(((.-)) Zel |||^.^||| Xelloss |{{^.^}}| Lina |((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^)) Amelia |))-.-((| Val
Chapter 42
THE SLAYERS
High school orders your day into little bits. Tiny time-slices you have no control over. So, when the day is done, you wonder where the hours disappeared to.
Xelloss checked the time, nearly 2:00. "May I use a telephone?" he asked the receptionist at the retirement home. Satisfied with a nod, he placed the call to the restaurant where Lina's sister often worked when she wasn't at school or, more rarely, home. "She's already left? Ah, thank you," he dialed another number from memory, thankful for such a memory when his cellphone batteries were dead.
"Hello?"
Bingo! "Luna? This is Lina's friend, Xelloss. We've met a couple times…"
"Xelloss? Who could forget! You make a lasting impression. So what's up? And why aren't you in school?"
"I need to speak to you, in private. It's…very important and urgent. I won't stay long. Would it be possible for me to…"
"I'll be leaving in an hour so make it snappy!" she said as she hung up the phone.
He sighed. "Try to be polite…" he murmured aloud as he left the Whispering Oaks to board the bus toward home. It was his last visit here. His marching orders were to begin 'conditioning, training and indoctrination' tomorrow at some undisclosed location, transportation provided. "Oh, joy…" he smiled and closed his eyes, "Thanks for that line, Zelgadiss."
He passed the stop for his house and continued on until Lina's was in view. Yes, Luna's car was still parked in the driveway. He knocked on the door and listened to the sound of slipper-clad feet scraping along the linoleum floor to the front door.
"Just in time. Come in and have a snack. God you look awful, Xelloss!" Luna pronounced as if it was the inarguable truth, which it was, in her house. "Too bad you don't come over more often, stuff is starting to accumulate again. Sit down."
He sipped at his tea, looking around for the sugar bowl. There it is… hope it's full… close enough. He emptied the contents of the bowl into his cup and stirred. It was still cloudy with un-dissolved crystals when he sipped again. Smile.
Luna shook her head and drank her cup to the bottom, then poured herself another. "So… what's the rush? Is this about Lina?"
"Yes…" he began.
"She's too young to marry, you know," Luna snapped back.
He dropped his cookie into the teacup. Splash! With a spoon, supplied by Luna, he fished it out and slurped it down.
"Um, that's true, although that's not what I had on my mind. This is complicated, so give me a second…I know who you are, to the Cephied Believers, their Knight. You must know, then, who I am…"
"Oh yes, I was there the day your mother carried you into the board room and flung a pile of papers on the table laughing, laughing at MY father and Milgasia who had arranged the transfer of Wolfpack Island to the clan. I was only a child, but I remember the day you knowingly destroyed the hopes and dreams of thousands of innocent clan people. I also know you as the tortured victim of that woman and her intrigues, as a novice in the Shrine's priest program, and as the 18-year-old friend to my little sister. Which are you coming as today?"
Xelloss smiled, "A friend, I hope. I need you to tell Lina where to find the evidence to bring down Gaav and the rest of the syndicate."
Luna's face darkened, "And why would I tell her a thing like that and endanger her life with the information that killed her father?"
Xelloss' smiled faded. He opened his eyes and looked her directly in the eyes, "Because I am Xelloss Metallium, member of the syndicate, heir to Wolfpack Island, and if you want to get it back and stop the continued takeover of clan lands, you will help me. Now, here's the plan…" He sketched out a brief plan emphasizing the safety net of supporters.
"But you can't guarantee Lina will be okay! Admit it!"
"Luna, you know that's impossible, but you also know that Gourry, Zelgadiss and I are willing to lay down our lives for her."
"And you'd better, Metallium, if anything happens to my little sister, I can guarantee you will pay big-time!" Luna warned. "Now, I gotta get to class then back to work." She stood and looked the young man over before saying, "Such a waste."
He rose to follow her to the door. Raising an eyebrow in question, he asked, "Waste? Whatever can you mean?"
"You're not foolish enough to believe that you are going to survive all this?"
He smiled, "Of course I am, knowing that I have you waiting for me back home!"
Her eyes widened in shock. He giggled and kissed her hand, "Fair well, mine knight!" He stepped out the door and danced away down the street.
Allen Shezaar agreed to be introduced to Filia's family prior to any dating. He suggested driving her home all week so that they'd be able to get to know one another as well as have an opportunity to meet her family. He was a very self-possessed, confident young man.
"So…you're a member of the Draconian cult?" Filia asked as she settled herself into the soft, heated, leather seats of the sleek BMW.
"Yes, my father died on a quest for Atlantis, the fool. Lucky for me, he had been a futures investor, so he left us a comfortable estate not far from your settlement, by the way. Over that way is the country club…we have a membership. Do you ride?" he asked in an easy manner that came off so natural…nothing artificial.
"Ride? As in horses? Yes, I started riding lessons before I could walk!" she laughed.
He chuckled, "Good. Maybe you'd like to join me for a ride… sometime."
She smiled, "That sounds nice, if the weather's good."
He hadn't stayed long, that first day, but his effect was long lasting. Her parents loved him. He had class, drove an expensive, well-maintained car, dressed well, was mild mannered yet assured, well spoken, clean, polite, and handsome (as well as lacking in dyed hair, leather vests, hardware, and tattoos). So when he mentioned riding at the club, they agreed without a moment's hesitation, allowing their sheltered daughter to visit the club after school the next day.
Tuesday's ride and dinner led to Thursday's tennis and swimming. Friday, he promised her a surprise and easily convinced her parents to entrust her to his care until 2:00 AM! She considered missing a band practice a breach of another kind of promise, however, and over everyone's objections, said she'd like to confer with Lina first. He had to be satisfied with that answer since, although not immune from his charms, she had a strong sense of honor and obligation. Good. That made the victory of her heart even more fulfilling.
After he had gone home that evening, Filia and her parents talked about him. Her parents saw a fine graduating senior planning to enter an exclusive private school an hour away. A young man with a promising future. She agreed, but kept a few thoughts to herself. He was confident, all right, also a bit more... aggressive than she wanted, not to mention his long line of girlfriends and his child! Was she to be another trophy to be won?
There was just something…about him. His hands lingered longer than necessary at her waist when he had helped her mount her horse. The next day, when they were done swimming and were climbing out of the pool, he had adjusted her bathing suit strap—first, a little lower and he kissed the exposed tan-line, then he returned it to it's proper spot. And again, this evening he had led her outside to his car, pulled her close and kissed her lightly, before slipping into the driver's seat and pulling out. It was soft and fleeting, but it was her first real kiss and now her heart was fluttering. It was exciting, but things were moving along too fast.
"Filia! You're so spacey today, what'sup?" Lina asked raising an eyebrow and plundering her sandwich.
