Chapter 14

Xellos could here Filia screaming at him from inside the maze as he walked out the same way he had entered. He chuckled lightly to himself before snapping his fingers.

/

Filia could not believe that Xellos had left her there! Tied up and defenseless. Just as she was thinking up some rather colourful words to describe him, the scenery around her changed and she felt the bonds around her ankles, wrist and waist disappear. She then realized that she was back in her bedroom, the wall that she had destroyed was fixed and everything was exactly as she left it. Filia glanced over to the nightstand and saw that Val's egg was where she left it and unharmed. 'I can't believe I forgot about Val! I'm such a fool!' she scolded herself as she hurried over to Val, picking up his egg and making sure there was nothing wrong with him. "Thank goodness nothing happened to you," Filia said to the egg as she held it to her breast before lightly setting it back down in the comfort of its cushion.

Filia was about to sit on her bed when a distinct smell penetrated her senses. Filia located the source of the smell and found at the foot of her bed a small table with a platter of food and a glass of water. Roast chicken with baked potatoes, pumpkin, steamed carrots, peas and corn on the cob. Filia's mouth watered as she went to devour the food. But just as she was about to pick up the chicken she stopped herself. She looked around the room to make sure she was alone and returned her attention back to her food, studying it as if it would reveal the mysteries of the world to her. 'If that monster has done anything to this food so help me I'll shave that pretty head of his and use his hair as pom-poms,' Filia silently threatened as she inspected her food to make sure there were no bugs and nothing was moving. Satisfied that the food was safe she sat down on the edge of her bed, pulled the small table towards her and started eating.

The food was absolutely delicious. Even the water was the freshest tasting water she had ever had. After Filia had finished her meal she leaned back with a satisfied sigh, patting her now full stomach. "Now I know how Miss Lina feels," Filia said to the empty room, well at least she thought it was empty.

"See, what did I tell you? Face it, you're getting fat Filia," Xellos remarked as he appeared floating horizontally above Filia, his usual smile firmly in place.

"You idiot!" Filia exclaimed as she made to slap him, unfortunately for her Xellos managed to teleport out of the way in time and re-appeared standing in front of her, waving one of his fingers at her.

"Tsk tsk, now Filia you know what they say, don't bite the hand that feeds you," Xellos said as he smirked down at her.

"Well you deserved it for leaving me tied up like that!" Filia retorted as she struggling slightly when she tried to sit up, she always found it hard to move on a full stomach.

"Now Filia it was just a spot of fun. Besides you weren't even left there that long, 10 minutes at most," Xellos said with a flippant motion of his hand.

"Hmph, I still think you're a jerk for doing it," Filia huffed as she crossed her arms and turned away from him.

"Well aren't you nice?" Xellos retorted sarcastically, rolling his eyes and crossing his own arms.

"What do you mean by that!?" Filia exclaimed as she stood up, fists clenched at her sides.

"Oh nothing, just how you're always quick to call me garbage, the constant violence and accusations. Yeah Filia, you're a real nice person," Xellos retorted sarcastically as he leaned for ward slightly.

"Well can you blame me? Ever since day one you have gone out of your way to make my life a living hell. The constant teasing and jabs about me and my race, it's a wonder I haven't killed you yet!" Filia yelled, her face turning red with rage as she stepped up towards Xellos.

"Ha! As if you could ever hurt me! You're so slow a snail would have more chance of landing a blow than you ever could!" Xellos spat back, leaning forward with the force of the argument.

"Oh really!?" Filia leaned closer

"Really!" Xellos came closer still

For a split second they were practically nose to nose, both of them staring the other down. Then not knowing who moved first they were locked in a battle of the tongues as Xellos wrapped his arms around her waist, crushing her to him as she wound her own arms around his neck, fingers gripping his hair in a death grip.

The kiss seemed to last for eternity as they battled each other for dominance. Xellos brought one of his hands up to the base of her neck, grabbing a fistful of her hair and forcing her head to angle slightly to get better access. Filia herself had such a tight grip on Xellos's head and neck, had he been a mortal man she would have crushed him.

