(((.-)) Zel |||^.^||| Xelloss |{{^.^}}| Lina |((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^)) Amelia |))-.-((| Val
Chapter 37
THE SLAYERS
Tuesday morning.
The Tuesday morning announcements included: Go to your regularly scheduled classes today. Wednesday and Thursday use the final schedules. The final schedules are available at the office. Friday is grading day; there are no scheduled classes, however, make-up tests may be scheduled.
"I know that yesterday was unusual, but that just gave you all another day to complete your writing project, which was to write a humorous poem…with a twist. The final exam will cover everything up to, but NOT including the material on the worksheets you are turning in today. Any questions? No, that material will not be covered, as I JUST said! Now then, when I call your names, I would like you to stand and read your poem. If there are questions, you will answer them, understood? Good. First… Filia…" the teacher dove into the material like a cat into catnip.
Filia stood always willing to be the center of attention, but somewhat reluctant to be the first, "Okay, here goes…It's called 'Tree Story,' because it's the only thing I could think of… Ahem
There was a tree whose leaves were green and felt itself alive,
So much that it pulled up its roots and took off for a drive.
It jumped a rig filled high with logs and set in for a ride,
And at night amongst the load the funny tree would hide.
Until one eve he lay down and snuggled with the timbers,
And recognized that all were kin and some looked like his sisters.
Another could have been his aunt, save for some missing limbs,
And then he spied his uncle too, his cousin, then the twins.
Ho! How is it that you all are here, a travelling this fair road?
I thought I was the bravest one quite curious and bold!
So silently you lie and wait so quiet and so still…
He wondered… what enchantment's this? Like going to a mill?
And then… Cousin, sisters, uncle, aunt, they all began to roll,
Oh yes, the twins and he did too join others down below.
Where a miller pushed them on and trimmed them all to planks.
He sawed them, he nailed them up, and surprise… the tree gave thanks.
For now together they will be a family joined and all,
To line the floors and walls and roofs of some suburban mall."
There were a few gasps followed by chuckles and Lina's outright laughter, "A 'save the trees' poem in disguise. Good job, Filia!"
There were a couple of questions, but mostly the class just wanted to say they liked its weirdness. So did the teacher, naturally because Filia was a favorite.
The teacher called on some other kids then… "Xelloss, you may read your poem."
Xelloss stood, smiled and began: "It's called 'In the Light of the New Moon'.
Bright rays of sun shown on his face in the shadows dark,
The cloudy morn was cheerful in the clarity of sky and hymn of lark.
Great joy spread as frowning eyes hid his open smile,
Then sorrowing, he laughed with joy, and in delight he wept with anguish then sang the wordless song of triumph and of trial.
He looked down at the bird above, then up to see his noisy feet tread silent on the path,
There she stood an icy wind who blew both warm and dry and he felt the loving touch of her most kindly wrath.
Then he knew… the day I shall be free begins the moment I see the light of the new moon."
"Ah… that's it," Xelloss smiled and sat down.
Zel and Lina exchanged glances. "That was about him. He is so messed up…"
The teacher called on one student who had raised his hand, "Like… the new moon is dark…did you know that?"
Xelloss nodded, "Yes."
"That's what made it so damned funny, moron!" snapped Lina.
The teacher shot her a warning look and called on another kid, who asked. "So where did the path take him? You didn't say…"
Xelloss cleared his throat, "Um… to his destiny… no where… it doesn't matter he's trapped forever anyway."
Without waiting to be called on another kid sitting nearby asked, "So what's so funny about that? It's supposed to be a humorous poem."
Xelloss plastered on his smile and said, "He knows living is futile, but he's hopeful anyway. You laugh at kids like that everyday so they must be funny. Anyway, it's the wordplay that makes it humorous, not the subject matter… dark humor you see…twisted." His voice trailed off to silence. He hadn't expected to read the poem in front of the class. It exposed more about him than he wanted revealed.
The teacher called on several other students, then Zelgadiss.
Zel cleared his throat and began, " Fortune Cookie:
After the mess was cleared away
The dishes smeared with uneaten food and clutter
All that was left were the cups and cooling tea.
The conversation languished
The patron's face grew anguished
He clutched his chest in pain yet paid his fee.
Ah, the cookies arrived and he broke one, his heart a-flutter
Then died. The fortune read, 'This is your lucky day!'
Xelloss snickered from behind, "Complicated rhyme scheme!"
The teacher called on a different student, who asked, "So the guy wasn't annoyed by the expense of the meal, he was having a heart-attack?"
"Ah, yes," Zel replied.
"Yeah…that makes it pretty funny," responded the same kid.
"Thanks," Zel said.
Toward the end, the teacher called on Lina.
"Okay. This works better if ya look at it too so I'm gonna write it on the overhead too… click. It's called 'Outside the Box'…
EXTRAORDINARY
Canary
SPECIAL
Yellow
ONE OF A KIND
Recliner
DIFFERENT
End
REMARKABLE
Table
I am UNIQUE, OUTSIDE THE BOX!
I sit on my canary yellow recliner
And watch the box setting on the end table
Admiring my physique sitting outside the box."
The admiration from her friends was all she needed, but she answered the stupid questions from everyone else with unusual poise.
Xelloss whispered, "Now that's the coolest rhyme-scheme yet…"
Zel smiled just a little, "Just like you, Lina…"
Lina returned his half-smile, then paused to wonder if he had meant the poem was like her or the rhyming.
By lunchtime, a definite change had occurred in Lina. Gourry charged to the lunch table, paper in hand, no lunch, and an expression of horror etched across his face. Lina jumped to his side and clutching a similar paper screamed, "YOU SAW IT TOO????!!!!!"
Zel was in line buying a bagel, when he heard her cry. He fled the snack bar and flew towards the anguished pair. "What is it?"
"Did you see the schedules? For finals… look!" Lina stuffed the paper into his face.
