the bags!  What did you do with them?"

            "You said 'put them down', so I did," Gourry squeezed some water out of his shirt and watched it join the pool at his feet.

            "What?!  I said 'we're about to DROWN!'  Oh---" he sank onto the floor and shivered tragically.

            "Don't worry!" piped up Xelloss. "Go take a hot shower and I'll find something for you.  You can have these, I can wear—um, Sylphiel, you'd better go back to your room now."

            Zel closed, not locked—there weren't any--, the door to the bathroom and stripped off the rest of his wet clothes and ducked into the shower.  Two showers in one day.  That's covers my week's requirements.  Now what?

            "Okay girls, bedtime story's over, time to go," sang Xelloss cheerfully.

            Val, reluctantly to be sure, released Filia and helped Amelia to the door as well.  They all had to hop the puddles left by Zel and the one that Gourry was still in the process of leaving.

            In the hallway Lina uttered a curse and stomped back to the boys' room.  She ran into Xelloss exiting the room with a solid 'thunk'.            "Get outta my way," she snarled.  "We left our key in OUR room—which is locked.  We'll havta go back through the bathroom."

            She pushed her way past Xelloss and, trailed by the other three girls, made for the bathroom.  Val barred the door.  "Uh, uh.  Zel's in the shower."

            "We aren't going into the shower and I'm sure he has the curtain drawn, but if you want to go first and warn him—" Filia snapped.

            "I'll do that!" advised Xelloss and slipped in first.  "Zelgaaaaadisss?"

            "What."

            "Just stay where you are.  Don't worry, the girls have to use this door since they locked themselves out.  They can't see a thing, just keep the water on and stay away from the curtain!  I'll go get you some dry towels and give you the all clear—OKAY?"

            "Wonderful, Xelloss.  Bring them through, bring them ALL through," he sighed.

            Four girls, two giggling, stormed through, doors banging.

           Then silence. 

           Xelloss had dragged Val out to help him break into the linen supply room near the kitchen loading area.  That's when he got another idea.

            "Take these back, but only give Zelgadiss a couple.  His hair doesn't even hold water, but I'm sure Gourry will need five for his hair alone.  Then hurry back, we've got some more to do," Xelloss said seriously.

            Val shrugged his shoulders and followed directions.  Without Zel around, someone had to keep an eye on the certifiable nutcase.

            Zel was grateful to finally get dry, and Gourry to get out of his wet stuff and into a hot shower. 

            "Gourry can wear my stuff—s'on the other bed.  Xelloss said those sweatpants are for you.  We'll be back later.  I gotta go see what—shit, just go to sleep,"  Val growled and made for the door.

            He found Xelloss skulking around the storage rooms.

            "Val?  Good for you!  I believe this is the one we're looking for." He smiled a sly smile and indicated a locker, locked of course.

            "Oh, yeah?  And ya want me ta open it too?"  Val asked as he tinkered with some metal tools on his keyring.  He opened the locker—"Raincoats?"

            "I noticed the grounds crew wearing identical coats and running about when we arrived yesterday.  So I knew they had to store them someplace.  Ah, one size fits all!  Get covered up.  It'll be wet and windy—Of course, we are going out there!  Their belongings will be buried at sea by morning if we don't, and Gourry will feel like the idiot he is and probably not be able to play bass tomorrow—oopsie!  Make that today!  See, flashlights and everything!"

            "Which way?"  Val asked from beneath the huge yellow raincoat and hat.

            "This way, I think-- Why?  Well, when I was telling that story, I saw them running like banshees from this direction.  I am a good observer!  No, not out that way.  I'm sure Zel had enough sense to camp near shelter—check the dunes over that way."

            Val was sure that he had found a dead body, but it was the tent half covered in sand.  He waved down his companion, and then unrolled the mess, "I got the bags—You can have the tent."

            Xelloss looked at the sandy wet mess with distaste, but proceeded to drag it back to the resort's garbage dumpster and deliver it from its misery.

            "He'll be so grateful for the bags, he'll forget the other gear.  I'm not that nice!"  Xelloss smirked at Val.

            "Hey, Gourry's cool," Val said a bit defensively.

            Xelloss raced back to the door they had left standing open.  Val followed and they tossed the wet stuff on the floor.

