Les Tales by Nikki Rashan Skyy

taking their seats. A few moments later the room was completely filled. The lights went out, and something began to play on a large movie screen. The crowd cheered as clips highlighting the careers of the men played. The crowd went crazy when Ursula’s name appeared. They showed various clips from all the movies and TV shows she had been in. The crowd roared when they showed her in her famous battle stance as the Amazon queen. I felt my eyes tearing up as I watched a scene from the show, which was a major part of my childhood. At the end pictures of all four stars appeared on the screen. There was a standing ovation as the group was introduced. Kirk came out with his usual energy. He pointed over at us as he did his signature growl.
    I sat up as the moderator announced Ursula’s name. She walked out and looked directly at me. I noticed a subtle change in her facial expression when she saw me. She quickly reverted right back to her smile. I didn’t know what that was about.
    The panel was hilarious. It was obvious they were more at ease with being at the convention. It was the final panel, and everyone was relaxed and silly. Les demonstrated how Ursula would look at him whenever he was caught sleeping with a human. All the men sang her praises, saying how she was the most amazing woman to work with.
    Nia got in line to ask a question. Cree and I sat with the guys and listened to the dumb questions people were asking. We rolled our eyes at the obvious lack of true fans in the room. They asked questions that had been fielded at the earlier panel and questions anyone who truly watched the show would know the answers to. One girl asked Les for a date, causing Cree to roll her eyes. Soon it was Nia’s turn.
    â€œSince you are all Dragon Con virgins, I was wondering what you thought of our con community. And will we be seeing you guys again in future years?”
    Les leaned into his mic. “This has been the craziest experience of my life. I have been to San Diego Comic-Con and some other conventions, but I have never seen anything like this. You people are devoted, and it’s awesome. I mean, the costumes are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”
    â€œAnd the parties . . . When do you people sleep?” Mason said, jumping in.
    â€œWe sleep when we get back home,” Nia joked.
    â€œI swear, I want to put on a mask and party with you guys tonight,” Kirk said, making the whole crowd cheer.
    â€œI want to say that I have truly enjoyed myself. I might have carpal tunnel from signing so many autographs, but it was worth it, and I can’t wait to come back again. You people are truly one of a kind.” Ursula looked directly at me for a second before looking back at the crowd.
    Cree squeezed my hand, obviously catching the glance from Ursula.
    The celebrities said their good-byes and stood together for group photos for a few minutes after the panel. We noticed the handler heading back in our direction.
    â€œThe fellas would like for you to come backstage,” he told us. We all followed the handler as the room cleared out.
    Before we went backstage, Carlos hugged each of us. “Okay, ladies, y’all be safe. Don’t be letting those men get your goodies. If you need us, call. We will be at the heroes and villains ball for a while.”
    â€œOkay, and for the record, we are fans, not groupies. No goodies will be got,” Nia said and rolled her neck at the guys.
    â€œYeah, right,” Jason said, throwing his two cents in before they left.
    â€œWho am I kidding? If Les tries, he will most definitely succeed.” Cree affirmed as she high-fived Nia.
    We walked backstage, where a few reporters were waiting for the group of celebrities to come off the stage. We stood off to the side as the group came down the stairs. The convention staff thanked and hugged Mason, who walked off with his wife and manager. I watched Ursula talking to a reporter while the guys