Finally they both reluctantly ended the kiss, but only because Filia needed to breath. When they parted Xellos stared intensely at Filia's flushed features as she fought to catch her breath.

"Filthy garbage," Filia panted in a whisper.

"Lizard lips," Xellos replied just as softly.

For the next few minutes they stayed that way, still gripping onto each other with their foreheads resting together as Filia managed to get her breathing under control, her exhaustion sapping the remains of her strength. Xellos then gently brought Filia's head underneath his chin and started stroking her long soft hair, while Filia began to play with the bottom of his own hair. The pair seemed to be content to just stay still and enjoy the embrace while it lasted.

Xellos noticed her beginning to lean more heavily into him, "You should really go to sleep now," Xellos said softly as he disengaged the embrace and started to lead Filia to the bed. All Filia did was nod as she let Xellos lie her down on the bed and pull the covers over her.

Filia rolled onto her side facing Xellos as he patted her head and started walking out of the room. "Goodnight filthy garbage," Filia yawned as he reached the door.

Xellos paused just before he closed the door and looked over his shoulder, "Goodnight lizard lips," he said as he blew out the candles with magic and shut the door.

/

"Any questions Xellos?" Zelas asked from her usual throne, bringing her cigarette to her lips. Blowing O rings into the air.

"Just one, mistress Zelas," Xellos replied, his face taking on a green tinge as he voiced his question. "Why are you doing this to me?" he all but whined.

"Because I can, and to teach you a lesson you will not forget. Now go, I will hear no more of your whining," Zelas commanded as she blew a puff of smoke at Xellos's now bowing form.

"Y-yes, Mistress," Xellos stuttered as he left to the mission that was assigned to him. This was not going to be fun.

/

Filia's eyes started to flutter open as the midday sun streamed in through the lavender curtains. As she yawned and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes she rose from the bed and made her way to the window and pulled back the drapes. Sunlight flooded the room and Filia had to shield her eyes until they adjusted to the sudden intensity. "Strange, I've never slept this late before," Filia shrugged to herself and proceeded to get dressed for the day.

After she was fully dressed she grabbed Val's basket and set out to wander the castle. She walked down the hall and straight through the intersection, heading into the east wing. "Hmm, it should be right about…here!" Filia came face to face with the door to the library. She had wanted to go exploring it ever since Xellos had shown it to here. All that knowledge stored in one place was almost too much for her curious mind to resist.

She set down Val's basket and rubbed her hand together, pulling up her sleeves and placing her hands against one of the doors. Using all her weight and strength she slowly pushed the door open with a hearty grunt. "How is it that Xellos can make this look so easy!? This door must weigh tones!" Filia exclaimed as she picked up Val's basket again and headed inside the library, the candles already lit when she entered the door.

"Where do I even start?" Filia pondered to herself as she looked around the room, still not quite getting over the size of the place.

"How about at the start," A voice sounded to her left. She let out a small scream as she quickly whipped her head around towards the voice, frantically looking for its source.

"Who said that? Who's there?" Filia asked, her tone slightly shaky.

"Up here Goldie," Filia looked up and half way up one of the nearby bookshelves she spotted it. Filia would say it looked more like a neon blue bird blown up to half her height. However this 'birdie' had talons as long as her fingers and a beak so sharp it could probably cut through stone. Its eyes where pure black with no sign of any pupils as it stared at her from its spot on the edge of the shelf. "Well it's about time you got here. I was starting to wonder if we where ever going to meet face to face," The bird spoke again, its voice sounding rather feminine.

"Who are you?" Filia asked, taking a cautious step backwards.