"Oh! Was I missing something? Hmmm…" she smiled
The lunch table was the most difficult place to hide your innermost secrets, difficult, since the same friends sat side by side each day. Lina and Gourry were jabbering about some disgusting food selection on his lunch tray, when Amelia began to giggle.
"What's so funny?" Lina asked, thinking that it had to do with her.
"Oh, I just read the cutest poem in my math book today," she glanced shyly at Zelgadiss, who looked moody again, "Something about 'Skater fools with yellow hair flying in the wind…' then … can't remember the rest, but it sounds neat, huh?"
Lina's expression was priceless, at least Zel thought so at first. Her face bore the look of horror, then panic. He thought, "Right. Lina used to write poetry in her math book all the time back in elementary school to relieve the boredom. Maybe Lina still did it too…Could Amelia have Lina's book from last year? This could be fun…
"Lina? That couldn't be your poetry, could it?" He teased. Shit, Xellossness was contagious!
Before she could protest, Amelia had pulled her book out of her bag and passed it across the table to him, "I brought it along so that I could look up a few of my favorites and write them down at lunch. What do you think, Zelgadiss?"
"Lina? I think it IS yours. Now here's a good one, 'View from Skater's Park'… The golden rays of the sun lit his hair as he flashes me his warm smile of welcome…My heart beats faster…'" Zel stopped reading aloud as he scanned the sentiments ahead. He realized that he was about to make a dreadful mistake in revealing someone's deepest feelings about one of the lunch table companions.
Instead, he said, "actually, I don't think this IS by Lina…My mistake, Amelia. I know Lina's writing style... and this isn't it. See this cursive 'V'? Not hers at all." It was true, he realized. This DOESN'T look like Lina's writing. 'Neat' handwriting, Lina? What was I thinking? Then remembering another detail, he added, "And Lina didn't even know G—any skaters when she was in algebra…"
However, she wasn't smiling. Zel wondered, Hey, Lina, I'm helping you, why are you fuming at me? Then he went on, "Plus, Lina'd never write awful, sappy stuff like this in a math book that would surely fall into the wrong hands someday. She's too sharp for that!"
Suddenly, Lina's flying fist pounded him on the top of the head. "Hey!"
"Zel, you callous, dumb-ass, insensitive moron!" Lina cried. Zel looked at her in utter confusion. Lina seized his head by the sides and thrust his face to the side, from which angle he caught sight of a wavering Sylphiel on the edge of tears.
There it went. Zel's one attempt at playful teasing fell to ruin. The looks of anger and disappointment, of hurt feelings, even—especially—from Gourry and Sylphiel, the nicest people on the planet! It struck him. Hard. "I—I'm sorry," he choked out to Sylphiel, then ran out of the scene, admonishing himself cruelly as he did so. He could feel the resentment emanating from the table after him, and it was even scarier than the thought of Lina beating him up. Everyone agreed that it had been a poor attempt at humor.
Zel, feeling like a refugee from the law, searched the crowed halls until he found what he was looking for—an alcove in the wall where he could blend in with the gray paint and disappear. He'd done it. He'd really upset everyone. He'd said some cruel things—unwittingly maybe, but that was no excuse—to someone who'd never hurt him, and he felt like crap. If only he could retract those statements! Rewind time and edit it for content like so much movie film. But it didn't work that way. He would have to go back and confront Lina and the others eventually, especially since lots of them were in his cooking class. He couldn't bear it if they all looked on him with cold resentment! Not after he just got used to relying on them… The angry looks, the disappointment they'd given him were the worst thing he could conceive of, and then he ran away! Dumb-ass was right! He should have stuck around to hear out Amelia's inevitable Justice rant, and a few more punches from Lina, and apologized to poor Sylphiel, and then everything would be all right… But as it was, he couldn't do that. He didn't know what to do, how to handle this. Usually, he'd ask Lina, but now, Lina was the problem!
"Oh! You're here. I'm sorry to bother—"
"It's okay, Van. I'm just hiding from my problems. There's room for one more," he offered, seeing the depressed, troubled look on the skinny kid's face. Not that Van didn't always look depressed and troubled, but now he looked more so than usual.
"Thanks." He slid down beside Zel, back against the wall, head bowed, knees clasped to his chest. Just like Zel. The two moodiest little hotties in the school…
They sat there in silence for a while, watching the feet go by. There were combat boots, Converse sneakers, Birkenstocks, platform shoes in all degrees of tackiness, penny loafers, fancy athletic shoes that looked like bowling foot-wear. It was soothing. From your feet, all you can really tell is what direction you're going.
"So. What's up?" Van asked quietly.
"Nothing's up; its pretty much all down. I just alienated all my friends in one fell swoop. I was just trying to make a joke, but I'm just not cast as the funny one, I guess."
"Sorry. But you've got a good group. They don't stay mad for long."
Zel looked up at the Draconian kid. He had dark hair that was short, but as wild as his own, with the same kind of bangs that hid his eyes. Those eyes were a red-brown that looked like they were windows to a tortured soul, red with fire and blood, just as Zel's were blue with ice and pain. So much alike, the two swordsmen. Short, thin, and moody. In a way, they could feel those kindred spirits kindle.
"Unlike yours?" he asked him.
Van swallowed. "Kinda. It's just that…I can't seem to say anything…right, you know? Hitomi never reacts the way I think she will. When I try to be nice, when I'm really honest, I always have to ruin it, and she misunderstands and…I don't know."
There was so much anger and confusion (a.k.a. angst) in this kid! The main difference that Zel could see, however, was that Van's problems had to do with the fact that he really liked that Hitomi girl, some track star, and she had eyes only for than damn Allen Schezar guy. Zel's problem was that a girl liked him, not the other way around, mostly anyway…for now, maybe never. (Frog and Rat are had a bitter battle over this one. Obviously, Rat won ^.^) Other than that, they were remarkably alike.
"I don't know either, if it makes you feel any better," Zel offered with a grim laugh.
Van looked up, smiling thoughtfully. "Yeah, I know."
And they sat there in silent teenage male communion for the rest of the lunch period.
Just before the bell rang, Zel's heavy backpack was thrust into his gut. He looked up to see Lina, looking as tall as possible for her tiny frame, standing above him, hands on hips.
"L-lina?" he gasped, trying to get the wind back into his lungs.
"What were you thinking, leaving your backpack in the cafeteria, dope? Come on, don't just sit there or you'll be late for class! Up! March!" she commanded with all her usual zeal and cheer.
For a moment, he was taken aback. Then it dawned on him. Lina had forgiven him. Boy, that hadn't taken long! Van was right. He did have a good group. "I'll be right along, Lina!" He turned to Van. "Hey, what class do you have next?"
"Free period."
"Wanna come to the computer lab with me? I can show you how to use the Internet to research your Draconian cult stuff, if you want."
