Disclaimer - I own NOTHING! Hajime Kanzaka owns Slayers, this is just a shameless fan-fanfiction based off of PsychoSongstress' story - Fugitive. I recommend reading it first to have any idea what's going on. It's an amazing story and I just couldn't help myself from using it as my own personal playground while I wait for her to post an update!


Filia sighed as she walked down the hallway towards the room where dinner was to be held. She was alone as she walked through the double doors held open by two tall, well-dressed men employed by the General. She didn't want to raise suspisions from anyone, especially Val or Daé, if she was seen arriving with Xellos. "What would they think?" She wondered to herself, feeling the aggravation and embarrassment washing over her again. No, she had been through too much in the past few weeks, she decided as she stood in the entry way. She needed a good meal, and a sense of normalcy.

When she left for dinner, Xellos had remained behind for some unknown reason. She quietly hoped that his master had summoned him, making him unable to attend the meal. Maybe he had sensed that she didn't want to arrive together for fear of someone catching on to the latest...developments in their relationship. She tried to bury the thoughts deep in her subconscious. All she wanted to do at this very moment was to replenish some long-overdue calories into her body.

The dinner banquet before her was very elaborate, much like the one prepared for her at Vasilio's castle, although the atmosphere and company were considerably more pleasant. Some of the prisoners had decided not to go to the temple and were invited to stay for one last meal before they journeyed back to their hometowns on their own. After the wagons departed, The General decided to invite some close friends and family to the mansion for a homecoming party for Nora that evening. Filia looked through the crowd of guests that had almost completely filled the room trying to find a familiar face. Val, Daé, Nora, ANYONE other than the infamous Beast priest.

Finally, she'd spotted Val, standing next to Daé. She watched as the couple interacted with each other, Val, ever the doting boyfriend and Daé blushing lightly as he took her hand in his. It seemed as though Daé was starting to come out of her shell more and more as the days passed. Filia deduced that it must be from her exposure to the world outside of her father's protection. It hadn't been too terribly long since they had begun this journey, but long enough for her to begin to change. Perhaps her newly found self-confidence would be enough to break free from her father's hold on her when this was all over...but only time would tell. She couldn't feel more proud of her son for how strong he'd been through everything so far, and felt she should make it known at some point that they most certainly had her blessing. She truly felt that they belonged together.

Suddenly, everyone was ushered to be seated at one of the many tables around the room. The General, along with Nora were standing in front of a beautiful marble fireplace, looking around ready to great everyone in a welcoming speech. Filia however found it difficult to pay attention to the two women who had otherwise held a pretty captive audience. She hardly noticed someone pulling out a chair from behind her for her to sit in. As she was seated, she felt the cushion of her chair press against the many pearls lining the back of her dress and she let out a tiny, involuntarily gasp.

Filia turned around quickly, startling the waiter who had pushed her chair in for her. As hard as she'd tried to suppress it, she couldn't help but be reminded of Xellos' hands trailing up her back as he carefully buttoned her gown for her. His touch was more gentle than it had been the day before when he was almost overcome with power. Her face went flush as she remembered how she felt as his lips attacked her so aggressively. She felt extremely curious as to where it could have led to had the situation been different. She'd never admit it aloud, but there was no denying that he'd been right when he told her he doubted that any docile creature could ever handle her fierce nature. It was becoming clear to her that she could never be bound to someone who was completely tame. She needed someone strong enough to handle the ever-changing storms that raged within her. She really was naïve to believe that her life was never meant to be simple, planned-out and by the book of all things good and virtuous. How much longer could she deny how well she and Xellos complimented each other? His spontaneous actions kept surprising her and making her feel more than she ever could from her ideals of how a traditional courting should go. He was right. Damn him for being right. Her prudish beliefs clearly had yet to find her the perfect Dragon mate, and all she was left with was her doubts, fears and loneliness in a room full people.

The speech had ended long ago, and before her now was a plate of delicious looking food, as well as a crystal glass half-full of champagne. Filia took a bite of her food and glanced around the table, unfamiliar with any of the faces that dined along side her. How had Xellos still not made an appearance? Was he nearby feasting off her emotions instead of a meal similar to the one placed in front of her? She was growing agitated by how much she wished to be near him again though she couldn't bear the idea of anyone else knowing what they had become. A band in the far left corner of the room began playing a beautiful instrumental tune, as guests who had already been long finished with their meals began to come together to dance. How long had she been lost in her own thoughts?

