"Okay Mr. Greywords, since you won the gold coin toss you get the first question. Many people here are interested in finding out about your family life. Could you tell us a little about them," the host asked.
Zelgadis sat on a purple velvet couch facing the audience in the center of the stage. He knew that some of the questions could get a little personal but hadn't expected them to come so quickly. "My parents, I guess you could consider them pretty normal. My father was a professor at a University in Garven City and my mother was an artist. She did a lot of shows with Lenez and Borvo when I was little." The audience let out murmurs and gasps of recognition ate the famous artist's names.
"I use think it was fun to have lots of books and art supplies everywhere when I was younger. My father would always encourage me to read and my mother always wanted me to develop my artistic sensitivity," he smiled. "When I got older it didn't seem as exciting, probably because of youthful rebellion or something, but now. . ," he sighed wishing he were back to those times when he was happiest. "I don't have any brothers or sisters," he ended quietly.
"And you Mr. Gabriev, what about your family," the host asked.
Gourry sat on the other end of the couch anxiously waiting his turn. "My family's pretty big. I've got two brothers and a little sister, plus a lot of aunts and uncles who have kids too. The last time I was home I had twenty cousins, but that was a few years ago so I could have more now. Then there's grandpa Raudy, he's the one who gave me my sword and my grandmother, she's an elf. I love them a lot," he said affectionately. We always get together and have big family dinners and visit each other. We're really close." As he finished many in the audience smiled in appreciation of how fondly the swordsman talked about his family.
In an enclosed balcony in the center of the theatre Lina and Amelia sat and watched the boys on stage.
"I didn't think they'd start with the family questions this soon."
"Me either, I just thought they'd ask about the stuff the people in the crowd REALLY want to know."
"Like what." the princess asked.
"If they're single, what kind of stuff they look for in a girl. Judging from the way formal wear went these girls are ready to tear each other apart just to get close to them," the sorceress explained.
"I guess you're right," Amelia mumbles and continued watching the host fire away another question.
After Gourry and Zelgadis were shown on stage, Lina and Amelia were shown to their seats in the VIP balcony to watch the pageant. The balcony was high in center balcony area giving them an excellent view of the stage and the audience.
When the curtains rose revealing the boys in their new attire, the women went wild. The set was "an artsy abstract thing" as Lina kept referring to it with lots of vivid colors and shapes. The boys began walking the stage, just as they had been shown in rehearsal so the judges could see every angle and the women continued to go crazy. So much so that they had to call more security to stand in front of the stage so the women wouldn't rush onto it.
"But then again," Amelia thought aloud, "These questions are supposed to be what the people want to know about the contestants, maybe they don't want to ask the most obvious questions first."
"They're keeping everyone in suspense, that way people are glued to every aspect of the pageant to find out the stuff they really want to know, which builds up the pageant's popularity. That's a pretty good plan." Lina reasoned.
"At least the audience has calmed down," the princess said staring out onto the quietly seated mass of women who were hanging on Gourry and Zelgadis's every word.
"I never thought I'd see so many people following Gourry's every word so religiously," Lina said.
"Shh, the host is about to ask the last question. I wonder what it is," Amelia whispered, straining her ears to hear every word along with every woman in the theatre.
"All right guy," the host smiled, "You've done great so far, here's your last question for the evening. What qualities do you find most attractive in a woman?" Zelgadis and Gourry looked at each other in surprised then stared at the audience to see them sitting anxiously awaiting their answer.
"I knew it," Lina cried, "Look at them, they're afraid to even breathe because they might not hear the answer."
"You're right," Amelia said, "It's almost creepy they way they're sitting so still."
"Would you like to answer first Mr. Gabriev," the host continued.
"Um, sure, I guess. Well, I'd like someone who liked me of course, someone who's nice and fun to be around and likes to eat good food," he smiled.
"And you Mr. Greywords?"
Zelgadis took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "Someone whose warm and compassionate, who could look at you and understand everything you feel inside without having to say it, and I don't mean like a psychic or anything. But someone who knows you and understands you enough to know the right thing to say or do that just makes you feel better inside. Who you feel that same kind of connection with, where you could be together and not say anything but know underneath it all so much more was there. A connection between you and someone else that goes far beyond words and gestures."
Amelia and Lina sat in their seats in awe, as did the rest of the theatre.
"Th-that was really ... awesome," Lina whispered. "How does he come up with stuff like that?"
"I don't know, but that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard anyone say," the princess said quietly.
"I wonder what they thought," Lina said, looking down at the crowd.
The women sat and sighed dreamily, then all at once began a thunder of applause. Some of them stood up and cheered while others looked at the chimera starry-eyed with tears brimming overcome with emotion.
"I guess they really liked what they heard," Amelia said, "And why wouldn't they, it was the most romantic thing I've ever heard a guy say," she thought.
"I guess you ladies liked what the boys had to say," The host jested as the applause began to settle. "Well ladies that's all for tonight, tomorrow more questions and the swimwear competition." Which resulted in more cheers from the audience as the curtains came down and the host waved to the disappearing crowd. Once the curtains were down the closing performances began.
