(((.-)) Zel |||^.^||| Xelloss |{{^.^}}| Lina |((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^)) Amelia |))-.-((| Val
Chapter 57
THE SLAYERS
Monday.
The time had come. For days, Lina had been dreading it. It surprised her how much she dreaded it, in fact. Always smart but never a nerd like Zel, Lina had maintained a tolerance of school for the past few years. She'd found a way to pass every class with more-or-less flying colors without doing much work, and that had satisfied her. In the back of her mind, she'd held a goal to strive for: college. Having no money, she would have to get a scholarship for any school she wanted to go to, and that meant getting good grades.
But suddenly, the thought of school sickened her. What else was there for her to learn? Near-death experiences certainly teach one about enjoying life. School was not enjoyable. It kept her away from her passions, her music and her friends and her adventures, occupied her precious mind with useless thoughts of equations, triangles, acids, bases, and stupid French war tactics. Why was she still taking all these silly classes? What did she want to do in life, anyway?
Lina reflected. Why did she want to go to college so badly? What did she expect to find there? A spell of ultimate power? A prince on a white horse? A degree in philosophy? What did she expect to accomplish there? She would be packed into classes with hundreds of others, all competing for attention, grades, education. Rich kids could afford to spend all their time studying and writing papers, but she would have to be working as well as all that. How could she compete?
In that instant, Lina felt so alone. It seemed as if she was lost in a great river which swept all others gleefully along, but somehow she had to swim upstream, against the current. She could see their smiling faces and seductive beckoning as they flew past, but she was not like them, could not follow. She and only she was a creature built to swim against the flow.
So when the boys came by in Zel's car to pick her up, their pleasant surprise was spoiled by her vehement reluctance.
"No! I don't want to go! I'm still weak!" she protested, contradicting herself by beating off anyone who got too close.
Zel did not look amused. "Lina, this is childish. You can't miss another day. Review for finals starts in a week, and the teachers are thinking of giving us all reduced credit if we don't get our make-up tests done soon—and that means you!"
"I had to go," Xelloss insisted.
"I don't care! I've decided to drop out! If I have to swim against the current, at least I want to do it my own way!"
"What the hell's she talkin' about?" Val snorted. "Yo, Lina! Remember all those times YOU forced ME to go? Like finals last term?" he grinned wolfishly. "Well, now it's PAYBACK TIME!"
And with a nod to the others, Val hoisted Lina by her legs, throwing her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and tossed her into Zel's car. Zel slipped into the driver's seat and ducked flying shoes she sent from the back. Xelloss came last, carrying her backpack ceremoniously.
She was not ready to forgive them in composition class. Acquaintances and well-wishers gathered around to gawk and chat with her, which she found to be annoying and even caused her some anxiety.
Zel noticed, and stepped in heroically to snarl at a few, "Find something else to do…" and followed up with an angry glare.
Xelloss noticed Martina powering up and rose to cut her off. "Martina? Is that a new hair-cut? Yes? I thought so. So tell me all about you and Zangulus…"
In short, Lina escaped the worst of the onslaught first period. Her next class was Spanish where, although there were a few well-wishers, she had no friends and a crazed but protective teacher to shield her.
When Lina reached History class, Filia rose to the occasion, snipping and snapping like a rabid dog at any and all who came between her and Lina. Zel and Xelloss pawed and whined at the edges.
By science, Lina was tiring out, but also ignoring the posturing her friends had gone through to afford her some privacy. She was definitely ready for her lunch break next…
Lunch time.
Lina entered and kids scattered throughout the cafeteria began to clap. By the time she'd reached her table, the entire room was cheering or clapping, and a few whistling a warm welcome back! She finally had to stand on a table and give a short speech to quiet the room and get on with the meal at hand.
AHEM!
"Yeah I'm back, now go get a life!" she shouted then plunked down to eat, or at least pretend to eat.
First, there was a shock-wave of surprise, followed by irritated voices in a hubbub of both wonderment and enmity. The other slayers took turns covering the surrounding area, finding friends to ameliorate among the masses. Amelia and Filia were especially adroit at this; even Val set a few creeps straight, "Give her a break, she's lucky to be alive…"
"Do I have time to get another bagel?" Zelgadiss wondered aloud. Xelloss had finished off Zel's first one plus his can of drink. He checked his watch, "Yeah…just time enough…"
Before he made it back to the table, however, Zel was accosted by a group of girls from the past semester's acting class. One of them, Bunny, he had danced with at the Halloween dance. That horror! Amelia had invited her Slayers friends over to try on costumes and eat before the school dance. Zel had thought that he was dressed as the Phantom of the Opera—although the mask wasn't quite correct. As it turned out, he was some guy…Tuxedo Mask… and Amelia was Sailor Justice, and she didn't tell him. To make things even worse, this girl, Bunny, had come dressed as Sailor Loon or Moon. Zel knew nothing until he had danced a slow dance –don't ask why—with Bunny and she told him that they were dressed as a popular cult couple. It embarrassed Zel to think about it even now.
Currently, Bunny and some of her friends were impeding his progress back to the Slayer's table. He recognized the girls, even been introduced to them at the Asian Celebration.
"Oh, Zelgadiss, is that reeeeeeeally you? You've been gone sooooo long! You've got earrings and…like, you look really so cool. Anyway, I was telling my friends here that, like you were such a great dancer and, we were wondering if you'd like to…go to that new club? We're still selling those special passes for our fund raiser too, anyway…So here's my number…you can just meet us there or if ya need a ride we can pick you up. Friday at 7:00!"
"Ah, I'm not…" Zel started to say 'interested', but she was drug off by a bunch of giggly girls and the noise of departing kids drowned out his voice and carried them out the door.
So now what? He wondered looking down at the mint-green card with Bunny's name and phone number neatly printed in glittery pink ink, and sighed.
"So what's that?" Xelloss asked Zel as he took his familiar seat between Amelia and himself. Some days Melvin joined them, sitting on Amelia's other side. Hojo and Tombo sat on Xelloss' far side on those days. Like this day.
"A bagel," Zel answered curtly.
Xelloss made a face, "Funny, it looks like a green card."
"Oh, that! I was accosted. Here, you take it," Zel tossed him the card with Bunny's number like it was a snake.