Zel scanned it, brow furrowed, "So? Looks fine to me."
Gourry helped him out a bit by pointing out the missing information, "There's no LUNCH … either day!"
Zelgadiss believed himself to be a tightly controlled person, but now he was starting to care, to care about these idiots, er… friends. His heart was pounding, adrenaline flowing readying him for a pending crisis. So, what was the problem? NO LUNCH SCHEDULED! All that stress over food! Gahhh! As he felt the anger brewing, he wondered if he should just let go or…
"No problem!" came that oh so familiar sing-song voice. "I have the new schedules right here! I saw the mistake this morning and fixed the computer problem. Here, Gourry…Lina, take one. Zelgadiss, would you like…" Xelloss smiled impishly at his friend, who was in no mood for a joke.
Zel batted the offending paper out of his friend's hand. "Better yet… just get a drink and find other company…" Zel mumbled to Lina. "I can't believe he's back to his old tricks again. FIXED the program… screwed the program… Well two can play at that," he growled some more and stomped back to the snack bar.
Amelia joined the group at the table and asked, "Where's everybody?"
"You mean 'where's Zel?' …" Filia smiled at Amelia, "He's sulking with the Draconians. Lina thinks he's mad at Xelloss for messing with the scheduling program, but he couldn't have done anything that big, so Zel's probably just being moody. But Val and … oh, here's Sylphiel… Hi!"
"Hi" Sylphiel smiled and looked over the group. "He's not here…Val. He never made it to Math today!"
"Or history," added Gourry, happy with his new and improved schedule and a warm slice of pizza.
Lina's head snapped up, "No Val? That can't be good, not with finals starting tomorrow. Anyone see Sano, let me know…"
"Lina?"
She broke away from her sandwich to look up, "Yeah? Oh, Allan. What can I do for you this time?"
"It's more what I can do for you!" he smiled and her eyes narrowed. His charm was lost on her today. "A great fan of yours asked me to pass this on to you."
Amelia remembered to be polite, "Oh Mr. Schezar, we wanted to thank you for suggesting our band for the Valentine Dance. That was very thoughtful of you!"
"My pleasure, Amelia. Hmmm, looks like you're missing a few…Oh, I see one of them is at my table. He's so like Van, don't you think, Gourry?" Allan turned to his fellow fencer.
"Ahhh, kinda moody, course I don't know Van so good. Zel's… got some problems, but he's super smart… good friend… sharp guitarist…" Gourry left off. Zel was too good a friend for him to talk about him behind his back. Gourry was a man of honor, no doubt about it.
"Hmm, not so much alike then. Hello Filia, see you at the basketball game this weekend? There's a whole contingent of guys who go just to see you, all of you… you too Sylphiel. Well, I'll leave you to your note, Lina. Later!" Allan patted her head and left.
"Oh…he's so…dreamy…" Sylphiel sighed.
"Sleazy…" Amelia supplied.
"Available. I hear he broke up with his latest conquest. Lina? Watch it, he's paying you a lot of attention lately," Filia smirked.
Gourry made a point of noisily stuffing trash into a sack and removing his trays. He strode over to the garbage cans and dumped the trash then added his trays to the growing stack on a rack nearby. He was in no hurry to return. He knew Filia was dying to gossip about relationships, and he knew Lina was not. He was unsure about his status with her, which made listening to Lina deny that there was anything between them hurt. That might change…someday…soon, but not today at the lunch table, he was certain. He was not concerned about Allan Schezar. He would make no inroads with his violent, controlling Lina Inverse. Gourry no longer worried about Val and, from what he'd gleaned from Zel, mostly, Lina did not return Xelloss' obvious feelings either—regardless of that entire Kiki mystery. That left Zel. Lina and Zel. They were so alike, so close…they spoke a secret language. Gourry suspected that they were not aware of it. That was an insurmountable wall to penetrate. He sighed, and smiled, thinking of Amelia… on the other side of that wall. Funny what things they all shared…
"Time to go back. Lina's shakin' her head…now she's lookin' for me…" he smiled, satisfied to be included.
In his absence, Filia continued, "So… is it true? Lina. Don't give me that look… Gourry's family seems to think you're nearly part of it…Is he your boyfriend…officially?"
There was no better way to get everyone's undivided attention than to ask a personal question point-blank. Lina was reading the note, but on hearing the question, blushed to her roots and sputtered in Zel-fashion, "Filia! Mind your own business and forget what little kids tell you. No. No. No. I'm not anybody's anything, get it! Now listen to this…now where did HE get off too…oh, there. Sit down Gourry, this is important. Our fan, and may I add a clever and far-seeing one… suggests that we, the Slayers, make a recording. The suggestion is to use Macross Studios…same as the Suzaku Seven. Good idea, huh? Course it'll cost something…"
"I'll find out!" Amelia cried. "It would be exciting to have a CD to sell at concerts!"
While they were discussing the possibility, Xelloss spotted Sano and waved him over.
"Betcher lookin' for Val, huh?" Sano pushed a shock of wild brown hair out of his eyes and folded his arms. "Well…he broke curfew and got in real late last night…roughed up too. Some oafs after him. I'll tell him you asked. But to get him here tomorrow, I could use some help. Any you guys have a car?"
Xelloss looked off into the distance, "Zelgadiss will pick him up, if you ask."
"But not if you do, huh? Yeah, I know how that can be…I'm a go-between for the two most inept friends in the world. I mean Kenshin's cool and all but when it comes to girls, er, women…Ah, well…I'll go talk to Zel then…" Sano nodded to Xelloss and departed toward the Draconian cultist table.
"There goes another one…" Sylphiel sighed.
"Losers all," proclaimed Filia. "Those good-looks spoils them all…or is it having a girlfriend…" she laughed at her own silliness too.
"Ah… I was looking for…Zelgadiss?" A tall upper classman stood scratching his head and looking over the table. His question was met with silence, so he pulled out Zel's chair and sat down between Xelloss and Amelia.
