Chapter 16

The gymnasium of Greenland Highschool was packed, filling five-hundred or more guests of all ages, young and old. The crowd cheered as the second last competitor of the talent show walked off the stage and behind the curtains. Meanwhile, the last performers were hesitating and reciting their verses and notes as they added the last touches of make up. Amelia stylized Lina's hair into a high bun with the rest of the orange-red hair flowing down, alike a ponytail. Aya's entire hair, minus her bangs, was done in tiny braids, decorated with two beads on each end of the braids and glimmer. The girls wore denim capri pants that just past their knees and tank-tops, each with a different hue. Lina's was bright orange, Amelia's was bright blue, Filia's was icy pink and Aya's was lime green. The guys each wore their casual denim jeans and expensive silk collar shirts halfway buttoned, so the top half of their chests could be seen. Gourry's was blue, Zelgadis' dark red, Xellos' deep violet and Valgarv's was deep maroon. The backstage crew carried the drum set, guitars and cordless microphones to the stage as the announcer entertained the awaiting crowd with a few speeches and cheesy jokes. A twelfth grader came into the dress up room where the eight performers were and informed them only five minutes left. The team gathered up and walked onto the stage.

"Break a leg." Xellos whispered to Filia, tuning the keyboard, but she acted as if he said nothing. The announcer cleared his throat and bellowed,

"And now, last, but not least! Our final performers of our 'Talent Show'! These eight eleventh graders will play the theme song of 'Friends', 'I'll Be There For You' by the Rembrants. Let's give a hand for . . . Amelia Wil Tesla Saillune - vocal, Aya Voellis - vocal, Filia Ul Copt - keyboard, Gourry Gabriev - drums, Lina Inverse - vocal, Valgarv Angon - vocal, Xellos Metallium - bass and Zelgadis Graywords - guitar!!" The flourescent lights dimmed gradually and three large spotlights shone on the group. The audience were already acclaiming before Zelgadis began his guitar solo in the beginning. Gourry and Xellos adhered later on, followed by Filia, which cued the vocals to start. The four had the cordless microphones in their hand, facing the audience. While each person stepped up the sing, the others danced in the background. Lina was the first singer.

Amelia skipped joyfully up the front, beside Lina. She sang,

The two backed up to line with Aya and Valgarv. Lina and Amelia sang together.

Aya and Valgarv raised their microphones,

And all together,

Aya slowly strode to the front and danced her own moves for her long solo,

Lina sang with Aya as she returned to the line,

Then, Valgarv and Amelia,

All together,

Valgarv reluctantly stepped forward and began his solo,

He back flipped at the same time as Aya and the crowd yelled ten times louder. Lina and Amelia danced their very own coorigraphed steps. The other two followed along the fast pace beat and continued on when Lina and Amelia jumped out. Lina started,

Amelia positioned herself in front of Lina,

The girls alined with the other two vocalists. The four of them sang,

The people playing the instruments united,

Aya and Lina's duet,

Next, Valgarv and Amelia,

The four vocals in one,

And the entire eight performers chorused,

As the music gradually faded, the audience's grand applause and screams were filled within the gymnasium. Amelia, Lina, Aya, who grabbed Valgarv's hand, bowed afterwards and exited the stage with the other four members. Even if they did not win the first prize, their hard work actually payed off.