The Slayers go to Disneyland Part 2
The Hub
"That was a quick trip," Lina comments as she exits off of the omnibus. Amelia is thanking the cabby driver for the ride with an enthusiasm that would make any normal person uncomfortable. Luckily the driver doesn't seem fazed; apparently he's seen this type of reaction before.
Line rolls her eyes and she steps up to Gourry and Zelgadis, who are currently studying the park map. They are standing in the shadow of a fairly large statue of Walt Disney and Mickey called 'partners'. "Where to next guys?"
"This map isn't geographically accurate," Zelgadis states as he looks around them and back down at the map as if he is comparing the two.
"But it is very colorful!" Gourry says.
"I don't care about its accuracy or color brilliance, where's the exciting rides," Lina blurts out.
"There are quite a few," Zelgadis mildly says, unfazed by Lina's brash behavior. "Where would you like to start? Adventure Land, Frontier Land, Fantasy Land or Tomorrow Land."
"Aren't their other lands?" Amelia asks as she leans over Zelgadis's arm to get a look at the map.
Zelgadis doesn't appreciate the princess's closeness but he answers Amelia's question nonetheless. "There are, but these so called 'lands' that I have mentioned are what can be reached easily from where we are currently standing, which happens to be the hub."
"The design of a 'hub' area makes it easier for guests to enter the park and feel less overwhelmed," Gourry insightfully points out, not that anyone there cares.
"Adventure Land sounds like my type of place," Lina smiles. "We should start there!"
"I wanted to go to Fantasy Land first," Amelia quietly mentions next to Zelgadis.
"The castle which leads into Fantasy Land is a focal point meant to lead guests quickly into the park to the place where we are now standing," Gourry rattles off again almost as if he is a sound recording.
Everyone gives the blond a funny look, but doesn't say anything immediately.
"It may be the focal point, but that does not mean we have to start there," Lina reminds everyone pointing at the little castle.
"Swish42 recommended that we get something called 'fast-passes' for Space Mountain as soon as we got here," Zelgadis points at the ride on the map which displays an icon informing guests of the unique 'fast-pass' experience available.
"Fine, whatever! Let's just DO something," Lina whines as she heads towards Tomorrow Land.
"Wait Lina, we need a plan if we want to get the most out of our visit," Zelgadis reminds her. The blue man sighs noting Lina's irrigated expression. He had a full cup of coffee this morning so it's going to take more than Lina's habitual glare to unnerve him. Zelgadis continues undeterred. "Look, we have cell phones, the only person we might lose is Gourry. I'll just take our passes to the 'fast-pass' station while the three of you head to Adventure Land. By the time you are done with the 'Tiki Room' attraction I'll be able to meet you in front of the 'Jungle Cruise.' Although . . . this 'time estimation' I've contrived may be imperfect considering this map is hardly accurate."
"Who cares," Lina stomps her foot. "As long as your offering go ahead and get those 'fast pass' things, we'll meet you at 'Jungle Cruise' Let's go guys!" Her excitement returns as she takes Gourry by the arm and the two race off towards Adventure Land.
"No running please," a cast member politely asks.
The two slow down, but one can hardly call it walking.
"Will you be alright Mister Zelgadis?" Amelia asks.
"I think I can handle this, you just make sure Lina doesn't do something we'll all regret," Zelgadis walks away readjusting the backpack on his shoulder.
"Right!" Amelia's resolve is restored and she races after her companions.
"Please no running," the same cast member repeats.
"Sorry Mister Cast Member," Amelia skips instead.
Zelgadis's trip to the far side of Tomorrow Land is a bit more of a challenge than he initially expected. There is a long narrow line of people making their way to Space Mountain with the same idea he has. The chimera notes a few things during the uncomfortable walk.
One, he doesn't like crowds and being touched, something that is impossible to avoid at this point. Two, this outlet leading into this 'land of the future' doesn't seem to be built large enough to contain the crowd he has become a part of. Three, he doesn't know how the 'fast-pass' machine works.
Fortunately, the people who run the park seems to be aware of the number of guests who struggle with the 'fast-pass' machines and has a cast member close by who assists Zelgadis. The cast members name is Toni, she is incredibly helpful and Zelgadis has no doubt that he will be able to work the contraption on his own the next time it becomes necessary.
"Excuse me sir," Toni asks as he turns away. "But are you in costume?"
"No," Zelgadis politely seethes.
"My mistake," Toni smiles. "Have a magical day!"
And with that Zelgadis quickly attempts to make his way back to Adventure Land, but as can be expected this is no easy task. It is much easier going with the flow of people than against it, even with his rock hard body no one seems to take a hint. A child screams at his left demanding Pizza, from 'Pizza Planet,' another child screams something about a monster in the Matterhorn Mountain.
At least he hopes the child is referring to the monster in the mountain.
Bitterly, he wishes that the others are faring better at the Tiki Room attraction.
End
Author Notes: Well what do you know they actually made it into the park? I'm so proud of them and they took my advice . . . kind of.