Okay, everyone! The new chapter is here. But first, of course, appreciation of the reviews!
I got a lot for this last chapter and I'm really glad of that. You guys are great, really. ^_^
Mistress Zelas: Well, unfortunately in this chapter you're not so happy. But I'm glad the old lady is scaring you, she should scare EVERYONE.
Lina (sitisabrina) Nope, it's not even near the end. Thanks so much for the compliment! ^_^ I sure hope you continue to read and review!
Akai: Thanks! I hope the plan IS interesting, you find out this chapter. Xellos gets even more shocks, and there's even more hillarity. LOL
Bob: Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if she did. Though it would probably be a sports car, Xellos seems more the crazy motorcycle type to me, lol. THough that could be why it's so weird.
Tiggs: You're a life-saver, I would have never noticed! THanks, I fixed it. ^_^ Hope you keep on reading!
Amber: Aw, you're so sweet! thanks for reviewing even though you didn't have to. ^_^
Aisha: Xellos . . . mad? Hmmm . . . LOL
Nightswift: Wow, really? Yexing with the right markings and intonations means "wild nature". Glad you like Iyzeka: some people hate her, some love her. LOL
Tamara CHandler: I'm glad you don't get bored, that would suck! Yeah, I have to reread the whole thing myself often. IT's so . . .long . . . As to the others . . . well, you'll find out soon (or late) enough. ^_^
Dreaming One: Xellos will definitly kick some ass before the fanfic is through. But, fortunately or unfortuately, the fic is more about char development and him killing TOO many things might resolve in not so good character development, lol.
INverse-chan: Thanks! Let's hope it stays up there as one of the best fanfics!
Grace: YOu want chaos? LOL, BWA HA HA HA, ahem. Yes, the plot-bunnies are . . . forgetting what they're for, there's so many of them. Filia would probably think of it on any odd day, but being around the kids and having so much stress on her is reminding her of her desires. As to Xellos giving FIlia sage bits of advise . . . well, I'm sure if he stopped and thought about the way in which he's helping her, he would feel a bit ill and mroe than a bit uncomfortable. LOL! And yes, their relationship is really going to be interesting after this trip. But I think they needed some time to learn how to really work together.
Shahrezad: Well, actually, Xellos could always have kids. (as said in author rant for chapter 27-26) That's just anatomy, not really chemistry. What she is doing is affecting the chemestry of the brain, not the reporductive organs. Xellos' human body is *fully* functional, lol, it's just that he has chosen to make himself "sterile" for the time being. I'm very appreciative that you liked the char development, sometimes I think there's too much and other times I think these characters couldn't get enough, LOL.
Tbiris: Really? Well, I'd better make it better, LOL, j/k.
MDF: Well, as to that, I actually said that everyone shouldn't jump to conclusions about the love interest. I'm not sure what you mean by "shocked" because I can't find referance to that, but I probably meant that you'd be shocked as to who Zelas' love interest is, LOL. PS: Just because one person is dismissed, doesn't mean the only other given "suspect" is automatically the answer, lol.
Ryuu: I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH! That is SOOO Cool! I am incredibly thankful of your review! I have to admit that Valgaav/Filia annoys me unless it's an AU. Otherwise it's just nasty, like incest. As to Iyzeka, yeah, she can get pretty annoying. LOL, I think she just needs to grow up a bit, just like Amelia did.
Now, onto the fic!
PS: This chapter has a swear word. *OOOOOh*
Ukchana
Hong Kong, China
June 9th, 2002
Valgaav nodded to Iyzeka as they stood by the front door, waiting patiently. "This'll be great, they'll be so angry," he grinned.
Bouncing on her toes, the demoness chortled, "Yep! Better be quiet, though . . ." She listened carefully at the door, then whispered, "I think I hear someone walking towards us . . ."
The two youths tensed as footsteps sounded outside, then beamed as they heard Filia's voice harping about something. With a jangle, scrape and a turn, the door opened and Xellos and Filia stepped through.
"Hello," the demon blinked at the teens who stood before the door with angelic looks on their faces. "What's up?"
Smiling, Valgaav told them, "Well, me and Iyzeka thought you'd probably had a hard day, so we have a surprise for you! It's out on the balcony, come on and see!"
