Darkness Rising
Monday, 23rd June 2004
Not mine. Don't sue.
"Amelia?"
Her eyes flew open and a blush of embarrassment reached her cheeks when she saw Zelgadiss and the rest of the music production team giving her quizzical looks. "Not enough sleep, eh?" one of them asked with a chuckle. Mutely, she nodded. Ever since her debut ceremony, her life had been non-stop; Seyruun was literally screaming her presence. She had been dragged from one radio talk show to another, not to mention the endless meetings she sat through, the singing and dancing lessons, and even still, Filia's phone rang incessantly from various magazines hoping to book her for photoshoots. It was a good thing, of course, but the hectic pace of the last two weeks was starting to drain her of her usual perkiness.
Oh and she really needed some sleep.
But the timetable for her debut single release was approaching, and they were going to record it today. At the moment, everyone was in the control room of the recording studio. As they continued to discuss the plans, she absent-mindedly traced a finger over the plush sofa, leaving a mark on its velvet material. They were just going over the same things they had said for the past few days, and it was getting excessively boring. Her eyes flickered towards the autumn-haired singer. To her amusement, he looked just as bored as she did, except he had the advantage of his hair falling into one side of his face. Gazing at him made her feel calm. The more time they spent together, the more surprised she was at how different he was in reality. He was moody and less inclined to talk, which was nothing like the sometimes angry yet charming singer who was in the public eye. It sort of disappointed her, but at the same time, interesting.
She immediately glanced away as he caught her gazing at him. Again, a tinge of pink coloured her pale cheeks, her attention quickly drifting back to the sheet of music that was slightly crumpled at the edges. She was thankful when the discussion was finished and the producer gestured them to the sound proof recording room.
"You both just warm up for a moment. We'll tell you when we're ready to start," he said.
"She's going to be the next big idol," Filia stated to no one in particular.
Xelloss grinned and rubbed his hands together in mock glee. "Think of all the money!"
"Mmph!" the manager snorted in disgust. "Is that all you ever think about?"
"Well..." he began thoughtfully, placing a finger to his chin and pondered. "Yup."
She rolled her eyes and turned back to watch the two singers engaged in silent chatter behind the glass windows. Zelgadiss was adjusting the microphone and the metal stand while Amelia was putting on the headphones. She had a tired smile on her face, but the sparkle in her eyes showed enthusiasm. So far, she was doing reasonably well. However, the entertainment industry was already littered with enough "cute innocent singers" who were quickly forgotten within a year or even less. Filia hoped Amelia wouldn't go down that path. Perhaps it helped that she was capable of composing and writing her own songs and lyrics. But would the audience see more than what was on the outside? Lina would probably force it down their throats if necessary, she mused.
"I guess we're ready, huh?" Amelia asked with a nervous smile. "It feels kind of weird..."
Zelgadiss looked like he didn't know what she was talking about. Oh right you silly, she mentally kicked herself for being so stupid. Zelgadiss-san's been doing this for years. Doh!
"It seems pretty normal to me."
Another kick to the shins!
"But," he added quietly. "I remember pretending it's just practice helped me to relax the first time."
Yet he can be so gentle sometimes.
"Thank you, Zelgadiss-san."
"Shall we begin then?"
What seemed to be a simple task at first melded into hours. Xelloss interrupted several times, either because he thought there wasn't enough feeling or that there was something they could do better. Or he probably did it for fun. "Amelia, you need to sing each word clearly," he called out. "Otherwise it's going to sound blurry. And Zelgadiss, I want more feeling. You sing like a rock."
"As if anyone could have feeling around you," Zelgadiss muttered under his breath. Amelia stifled a giggle.
"I heard that."
As they exchanged amused glances, Amelia could have sworn he had given her...was it...a friendly smile?
"This way, Gabriev!" the photographer shouted, motioning him to face the camera. As Gourry struck a different pose, the other model draped her arm around his shoulder, flashing a lazy seductive smile.
"Be expressionless!"
Clicks of flashing cameras.
"Alright you're done! Thank you everyone!"
Gourry waved at Lina as he separated from the female model. He wasn't aware that the latter was lingering over him and unknowingly flung her unceremoniously to one side, much to Lina's amusement. "Thanks for coming," he muffled happily as he pulled an oversized shirt over his head. Lina rolled her eyes. "I was part of this project, silly. Of course I'd be here."
"Heh...I still dunno what this is for, but I guess everyone seems happy."
"Jellyfish! How many times do I have to tell you it's a perfume ad?"
"But aren't you working for that record company? How come you're here as well?"
The redhead sighed. It was time for a little history lesson. "Okay, listen up," she explained patiently, "Mazoku Records is only one of the many businesses under Mazoku Inc. It's run by the Mazoku family - Zelas Metallium, Gaav, Phibrizzo and Dynast Grausherra. But only Zelas takes an active role in managing the company affairs. Over the years Mazoku Inc has grown by buying or making deals with various companies that were in financial trouble. So now it's got model companies, electronic companies...and so on. Get it?"
