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The day seemed to start in a blurred frenzy. Lina woke up Gourry a little after dawn so that he could begin his new beauty regimen of a long hot bath, a facial mask, moisturizer and getting his hair washed, conditioned and brushed until his blonde locks were silky smooth. Gourry admitted he liked the pampering and attention but he didn't like the idea of waking up so early.
"But you have to be up early so you can get out on the campaign circuit before Zel," Lina explained.
"But not this early Lina. No one else is up and besides this could cause me to have puffy eyes all day and you said I had to look my best right?"
Lina finally conceded to let Gourry sleep until a least eight O'clock for the rest of the pageant, next on the agenda was what to wear. Lina felt that he should wear something simple for his first day and thought a light green tunic and matching pants would be best. Gourry went to put on the clothes then came back for Lina's inspection.
"You look nice Gourry," Lina smiled as he turned around in front of her.
"Are you sure? This doesn't make my butt look too big does it?"
"Um . . . no you look fine."
"And my hair, I think its being a little stubborn . . ."
"Uh, Gourry?"
" . . . And I think I'm starting to get a pimple right here." He pointed to a spot on his jaw line.
"GOURRY!"
"Yes Lina," the blond asked innocently.
"Don't you think you're getting a little carried away?"
"I just want to be the prettiest Lina," he pouted.
"I'll take that as a yes," she mumbled. "Gourry your hair is fine. You don't have the beginnings of a zit and your butt doesn't look too big in those pants," Lina sighed.
"Thanks Lina, lets go eat breakfast."
Zelgadis had woke up early and gotten dressed before the tailor arrived. Amelia did some last minute planning while Zelgadis tried on his new clothes. He had to admit Amelia was right about tailor-made clothes. Everything fit comfortably in all the right places, so much so that no alterations were needed.
"Well, that’s a first," the tailor laughed. "Usually my customers knit pick over the littlest thing. I wish I had more customers like you and your lady friend Mr. Greywords."
"How are things progressing with the items I asked you for," Zelgadis asked as he came out from trying on his third suit.
"Good, I'll be starting everything today and my brother is looking into those other items you requested."
Zelgadis looked in the mirror and smiled. "If this works we'll be meeting the Big Kahuna in no time."
Amelia sat on her bed and stared blankly at her notebook. She really wanted to be with Zelgadis seeing what he looked like in his clothes, but decided that he'd be more comfortable if she wasn't there and made the excuse of last minute planning for her absence. The truth was she had finished all of her planning the night before. The public appearances were arranged to begin in the afternoon and the formal wear competition wasn't set to start until eight.
"I bet he looks really handsome," she smiled flopping down on her bed hugging a pillow. "Like a storybook prince," she sighed daydreaming of Zelgadis in royal attire looking out on his kingdom. The most important thing to her was whether or not he liked the clothes. "Well he did pick out most of the colors," she reasoned, "And he seemed to like the shirts and pants styles that I picked out, or he could have just been humoring me?"
"Amelia," someone called from the hallway.
"Come in," she called re-fluffing her pillow. The door opened an Amelia sat up and stared in amazement. Zelgadis stood in the doorway wearing off white pants and a light blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. The clothes were casual enough and she figured he would look handsome, gorgeous even but "he looks absolutely breathtaking," and beautiful and every other positive adjective in her vocabulary.
"By your expression you approve?" She nodded a little over enthusiastically. Zelgadis closed the door and sat down at the desk across from her bed. Amelia watched his every move down to the smallest gesture. Not only did the clothes fascinate her but the way he moved in them as well.
"So what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well after breakfast, we're going to head out and introduce you to the public, Go to the dragon races then your first event."
"And that is?"
"A discussion called "Dragons, Muzuko and Sorcerers: Where does the average village fit in the big picture?" She read from her notebook. "It's an open discussion about how everyday villagers can avoid being considered insignificant in the grand scheme of things."
"What made you chose this?"
"Well, I figured I’d balance out the events from the intellectual to the just plain fun stuff and I figured it might be something you’d find interesting," she shrugged. "You don’t have to go if you don’t want to."
"No, it sounds interesting," he smiled.
"Oh and I almost forgot." She got up an picked up a box on the end table by the window. "The Courier Fairies brought this back from the Palisades yesterday," She said opening it.
Inside was a small lapel pin of a tiny sword with a red crystalline rose wrapped around the blade. Amelia began to place the pin on his shirt. "Each contestant has to wear one to let people know they’re in the pageant." She tried to place on the pin, but her fingers fumbled at seeing a peak of his chest from his unbuttoned collar.
