Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Tales of Symphonia, mmkay?
Just a few side notes: Just to get things straight here, I do not support Raine and Zelos as a couple. At all. I just thought it would be humorous to see what would happen if they were to be 'forced' together, and I wanted to try something a little different. While I'm at it, I might as well mention that this takes place after the game, probably a few years. This way, there's enough prosperity and technology for Symphonians to develop pastimes like dating shows. XD Also, it's probably safe to assume this fic is rated K, but I added that little plus just in case. Now, let's begin, shall we?
The iron gates opened with a loud clank. A chorus of applause roared throughout the Meltokio Stadium as a man, with a handsome smile, entered the arena. This place was no longer used for gladiator matches, as it had been when Sylvarant and Tethe'alla were separated. Instead, over the years it became known as the home of Symphonia's well-known dating game show, Meet Your Match. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen," he called out, in his newscaster-like voice, "today we have a young man hailing from Tethe'alla with us. He's a charmer, all right; in fact, many ladies would love to have him as their Chosen." He winked at the audience, smiling at his own pun.
From what was formerly the prisoners' ward, a man with flowing red locks entered the arena, his eyes twinkling deviously as he blew a kiss to the audience, causing the squeals and sighs of many women and girls in the crowd. "Wow, what a ladies' man!" exclaimed the host. "So, are you ready to," the crowd joined him on the last few words, "Meet Your Match?"
"You bet I am," replied Zelos, smirking.
"Alrighty, then," said the host, pointing to three booths, a number on each of their curtains. "Behind each one of these curtains is a different lady, each with a different personality and style! Choose carefully, because you're going to have to go on a date with whichever girl you end up choosing! So what will it be, curtain number one, two, or three?" He pointed to each one accordingly.
"Hmm," said Zelos, putting a finger to his lips. "I think I'll go with... Curtain number two!" The red drape of booth number two slid back, and Zelos' eyes widened. The silver-haired, blue-eyed woman inside looked equally shocked. "Raine!" he gasped, not sure how to react to this.
"Zelos!" she exclaimed, panicked, "W-w-what are you doing here!" Her cheeks were tinged with red, and her face was similar to those of a deer caught in headlights.
Zelos smirked. "I think the question is what you're doing here, Miss Raine," he replied, raising an eyebrow. He wasn't sure what he was more amused by: her lack of calm composure or the fact that she was desperate enough to go on a dating show. Her face turned scarlet with embarrassment.
"This is not what it looks like! I can explain!" she squeaked. Zelos crossed his arms, and looked at her as if saying Yeah, I'd like to see you try. She scowled at him. "What? You don't believe me?" she snapped, back to her usual demeanor, though still a little red in the face. "Don't flatter yourself. This is what happened..."
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Flashback Time!
"Come on, Sis! Just try it!" insisted Genis, grinning mischievously as he put the envelope on the table in front of her.
"Absolutely not," Raine replied, reading a book entitled Flanoir: A History. "I'm not interested in meeting someone on a game show, Genis. Besides, they'd never want someone like me. They just want the bubbly types with all beauty and no brains. They probably wouldn't select me even if I did enter."
"What, are you kidding?" said Colette from the other end of the table, with a grin. "You've got both brains and beauty! You could knock 'em dead!" Lloyd, sitting next to her, nodded in agreement.
"Thanks for the compliment," she said, turning the page, "but there are hundreds of girls all over Symphonia who sign up for this thing. Even if they select the names at random, I wouldn't have a chance, especially as a half-elf."
"You wanna bet?" said Genis, waving the paper. "Tell you what: I'll make a wager with you. Sign up to be on Meet Your Match. If you make it, you have to go. And if you don't make it..." He pondered for a minute, trying to think of something, "I'll build you a new trunk for all those artifacts you have!"
"Hmm..." replied Raine, her eyes still glued to the pages. She thought about it for a few seconds. Well, I could use a new trunk... And there's almost no chance of me making it on that show... "Fine," she concluded, filling out the form and handing it back to Genis. "Now will you let me read in peace?"
To her horror, the next week she found a letter in the mailbox telling her that she had made it.
-End Flashback-
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"You lost a bet!" said Zelos, breaking out in laughter. He had to clutch the sides of his stomach to keep himself from falling over in hysterics.
Raine twitched angrily, nodding. He burst out into another fit of laughter, and she snapped. "Be quiet!" she snarled, smacking him on the back of the head. A few females in the audience gasped, fearing for their redheaded hero.
"Ow!" Zelos whined, rubbing the spot with his gloved hand. "Now, now, Professor... Is that the way to treat your date?" He gave her a sly grin, to which Raine looked absolutely horrified. "Sorry, hunny, but the rules are the rules. This is how the game works. You have to go on a date with me." Raine pressed her palm against her forehead. She could not believe what bad luck she was having lately. Why, of all the doors, did he have to pick number two? Grudgingly, she took his hand and they walked out of the stadium.
"And that's all for today's show!" called out the host, following behind them, the arena filling with applause as he gave them one last flashy smile.
And that's all for chapter one of Zelos Meets his Match! I hope you liked it! Chapter 2 is on its way, which is supposed to be the last chapter of this story. For those of you disappointed with the lack of romance in this chapter, I apologize. Maybe we'll get some romance -- or the lack thereof -- by chapter 2, hm?
Questions? Comments? Insults, even:P
Please review and I'll reply as soon as I possibly can.