"We'd better get downstairs and get them out of there before that mob of man-hungry women tries to stake a claim," Lina said.
"Right, LEVITATION," the princess shouted and soon the pair were floating toward the back stage area in record speed.
"At least our magic still works in this place too," Lina smiled as landed in front of the pageant producer. "Hey, Mr. Deville, where are the guys?"
"That's Divine, Mr. Divine dear and the boys are in their dressing rooms. As soon as we get security back here you guys can leave through your alternate exits."
"Alternate exits," Amelia asked.
"Yes sweetie," the producer smiled, " we never had contestants this popular before so I decided to take some extra precautions," he said proudly.
"That's good," the princess smiled. "We'll see you guys back at the tavern later Lina," said turning to the sorceress.
"Yep, later." Then Lina headed for Gourry's dressing room.
Zelgadis paced nervously around his dressing room. "I can't believe I said that," he thought repeatedly until he heard a knock and the door open.
"Zelgadis we won't be leaving out of the main exit so we ...," Amelia stopped and looked at him closely as she closed the door, "Zelgadis, what is it?"
The chimera stopped pacing and looked at her. "I can't believe I said that on stage," he said removing his jacket and throwing it on the couch.
"You mean your answer about what you look for in a girl," Amelia said sitting down.
"I must have sounded like a idiot," he said flopping down next to her. "I don't know what I was thinking, I should have said something like Gourry did about wanting someone nice and fun."
"No, what you said was so much better then that, even Lina thought so."
"Really," looked at her surprised.
"You said what you felt, what you wanted to find in someone special, don't apologize for that. No one thought sounded foolish," she said holding his hand to reassure him. "Now get your jacket and come on, we have to find our alternate exit so we can avoid the mobs of women waiting outside."
"Mobs of women?"
"Didn't you see the Zelgadis Storm-troopers or the Gabriev Girls? You guys are quite popular," she giggled pulling him out of the dressing room.
"What the hell do the Zelgadis storm-troopers do anyway," he mumbled as the princess dragged him along.
When they finally got back to the tavern they found themselves along with Lina and Gourry sitting down trying to catch their breath.
"I didn't think they could run so fast," Lina panted.
"Weren't those exits supposed to be secret," Gourry whizzed.
"Yeah, but apparently someone impersonated one of the stage crew and got word out to the crowd," Amelia breathed raggedly.
"Well I for one don't feel like going through this every evening. We need to find an easier and more discrete way to get back and forth," the chimera reasoned.
"How come your not out of breath," Lina asked.
"Maybe I'm just in better shape," he smiled.
"I think we should all go upstairs and turn in. We can discuss all this with the pageant producer tomorrow," Amelia said.
"Oh that Mr. Divine guy," Gourry asked standing up.
"Yeah, he's a really interesting guy," Lina added.
"I think his clothes are neat," the swordsman said heading up the stairs.
"I guess, although I don't remember the last time I saw a guy wearing pink ruffles," the sorceress mused while following him.
"Let's head upstairs we have a long day tomorrow," Zelgadis said. The chimera and the princess headed up the stairs quickly. They could already hear Gourry's snoring as well as Lina's.
"They must have been really tired to fall asleep so quickly," Amelia whispered.
"I suppose."
They walked to their doors and as Amelia was about to enter her room she stopped. "Zelgadis?" The chimera looked up from his half-opened door in the princess's direction. "What you said tonight, it was really beautiful," she smiled then entered her room quietly closing the door behind her.
Zelgadis sat against the large oak and stared off into the violet orange skies of sunset. He sighed contently as the cool breeze whispered sweet nothings through the air.
"So how was your first day as a pageant contestant?"
Zelgadis glanced over to Amelia who regarded him smiling. "Better then I originally thought it would be."
"You seemed to enjoy yourself," she observed.
"I just felt so comfortable around everyone I guess I just forgot myself."
"Particularly with Evette at half time."
"Did that bother you? I mean it was just a dance but still," he ended quietly.
"Why don't you put that on the list of things you want to ask me. We haven't sat down and had a real talk since we found out about the dream, what are you afraid of," she asked.
"I'm not afraid of anything," he said defensively.
"Liar," she laughed. "Obviously you want to talk you me otherwise I wouldn't be here now. If you're not ready I understand, but this is something you can't avoid much longer."
"I know," he said solemnly, watching her fade away.
"Zelgadis, Zelgadis," he heard someone calling his name. His eyes opened slowly, feeling a hand on his shoulder.
"Zelgadis time to wake up," called a soft voice. When his eyes were fully open he found Amelia standing beside him.
"What time is it?"
"8:30, sorry to wake you, but Mr. Divine sent a message over for us to meet him for breakfast."
"When," he asked sitting up.
"At 9 O'clock."
"I slept in," he realized getting out of bed, "Why didn't you wake me sooner," he asked going through his closet to find something to wear.
"Yesterday was pretty eventful, I thought you could use the extra sleep, you looked tired when we got back last night."