"Here, let me." He grabbed the hand that was holding the pin and stopped, staring at her hand in his. Amelia looked at their hands an begun to blush. She looked up into the chimera’s eyes to discover they were equally fixed on her. "This is going to be a lot harder then I thought," she realized silently and released her hand from his.
"Have you decided which outfit to wear for tonight," she asked walking over to the window.
"Yes."
"Good, we should get breakfast then start heading out," she turned smiling.
Zelgadis nodded. "I'll meet you in a few minutes." He stood up and left the room quietly.
Amelia sank down to the floor an stared at the hand that moments ago was in his. She trembled slightly, balling her hand into a fist and hitting the floor. "I have to be stronger, I can't fall apart because he . . ." her vision blurred as tears filled her eyes, brimming over onto her cheeks.
Zelgadis didn't say anything when the princess came downstairs for breakfast late, or about how quiet she'd been the rest of the morning. After breakfast they walked around town seeing what could be seen. Many people stopped and engaged him conversation on a variety of topics. Zelgadis was really impressed to find that many of the people had a wide berth of knowledge on many subjects. He also was amazed at his lack of self-consciousness at being approached by so many people. "It's like I belong here," he thought as someone new began talking to him.
Amelia watched Zelgadis and smiled. He was doing a lot better then she had originally anticipated. "I guess how friendly and open everyone is helped put him at ease," she thought. He was charming and regal in his own way and people were taking notice, not just women but men too. Everyone was drawn to speak to him and seemed completely in awe at how comfortably he conversed on any subject presented to him.
She had been so closer to losing her composure earlier that it had taken her several minutes to calm herself and go meet him for breakfast. The instant his hand grabbed hers all she wanted was to be in his arms, "just like in my dream," she sighed inwardly. She had tried to be calm and cool about the whole affair mainly for his benefit so that they could work together more comfortably. The truth was every time she saw him or was anywhere near him she felt overwhelmed with the desire to touch him, hold him more now then before the dream had occurred. "Just a few more days," she thought, "And then what?"
Lina was not optimistic about Gourry's chances. When people talked to him he was nice, friendly and polite. However, his realm of conversation as many discovered was severely limited. Lina hadn't realized how smart the people of Briseral were. Many of the people they talked to were nice but seemed slightly disappointed with they’re conversation. "Note to self, help Gourry appear smarter," Lina thought. The good news was the swordsman academy loved him, for which Lina was grateful, since it was the first place he made a public appearance.
When it came to swords Gourry was smart. They spent a good part of the afternoon at the Guild going over fighting techniques and sword-smithing. Gourry even demonstrated a few techniques he created himself.
"Okay the Swordsman Academy is in the bag. People like him but he’s not as bright as they had hoped," Lina thought watching Gourry teach an impromptu class on fighting techniques against Muzuko with tentacles. "But they still like him and that’s good. I’ll just have to think a little harder on his image."
"Hey Lina, come down and join us." Gourry waved to her excitedly. "The guys want to show us some moves against Three-headed Veca monsters."
"Well learning a few new moves is always useful," she mused and headed down to the crowd of swordsman. They stayed an hour more then Lina had originally expected and were almost late for the dragon races.
"Those guys were really fun. Can we visit them again before the festivals over," Gourry asked as they took their seats for the races.
"Sure, but right now let’s look to see if we can find Bubbles."
"What time was he supposed to be here?"
"About ten o’clock to go over the rules and get his racing numbers. He left after breakfast," Lina said as she craned her neck searching the crowd of dragons that were busy flexing their tails and extending and re-tracking their wings in preparation.
"Hey you guys have you seen Bubbles," Amelia asked as she and Zelgadis took seats next to the two.
"He’s over there," Gourry pointed excitedly to a spot in the crowd where Bubbles fluttered anxiously wearing a number ten racing jersey.
"So what are you guys doing here," Lina asked.
"We came to cheer on Bubbles," Amelia smiled.
Lina looked from the princess to Zelgadis who sat quietly waiting for the races to begin. She noticed that he wore clothes different from his usual fair and had to admit he did look quite attractive. She also noticed the other women in the stands were coming to the same conclusion. "Amelia must have picked out his clothes," she thought as Zelgadis noticed her study of him.
"Is something wrong?"