"Pretty, I wouldn't have considered you a glitter-pink-ink man, though," Xelloss chuckled and continued to tease his friend. "No WONDER you're being accosted… OUCH! "
Zel drew back his fist, "Bunny gave it to me, Xelloss! She wants us to go to that dance club again. She, ah…noticed the earrings too."
"What did you tell her?" Xelloss smiled.
"That I wasn't interested…but I don't think she heard me. That's if we need rides…the card."
"It was fun! Lina wanted to go again, I'll ask her or…Filia… or Amelia… or..." Xelloss smiled coyly.
"Whomever you wish…as many as you can squeeze into the car…anyone that you can convince to go with you, I don't care. I'm not going!" Zel insisted.
"Going where?" Amelia asked politely.
"Dancing…Cyberia club…Friday…" Zel said between bites of his bagel.
Amelia's eyes went wide, then she grinned, and "I'd love to, Mr. Zelgadiss! What time are you picking me up?"
Zel's eyes flew to meet hers. Oh shit…There was a time when I would have simply told her that I wasn't going and if she wanted to, just ask Xelloss, but…When did I get so soft? I know…when we fought for our friend's lives side-by-side…when you were the only one to help me, unbidden mind you, at the theater…So, heartless-bastard with a conscience…what are you going to say?
Sigh! "Xelloss wants to go too and I'm sure…" Zel began uncomfortably.
"Oh, of course he'd be coming! And Miss Lina, and Mr. Gourry?" Amelia smiled pleasantly his way.
"Ah…" Gourry said, "Lina shouldn't go dancing after a day at school and a band practice…"
Lina, busy toying with bits of with her lunch was only barely registering the ongoing conversation, but she did overhear her name being bandied about. "What's that I shouldn't do?"
"Dancing. Well that settles it then. We'll just put it off until Lina's ready," Zel decided out loud, then noticing he was the center of attention added, "Make sense?"
"No. I wanna go. I don't haveta dance all night. I can't imagine something awkward or desperate won't happen to cut our evening short, as usual. I mean, when have we ever done ANYTHING without a disaster occurring! We'll go, have a rotten time, and leave before I collapse," Lina said sourly. "On the other hand, forget it!"
"Put that way, how could any of us resist?" Xelloss smiled. "Filia? Sylphiel? I know Lina painted a pretty picture just now, but the place is just filled with vice and temptation galore… Val, or do you have to work?"
"Work," Val said simply.
"I'd love to, but…I know my father wouldn't let me," Sylphiel sighed, resigned to her fate. "Aren't you supposed to begin your shrine duties this week, Xelloss? You have to check the schedule! Call! You mean you haven't yet? Better do it now, you might be on for tonight, though you and I can ask for band-nights off…"
"Oh, my…I'd forgotten…" Xelloss jumped up, pulling out his cell phone simultaneously.
"Well, if no one can go but us…" Amelia began.
"Yes, we should think of something else then," Zel agreed with haste. "There's the bell…we'll talk later!"
Lina trudged blankly on to her next class, PE. She didn't even need to show her note to the instructor, she was excused from exerting herself. Instead, she walked slowly and alone around the gym…around and around. When the bell rang, she picked up her bag and ambled to her trigonometry class. Instead of taking her previous seat near the front of the room where she could see the board, Lina slunk into a dark corner. Only one more class to go…
Her last class had been the cooking one with her friends—that was before spring break. That was to have become archery with Kagome, but she'd missed too much, as had her friends, and was in no shape to pull a bow. Consequently, she and all her friends were back in cooking class. This was a good thing. Lina did little and her friends covered up for her and protected her from those questions: 'What happened? Are you ever going to record? Did you nearly die? Were you all bloody? Was the principal's head cut off? That's what we heard! Do you have scars? Are you ever going to sing again? Are the Slayers over?'
She wanted to scream out the truth, or just scream…
BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
The day was over, finally. Just this week then next, then finals, then over…
"Come on, Lina. I'll carry your stuff. The van's out front to take you home," Gourry said quietly, guiding her out and away as Zel and Xelloss shielded her from the crowds of well-wishers and the curious. "So you wanna try for a band practice Friday? Just a song or two. Okay, we'll do that then."
That evening.
The doorbell rang while Xelloss was washing dishes. Zel, Gourry, and Val were having a history final review in Val's room and Rezo was listening to TV news. Xelloss turned off the tap, and dried his hands on the way to the door.
"Yes?"
"I'm collecting for the lawn work. It's been three months, once a week at ten dollars a week that's…"
"Here's $200. Thanks for the work. Can you continue to come? Good. Do you do other work? Oh, I don't know…like trimming bushes and cleaning up stuff? Yeah? Well, if you give me your number, I'll call with some other work for a friend of mine. Here, you can write it down on this," Xelloss said handing the man a scrap of notepaper from school.
The man left and Xelloss returned to the dishes, thinking. The backyard was a wasteland. Filia talked a lot about fresh and pure, organically grown produce. It was better because it was grown without deadly chemicals and was environmentally 'friendly'. Zelgadiss like to cook with the freshest of ingredients. The food tasted better and looked nice. A garden would be nice. Flowers and vegetables. Now, how to get started? He dried his hands and the last of the dishes, then scurried off to his place, his loft, his computer to plan.
~*~
Tuesday.
For Lina, Tuesday was like Monday, only longer. For the others, they couldn't wait to get home…
Xelloss had wasted no time; he had appointments with two landscape contractors after school. Together they walked off the measurements, laid out string and pounded in stakes to mark walkways and raised beds. They left promising to out-bid one another by the next day.
~*~
Wednesday.
Like Tuesday. Lina was depressed and simply marking time. Something had to be done.
In the afternoon, Zelgadiss and Val noticed a rig pull up outside the front walk, and then begin to unload a small backhoe. "What do you suppose that's for?" Zel wondered aloud.
"Diggin' holes. Big ones," Val said, opening a soda bottle carefully to keep it from fizzing over.
"No, that's not what I meant. I know what a backhoe does. I meant, why are they here?"
"Xelly-boy's got a new project goin' out back."
"Oh? I didn't know that," Zel said a bit hurt at being left out of the loop.
"Right. It's a surprise for ya so ignore it," Val smiled and sipped his soda.
"A surprise? What's it going to be? I hope it's not a pool. I sink like a rock…not enough body fat to float, you know," Zel pointed out lazily.
"Notta pool. Somethun 'bout plants. I ain't sayin' no more and spoilin' his fun so…go back to readin'."