It wasn't that they were unfriendly to most kids, but some were the clingy sort that once let in, never went away. This kid, Xelloss had discovered, was one of those kids, as was Martina. He was one too, but he had worked out a kind of acceptance with Lina's group over the past four months.
"Hi, Hojo," Xelloss said, his ubiquitous smile faint. "Zelgadiss is sitting over there, see?"
Hojo smiled nervously and adjusted his glasses. "That's okay. I can talk to you about it…you know Sango…Miroku…Kagome…" He patted Xelloss on the shoulder.
That was the other problem with the guy; too 'hands on'. Amelia was often like that, which disturbed an introvert like Zel to death at times. Sylphiel was also, to some extent, but mostly showered her attention on Gourry. Xelloss was learning to curb his natural urges, through physical force from Lina and the others, for the most part. Let the girl make the first move or get blown to bits. Hojo was a bit too close for comfort.
Xelloss shifted in his seat, "Oh really? What's up?"
Hojo sighed, "It's Kagome…I give her gifts…ask her out…You know we did make it to the ice cream shop, but then she just took off all the sudden. Her health isn't good at all, you know!"
Xelloss thought about the few times that he'd met that bundle of energy. She exuded well-being and fitness! "So…you're worried about her health?" he said, but he thought, "Get to the point…"
Hojo's face saddened, "It's all that travelling with the international debate and political exchange program…I know it! She's gone for weeks at a time."
Amelia couldn't stand it, that was her interest too, "It doesn't take that much time! I make plenty of time for my friends and the SLAYERS too! I think she likes to visit with her other friends…the ones you mentioned and…Xelloss, what's that other one, the scary looking guy with the white hair?"
"Inu… Hojo, I think they're close. Maybe you should just back off and explore new territory yourself. Say, Sylphiel over there…" Xelloss said as he started to get out of his seat and sneak off.
Hojo jumped up, grabbing at Xelloss' arm and crying out, "Yes! Miroku's a priest at Sylphiel's temple so I could keep better track of Kagome! Oh, I'm so glad I talked to you about this…Hey, it's almost time for class…I'll walk you to computer lab!"
Lina snickered at Xelloss' obvious discomfort at the suggestion, "Yeah, you keep a eye out for the jocks too! Be sure Xelloss doesn't get lost now! Ha, ha, ha!"
Filia laughed as well, "I didn't know anyone could be more annoying than Xelloss! Where did that nerd come from?"
"Remember the bake sale for the archery club? Well, Zel saved him from certain death at the hands of a jealous non-boyfriend of Kagome's…" Lina said waving a celery stick around out of Gourry's reach.
"Ooh yeah, the Inu Yasha guy on the motorcycle…I did his nails…er, claws in black and red. He's yummy all right and looks like he really could shred a guy like Hojo. That was nice of Zel. So… now?" Filia laughed and grabbed the celery stick for herself.
"Zel told me Xelloss has to 'save' the geek's computer all the time too. So anyway, now he's starting to hang around them." Lina sighed and started cleaning up her lunch mess. "Zel's surly enough to keep him at bay, but Xelloss…He's gotta learn or suffer…or maybe they'll become friends."
The bell signaled the end of lunch for another day.
The computer lab was lively as the final projects were shown off. Zel and Xelloss demonstrated the video equipment and software then finished with another showing of the Slayers' video. For those who had missed the lunch presentation, this was their first viewing. Most everyone was a bit amazed that the two nerdiest guys in class were a part of a cool rock band. Instant respect was truly gratifying.
"I hope you'll be returning for next semester," the teacher told them in private. "You make quite a pair!"
Zel nodded. Xelloss shook his head, "I may not. I have a full plate of extras coming up. Besides, I think we need the space…we share several classes, friends, and a house…step brothers!"
"Oh! I guess that is a lot of time to spend together. I'm pleased you could get along so well and do this project. It's been a pleasure having you both to help out," she smiled and engaged some other students in conversation.
"You have no idea…" muttered Zel. He felt like punching his 'friend' out and wished the day was over. Then he remembered they had karate together after school. "God, why did I decide to do that? At least I had the presence of mind to stick with the sensei for a while…and not Xelloss."
Tuesday late afternoon.
After leaving the Dojo, Zel broke the silence. "The reason that I drove today was to stop by Val's. So we're going there now, all right with you?"
Xelloss nodded, "You're the driver. Why bother asking me?"
Zel didn't take his eyes off the road to answer. "In case you were wondering…So what's with the attitude?"
"Attitude? MY attitude? You're walking attitude! And… and you stuck me with Hojo at lunch. You know the others wouldn't help. He's so …blind! He's crazy about a girl who's obviously interested in someone else and…can't get the message even when it's spelled out in plain English! What? Come on, even I'm not that dense," Xelloss squirmed.
"Just glad I missed that conversation…" Zel smirked.
"Yeah…and he's so…chummy, you know?" Xelloss rested a hand on Zel's shoulder for emphasis.
"Oh, yeah…he reminds me of you at the beginning of school. RE-MINDS ME, I said. Hair's different…heh, heh…don't give me that look. That's my glare. Trademark Zelgadiss Glare, Slayers Co."
"I wasn't chummy, I was friendly…Did you know that that friend of Sango's, Miroku, is a priest at the shrine? I didn't either…Hojo told me…Yes, I'm bringing that guy up again. I mentioned that he should branch out and suggested Sylphiel," Xelloss said, removing his headband and smoothing down his hair.
"Trying to get in Lina's good graces again, by getting Sylphiel out of the picture? Actually, Sylphiel and Hojo aren't a bad…ah, shit, now you're getting me to start pairing up friends. I will not do it!" Zel insisted. "Here we are. I hope all the hubcaps are on by the time we leave…"
Val opened the door. He wasn't looking great.