"You didn't have to do that," he said even though he was grateful for the extra time in bed. He noticed the princess looking at his oddly. "What is it?"
"You have little puppies all over your pajamas," she said walking over to him.
"Well, they're very comfortable," he stammered.
"That's so cute," she said looking at the fabric closely noting that the puppies were playing different games. "This one's playing with a ball, this one's waging it's tail and Oh this one's rolling over," she cooed grabbing his shirt pulling it closer. She smiled as she counted how many different activities the puppies were doing when she looked up at the bewildered chimera. "You smell really good first thing in the morning," she said taking in his fresh, clean scent from his shirt that she quietly released. "Like sandalwood or cedar," she smiled.
"Um, thank you," he murmured surprised.
"I'll meet you downstairs when you finish dressing," she said heading for the door.
"All right," he said as she left.
"You smell really nice first thing in the morning," he said to himself, repeating her words and smiled to himself at the compliment as he went back to picking out his clothes.
"All right kiddies, How's breakfast?"
"Great Mr. Divine, you're a supper cook," Gourry smiled grabbing another stack of blueberry pancakes.
"Yeah," Lina agreed coming up for air, "this is the best breakfast ever."
Daisy and Bubbles sat happily eating pancakes smiled and nodded their agreement as well.
"You guys are so good for my ego," the producer blushed, "Do you like it," he asked Amelia and Zelgadis.
"It's a wonderful meal Mr. Divine, thank you so much for taking the time to make it," the princess answered sweetly.
"It's very well prepared, my compliments," Zelgadis added eating another forkful of blueberry pancakes.
"Good. The reason I arranged this little get together was mainly about what happened last night. I figured you all would have some concerns, I know that I do."
"Our main concern is that horde of women who're going to be after us. None of us want a repeat of last night," Lina said with nods of agreement from the others.
"The alternate exits were a good idea but I think the fewer people who know about them the better," Amelia said.
"What about changing them around, have a different exit every night." Everyone turned and looked at Gourry as finished chewing his food. "Did I say something wrong," he asked nervously.
"No Gourry, that was a good idea," Amelia smiled.
"Well at least we have a place to start," the producer smiled, "I swear we knew you boys were popular but this exceeded every expectation we had."
Bubbles and Daisy giggled as they watched the producer sigh melodramatically in exasperation. "They are such cute little darlings," he smiled at the giggling pair.
"You've produced the pageant before, what exactly makes this year so different from all the others," Zelgadis asked.
"The tabloids for one."
"Tabloids," they asked in unison confused.
"Yes, they're daily papers with all the latest gossip, scandals and such on Briseral celebrities. A person can pick one up usually in mornings and evenings editions and get the latest scoop. You've been all over them for the past few days. In fact the only thing the tabloids have been writing about is you."
"Giving us and the pageant more publicity then we'd care for," the chimera concluded.
"The pageant execs love the idea that it's so popular this year, we just weren't prepared for how popular. The suggestions you made I thought of plus a host of others and started a reorganization effort. Pass these out for me won't you sweeties," the producer ask the dragons, handing them folders that they fluttered around the table giving to the others. "Here are the details of what I've got planned. Read them over and tell me about any changes you'd like to make before show-time tonight."
"All right," Lina smiled taking her folder from Daisy.
"I'd love to stay and chat, but they need me on stage," the producer said standing up. "Oh, I almost forgot, the talent competition is tomorrow if you need anything special let me know by four or sooner, ta-ta," he waved and headed out the door.
"We'd better start reading this now," Amelia said opening her folder.
"Especially since there's nothing left of breakfast," Gourry smiled opening his folder.
They all sat and read through their folders silently for several long minutes, examining every detail carefully.
"I like the alternate entrance idea, getting here might be even more of a problem then leaving," Amelia said.
"The combination of magical and non-magical exits works for me," Lina added, "especially this combo of a levitation and teleportation spell that Mr. Divine cooked up."
"The security measures seem to be quite thorough, particularly the 'plain-clothe' guard idea," Zelgadis said.
"That means those girls won't know how many guards there are right," Gourry asked.
"Yep," Lina answered. "This is really getting scary," she thought.
"But what about our public appearance? If we had problems yesterday we could have the same one's when we go outside."
"I don't think so," Amelia said.
"Why not," the chimera asked. "Well, if what Mr. Divine said is true then you two have been all over the tabloids for some time. When we were out yesterday no one mobbed us or chased us, in fact everyone was very polite and friendly."
"Especially that Evette," Lina chuckled making Zelgadis blush.
"The point is people know and respect our limits, at least it seems that way. I think they just got over excited at pageant time," the princess reasoned.
"Maybe, but what if that happens when we go out today," the swordsman asked.
"We could rework our public appearance schedules for fewer appearances or something. That's something we'll have to figure out separately I suppose."
"Other then that I think Divine's plans work perfectly," Zelgadis said.
"And if something goes wrong, we're sorcerers we can improvise," Lina shrugged.
"But I'm not a sorcerer, what will I do," Gourry asked.
