Seyruun High Jinx –NEXT!
Chapter 29
Home Sweet Home
"Zesssss-teee the Orange man…!" -- Xelloss sang.
Ryo had remained firm, taking Bikky and Carol home that evening in order to allow Mrs. Gabriev a comfortable bed to herself. All the others shared the floor, mostly, with blankets. Dee was not pleased to be the one left to 'guard' the Slayers clan, but since Ryo gave him that 'look, which gave him no choice,' he acquiesced with minimal grumbling.
After calling their families to assure everyone that they were safe and sound and to determine that Rodimus and Zolf had safely returned to Seyruun with all of their equipment, the kids watched, with interest, the late-night news version of their sold out concert and subsequent mobbing, which brought downtown Sairaag to a standstill. There had been little discussion, practically none, but they had all agreed that the growing fan base was nice; however, the out-of-control part of it was not. It had even seemed a bit 'contrived', too sudden, but no one voiced that opinion audibly that night—that was carried on telepathically between Zelgadiss, Val, and Xelloss. Gourry would have been included, but he had fallen asleep shortly after the announcement of 'And now for the Late Night News for this evening…' Lina had been in the kitchen helping herself to one last snack before bed. Then, to the amazement of the detectives, the kids simply turned off the TV and fell asleep. No hi-jinx. They were dead exhausted and group sleepovers were getting old...
They left the safe house early the next morning in three fated vehicles...
Gourry was going to be driving his mother's van home; he just had not known it at first.
Before they took off for home that morning, he reminded Sylphiel to be ready to go at about five. He planned to take her to dinner before going to the TM Revolution concert. While they were talking, he noticed that Xelloss had left the Slayers van and was speaking to Nahga off at the side. Sylphiel was giggling and waxing poetic concerning their upcoming 'date'. Her enthusiasm was contagious, causing him to look forward to the evening now, where he had once dreaded it. He watched Nahga climb into the Slayer's vehicle.
"I'll be ready, Gourry," she promised. "I'll make sure to pack plenty of snacks for you, too!"
On the other hand, maybe it was just the food...
He left her with the other Slayers, who were sharing driving of the bandwagon back home. Ryo offered Gourry, Joey and Mrs. Gabriev a lift back to the parking lot, where Mrs. Gabriev had parked the family van the day before. Gourry, it now seemed, was to drive them home. Such a good boy. He had even volunteered! However, he was not that kind hearted, it could be argued, since he had not thought of it until he had realized that Nahga was riding in the Slayers' van. Lina nearly went along with him, but she did not want to be stuck in the back seat with a tired and crabby Joey. So, in the end, Gourry drove his mother and brother home. He jammed in an old country-western CD and rolled out of the lot, humming along.
Nahga, having traded with Xelloss for a seat on the van with the Slayers, was the hit of that party. Maybe she was a little older, but she knew how to have a good time! She led sing-alongs and made the miles fly by.
"Hey, Lina. Ya know that song...Midnight Blue... Let's sing that. I have got a fantastic voice. Muuuuch better than yours! Blessed at birth! It is my song, isn't it? Say, why aren't you singing too, Z-mon?"
However, Zelgadiss, the Z-mon, did not answer. He had his earplugs in all the way. He watched the countryside roll by. He was looking forward to tonight. His own room...his bed... Xelloss had told him that he was hoping to stay over with Candy; he had something special in mind. Val was heading out to the settlement to comply with Filia's wishes and complete his commitments, preparing for the Winter Solstice activities. Zel would have the entire house to himself...ah...
Nahga did not let the 'Z-mon's' disinterest put her off. She had her new friend in leathers, Fi-girl, and that fine man, Val, to pester. "Now, that sweet little number you and Fi-girl do. I can sing that too. Ah...how does that start now?"
Val hummed the introduction and they sang another tune, while the out-skirts of Seyruun appeared on the horizon.
"Where'd you go, baby sis? Come on and sit up here with me. I wanna do that solo of yours. I have a very fine ear. I have perfect pitch. I was always singing the leads. That's right. You did harmony. It's much easier to sing harmony against my perfect pitch. Let's see if you can keep up with me here..."
Amelia good-naturedly, but half-heartedly, raised her voice in harmony with her sister. Zelgadiss smiled. He could nearly make out the tall spires of the White Shrine. Home. Almost home.
Xelloss had traveled home with Candy and Nuriko, John driving. "So, can I see you later? Tonight?" Xelloss asked Candy, practically begging.
John had stopped to drop him off at his house and was waiting with Nuriko in the car.
"I don't know. Maybe, dinner. I'm going back to my room and sleep for about five hours. Why don't you call me about 3:00 and we'll make plans then, okay?"
Disappointed, Xelloss started to object, but Candy needed her space. She placed a finger to his lips. "Shhh, now. 3:00. Now, I'm going. You get some rest, too. Promise you'll get some?"
He nodded and helped her back into the car. Nuriko caught his eye from the back seat. "You guys were sensational. Good luck on that CD coming up!"
"Thanks!" and Xelloss waved, and watched John drive away before entering his own home.
As he stepped inside the door, he sensed something was wrong. An envelope rested on the floor alongside the other pieces of mail. His eyes fixed on it a moment before he bent and picked it up. He tore off the end and tapped out another black and white photograph. It featured Mayor Phil and Xelloss standing outside. Was that the mansion in the background? Was it that recent? Whoever sent this was in town, or had a contact in town. Grauscherra came to mind, but that man...he was incapable of planning a complex program to expose and capture or stop him and his friends, Xelloss was sure. So who was responsible? Who?
And, more importantly... if he was going to try and 'wow' Lina...oops! Laila, um...Candy...he had better get hopping. He started punching phone numbers on his cell phone.
"Hello, my name is Dilgear with Security Enterprises. I'll be handling the security for your band's... The Slay-ers... musical in Mosquita..."