"Yo," he greeted the two, holding open the door. "Not much room for visitors…"
"Val?" Zel frowned. "What happened to you?"
"Awww, Jillas and Gravos tried to warn me last week. Gaav's near. How near? Don't know, but he sent one of his henchmen after me…Saygram. Ever heard'a that one? No? Well, we argued. I said I was done with drugs, robbin', whatever…in return…three broken ribs and a black-eye." He grinned over at Sano, "Good thing Megumi's a trained medic. She can doctor me anytime, heh, heh…"
"Gaav…" gasped Zel. "So what did you have to agree to…oh, I know you had to accept something because you're still alive."
Val looked away. He wiped his nose where a ring had been ripped out. "I said I'd join up, if he came back and asked me personal-like. I'm hopin' he won't. I don't know what'll happen if he does…'
Xelloss slammed his hand down on the table and opened his eyes wide, "I'm going to risk my life in a very dangerous game of cat and mouse, the mouse being Gaav, I hope. If I survive that, I'm going for bigger prey. I need to know which side you are going to be on…it's not a joke. This is for real!"
Val gaped, stunned by Xelloss' sudden outburst. Zelgadiss nodded toward Sano, then said in a low voice, "Come for a ride, we need to talk."
Xelloss nearly ripped the door off the car and fell into the back seat. Val slipped into the passenger's seat beside Zel. They drove around the block and parked in an out-of-sight location. "All right. Let's save the posturing and just talk," Zel began, "What Xelloss said was the truth. I didn't want Sano to hear any more so…what do you say, Val? What if I told you we will have back up…the mayor's office, police, the Shrine, lawyers…yeah, the one that got you off before."
Val looked back at Xelloss' frowning face and at Zel's expressionless visage, "This plan of yours…had better be good…"
Tuesday night.
Zelgadiss was typing at his computer when he heard a soft knock on his door. "What?" he said as he minimized the work on the monitor to hide it and rose from the chair. "Just a minute…I don't think it's locked, come in."
It was Xelloss. His best friend usually, but not the person he wanted to talk to now. He was annoyed at him for playing the 'scheduling' prank, among other things he'd put out of his mind.
"Ah…hi," Xelloss smiled weakly and plopped onto Zel's beanbag chair.
Zel stood, arms crossed over his chest, and replied, "I'm busy so get to the point."
Xelloss's eyes flickered up at Zel's then down at his hands. "Okay…How did you learn to drive? Not Rezo, obviously."
That caught Zel off guard. "No. Not him. A friend of his… no scratch that… one of his enslaved graduate students in the chemistry department. Why?"
"Why do you think?" Xelloss spat, tears welling up in his eyes. "How many eighteen year old guys do you know who can't drive? And don't say Val, cause he drives…he just can't get a license."
Zel couldn't think of any. Xelloss wiped his face with his sleeve and struggled for control. "Would you teach me?" Xelloss asked, the pain in his voice causing it to crack.
Ouch! That had to hurt! thought Zelgadiss, then aloud asked, "When can you get a permit?"
Xelloss took a deep shuddering breath, "Not for another two months, but I'd like to get in some practice before then."
Zel strode over and kneeled next to his friend. "If you do something in return."
Xelloss nodded.
Zel waited until he looked up at him. "This is important. I want you to call Dr. Adams, now, tonight and make an appointment to talk to him. First, anti-depressants shouldn't keep you from getting a license. Second, you need help. Before I lay my life on the line with you…and I'm not talking about driving lessons now—at least I hope not—I want you as stable mentally as possible. I'm not trying to be critical here, but you need some help--the kind I can't provide—before something unimaginable happens. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"
Xelloss looked back down at his hands and nodded.
Zel continued, "Listen, you're my friend, an important one I don't want to lose. I don't think you're crazy or anything, just…just talk to him…I'll go with you, if that would help."
Xelloss looked up and spoke at last, "Okay, give me the phone. I'll call him now."
Wednesday morning.
Finals.
Lina was taking Spanish. She had no idea why she had chosen that language as her 'second' out of the myriad languages of the world she had to choose from. Ah, yes…Luna's idea. Well, now she was stuck in it. She needed to take three years of a foreign language, this was the second year, and, damn, she was going to get it over with. 'Course she had to take the final now…verbs…vocabulary…write a story? Now that was fine. Lina could write. She had a terrific imagination and a way with words, even in Spanish. Okay, this test would be fine…
Zelgadiss turned in his German final fifteen minutes early, so he was first to take the oral exam. No sweat. He could gargle with the best of them.
"That's fine, Zelgadiss. If you wish you may stay here and read or go to the library," the teacher smiled at the scarred boy with the strange wiry hair.
"Ah, I'll go…thanks," he muttered and flew out the door.
Xelloss translated a text handed him by the teacher without so much as pausing to catch his breath.
"That was fine, Xelloss…but what's the rush? You may take all the time you need, you know?" the teacher asked.
"Ah…I need to use the restroom…if it's okay…"
"Oh, of course…and no need to return, just go to the library and read until your next class.
"Hi."
"Ah, yeah, hi, Xelloss."
"Done early, huh?"
"Yes…you too?"
"Sometimes I could just scream…I'm so bored…" Xelloss sighed.
"Yeah, well…not here…library..." Zel warned.
"Chess?"
"Why not?"
The science final was a one-hour multiple choice followed by lab 'unit' cleanup and inventory. The fruit-fly jars were carefully checked and returned to the storage cabinet. Of course, some kid managed to drop one of control bottles sending a cloud of flies into the air. Zel and Xelloss devised a trap using an orange slice from Lina's lunch as bait. Lina swatted nearly as many as they caught, merely using her rolled up 'unit' check-off list, proving that simple was often times best.
At lunch, it was a welcome relief to see Val and Zel smiling and returned to the fold. Gourry was in good spirits, bringing over a box of MilkDuds to share with everyone.