With a gasp and a squeal, his blonde mother clapped her hands together and pushed forward past them, rushing across the living room to the open glass doors. "Oh, what is it? You're such a sweet boy!" She passed over the threshold and stepped out onto the patio and into the night air.
Holding the smile as best he could, the aqua-haired dragon forced himself to feel none of the worry and guilt that had started to simmer below the surface. "Thanks, Mom."
Iyzeka and Val watched as Xellos raised his brows, then followed his 'wife' out through the doorway to the balcony. Close on his heels, the teenagers beamed at each other.
Perfect, Val snickered to himself. They'll never know what hit them until it's too late.
Something's fishy, Xellos told himself as he walked out onto the patio after Filia, sighing slightly at her joyfulness as she exclaimed over what she found.
A table was set with an ivory table cloth and silver utensils, and laid out with shining covered containers. Steam wafted from them and a large bottle of wine sat in a wine bucket almost overflowing with ice. Eyes glittering, the scarlet and white-clad dragoness stood over the spread with an awed expression on her lovely face.
The sun hung close to the horizon, spilling light through the skyscrapers surrounding the city. Shaking his head at Val's handiwork, the violet-haired 'businessman' shot him a rueful glance from the corner of his eye.
"We hope you guys enjoy it," the young dragon said truthfully, ignoring his look, but somehow Xellos sensed a bit of twisted glee in the words. Perhaps he IS taking after me a bit too much . . . I wish I could check the food for anything unusual, but if I did something even that small, my powers could be detected. Better to keep them locked away.
"Okay," Val grinned and began backing off of the balcony into the suite, "hope you guys enjoy your dinner! We're gonna go see a movie so you guys can have some time aloooone . . ."
Just as the Ancient Dragon was about to close the transparent doors, Xellos sent him a message. —Did you two find anything, at least? Isn't that why you called us back?—
—Well, that and to surprise you,— Val's answer returned as he shut the doors, emotions slightly muffled by what felt like deep concentration. –We met someone who helped us out a bit with looking for sources of power, but we haven't found the most powerful spot in the city yet. We'll keep looking.—
Filia stepped up to him, cheeks pink as she gazed out upon the sunset. "I can't believe they did so much for us! Val has truly grown into a wonderful young man."
Nodding, the Mazoku put an arm around her and pulled her close, a strange concern mixing with his suspicion. "Yeah." —How did you excuse your searching? School project?—
—Bingo. You know, you're smarter than you look, Old Man.—
His mouth quirked and he rolled his eyes slightly. "Your son . . ."
With a giggle, the fair-haired woman hugged him, then pulled him towards the table. "Come on, aren't you hungry? I am!"
"Fine, fine . . ." The sensations of Valgaav and Iyzeka had already begun to dwindle to mere sparks, and then they disappeared. Gone. I hope he knows what he's doing out there . . . If only there was some way we could have helped more without it seeming out of character. But with Val and Iyzeka having already searched every antique shop and business in town . . . there's not much else to do but look for sites of power.
Sitting down next to his 'wife', the demon had to conclude that, this time, leaving the mission in the hands of children was all he could really do.
Filia removed the lids on the platters and gasped at the food held within. Tray after tray of food covered the table, each dish with its own delicious aroma. "Wow, they really went all-out," she blinked, then smiled at the man sitting across from her.
The demon glanced up, the sunset glinting in his amethyst eyes, then said, "Come sit next to me. We can watch the sun set."
A light breeze tossed her hair as she slowly stood, her gaze caught in his. "Um . . . sure . . ." The dragoness moved her chair next to him, taking her silverware and plate with her. Sitting down beside her 'husband', the blonde glanced up at him and smiled.
"I'll serve the food," he told her, "I want you to enjoy the sunset."
Nodding shyly, Filia looked past the railing and the towering, sparkling spires of the city to the emerald and sorbet sky beyond. Trails of violet and gold spun lazily around the swollen orb sinking heavily into the earth. "Oh . . . it's so beautiful," she breathed, moisture stinging her eyes. "Xe- . . . Zander . . ." Catching herself, her eyes flickered down to her hands. Oh, my, I almost did it again . . .
The vibrant scent of steak and sautéed vegetables filled her nose, and she glanced up to the plate before her. "Thank you," she said, stomach suddenly aching as her mouth began to water from the sight of the burgundy meat. "I don't think I ate any lunch at the golf course. I'm starving!"