"No I just noticed you’re wearing something new today. It looks nice."
"Umm, thank you," he said quietly blushing. Amelia watched the exchange and smiled slightly. "I really must have done a good job if Lina thinks he looks nice," she cheered silently. She looked at the sorceress and noticed her continuing to eye Zelgadis. "Maybe I did too good a job."
"The first race is about to start," Gourry said pointing to the track.
"When does Bubbles race," Zelgadis asked.
"Right after the Fire Dragons half-time show," Gourry said watching the medium sized dragons line up at the starting line. The starter fired a small light spell into the air and the dragons were off. The crowd stood up cheering for they're favorite dragons to win. A black dragon with a number 31 jersey quickly took the lead and appeared to be the crowd’s favorite.
Amelia watched in amazement as the dragons flew quickly and gracefully around the track. They're bodies moving in waves like water and tails moving in spiral-like coils that let the afternoon sunlight reflect off they're scales creating beautiful patterns.
"Are we going to be on time for the discussion," came a whispered voice close to her ear.
"Yes, it’s an hour after the races finish," she whispered back to Zelgadis. "Aren't you having a good time?"
"Yes, I was just curious that's all." Then they continued watching the races.
Lina noticed the two whispering to each other but couldn't make out what was being said. She looked at Zelgadis, careful this time that no one noticed her study of him. He looked nice, really handsome in fact and she couldn't help but gaze at him. "He's going to be tough for Gourry to beat," she thought and went back to watching the track.
The races went quickly through the divisions, from medium to large dragons and even the water dragons had an opportunity to race in a pool at the center of the track. Then came the half-time show, which to Lina was the best part. The Fire Dragon were a performances troupe of dancers, musicians, singers and of course fire-breathing dragons. They all wore glittering costumes and started the show with music and dragon pyrotechnics. As the dancers began their routine a female singer wearing a long, white gown was flown out onto the stage by two blue dragons and started singing an upbeat, infectious tune that got many of the people out of their seats dancing.
"Come on Lina, let's dance," Gourry smiled grabbing the sorceress out of her seat and began moving to the music. Lina was reluctant at first then noticed how much fun everyone was having and stated dancing too.
Amelia sat and watched the show and all the people smiling and dancing. The music was really good and the princess moved a little to the rhythm in her seat. "It'd be nice to have someone to dance with," she thought watching Gourry dip Lina.
Zelgadis sat quietly and watched the biggest party he'd ever seen unfold. The music was loud and the people dancing. He looked at Amelia and noticed the wistful expression on her face as she watched Lina and Gourry dance. "If you want to dance Amelia, why don't you?"
She looked at him surprised by the quiet whisper in her ear. "It's no fun to dance by yourself," she shrugged.
Zelgadis was about to say something when he felt a light tapping on his shoulder. "Excuse me, are you Zelgadis Greywords," asked a smooth, soft voice close to his ear. He turned and found himself face to face with a tall, shapely brunette with emerald green eyes.
"Yes, I am."
"I'm Evette. Would you like to dance," she asked smiling at him warm and invitingly.
"I'm really not much of a dancer."
"Well we won't know until we try," she smiled mischievously, grabbing him out of his seat and stated dancing.
Amelia looked on in shock as the buxom, brunette grabbed the chimera and stated dancing away. She watched as Evette moved closer to Zelgadis until her chest was pressed against his. What surprised her most was when Zelgadis began moving along with his new dance partner.
"When a beautiful woman grabs you and starts dancing what else can you do but follow her lead," Zelgadis reasoned as he and Evette swayed together, twirling her around periodically, then pulling her back to him. Many in the stands stopped and watched the two dance as the music changed from a loud, upbeat tempo to one more soft and sultry that heightened the effect of their movements.
Amelia continued watching as Zelgadis spun Evette around once more and pulled her back to him even tighter. "I never knew he was such a good dancer," she thought as the music stopped and the half-time show finally came to an end.
Everyone looked out to the field and gave the performers a standing ovation. Then someone announced that the baby dragon races would begin after a brief intermission. Lina had watched in amazement as Zelgadis danced and couldn’t help but be impressed.
"Zel, I didn’t know you could dance?"
"Yeah me either," Gourry said as they sat back down in their seats. "Where’d you learn how to dance like that? You were great."
"No, I wasn’t really. I was just following Evette’s lead," the chimera blushed slightly.