A soft snore was her only answer. She twitched, her crimson eyes widening as she saw Gourry nodding off in his seat. Why the audacity...
One...two...
::THUMP!!!::
"Baka!" she yelled, punching him in the face. He fell over with a loud crash and he woke up with a confused expression on his face. "Huh?" he rubbed his eyes sleepily.
Lina, still twitching from being ignored, refrained from thumping him again. "To put it simply," she said, "Hikari no Ken is the modelling company you're signed with. Mazoku Inc. owns Hikari no Ken. That's why I'm here. Get it?"
Gourry put a finger to his chin thoughtfully.
Minutes passed.
Crickets chirped.
::DING!::
"Okay I get it!" he beamed.
"If you get it, then tell me what I said." He'd better know!
"Well, I don't understand all that stuff you said about the many businesses and those people," he paused, giving her a good-natured smile, "But I know it means I get to see you a lot more."
His words threw her off-track. Lina immediately looked the other way to hide her blushing face. What did he just say? Ack! Stupid jellyfish, saying that sort of thing to embarrass me!
She stole a glance at the handsome man, who was watching her with his cerulean eyes. They were rather nice actually...
"Oi Lina, why are you blushing?"
Eh? When she saw his confused expression, it dawned upon her that he probably didn't realize the implications of his words. Sighing, she shook her head.
"Nothing Gourry. I just felt a bit hot, that's all."
He became concerned. "Are you feeling sick?" he leaned over to feel her forehead.
"I'm fine! It's just the room that's getting stuffy." As she pulled back, she could feel her face heating up even more.
Damnit stop blushing!
"Oh we're finally done!" Amelia sighed tiredly and she made her way out of the recording room, her shoulders slumped. Zelgadiss held the door, watching her in amusement.
"I never want to sing that song again," she continued. "I've sung it so many times I could probably sing it in my sleep!"
"Xelloss usually does this to the new singers. He finds it fun."
Her cerulean eyes widened in shock as she heard this. The corners of Zelgadiss' mouth twitched in a suppressed grin as her face underwent several changes of expression. What was it? Surprise, shock, tearfulness....anger?
"Xelloss-san!"
Anger. Definitely anger.
Xelloss, having expected the little revelation from dear Zelgadiss, quickly hid behind the blonde manager. "Filia, protect me!" he exclaimed in mock fear.
Filia stepped aside, a smirk appearing on her face. "Sic him, Amelia!"
The raven-haired girl decended upon him like a looming hawk. "Xelloss-san, it's very unjust and unfair to play pranks on people like that!" she declared, pointing at him while he was crouched to one side, shuddering while she continued her long-winded speech.
"Daddy told me that only people who are unhappy and depressed at heart do such things to see others suffer! But that's okay," her eyes shimmered, "I'll lead you out of the dark tunnel and help you find true happiness!"
Zelgadiss whispered to Filia. "She's got it strong, doesn't she? And I thought she was tired."
Amelia's acute hearing caught Zelgadiss' words and she spun around. "No matter how tired I am, I'll never waver when I'm talking about the beauty of true light and peace!" she announced with conviction, clenching her hand into a fist. "Xelloss-san, do you feel my sincerity?"
"Well, he looks a little sick. Does that count?"
"WELL?" she bent down and looked the trembling executive producer in the eye.
"Yes!" he squeaked.
Amelia straightened up and beamed. "That's the spirit!"
As she flounced towards the door, she was halted by a sudden entourage of people flowing into the room. Curious at who was next to record after her, she tiptoed and stretched her neck, but with no success. Finally they parted, revealing a girl who had aquamarine hair styled as though she had two large croissants falling at the sides of her face. The newcomer looked bored and somewhat irritated, fanning herself.
"Zangulus!" she barked, "Where's my juice?"
A tall lanky man immediately appeared by her side and handed her a glass. Amelia couldn't see his features clearly because he was wearing a large hat which shielded part of his face.
The girl sniffed at it, took a sip and tossed it to one side. The liquid was spilt on to the wine-red carpet, the wet stain spreading. "I told you 1/2 orange, 1/4 apple and 1/4 pear. Make it again." she said impatiently, rolling her eyes. The man muttered an apology and trudged out of the room.
"Who's that guy?" Amelia whispered to Filia. The room had gone deathly silent after the singer's outburst, and none of her 'entourage' dared to speak as they feared her wrath. Zelgadiss quietly snorted, folding his arms. Xelloss was still rubbing his head from the headache previously caused by Amelia's speeches. Sylphiel sat in a corner with a worried expression on her face, her emerald eyes fixated at the open door through which Zangulus had exited. It was an uncomfortable situation.