"Sure."
There. Zel's good deed of the day to balance out his bad one. Take that, karma!
The next day, lunch was similarly tense, but in a different way. Zel was heading over to 'his' spot at the table, when he noticed that it was filled with someone else: Allen Schezar. He was going over to go talk to Van anyway, but that was disturbing none-the-less. Zel waved down Van, and together, they found seats together with the other Draconians.
Lina and Gourry were waiting in a long 'build your own sandwich for a buck' line. Val was glowering beside Filia, who was talking to both Allen and Sylphiel. Sylphiel had been ooh'ing and ahh'ing through a large notebook of Filia's tiny dragon pictures from magazines and computer printouts, Zel's drawing just recently added. Val wished he could make a cluster of those diminutive dragons fly up from the page and attack Allen, the perfect revenge: the dragon defeating the knight.
Amelia noticed Zel's hesitation and subsequent re-location again to the opposite side of the cafeteria. Allen's presence was irritating her more now. As physically attractive as Allen was, she found him lacking in substance and morals. The fact that her good friend was apparently infatuated with him pained her, and trading Zelgadiss for Allen was not acceptable.
Xelloss was not pleased with the Zel-substitute either. He had no qualms about acting out his feelings. "Allen, how are you and Crystal getting along these days?"
Allen turned to look at the odd kid to his right, "We broke up some time ago."
"Oh, too bad. And Cheryl, or was it Sheryln or Carolyn or…"
Allen shook his head, "Chereel. Chereel and I broke up last month."
"Oh… that is sad. You do have problems keeping a girl, hmmm? So tell us about the little Chud."
Allen was getting tired of this, but didn't want to let on, "Chid. My son is fine, thank you."
"SHEED, like RA-SHEED Wallace the Portland Blazers power forward? What a clever name, your idea, I suppose?"
"No. His mother's," he snapped, turning back to Filia to share a story with her.
Xelloss was not finished, however. He was just warming up. He smiled, eyes closed and said dreamily, "I want kids too, course I'd like to live with them and their mother too, after I married her. Yes, a real family would be nice, don't you think?"
Val, tensed to the breaking point, was torn between ripping the face off Allen Schezar and joining Xelloss in his roast.
Allen had had enough taunting from the annoying creep next to him, so he cleared his throat and said in a voice sufficiently low so only the kids sitting nearest could hear, "Normal, like say, your family life? A girl I once knew well attended a certain dancing school for a while. You know the one, I'm sure. You were the director's particular favorite, isn't that right? He even married your mother to get to you too. Interesting family, when the father prefers his step-son to his beautiful wife."
Xelloss was unprepared for that extremely personal dig, but Val wasn't. He leaped onto the lunch table, and dove for the rich kid, flooring him with his tackle. Lina, who was returning from the sandwich line, shoved her plate onto Gourry's tray and flew into the fray, tearing Val off Allen and hissing, "Get off and get lost, fast, before you get reported. NOW! MOVE IT!"
He did, but before he left he muttered through clenched teeth, "I'll kill ya if ya ever talk to an abused guy like that again!"
Allen apologized to Xelloss, dusted off his clothes, and left also, with a nod to Filia. Lina wanted to know what the hell that was all about. Xelloss shook his head and remained mute. Amelia hadn't the heart to be specific but answered as best she could, "Mr. Allen and Mr. Xelloss were trading insults when…Mr. Allen went too far and Mr. Val … stopped them."
"Val stood up for Xelloss? Must have been a low blow," said Lina looking steadily at the remaining stern-faced guys for some reaction.
"Drop it, Lina," urged Gourry wisely.
Sylphiel moved around the table to sit between Amelia and Xelloss, "These pictures are so cute, you know! You gotta take a look! See? This one's adorable…and on this page is my favorite!"
Xelloss gazed at the thick notebook and before long was lost in a world of cuteness. He found a Chinese red dragon that he pronounced the best, save for Zel's valentine enclosure. Since he seemed happy to be amused by the pictures, Lina backed down to await the band practice and Val's full disclosure.
In the meantime, Zel and Van were observing these events.
"I see Allen's really starting to hang out with your group," Van observed. "That tall punk guy looks like he wants to kill him, and seems like he would."
"Val? He's had a rough life, but he's been cool. He just moved in last weekend," Zel said.
" 'In'?"
"Yeah, into the house."
"How many step-brothers do you have now?" Van asked with a rare smile.
"Well, Val isn't really a step-brother, but including him, two. And a step-parent."
"Seems like a pretty messed-up family."
"Tell me about it! And it's father number, what, four? for Xelloss. Man, it's like the worst kind of soap opera! What about you? You have an older brother--"
"I HAVE NO BROTHER," Van said with anger that was not directed at Zel. "He's no brother of mine…"
Zel was sorry he asked. Luckily, Van was forgiving, and they moved on to talking about Allen's situation—deadbeat dad, crazy transvestite sister, illegitimate child and all—instead.
"I think," Van said, smiling again, "that your switch was an unequal trade in our favor."
"Oh, I don't think it's permanent, though I'm always glad to hang out with you; a nice change from nutty Slayersville!" Zel smiled back.
Zelgadiss put in an appearance just before the bell rang to ask Xelloss if he'd be coming to cooking class that day.
"Not if it's Wednesday or Friday and maybe not at all next week. It depends how the…work goes," Xelloss said with a half-hearted smile and a shrug.
"You might as well just drop the class then. This is the short term class. After spring break we go to archery instead," Zel reminded everybody.
Xellos gave him an 'it hardly matters anyway' look.
"Don't give me that look, Xelloss. What about your math class? Have you missed that too?"
"I switched times so I go there now and trip off the rest off the day with Ph-riends at the old folks home. But it doesn't matter. Ah, the bell. Gotta run!" Xelloss smiled inanely and waved.
"Don't forget we have band practice and that group thing tonight too!" Zel called after him.
Lina pulled alongside Zel, "What's his problem, Zel?"
"I don't know, don't want to know, and you don't either. Later, Lina," mumbled Zel as he sped around her and out the door.
At band practice, Xelloss indicated to Lina during a break that he had something of interest to show her.
"Up in your loft, huh? I'd rather you just brought it down here," she eyed him intensely.
He grinned and shook his head slowly back and forth.
"Oh, have it your way then," she huffed and followed him up the staircase.
Xelloss knelt down, pulled a box out from under his desk, and set it on the daybed. "Sit down and have a look," he said invitingly, knowing how curious she was.
"Okay. Nice old box," she smiled and began to lift the lid.
Xelloss stopped her with a single finger touching her lips. "Don't say a word, just look," he whispered and withdrew the finger before she bit it off.
"Fine… Oh my God. These are beautiful, Xelloss. Where did you get these?"