"Oh. I'm not the person you want to speak to about this, I'm afraid."
"You're Zelgadiss Graywords? I was given your name."
"I see...by whom?"
"Ah... Professor Graywords..."
"You're one of his graduate students, I take it."
"Ah...yeah. He heard the news last night. Your run-in with fans in Sairaag shook him up quite a bit."
"Great..." Zel shook his head. "Can we meet and talk about this another time?"
"Okay. Here's my number. You set the time and place, but the prof...he want's me guarding yer place starting today."
"Suit yourself," was all Zel could manage. He wanted his quiet time.
Lina slammed the door shut behind her and dropped her bags on the floor, helter-skelter. "Hey! Anybody here!"
Luna called back from the kitchen. "In here! Want some lunch? Yeah, stupid question..."
She placed a plate of spaghetti and meatballs on the table, a carton of milk, glass, bowl of salad, and a French baguette. She was slicing the bread when Lina fell into a chair. "Great!"
Luna watched her little sister shovel fork- and spoonfuls of food into her mouth. When Lina took a break to swill some milk, Luna asked, "So, how was it? I saw the news."
"Great. The crowd was terrific. We were hot. Joey showed up...his mom had to drive him. Gotta remember to grill Gourry about that slip up."
"Gourry slipped up? Don't tell me he...forgot something important?"
"You're bein' sarcastic. He...can't always help it," Lina said defending him. "Like his goin' out with Sylphiel tonight. He sure botched that up. I mean, I know he was meanin' ta ask me to that concert. He just couldn't keep it in his brain long enough..."
Luna smile knowingly. "And how was Xelloss?
"Fine...His current flame, Candy, was there with Nuriko and a guy he's taken up with..."
"Xelloss has a girlfriend? I hadn't heard."
"Oh? Didn't I tell ya? Oh, no biggie. She goes to the university...in math with Zel and Xelloss."
"Candy...?"
"She graduated from Seyruun High last year with honors. Real smart. Nice, I guess. She lived through a Slayers event so she's gotta be tough. I thought she'd about faint when Xelloss put on that red dress..."
"Why would he do something like that?"
"All the guys went drag and the girls dressed like guys. I was a very short Sam Spade. Disguises... We looked like arrested kids, walked right by the fans and into police vans...right to this safe-house place where I called you from. Great show, like I said. He shouldn't have kissed me though..."
"Who kissed you?"
"Oh, Xelloss, of course, who else? Part of the act, our dance routine, but he went overboard this time. He apologized this morning. Said it was because his meds had worn off and he was outta control. Loopy– I think he said the clinical term was for his condition."
"And his girlfriend was in the audience? It was probably true, then. He's not a tease. At least, he's pretty forthright with you."
"Whaddaya mean?"
"I mean, he let you know how felt, right? Has he told you anything has changed that?"
"He has a girlfriend, Luna. A real one. Val said she stayed over at their house the other night. You do the math. I don't think Xelloss is harboring feelings for me like... that...anymore. I told him to move on, and he has."
"Still..."
Lina started on the salad. "Still...what?"
"You said he kissed you. An insignificant peck on the lips, huh?" Luna was baiting Lina now, hoping to draw out more information.
"No! Why would I get all worked up over that? No, he nearly gagged me with..." Lina blushed. "Nothing...leave me alone."
Luna sat quietly a few minutes, waiting for Lina to bring up another topic.
"Nahga came along. Hitched a ride with the Candy entourage."
Candy, again... "And how was Nahga on the road?"
"Good. Better than ever. Sober, too. I dunno how attached she is to Val, but Filia figured it out pretty quick. Put Filia in a lousy mood at first, but she and Nahga worked things out, I guess. It's hard not to like Nahga, ya know? She's a real kick, as she would say."
"I like her too. She really rolls in the tips at the Zephillia. I think she's really stuck on Val, though. I hope...well, he's a good kid deep down. I hope things work out for them, I really do."
Lina glanced sideways at her sister. She was sure thinking about relationships a lot these days. What was it Val had told her? Oh yeah... time to test those waters... "So, tell me about Julian. Is he...the one?"
Luna nearly fell out of her chair. "J-Julian?"
Lina grinned with satisfaction. To pull one over on her big sister took real skill. What an achievement! While Lina gloated, Luna tried to find the words to answer her question.
"He's...well...special. Um, I don't know if...or how... I need to get myself established first. Then there's the distances involved..."
"I asked how ya felt about him, not if the two of you were runnin' off ta get married tomorrow. You're not, are you?" Lina grinned.
"Of course not," Luna snorted. "I promised Mom... I wouldn't leave you here alone."
Lina shrugged. "I'm graduating early. This June, in fact. I'll be goin' to the university next year. I'm not a little kid any more. You can start living your life for yourself, ya know. It's okay."
Luna sighed. "Maybe Ill be ready then. Maybe I'll know, for sure." She got up and opened the refrigerator. "Dessert?"
"Yeah."
Luna sliced both of them some pie and sat down. "Tell me how Amelia's doing. That must have been a terrible blow. The syndicate hitting so close to home..."
"Yeah, she was pretty down all week. I was gonna let her skip the gig, but she...has that honor thing going. Turns out, Zel took it upon himself to pull her out of her funk. He did it all on his own too. Without me twisting his arm or anything."
"That's interesting. Sounds like all of your admirers have found themselves new girlfriends. Just like you wanted them to, right? You pushed them all away, didn't you? Well, that must feel pretty good, huh?"
Lina hesitated. "Ahhh...sure. I did do that, didn't I? Yeah, just what I wanted...to be left alone...finally. I mean, they're all still friends, just not fighting. Yeah... it's... great. It was all... great."
"Candy! Come to the door! Hurry! Ya gotta see this!"