"Oh, joy…"
"Ah, don't start worryin' 'bout it. Anyway, I hear Gourry tunin' up so we'd better go on over…" Val said as he loped out the door to Xelloss' place.
The Slayers planned to have their first practice session on Friday. To that end, Zel and Val had been working hard to get Xelloss up to speed. Val helped him setup the drum kit. Zel made him sing all the songs until the tunes and rhythms were second nature again. Xelloss put on the headphones and pounded out his parts to the CD Joey had made, scratchy and unbalanced as it was. The brain connections were still there. He just needed to jump-start the whole system.
By Wednesday, he had re-learned much of his parts while playing with just Val and Zel, so after school he felt confident enough to invite Gourry to join them. It was of primary importance that the instrumentals be down pat before further complicating the mix with vocals.
Xelloss jogged into the practice room after supervising the start of the digging operation. "'Lo everyone! Listen to this, for Lina's signature number…" He pounded out a rhythm and then added cymbals and snare drums.
"You play differently," Zel announced.
"Yeah?"
Val joined in, "More ag-gres-sive…"
Zel added, "Less tentative, which is odd since you weren't sure what to do just a week ago. It's fine, mind you. Don't get me wrong! Do you feel confident about all this?"
Xelloss nodded, "The question is…will Lina like it? Do you think it's good enough? I'm not changing the sound, am I?"
Val patted him on the back, "She'll be worrin' 'bout herself. If she can sing one song, we'll be lucky, dude. Gourry, lay down some bad bass for us. Xelly-boy's 'bout ready to re-join the Slayers."
Gourry was happy to plug in and rev up. It had been a long time waiting. "Like ridin' a bike, ya never forget yer music," he smiled.
Xelloss smiled, "That must be my problem then! I never had a bike to ride!"
The boys were incredulous. "What! That's impossible!"
And so, plans for a bike-buying excursion grew into plans for a short bike tour and camping trip. A trip to the big sporting goods store near the mall was is order.
"We need camping gear, sleeping bags, stuff…" Gourry pointed out.
"My bike was stolen…" Val moaned. "So I'd need a new one."
"I gave mine to one of your brothers, Gourry. And, no, I don't want it back. I'll just get a new one too. In fact, Gourry, I have a proposition for you. If you teach Xelloss to ride a bike, I'll buy YOU a new bike too. Deal? Believe me, it's worth it!" Zel grinned as Xelloss punched his shoulder.
"I'm not THAT much trouble, am I?" he whined.
"YES, YOU ARE!" all three guys chimed in unison.
They agreed to go bicycle shopping the next day after school. Even Xelloss was excited. Buying a bike sounded fun. The riding…well…that was another thing. And camping! Bugs and sleeping on the ground…but he kept his mouth shut. He could be outdoorsy and tough too. At least he'd try.
"All right, one more time through for Val, who is going to try and play the keyboards with BOTH hands this time," Zel sighed.
"Yeah, my mind was driftin'. Break!" Val begged.
Xelloss hauled out some drinks, "Remind me to stock up before Friday…"
"So, what'ya doin' different on the drums?" Gourry asked.
Xelloss shook his head, "You tell me! All I had to go on was that recording your brother did, where it sounds like I'm banging on trashcan lids. Each head makes a different sound, like a voice. When I hit them I have to keep in rhythm, of course, but also add color."
Xelloss sat on his throne and demonstrated. "The bass drum, you feel it, right? The cymbals add brightness, sizzle, excitement, depending on which ones I hit, how I hit them, and with what. Same with the other drums…tom toms are tunable, I can play an entire piece on just these, listen…"
"That's cool…" Gourry smiled. "Like you're in a cave or somethun."
Xelloss nodded, "Then there are the snares…here, I can make you think of a dirge…"
"Yeah, no crashes or thumpin'…interestin'," Val nodded.
"If I try and am good enough not to throw everyone else off, I can introduce an upcoming theme with a little foreshadowing…just like in writing…" Xelloss explained.
Val chuckled, "I think you think too much…"
"There's a number on some old album… A Salty Dog…Oh, Val, do you know where I could get my hands on a record player? I have some old vinyl records I'd like to listen to again," Xelloss asked.
"Yeah, I'll pick ya up somethin'. Can I see the albums?"
Xelloss nodded enthusiastically and hopped up to his loft and made shuffling noises.
"So, what do you think he'll bring down?" Gourry asked.
"Better be more than show tunes…" Val muttered.
"Don't count on it. He's a romantic who lives in the past, if you haven't noticed, musically, that is," Zel stumbled about verbally.
Val chuckled, "He's a ro-man-tic. That's good! So, Gourry, did Lina tell ya 'bout the joke we played on him?"
"That's 'we' in the loosest of terms," grumbled Zel.
Gourry shook his head, so Val told the story, breaking into laughter. "Ya shoulda seen the look on Lina's face! Price-less! And Zel…"
"Felt like an idiot for having any part in it, even if I didn't know what I was doing…"
"What was that?" Xelloss asked innocently as he thumped downstairs, albums in hand.
"I was tellin' Gourry 'bout the shower joke," Val cackled.
Xelloss' face darkened, "It wasn't very nice, or funny…"
"But…" Val interrupted. "Yer took it good. No whinin' an' moanin'…impressive cursin' as well…"
Xelloss smiled faintly, "And Lina can still talk to me without turning colors. THAT was not an easy discussion to lead. I know she'd never seen… a guy before and she wasn't pleased that it was me, I can tell you that! But, it's over…for now…until the right time comes…for my practical joke…and I'm good at plans…devious ones…Val-lee boy."
Val might have been a bit taken aback, perhaps a little fear crept into his heart and shown from his eyes. He'd just survived one of Xelloss' planned adventures and he hadn't been the target…the targets were all dead.
"How 'bout we practice a few more tunes before I hafta go?" Gourry suggested. "Hey, those your albums? Procol Harum …Jefferson Airplane…Grateful Dead! Cool old 60's stuff, Xelloss. Maybe the band can do somethin' on one of these?"
That drew everyone's attention onto constructive applications and away from those unproductive ones.
~*~
Thursday.
Thursday after school, Zel drove Gourry, Val, and Xelloss to the bike shop. They looked at all kinds of bikes and equipment before letting a lean, buff salesman—who boasted having finished first in the Seyruun 600 (whatever that was, Zel shrugged) —step in and advise them.