"He's Martina's assistant. Just like Sylphiel is yours." Filia replied in a low voice. Many singers - especially ones who were just on the rise of their careers - abused their assistants by throwing tantrums or sending them to do impossible tasks and then reprimanding them when they failed. She remembered a particular incident several years ago where a singer's fiery temper had led to pushing her poor assistant down a flight of stairs. It was serious; the latter ended up with a broken leg which never healed properly, and had it not been for Filia's own intervention and a mutual agreement, Shinzoku Records would have faced a long legal battle and its reputation tarnished. Not that it mattered in the end anyway, due to the way things turned out later on, but the incident added positively to Filia's growing reputation. Secretly, she detested it, but she was a manager and that was part of her work.
There were many similar horror stories that circulated around. She was glad Zelgadiss had never been difficult to work with. In fact, he preferred keeping a distance with other people for no plausible reason. Perhaps he was just like that by nature.
Martina spotted Amelia and the rest of the group at the other side of the room. She slinked up to them, winking at the violet-haired man. "Xelloss-sama," she purred, placing a hand on his chest. "I haven't seen you for such a long time. I've missed you."
Xelloss faked a cheery smile that radiated pain. "Ah yes, Martina-san. I've been busy with our new singer, as you can see. And how are you?"
She pouted. "So-so. I've been doing so many interviews and publicity events. And then I'm recording my newest single today. Life's just so busy."
"Show-off." Zelgadiss muttered under his breath.
Martina pretended not to hear him. "Hmm," she noticed Amelia standing nearby. "Aren't you the new singer?"
Amelia smiled brightly. "Yup! I'm Amelia. It's nice to meet you Martina-san!"
"I've heard a lot about you. Some very interesting things. Hey, isn't your full name Amelia Wil Tesla Seyruun?""
"Amelia, don't talk to her," Zelgadiss hissed into her ear. But she was too ecstatic to hear. Martina was a popular idol who had shot to fame with her sexy and provocative image. Thousands and thousands of people - mainly guys - clamoured to join her fanclub even before her debut single was officially released. When it was, copies were swept off the shelves with the need to print more.
And now, the very same person was in the room, talking to her!
"Yup!"
"Oh..." her eyes widened innocently. "You must be the President's daughter then."
If the room had been tense before, it was now covered in ice. But the dark-haired girl didn't seem to notice. In fact, she was oblivious to what was being implied and didn't notice the fake sugariness in Martina's voice either.
The older girl frowned when she heard the enthusiastic affirmative response. Was this girl stupid or something? It was time to take a different approach.
"So the rumors must be true then," she tittered, holding a hand to her face to cover her obnoxious giggle. "Mazoku Records certainly caught a big fish this time! And here I thought we had standards. Oh," an apologetic look crossed her eyes as she saw Amelia's previously happy expression falter, "No I don't mean you aren't-- What I mean is -- Oh...I really envy you, being able to enjoy all those unspoken benefits."
And with that, she returned to her group, continuing to laugh. The rest of the room nervously laughed along with her, only relieved that Martina had returned to her usual good mood. Filia and the rest, however, were a different matter.
"Amelia...?" Zelgadiss asked with uncertainty.
"Just ignore Martina. She's always like this," Filia quickly added, exchanging worried glances with the male singer.
But Amelia remained silent. The sparkle in her eyes had dimmed, and she clutched her hand to her chest.
"Amelia?" he repeated, shaking her shoulder gently trying to snap her out of her quietness. Damnit just look at me already! Say something! Slowly, the raven-haired girl blinked and faced him. The dullness in her eyes suddenly vanished, replaced with an enthusiastically cheerful smile.
"I'm okay!"
Maybe a little too enthusiastic.
"I think...I have something to do now." she said quietly after a moment.
The next thing they knew, she snatched her bag from the sofa and ran out of the room, knocking over a very surprised Zangulus who was holding a glass of freshly-made juice.
Author's notes: Credit goes to Lina Gabriev for inspiring me on that Gourry/Lina part. I had no idea how to make them get together until she suggested I make them see each other more. Phizzy-chan gets credit for inspiring the last chapter on the twist between Dolphin-Xelloss-Zelas. Remember - your suggestions go to make this better!
Phizzy-chan: Yeah that's pretty messed up, but then again, the Mazokus are a dysfunctional bunch I guess.
Mimet: New reviewer! (hugs) I'm glad you liked the twist. I'll explain "the other incident" in the later chapters, but that'd be pretty far on, probably when the story's nearing it's end.
Soobin: Very flattered that you saw the difference in style in the last chapter. The flashback...well, I previously mentioned that Xelloss and Lina were childhood buddies before she moved away. So during their time together, I just assumed Xelloss would bring Lina along to Dolphin's house to play. Eh...seemed kind of logical when I first wrote it.
Lina Gabriev: School is over? I know that feeling where that rush of happiness whooshes to the brain. Liberating, isn't it? (grin) Thanks for the idea. The bit on Gourry and Lina here was inspired by you.
Jazzy2: New reviewer! Thanks for the praise. I'm happy you thought this was a good idea. Hope you continue reading.
And now......(dramatic drumroll)....it's time.......to REVIEW!!!!! (evil sinister laughter)