"Well, ah…"
"Ooh, can I try them on? 'Course I can! Two bracelets, a broach, and a belt-buckle huh? A bit gaudy, but not for me, heh, heh! So, how much do you want for them?" Lina asked eyes sparkling with desire for the lovely red and silver jewelry.
"Want? Well, they're priceless. Look, they've been modified to be a mobile amplification unit, see? Press this button and say something…"
"LIKE THIS? WOW! OH, yeah…better not attract all the others, huh? Xelloss, I gotta have these. I won't need a microphone on stage so I can run up and down aisles and through the crowd and…I gotta have them! Name your price!" she insisted.
"You can't afford them, but…"
"I'll go to that dance club place with you, NOT a date but all of us together, but I'll dance with you…please…Gottem, YES! They're mine, mine!" she giggled gleefully at her hard-won prizes.
"Okay, Lina…" he looked bewildered and scratched his head, but smiled when he thought of dancing with Lina. "This Friday. Dinner and dancing."
When they returned downstairs, Amelia and Sylphiel were explaining why they'd have to miss band practice Friday, "This is one of the biggest events for the chorus this year and you can only miss one event. The next one's during spring break, which we may miss if the recording studio gets us in, right?"
"How about you, Filia? Aren't you in the chorus too?" Zel asked.
"Ah, yes, but I have…other plans. Canceling band practice is fine with me for Friday," Filia answered evasively.
"Good, because the rest of us have a fundraiser to attend, after dinner that is," Lina announced. "Don't worry, it's nothing you or Sylphiel would be doing anyway…What? That sailing club's dance place! No, Amelia, you wouldn't, trust me. Your father wouldn't let you near the place!"
"What makes you think I'm going?" asked Zel holding his pop bottle up and staring through it. Next thing he knew, he was staring into Lina's face.
"Because you're driving," she answered curtly. "Gourry? Val? All right, it's all settled then!"
Zel grabbed Lina's wrist. "What's this?" he asked jabbing at the ruby encrusted bracelet.
"Just a… it's a secret," she grinned.
Zel frowned and took another look, a careful look. No mistaking those markings, they were just like the ones on his sword. "Xelloss gave you these." It was more of a statement than a question.
Xelloss nearly bowled them both over in his hurry to stifle the cross examination, "Ahhh, why don't you show everyone how the amplifiers work, okay, Lina? On a song!"
Xelloss gave Zel a smile, "Trust me."
"Somehow I seem to have gotten into the habit of doing just that," Zel smirked.
The Amelia van came and left, taking everyone home. Val, Zel, and Xelloss whipped together dinner before Zel and Xelloss had to leave for their group therapy session with Dr. Adams. Val was doing most of the talking, "Okay, lemme clue you in on Club Cyberia. It's…edgy. You may want to toughen up your look before go'n. Zel, those ears of your scream rings and things. Xelloss, I haven't giv'n up on ya. Nose pierc'n and one earring maybe. Hey, just watch Zel. No blood or anything!"
"I didn't say I was going to…fine then. What else?" Zel acquiesced what was left of his dignity. "Might as well go native and blend in."
Val laughed, "Oh, yeah! Black t-shirts, mesh sleeves, show some scar, huh?"
Zel looked ill. "Oh, joy…"
"And Lina's going to dance with me. She promised! A night of blasting noise and dancing with loud obnoxious jerks…" Xelloss was laughing and swirling around the room.
"You'll fit right in," Zel smirked as he finished the macaroni and cheese. "Val, is that salad done yet? Good. Let's eat. Oh, hello, Zelas. Dinner's ready. Xelloss? Shut up and set the table."
"Sorry boys to just eat and run, but I have a teacher's meeting at the high school tonight. I'll be back after 10:00," she smiled, kissed Rezo more passionately than necessary, then left the house.
Rezo disappeared into TV-land, as the kitchen telephone rang. Who would call the house? Zel wondered. He picked it up, "Hello?"
"Zelgadiss, isn't it? This is Nels Lahda. You remember, from the shrine. Is your father at home? Zelas? NO? Good. I need to speak to him alone…Thank you, I'm on my way."
Click
"So…go'n fer the piercing tonight?" Val asked as they washed up dishes.
"I don't know. Xelloss and I have this standing doctor's appointment we have to run to immediately…" Zel said pointedly at Xelloss who appeared off in dreamland.
"I'll go with ya and read in the wait'n room. I gotta finish this book somehow!" he chuckled.
"It'll be late…" Zel continued.
"These kinda places don't keep no bankers hours, Zel. You scared or somethin?" Val taunted.
"No! All right then get your stuff and meet us at the car in, say, 28 seconds," Zel smirked and pushed Xelloss to the door to find their shoes and coats.
When the good doctor saw that Val was with them, he invited him in as well. "For once I'd like to be able to talk to you all and not be mending you at the same time. So, let's start with the most recent, today, perhaps. Anything happen at school today that was upsetting?"
"Vally-boy got into a fight defending my honor!" Xelloss giggled. He was in his goofy persona that hadn't surfaced for sometime.
"Awwww, I couldn't let that F*&#*$^-ing Schezar get away with bring'n up crap like that," Val said defensively.
"Dark secrets?" the doctor asked Xelloss.
"Not anymore!" Xelloss said.
"Xelloss told US, his closest friends, about his step-father, the entrapment and torture and that the man was a pedophile. I know from first hand experience -from that time when we were both trapped in that tower- that the man was sick and depraved," Zel interrupted.
"Anyway this guy made it sound like Xelloss wanted it!" snarled Val. "So I shut him up and told him I'd kill him next time."
"You have a lot of pent-up anger ready to blow, Val," observed the doctor. "Your heart was certainly in the right place, but you don't need trouble right now, am I correct? And you're right, abuse comes in many forms. I don't know which is worse. It sounds like that other kid has problems of his own. I'd like to suggest some alternatives to meting out death threats, however…"
The discussion continued for some time. Dr Adams tried to be non-judgmental and empowered the boys with non-aggressive behavior modifications. The open discussion moved on to other relationship problems. It was immediately clear that Zel was not comfortable talking about himself or girls, while Xelloss was eager and Val was unconcerned, mostly, kinda, but lately there was this other guy who…
"…Rich and pretty, but he's all wrong for her! He's collect'n girls, and she's about to become just another, but she's not just some common… what? " Val sneered at Xelloss who was giggling.
"You're talking about Filia Ul Copt, Miss Perfect Head Cheerleader, and Allen Schezar, Mr. Perfect Senior Class President! They're made for one another! Neither one cares about anyone else but themselves!" Xelloss cackled.
"That's not f#$%ing true!" Val growled. "I'm not say'n I'm good enough or not fer her, but I know as sure as hell that he ain't! Besides, I know more about her than you two do, ya know. I spent all that time with her and her family out in the colony, remember?"