"You don't need to worry, I'm not going to eat you, Xellos would likely kill me if I even as much as scratch you. My name's Kerry. And you must be Filia," the bird then spread its wings as it jumped off the shelf, flapping as it made its descent. As soon as the bird touched the ground, it was enveloped in a startling blue flash, then in its place stood a girl who could be no older than 16. She had neon blue hair that came roughly to her shoulders and was tied back into a ponytail except for a portion of her fringe that was parted down the side and tucked behind her ears. She had bright pink eyes and dark olive skin. She wore a pair of black, form fitting shorts with a silver belt and a hot pink sleeveless top, a small black cape reaching her mid calf clasped around her neck.

"How do you know who I am? I've never seen you before," Filia asked warily, clasping Val's basket closer to her chest.

"Ha. As if the scent you're giving off wasn't enough proof. You stink of everything Xellos. And the whole island knows that Xellos has chosen a mate named Filia, and you're the only stranger here smelling of him," Kerry stated as she checked her nails, polishing them on her shirt. "Although I don't recall the servants saying that you where a dragon, now that is a surprise," She said as she looked at Filia, sizing her up.

"Um, are you one of Beastmaster's creatures? You look rather young," Filia asked, narrowing her eyes slightly at the girl.

"Why thank you, I do try and look after myself," Kerry said as she closed her eyes and smile at Filia. "Hmm, now if I recall you wanted to explore the library huh? Well I'm no help to you there. I hardly ever come in here. Although my sister might be able to help you navigate this place. Honestly she practically lives in here. It's all Beastmaster and the rest of us can do to get her out and do her missions," Kerry said, exasperation clear in her tone.

"Hehe, right," Filia said, she had a feeling this was going to be an interesting day. "So Miss Kerry, who is this sister of yours?" Filia asked wanting to know the name of her 'library tour guide'.

"She calls herself Somari," Kerry said, waving her hand nonchalantly. "And I should probably warn you that there are two more you should be aware of. There is Ray, and last and most certainly least is Deno. I'll leave you to figure out what they're like because frankly I can't be stuffed giving you descriptions all day," Kerry said as she rolled her eyes and walked past Filia.

After a short distance Kerry stopped and from nowhere pulled out a giant blow horn and took a deep breath. "SOMARI! FRONT ENTRANCE! WE NEED A TOUR GUIDE! GET YOUR ASS HERE NOW!" Kerry then casually put away the horn and walked back towards a stunned Filia, her ears still ringing from the loud command. "She'll be here in a sec, have fun, if that's even possible in this place," Kerry said as she transformed back into a bird and flew out the still open door, leaving behind a dizzy Filia clutching Val's basket in a white knuckle grip, waiting for a monster to give her a tour of the library.

After what had seemed like hours to Filia, she herd a strange sound coming from with in the many isles of shelves. It was almost a scratching noise with a soft thump. Like whatever was making the sound had long claws that where scraping the ground as it walked. Then suddenly the sound started to quicken, it also was getting closer. Filia became somewhat nervous as she looked down the isle she though the sound was coming from. Then the sound was coming from behind her. She turned around to try and spot whatever was down there, she saw nothing. Then it was coming from beside her, then her other side, then above her, and behind her again. Every time the sound changed location Filia would whip her head around desperately trying to spot whatever was stalking her, the noise all the while getting closer and closer until Filia could hear the running monsters breath. But the suddenly it stopped. There was no running, no scratching, no breathing, nothing. The silence was just as nerve wracking as the noise. It completely enveloped her to the point where she feared she would scream from the intensity of it.

"L-sama!" Filia, her nerves already worn thin, jumped in the air and shrieked at the sudden voice. "It's an ancient dragon egg! I thought these things went extinct 1000 years ago," Filia spun around so fast her head was spinning as she finally caught sight of the owner of the voice standing a short distance behind her, holding Val's egg!

Filia let out another scream when she saw her egg in the hands of an unknown female monster, fear gripping her chest, sending her heart into her throat and causing her gut to twist to the point of nausea. "What are you doing!? Give him back to me now!" Filia screeched as she made a dash for the girl, attempting to snatch the egg back. The girl simply leaped out of harms way over Filia's head and landed roughly where Filia was standing a few seconds ago.