She took a swift draught of her champagne, not even letting it rest on her tongue. Maybe it would help calm her nerves, though it wasn't as pleasant as a nice cup of tea would have been. With one more raise of her glass she'd emptied the remaining champagne into her mouth.

"Would you care for another?" Came a voice to her right, an unmistakeable, nasal voice who's owner's hand now rested over hers in an attempt to relieve her of the crystal flute.

A shiver went down her spine as his hand came in contact with hers. She turned her head to see Xellos grinning down at her. Again, he mentally noted how the simplest of physical contact made her react.

"Where have you been?" She snapped, glaring up at him.

"My apologies my dear, I was detained momentarily. I needed to report in to Lord Beastmaster."

Of course. Just as she'd thought.

"Why, did you miss me?" He smirked.

Her eyes narrowed as she pulled her hand away from his. She didn't say a word but a quiet, "hmph" could be heard as she crossed her arms over her chest and looked away from him stubbornly.

"Come now, darling...don't be angry with me. I'm here now." He smiled as he heard her foot tap in frustration underneath the table. "How's that drink treating you?"

"Well, I don't think I'll be having another."

"Probably for the best. I always assumed you we're quite the lightweight." He chuckled, with his eyes still closed.

"I am NOT a lightweight."

"Well...not when it comes to your physical weight but as far as the alcohol is concerned..." He backed away with his hands raised in playful defense as she pointed her fork dangerously close to his face. "So violent. I think you're beginning to become a bit of a villain yourself."

Filia growled, baring her fangs. Before she could respond, Xellos offered his hand to her again and asked, "Dance with me?"

She was taken aback by his presumptuousness. "Are you out of your mind?!"

Ignoring her objections, Xellos took her hand in his again and lifted her from her chair. She continued to protest angrily he lead her to the dance floor. He sensed many emotions emanating off of her as he began confidently leading her in a slow dance step. She was apprehensive, but followed along obediently, much to his surprise. He was certain she would have instead caused a scene in defiance which would have only resulted in embarrassing herself more than being seen dancing with a monster. Not to mention it would have likely gotten them kicked out of the General's home for not being on their "best behavior".

Filia's head darted back and forth as she was certain that everyone's eyes were on them.

"Don't be so conceited. No one seems interested in the fact that we're dancing. In fact, most of these people don't even know us. The guests who were prisoners remember that you rescued them, but they don't know anything about me or what I really am. To them this is perfectly normal behavior. Now the few here that do know us..." He motioned his head towards Val and Daé, who were now taking interest. "...what does it matter what they think?" He whispered softly in her ear.

He caught her off guard as he spun her around. She stumbled a little as she started to feel the effects of the drink. Her cheeks felt warm in an unpleasant way. She tried not to notice that her son and his girlfriend had begun watching them from not far enough away. Xellos took her hand that he was holding on to and placed it on his shoulder before using his now free hand to turn her face back to him with a finger on her chin. His other hand rested on her lower back. Once she was facing him again, his eyes opened and caught hold of hers. He held her gaze knowing how easy it was to get lost in her sapphire eyes. After a moment he spoke, "Filia...for once can't you just let go and be yourself? Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and just focus on me. Nothing else in this room matters right now. Everyone is safe enough for this moment. We don't get many so try not to let this one go to waste."

Filia was still unsure of everything as she tried hard to let everything around them fall away into nothing. An empty, dark room with just the two of them left. Xellos, with his unwavering smirk, and her desperately trying to keep herself from falling too deep into his mesmerizing eyes.


Val couldn't believe what he was seeing. He rubbed his eyes not once but twice to make sure his vision was okay. Daé smiled as she watched the pair, and secretly wished that Val would also lead her out to dance. She looked over at her lover, and let out a giggle as she watched him try to evaluate his own feelings on the scene that was laid before them.

"Well, look at that. I told you those two might surprise you one day. I guess things are finally starting to work out for them, huh?"