"You don't talk about that much," Xelloss pointed out.
"Yeah, well, it's personal. You guys aren't part of that Cephied Believers stuff, so it wouldn't matter to ya—"
"Well, it matters to you, right? And you're our friend, so it matters to us, too," Xelloss argued.
"Xelloss," Zel sighed. "Sometimes people don't want to talk about things. You can't force them—"
"Oh yes we can!" Xelloss and Val turned on Zelgadiss. "Enough about me, Zel-boy, how about YOUR romantic problems!" Val said.
"How about not? I don't have any romantic problems," Zel sniffed.
The doctor chuckled. "Val has found a great way to get himself off of the hook, hasn't he? But I really wanted to hear more about this Allen Schezar person. I seem to recall a few things about him, just from the practice, you know…"
"I thought doctors weren't supposed to discuss their patients. Isn't that breaking confidentiality?" Zel asked pointedly.
"Not like that, Zelgadiss. I mean, I remember seeing other patients come in here…"
"Oh, like his sister?" Xelloss asked. "I danced with her at the beginning of the year, at the Halloween dance. She's quite insane, isn't she?"
"Yes. That's a pity. She was a normal child, but she's gone through all sorts of trauma, like you, Xelloss. Only she never recovered. You see, there are people worse off than you. She doesn't have any choices. But you have all done well. How are your grades from the last semester, may I ask?"
"Fine," Zel answered.
"The usual," from Xelloss.
Val looked away. All eyes were on him. They expected him to get angry and difficult, like he usually was around the subject of academics. But instead, he was just quiet. "Actually, I passed them all. Even the ones I mostly skipped."
They cheered, but he didn't seem to react correctly, so they all stopped and waited for him to continue. "I mean," he said, "some of it was because…you guys made me come to school during finals. That helped. But some of it…I dunno, but I think that I had a little help from high places, if ya know what I mean," he grumbled with a quick slant-eyed glance at Xelloss. "And that really pisses me off, and I don't know why—I mean, other'n the fact that it's help from the enemy."
"It makes you mad because it belittles your own abilities and goes against your sense of honesty," Dr. Adams told him, weathering the disbelieving scoffs. "You're an honorable person with morals and pride, and that was more degrading than helpful, She'll find," he emphasized the 'she' part so Val understood that he knew that he meant Zelas. "But perhaps it wasn't like that. It could have been all your own doing, but you don't have enough confidence to accept it," he offered.
"Anyone who can play music the way you do can't be stupid," Xelloss added. "You don't have to work as hard as Gourry and you generally do better. If you just applied yourself a little more—"
"Why bother? I'm not trying to get into Harvard, ya know!" Val growled defensively. "I gotta job an' all. The graduation thing's just to impress…nobody."
"And certainly not 'nobody's' parents!" chuckled Xelloss, dodging Val's half-hearted punch.
Dr. Adams was sitting back chuckling softly at the good-natured teasing coming from his troubled kids. Zel was holding back tonight though.
"Zelgadiss? Have you given those skin treatments any thought?"
"Huh? Oh, well, not until I can afford them, if ever, maybe summer, I don't know…" Zel muttered, not happy that the attention had reverted to him.
"Treating your entire body is expensive, yes, but we could begin with your face, then hands and arms. Zelas has approved funds for that much. And we could get started tonight with a very simple procedure. That's right. I'm sure the other two won't mind waiting out in the foyer a few minutes."
Zel sat gaping, My cure? Starting tonight?
So tempting. It was what he'd been dreaming of, right? So why did it feel like he was standing at the edge of a precipice, looking out into the abyss?
"Ah, not tonight. We have other things to do," he said quickly and rose to leave.
"Ya think too much!" Val said with a smirk. "Yeah, anyway we're gonna break him outta that shell…"
"If it kills me, I know," Zel smiled, then remembering one last thing, asked, "Xelloss? You should mention the status of your plans now, too."
Xelloss' cheerful visage darkened with the reminder. "Um…I'm receiving training and conditioning for my upcoming assignment. It's going to be very soon, I'm afraid. Spring break. Atlas City, for a start, maybe Seyruun and Sairaag as well. My 'orders' are not that specific, yet."
Dr. Adams looked sadly at the sober-faced youth, "What kind of 'conditioning'?"
Xelloss was working hard to fight back tears. Val and Zel looked away. "I have a high tolerance for pain, but I faint at the sight of blood now. That's not acceptable in my new line of work apparently. So they are… Don't worry. I'm okay, as long as I don't have to talk about it, or think about it. I focus on the goal and the fact that it will be over soon."
Adams shook his head, "You have my number. Call if you're hurt. I'll see to it that both your body and your mind survive this. Zel, Val, I'm counting on you to call as well. No heroics, understand? Good, and continue to keep me informed, please."
Zel drove the car silently to the tattoo and piercing parlor that they had visited before. The were several other 'clients' in the shop as well, which allowed them time to pour over the possibilities.
Xelloss still refused to deliberately punch holes in his body, no matter how much Val tried to persuade him. Somehow "Don'tcha wanna be as cool as me?" just wasn't cutting it.
Zelgadiss was already seated in the dentist-style chair. He was satisfied that the entire process was extremely hygienic, no blood transfer, latex gloves, and sterile hardware. He was beginning to regret going first, a little. He would have liked to watch someone else get pierced first, but figured Xelloss needed the reassurance more. He didn't want to have to revive his friend again, after an embarrassing collapse. The technician applied a topical anesthetic to both his ears. While waiting for it to take affect, the technician expressed excitement over his remarkable ears.
"I've never seen anything like them before! They'll look so cool pierced!" she said adoringly.
"That's because he's…an elf!" chirped Xelloss, eyes glittering with good humor.
"REALLY? I wondered about…the skin and all. You looked so…" she was struggling with a limited vocabulary, which Xelloss was more than happy to supply from the audience.
"Exotic! Yes, that's how you can tell!"
"Hmmm, but I always thought elves would be much taller and…" she began.
"Blonder, like Legolas! You watch too much Hollywood. But he can sing and play music! We're part of a band. I'm the drummer and Val's keyboards and Zelgadiss here is our elf guitarist," Xelloss grinned.
Xelloss was really getting into his role now. Val had given up trying to disappear and couldn't believe how well Zel was holding up.
"How the hell he's managed to not kill that guy, I don't know," Val muttered to a punk acquaintance he'd recognized in the shop.
"They're not boyfriends?" the punk asked Val.
"Nah, related. Believe it or not, the purple-haired one is the girl-crazed one. Awww, I gotta go shut'em up though," Val growled and moved closer to where Xelloss was standing and smiling.