"Hey, this one's heart-shaped! See, here's the valves and veins…" Lina exclaimed, smiled his way and popped the candy into her mouth. "Ha, this was my worst day of finals and it's almost over…I know I aced the Spanish and science and I have only the math test left! I am soooo good!"
She nearly giggled, then made a grab for Gourry's box of candies. He was expecting the move, so quickly covered the box with his hand and raised his arm, holding the candy many feet out of her reach. "Zel!" he shouted, as Lina bounded into his arms.
The candy box flew to Zel's upraised hand. Lina scrambled off Gourry and stood measuring the distance to Zel. He decided to take no chances, caught Val's eye and tossed the box his way. Filia ducked. She sat between Val and Lina and didn't want to be accosted. "Not my hair! Stay away from my hair!" she shouted and laughed at the same time.
As Lina lunged, the box flew over the table to Xelloss, who caught it and waved it teasingly. Her eyes narrowed, fangs appeared…now here was someone she could take out…if only she could jump the table…that's when she felt two warm hands encircle her waist, holding her still.
"Ahhhh…better not…if you do, he'll just throw it back to Val or me…and you'll be on the table…or him," whispered Gourry's equally warm breath in her ear.
She turned her flaming eyes onto him. EEK! He released his grasp on Lina's waist with haste.
"For that…I get the box and everything in it, plus…another one all to myself…now," she displayed a little more fang.
"Ahh…right, Lina!" he gulped and smiled uneasily. "I need that box, Xelloss…" Gourry asked warily, not wanting to take his eyes off of Lina—and miss protecting himself from an oncoming punch—or the flying box. "Got it" he sighed as the box was safely returned to him. "Hereya go, Lina."
"Don't forget!" she winked and emptied the candy into her hand. "Ha, another heart to eat!"
Lina's favorite subject was not math, at any time, in any form. Her approach to problem solving was unorthodox, involving a lot of hand waving and talk. Lina could talk her way around anything, even math, to a point. "I mean it's close to… something like… then you just wave…and that's the answer … close enough!"
Often, Lina's answer was correct. Just not in math. In math, she had to memorize the theorems and follow the rules in exacting terms and detailed analysis. That was right up Zel's alley and, strangely, Xelloss' too, but it was not Lina's way.
Lina entered the classroom and took her seat near the back of the room. She pulled out her 'lucky' Zel mechanical pencil and waited. The teacher passed by, placing her test form face down on the desk. Lina turned it over and… a happy face was stamped across the front page. Joy and relief washed over her like a tsunami. This meant she didn't have to take the final. She could accept her grade as is and leave...or take the test and go for a better grade. Her grade was fine. Lina packed up and left, handing the teacher her test with her name at the top and the happy face decorated with little horns and fangs.
Wednesday afternoon.
Val joined the others for band practice. Xelloss brought in a kitchen chair so that he could sit comfortably and play the keyboards. They spent most of their time on the new songs.
Lina was frustrated with hers, "I just can't get into this song…"
Zel snapped, "Why don't you let someone else sing it then!"
Lina considered his words for a moment… "Martina! I'll teach her myself and get her to do it for the Valentine Dance. That ought to get her off my back for good!"
Sylphiel and Filia were folding paper cranes while Lina and Amelia worked through the vocals for Xelloss' song. "So I noticed that basketball player you were talking about…he's in my math class too. I sat behind him during the final today…hope I pass it!" she giggled. "Would you really go out with him if he asked?"
"Ohhhh…I don't know…" Filia drawled. "It's sooo much trouble living on the settlement and getting around on dates. Plus I'd have to introduce him to my family first and that's a drag…I don't know if he's really worth all that trouble after all…Look at that nail! I need to repaint them. Wanna help?"
Sylphiel smiled and pulled out a bottle of polish that matched. "So who is worth the trouble?"
Filia sighed and said carelessly, "Nobody… but any one of these guys would work…" then she added to show that she really didn't care for them: "They've been introduced and we get together often already so it wouldn't be like any trouble."
"Hmmm," smiled Sylphiel. "Wanna change colors? I was thinking green…were you thinking green or… purple?"
"Okay we've decided how to do it! Come over and learn our part!" cried Amelia to the other two singers. "Oh since there's no school Friday, can we get together for practice early?"
"That's right…Hey, we can do the Goodwill Tour and replace some of our costumes. We won't be so rushed!" Lina added.
"Good, then we have more time on Saturday to rest before the basketball game, right Filia?" smiled Sylphiel.
"The what? Oh yeah, our cheerleading…" Filia smiled back.
"I got nothing ta do, wanna go to the game, Lina?" Gourry asked.
"Ah…"she gasped not knowing what to say, "Amelia? Xelloss, Val…"
"Oh I'm going for sure, Miss Lina. The Van can take us all!" she cried out.
"Xelloss is working so…" Zel began, hoping to attach himself to that excuse.
"Oh...that's too bad, then we'll just pick up you, Miss Lina, and Mr. Gourry up...then Mr. Val., because the cheerleaders have to be there extra early!" Amelia smiled. "Oh! There's the van now! Have to go! Bye Mr. Zelgadiss, bye Mr. Xelloss!"
Then it was done and over with and Zelgadiss was left wondering how he could get out of going to a basketball game. He glared at Xelloss, who was snickering behind his back. "It's NOT funny. All right…you cook dinner tonight and I'll watch. That's what I thought, so you help me get out of going to that game…think of something…while you're chopping onions…Yes, and Dr. Adams made time to see you…us…this evening so we'd better move it!"
Wednesday evening.
"Hello boys. It's been a few weeks… How is your shoulder, Zelgadiss?" asked the good Dr. Adams.
"It's fine, thank you. We're not here for me, you know," Zel said quietly.
"Yes. I know, Xelloss told me he wanted to talk. I'm listening…what's on your mind?"
"Why do I have to wait six months before getting a drivers license? I just took anti-depressants!" Xelloss said, shaking with nervous energy.