Before leaving, they each had a new bike with water holders, repair kits, racks and bungee cords. Xelloss insisted on a bell, and Gourry encouraged them to all get helmets. Zel figured the gloves were practical and cool, but Val suggested water-filled seats. Turns out, Val's suggestion was a good one and later, they all had their bikes retro-fitted for comfort. While Val was busy showing Gourry some maps, Zel and Xelloss worked out delivery and payment arrangements.
For that amount of money, the delivery was free and immediate.
Gourry grinned at Xelloss and whacked him on the back, "I can teach ya this afternoon, then!"
Xelloss smiled weakly, "Oh…goody…"
As it turned out, Xelloss had a great sense of balance and good coordination, so he learned to ride, under Gourry's patient tutelage, in a matter of minutes.
"Look at me! I'm flying!" Xelloss yelled joyfully.
"That's a bike, not a broomstick, Xelloss!" Zel chuckled.
"Cel-e-bra-tion time!" Val called. "And I know just the place…Come on Zel, yer drivin'."
"I am? I do have work…studying, so…" Zel began.
Gourry shook his head and guided him out the door while Xelloss locked up one house and Val the other. "A thing I learned… We don't live forever, so try an' do somethin' fun when ya can. Ya never know…"
Zel nodded, "All right. You have a point, but we have to get back pretty soon." When he reached the door to the car, he waited for Val and Xelloss to get closer, then asked, "Where to?"
"Over near Sano's…pool," Val directed him as he sat in the front passenger seat. He turned around to direct his next question to the backseat, "You ever play pool, Xelly-boy?"
"Ah…no. Is it like learning to ride a bike? No? Less physical…Is it like learning to play drums? No? More mental? Well, no matter, I can handle it, if Zel can…" he smirked at the driver. "This week I'm up to all challenges! Foreword, ho!"
Xelloss leaned forward and said, "So, you're not afraid that I'll embarrass you there? People you know may be there."
Val laughed, "Oh, there might be, but I don't care anymore. Yer tough, so am I, the others…they don't matter. See, I know the real you, the one who'd give up his life fer his friends. And, ah…no matter how nuts you act like, that's the way I think of ya…so yer can't em-bar-rass me."
"Whoa, that's, like, deep, man!" Xelloss snickered.
Friday…
Lina did make it through the entire week and was determined to have a Slayers band practice after school, even if it killed her. Gourry took it upon himself some time ago to ensure Lina's safety.
"Now this is how it's got to be, Lina…and ya know I'm right so don't argue," Gourry said firmly. He was sitting beside her on the van going home, holding her backpack on his lap. He had already listened to her side, and he was patient, but now, it was his turn. "Right…ah, you sit, no standin', 'kay? And ya sing less than half the songs…and…when I think ya look tired-er than ya do now, we go home. No fightin', or I'll carry ya…and I can, ya know…" He smiled a little bit as he listened to her voice her objections, but wouldn't budge on any point.
Lina started to say that she'd make her own decisions and blah, blah, blah, when Val interrupted her to add his opinion, "He's right and ya know it and I'll help him, if necessary. Case closed!"
She gave up, wilting under the heat of their reasoning. She'd just have to hide her exhaustion better!
Xelloss had restocked the tiny refrigerator with an assortment of sodas and fruit juices. Amelia unloaded some homemade brownies from the back of the van to complete their refreshment.
"So, Mr. Xelloss? Will you be able to play today? Lina mentioned that you were afraid that you'd forgotten everything," Amelia asked.
"I'll be fine, Amelia. I've had help from these guys all week to guarantee the instrumentals are down. We sound good, I think. And although my drumming may not be exactly the same, my singing's just as weak!" he laughed a trifle nervous about his debut.
Val punched him in the shoulder, "Only thing weak about'cha is yer con-fee-dence! Give me a hand layin' cables, drummer-boy."
Filia and Sylphiel chose two out-of-the-way beanbag chairs to slump on. "Come over here Lina! So, how did your week back go? Do you have lots to do this weekend?"
"I don't want to talk about it. I think I'll be okay for another practice tomorrow, if that's what you're asking?"
"Let's see how this one goes first, Lina," Gourry suggested. "Give me an 'A', Val."
While the others tuned up, Lina sipped a glass of milk, thoughtfully produced by Gourry, and actually ate part of a brownie, the most she had had all day to eat. Everyone noticed, but remained mute. Pointing out her changed behavior did not seem like a wise thing to do.
The band ran through half a dozen songs, first time just to refresh their memory of the lyrics, then a second time to fit the instrumentals together. Lina took it easy, as was recommended, not belting out her numbers as usual. It felt good to be with these people, and JUST these people. Here she had nothing to hide…except a bit of fatigue…
"Where am I?" Gourry! What are you doing? Put me down this instant!" Lina screamed and kicked.
Luna opened her front door, "Well, I hope you're not carrying her over the threshold for the wrong reason, Blondie!"
Gourry grinned, but didn't let go until he'd reached her bedroom. There he gently placed her on her bed and said, "I gotta go help out my dad now…Ah, remember, lunch and practice tomorrow at Xelloss' place. I'll be by … before noon to pick you up… in the truck!" he added hastily. He smiled and loped out of the room before she could scold him any more.
"Thanks, Gourry," she whispered and closed her eyes, falling asleep within moments.
Friday evening.
As it turned out, Zel's karma was working for him this time. Xelloss was to report to the shrine, thus canceling the 'dance' date absolutely. Val had gone on to work, Filia was invited over to Sylphiel's until Val and her ride back to the settlement could pick her up around 8:00 PM. Suddenly, Zel and Amelia found themselves alone in the practice room.
"Well, that leaves just us then, Mr. Zelgadiss. We shouldn't go dancing without the others, I suppose…"
"No. That's right. I…I was just going to go play a computer game…" Zel said quickly.
"Which one? I love some of them! Lost Universe!?! You HAVE that game?"
"Actually, Xelloss got it some time ago and currently it's installed on both systems and we attack one another, but…"
"Could I see it! PLEASE!" Amelia begged.
"Well, okay…you know the way… Oh, I can fix some food to take up, first. It's almost dinner time," Zel reminded her and stopped off in the kitchen first. He slapped together some sandwiches, coleslaw, and grapes, and let her carry the napkins and drinks to his room.