"I'm getting ready to go out to dinner with Xelloss. Hold on..." She opened the door, still attaching an earring. "Now, John, what's all this got to do with me?"
"Grab your coat and purse, honey. You are in for a real classy night out!"
Xelloss was standing by the limousine, giving the driver some last minute directions. When he turned, Candy was standing beside John and a host of other students in the residence, gaping in awe.
"Xelloss! You...rented this for us?"
"Well, I needed a car and you know I...hate to drive, so... Voila! Look, he's got the door open for us. Shall we be going? Reservations are...waiting."
"Am I dressed fancy enough? You didn't tell me it would be so formal."
"You look beautiful, really. Don't worry. Let's just have fun, okay?"
Candy looked back at her fellow students and waved. She was so excited. He was really becoming a rock star...and he treated her like gold--when they were together, which was not very often. She was the envy of her building tonight. "Okay, we'd better hurry, though, in case you get recognized and have to go into hiding or something."
"Don't remind me," he chuckled and climbed into the backseat after her.
"So, where are we going?"
"The Seyruun Hotel, where there is dinner and dancing till dawn, or so it says here on this tiny little ad, see?"
"Isn't that where old people go to dance, Xelloss?"
"Maybe, but I like to dance where I can hold you, not watch you bounce out of reach." He smiled and kissed her lightly.
She smiled. "You're trying to be romantic."
"I most certainly am. Just give me time."
"All right..." She snuggled closer and enjoyed the ride.
She was right. The dance hall was filled mostly with people twenty to fifty years older than themselves, much like the place in Atlas City where Xelloss had taken Filia and her parents.
"Shall we dance a little first, then dine?"
"I'm hungry. Let's eat first."
"As you wish," he said with a bow.
They were seated at once at a private window seat and presented menus, which Xelloss waved away. He rattled off a string of French so fluidly that even with four years of French classes at Seyruun High, she couldn't make out a word.
"What did you just order for us?"
"That's...a secret. Just wait, okay. Here, taste this..." He stood to lean over the table and kiss her again, causing her to blush.
"Not here..." she smiled.
"Okay..." He sat back and watched as the first course was delivered…then the next…then the next…
"You're not eating much tonight," he noted. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh, it's fine...really. It's just...I'm not used to such rich food, that's all."
"Why don't we dance, then, and come back in a bit?"
"Um...I can't really dance. Not like that, anyway. Sorry, I didn't know you'd be bringing me someplace like this..."
"It's okay. We'll just...play it by ear. Come on, I'll show you."
After a few minutes, he had taught her enough so that they could do more than just rock in place.
"Do you know that woman over there?" Candy asked. "No, don't look now...when we turn. Blue hair..."
"All the old ladies have blue hair."
"Real blue." She squeezed his shoulder where her hand was resting. "Silly boy."
"No, although...there is something familiar about her that I can't place. Ah, she and her dancing partner are moving this way."
Xelloss felt a tap on his shoulder.
"May I cut in?" The gentleman smiled apologetically as if the intrusion wasn't his idea, which it wasn't.
Xelloss and Candy exchanged blank expressions.
"I'm not much of a dancer, but my ...wife is and...would like a single dance with an accomplished one."
Xelloss nodded, "Well, if it's just the one..."
They traded partners and exchanged names and then the music started a new piece. Candy was not a dancer, but she could tell that her new partner had not been joking about his ineptitude. Together they stunk. They agreed to sit the rest of the number out and watch the others sail past.
"Your...date tonight is a remarkable dancer," the gentleman noted to Candy.
"Yes...he is. I never knew..." And, indeed, she was notably impressed. Xelloss was like a character out of a movie she did not recognize. Suave and sophisticated, elegant and handsome. Smart yet sulky, witty yet whiny. Wild and crazy, silly and bizarre. He was all those at times and more. No, she didn't know the man--boy--at all.
He re-joined her at their table at the end of the song. "Ready for dessert?"
They agreed to share a multi-layered cake and cream concoction. Xelloss tasted a fork-full and closed his eyes in contentment. "Hmmm, wonderful, don't you think?"
"I've never had anything like this before. Xelloss?"
"Yes? Are you having a good time? I really want this to be special tonight for you."
"Really? Is that true?"
"Yes."
"Close your eyes a moment."
"Okaay... Now what?" he asked. He did like games.
"Who do you see?"
He did not move. He sat still...thinking.
"Who do you see sitting here with you?" she repeated.
He opened his eyes. "You."
"Are you sure? There are times when I know I'm not with you, but some stranger. Interesting, entertaining, but not always ...you. Sometimes it seems like you are entertaining another friend, and not me, when we're together."
"I...don't understand, Candy. It's just me all the time and I don't think of anyone else when I'm with you. I really like you and... I mean, there are things about me that I haven't told you, but...I had to wait until we'd known each other long enough to know...if you'd maybe still like me...if I was different from what you'd thought I was at first..."
"You are rambling again."
"I...know, but I'm trying to explain."
"I know you are, it's just...that we are so different. We move in different worlds a lot of the time...most of the time. I'm not sure where I fit in. Now, with Zelgadiss, I feel I can talk to him and that he's real and the same guy each time...even on the job last night, he was the same Zel. But you...are never the same person twice in a row."
"I see...I think...You make me sound so artificial, but I'm not... I don't try to be. I think as you get to know me better, I won't seem so odd. I really do improve with time. Everyone tells me that!"
That brought a smile to her lips. "I bet they do." She sighed and tasted the dessert.
"What was that for? The big sigh..."
"I was just thinking...about how you'll be all tied up over winter break, while I'll be free. It's too bad, that's all. We could do something together that's not school or your...band."
"This is something..."
"I mean something not in Seyruun. Skiing, for instance."
Skiing? Xelloss had not thought of that--that was for sure. His expression must have been a dead giveaway that he was not very interested in taking up a new sport. "Oh..."