Xellos beamed as she immediately went for the steak, and served himself as well. "You're still quite the carnivore," he teased her. "Well, don't worry," he said, covering up the platters again, "There's still roast duck, shrimp fettuccine, bread," he frowned and replaced another lid, "even stuffed mushrooms and what appears to be a quiche."
Stuffing the beef into her mouth, Filia stared at the numerous dishes. "Wow. They must have taken into account your gigantic appetite."
"Shut up," the demon muttered, a slight flush across his cheeks as he began to eat as well. "Just look at the sunset, will you?"
His violet eyes avoided her, causing a slender grin to brush across her face. "Okay." Reaching out with her foot, Filia rubbed his leg with her sandal comfortingly and continued to eat.
They both gazed out at the setting sun as they devoured their food, Xellos pausing in his ferocity to pour them some belated merlot. "We probably shouldn't drink very much of this," he said as he sat back down, brushing her calf to speak within his mind. –After all, we have to be ready if something happens.—
Disappointed from the reminder of their duties, Filia nodded and served herself some of the pasta, then took a bun and once again started consuming everything on her plate. I feel a bit like Lina and Goury, she joked with herself as she chased down the food with some wine, but I'm still so hungry . . . I do have a dragon's appetite, after all.
Val glanced back at the hotel as they walked down the darkened streets; Iyzeka had her arm slung through his and she hummed aimlessly. Sighing, the dragon shook his head. I sure wish we could find that damn stone fragment so we could get back to Wolfpack Island. There, at least it's safe. He recalled the last meeting held on the island, and a memory flitted through him. Looking in the wrong place . . . back then, I felt that something was wrong with where we were planning to look. But that feeling has left. And then the feeling to not leave the city . . . it's gone as well. Instead . . . He bowed his head, eyes blinking swiftly. I feel . . . that something very bad is about to occur . . . Oh, Mom, why did you have to leave the city to help the villagers? If only you'd stayed like I suggested . . .
The girl at his side shuffled her feet as they walked through the crisp night. Suddenly, though, her grasp tightened and she stopped.
Stunned, the dragon glanced up, saffron gaze narrowing. "Who's there?" he asked the deep shadows draped against a nearby building.
A tapping noise came softly, and out stepped a hunched, slight figure, clothed in dusty umber robes. "Why, hello again, children." Dark, shining eyes stared up at them.
"Elder Lon?" Valgaav blinked, off-put. "What . . . what are you doing here?"
An evening zephyr wound its way across them, tossing up her long, silver hair. "Come with me," she curled a wrinkled finger, "and you shall see."
What is the hag doing? Kendar asked himself as he followed the youths, unseen in the space between dimensions. Will she finally lead them to the center of chi, to the staff fragment? This is very suspicious . . .
Sighing, the sepia-haired Mazoku shook his head and clasped a hand over his eyes. I shall have to do as he bids and tell him about Xellos and the dragoness . . . finally, it's come to this. Pausing painfully, he pulled his dark cloak further around his shoulders, shivering though no reason existed for him to feel a chill. Perhaps I can wait . . . for just a few more moments.
He hung his head . . . ashamed at his inability to do more for them.
Xellos paused in his gorging to sip his wine, then glanced over at his companion. "Veria . . ." Might as well get to acting like husband and wife already. I guess Valgaav didn't put sleeping or paralysis powder in the food or anything . . . I'm just too wary, I suppose.
The blonde swallowed, then took a gulp of wine and glanced up at him. "Yes? I'm sorry," she wiped her mouth and flushed heavily, "I'm being such a glutton . . ." Clutching her hands to her scarlet blouse, her chin fell to her chest.
Shaking his head, he chuckled and reached out to take her hand. "The sunset will be over soon. Let's stop and watch it before it is. Alright?"
With a nod, Filia scooted closer to the demon, ducking her head to snuggle up against him. Downing the russet wine in her glass, she set down the crystal and hugged him fully.
He wrapped his arms around her, gently kissing her temple through the yellow locks of hair. "And you're not a glutton. We're both pretty famished, so it's understandable. I just hope you don't make yourself ill," he joked, "eating so fast."
With her warm body clutched to him, Xellos watched the sun drop further towards the edge of the world, colors becoming more full and vibrant as only half of the globe remained. "There it goes," the Mazoku whispered into her ear, and she shivered and clung tighter. Surprised, he asked, "Are you cold?"