"Don’t be silly, you’re an incredible dancer," Evette smiled at him with luminous green eyes. "I’d better get back to my seat for the rest of the races, but I hope we can have another dance sometime soon, especially with the way you move." Evette kissed him lightly on the cheek, making him blush even brighter, waved to the others and bounced off to her seat.
Amelia looked on as the two and sighed inwardly. "She is pretty. I can’t blame him for wanting to dance with her."
"Bubbles' race will be starting in a few minutes, do you guys want some snacks while I’m at the snack line?"
"Sure," Lina said enthusiastically.
"I’ll come with you," the princess smiled getting up and following him.
"Did my dancing with Evette bother her," the chimera thought as he watched the two walk off. He hadn’t intended on dancing but didn’t want to offend Evette by sitting back down or embarrass her by just standing there. So he decided the best thing to do was dance. He hadn’t danced in years and was surprised he’d been able to remember any steps. It was almost second nature he thought as they had moved to the music so fluidly.
"It looks like you’ve been turning a few heads today," Lina commented observing Evette with a group of women talking and staring in their direction. "I guess your turning into a real ladies man," she said moving into Amelia’s seat.
"She just wanted to dance, but before I could answer her she pulled me out of my seat. It would have been rude of me to walk away from her," he explained.
"Yeah sure," Lina nodded. "But no one told you to twirl her around or dance so close to each other like that."
"Like what?"
"Like someone could mistake you for her dress you were wrapped around her so much."
"You’re right, I guess that metaphor was a tame way to describe it," Lina mused resulting in a shocked expression from Zelgadis. "But I do know you definitely upset Amelia’s little world with those hypnotic hips of yours."
"Would you stop with the wise cracks," he said in annoyance, making the redhead giggle. "Do you really think Amelia was upset about what happened," he asked in a serious tone.
"You really have to ask? Amelia’s been swooning over you for only L-sama knows how long and she just witnessed you up close and personal with another girl. Upset is a light way of putting it." Lina looked up and saw Amelia and Gourry returning with armloads of food. "Speaking of which, they’re back."
"Here you go Lina," Gourry smiled handing her a container with a wide variety of snacks. "I got you one of everything."
"Thanks Gourry," she smiled and started eating a piece of teriyaki mutton on a stick.
Amelia handed Zelgadis a soda and a bag of popcorn. "I didn’t know how much you wanted so I just got you this," she smiled.
"Thank you," he said and took a sip of his drink. Amelia sat down between Lina and Gourry and started munching on a rice ball filled with bits of meat and vegetables. "Have they started yet?"
"The dragons are lining up now," Gourry said. "Look there’s Bubbles." He pointed to the third lane on the track and waved. Bubbles looked up and waved to them in the stands.
"Hey he sees us," Lina smiled and waved back.
"I wonder how he’ll do," Zelgadis mused.
"I think he’ll win," Gourry answered. "He’s smaller then the others and his wings are larger so he can move through the air a lot easier and faster then the rest and he doesn’t have as much weight to carry."
"How observant of you Gourry," Amelia smiled.
They watched as the starter fired a light spell and the dragons headed off. Bubbles immediately took the lead with a lavender dragon a close second. Soon the lavender dragon was neck and neck with Bubbles, but he finally inched ahead and won the race by a nose.
"See I told you he’d win," Gourry cheered.
"That was a really close race. That lavender dragon was really fast," Amelia said.
"Do you think we could get down to the track to see him," Lina asked.
"Maybe when the races are over with, right now they’re too many people," Zelgadis reasoned.
They sat and watched the rest of the races and munched on snacks. Amelia couldn’t stop thinking about what happened during half time. "He looked so incredibly graceful," she thought as she continued to nibble. She had realized some time ago that there were sides of Zelgadis she didn’t know about and might not have the opportunity to learn. Seeing him with Evette only reinforced that. "I wonder if he likes her."
Zelgadis idly sipped his soda and watched as pixies materialized and dematerialized around the stands offering people pouches of confetti to throw at the end of the races. He glanced in the opposite direction to see the princess munching lightly, in between bites talking to Gourry about the races. He watched as they smiled, laughed and leaned in close to better hear each other. "They almost look like a couple," he thought as Gourry offered the princess a stick of mutton to which she smiled, blushed slightly and excepted. He returned to watching the races and nibbling popcorn, forcing himself not to look over at the swordsman and the princess being so companionable.