"Wow, a real elf. My girlfriends will never believe me. Oops! Time to pierce. Which ones where… right, I suggest stud, stud, ring on this ear and stud, ring on this one, but you could go with a long dangly one instead…No? Yeah, kinda girly, you're right. I'm gonna start way up 'cause it'll show off the shape better. Gawd, this is so cool!" the technician gushed.
Zel simply closed his eyes and blocked out all the chatter from Xelloss, the girl, and the spectators. He was allowing a stranger to touch him intimately, a girl, to boot! She wasn't repulsed, in fact, she was excited, of course she thought he was an elf, the nitwit, not a scarred kid, but maybe that was all a game she was playing too. Perhaps if he stopped focusing on his insecurities, others would too.
Xelloss looked on, watching Zel's reactions, and wondered…
"Ooooh, wanna take a look? Here, I'll hold the mirror. Awesome, huh! So, whatcher band's name? Can I see you guys play some time?" the dazzled girl asked breathlessly.
Xelloss answered easily, "The Slayers! Val will bring by a flyer next time we're playing in town, which may be a while since we have a visit to a recording studio coming up."
"Cool! But before you go, can I touch your hair? It looks so…it is soft! Wow," she ran her finger through Xelloss's hair once before he backed away. Xelloss really wasn't fond of having his hair mussed with, especially by strangers.
The technician had moved over to Val, whom she knew from previous visits. "Noth'n for you tonight, Val? Ooooh, poor baby, that must have hurt!" she sympathized, indicating the tear caused by Saygram when he ripped out his nose ring.
"Yeah, wasn't noth'n. Accident, ya know. Nah, noth'n fer me, just bring'n in more client fer ya, thanks," Val grinned.
"We'll the next one's free on me, Val. Remember!" she grinned back, then filled out a form and handed it to Zelgadiss. "Take that to the counter and Gus will take your money. There are instructions for taking care of those so infections don't get started, 'kay?"
Zel smiled and nodded, paid up, and left the shop.
Once outside, a strange look came over Xelloss' face. "Hey, guys, can you wait for a minute?"
"Sure, what—"
"I'll be right back!" he called, and rushed back into the parlor.
Just as Zel and Val were about to go back in looking for him, he emerged—with a silver stud in his nose.
"Woah, you really did—"
"Nope!" he grinned and removed it momentarily. "Just a magnetic one! But I couldn't let you guys have all the fun. And this way, I can put it anywhere I want!" he tried in on his ear, his eyebrow, and was going to attempt his lip before Zel smacked him.
"Gods, Xelloss, its been in your nose! You're so messed up…"
They all laughed.
"I can't believe I did this," muttered Zel, touching the multiple piercings on his left ear.
"Me neither! I actually let her touch my hair! Now where's my comb?" Xelloss muttered to himself.
Val was chuckling at their wide-eyed excitement. "Ah, step in here for a bit, it's open fer another hour."
"What's this place?" Xelloss asked.
"Jewelry and stuff. Just git in, will ya?" he growled impatiently.
Before Zelgadiss could object, Val pushed the smaller boy into the store and over to some hanging clothes. "Look at this. Black, mesh, flames and sloppy. Just your look. Hey, Chaos-kid! Over here, Sleeveless, mesh, purple…"
Xelloss scrunched up his nose, "Come on, Val-ly, I like Zelgadiss' better."
"No twin stuff," Val snorted.
Xelloss found a wine-colored shirt with a black dragon motif, then moved to the jewelry. The sales clerk took an interest in him and opened the case to let him try different things on. Zel and Val listened with interest.
"Nah, not that, " said Val, "Tougher, heavier. Yer goin fer gritty, not girly."
In the end, Zel ended up with a spiked bracelet, a studded belt and chain to secure his wallet; Xelloss, a heavy chain necklace. They were about to pay for their shirts and jewelry, when Val's activity caught their attention. He was pondering a bandana/sweatband in black. Xelloss liked it too, saying it would help him in karate. So he bought one for himself and one for Val as a 'thank you' for all his assistance.
Before leaving downtown, Xelloss convinced Zel to stop at the ice cream parlor across form the shrine, "For a treat!"
Zel was ready to go home, but Val looked interested and Xelloss was insistent. "When did I ever become so weak?" he wondered as he parked nearby.
"We have to put on this stuff too!" squealed Xelloss, ripping off his polo shirt. "Maybe someone we know from school will see us! Val, can you hook this chain for me?"
Zel shook his head, "God, I hope not… Everyone should be home, doing their homework."
Val rolled his eyes, but fixed the clasp. He stared at his attractive friend a moment, "Ya shoulda been a girl, ya know. Life woulda been easier for ya."
Xelloss stuck out his tongue, "You wish!"
Val growled and threw a punch, but Xelloss blocked it with ease, then, laughing, hopped into the shop.
Zelgadiss laughed, "Val, just ignore him. He won't go away, but you won't feel like such a fool!"
They all plowed through huge sundaes topped with an atrocious assortment of syrups, candies, and whipped cream. Zel ordered a cup of tea and watched the others finish. He couldn't believe he'd eaten that amount and decided to stop before he ate so much that he'd be up all night. He pulled his sweatshirt hood down and folded his arms across his chest. He was having a good time. Val and Xelloss were laughing noisily, attracting a lot of attention from a cluster of kids, girls and boys, at a nearby table. Val always looked scary, cool and arrogant. Now Xelloss looked a bit dangerous too. Val had ben right. With the punk attire, even he felt edgier. His bright blue eyes half-hidden by a fringe of wild lavender hair observed the other table unseen. They were older, popular kids from his high school, and of no interest to him. At times like that he wished he really was an elf who could brandish a sword or fling arrows with expert ease. With powerful spells, he could take out all enemies, protecting his friends and impressing…
"Hey, little brother! Wake up, time to go!" Xelloss interrupted Zel's trance with his funny singsong voice.
"What? Oh, yes, of course," Zel answered, shaking the dream out of his head. Time to go home. "Here, you drive home, all right?"
"O-kay, Do-kay!" Xelloss grinned and hopped into the driver's seat and strapped on his seatbelt. "To infinity and beyond!" he shouted and pulled away from the curb.
"Just home, please. And in one piece," Zel added with a sigh. Amazing, an entire evening without blushing. I must be out-growing that annoying physical response.
"Which piece?" Xelloss chortled. "The human one or the elvish part?"
A blush spread across Zel's cheeks at the reminder. "Shit, Xelloss. Just drive!"
Val chuckled to himself, "Yeah just ignore him, sure, Mr. Know-it-all."
Friday after school.
Zel had prepared eggplant lasagna, as well as the regular dinner the night before so that he and his friends could eat dinner and relax before going to the dance club. He hadn't seen Xelloss since lunch break and hoped that he'd make it home in time to go out. Val was fixing the salad and grating cheese, his specialty.
"So when's Lina and Gourry com'n over? Soon, huh?"