"Hide until the coast is clear," the red said rolling her eyes."
"First you whip the butter and sugar together until its really creamy. After you mix that up good you add you the flour, baking powder and salt mixture that you have already mixed up in a separate bowl," Gourry said pointing to the large bowl next to him. "Now add just a little at a time, mixing it in really good before you add more. After a certain point you won't be able to mix it with a spoon anymore and that's when the fun begins and you get to use your hands," he smiled.
Lina watched in amazement as Gourry did a cooking demonstration in front of the Briseral Cooking Academy students. "I didn't even know he could cook," she thought as he continued to mix and give instructions topped with humorous little anecdotes that made the students laugh. "And he really has their attention," she observed seeing the students cling to every word and watch his every movement.
"You control the dough, it doesn't control you, that's what my Uncle Gil always says. This is his cookie recipe by the way," he said proudly, pulling the mound of dough out of the bowl and onto the counter and began kneading it. "The trick with roll out cookie dough is if your dough is too wet add flour and if its too dry add water. Most people are scared of roll out cookies, but they can be really fun," he said using a rolling pin to roll out the dough into a thin even sheet on the counter.
Lina watched as he cut out the cookies an place them on cookie sheets, then the sheets into the oven. He had flour smudged on his cheeks and covering his forearms as he chatted away with the students excitedly. "Well at least he's having fun," she thought.
"Now while those are in the oven I'll show you how to make my Aunt Millie's yummy cookie topping. Just mix some applesauce, pineapple bits and a little cinnamon together," he said pouring the ingredients into a new bowl. "Hey Daisy, do you want to help," he asked the little lavender dragon who sat next to Lina. He waved for her to come up and after much coaxing she fluttered over to him and began to stir.
"She's so cute," many of the students sighed as they watched Daisy blush shyly and stir.
In a few minutes the cookies were done and Gourry invited the student to come down and try one with some topping. Lina took a bite and was pleased at how sweet the confection tasted. "I wish all our appearances were this good," she thought getting more cookies.
After they had their cookies and talked with the students Lina, Gourry and Daisy left the academy walking off their cookie stuffed stomachs.
"Gourry when did you learn how to make those cookies," Lina asked.
"My Uncle Gil would make them every holiday, in fact it wasn't considered a holiday without his cookies. He would let me help mix and measure things."
"Like how you let Daisy stir?"
"Yeah, like that. One year Uncle Gil got really sick, so I tried to make the cookies myself so no one would miss out. They came out really good and Uncle Gil was so proud of me that he let me make them on holidays from then on."
"They were really good, right Daisy," Lina smiled and Daisy squealed with delight.
"Thanks guys, I'm glad you liked them. So Lina what are we doing now?"
"I want to find one of those tabloids Mr. Divine was telling us about. I'd like to see exactly what the women around here are reading about you and Zel."
Amelia watched Zelgadis and fought the urge to laugh. The chimera stood in a sea of children all clamoring for his attention.
"Play with us," they cried, "Visit our class, please!"
Amelia had originally thought that making an appearance at a local school would be a good idea. She still thought it was, but didn't realize that Zelgadis might feel a bit overwhelmed by all the kids craving his attention.
"Now children," a teacher called getting their attention, "Mr. Greywords came to visit our school for the day, not play." This resulted in hurt looks across the cherubic faces. "But if your good I'm sure he'll stay for lunch."
"Yahoo," they cheered.
"Now then, report to your classes and have a good day," the teacher smiled. The students headed down the halls to their classes chattering excitedly occasionally looking backward in Zelgadis's direction.
"Thank you Ms... ," Zelgadis ended uncertain of the teacher's name.
"Ms. Silivus," she answered.
"Ms. Silivus, I didn't expect them to be so excited.
"It's not everyday we get visitors and, Oh hello," Ms. Silivus smiled as Bubbles fluttered over to her, "What's your name?"
"That's Bubbles," Amelia answered, "He's very friendly."
"So I see," she laughed as the little dragon smiled, giggled and held her hand. "I'm sure the children will love playing with you at recess."
"When would you like to start the tour," Amelia asked.
"After the children get settled in for the afternoon. I know I told the children you might stay for lunch if you don't want to..."
"We'd be happy to stay in the invitation still stands," Zelgadis said.
"Yes, yes it does," Ms. Silivus blushed under the chimera's gaze. "I need a few minutes to go see to some things will you be all right till I get back?"
"Of course, we wouldn't want to keep you from your work," he replied.
"Thank you," she smiled, patting Bubbles on the head and headed down the hall.
"What made you think of visiting a school," Zelgadis asked as he took a seat on a nearby chair.
"I thought it would be a nice change of pass. Children are very genuine and carefree; you don't have to put on appearances with them. It seemed like a good way to make an appearance with out really making on," she reasoned sitting next to him with Bubbles in her lap. "I hope Daisy's having a good time with Lina and Gourry," Amelia mused as Bubbles smiled at her.
"Well they went to the Briseral Cooking Academy so I'm sure they're stuffing themselves silly right about now," Zelgadis smiled as Bubbles ears perked up at the mention of food.