"Maybe a little." Her breathy voice slid over him, and he realized she was becoming aroused again. Sighing with a little smile on his face, the priest rubbed her back to 'warm' her. —You're not really cold, are you?— he casually teased her over the link.
—Well . . .— flushing, she dipped her head and hid her face against his ebony shirt. —Leave me alone!—
Chuckling, Xellos shook his head slightly and continued to caress her back, a pleasant rush from the alcohol tingling across his magic-starved nerves. Her lust served to merely strengthen the sensations, and the demon closed his eyes to soak in her emotions. I think I just may be feeding off of sexual desire, now. Not that unusual, I suppose, after all of my development. It IS the one emotion that sits on the edge of negative and positive.
His own carnal hunger began to surface, and he opened his eyes to find that the sun had disappeared below the visible horizon, sky becoming a decided mauve and indigo.
"So lovely," Filia murmured, skin tinted salmon from the rosy light.
Glancing down at her, the Beastmaster smiled and squeezed once. "I like you better," he told her, truly sincere. His brows curved upwards as he gazed down at her somberly.
Her sapphire eyes found his, and with a pleased twist of her mouth, the blonde languidly arched up towards him, wrapping her hands around the back of his neck. Stunned, Xellos let her pull his head down towards hers . . . and inhaled sharply as she pressed her lips firmly against his own.
I think, he told himself distractedly as his arms slipped around her waist, their mouths opening to deepen the kiss, that she's definitely had too much wine . . .
Outside of the hotel, an elderly gentleman in a sweeping tan trench-coat watched the teens walk away with only a shred of interest, then took what appeared to be a cel'phone from his pocket and mimicked dialing a number. Holding it to his ear, he rubbed at his double chin, his pale blue eyes narrowing. "Rykker, do you copy?" he spoke, tenor voice thick with an upper-class British accent.
"I copy," came the reply, a droll southern Amerikan voice with an edge of humor. "The party's just about to begin."
"Jolly good," the man in the coat beamed, adjusting the short-brimmed fedora on his head while he nodded to a happy young couple as they passed by. "just let me know if you need any fireworks tonight."
"Hopefully," Rykker answered, "I'll be able to handle myself. But I'll keep the offer in mind."
"Good . . . good. I'll check in with you in another five minutes." He pretended to end the call, but kept the phone active as he slipped it back into his pocket and began to whistle as he looked out onto the dusky city. Tonight's the night, then . . .
—Filia,— Xellos forced through his lust, —maybe we should . . . stop?—
Overcome with emotions, the demon had pulled her into his lap, and the young woman hadn't made any move to protest. Locked together passionately, the new closeness served to only increase the intensity of their kisses.
Tongue darting further into his mouth, Filia began unbuttoning his black dress-shirt from the collar down. —Stop? But . . . aren't we in character?— her distracted answer returned. With her other hand, the woman straddling him pulled his shirt out from his slacks and thrust her fingers under the loosened fabric to grasp his bare back.
—Um . . .— the violet-haired Mazoku found himself clutching her tighter, his own hands slipping under the bottom of her form-fitting red blouse, –no, no, we really have to stop. Is this because you're drunk?— Xellos said outright, mind still bewildered and body far too enthused.
Satisfied to have his shirt totally unbuttoned, Filia ran her arms along the skin of his back, the tips of her fingers lazily rubbing over his spine. —Drunk? I only had two glasses of wine,— her mind-voice spoke hazily as their tongues entwined. —Mmm . . . your skin is so soft . . .—
Dazed, the Mazoku could only continue to kiss the dragoness in his lap and try to think up another excuse to end the embrace, her passion flowing across him like thick mead. —But . . . we're . . . not supposed to do this . . . We're friends . . .—
—Friends kiss,— the overly-amorous woman retorted, and Xellos' violet eyes widened as he realized she'd moved her hands to the front of his waist.
—FILIA!—he cried, but she ignored him in her ardor and began undoing his belt with one hand, the other caressing his uncovered stomach.
Before she could go further, voices exclaimed from above them from out of nowhere, "WHOO-HOOO!" – "Alright, she's goin' for his PANTS!" – "GOAAAL!!"
Oh, Lady . . . well, this IS what it would take to get Filia off of me.