"The list of medications you were taking was very complex and included treatment for schizophrenia. Did you know that? No? Seems odd considering that you'd been admitted to the hospital following a … frightful experience. I tried asking my father about the case, but he refused to speak to me…curious…"
"And if I told you why, you'd probably conclude I was delusional and let them lock me up! I've heard enough. It was a mistake coming, just forget it…Let me go, Zelgadiss!" Xelloss shouted angrily at both friends.
Zel didn't budge. He blocked Xelloss' path to the door. Dr. Adams gently pulled him back into his chair. "Please, Xelloss. Sit down and give me a chance. There is nothing you could tell me that I would consider delusional. You seem extremely stressed right now, and I believe for good reasons too. If you let me, I can help you with that for a start…then we can move on to other concerns."
Xelloss closed his eyes and let his head fall back on edge of the chair back. "Okay… I just…want to … be normal…but there's not much hope for that…is there, doctor?"
"You're here. That's good. I think you're a remarkable person to have survived and be doing so well. That means you're very strong. I will see to it that you pull through, intact and become…normal. I've known you a long time and never have you shown any symptoms of schizophrenia. Just…trauma. How about you, Zelgadiss, will you be joining us? Call it a group session?"
Zel looked at Xelloss, who nodded, "I wish you would…keep me honest…our story is just too unbelievable…"
"Doctor, what we are going to tell you will put your life in danger. Your father knew this, which is why he's not talking. You can still back out," Zel warned.
Dr. Adams picked up his note pad and pen and shook his head, "Why don't you begin Xelloss…with your mother…"
So the story was unveiled. Rival factions fighting for control, of inheritances and secrets. Zel added a fact here, a confirmation there, and comforting word of confidence when it was needed.
"And so, Nels Lahda and Mayor Phil are planning to help as well as McGywn. Val's…" Zel stopped. The doctor was smiling.
"Sounds like some medical support may come in handy, though I hope not. I'll call the mayor tomorrow and see where I can be of service. Does that relieve some of that stress?"
Xelloss nodded and, interestingly, so did Zel.
"You two are very intelligent…to figure out all this. I was wondering if you'd noticed how m…"
Zel and Xelloss gave each other a quick glance, then answered simultaneously, "Twelve. You've passed the pen between your hands twelve…now, thirteen times."
The good doctor laughed aloud and set down the pen, "Okay, so I'm not going to fool either of you. Better come clean, eh? All right, I know the Metallium name and to a lesser extent, it's ties to the underworld element. My father would talk in his sleep and must have had nightmares about what might happen to him if he failed to carry out orders… But I had no notion of the size and extent… or of your family's involvement, Zelgadiss."
Dr. Adams took a moment to stretch his legs and jot a couple notes. When he looked up, he remained at ease and noticed that the boys were more relaxed as well. "Now tell me what made you call me for an appointment…last night?" Dr. Adams asked.
Xelloss sighed, "Zel asked me to. I need help. I do things without considering the consequences and…"
The doctor interrupted him, "Now you sound like your friend there speaking. You know what I think…I think you act out when you're under stress. Everyone does. This can be helped, if you want the help…"
Xelloss nodded, "And I want my drivers license!"
The doctor nodded and smiled, "I'll see what can do about releasing those restrictions… and this note scribble, scribble gives a medical permit to your friend Zelgadiss to ride in the car with you while you're learning…didn't know that you needed to be over eighteen to do that? Well, you do…glad I can be of some use to you boys!" the man chuckled.
Adams walked over to Xelloss and looked him straight in the eyes, "How's the memory working?"
"Okay…a gap or two now and then…" Xelloss mumbled and looked away.
"He got lost in the halls the first week back at school, ran into some jocks who wanted to punch him around some for being the principal's son…he took them out in a few seconds and broke a few bones," Zel smirked.
"I see…and how did that feel, Xelloss?" asked the doctor.
Xelloss grinned, "Great!"
"…And he forgot how to use a computer…"
"I re-learned! I re-learned my lines for the play too!" Xelloss retorted. "I remember my friends and stuff about them that you DIDN'T tell me…lots…my music too!"
Zel grinned, a rare event, "Bet you wish you could forget a few of those things again…"
Xelloss made a face, "I bet you wish you could too!"
"Whoa, now…looks like you've got girl problems too!" laughed the doctor as he prepared to end the session and push them out the door.
"G-girl...who said anything about girls?" Zel blushed and stuttered.
Xelloss' turn to grin, "You started it!"
The doctor shook his head and stood, "Well, when your ready to talk about that, I'll listen to those problems too…"
"P-problems? There aren't any problems…Xelloss stop that grinning…I don't have the problems, you do!" Zel stammered as he rose to leave.
"Ooo, no problems, Mr. Denial? I bet Amelia would tell me differently eek! " Xelloss continued to tease as they passed out of the office and dodged a poorly aimed punch.
"Next week same time?" asked the attractive nurse at the appointment book. "Oh, it's you two!" Zel's karma being what it was, she turned out to be the young nurse from the hospital who'd dropped Xelloss the note.
"Oh, joy…sure, why not…"
Thursday morning.
The English Composition final combined short essay questions with pages of multiple choice questions from the first half of the year. The test questions were clearly stated, thorough, and well thought out. Lina spent all of thirty minutes of furious scribbling on it. Zel, Filia, and then Xelloss required 45 to 50 minutes, in that order, while the remainder of the class used most of the 90 minutes.
Filia shook her head, "That was a real mind wipe! Like, what was with that last question?"
Lina grinned, "All of the above…sucker!"
Zel and Xelloss were happy to be out alive.
All four friends clambered into their assigned seats for the history 'final'. Zel and Xelloss tied in a race to finish first, finishing in the time it took to turn four pages and fill in 100 bubbles…backwards…twice…about 20 minutes. Filia, Lina and a handful of others needed another 15 minutes. The teacher, happy to be rid of a few kids, excused to them all to the cafeteria for an early lunch.