"Do you have a swimsuit yet," Amelia asked.
"I have to pick it up this afternoon."
"And the talent competition, have you decided what you're going to do?"
"Yes," he smiled. Bubbles squeaked with delight and Amelia's eyes brightened with excitement.
"Really that's great. What are you going to do?"
"It's a secret," he smiled as Ms. Silivus returned.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting," she said breathlessly. "The children are all settled so we can get started."
"Great," Amelia smiled. They all got up and followed Ms. Silivus's lead. Amelia carried Bubbles and Zelgadis walked alongside her.
"Come on tell me what it is," she whispered
"Nope, you'll have to wait and see," he whispered back.
"He's such a little tease, isn't he Bubbles," she whispered giggling and Bubbles nodded.
"If I remember correctly you're the one, who's good at teasing," he said, realizing he'd said the words aloud.
Amelia looked at him her face growing red as a tomato as she recalled what he was referring to. Bubbles looked at the both of them confused.
"Not again," he thought irritably, "When did I develop such a dirty mind anyway," he asked himself. "Look Amelia I didn't mean to say that I'm sorry," he ended quietly
"It's okay," she said in an equally quiet tone.
"We have two class sections here," Ms. Silivus said drawing their attention. "Morning and afternoon ones. The children are only here a half a day as you can see," she smiled showing them each of the classes.
The four continued through the school, visiting classes and even sitting in n a few. Bubbles stayed in one of the classes that were teaching colors and shapes and played with the other students at recess. Amelia and Zelgadis decided t o have their lunches outside to keep an eye on him.
"This really is a nice school," Amelia said watching the children play. "Aren't you glad we came?"
"Yes, it's very nice here and the kids are well behaved," Zelgadis said.
Amelia continued to watch as the children along with Bubbles began a new game. "Did you ever think about having children?"
"Not really," he answered, surprised by the question.
"I always thought it would be nice to when I'm older. If I did I think I'd want them to go to school at a nice place like this," she sighed," So how come you never thought about kids?"
"Because I don't think I can have any with this body and even if I could I wouldn't."
"Oh."
"It's one thing for me to have a chimera body its another to place that on a child to grow up with," he explained.
"Do you think you'd have kids once you found a cure."
"It depends on how old I am when I find it," he said solemnly.
"I shouldn't have brought up the subject," Amelia thought noticing the sad expression on his face. "I'm sorry," she started aloud, "I didn't mean to bring you down, it's just watching them play got me thinking," the princess smiled.
"It's all right," he offered as Ms. Silivus sat down with them.
"The children really love Bubbles, he's such a sweetheart," the teacher beamed.
"Yes he is," Amelia smiled proudly.
"He looks like he's having a lot of fun," Zelgadis said watching the little dragon play. He caught sight of a little girl sitting on the far end of the playground by herself. "Who's that?"
"Her names Joliet. She's new to our school and very shy. We've tried to get her to open up but she hasn't said a word since she started school," Ms. Silivus sighed. "We just wish she would talk to us. Her parents are very worried and the other children don't know how to react so they just stay away."
"She's probably overwhelmed at being at a new school," Amelia said," It must be very scary for her."
Zelgadis watched the little girl sitting in the grass wearing a red jumper, playing with a ladybug. He got up from his seat and walked over to the grass little patch and sat beside her.
"Hello, " he said quietly smiling. The little girl looked up at him with wide gray eyes curiously." My name's Zelgadis," he continued, "Ms. Silivus says you name is Joliet, right?" The girl nodded. "She also said you're new to school and haven't spoken to anyone. Do you like it here?" Joliet nodded yes and smiled. "I know new places can sometimes be scary but everyone here seems friendly and you say you like it here. Have you tried making any friends?" Joliet just shrugged and played with the ladybug that had been crawling between her fingers.
"Everyone's very worried about you, but I think you'll talk when you have something to say. I was wondering if such a pretty little girl like you would like to join me for lunch?" Joliet blushed then pointed at Amelia on the other side of field then pointed at him and clapped her hands together: "Is she your girlfriend," she asked in rough signing.
"That's Amelia, she's a friend of mine and I'm sure she'd enjoy your company too." Joliet sat for a moment and thought about his request.
Zelgadis watched the little girl eagerly awaiting her answer. He didn't know what possessed him to come over to her, but something about Ms. Silivus's story touched him. Joliet was an outsider of sorts just like him, "And I guess on that level we understand each other," he thought as he gazed into her bright, expressive face. Joliet smiled at him and nodded.
"I'm glad to have your company," he smiled standing up then lifting her into his arms. "Shall we," he asked and Joliet nodded again.
Amelia looked on as Zelgadis sat and talked with the little girl for several long minutes. Then he stood and picked her up and headed back over to the table. He looked so sweet with the tiny girl in his arms she thought. "He would make a good father," she mused as they came closer.
"Amelia this is Joliet. Joliet, Amelia she's going to have lunch with us," he smiled.