"That's what I mean...about us being so different." She looked away, unable to meet his uncertain gaze. "Anyway, it's getting late and I need to get up early in the morning to do laundry and studying for all the tests I have next week. Don't you have tests too?"
"Some," then he added suddenly, "Would you like to stay here tonight?"
""Here? This hotel? Isn't this really expensive?"
"Well, I guess so, but that's okay...I'll pay for it. Will you...stay?"
"I...don't think that would be a good idea..."
Xelloss' eyes welled up. Now that was disappointing. He lowered his head, shading his eyes with his bangs and repeated to himself, real men don't cry..."Are you breaking up with me? Please...say no... Give me another chance to...sweep you off your feet."
"N-no. I'm not breaking up with you, Xelloss. I'm just... What are you doing!"
Xelloss pulled her to her feet and led her gracefully to the dance floor again. "Sweeping you...off your feet!" He chuckled and swirled her around until she was dizzy.
Lina could not believe it. How many times had she told Gourry that she had wanted to go to that TM Revolution concert? Well, often enough that Zel got tired of it and ordered tickets off the internet for them. So...why wasn't she going? Moreover, why was Sylphiel? If Gourry had wanted to invite ole Sylphie, well...fine, just as long as he had ordered tickets for all three of them, and then everything would be just...super. But he hadn't, and they weren't. Things that is...being super. Just because she wasn't crawling or hanging all over the guy...baking him food...sewing him little...do-dads...didn't mean that she didn't care...at all. She had really wanted to go to that concert, too!
So, why hadn't she told that to Xelloss? He would have gotten her front row seats and a private car...with food service to go with it...had she asked...maybe...if he wasn't too busy entertaining...Can-dy.
Zel got the tickets. Why hadn't he gotten one for himself and they could have all gone? Why hadn't Zel done that, huh? He could have even invited Amelia, for once, to do something. Yeah, Zel had plenty of opportunity to have made her life a bit better, but...he had gone and given the tickets to Gourry. Gourry, the nimble-minded oaf! He probably didn't even know who the singer was! She was certain he did not! What was it he'd said? "TM...that for trade mark? That a play 'bout history?" Gods...what an idiot! And after playing that CD over and over all week...
Lina sat up in bed, hair tousled from thrashing around. It was not even that late. Zel was probably still up. Maybe she had better just go over there and give him a piece of her mind...yeah...that was sounding better and better...
"What's this?" Val asked Milgasia. They were seated at the table about to eat a late dinner.
"A traditional solstice menu. Val. Oh, that's right. You weren't here last year, were you. Well, since this is your first time, I'll tell you about the dietary laws surrounding the celebration..."
"Menu? These are grass clippin's from a midget's garden with cat-piss! I need real food, dude. I worked hard today, settin' up all those floats fer the downtown parade, cartin' boxes, stackin' crates...and that was after laying a gig last night and...I'm still growin'! I can't do with just...sprouts an' vinegar!"
"Val, sit down. There's no reason for you to yell. Val... Val? Val, come back here and listen...!"
"Oh Gourry, isn't he just wonderful!" Sylphiel sighed dreamily. "Gourry?"
He was so quiet and still. It was dark in the concert hall, but very noisy due to the screaming girls accompanying the loud music. Gourry slept on, thanks to those nice earplugs Zel had thoughtfully leant him. So peaceful...dark...like in a cocoon...
Yes, peaceful and dark... Zelgadiss was stretched out in the hot tub. He had the entire house, inside and out, to himself. His eyes were closed. The door to the house was open (the heating bill be damned!) allowing the soothing melodies from the stereo inside to float gently on the airwaves outside to caress his tender eardrums. Other than that, it was quiet. It was close to freezing outside so all the neighbors had their houses closed up and barking dogs shut in. A car or two driving by on the street out front...a truck...that was all. Quiet. Quiet and warm. The heat in the tub was cranked up high and the jets were spewing millions of tiny bubbles around and around. Zel was the happiest that he had ever been, at least in a long while. And so were his friends tonight, he was sure.
Lina...he had made certain that Gourry had those tickets and was all set to go. Lina would be happy at least. And if she was happy, the world would be a better place. And it was all because of his hard work and perseverance and...credit card and computer skills. Hey, use the talents you are blessed with!
Val was out at the settlement all busy with Filia. That should keep them both busy and happy, right? A busy Cephied Believer was a happy C.B. Good thing he'd talked Val into going tonight. He was going to 'shine the whole friggin' holiday off' again. Well, Val and Filia could both thank him later!
Filia could thank him for getting Nahga out of the way to make it all happen, too. That was a real stroke of genius (gloat, gloat.) He got Nahga convinced that she should stay home and have a good family cry with her father and little sister over the past few family tragedies. Good for them all! Amelia still had lots to give, he was sure. And what better way to share the grief, than to have plenty of close family around to do it with? Oh, yes...he had even done well by the little princess and her overbearing sister.
And Xelloss was gone too. He had suggested to Xelloss that he should just get a hotel room if her roommate was there. The goofus had not thought of anything as simple as that! He certainly had seen enough movies to learn a pointer or two… So easy...so quiet...
Gods it felt good to help everyone this way! Maybe he ought to consider a career in counseling, or...better yet...psychiatry! Yes...he could be a doctor and a psychiatrist! He could solve everyone's problems! Ah...the water felt soooo good...
"And now my sister's car won't start? Argh! No! It's freezin' out here and I don't wanna walk all the way to Zel's place! No, no. no! Why does Zel haveta live so far away now? He used ta be a couple blocks away, but noooo, now he's at the other end of the park and miles away. If I freeze ta death it will be all his fault. Do you hear me, Zel? ALL YOUR FAULT!" Lina hunkered down, yanked her hat down a bit more, scrunched up her face against the cold and struck out down the street.