"So…we have nearly two hours to eat? Cool…"Lina smiled and settled into her bagged lunch from home. "But this'll only get me through the first few minutes…oh, Ze-el?"
"What."
"Gotcher phone? Dial 'EAT-PIZZA' order…how much money do ya have…Xelloss? Good, order five extra large, two veggies and the rest combos…extra cheese!" Lina grinned, proud of her idea.
"Next time I'll know better than answer 'enough'!" whined Xelloss.
"Aw, shaddup and go meet the driver out front," Lina waved him off.
"I want a reward," he insisted.
Zel shook his head idiot.
"What KIND of reward?" Lina growled.
Xelloss opened his eyes and rested his purple gaze dangerously upon her lips, then up to her eyes. Swiftly, he dove in and whispered into her ear. Lina's eyes widened and before her fist buried itself in his gut, he danced out of range and out the door, laughing.
"You are sooo dead!" she yelled after him.
"Don't encourage him," Zel said curtly.
"What? I didn't do anything. He offered to pay…I asked…then he starts…" Lina said defensively.
"Admiring you. Yeah, I saw. So… just ignore him. The more you react, the more it says 'I care'… one way or the other," Zel said in a flat tone peering out from under his bangs.
"That's not true," Filia sighed from behind him, and ran a finger up Zel's spine from his pants to the back of his neck.
GAHHHHH! he screeched and jumped a foot straight up.
"See? You reacted lots, but it didn't mean you cared…did it?" Filia smirked.
"Shit! I cared! N-no one ever…" he blushed and rushed out to wait with Xelloss.
Filia chuckled, "What a nerd…"
Lina spoke in a low voice, "Ah, Filia…he's awfully sensitive, ya know. Especially about being touched, if ya haven't noticed by now…"
"It's good for him. He's too shy and introverted. He needs some encouragement to draw him out. Don't look so shocked, Lina. You may have known him for like forever, but he's not a little kid anymore. He needs to loosen up," Filia smiled meaningfully.
"What have you been scheming, Filia?" Lina asked.
"Oh…some incidents, nothing big… I want to have a little valentine party after our last practice… before the dance. I thought we could make valentine cards for one another and then exchange them…food too of course," Filia stabbed at her cup of ranch dressing with a carrot stick.
"And you really think that the GUYS are gonna do that?" Lina smiled incredulously.
"I got their nails painted, didn't I? Oh, they'll be writing poetry, you'll see. Lina, they act like boys, but they really, secretly want to be treated like grown-ups. That's where we come in…but you may have to do a little arm twisting to get them started," Filia smiled.
"Valentine cards…Filia, why?" Lina asked shaking her head.
"It's all part of my plan for bringing Amelia and Zel together," Filia said simply.
"Amelia and Zel? Why?"
"God, Lina, don't be so dense. Because Amelia likes him and he needs a kick in the pants to do something about it! Unless…it's not like…you like him too, is it?" Filia teased.
Lina blanched, then flushed and shook her head, "N-no, of course not! What's taking them so long? Be right back!"
"Oh, Lina…you are sooo in trouble now!" laughed Filia at her friend's retreating form.
The pizzas arrived, carried jointly by Lina, Xelloss and Zel, about the same time that all their friends gathered to their old familiar spots at the table.
"Yo ho ho!" Val laughed to see the surprise party.
"Good idea, Lina," Gourry smiled, bright blue eyes sparkling.
"Mr. Xelloss, did you pay for all of this? I want to pitch in some too!" Amelia patted his arm to get his attention.
"You're too kind, Amelia," he smiled and accepted the ten dollar bill.
"What's up with this cheese-whiz?"
Zel turned to see Hojo standing off to the side holding a can angled his way. Zel, moving at lightening speed, dashed the over-pressurized can in question from the shocked kid's hand. As the can exploded overhead, it sprayed ribbons of thick yellowish goo into the aisle missing everyone, but creating quite a scene. "Go get the custodian before someone slips and falls!" an exasperated Zel ordered Hojo.
The bell rang before Zel had to listen to his lame excuses.
After the fun-filled lunch break, the Slayers scattered to take their final tests of the semester. Xelloss and Zelgadiss entered the computer lab together for what would be their last time. A few students had yet to show off their projects, and so, the teacher busied herself with them. Xelloss began running the diagnostic, defrag, and other utilities on the computers not in use. Zelgadiss unhooked hardware, began cleaning mouse heads and printer wheels, and then recorded future upgrades needed. Hojo and Ryoga insisted that they should assist, and so, slowed progress considerably. The work was completed by the end of the period, however, and then the computers turned off, the lights put out, all over and done.
The acting classroom needed some cleaning and sorting. Amelia donated the 'Greek apparel' for a future play. Other props and costumes were either wrapped for cleaning, folded to go home, or hung up and put away for another time. The kids had all become close after spending so much time working together and so reminisced about the play and the fun until the bell rang. Time to go home!
"Going to work, Val?" Gourry asked at the door.
"Yeah, band early tomorrow?"
"Yeah, then the Goodwill Tour, better than Saturday, what with jobs, karate, and cheer leading goin' on," Lina said reminding everyone of the agreed upon change of plans.
"Sure…" Val shook his head and loped off to the bus stop, limping slightly.
"Walking home?" Gourry asked Zel and Xelloss.
"Yes! Then Karate, right? Since you have extra time…no tutoring," Xelloss asked the silent Zel. "Oh, and Amelia? Zelgadiss may have to miss that basketball game. I believe Kenshin's hoping for some sword-training time from him…Yes, too bad… Zelgadiss? And since Zelas and Rezo are out of town for the weekend, we don't have to hurry to make dinner."
"Oh joy…the whole weekend?"
"Lina?" Gourry asked, checking to be sure she was walking home too.
"Homeward bound!" she shouted and charged on ahead.