~*~
Sylphiel accompanied Xelloss from the shrine door to inner offices. In the background he could hear the boys choir practicing.
"My father asked me to take you to his office. He must have something in mind for you, Xelloss. I think you really impressed him…the way you planned everything and how brave and smart you are… I believe he considers you a special kind of person… I know, I do…"
"Why, thank you, Sylphiel. That's very kind of you to say. Would you like me to say good-bye before I leave tonight? Where shall I meet you? Here? Okay…"
Xelloss smiled and left her to re-join Filia in her room. He knocked on the shrine director's door, and entered on command.
"Good evening, Xelloss. Sit down over there. Now… first… how are you feeling? Adapting to school again?"
"If by 'feeling' you mean 'am I still crazy'…well, I've been seeing a psychiatrist who has helped me vanquish a few ghosts and helped me come to grips with others of my past. I haven't been having nightmares recently and I'm content, happy, and at ease for the first time in my life," Xelloss smiled to prove it.
Nels Lahda nodded, "Good…then I was wondering if you've given any thought to the future?"
"Ah… not specifically… I promised Zelgadiss that I'd concentrate on the summer only, well that and getting through the next couple of weeks of school. My dream has always been to have a family, a real one… a good one… and that's all changing for me…again. I am not giving thought to much right now. You see, I'm putting off all that I can. It's…overwhelming…the decisions. So I have a lawyer to help me and Val and Zelgadiss with the financial problems," Xelloss answered as best he could.
"As to the shrine," the older man said, "There are many levels of involvement, especially for the priests. The more involved you wish to become, I can accommodate you. There has been no known syndicate member allowed in the shrine before, intentionally, so I am taking unprecedented steps with you. I've protected your secrets as best I can and shall continue to. You see, I trust you. So, how preoccupied are you going to be next year? "
Xelloss smiled, "I'm…stunned and honored, Sir. Thank you. I'll be equally open about my thoughts to you then… I consider myself first and foremost part of the Slayers' band, then a priest to the shrine… at this time. Zelgadiss has made me join him at the university part-time next fall, so I'll be busy there as well. My karate job is…over. My doctor would never treat my head again if I went back, I'm sure! Then there's this dance studio I own…I'm not sure what to do about that yet… I'll have an income to manage… The shrine. I see that as my future when I'm done with school. It's given me stability and a cause… a purpose beyond the usual selfish ones. I will devote my time and money to it as I can now, and more in the future. Did I make any sense there? I was rambling again."
Nodding, the high priest answered, "Professor Greywords gives you high marks, young man. That means a lot coming from him and considering that he didn't think to highly of you a few months ago. You smile. I guess things got a bit dicey around your house?"
"Oh, yes, Sir."
"He says that despite your past, you are very moralistic, you don't drink or smoke or touch drugs, and, as far as he knows, you have no girlfriends."
"Well, Gourry and Zelgadiss deserve the highest honors. Val and I try to live up to their standards. The drugs and alcohol are…very bad for me…We've even stopped Val from smoking! Course that's mostly Filia's doing but still…Clean. We're all clean. You'd be surprised," Xelloss paused and smiled.
"Val, even he has some pretty high moral values, and he's had a tough childhood to break free from also. He's going to graduate next year and is walking the straight and narrow paths to the settlement each weekend now. ME? Well, I have my little brother looking over my shoulder all the time and he's as straight-arrow as they come. But…the marriage thing… that's me. I think what my mother did to my father was…criminal. She destroyed him. I'll wait for the right girl and cherish her for my life. I want children to love, like I'd wanted as a kid… a father… I'll be the best I can be. Kinda sappy sounding, huh? Well, that's me too," he added unapologetically.
"Heh, heh… well you are an original, Mr. Mettalium! Refreshingly frank and open…Slayers first, priest second, eh? For now? Okay…funny guy…but I can tell you have a serious side to you. Your friend Zelgadiss is right, you should finish school, challenge yourself. You never know what you might need to know in the future or want to do. Opportunities come by when you least expect them, and you need to be ready. I want you to know that you'll always have a home here at the shrine, a safety zone." Nels Lahda sat back in his chair and looked at Xelloss.
Xelloss smiled, "Thanks! I will have a few things to do first, but a life with the shrine sounds right to me. My family owes the world and I am content to carry that…not 'burden', since I consider it an honor to serve… So, what are my duties for now?"
"I'd like you to keep a low profile…"
"Miroku says most new priests begin with door-duty…"
Nels Lahda nodded, "Yes, but I think less contact with the public is better… Besides, I'm not sure I want you hanging around my daughter that much!" He smiled at the embarrassed young man.
"You look surprised," he told the now-silent Xelloss.
"I don't understand. We eat lunch together at school, there's band practice, a few road trips… I must say she sews well! She made my priest's cloak and a kimono for me, you know! My father was Japanese and I guess it's a 'roots' thing… I wear it everyday too," Xelloss smiled. He wasn't sure what the man wanted to know about his interactions with his daughter, so he tried to cover all the bases.
"Then you aren't courting my daughter?"
Xelloss felt the blood leave his head bereft of food for thought. "Ah… Sylphiel? No… None of us are dating really…Maybe Val and Filia once…but there's a lot of clan identity working there, I think… What was I saying? Oh, yeah, most girls think I'm gay, a nerd, or crazy. Sylphiel's never called me any of those, though. She's very nice and doesn't treat me as if I'm weird. I believe she likes Gourry, though…" Well he tried to sound coherent.
Nels Lahda stared hard at Xelloss for a moment before commenting, "You believe that, don't you? Maybe you aren't aware of her feelings about you. I was worried that you might take advantage of her naivete… But it may be one-sided."
"I didn't know, Sir! She's my friend and I'd never mean to hurt her, never! She's sweet and beautiful…cooks well too… unique cookies!"
The older man smiled, "That's all right then. You're not actively pursuing her. That's what I was wondering. Is it true then what I heard, that you were once engaged to a girl…and under-aged one?"
Xelloss sighed then nodded, "Yes, but… it was mostly a ploy to divert attention away from my other friends at the time. It worked and it protected Kiki, sad as the parting must have been for her (and me…) Anyway, as difficult as it is to explain here to you now, it was… No. I won't justify my actions anymore, but if things had not turned out as they did, I would have lived up to my obligations or released her, her prerogative."
