The Return Of Time

Chapter Twelve: Pressing Issues

When everyone seemed to be settled down, Biana started the speech she had prepared, "Good morning everyone! I know you've all been excited to hear about this 'Mystery Girl' who has been living with me for the past few weeks, and I'm here to give you some information. As you have been told by Vealia Aeron, the Mystery Girl's name is Gaia. Gaia Asmer. She's a level three at Foxfire this year, and yes, she did come from the human world." She paused, letting the excited chatter die down before continuing, "Yes, she is another genetically modified elf created by the Black Swan, and we don't know who her biological parents are. She's an inflictor, polygot, and is starting to manifest as a telepath, but even after all that, keep in mind she's also just a thirteen year old girl. She may be different, but she still has feelings, and deserves to live as normal of a life as possible. That said, if I find any of you harassing or pestering her for your magazines, you will never get an interview or more information from me or B.V. ever again," Biana threatened darkly. "If you don't think I'm being serious, and you go ahead and bother her anyways, you can kiss your sneak peek previews and latest updates goodbye. If you would like an interview or a photo with Gaia, you must first send a formal request to me, her official guardian as ordained by the Council," she held up the official scroll with the stamp of the council. "Send it to my office at B.V. Headquarters, and I'll consider your request."

The crowd erupted into a frantic chatter, much louder than before. They were clearly upset, but Biana could care less. They quieted down when Dex stood up, and turned to the press, adding, "In addition, if you bother Gaia, you won't get any more interviews or sneak peeks on my latest projects either."

The crowd was now dead silent in shock, giving her the perfect opportunity to say to her friend, "Thank you, Dex." He nodded, and sat down, and she gave the last part of her spiel, "You will not officially meet Gaia today, but I will be hosting a masquerade ball Wednesday night at seven pm at the Yuldra Ballroom that is meant to be an introduction of Gaia to the public. Press will be asked to leave halfway through, after she's been unveiled officially, so she has a chance to make friends without being hounded by paparazzi. Thank you for your time today, no questions please."

With that, Biana climbed off the stage as people shouted questions at her.

"Why are you her Guardian, and not someone older?"

"Is it true that she's friends with Emrys Wickmer?"

"Is she already dating Emrys Wickmer?"

"What are her hobbies?"

"What do Grady and Edaline Ruwen have to say about this?"

Dex stood up and took the the podium briefly, saying, "She said no questions, please." before climbing down and jogging after her. Bodyguards kept the paparazzi back, and Dex took Biana's hand before she light leapt them away.

Once at Iridecesy, the two friends collapsed on the couch with a sigh. "Man," Biana draped her arm over her face, "that was exhausting."

"You did well, you got the point across and made sure they wouldn't follow Gaia around," he congratulated her, smiling.

"Yeah, and thanks for adding to the threat, I think that really helped."

"No problem. Gaia is with Emrys at Dracovern, right?"

She nodded, "Yeah, but I thought I'd let them hang out for a little while before going to get them. You gonna stay?"

Dex smiled, "Sure, why not. If you don't have anything planned, would you mind fixing one of my jerkins? I haven't worn it in years, and it's a little too tight, but I want to wear it for Wednesday. It's the one I wore to B.V.'s ten year anniversary."