The room was dark and filled with the sounds of sleepers.  Zel in one bed, Gourry splayed out over the other.  Val dumped the bags at the foot of the beds.  "What now?"

            "That RV we drove in comes equipped with beds—" suggested Xelloss.

            Val started to shake his head.

            "You have a better idea?"  Xelloss asked.

            Their rain gear was dripping on the floor where they had tossed it minutes earlier.  Dressed for success, they once again battled the elements, and Val jimmied the doors to let them into the RV.  Xelloss searched for an instruction manual near the driver's seat.  "Got it!" shouted Val from the depths.

             Val had discovered how to operate the right combination of buttons and levers to lower two comfortable looking beds, already made up.  "Gods, your wonderful," sighed Xelloss sinking into his pillow finally.

           "Yer welcome, comes with livin' in a trailer park," Val smiled.  "If I ever wanted to re-enter a life of crime, I'd take ya in."

            "Thanks—I think," chuckled Xelloss.

            "Nah, I've given that life up—" Val mused.  "—now that I see that light at the end of the tunnel—"

            "Tunnel-- I've seen that," Xelloss echoed.  "Zelgadiss too.  He told me once that he woke up after the accident and found himself in a tunnel.  It went on and on, but here was some damn rope getting in his way, he couldn't go—down the tubes any further.  So he climbed the rope—"

            "Yeah?  What happened?"

            "He climbed out.  And holding the other end of the rope, was Lina," Xelloss sighed.

            "I get it now— Know how I met her?  Couple summers back I was workin a Rave, selling drugs for—Gaav—Ecstasy—when in comes this vision, wild and arm-in-arm with this girl my age named Nahga.  Now nothin's wrong with Nahga—never met her?  Amelia's sister—truly opposites in every, most every way—really built!  I hit on Nahga a bit, but I couldn't get my eye offa her little friend.  She introduced herself as THE Lina Inverse."

            Val sighed at the memory, then continued, "So we danced, she was so hot!  Well, I was havin' a great time, but I had ta work too—I pulled out some pills and offered some to a kid, Lina sees this, grabs the bag outta my pants—gutsy kid—and throws it into the crowd.  Gone.  Both the stuff and Lina."

            "The next time I saw her, and I looked, believe me—goin' to everythin'… dealin'—I had to!  It was at another Rave at the end of summer.  She was with Nahga and friendly, but left early again.  Then…"

"I didn't see her all year, so I figured she went to a different school—course I wasn't AT school much— I was caught and did time at juvie and, well-- Then last summer, I was skatin' late at the park with a few—guys when this tall blond kid bounces up and does some cool moves.  I knew he was different, so—good, honest—yeah, Gourry.  I wanted to be like him, deep inside, ya know?  So we talked some and met most days to skate."

            "Until—" prompted Xelloss.

            ""Yeah, we were doin' some flips when Lina comes walkin' by.  She sees me and waves and chatters like we've known each other forever.  I introduced her to Gourry and—I could feel – well, nothin' good anyway.  She told us she was goin' to get somethin' to eat and we, ah, needed to eat too so—we all started hangn' last summer.  I was in love and I knew she was outta my league, but I tried hard to –"

            "Be worthy?  I know the feeling—" Xelloss commiserated.

            "Huh?  Not you too?"  Val asked not holding back the wonder entering his voice.

            "Oh, yeah—me too-- What makes you think I'm somehow immune?  I even told her—yeah, I'm nuts, I know, but I couldn't help it!  I felt like I'd jump in front of a car for her and—I kinda did.  What?  Oh, I kissed her and she nearly killed me.  She hasn't forgiven me for that insult to her person yet!  But I'll not forget it—it's like my lifeline to sanity—sometimes."

           "Brave man---or just plain, no yer not stupid, that I know, naïve—that's the word I'm lookin' for," said Val.  "But—aren't you engaged now?"

            "Yep!  Another one of my inanities, I suppose."

            "That tunnel thing again, huh?"  offered Val.

            "Maybe.  I'm always looking for that rope--- course one time I found it and nearly hung myself with it—slit my wrists to be more exact—"

            "What?  Yer not kiddin'!"  Val sat up and stared into the shadows.