"Nice to meet you Joliet," the princess smiled. Joliet held on tighter to Zelgadis as she looked at Amelia nervously.
"It's all right," Zelgadis whispered, "Amelia's very nice," he smiled as he set the little girl down at the table.
They ate lunch quietly and after a few minutes Joliet seemed to open up a little to the princess. Soon she was smiling and happily munching away. When lunch was finished Zelgadis walked Joliet back to her class leaving Amelia with Ms. Silivus.
"He's quite charming," the teacher smiled.
"Yes, he is."
"I've never seen Joliet so active with anyone before, she took to Mr. Greywords so quickly it's absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for spending time with her."
"She's a sweet girl, I hope she gets over her shyness with others." The two watched as Joliet gave Zelgadis a kiss on the cheek then run into class leaving the chimera blush a very nice shade of red.
Zelgadis walked back to the two women and noticed that they were in deep conversation. "Well Joliet's back in class."
"Thank you so much Mr. Greywords. I hope you come visit us again," Ms. Silivus smiled.
"We'll try," Amelia said as Bubbles flew into her arms. "Hey Bubbles did you have fun?" The little dragon squealed with delight and nodded.
"Well we have to get going. Thank you again Ms. Silivus," Amelia waved along with Bubbles.
As they all left the school Amelia looked at Zelgadis and smiled. The chimera noticed and looked at her in turn. "What is it?"
"Nothing," she venture quietly," It's just you were so good with Joliet today and understanding. She must have really appreciated that, especially with the big kiss she gave you," the princess giggled.
"You thing so?"
"Yes," she took to took you very quickly maybe because she knew you would understand her."
Zelgadis looked at the princess and noticed the bright gleam in her eyes. "She's really pleased," he thought amazed and surprised at how good that gleam in her eyes made him feel.
"You've got your swimsuit right?"
"It's here in the dressing room," Gourry smiled.
"And you remember the instructions Mr. Divine gave you when you go on stage," Lina asked as Daisy looked at them intently.
"I wrote them down earlier, and I've been practicing," the swordsman smiled proudly/
"Good, are you going to be all right if I don't stay backstage with you," Lina asked
"I'll be okay. Go on and find a place to sit or maybe there's something to eat," he suggested.
"Good idea," Lina smiled and headed for the door with Daisy flying behind her.
"And Lina."
"Yes?"
"Thanks for worrying," Gourry smiled sheepishly.
"Sure," the redhead smiled and head off through the backstage area when she bumped into Amelia and Bubbles. "Hi guys, where's Zel?"
"In his dressing room getting ready," Amelia answered.
"Well we've got a couple of hours before they start an I hear that Mr. Divine has munchies in the conference room."
"And that's where your headed right?"
"Naturally, come on." Lina grabbed her hand and headed for the stairs with Daisy and Bubbles flying close behind. "While we eat I can show you the tabloids."
"You mean the ones Mr. Divine told us about this morning," Amelia asked.
"Yep and you won't believe that stuff they've been printing either."
Once inside the conference room they found a tabled full of fruits, breads and cheeses to snack on. Lina quickly grabbed a plate and began filling it. Amelia grabbed plates for herself, Daisy and Bubbles and they began filling their own with whatever looked delicious.
They all sat down ad began eating. Amelia watched as Bubbles shared his blueberries with Daisy and she shared her strawberries with him.
"Isn't that sweet Lina," she smiled.
"Yeah, it's nice they get along so well," Lina agreed watching as the dragons ate and giggled amongst themselves.
"So what's this about the tabloids," Amelia asked placing a slice of cheese on her bread.
"Here take a look." Lina slid a copy over to the princess.
In front of the princess lay 'The Briseral Babbler" she opened it and flipped through the pages skimming them briefly, the contents surprising her with each turn of the page.
"Are you the girl of Zelgadis's dreams," she read aloud. "On the first night of competition Zelgadis stated that he'd like a woman, who was warm and compassionate that he could have a connection with that went beyond words," she continued. "Are you the women f or Zelgadis? Take our quiz and find out," Amelia ended dumbfounded. "This is what the women around here have been reading about Gourry and Zelgadis?
"You haven't read the half of it. It's got interviews with the heads of the Gabriev Girls and the Zelgadis storm-troopers along with membership applications. They've got play by play coverage of the public appearances and the competitions along with information on receiving counseling.
"Counseling?"
"Apparently some decide to open a counseling center for people obsessed with Zelgadis and Gourry called The Z&G healing center," Lina explained rolling her eyes. "The next edition comes out tonight I think we should pick it up."
"Definitely," Amelia nodded "So other then reading the tabloids how did your day go," she asked changing the subject.
"Great, we did an appearance at the Cooking Academy, hey did you know Gourry could cook," Lina asked excitedly.
"No."
"He made this family recipe for the class, these cookies with this really nice topping. I still can't believe he can cook," she smiled.
"Did you ever let him try when you guys camped out," the princess asked.
"Sure, the first time I let him cook we had fish that was burnt on the outside and raw in the middle, so I decided to cook the fish after that."