After the races everyone threw their pixie confetti on everyone else and the group decided to make it’s way down to the track to find Bubbles. Amelia and Gourry looked about frantic with excitement to congratulate the little dragon on his victory. Lina and Zelgadis hung back looking around in a more collected manner.
"Do you see anything Amelia," Gourry asked.
"No, if only I could see higher," she sighed
"Here Amelia," the swordsman said lifting the princess up onto his shoulders, "How’s this?"
"Great, I can see everything from up here, but warn me next time you do that, okay?"
"Sure. Do you see anything?"
"I think so. It looks like the rest area for the racers is straight ahead," she pointed. "Come on guys let’s go," Gourry called back to Lina and Zelgadis. "Amelia you better hang on."
"Okay." The princess wrapped her arms around Gourry’s head so that her fingers were linked under his chin.
They made they’re way through the crowds with Lina and Zelgadis close behind until they reached the rest area were Bubbles sat giggling with the lavender dragon that came close to beating him earlier.
"Bubbles congratulations," Gourry smiled as he set Amelia on the ground.
"You were great," the princess cheered as Bubbles fluttered over to her for a hug.
"Nice going Bubbles," Lina smiled patting him on the head and noticed the lavender dragon watching. "Who’s your friend?" The lavender dragon smiled shyly and waved a tiny hand at the group.
"She looks a lot like Bubbles," Zelgadis observed.
"Maybe they’re related," Amelia mused to which Bubbles nodded eagerly.
"Maybe she’s his sister or cousin or something," Gourry suggested.
"Is she your cousin Bubbles," Amelia asked the little dragon and he shook his head no. "How about your sister?" He nodded yes and the lavender dragon giggled quietly.
"Hey that’s great," Lina cheered. "And she’s really cute, cut as a daisy. I think that’s how they say it."
"Let’s call her Daisy," Amelia suggested. "What do you think, do you like the name Daisy," she asked the shy little dragon whose eyes widened as she nodded happily.
"Then Daisy it is," Gourry smiled.
"I wonder if she likes to eat as much as Bubbles and I do," Lina wondered.
"No one could like food as much as you do Lina," Zelgadis smiled wryly.
"That’s true," everyone laughed as nearby tower bells rang announcing the new hour.
"What time is it?" Gourry asked.
"Time for us to get going I’m afraid," Amelia answered letting go of Bubbles.
"Where ya off to," Lina asked
"To a discussion about the average person’s place in the world," Zelgadis answered.
"Huh?" Gourry looked at them, confused.
"We’ll explain later," the princess smiled, "See you guys tonight, Good luck." Then Zelgadis and Amelia headed out of the stadium.
"Good luck to you too," Gourry waved to their retreating forms. "So what do we do now," he asked looking at Lina.
"Gather up Daisy and Bubbles and find some food," Lina cheered and the little dragons squealed with delight.
Zelgadis looked at himself in the mirror and adjusted his collar for what seemed like the millionth time. Outside his dressing room he could hear the intro music begin and the announcer welcoming the audience. "How did I get myself into this," he thought as he checked his shoes.
His thoughts drifted to earlier that afternoon. The memory of his dance with Evette brought an unexpected smile to his lips as well as the discussion he attended with Amelia.
The discussion proved to be even more interesting then he had anticipated. Everyone seemed to have something to say an many commented on the stereotype of the ‘feeble villager’ who screams and runs for cover at the first signs of danger or worse yet bowing down in submission.
"It’s like they think we’re here to serve they’re every whim, " one person commented on the mentioning of monsters and evil sorcerers who do the terrorizing.
"Because that’s what they think," another commented. Many of the participants asked Zelgadis for his point of view on the matter, being that he was a sorcerer and had traveled extensively.
"I’ve found that many villagers don’t stand idly by an let some monster or sorcerer attack them. As for running away from danger goes, many don’t know how to react when confronted with such situations and the first instinct that come to mind is fleeing. The truth is for every person that runs there’s one who stays and fights. Sometimes people who don’t have magic or advanced sword skills don’t know what to do only that they want to do something and that’s the important thing."
His words seemed to cool many of the raised tempers in the room making them nod their heads in agreement.
"But what about the misconception that goes around about villagers," someone asked.
"Prove it wrong at least for Briseral and maybe other villages will follow your example." The discussion continued with methods of how villagers could work to avoid stereotypes and other aspects of village life.