Nels Lahda cleared his throat, "I see. Your intentions were honorable no matter how questionable your judgement might have been…you were just a boy at the time yourself. Well, I won't keep you much longer this evening. I imagine you have other plans."
"No, I was planning to stop by and say good night to Filia and Sylphiel before I go, but nothing else."
"Hmmm, would you be interested in seeing our computer facility and records room, then? I was hoping you'd be able to maintain our databases and websites," Nels Lahda smiled as he walked to the door.
"Take me to your server!" Xelloss chuckled.
~*~
Meanwhile, Filia and Sylphiel were listening to music and talking in her room.
"Well, that practice wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. The guys really worked to get the music back, don't you think?" Filia asked.
"Un, huh…they sounded good together," Sylphiel answered as she thumbed through her closet looking for her outfit for the next day. "What do you think of this top?"
"Kinda low…Who sits across from you at lunch? Xelloss? It's fine then."
"What do you mean? He would look or doesn't care? Anyway…Lina looked down still though," Sylphiel returned to her closet.
"He'd look, but I don't know if he'd care. Yeah, Lina being weak and out of it for so long…it's probably bad for her. Let's bring something over to practice tomorrow to cheer her up," Filia suggested.
"Okay, but we should ask Xelloss first. He's got lunch planned already. You really don't think he'd care? He notices what we wear…the band singers I mean… and always says something. You mean, he doesn't care what I wear?" Sylphiel's voice rose shrilly.
"Maybe he does. He doesn't say much these days. He's disturbingly quiet."
Sylphiel figured Filia was just distracted by someone else, "So… what's up with you and Val, or is Xelloss still bothering you? Maybe I'll just not wear a bra if it's going to show…"
"Xelloss? Gods, Sylphiel, I'm not interested in that…guy. You shouldn't be either. He's certifiable and you know it! With that blouse…it's too see-through. You'd have to wear a sweater to get past your father."
"Yeah, you're right…I'll wear the other one then," Sylphiel sighed. She was pleased to have found the clothes to make the right statement at last. "He's not dangerous…"
"Dangerous! How many people died because of him? I'm not saying they didn't deserve it but…we have his word for that…"
"Filia! I didn't see that awful Saygram or that… Gaav monster but… he was nearly killed by them! Val can tell some very ugly stories about Gaav too! And I was there when that insane kid…. Gods it was AWFUL, Filia! And Xelloss never touched any of those men. They did it to one another because of their own evilness. And… Zelas shot Dubois and the CIA or the syndicate killed her…NOT XELLOSS!"
Filia sighed, "Yes, but the truth is…Xelloss is alive and they are not. Who knows what ties he still has, half-brothers or step-sisters lurking out there. He's nuts! What if he gets angry and WHAM! That Blackbelt comes in and Crack! You're dead too!"
"Oh, Filia, that's ridiculous and you know it!" Sylphiel giggled at her friend's extreme silliness. "He's kind and gentle and sweet-tempered and funny and he dances like…a movie star…he's so cute…handsome…in a pretty way…has great hair… He's neat and clean and smart as anything!"
"Oh, and rich. You forgot that. Oh, all right. He's attractive and can be refined when he's not goofing around but… don't forget his past, Sylphiel! He was abused and although he never says anything about those experiences, they have to have changed him. He wasn't just tortured…it wasn't all mind-games. Val told me that Xelloss most likely was sexually abused as well by very violent men. You want to get closer to him? Well, when he decides to open up and tell you about that, then you know you can trust him."
"How about Val?" Sylphiel asked quietly. "Has he told you about his past? His ugly years with Gaav?"
"No. He's started to, I think once, but I'm sure that he's afraid I'll be repulsed and never care for him again."
"Is that true?" Sylphiel asked.
"I don't know. I don't know how important he is to me yet… So we wait,' Filia looked down at the fabric in her hands.
"He's here now. Xelloss, NOT Val, silly! He's meeting with my father about his shrine duties. He'll meet us later to say good-night."
"Where? In your ROOM?" Filia cried.
"No, of course not. Father would ban me from the band if I allowed something like that! We'll all meet in the public entry."
"Good, you don't need 'alone' time with him, believe me. He has trouble keeping his hands to himself… Oops! Sounds like a van…Val's here too. It's time for my ride back to the settlement. Remember what I said…and find out what we should bring to the lunch, okay? Right, BYE!"
"Bye, Filia!"
Sylphiel was standing in the entry, waving to Filia, when Xelloss walked in.
"Hello!"
"Oh, hi! I thought you'd forgotten. That took you a long time!" she said to him.
"Sorry, we got to talking about you…Just kidding! Sorta… then he showed me to the computers. Looks like there's a place to hide me away at the shrine," he grinned.
"Oh, that's good, right? You and computers make a good match. So… what did you and father have to say about me?"
"He's a good man, Sylphiel. He's worried about his treasure. He wants to know about my shady past, my clouded motives, my unsure plans… and how they…or…how I feel…mostly if I was going to corrupt your virtue!" he smiled and shook his head.
Giggling, Sylphiel said, "Oh, father! How silly…"
"Not to him. You are all he's got…his wife of course, but you are his future investment and he wants to be sure you're safe and happy."
"But with you I feel safe…and happy," she demurred.
"Ah… why's that? I'm just another guy…" Xelloss backed off cautiously.
Sylphiel stepped closer, "With a black-belt…I've known you all year and know you'd never hurt me or any of your friends. I know how good a friend you are to all of us…funny, smart, cute…"
Xelloss stopped her with a hand, "Sylphiel, stop before you say something you'll wish you hadn't later. Wow, I sure wish someone had said that to me a few times in the past year!"
That made her giggle again, "You THINK too much! Just go with how you feel…" then an expression of comprehension enlightened her countenance. "Oh! You still love Kiki…and Lina, don't you?"
"Yes. Yes, I do, but… I'm not IN love with them. I've come to learn the difference, I think. Our goals are different, we share interests and friends. I love being with Lina but… there's no 'us' in the future, that I see. She's a free spirit while I…am less sure."
Sylphiel nodded, "Then…it's Filia, right? You like her, don't you?"
"Ha! Probably more than she likes me, that's for sure! But, you see, I like all of you. You're my friends. I know, you mean that special feeling. Sylphiel, give me a little more time to work out my personal problems then…we'll see what develops, okay? Our band may have some road trips and…"
"We'll all be pretty close then and…and you don't want to add more tension to the mix? I think I understand. You lost your family and have to work out your new one too, don't you? And here I am pressuring you to include me into that mix too soon. I'm sorry. I guess I've needed something hopeful to think about throughout all this mess and I …thought about that poem from Valentine's and bringing you soup and your kiss…my blush first…though I can tell you're far more experienced than you let on…" she opened her eyes and stared deeply into his scared ones.