"Well maybe fish isn't his specialty, it's not an easy to cook," Amelia offered.
"I guess so," she sighed playing with the berries on her plate. "He's really excited about this pageant, I mean REALLY excited. He keeps obsessing about his butt looking to big and his clothes.
"Really," Amelia laughed," That's what that was about backstage yesterday.
"I think it's just nerves or something. How are things going with you and Zel," the redhead asked.
"How are things going between Zel and I," the princess asked herself. "Pretty good," she aloud, " he's not obsessing over his butt or anything. I don't think he's as annoyed by the idea of being in a beauty pageant as he was before."
"So what's he wearing for swimwear?"
"I don't know," the princess shrugged.
"What," Lina looked at her confused.
"I decided that he should pick out his suit on his own so he wouldn't feel uncomfortable with me around."
"Oh I get it."
"What about Gourry?"
"Well, I couldn't talk him into wearing Speedo's," Lina said making Amelia spit out the juice she had been drinking.
"You tried to what," she yelled.
"Even though I know the saleslady was dying to see what he looked like in them," the sorceress continued. "We finally settled on a basic pair of trunks that look pretty good," she smiled.
"I can't believe you tried to put Gourry in Speedo's."
Zelgadis sat on the floor of his dressing room in the lotus position wearing a comfortable pair of pants and a faded shirt. His hands were folded in his lap and his eyes closed in meditation.
Inhale. "Yesterday was pretty good, lecture was nice, the races enjoyable and for the first night of competition things went well except for ... stop that," he thought irritably. "Focus on the positive points and your breathing," he chided. Exhale.
Inhale. Breakfast was good. Divine really knows how to cook. It was nice sleeping in and Amelia fiddling with my pajamas and saying I smelled nice was ... where did that come from? Focus on your breathing dumb ass," he yelled at himself mentally. Exhale.
Inhale. "Amelia is not a topic I can avoid. I have to talk to her I know I do, and I will," he assured himself. "Right now I have to get my head together for swimwear." Exhale.
Inhale. "I have a suit not too plain, not too flashy that should work perfectly. How exactly do you judge how a person looks in a swimsuit anyway? All you have to do is walk; turn and walk back then change into something comfortable for the Q&A segment. Change into something comfortable? Isn't that what they say when you want to get intimately acquainted with someone after dinner?" Exhale.
He opened his eyes slowly so that they could adjust to the light then stood up giving a long cat like stretch and a yawn. "Great now I feel sleepy," he sighed.
"So that's how you beat away nervous jitters," someone said quietly.
Zelgadis turned around quickly and saw Amelia standing by the door smiling slightly.
"How long have you been there," he asked taking a seat on the couch.
"Just a minute," she said joining him. "I was eating with Lina and the dragons. How long have you been on the floor?"
"Half and hour I suppose," he shrugged and leaned back into the couches cushions. "Where's Bubbles?"
"Still eating with Lina and Daisy," she said. "Daisy and Bubbles are so cute," she smiled. "They were sharing fruit with each other it was so sweet."
"Sounds like you all were having fun. Why did we have to be here so early again?"
"In case Mr. Divine has to make any last minute changes," Amelia answered. "It's good opportunity to relax and at least we avoid the crowds. Are you ready for tonight?"
"As I'll ever be. There's really no way to prepare for walking out to an audience half naked."
"Well what about the floor thing were doing, doesn't that help any," she said.
"It does. I just wish this was over with already," he said getting more comfortable in the couch.
"Are you going to need anything for the talent competition tomorrow," she asked.
"I know what you're trying to do and it's not going to work," he said, "You'll just have to wait and see like every one else. The princess folded her arms across her chest and pouted cutely, making the chimera laugh.
"Can I help it if I'm a little curious," she said standing up. "I'm going back to the tavern to get changed I'll see you after the show."
"All right," he said watching her leave. When the door closed he resumed his position on the floor and began his breathing."
"Welcome to the Mr. Briseral Swimsuit competition," the announcer roared. "Tonight you'll have the pleasure of seeing our contestants in their swimwear finery." The announcer was greeted by applause and shouts of 'bring them out' from the audience.
Amelia watched from her VIP seat as the women shouted for the curtains to be lifted. "If last night was bad, I think tonight is going to be worse," she mumbled "Especially after all those articles in the afternoon tabloids."
"The security people are in place that's a good sign," Lina added.
"Or first contestant is Mr. Gourry Gabriev," the announcer said as the curtain lifted revealing Gourry in a blue pair of swim trunks.
"I never knew Gourry had such big muscles," the princess whispered as she watched him begin his walk on stage.
"Neither did I," Lina said dumbstruck.
"I thought you helped pick out his suit?"
"I did put I didn't see him try it on."
"Well it's just a good thing that he didn't get the Speedo's," Amelia laughed.
"We'd have a riot on our hands if he did," Lina said as Gourry made his way off stage, away from the shouting excited fans.
"Or second contestant Zelgadis Greywords," the announcer roared as Zelgadis walked out on stage in black trunks that were semi-clinging to a crowd of gasping, bug-eyed and wild cheering women.