Zelgadis checked his cufflinks, sighed and flopped down on an over-stuffed couch drumming his fingers on the armrest. "There’s no point in fiddling with my clothes, they’re fine, I’m the one who’s messed up," he said aloud. "The sooner this is over with the better," he mumbled, deciding that maybe a few mental centering techniques would help him relax.
Gourry busied himself with pulling on his socks, humming to the opening music playing onstage. He’d never felt so happy and excited over anything before. "I can win, I know I can," he reassured himself.
After spending the afternoon with Lina and the Dragons, Gourry felt optimistic about his chances. "I know Zel’s really smart and girls like him a lot, but people like me too and I know that even though I’m not as smart as Zel is about everything, I’m smart about certain things," he thought wiggling his toes as he slid on his boots. "And Lina seems to believe in me too, so there's no way I can lose."
Lina and Amelia stood back stage watching the crowds.
"I think we should give them about three more minutes the get them," Lina thought as she began pacing.
"Right," Amelia agreed, "I’m sure they’d appreciate some extra time to prepare themselves," She said nervously.
"You nervous too, huh?"
Oh L-sama yes," she laughed. "What about you?"
"Same, I’m hoping Gourry won’t get stage fright once he sees all the people."
"Or Zelgadis," Amelia sighed worriedly, "You know how he gets around crowds. What happened with Daisy and Bubbles," she asked curiously.
"We put them to bed before we came here," Lina smiled, "They were really tired. I can’t believe how many people are here," the redhead said amazed looking out at the audience.
"And they obviously have they’re favorites too," Amelia nodded seeing the self-proclaimed Zelgadis stormtroopers in the left balcony and the Gabriev girls in the right. Both groups waving flags or wearing giant plush hands that read Gourry #1 and Zel #1 in bright letters.
"Did you see those cheerleaders outside when we brought the guys for rehearsals," the princess asked.
"Cheerleaders?" Oh that must have been what all that noise was out front earlier," the redhead said.
"Yeah, they had costumes and pom poms. I guess that means Zelgadis and Gourry are really popular," Amelia sighed. "Where did you guys go after the races?"
"We took the dragons to get some food and Gourry did an appearance at a few festival workshops," Lina shrugged. "It was a pretty laid back afternoon."
"Sounds like things are going really well for you two," the princess smiled.
"Yeah I guess. We’d better go get the guys and see if they need anything before they have to on."
"See you in a little bit."
"Sure thing."
They both went off in opposite directions to the dressing rooms. As Amelia walked through the back stage area she thought about the afternoon discussion they attended. She was really pleased with Zelgadis. He’d been very collected and contributed a great deal to the discussion something she hadn’t expected. "It really seems like he’s enjoying all this," she mused as she knocked on his dressing room door.
Zelgadis opened the door and found the princess waiting dressed in a blue dress that came to mid thigh with small slits on the sides and matching heels. Her hair was out in a cascade of curls that framed her face elegantly, "You look really nice," he smiled.
"So do you," she returned taking in his appearance. "He looks even better then he did earlier," she thought. "Can I come in," she asked and he opened the door wide enough for her to walk by. As she did he caught the faint scent of strawberries and lilacs.
"So how are things going onstage," he asked hoping small talk would calm his senses.
"Fine, you’re on in twenty minutes. They still have to introduce the judges and a few minor details. Are you ready?"
"I think so," he said closing the door.
Amelia watched him as he closed the distance between them with long, easy strides. "He was made for beautiful clothes," she thought instead of the plain tunic and pants he always wore. "So how did rehearsals go," She asked as she began straightening his jacket and collar.
"Good, although Gourry had a little trouble with the producers instructions." He watched as the princess’s small fingers adjusted his clothes.
"Did they give you anymore information about the Q&A segment?" She moved down to the cuff links on his left sleeve.
"Nothing major, just where to sit and to answer honestly." He watched as she continued to inspect his cufflinks, her fingers moving over the latches, slightly brushing his skin as she checked to see if they were closed properly. He stopped her obsessive straightening with his right hand causing her to look up into his eyes. "Are you alright?"
"I’m okay." She released her hand from his. "I guess I’m just a little nervous," she smiled weakly.
"If anyone should be nervous it’s me, after all I’m about to get gawked at by a whole city of women. So you can just relax?"
"It’s just we did a lot of planning and we have so much at stake and. . . ," she sighed more in worry and frustration the anything else and turned away from his watchful eye.
"I see," he said placing his hands on her shoulders in reassurance. "But fiddling with my clothes isn’t going to help any, besides I’m a big boy. I know how to dress myself," he said in a low, teasing voice that made her knees feel weak.