It barely registered in the dragoness, but she paused, uncertain of what was going on. Pulling away from the kiss, the blonde looked into Xellos' eyes, her own sapphire gaze disoriented.
Another youth whistled and shouted, "I wish that hot tamale was taking off MY pants!"
Filia jumped up from Xellos quickly, crimson flooding her features as the young men continued to cheer them on. Wrapping her arms around herself, she skittered towards the door, hanging her golden head with shame.
Sighing, the demon stood and shot a glare to the men standing on the balcony above and to their left. Might as well make this as believable as possible. "Thanks a lot, guys. Just ruin the mood, why don't you."
The men shrugged and went back into their suite, leaving the demon to sigh and glance over at where Filia stood fussing with the door handle. "Veria? What's wrong?"
"I," she growled as she pulled on the handle again, cerulean eyes bitter, "I can't get the damn doors to open!"
The 'businessman' walked over to her, a curious look washing over his features. "Really? Here . . ." he stepped into her spot as she moved aside, then turned the metal handle himself. "It's stuck, or something. I'd almost say locked . . ." He glared coldly at the glass door. "Let me try the room key," he told her, pulling his key from his front pocket.
Filia watched with growing apprehension as he took out the metal device and inserted it into the keyhole. "What's wrong?" she asked.
Jerking the key harshly, Xellos' mouth grew hard as it still refused to budge. "It's no use. They key won't turn." Shaking his head, he continued, "Even if I tried to force it . . . the key would break first. There's no way it could work. Unless I had some kind of tool or something . . ." Turning suddenly, he glanced around the patio, searching for anything they could use.
"Corkscrew?" the blonde at his side asked uncertainly. "Steak knife?"
With a shake of his amethyst head, the Mazoku shoved his hands into the pockets of his black slacks. "Dammit. It's no good . . ."
"But it opened from the inside fine, didn't it?" Filia asked, taking a step towards him to gaze up into his eyes. "Or . . . no, wait, it was already open when we got home," she said, raising a hand to touch her bottom lip with her curled index finger.
Instantly, they both looked at each other, expressions dark.
"Val."
Glancing up, the young dragon peered over the buildings, the stars glistening beyond them. "So, what do you need from us?" he said, saffron eyes returning to the tiny shriveled woman they were following.
She peered back at him with beady ebony eyes, then chuckled and tossed back her waves of silver hair. "Well, I've done a bit of research while we were apart . . ." She swung her staff lightly through the air and cackled quietly. "And I've finally discovered where the most Chi is being centered within the city."
Val's mouth fell open, while the girl next to him blinked her emerald eyes and glanced back and forth between them. "Really?" she asked, high voice pleased. "Cool!"
"Well, let's get going, then," Valgaav grinned, taking the petite demoness' hand in his.
Giggling, she began to skip after the old woman as the monarch jumped onto her pogo-staff, everyone with a much lighter heart as they tramped off down the darkened and lamp-lit streets of Hong Kong.
Wolfpack Island
June 9th, 2002
Lying on her bed, Zelas doused the lights and gazed up into the dark, cavernous room around her. "I'm so tired of this," she said to herself. "Huh. When did I start talking to myself so much? Oh, Xellos, Iyzeka, I hope you come back safe."
The pink-haired demoness rolled over onto her side, cat eyes expanding to absorb the slight bit of moonlight cast across the floor from the high windows along the walls. "I'm so . . ." she whispered, ". . . lonely."
Grabbing a fluffy pillow, she clutched it to her chest and closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation of her physical body. "Perhaps I should skulk around on the astral plane . . . but . . ." Shaking her head, she sighed heavily, and decided to let her human body sleep, for once. With a snap of her fingers, she was changed into a flimsy satin gown of deep forest green.
She allowed the drowsy feeling to settle across her, catching at her eyelids and weighing down her thoughts. I haven't slept in a while . . . it feels . . . so nice . . .
Giving another deep exhale, she sank into unconsciousness.
"Okay," Xellos growled, "last resort."
Filia sighed and watched him uncertainly from where she sat in the wrought iron patio chair. Pulling out a penknife from his back pocket, the Mazoku flipped it open, then brought it up to the door.