"Wow," was all Amelia could manage as the chimera made his was tentatively down the catwalk. As she watched him her mind began to wonder to the last time she had seen him this close to undressed and she began to blush brightly.
"Stone skin really brings out muscle definition," Lina whispered her eyes fixed on the stage. "I didn't know he had such a nice butt."
"Lina," the princess cried.
"Well he does look," she pointed and Amelia looked and was inclined to agree. Yeah he does," she smiled as he exited the stage.
"I must compliment you on your taste in men Amelia. Maybe you should have tried talking Zel into a Speedo," the sorceress mused.
"LINA!"
"Just kidding," she laughed.
After the swimsuit competition Zelgadis and Gourry were allowed ton go to their dressing rooms and change for the Q & A segment. The questions came and went quickly and soon the nights competition was over and Zelgadis found himself in his dressing room back in the clothes he wore before the pageant lying on the couch staring at the ceiling.
On the overall he felt rather rested. Swimwear went a lot quicker then he thought it would. One minute he was in front of thousands of women in next to nothing the next he was in his dressing room. "At least the rest of this thing involves more items of clothing," he chuckled to himself. He couldn't explain it but he'd felt languid and calm all day. He had a few jitters before the pageant but overall he felt at ease with everything.
"I wonder what Amelia thought of how I looked," he thought studying patterns of light that flickered across the ceiling. He let the thought slip through the wall of self-control he had been erecting regarding the two of them. The door opened quietly as the subject of his thoughts walked in a reclaimed her spot on the couch from earlier that evening.
Amelia noticed him watching her as she came in and sat down, with a lazy grin on his face. He looked so relaxed and content that she couldn't help but smile in return. "It looks like you're nice and comfy."
"Hmm, tonight didn't go as bad as I had thought it would."
"I'm glad. Mr. Divine is working on thinning out the crowds a little so we can leave."
"Good," he said sitting up, "So what do you think?"
"About?"
"The pageant, how do you think it's going, after all you are my designated Image Coordinator," he laughed.
"His mood is so different today," she thought, but liked it. He seemed boyish, playful almost and it suited him. He was gaining confidence about the pageant, she could see it "and maybe that confidence will help us work through our problem, get him to talk to me about it," she hoped inwardly.
"Well," she started, "I like how this looks, you're very popular especially with the women and media, but I'm not sure about the judges yet."
"The tabloids Mr. Divine mentioned?"
"Lina picked one earlier and showed it to me. We decided it would be a good idea to get some in the mornings from know on so we can se exactly what kind on information is being put out there."
"I'd like to read one of those things too," he said wiggling his toes to shake away the numbness that crept into them. The princess noticed and giggled. "What are laughing about?"
"You're wiggling your toes," she smiled.
"And that's funny?"
"Well yeah, I mean you know people do stuff like that but its funny to actually witness it."
"Like being ticklish, you know people are but it's funny to see exactly where they're most ticklish," he said.
"Sort of," she giggled after a moment.
"Now what's funny?"
"I was just thinking," she said feeling a sense of daring overtake her, "Just where are chimera's most ticklish," she asked moving closer to him like a cat ready to pounce on her prey.
Zelgadis saw the look in her eyes and a sly little smile cross her lips as she approached. "Amelia what are you doing," asked moving back slightly.
"Just what you think I am," she laughed. "TICKLE ATTACK," she cheered and pounced on him, her fingers moving about frantically.
"Amelia stone skin isn't ticklish," he said trying to get away from her frantic fingers. Then she found the small of his back and he started laughing."
"I knew you were ticklish somewhere," she cried triumphantly, her arms wrapped around him tickling his back as he howled with laughter.
"You shouldn't do that," he said between fits of laughter.
"Oh like you can stop me," she laughed and continued on.
Zelgadis couldn't stop laughing as her nimble fingers moved up and down his back. He tried several times to get way from them, but she would just tickle harder. "It's about time she had a taste of her own medicine," he thought wickedly. "And just where are princess ticklish," he smiled devilishly, then began tickling her until she laughed so hard she stopped tickling him and fell back on the couch.
Their faces were inches apart and they slowly stopped laughing. "Okay you got me," she panted, "I'm ticklish everywhere," she said giving a little laugh. She stared at him for a long moment and reached a hand up to his cheek and stroked it lightly.
"Don't do that," he said quietly, sitting up.
"I'm sorry," she said sitting back up straightening her clothes.
"I shouldn't have hand my hands on you like that, I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"Well if you think about you already know where everything is and how feel anyway so don't say I'm sorry."
Zelgadis looked at her sheepishly and blushed. "What just happened here anyway," he asked confused.
"If I'm not mistaken its called a tickle fight," the princess smiled," they happen when people are in a playful mood."
He looked at her from his side of the couch and noticed her quick breathing as she continued to straighten her clothes. "I've never been in a tickle fight before," he realized. When he was little he played lots of games with his parents, but he couldn't remember being tickled. "So who won," he asked.
"I think we tied."