"Don't look at me that way…" he choked out. "I'm only human, you know. I have to remind myself here that I'm the adult in these situations and have to exert my self control so… I'd better go. I have to run to catch the last bus out to my part of town…NO! No, but thank you for the offer of a ride, Sylphiel. I don't think that's such a good idea right now… Good night!"
"Good night! See you at practice tomorrow… OH! What should I bring for the lunch?"
"ICE CREAM!" he shouted from the sidewalk and hurried away.
~*~
Val stumbled upstairs to see if Zel was home. He paused at his door and heard voices, one definitely female.
TAP, TAP
"Just me, don't need to open if yer busy, heh, heh," he chuckled.
"Come in!" Zel called out with a touch of irritation.
"'Lo, Amelia. I'm off work and about to go pickup Filia…ride's waitin'…See ya tomorrow fer lunch, right?"
"That's the plan," Zel smiled. "We'll practice whether or not Lina makes it."
"Xelloss promised a meal, she'll come fer that! Later, dudes…er, dudette and dude…" Val closed the door, picked up his bags on his bed downstairs, and left.
"You're worried about her, aren't you?" Amelia asked, searching Zel's eyes for an answer.
"A little. She's never been down like this before…in ALL the time I've known her. Down and unenthusiastic. Not like her. I don't know if we'll be ready for anything like touring with the Suzaku Seven this summer," he said with a hint of sadness.
"We seem to find ways to overcome our problems, Mr. Zelgadiss. Miss Lina will too. She has to come to terms with the role she has to play at school, and that's nearly over. Musically, we'll be fine, I think. The drum part sounded different to me, did you think so too? Yeah, and it's not just the way he plays; he's more serious. Then there's Miss Sylphiel…"
"Sylphiel? What's her problem?" Zel asked mystified as ever by his friend's inner workings.
Amelia looked him over, and then said, "I can trust you with this info since maybe you know something that can help." She waited for Zel to assure her. He blinked, and then nodded, hoping it wasn't a serious illness. "Miss Sylphiel has fallen for Mr. Xelloss. Since Valentine's day its been coming on bit by bit, but three months is a long time for one of her infatuations…Mr. Gourry being a different case altogether. I don't know what to tell her! She's convinced that Mr. Xelloss can make her happy! I don't think she's told him yet…"
Zel closed his eyes and sank back onto his bed. Gods how he hated discussing relationships! If he could extract his friends from this mess before they were in over their heads, then…he'd have to do something… "No, she hasn't. He's clueless, mostly. Amelia, he's confused about life, his in particular. Right now, he just might just go for her, rash decisions are not yet a thing of the past. He's also rather weak around persuasive females, as you may have noticed. All right, around any remotely encouraging females. What a mess…"
"Oh, Mr. Zelgadiss…it's not so bad as all that… She's sweet and adoring and …he's needy and kind and a genius. They'd be happy!"
"What would they even talk about?" Zel asked as he stood and moved to his window. "Their interests are poles apart."
"Maybe they won't talk very much…oh, that didn't sound quite right! Um, the have the shrine in common and the band…food. He likes to eat and she likes to cook. Gossip… he's curious… Listen, they both want to get married and raise families," Amelia said.
"SHE'S ONLY 16! Her father would have a fit! He'd never allow it!"
"I'm sure she'd wait until she was through with school. She's not that desperate!" Amelia frowned slightly at her dense friend.
"Who knows…he may be 18, but sometimes he acts like a little kid, who, I might add, can bring out the nurturing side of a girl like Sylphiel. You know that she's not too sharp and he's an idiot sometimes! I hope…" Zel noticed that Amelia was studying him again and calmed down. "I don't know what I hope for actually. I think I've got him convinced to take some classes with me at the university next year. Rezo's taking care of all that for us… Xelloss agreed to finish high school, if it can be done next year as well. But…it's all I can do to keep him focused on finishing THIS year sometimes. He seems to be over the anxiety attacks…afraid that Val would go then I'd move out and leave him all alone…but, if he thinks Sylphiel is an answer to that problem as well. If he sees her as an escape from his loneliness problems, what can I do?"
"I'd like to think better of both of them," Amelia began.
Zel continued without listening to what she was saying, "You've got to convince Sylphiel to get her head on straight and give him more time…at least the summer… to get his act together."
"Mr. Zelgadiss, do you know if Xelloss even notices her? We may be blowing this all out of proportion."
"Ah…he doesn't talk about her, that's a clue. He likes to talk about 'feelings' a great deal, to me anyway… and to Val. He just learned a lesson or two about love and friendship from Lina, so he's vulnerable. I'll try to talk to him about resisting… No, he'd never listen to me," Zel sighed at last, collapsing onto his bed again.
"You're one of the only people he does pay attention to. Your opinion matters to him more than anything! That's why your disapproval hurts him so. He tries to live up to your standards and when he can't…Don't shake your head at me! I've SEEN it, Mr. Zelgadiss. He may call you 'little brother' but to him you're his role model for honesty, integrity, and perseverance…" Amelia shouted, her tiny fist upraised.
"And pig-headedness…"
"If you are stubborn and have GOOD judgement, that's not 'pig-headedness'! He sees the virtues you uphold and your faults and how you handle your weaknesses and failings… He watches you all the time and attempts to emulate you. If you tell him Sylphiel is a good thing, he'll go for her. If you tell him he's nuts to consider her, then he won't. Like it or not, you do have power over him!!"
"Amelia… I…I'm just a freaky-looking seventeen year-old guitarist and student. What do I know? I can't be responsible for someone else!"
"Oh, Mr. Zelgadiss… I thought we'd gotten beyond those scars… to that wonderfully complex personality we all adore," Amelia said.
Zelgadiss glanced up quickly to see an impish grin spreading across her face, "Oh, joy…" He knew she served that up as 'meaningful', as a complement with a side of 'dig'. Lay off the 'feeling sorry for yourself' stuff. It's not a fall-back position with these friends anymore.
While Zel was pondering this new revelation, he heard a familiar voice at the door.