"Oh would you take a chill pill and relax. I'm not going to drop him. I just wanted to take a look at him that's all. Geez talk about jumping to conclusions," The girl said as she held the egg up to the light and examined it more closely.

When Filia finally managed to pull herself up from the floor she turned around to face the newcomer and actually took notice of what she looked like. She looked roughly about the same age as Kerry from earlier, although maybe a little bit older. She had jet black hair with white streaks near the top of her head, forming a sort of a natural triangle in her hair. It was about mid shoulder blade in length and plaited from the back of her head all the way down. She had stormy grey eyes and light skin. She wore a long sleeved black shirt with red trimmings and baggy pants very similar to what Xellos wears, also with red trimmings. She however did not have a cape. Instead she had fastened to her back what looked like a long fighting stick with red bindings on its center. Filia found herself a bit more wary of this one than she did with Kerry, but that could be because she is the first she has seen to be armed with a weapon. Usually she wouldn't count a stick as being too much trouble, especially one so feeble looking, but she learned her lesson from Xellos that in the hands of a monster a simple feather could probably be used to bring about the deaths of many enemies.

Filia slowly and cautiously began to walk towards the girl as she was measuring the egg with a strange tweezer like device and write something in a nearby floating book, muttering to herself as she wrote. "I'm guessing that you're the one that was called for, Miss Somari is it?" Filia questioned, still slowly moving towards the girl.

"Yep, that's me. Oh that reminds me where is that bird brain any way? Honestly what part of 'Library, please be quiet' is so hard to comprehend!? I was in the middle of very important research and she goes and wrecks my concentration," Somari raved as the floating book slammed shut and disappeared with the writing utensils in a brief flash of light, leaving Somari standing with nothing but the egg in hand.

"Uhh, she actually left a while ago, as soon as she called you," Filia said, Somari's sudden outburst freezing her steps.

"Arg! When I get my hands on her I'll chop her head off, and watch her run around like the headless chicken that she is." Somari said with an evil cackle.

"Heh, riiight." Filia stood bewildered as she waited for Somari to finish with her cackling. "Um anyway Miss Somari, can I please have my egg back now," Filia said as she held her hand out expectantly.

"What? Oh yeah, right," She said as she brought herself back to earth and handed the egg over to Filia. A sigh of relief escaped Filia's lips as she held the egg to her chest for a few seconds then replaced it back in its resting place, making a small mental note to keep a better eye on it in the future.

"Well anyway, I herd you needed a tour guide. So shall we begin?" the monstress said as she gestured towards the whole library.

"Alright. So where do we start?" Filia asked as they both started waling together.

"Well to start off, the place is divided in half. One half is fiction, and the other is non-fiction, following so far?"

"Yes, go on".

"Ok, so how about we start in the non-fiction, that way I can continue my research and you can wander about without me having to hold your hand for you".

"HEY!"

"I'm just saying," she said, holding her hands up in surrender.

The pair walked on for about ten minutes. Somari describing the basic layout of the library and how the books are arranged in alphabetical order by their subjects. They finally arrived at an isle where there was a wooden table with a bench and a small pile of books and hand written notes scattered all along one side, evidently this is where Somari was before she was called for guide duty.

"Ok, well your free to browse around this section, just as long as you don't disturb me while I'm reading, understand?"

"Sure, no problem," Filia replied

For the next half an hour Filia simply browsed the whole isle, not straying too far from where her guide was just in case she got herself lost. Sometimes she would pick up a book that looked interesting and skim through it before tiring of it and putting it back on the shelf.

Then one particular book caught Filia's eye, 'Basics to Ancient Dragons, 1st edition, by Helga Bowls'. Filia's eyes lit up as she pulled the dusty book from the shelf. 'Yes! Now I don't have to go into this thing blind! This is fantastic!' Filia thought to herself as she went over to the bench where Somari was buried under a mountain of books and sat down the other end. She opened the book and started skimming the contents page, finding a page she wanted she settled down and started to read.