"He left? HE LEFT!" Filia screamed. "No! Don't tell me that! He just better not have really left, that's all I've got to say! I've got tons of stuff left to do and he promised to help. Promised! Zel promised me he would! I could have gotten other people to do the work, but I saved it for me and Val. That stupid Zelgadiss. What kind of advice was that from him? I ought to call him and give him a piece of my mind!
"Gods, now I remember why I couldn't wait to move out before."
"Oh, Nahga, I've really missed you, you know," Amelia cried. "Without you it's been...been...kinda..."
"Boring. Just admit it. Without me around your pathetic little life has been boring as hell. Oh ho ho hooooooo!"
Amelia let out a huge sigh. "Mostly...but... Not my birthday!"
Nahga perked up. "Oh yeah? So, tell me aboutcher birthday then! Didya go out and get drunk?"
"Oh no...I wouldn't do something like that..."
"Oh..."
"Zelgadiss drove me to a quiet...private...place in the hills above Atlas City. We were recording there. But that night..."
"You guys were makin' out under the stars!"
"Well, kinda...except...there weren't any stars!" Amelia giggled.
"Pretty romantic, huh? I didn't think that guy had any moves..."
"And then it started to rain..."
"Oh ho hoooooo! Bet that put the damper on his plans!"
"Nahga! He's...not that kinda guy. He's very...nice and...self-controlled."
"Woooo, whoooo! Let me tell you something, honey–-all guys are 'that kind' of guys, they just package it differently."
Amelia shook her head. Not her Zelgadiss. He was the perfect...well, nearly perfect gentleman. She began to wonder what he was doing now. "No Val or Xelloss...I bet he's lonely there at his house."
"What are we waiting for, girl? Let's go visit that little boyfriend of yours then! Give me a minute to grab some...food and drinks and we'll have a party."
"B-but...shouldn't we call first? What if he has other plans? Or he's asleep? Nahga? Nahga! Wait up!"
"Thank you, Xelloss, for the nice dinner and all. Sorry about having to leave you like this, but...we'll get together next week, before you have to go to Atlas City, right? And we can call and talk. 'Kay...bye now..." Candy kissed him lightly, and then left him frustrated at the door to her residence.
"Where next, Sir?" The limousine driver asked.
"Home. Here's the address where I live. Take your time. I'm...in no hurry."
"Thank you, Gourry! That was like the best night of my life! I had so much fun! I hope you did too. I hope I didn't scream in your ears too loudly, did I?"
"Ah...I'm fine, Sylphiel. Glad you enjoyed yerself. Ah...well...I, ah...gotta go now. I'll see ya...later."
Before he could make his getaway, Sylphiel jumped up and landed a tiny kiss on his cheek. "Bye bye!"
Ah... He left the shrine and started up his old pickup. He turned down the block and out of the downtown. "I outta go thank Zel fer the tickets and all...'specially the earplugs."
He passed his house and slowed as he neared Lina's. "Dark there. Guess I shouldn't stop by... Don't wanna wake that older sister of hers."
A block later, he spotted a small figure flitting in and out of the street lights. Red and black coat. Yep, real familar. He slowed the truck and rolled down the window. "LINA! That you? Whatcher doin' out now? It's mighty cold out."
"Gourry? Gourry! You're always around when I need ya. Take me to Zel's."
"Zel's? Yeah, that's where I was goin'."
"What a coincidence, huh?"
"Guess so." Gourry grinned and reached out with a long arm and helped her up into the truck. "He know yer comin'?"
"Zel? Why would that matter? He's always glad to see me! Ha, ha!"
Zel almost picked up his cell phone, but on second thought, he just let it ring. No good ever came from a phone call. Besides, it was cold out. And he was warm in the hot tub...and not dressed...and the towel was just out of reach, if he had really tried to get it...which he hadn't. Too bad about missing that call... If it was important, they'll call back.
"Damn that Zelgadiss anyway!" Filia shouted. "Pick up the phone! Mo-om? Can I get a ride back to town? NO! Grrrr..."
Val finished his third greasy burger and an extra large order of fries at a dive on the edge of town. He was feeling better now that he was not starving. He even thought about diving back to the settlement and apologizing to Milgasia. Naw...might as well go home and get some sleep. Maybe Zel would wanna go play pool... Zel... He wanted to pound that guy for talking him into staying out at the settlement THIS TIME OF YEAR! He couldn't wait to whoop his ass at pool tonight...
Xelloss was the first to arrive home. "I live here. Who are you?"
"Dilgear. Security. Have some ID on ya?"
Xelloss pulled out his wallet and flashed his driver's license. "Satisfied? Who hired you? Dad? Yes, I'm a relative, too. You outta get your Graywords genealogy straight."
He pushed past the broad-shouldered young man and went straight to his room.
"Owooowowoo!"
"Damnit, Beast! Get out of my way! Find Zelgadiss and go whine to him. What? He's not here? Fine, then. I'll follow you..." Xelloss allowed the wolf-dog to lead him through the front room (now with Spanish guitar riffs flooding the room), past the kitchen (dark, except for the single light from the aquarium housing his goldfish), and out the French doors to the patio. "Zelgadiss?"
Zel opened one eye and sat up. He could barely make out Xelloss through the dense fog from the hot tub, but the voice was unmistakable. "In here. What are you doing here?"
"l live here. What is the security man doing here?" Xelloss stood in the doorway watching the fog waft. Beast did not like the cold (wuss wolf) so he gladly curled up at his feet out of the daft.
"Father hired him...wants me to attach him to the band. More entourage! I said I would think about it, but he's here for tonight. Apparently, Father is worried about us. Was that Gourry's truck just now?"
"How can you hear that over the jets? I'll go check..."
Xelloss got as far as the front door, when he heard Lina's shrill voice.
"WHAT! You can't stop me from goin' in there. I can damn well go see my friend anytime I want to. Tell 'em, Gourry!"