He'd actually tried the corkscrew after a bit, the steak-knife and even a credit card, but to no avail. With a sour expression on his ivory face, the violet-haired man shoved the knife in-between the door and the doorframe, pressing it against the bolt and trying to pull it out of the slot.
"Please be careful," the dragoness murmured, concern creasing her brow.
"I am," he barked, still pushing against the bolt of the lock. Suddenly, a loud snap of metal sounded and Xellos jerked back, "Shit!" and held his hand, the broken knife falling to the ground.
"What?!" Filia gasped, jumping to her feet and rushing to him. "Oh dear . . ." Tisking, she took his bloodied hand and shook her head at the crimson seeping over his fingers. "Let me wrap this up with a napkin, alright?"
"Whatever," the demon spat as he allowed her to drag him back to a chair, his amethyst eyes embittered.
Poor Xellos; he can't even heal himself because we can't use magic.
Sighing, the blonde's mouth quirked as she poured a bit of the wine onto one of the white cotton napkins. "Calm down. It's a beautiful night," she motioned to the star-dusted indigo sky, "and we're still together." Flushing deeply, she added, "this will sting."
"Get it over with," he exhaled deeply, a heavy frown on his lips.
With a nod, Filia began to press the alcohol-drenched fabric against his cut, wincing each time he hissed in pain. "Sorry," her soprano voice whispered in sympathy. "Sorry."
"It's okay. At least I tried, though it didn't work." His free hand clenched into a fist and he hit the table firmly. "I hope you don't mind if I get something to drink." Tossing his purple hair back, he glowered at the open wine bottle and grabbed it with his uninjured hand. The priest poured the mauve liquid into his wine glass until it almost touched the brim. "Cheers," his nasal voice spoke bitterly, and he quaffed the full glass in four large gulps.
"Xe-Zander!" Filia berated him, "you shouldn't drink so much at once!"
"It'll kill the pain, alright?" he answered tiredly, setting down the glass hard and snatching up the bottle again. "And anyway, I need something stronger to drink, and this is all I have." He refilled the glass, violet cat-eyes slitted with rage.
Nervously, Filia released his newly wrapped hand and pulled her own into her lap uncertainly. "Oh . . . okay," she stuttered, sapphire eyes locked onto him apprehensively as he downed another glassful. "But . . . you might get drunk . . ."
"Hah," the slender demon waved her off, "I've never been drunk in my life." Eyes burning, he glared out across the night-lit cityscape. "Damn kids. I'm gonna ground that boy for at least a month."
He's never suggested punishments for Val before, let alone just categorically decided without even talking to me. Tugging on her flaxen hair, the dragoness nodded, then peered at Xellos as he once again poured another glass. "Are you sure you should be drinking so much at once?"
He turned to frown viciously at her, and she wilted slightly as he spoke. "It's gonna be a long night, being stuck out here. If I want to drink all the wine, then I'm going to damn well do it! Does that meet with your approval?"
Shocked at his ferocity, Filia nodded quickly. "Okay," she squeaked. Wow. Xellos is . . . really SCARY when he's mad! She sunk deeper into the iron chair and wrapped her arms around herself. I've never seen him lose his temper like this before . . . how could I have been so blind?
Her azure eyes widened almost imperceptibly as she bit her lip, fingers tightly clenching her arms. All this time . . . here I was, just taking for granted that he'd never harm me. And after all that I did, he never reacted violently, never threatened me . . . Shaking, the fair-haired dragoness edged away from the rage that practically rolled from the Mazoku seated next to her. But he could have easily destroyed me, without the slightest effort whatsoever. Her teeth clenched, the unspeakable fear churning the food within her stomach. Why, WHY was I so foolish? Gods forgive me . . .
Even though Filia had the knowledge, deep inside, that the General-Priest had already accepted her as his closest companion, the sheer terror consumed her thoughts completely, blocking out any logic or reason.
They had no telepathic link, and yet his terrible vicious rage poured over her, shaking her to her core. I can feel it . . . I can FEEL it . . . Filia's gaze became empty in shock. That's not . . . possible . . .
Xellos gulped down another glass while he glared out at the skyscrapers, apparently, for some reason, unable to sense her emotions at all. Slowly, the blonde tossed her head back and forth, shivering slightly. Oh, Val, this time your prank went too far . . . WAY too far . . .