"I guess I’m over reacting," she said leaning back against his chest, basking in his warmth and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Zelgadis looked down at the princess and noticed how quickly her expression changed from anxious to calm. Amelia felt like she was in the most perfect spot under L-sama. "We’d better head for the stage, they’ll be ready for us soon," she said regretfully moving away from his hands on her shoulders and the warmth of his closeness she wished she could stay in.
Lina watched as Gourry straightened his lapel as he put on his pageant pin and tried to fight the urge to let her jaw gap open. The swordsman looked better than she had expected. The royal blue suit he wore matched the boots he’d brought earlier. His shirt was a crisp white with a shoe-string thin tie at the collar, and his hair was braided down his back in a thick pony tail.
"Great," she smiled taking in ever angle of him as he turned from side to side. "He looks gorgeous," she thought and chided herself for the admission. "I don’t mean like that. Gez what am I thinking."
"What’s wrong Lina," Gourry asked noticing the sudden frown that crossed her face.
"Nothing, It’s just a little cold in here don’t you think?" She rubbed her arms for effect.
"No I’m fine but if you’re cold you can borrow my jacket." He began to unbutton the front when Lina stopped him.
"You idiot, you have to wear that for the competition."
"But you said you were cold." He looked at her in concern.
"I’ll be fine. Let’s just get to the stage." She grabbed hold of his arm and led him out of the dressing room.
"This doesn’t make my butt look too big does it," Gourry asked as the redhead pulled him along.
"GOURRY YOUR BUTT LOOKS FINE, WOULD YOU JUST KNOCK IT OFF," Lina yelled.
"I didn’t know you and Gourry were on such intimate terms," a low smooth voice said in amusement. Lina looked up to see Zelgadis and Amelia walking toward the stage. Tonight he was dressed in a black suit with a jacket that buttoned all the way to the collar, only the top three buttons were undone revealing a white shirt with a chinese collar made out of a satiny looking material. On his wrists she could make out cufflinks with round blue stones in a shade that matched his eyes perfectly. Before she realized it she let out a low whistle of appreciation.
"If that’s a compliment Lina , thank you."
"You clean up pretty good Zel," she smiled.
"So do you," he returned taking in her long red gown with a slit up one leg and her mass of fiery hair pulled atop her head with a few wispy strands falling out complimenting her features.
Amelia watched as the two assessed each others attire and sighed. "This is the second time she’s looked at him like . . . like he was the afternoon lunch special," she thought as Lina seemed to smile a little brighter and sound a little sweeter.
"Gourry, you look really handsome," she smiled stepping closer to the swordsman.
"Really?"
"Yep, that suit really becomes you."
"Thanks, you look really great too," then he noticed something and smiled brightly, "We’re almost wearing the same color," he laughed lightly.
Amelia looked at his suit then her dress. "You’re right."
"I guess blue’s our color." They both laughed as Zelgadis and Lina looked on. Zelgadis had the same gnawing feeling he’d felt at the races as he watched the princess and the swordsman carry on in animated glee. "We have to get to the stage they’re waiting for us," the chimera interrupted. The two stopped conversing and all of them fell into step toward the stage.
The stage hands ran about frantically preparing for the main event as the lighting crews prepared for the light show introducing the semi-finalists, leaving the stage darkened with only a lone spotlight on the announcer who was gearing up the crowd for the main event moments away.
"Good luck Zelgadis," Amelia smiled and grabbed his hand.
"Break a leg Gourry," Lina smiled and Gourry looked at her in confusion.
"I don’t want my leg broken Lina , that sounds pretty painful."
"Oh nevermind, just go out there and do your best," Lina said shoving him toward the stagehand who was leading them to their positions behind the velvet red curtains.
Zelgadis and Gourry stood side by side and waited for the curtain to rise. From the audience they could hear cheering, and lots of shouting urging them to reveal the semi-finalists.
Zelgadis could feel his body tingle with anticipation and anxiety. "I’ve got a good chance," he assured himself, "I mean even Lina thought I looked nice." He looked a Gourry an noted him smiling excitedly. "This is probably the most fun he’s had in who knows how long," he thought in amusement.
"Ladies the moment you’ve all been waiting for," the announcer roared. "The semi-finalists for the Mr. Briseral pageant, Gourry Gabriev and Zelgadis Greywords." As the curtains began to rise so did Zelgadis’s heart rate.