"Yeah, anytime," Zel answered curtly.
"Rezo and Zelas too?" Val asked.
"Naturally. They're in the front room waiting to feed on my pain and suffering as we speak," he smiled faintly. "A car!"
Zel rushed to the door and opened it in time to spot Xelloss exiting the back door of a black, sleek foreign car. He made a note of the license plate and waited. "Glad you could make it!" he smirked at Xelloss, but Val saw the wave of relief wash over his face.
"Yeah, me too," Xelloss sighed, exhaustion showing in his smile. "I'm going to clean up and change first."
Val watched the retreating form of their friend, then asked, "Uh, Zel? Where're those leaf-things to make the table larger?"
Zel closed the door and helped Val fix the table. Lina and Gourry showed up midway through pushing the table together, and so, offered to pour drinks, set the table and sit down.
"I'll go see what's keeping Xelloss," Zel murmured and disappeared.
"Fer a guy who goes to a lot of trouble putt'n on the 'I don't care' act, Zel sure keeps tabs on his friend out there," Val noted.
Lina grinned, "He's the most emotional guy I know! He's just made a science of trying to hide it. He's breaking down though, 'specially with you and Xelloss around him all the time now. Must be tough to keep up that wall all the time!"
Zel knocked a couple times, then entered the practice room. The shower was off and he could hear Xelloss humming a familiar tune as he burst from the bathroom.
"Xelloss! God, what are they doing to you?!" Zel cried out in a combination of concern and anger.
Xelloss, half- dressed, jumped at his voice, "Shit, Zelgadiss! You scared me to death just now!"
"I knocked. You didn't answer, so I let myself in. It's been… twenty-two minutes and Lina's getting hungry," Zel added, walking closer to his friend. "Bruises, Xelloss. These look painful!"
"And those are just the one's you can see! Hold on, let me put on my shirt and stuff!" he shouted over his shoulder as he bounded up the stairs. On his way down he laughed, "I'm not so great at defending myself with my hands tied, but I'm learning. Don't worry. Actually, I'd be more worried about the damage Lina'll do if I keep her waiting much longer, right?"
Zel shook his head. He knew he wouldn't get any more information out of the guy. Xelloss was going to so much trouble to put on a great act, feigning not to hurt, that Zel felt aggravated.
"Xelloss, drop the act. I'd like to think we're good enough friends that you don't have to pretend around me. That's better. Now, seriously, shall I call Dr. Adams and have him look you over?"
Xelloss shook his head, "No. I didn't get them all tonight, anyway. A couple aspirins and a night out is all I need, honest. Don't tell the others, please?"
"Of course not. Zelas and Rezo are joining us for dinner. I thought I'd warn you," Zel continued in his most serious tone.
"Oh, God…thanks for the warning. Okay. I'm ready. 'Come on, let's go…'"
"'Everything's going to be all right!'" they sang together on their way over to the other house.
Everyone sat uneasily around the table. Gourry sat on one side of Rezo, Zelas snuggled up on the other. Lina sat between Gourry and Zel, with Xelloss next and Val between Xelloss and Zelas. One big happy family dinner. Rezo was more talkative than usual, asking each kid about his classes.
"Lina, do you complain about the work in science as much as my son, Zelgadiss here?"
"Ah, more, I'm sure!" she offered while loading up on her second helping. "That teacher's not only the Drone, but he's a masochist! I mean, he's gotta grade all that crap we write. Doesn't he need a life too?"
No delicate flower, that girl! Zel thought, smiling privately.
"I see, and how about you, Gourry. I remember you and Val here working on a history project last fall. Is that your favorite subject or your stumbling block?" Rezo asked, raising an eyebrow as he listened to Gourry and Lina tussle over a meatball.
Maybe it will fly off her fork and hit Rezo in his smug face, Zel wished, silently, of course.
Gourry's attention drawn off by the question, meant that Lina won with a tiny cry of glee, "YES!"
"History? Ah, no, that's my worst class. Without Zel's help Thursdays, I'd never pass, I'm sure. Ah, could ya pass me that salad, please," Gourry asked politely.
"Of course, and you, son. Anything interesting coming up?" Rezo asked, fixing his closed eyes on Zel.
Besides my dinner? Zel said, "Spring break. Amelia's lining up a visit to Macross recording studios. Hopefully we'll get to do something, if not, then we can glean information for later use."
"I meant concerning your school work, not that damned band nonsense!" Rezo replied in a raised voice.
"Ah, well, in that case… nothing interesting," Zel smirked, knowing his father could feel it, even though he couldn't actually see it.
Rezo's aura was flaring up. Zelas, sensing disaster squeezed his arm gently and added soothingly, "But he'll soon be out of that cooking class and starting up archery again, dear. I'm sure that will improve his state of mind, don't you think?"
"Archery. Don't you play any real sport? Like track or baseball?" Rezo growled.
"I can't do track, my legs are too short God what a lie! Baseball's summer only, and I'm usually working," Zel said coolly and the questioning moved on.
"How about you, Xelloss? How are classes going for you this term?"
"Well, I missed so much of cooking that I've had to drop it, but I'm really getting into that community service work at the old folks home!" he grinned.
Victory! Go for broke, big brother! Zel smiled.
"Then, I had to drop French for the novice bit, but that's coming along great too! In fact, you'll be proud to know that like your father, Rezo, I'm the only other novice to complete the program in a month's time. I get elevated to full priesthood in spring, April first, if I'm not mistaken!" He stood and bowed to Rezo.
To everyone's astonishment, Rezo nodded and said, "Congratulations. I was wrong about you, Xelloss. I didn't think you could stick to anything long enough to see it through."
"You're welcome. And, as you shall see, I always see my plans through to completion, if they are challenging enough," Xelloss said meaningfully.
Lina cleared her throat and the air, "Ah, Zel? If there's any desert, we'd best get a move on, right? The club opens in forty minutes and ya gotta park and get in line early to get in."
Zel took her cue to draw attention away from dangerous waters. "Sure, just a moment. Want to give me a hand Lina?"
She helped carry bowls and spoons for Zel, who then ladled servings of cooled egg custard and passed a raspberry topping.
"Well, Val. How are you settling in here?" Rezo resumed his interrogation.
"Here? Ah, the room's great. I 'preciate the computer and all. I'm typ'n fast enough to do homework an' look stuff up for classes. The cafeteria job's work'n out good too, Zelas. Thanks. Gives me free meals and more credits fer graduation and all," Val looked questioningly up at the spectacularly beautiful woman beside him.
She smiled and patted his arm, purring, "My pleasure, dear."
It took a supreme effort on Val's part to look away from her face, in fact, his hand trembled as hers lifted away and he attempted to pick up his spoon.