Hong Kong, China
June 9th, 2002
"Um . . ." Val glanced around the shadow-seeped gates that rose upwards and ran to either side of them, large characters emblazoned across the metal, "and why are we at the zoo again?"
Puffing on her long cigarette holder, the ancient grizzled woman shook back her long silver hair and touched the locked gates with her staff. "Because this is where the center of the good Chi in Hong Kong is, of course. Idiot." As she pulled her pogo-staff from the gate, the lock on it suddenly collapsed to the ground, and the iron gate swung open leisurely.
Stepping back, the Ancient Dragon and demoness stared at the suddenly open entrance, then down at the matron. "Riiiight," Valgaav muttered, shaking his turquoise head. "Isn't there an alarm system we'll be setting off?"
The wizened witch began to shuffle into the star-lit expanse within the gates, her walking stick shifting as she walked. "Yes."
Following close behind, the tall young man and his uncertain red-haired companion tossed nervous glances around themselves. "And how," the lanky teen queried once more, "are you keeping it from going off?"
With a smug grin, Lon's beady ebony eyes rose to his, and she laughed with the sound of twigs scraping the ground. "I'm afraid my boy," she beamed a wrinkled ghastly smile, "that's a SECRET."
"Oh, God," Val hung his head as the old woman cackled at her own twisted joke, "not another one!"
Wolfpack Island
June 9th, 2002
All around her, light filled the fields of brilliant flowers. Across the sky above, ivory clouds raced along the cerulean sky.
Laughing, Zelas raised her eyes to the heavens, and felt the wind tossing her long hair up behind her. She was blonde, again, and her sandaled shoes stepped lightly through the throngs of joyful blossoms across the grass. But someone else was supposed to be there, too; and that absence tore deeply into her soul.
"Zelas!" an alto voice called out, and she turned, suddenly desperate with hope.
No . . . It can't be! Shocked, the Mazoku's mouth fell open, and she raised a hand towards the slender figure approaching her. "Luh . . . Luna?"
The violet-haired woman slowly walked towards her, her lips turned up into a sweet smile. "Zelas. I've missed you."
Emotions clutching at her throat, the pale-locked demoness stumbled forward, until the white-cloaked woman had to catch her before she fell. "Luna! Oh, Lady-" Her voice broke, and she clutched at the human in desperation. "Is it really you?"
The woman nodded, her amethyst eyes gazing down at her gently. "How is Xellos?"
Tears brimming in her suddenly sapphire eyes, Zelas chuckled, "He's wonderful. Every day . . . I see you in him. He's falling in love, Luna," she breathed softly. "I had always hoped that he would . . ."
"And Iyzeka?"
Head falling, the blonde shook her head. "I wish you could have met her. You would have loved her so much . . ." Turning an accusing blue glare back to the violette, she demanded, "Why wouldn't you agree? Why? You could still be here, you could still be with ME."
As if moving through water, the taller woman's head moved back and forth. "You know it was not meant to be. I could never become a Mazoku. Not at that time."
"I've missed you . . . so much," Zelas told her, and the water ran freely down her face.
"You see yourself as human even in your dreams," Luna beamed at her kindly, wiping away the tears.
"I've lived in this form for so long. I guess it was inevitable," the demoness whispered back. "You . . . never visited like this before. Why . . . why now?" Hope sprung into her, and she clutched at the other woman. "Are you coming back? Will you be reincarnated again? Please say yes!"
"Not as of yet," she answered sadly, long, straight purple hair tossing as she shook her head. "But we WILL see each other again."
"Every minute, every hour is a torment," Zelas began fervently, "you don't understand how it is!" She began to sob. "To have you for so long, and then . . ."
Luna gently held her, kissing her face tenderly. "I know. I wish it could have lasted forever. But I have to go, now. Do you understand?"
Bitterly, the saffron-haired Mazoku looked up at her and nodded. "No matter what I say . . . this is still all in my mind. You cannot stay."
She nodded once, and pulled away. "We'll meet again, I promise."
Zelas fell to her knees, the long grasses swaying below her bent head. "Luna . . . I never told you . . . how much . . . I . . ."
"I know."
The demoness' gaze rose to watch the figure walk away into the light. "I love you."
As she wept, her slender fingers covering her azure eyes, the breeze moaned above, tossing the grass high into the air, and the leaves . . .
. . . the leaves fell and danced around her; she was alone.