"Hello! Zelgadiss? You up? Can I come in, or do you have company?"
Zel smiled and looked askance at Amelia, then said, "Speaking of the devil…"
"Mr. Xelloss, it's just me. Come on in," Amelia said kindly.
He pushed open the door, "Cozy…um…You're here rather late, Amelia."
Amelia cried out in alarm, "Late? Oh, NO! It's 10:00! I should be home by now!"
Zel calmly reached for his cell phone, "Give your father a call. I'll drive you home."
"Actually, he won't be at home. He's at a city commissioners' meeting tonight…"
"Well, in that case…just leave him a message and say you're with us and we're stopping for ice cream on the way!" Xelloss smiled, pleased with his plan.
"US?" Zel wondered aloud as Amelia nodded and started dialing. "All right…"
"You know where we really ought to go, don't you? Xelloss asked as they thumped down stairs.
"No, where?" Zel asked, not really wanting to know the answer.
"I know!" Amelia cried out. "Let's go see that new Star Wars movie! That's what you were thinking, right Mr. Xelloss? Even Melvin went back to see it the next day!"
"Sure, why not? Just leave another message with our good friend Phil. He'll understand. Tell him...you are with us, the safest dates in town!" Xelloss grinned in triumph.
"Sounds fine with me. Mr. Zelgadiss?" Amelia looked questioningly at the nervous boy beside her. How he could bravely stand against those horrible gangsters, yet be here trembling next to her was beyond her comprehension.
"Ah…sure, why not?" he gave in. "Now that I have these earplugs, might as well test them out." Checking his watch again he added, "We'll just make the last showing of the night, if we hurry."
"How exciting! I've never been out this late with two of my favorite … men-friends!" she chuckled slightly.
"Actually, you've been out all night with all of us, as I recall…" Zelgadiss reminded her.
Xelloss' eyebrows shot up at the implication, but knowing that his friend meant that innocently, he switched topics, "Soooo… speaking of Melvin… You two still dating?"
"No, not really. He's… a very nice guy but, frankly, kinda dull. I mean, compared to the kind of lives we've been leading these last few months… I can't explain it very well, I suppose, but since spring break in particular I haven't felt… right. We weren't injured in a car wreck and the images of pain and horror and bravery… are emblazoned into my mind. Those events changed me, all of us, but we have to pretend that it didn't happen! That's what's wrong with Miss Lina. She's sick about it and she's not getting better until she decides what to do about it… how to cope and come to grips with it all."
"You are right," Zelgadiss said solemnly. "I want to help her."
"We all do, Mr. Zelgadiss. But I think we should give her a few more days on her own first."
To change off that gloomy topic, Amelia turned to Xelloss for a run-down of his night, "So do you have an assignment at the shrine now?"
"Yes, I do! Computer tech stuff. I can make a difference immediately and it keeps me out of the picture awhile. Not everyone's keen on me, I understand."
Zelgadiss pulled into the parking lot and had no trouble finding a close parking space. "Is that so? Is Nels Lahda still worried about you corrupting Sylphiel?" he asked bluntly.
"That too!" Xelloss giggled. "I was caught a bit off-guard about that. I hope that I convinced him of my good intentions and lack of interest…for the time being. I tried to! I'm not some sex-starved, depraved, maniac…well… depraved, anyway…"
"Mr. Xelloss!" Amelia cried out, punching his arm as they walked into the theater. "You are not a starved… anything!"
"Ameeeee-leeeee-a!" Xelloss chortled back. "How would YOU know?"
Zel conversed with the ticket agent and left the other two to their own devices. He was not going to let them drag him into their nonsense.
"What's important is that her father knows that you are recovering from your recent traumas and that you are not predating on his territory!" Amelia said with conviction. "And that you let Sylphiel know that too."
"Interesting way to put it, Amelia. I did, or at least I tried. Don't get me wrong, I think Sylphiel is very attractive and nice, but… Even if I know that mentally I'm in fair shape, I'm messed up emotionally. I'm not ready for… I shouldn't enter into any kind of relationship shit right now. It wouldn't be fair to anyone involved."
Zel paused at the end of the hall to the inner door and stared at his friend a moment before saying, "That's a refreshingly mature attitude. You've come a long way."
Xelloss looked away, clearly happy, but slightly embarrassed, for once, "The therapy has helped, really. I'm more focused… have been able to focus on solving my problems rather than just blaming them on the demon's in my past."
"I'm proud of you, big brother."
"Thanks, little brother."
"Can we go and sit down now? It's about to begin!" Amelia smiled, pushing Xelloss gently through the passageway.
"Yeah. So, does this mean I don't have to lecture you about keeping your hands off Sylphiel?" Zel asked Xelloss over Amelia, who was seated in between the taller boys.
Xelloss stuck out his tongue, "That's right. I can behave myself just as well as you. Amelia, you can attest to that, right?"
"Well, we just sat down, Mr. Xelloss," she teased.
"Ah…I'm closing off my ears entirely until the music's off…Let me know when it's quieter, all right?" Zel asked Amelia.
"Of course, Mr. Zelgadiss," she smiled. She knew he needed to tune out Xelloss as well.
The previews were usually loud and uninteresting, but one in particular caught the attention of all three kids:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ =============================================================
Shots of pink ooze getting blown up…
A party scene with humans and obvious not-so-humans mixing it up…
A coffee shop with close ups of a young man with stylish blonde hair and soulful blue eyes talking to a smaller guy with messy black hair…
Several shots of a very small apartment with a tall sinuous man wearing a red kimono and a seductive smile and other more horrific-looking females (?) passing through…
A wild-looking woman in striped business suit flanked by a much younger, boyish looking young man…
More pink ooze…
Outdoor shots of a city…
More shots of the two young men, the blond flipping crepes and smiling…
Closing shots of a door opening into darkness… then a pair of glowing eyes and eerie howling, followed by the title…
THE EXORCIST'S CLOSET
THE ORDINARY LIVES OF EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
Original Screenplay and story by Rat ( Kaeru Shisho 1/2)
Showing in theaters (and to fictionpress.net) near you now!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Authors' note: Sorry for the shameless advertising, but we really recommend that you check out this story under the 'original fantasy' grouping. Thank you!
(((.-)) Zel |||^.^||| Xelloss |{{^.^}}| Lina |((.^)|| Gourry ((^.^)) Amelia |))-.-((| Val