Careful now Val. She's evil and could destroy you at any time. Don't fall for her Zel wished his elven mind-link was operable. What did they call it in ElfQuest? Oh, yeah, 'sending.' But he didn't really like those kinds of elves much, anyway. Too much like Disney on acid.
"So what so you think Filia's up to now, hmm? She was awfully secretive about her plans for tonight, don't you think… VAL?" Xelloss asked not so innocently.
All right, so maybe I have a mind-link after all. Wouldn't you know it would be with goofus tonight! Zel shrugged and began clearing the table.
"Would you bring us that opened bottle in the refrigerator, dear, and a couple of glasses?" Zelas cooed from the table.
Sure. At your eternal disposal, my mistress! Zel continued muttering to himself, his best listener.
"Oh, she's seeing that Schezar creep again. I heard him say'n someth'n to her before… ya know, I had to go," Val growled, coming out of his Zelas-induced stupor.
Zel entered with the wine and glasses. Zelas was in Rezo's lap locked in a fervent kiss.
Lina was red-faced and Gourry gallantly helping to pull out her chair, "Time to go, Lina."
Zel set the bottle and glasses down on the table a bit harder than necessary. Xelloss jumped. He'd been daydreaming and watching Val squirm over the mention of Filia and had missed the 'action' from his parents.
"Can't you wait! We'll be leaving in just a few minutes. You know, some of my friends are still underage!" Xelloss said frowning.
"Darling, it's just a kiss. I'm sure Zelgadiss and Lina have had plenty of experience, but if it's bothering you, dear, leave," Zelas returned to Rezo, who looked more uncomfortable than Lina at this point.
Xelloss flew out of his chair sputtering with anger and resentment, "None of us are even dating! Don't you dare insult my friends, especially Lina. She has pride and self-respect and would never sleep around and get pregnant to land a husband…"
Oops, that may have been a bit too far, my friend, Zel thought as he ushered the others toward the door to grab coats and put on shoes.
"Like me, you mean?" Zelas said, her voice strained. "Don't apply your Puritan values to me! You never would have been born otherwise!"
"I wish I hadn't been! I wish I'd never entered this world of misery! All my life I've just been some toy for you and your husbands to abuse!" Xelloss had tears running down his face.
Val grasped the shorter guy by the arm and yanked him out of the room, "That's enough, kid. Ya don't want to go there now. Let's get outta here and dance some. Lina said she'd dance with ya, right? Okay, then forget the FOGs (Funky Old Guys, coined by Rat ^.^) and go. See Zel at the door? Yeah, git!"
Val opened the car door and guided Xelloss into the passenger seat alongside Lina and Gourry. He slammed the door and settled into the passenger seat in front, barking at Zel, who was driving, "Get the F*^$, outta this hellhole."
As the car pulled away from the curb, Lina wondered at the shaking, slouched form of her friend beside her. She wasn't equipped to handle this. Zel, through his entire hospital ordeal, vented anger, but never cried. He stored up most of his sensitive emotions, then overloaded and imploded into himself, leaving a rock-hard and bitter heart. Xelloss was different. Instead of internalizing his pain, he was exploding. Lina was outraged by Zelas' behavior, but was at a loss as to how to offer Xelloss any comfort.
Gourry knew what to do, though. He was on the other side of Lina. He stretched out his long right arm lightly wrapping it around Lina and pulled her back to his chest. She glanced up at his face questioning his actions and read his thoughts. Gourry nodded towards Xelloss, who was curled forward, arms around his knees and face hidden. Lina remembered how Gourry believed that a simple touch could perform miracles.
Tentatively, she reached out and tugged at Xelloss' shoulders. A little more force and his head toppled onto her lap, leaving her arm draped over him. She definitely questioned whether this was a good idea or not, understanding how Xelloss felt towards her, and didn't want to confuse him with mixed signals. But as the sobs subsided and the quaking slowed, she relaxed her head back against Gourry's chest again. The three sat in comforting silence knowing that no matter what, the binds of friendship would get them though.
Val twisted around to check the quiet trio and smiled at the odd intertwining of limbs, colors, and size. "Zel's searching for a parking space. You still up for this?"
Xelloss (reluctantly, to be sure) drug himself off his Lina-comfort-pillow and combed out his hair, "Yes."
"Xelloss?" Lina called for his undivided attention, with eyes glowing with flames roiling in barely controlled fury. "Luna talked to me this morning, early. She told me to go to Atlas City to retrieve records, old records with evidence to destroy your…Zelas and Gaav any way. I have to admit, at the time I was scared, too much to get involved, but now I know what to do. I'm in, big time. She's NEVER going to get away with that shit again with you. That's a Lina Inverse promise, mister!"
Xelloss answered her with a smile, then he bowed his head, fumbled with something hidden in a pocket, and sat up with a dark expression. "Notice anything new?"
Gourry gasped, "A nose stud! Cool, Xelloss!"
Lina squinted at it, "Eh, why didn't I notice that before?"
"Because it wasn't there! Magnetic, see?" Xelloss took it off and showed her the two parts.
Zel set the brake and turned around, "Of course no one said anything about me…"
Lina had somehow missed the ears--probably because he'd covered them with his hair in the house. Now he had them fully exposed, silver glittering.
Lina gaped and slowly took in the new Zel, chains, studs, EARRINGS, STUDS, "Oh, my God what did you do to Zel? He was driving a moment ago!"
Gourry burst out laughing, then controlled himself enough to say, "That's a good look for you, Zel! The wrist thing is cool."
"Yeah, you could use it for a toe ring, heh, heh. Just kidding, guys! Now, time to go! All RIGHT! Cyberia Wall, here we come!" Lina said triumphantly, bounding out of the car.
"Oh, joy…"
Rezo complained of a migraine and trundled off to bed early. He had much to think about and needed to do it alone. Time was running short. He had to resolve the inheritance issue with his… son. Son. What an amazing transformation he was 'seeing'. The boy whose life he had nearly destroyed, was nearly a man, a good person, much beloved by his friends. Lina had saved him. She was always strong-willed. Xelloss had drawn him out. His son had a good heart and helped others like Gourry and Val. He was a son to be proud of, wasn't he? Yes… Then there's that Xelloss kid! How had managed to turn his life around? A priest, so quickly. He would have made The Red Priest proud, wouldn't he have? Even that hooligan Val was proving to be a young man of substance. What would become of those boys, what would be left of those young men, when Zelas' plans were complete?
Rezo sighed. His meeting with the head of the shrine, Nels Lahda, was weighing heavily on his mind. There was no time left for pondering the possibilities. The time to act was now, before anyone could thwart his moves.
"Ahh, I'm getting to old for this. To have it all behind me and to be relaxing on that island again. Damned wolves."
(((.-)) Zel |||^.^||| Xelloss |{{^.^}}| Lina |((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^)) Amelia |))-.-((| Val