"Bye!" cried Amelia to everyone, with a look of rejection that stabbed at the hearts of…certain guilty parties.
"Bye, see you all tomorrow!" Sylphiel called out as Filia ran to catch her bus to the settlement.
Lina and Gourry waved to the guys as they split off to their separate residences. Now that they were alone, Gourry asked, "Ah…Lina? The window shades came in…wanna come see…there's a pie for celebrating?"
"Ice cream too?"
"Yeah, vanilla…I can warm the pie too, apple."
"Let's run!"
"Hey, wait Lina!"
"Ha! Just catch up!" she laughed as he easily paced her all the way.
Thursday night.
"Now kids don't fill up on pie or you won't have room for dinner!" Mrs. Gabriev jokingly warned the two bottomless pits downing pie and ice cream.
"Dinner? Am I invited?" Lina grinned.
"Didn't Gourry-dear tell you?" his mother sighed lovingly as if this wasn't an isolated occurrence. "It's our anniversary! Dinner's in the oven. You can stay and help baby-sit tonight. Gourry's father and I are going to dinner and dancing and won't be home until very late…so, if you wish, and Luna doesn't mind, you can stay in the girl's room tonight. Gourry, I can't believe you didn't say anything! How could you have forgotten?"
Lina glanced at the embarrassed boy's face. Finals. He had to study hard to do well. His grades were fine; he'd get into the local college and do fine. Nevertheless, he forgot to ask Lina about this. On the other hand, he did invite her over… "Thanks, Mrs. Gabriev. We'll talk it over and I'll call Luna to check, okay?" Lina asked.
His mother smiled and nodded, then left to check on the other children and take a shower.
Gourry looked so despondent, "Ah…Lina, I'm really sorry. I shoulda asked ya, I know…"
"Did the stress of finals get to you? I just want to know…cause maybe ya don't want me around for that long…" Lina said to give him an out.
Gasp! "Oh, no…I want you to stay! Please…I guess it musta been the tests…history had me worried today. I knew I wanted you here…I remembered the window shades, of all things." His sorrowful eyes melted the last of her reserves.
"Yeah, that's what I thought. I'll call Luna at the restaurant and let her know where I'll be…I'll need a toothbrush…PJ's…"
"I got extras…we get a new toothbrushes all the time…One of my t-shirts will cover you to your ankles," he smiled.
"Okay…I'll make that call then…"
Lina used to come over and end up playing sports with the brothers. This night turned out differently. After a frenetic dinner, the little boys charged into the living room to play video games. Gourry's sisters hung around Lina.
"You can teach us a song, while we do your hair!" one sister laughed, leading Lina away from Gourry and dish washing and over to a high stool.
"My hair?"
"Yeah… Get me the twisties and gel!" shouted the other sister.
Gourry sneaked peaks over his shoulder at the girls. The dishes stacked up and Lina's hair became a mass of tiny braids, which were in turn braided together into a complicated, gorgeous red headdress. Lina, oblivious to her looks, carefully repeated the lyrics to her song Get Along. She showed great patience with the younger girls who seemed to share their older brother's difficulty remembering verses.
"Ooooh, here's a mirror. Take a look!" squealed the taller sister, shoving a hand-mirror into Lina's empty hand.
Gasp!
"DO YOU LIIIIKE IT!" both girls asked simultaneously.
"Ahhh…sure…it's real…complicated…" Lina flashed a weak smile and gazed into the mirror at the strange girl looking back.
Gourry pulled up a chair and sat nearly eye-level with Lina. "Looks…different…nice, though. Wanna listen to some music?"
"Okay," Lina said hopping down from her chair.
They were followed by their new entourage to his hangout. The room looked like him, big and masculine. Lina had already supplied him with one of her trademark beanbag chairs, in denim blue. He loaded a CD and offered Lina the chair. He chose the desk chair. His sisters stretched out on his bed and started to sing along with the music.
"So…you know Filia's planning something?" Lina asked slyly.
"What kinda something?" Gourry asked cautiously.
"A valentine party. Oh yeah…we're gonna make cards for one another…All of us! I'm giving you plenty of time to gear up and wax poetic!" Lina laughed at his agonized expression.
"Aw, Lina…that's stupid. I can't…Zel won't either, I bet! You do the cards, we'll…do food! How bout that! Val…can help haul stuff…When is it?"
"She's thinkin after practice before the dance. I don't think you're gonna get out of doin cards either. Oh, yeah…Filia has ulterior motives. She thinks Zel needs a nudge. A NUDGE, Gourry. Like a kick in the pants to be more…oh, I don't know…so he'll notice Amelia…something like that anyway…" Lina waved her hands to dismiss his objections.
"Won't work. He notices her, but…he'll just get mad or hurt and leave. I'm not making cards for somethin dumb like that!" There he'd taken a strong position and he'd stick to it.
"Gourry, you know and I know, but Filia's convinced Zel needs more…attention. You know 'a hug a day keeps the sadness away!' " Lina recited in a childlike voice.
Gourry smiled and moved to Lina's side. He wrapped his arms around her and said, "Okay, all the sadness is gone, right?"
He released her. The entire sequence took about 30 seconds.
"Ahh…sure…gone. Um, I think Filia meant that for someone like Zel, or Val and Xelloss for that matter, a hug might…help crack his shell. She may have a point. I'm not good at that kind of thing, but Amelia is…her father is…You and your family are," Lina squirmed, uncomfortable to talk about personal things…
"Zel doesn't wanna be touched cause of his scars. They don't hurt or nothin but he doesn't wanna think about them. I don't think he'll be…very…"
"Cooperative? No, I don't think he will, but that's Filia's problem, not mine. I'm warning ya…that's all…Skip the next song, it's lame…" Lina said as she snuggled comfortably into the chair and hummed along.
(((.-)) Zel |||^.^||| Xelloss |{{^.^}}| Lina |((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^)) Amelia |))-.-((| Val