"Ah...well...you wanna try stoppin' her?"
"Hello, Lina...Gourry!" Xelloss chortled from inside the house, door open. "It's okay, Dilgear. Put Lina Inverse and Gourry Gabriev's names on the 'tight with Zelgadiss' list for me, would you?"
"Thanks," Lina grumbled on her way in. "What are you doing here? And what's with the bodyguard?"
"Deja vu..." Xelloss shook his head. "Why doesn't anyone think I live here?"
"Zel here?" Gourry asked.
"Hot tub..." Xelloss sighed.
Lina's eyes grew wide, a look of ecstasy spread across her face. "Me too!"
"Not now...Hold on...Ah...!" Xelloss nearly tripped over Beast.
"Owooooowowowooooo…"
"LINA!"
"ZEL!"
"Who the hell are you? Get the f outta my way!" Val growled from the front of the house.
The disc player hummed and a new CD clicked into place. Bosa nova beat. Ah...Rio...
Gourry was torn as to whether or not he wanted to get involved in either developing problem. The first, which was mostly going to be a territorial dispute between Lina and a (at best) scantily dressed Zel in the place of weakness, or that other one where Val was about to commit murder in the first degree. He chose the later and loped out to help the security guy.
"Youuuuu-whooooo! Say, sissy-poo, looks like your honey's havin' a party. Good thing I brought some grub 'n' suds. Vaaa-al! Oh, look, a new guy! Hi, honey, I don't think I've seen you before. My name's Nahga the Great White Serpent of Sairaag, of late, but you can just call me Nahga, okay? Hold that door for us, okay tall-dark-and-hairy? That's right, we're comin' through...Oh ho ho hoooooooo! Gourry! Why, sissy-poo, I'm gonna have my hands full tonight with all these good-lookin' guys!"
Dilgear did not have a chance against Nahga.
"Lina! D-don't come any closer. I...I'm not dressed." Zel's voice was low and guarded.
Forgetting what she'd come over to yell at him about, Lina poured on the charm. "How about giving me a turn in there? You don't want to turn out like a prune, do you?"
"I'm not going to get out with you standing there. A-and...Amelia! Oh gods...no...why me...why me...?" He sunk to his chin -level into the water.
"Oh ho ho hoooooo! My GODS! A hot tub, too! What a place! Damn cold out here, move over honey..."
"GAAAAH!" Zel screamed a very unmanly scream.
It took both Gourry and Val to stop Nahga from shedding her garments and just jumping in with Zel. If Xelloss had few inhibitions, she had none. Amelia and Lina left Zel to find his towel, while Xelloss lent him his kimono for the march from the out-of-doors to his room to change. Val trailed him to his own bathroom.
Nahga was unpacking the snacks, stopping to feed Gourry and Dilgear, in turn, tidbits. "Poppyseed cake. This is the best. I recommended that the cook use sour cream. It makes all the difference!"
"Xelloss, get us some towels, would ya?"
"At your service, Miss Lina!"
"You comin', Nahga?" Lina asked on her way out to the hot tub, Amelia stumbling awkwardly at her side. "It's girl's happy hour!"
"Yeah, after I get a drink here!"
No sooner had Zelgadiss entered the kitchen than Lina and Amelia left. Nahga had found the glasses and was about to pour Xelloss a drink...of whiskey. "You look like you could use somethin' strong tonight."
Gourry was uncomfortable and starting to his feet. Val entered. "What's that? Put that down! I told ya, no booze here. That's the rule." He leveled his golden gaze onto Nahga and held.
"Oh, I don't mind..." Xelloss began.
"But I do...you outta. It was an ag-gre-ment we made goin' in here...and at that practice room of yours." He was still staring at Nahga. "Give me the bottle and stay...or go..."
Zelgadiss looked out the door, the mists from the hot tub floating by in thin wisps. It was time to reload the CD... Oh joy… Why did life have to be so hard?
Nahga looked at the bottle, then back up to meet Val's eyes. "Yeah, sure, no problem, here. I keep forgettin' you're all babies over here. That's okay!" She wrapped her arms around Val's neck. "So...am I draggin' you out to the hot tub with me...or are you invitin' me somewhere more private."
Val grinned. "Here!" He tossed the whiskey bottle at Gourry. With some effort, he picked up the sizable young woman and carried her away. They could hear the door to Val's room slam, cutting off the tail end of Nahga's laugh.
"That double insulation was a good idea," Gourry observed as he drained the bottle into the sink.
Zel looked askance at Xelloss, and then back to Gourry. "Excellent one." His cell phone buzzed. "Yes?" He pulled it away from his ear immediately. "It's for you!" He tossed his cell phone to Xelloss.
"Then why did they call your number...?" Xelloss asked. "Hello? Filia! Well...that's not very nice. You ought to try that persuasive voice... Eeeuuuu... What language from a lady! And that's not even possible! I don't think Zelgadiss wants to listen to that kind of talk. He's got very sensitive ears. He likes sweeeeet talk."
"Give me that phone...!" Zel shouted.
In a keep-away game, Xelloss lobbed the instrument to Gourry's hands. Gourry tapped on the mouthpiece. "'Lo? Anybody there? Who? Filia? Oh, hey...how are ya? Zel did what? Oh...I dunno...don't sound like somethin' he woulda done on purpose. Are you sure? He's a pretty nice guy, ya know. Real thoughtful and...Gotta go..."
"Gourry! Give me my phone!" Zel demanded, hopping up in the air to make a grab at it as Gourry held it up over his head.
Gourry sent it flying over to Dilgear, who, not knowing whether or not he owed it to Zel, as his bodyguard sorta, to give it back, flung it to Xelloss like a hot potato.
"Filia? You still there? Yes, I am, too! Isn't that nice? Well, I think so. Oopsie!" Xelloss completed a backhand pass to Gourry.