            "I'm about your age, Val.  I've only been able to tell Zelgadiss any of this—it's hard and embarrassing—you know that I was severely tortured.  I spent weeks being put back together—they shouldn't have bothered-- I was stuck in that tunnel for at least a year, meaning I was institutionalized for severe depression.  After a while I was allowed 'out' to exercise—which developed into three and four times a week at the dojo."

            "I went to high school part time last year, and played drums and worked out at the dojo—and downed anti-depressants.  This year, when I entered the school and saw Lina and Zel and all you guys talking together, I decided to stop the pills and face life – make friends.  The tunnel's still there, the rope keeps breaking, but—"

            "There's a light?"  Val asked.

            "A glow— But what about you?  Gaav hasn't been found?"

            "Nah, he be won't either—connections all over, some syndicate links I don't know much about.  He came to Seyruun lookin' for two things, I know, so he'll be back."

            "What kind of things?"  Xelloss asked.

            "Some staff.  I don't know who's though.  Priest staff, you know what I mean?  Could be from some dude, dead guy, he called the Red Priest—or maybe from some woman, ah—Zelas, that's it.  I remember it 'cause it's sorta like your name.  When I started high school, I thought it might be the principal.  I dunno, if it was, he didn't tell me.  They're all part of some crime lord thing, and I want no part of it—Hey, you still awake?"

            "Oh, yes, very, but not for long.  We should get some sleep.  The band's gotta go on, right?"  Xelloss asked.

            "Shit, that's right—Don't wake me 'til ya gotta," Val warned his friend and fell instantly to sleep.

            Xelloss lay awake much longer, thinking—Red Priest—Zelas—crime lords—

            "Um, Xelloss?  You up?  Hey, sorry to do this, but, ahhh—Lina says its time to move, eat, ya know, before we gotta work," Gourry said as gently as possible.  "And thanks for the bags—that was you, huh?"

            Yawning, Xelloss nodded and said, "Val too—he found the stuff—Is he awake?"

            "Ah, I don't know if he's alive," said Gourry leaning over the still form.

            "Tell him Lina's on her way to kick butt.  He'll move—Oh, let me!  That sounds like fun!  Oh, Val-ly boy?  Lina's here and she's really mad, so you had better open your eyes and—That's right!  Rise and shine, it's another beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor—Would you be mine?  Eek!"  Xelloss dodged a few well-placed blows with ease and flew out the door behind Gourry.

            Breakfast was buffet-style, as promised.  And the gang dug in like sailors on leave.  The storm of the night before had miraculously dissipated with the coming of dawn leaving a few soft clouds to float past the sun beaming through the windows.  After eating, the band trooped under Lina's command out onto the beach for a long, forced march.

            "Fresh air and exercise—and a good night's sleep.  Great place, eh?"  Lina skipped merrily along looking for shiny pebbles and throwing crab claws at anyone she could hit.

            Xelloss was cheerful.  He was nearly skipping.  He found a length of seaweed and was attempting to tie up Filia and Sylphiel; he caught Amelia in another burst of energy and added her to his 'harem'.  Lina stayed out of reach until he sped after her, leaped, and tripped her up.  They both fell laughing onto the wet sand, and she threw another dead crab part at him and jumped up.  The race was on again, but he was much faster and caught her every time.

            Val, Gourry, and Zelgadiss found the fun infectious, and so in time they too joined in the chase, of whoever got free and ran.  Zel was the first to turn the game around and head back to the resort, at a slower pace this time.  Xelloss took turns waltzing with everyone, Val included, down the beach.  Gourry put Amelia on his shoulders and treated her to a free ride and view of the world from the height of a giant.  Filia, Sylphiel, and Lina joined arms and sang 'Joy to the World'.  Zel helped Filia get something out of her eye, only to be displaced by Val who had 'superior' vision.  Sylphiel and Zel tried a rhyming game, but Zel won every time, so she gave up and joined Gourry.  Amelia found Zel and hopped beside him singing a silly tune.  Lina walked alongside Xelloss and talked.  Soon they were back at the resort and it was time to set up equipment, change into costumes and earn their keep.  They were much refreshed!

            By late afternoon as the sun was sinking and the gig over a last, Gourry drove the RV out of the lot and back on the road home.  Everyone agreed the trip was a great idea and that they should do it again, very soon—well pretty soon—well sometime, anyway! 

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

End Seyruun High Jinx Chapter 29