"I admit, I'm surprised, shocked, stunned...I don't know what to say about this. Surely, any second now someone is going to say or do something to start an arguement."

"Maybe...maybe not. Does seeing them this way bother you?"

"Well...no, but I just never thought I'd see this day in all my life so I don't really know how to respond to it. If this is legitimately happening, then Hell must have just frozen over."

"I think they look cute." Daé said with a smile. "Do you think we could..." She trailed off.

"What? Dance? Da...I don't dance."

"As in 'can't' or 'wont'?" She asked, with an adorable pout.

"Eheh...as in probably shouldn't unless you're okay with the possibility of your toes getting stepped on."

"Please? I'm sure you wont be that bad."

Val sighed, defeated. "Okay, but I warned you." He grinned as he cautiously lead her out onto the dance floor, close to the band which had begun to play a slow, almost haunting melody on a grand piano and violin.


Filia let out a shaky breath, as she held onto Xellos' suit a little tighter.

"Feeling a little lightheaded?" As she nodded, he moved his hand up to the back of her head to gently rest it on his shoulder. She didn't fight him, and he could feel her start to relax against him finally. Positive that neither Val nor Daé were watching them anymore, he bent down and whispered in her ear, "I was wrong about the red dress. Have I told you yet that you look absolutely stunning?"

Xellos could feel a small smile on his shoulder, followed by her nuzzling a little closer. "Beautiful..." he murmured as he slowly ran his hand up along her back. Filia could feel his warm breath against her ear as he said it a second time, quietly, for only her to hear. She lifted her head and hesitantly looked up into his eyes once again as their slow swaying came to a halt. Xellos brought his hands up to cup both sides of her face as he looked longingly into her eyes. Seeing her shed a tear that ran over his hand, he looked at her perplexed, but reading her emotions, he was positive that sadness wasn't one of them. He felt her heart begin to beat faster against his chest and he couldn't help himself, he bent down towards her lips, pausing for a moment, and then closing the distance.

That all too familiar shock coursed through Filia's body again, though much more powerful this time. Xellos felt it too, but did nothing to break the kiss. The almost distressing electricity surging through her began settling in places she wasn't sure about. Her eyes quickly snapped open and the world around them suddenly came rushing back into focus. She pulled away from his embrace. Xellos looked at her questioningly and concerned as she backed away, before turning to make a hasty retreat towards her room, where he was sure she would lock herself back up in her own tower of mental defenses. He stood there for a moment, trying to understand what he'd done wrong.


Filia's heart was still racing when she reached her room. No matter what she did she couldn't get her breathing to slow down. She tried holding her breath, but that only made her feel dizzier. She paced around her room, inhaling and exhaling slowly. What was she doing? She walked over to the window and stared out into the night sky. "Stop fighting this, Filia." She whispered to herself.

Knock. Knock.

Filia didn't answer. She continued to stand in front of the open window as the cool breeze blew in. The door opened, then closed with a click. Almost silent footsteps slowly approached from behind her until they stopped a few feet away, all the while she didn't move. Xellos silently observed her from a distance, seeing her tremble slightly in the moonlight.

"Filia..." He started, cautiously. "Tell me what I did wrong."

She remained silent, except for a sniffle and the sound of her breathing. Anxious, Xellos took a tentative step closer. After a moment he took another, helplessly drawn to her until finally he was standing right behind her. "Please say something."

She turned swiftly, causing her long, golden hair to cascade around her like a waterfall. Whether or not she was angry at him, for whatever he'd done, Xellos decided right then and there that he would never forget how breathtaking she looked at that very moment.

"Take me back to the cabin."

"W-what?" He asked, brought out of his thoughts. His irises began glowing brighter in the darkness as he searched her face for answers. She closed her eyes and took another slow, deep breath before looking up at him again.

"Please. I don't want to do this here." She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He stared down at her, confused by her request. Her intense emotions of desire, need and...trust were flooding his senses along with a hint of uncertainty. It was clear what she was asking of him.

"Are you sure?"

She timidly stood up on the tips of her toes and captured his lips with her own. He had his answer, and with that he wrapped his arms around her tightly and teleported them away from her room.