Tiring of the game, Zelgadiss simply gave up. "If you want to talk to her that much, who am I to stop you? Soda, Dilgear?"
"Oh, yeah...sure. I guess I'd better go back to door duty," he said, but he didn't move from his chair.
"How are we going to get rid of the girls, Zelgadiss?" Xelloss asked and taking a soda himself.
"Already taken care of."
"Oh?"
"I turned off the heater and the jets are on a timer. I figure...about twenty-two more seconds and they will begin to notice."
Gourry shook his head. "I don't get how you do that..."
Zel smiled. "It's a gift, to which I am obliged to...Oh, hello, Lina...Amelia. Want to change? First door, street-side..."
"That's my room!" Xelloss began to object, but since it was too late. He changed his plea. "Just don't leave those wet towels on the floor. Here, just give them to me and I'll put them in the wash. Okay...I'll wait..."
Amelia, Lina, Gourry, Zelgadiss, and Xelloss were lounging around the kitchen with hot chocolates. Xelloss handed one to Dilgear as he pushed off to guard duty. The rumble of the dryer could be heard in the background.
"So, what are you all doing here?" Zel asked.
Gourry handed over the borrowed earplugs with a thank you. "I uh...slept through most of it, the concert thingee. Mighta been okay, but the singer dude was...well...pretty fem. Sylphiel liked it well enough, I suppose." At which point he turned to Lina and said, "I'd meant ta take you 'cause I knew ya wanted to go, but...the tickets fell out on the van ta Sairaag and she saw them and thought...well...she was so excited and thought I was gonna invite her and... I didn't see no other way out of it. Sorry...maybe Zel'll getcha more..."
Lina shrugged. "Yeah, sure...another time. That was pretty...nice of ya ta do that, ya know?"
"Ah, thanks, Lina," he smiled. "So, why were ya comin' over ta see Zel?"
"Me? Oh, yeah...I was gonna find out why he didn't just get more tickets so me...so we could all go. That and...keep him company..." she smiled, too.
"That's what I thought, too!" Amelia cried out. "Poor Mr. Zelgadiss here all alone. None of us are supposed to be all alone, you know. No only is it unjust, but it's unsafe!"
"I don't think 'unsafe' is quite right," Zel said sighing lightly. "And, as you can see, I was not alone for long."
"Which brings us to you, Xelloss..." Lina looked his way.
He had pushed his chair up close to the cabinet where the fish bowl stood. He was following his fish's progress around a plastic castle...up and under...around and around... A shout from Lina and a kick to his chair brought him around as well. "What? Here? I live here, as I have asserted repeatedly. Oh...and... I got another picture in the mail. Me and your father, Amelia, taken not long ago outside your place."
That brought the discussion around to the status of their 'syndicate problem'. It was not lost on Zel that Xelloss had carefully avoided answering Lina's question directly. Something was not right between him and Candy, he was afraid. Well, let Xelloss keep his secrets until he is ready to talk. Zel had nothing to add, and since they were all getting tired physically and of one another's company, Gourry offered to take Lina and Amelia home, assuming Val was responsible for delivering Nahga to her residence.
Zel and Xelloss walked them to the door, and then Xelloss returned to watching his fish swim. Zel followed the others out to Gourry's truck, when a boy, about his size jumped out of the bushes shouting, "Lina? Lina Inverse! I need your help!"
"Eh? Who the hell are you?"
"Oh, I-I didn't expect you to recognize me." He stood a little taller and ran a hand quickly through his chocolate-brown hair. A hunk flopped over one eye, leaving the other eye to express all his emotion. It was large and deep brown, fringed by dark, thick lashes. He reminded Lina of a deer, a damned cute-looking one. "My name is... Hallas Lyes."
"Oh, yeah. I've seen you at school. So...what are you doing here? This is Zel's house."
"I saw you leaving your house and walking...I was going to stop you then, but...You got a ride. It's taken me this long to get here. Lina, I r-really need your help."
"So you say...Why me?"
"I can pay, too! Ah, well, everyone knows you'll do just about anything for money..." He recognized the danger signals right away as Lina's eyes flared and fists tightened, so he added in a rush of words, "...not anything but...but...helping people kinds of things! Like you did for Kagome!"
"What?" Lina didn't think her reputation had sunk to the 'do-gooder' state.
"Oh, that archery club fundraiser, Miss Lina!"
"Well, that was...special." So, it was true. Zel had said it before, 'No good deed went unpunished.' "So, before I freeze out here, what's your story?"
Gourry leaned against his truck to listen. Zel folded his arms and frowned. "This had better be good."
"My family..."
"Your family is one of the richest families in all Seyruun or its neighboring townships. Your estate lies to the south. We passed it on our way back from Sairaag, Miss Lina!" Amelia looked quickly to Zelgadiss for confirmation.
"The wealthiest, I think," Hallas admitted. He was clever enough to approach Lina from her greedy side. Of course, he knew nothing of Xelloss, Val, and Zelgadiss' inheritances. And even Gourry knew to keep his mouth shut.
Lina's interest was now tweaked. "Go on..."
"My father recently remarried..."
"Yes! It was in the papers. Society section. Your stepmother's name is...or was Miss Carrie...and she has a daughter..." Amelia scratched her head.
"Yes, and that's my problem. My father is a very weak man and my stepmother is..."
"The witch, yeah, I get that... So where do I come in? It's not gettin' any warmer."
"She wants to hold onto my father's money, which is supposed to come to me, so she got him to agree to the most atrocious..."
"Out with it!"
"Lina, I'm going inside," Zel announced. "Hallas, you are welcome to join us inside. I can tell this is going to take a while."
In silent agreement, they all turned and shuffled back into the house, tipping their imaginary hats to Dilgear on the way in.
"Back so soon? Oh, you've brought friends...again? They're multiplying, too. Who's this?" Xelloss asked with mild interest.
"Hallas. Okay, sit down and tell me what it is you need me for," Lina said.
"Thank you, Lina. And...let me say that you are just as lovely in real life as everyone says..."
Gourry placed a hand on the kid's shoulder. "Better get on with it..."
"Okay," Hallas sighed. "So my father and stepmother arranged my marriage to my...my...stepsister to keep the money in the family. A-And she's...just awful!"
"Well, naturally..." Xelloss agreed. Lina's deadly glare shut him up immediately. He dipped into the kitchen unnoticed. He could tell when his input was unwelcome, and for some reason, it was unwelcome most everyplace…tonight.
"That's just terrible! I can't believe that they can get away with something like that!" Amelia cried out.
"I'm sure they can't," Zel muttered and checked his watch.
"The only way out for me isn't much better. I have to find someone else, someone who will marry me–- and I only have one week!" Hallas exclaimed, eyes tearing up.
Xelloss dropped a sack in the kitchen. "Don't mind me!" he shouted while skittering around picking up the dozen or so oranges and tangerines rolling around.
"Sounds ridiculous, to me," Zel spat with disgust. "What you need is a good..."
"Plan! Oh, Hallas Lyes, we'll think of something, won't we Miss Lina?" Amelia jumped up and down with excitement. "I know, I know! You can marry Miss Lina!"
"Yes, yes! That's just what I was thinking!" Hallas shouted joyfully. "Lina would be perfect. She's so beautiful and strong, they'd believe anything she said. You make a very lovely fiancé for me to present!"
"Oh, yes. We'll all go to your house tomorrow, and introduce Miss Lina. Mr. Xelloss is a priest; he could perform the wedding right there and then!"
"Amelia!" shouted Lina. "I am not going to get married!"
"Well, not for real, that's right. A mock-wedding, of course, my Lina, my hope. We'd need to get fake documents and all..." Hallas said thoughtfully.
"Mr. Xelloss? Can you hear all this? You can make up a pretend marriage certificate for Miss Lina and Mr. Hallas, can't you?"
Now, Miss Amelia could plead all she wanted, but Miss Lina would have nothing to do with the plan...nor would Zelgadiss.
"Amelia, wake up here! That would be illegal. Xelloss will do nothing of the sort. Lina...Lina tell them no," Zel said, hoping fervently that he alone was not the singular voice of reason.
"Of course not," Lina agreed. "This is the stupidest idea I've ever heard. Amelia, I can't believe you'd come up with a half-baked plan like that!"
Ignoring the others, Hallas and Amelia just kept planning. "You see, Lina would be a perfect fit...for my stepsister's wedding dress. You'll be so beautiful! Oh, Lina it can work! It will work! We'll make them think we are really getting married, and then get an annulment."
Lina nodded. "You'd get all your inheritance then? Even if we were no longer married?"
"Well, yes..."
Lina's eyes narrowed. "So what do I get out of all this...sacrifice on my part?"
"Lina…" Zel grumbled warningly.
"Oh, I could pay you say $5000?"
"$10,000!" she bartered.
"Lina!" Gourry gasped.
"Lina, this is ridiculous..." Zel shook his head.
Hallas continued, "We'd have to live at the estate, and then in a week or two..."
"EH?" Lina gasped.
"Yes, after the paperwork is complete we could have the annulment done...It shouldn't take more than a few weeks...month tops!" Hallas smiled, Amelia smiled, Lina gagged.
"Month! Absolutely..."
"Not!" Both she and Zel, with a little late harmony provided by Gourry, intoned adamantly.
"Listen to yourselves! You sound ludicrous," Zel said by way of summary. "This is a case for a good lawyer and a little detective work. I happen to have a man I can trust for you to talk with in the morning...no...not now. It's late!"
Amelia frowned. Zel the old killjoy...
"But I can't go home...to...that... I just can't face them!"
"He's very emotional..." Gourry noted.
"But he's so cute...and rich, isn't he, Miss Lina?"
"Yeah, but...I do not want to get caught up in any...entanglements, Amelia. Sorry, Hallas. Still, I don't think you should back there alone."
Zel sighed. "All right. Hallas can stay here tonight, on the couch, or in the guest room, if it's made up. I call my lawyer, Mr. Fribrizzo, in the morning..."
"Better make it early!" Xelloss reminded him, his voice coming from the kitchen. "We have other fish...to fry, so to speak, around lunchtime. And Count D hates it when a customer is late."
Zel nodded. "I hadn't forgotten. What's so funny?"
He stood up from the chair in the front room and searched for his nutty friend in the kitchen. "Xelloss? Oh...ah...what are those?"
On the table, Xelloss had assembled and grouped six men, using oranges for the bases, tangerine heads, carrot-tip noses, sliced olive eyes, and accessorized with an assortment of vegetable parts. Xelloss grinned. Since Zelgadiss certainly did not 'get them', Xelloss sang a little jingle. "Get it? Zes-ty...the orange man (to the tune of 'Frosty, the Snowman') and friends!"
Amelia, of course, loved them all and labeled Xelloss 'The Most Cleverest Craftsman' she knew.
Oh...joy... "I'm going to bed," Zel announced.
On the way to his room, he brushed by Val and Nahga on their way out.
"Amelia, you still here? I'll take ya home with Nahga, then," Val said.
"Guess we should go too," Gourry urged Lina, who decided after her last narrow escape with fate, she had better go directly home, and stay there this time.
"Yeah, let's get outta here!"
From the Authors: Where are the pictures?
Seyruun High Jinx has a home. Please go to the author profile for Kaeru Shisho and choose the link. You will find the contest results as well as pictures under Seyruun High Jinx NEXT. Pictures for each of the other stories are associated with their links.
KS
End Seyruun High Jinx –NEXT! Chapter 29.