Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN SLAYERS. I'm just a bored, loveless, 17-year-old fan girl...
- JUST ANOTHER AU FIC -
Chapter 16: Xellos And This Annoying Fellow Called Conscience
He arrived at the building at half past ten. Took a quick shower, threw on a simple blue shirt over gray slacks, called the secretary to cancel all appointments for the day, then went straight back to his office.
And abruptly sank down into the fuzzy pink high back. He pushed himself back, propping his feet up over the polished desk, not caring when a few folders slid off and onto the floor as he did so.
Xellos was afraid. For the first time in many years, he was truly afraid.
And he didn't even want to think about the reason.
Like he could help it.
Alright. Because for the first time, he really couldn't understand what the hell was happening to him.
Frowning, he ran his fingers over the candy pink armrest, letting his nails draw small circles over the surface as he sorted the matter out.
He had always found Filia attractive -- why deny that fact? She was overtly self-righteous, naive, prudish. She was the only one who could actually drive him over the wall; both figuratively and literally, if he might add. But she was beautiful. Both in and out. He has always admired her bravery, her loyalty to family, however vain, how she could stand up to a person as powerful and influential as he was now for what she believed was right. Strange, and somehow perverted, it may seem, but he found those traits rather endearing.
And wasn't she so much fun to annoy?
In the years they'd known each other, she was something of a form of entertainment for her. He found delight in the knowledge that he and he alone could provoke the seemingly sweet blond woman into a fiery rage. Like everything else, that was what she was to him: a toy. A pretty one, and quite a bit more unpredictable than most, but still, a toy.
But now... Last night... Was different.
Amethyst eyes opened, staring off into all and nothing, searching. No, he wasn't accustomed to this at all.
She was just another job! Another conquest! Another mission!
Then why are you so flustered over this?
He had never failed in any mission, and that was, more than anything, why he continues to lead Wolfpack Corp. in Lord Beastmaster's stead. He was, quite simply, the best; deceptively innocent-looking and ruthless, and always has been proud of that fact. Nothing else mattered.
Until now.
Xellos sighed inwardly, unable to arrive at an exact conclusion.
No, that's not right, a small, knowing voice in his head chided. You know what this leads to very well. You're just avoiding it.
Which is?
Come on, do I have to spell it out for you? You're no idiot.
Right, he isn't. He bowed his head, hands clasped together now over his knees. 'Great, now I'm arguing with myself,' he thought wryly. 'I really must be losing it.'
Of course you are. You're losing yourself in Filia.
Shut up.
Then why did you stay the night? And cook her breakfast afterwards? She didn't even put out...
And what? I should have taken advantage of her?
Yes. Wouldn't that have been in keeping with your character?
It's different now, the other half of his mind reasoned. Dragon Crest will be handed over to Heigel. What use would it have been to go on seducing her?
Oh, I don't know... Entertainment? At least some compensation for all the trouble you went through wooing her? What's a better reward than getting lai--
My mission is to get Dragon Crest, not her.
Right. So what *will* you do?
Yes. What will he do? Damn it, his head was starting to hurt from talking to himself. He had few alternatives now... And one of them was, he decided, to deal with this fellow Heigel.
A clear goal. Yes, that was what he needed. Somewhat relieved, Xellos relaxed into his seat, quickly thinking things through. Heigel Kaiser. He'd have to, first of all, run a background check on him. Easy enough. Then arrange to meet him. Then Filia--
You're going to help her, aren't you? My, how gallant of you.
I'm going to help *me*, he corrected. Filia's much easier to handle. I don't trust that sneaky-looking blond upstart that much. And it takes one to know one, let me tell you that. Now shut up.
Why, certainly, sir. Do go on and be her knight in shining armor.
You're annoying.
Of course. I'm you, right?
"Alright, enough," Xellos finally muttered, head resting on one hand. Taking a deep breath, he reached for his sat phone and electronic organizer, proceeding to flip through various directories. Alright... Wait... There. He found the names he wanted, dialled the first. He adopted his usual cheerful grin as he greeted the person on the other line.
He now knew exactly what to do.
*~*
"We'll see what happens in a few days," Lina had said. By then they could fully appropriate a suitable offense. Of course they'll sue. What they needed, of course, was to come up with at least one damning bit of evidence to dwell upon, and the rest they could leave to the beautiful lawyer genius herself. With Zel to fix up the boring parts, of course.
That was OK with him, the Chimera thought, walking down the familiar wooden stairway out of their office. What wasn't was--
"So Miss Lina is going to catch up with us at the Italian Club?" Amelia inquired, adjusting the sleeve of her brown blouse.
"Y-yes."
"Uh, OK." The raven-haired young woman put in, giving our dear wiry-haired attorney another odd look. Finally unable to hold it in, she finally asked, "Zelgadis-san, what's the matter?"
He froze.
They were now both outside the building. Lina had already arranged for a taxi cab to take him and Amelia to the restaurant, while she was to stay at the law office for another hour or so 'to fix a few extra stuff up'. She should at least have tried for a more convincing excuse, Zelgadis thought blearily of the redhead. She was practically shipping him off with--
"Just got a few things on my mind," he finally answered, avoiding those bright blue eyes.
"Oh," She said. "Do you have other stuff to do before we rendezvous with Lina-san?"
He tried not to cringe. "Yeah."
The secretary was silent for a moment, seemingly taking a sudden interest on the concrete pavement beneath them. "Look, Mr. Zelgadis, it's OK if you don't want to be with me," she finally put in.
The Chimera tensed. "W-what?!" He faced her. She still wouldn't look at him. "I mean, what makes you think that?"
Her expression was sad, however much it tried to look cheerful. "I know you don't... like me," she started in a quiet voice. "I mean, you've avoided me for the past few weeks, so..." She broke off, unable to continue, at last lifting her gaze to meet his. Her eyes looked glassy, the usual twinkle in them lost in a darker cast.
His heart beat hard and fast. He suddenly found it hard to breathe. That's not true! Zelgadis wanted to shout. I like you! A LOT! But those darned words jammed up at the base of his throat. "Amelia, I--" he began. "You know-- that night-- Jap -- restaurant -- We -- I... When I woke up and -- you --" He choked out in a rush. Yes, he must be turning a very dandy shade of pink over blue skin just about now, if his burning cheeks were any indication.
"Zelgadis-san?"
"I m-mean..." he stuttered, looking pleadingly at her, "That you could have... done... that with a freak like... me..."
Amelia gave him an even more puzzled look in return. "Did what?" she asked, index finger under her chin.
If possible, the attorney blushed hotter. Damned circulatory system! "We... uhh... I mean... I... On your bed..." he continued in a small voice.
It suddenly dawned on her what the poor Chimera was getting at. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "That!"
Zelgadis sweatdropped, still pink. "Er..."
The now smiling Amelia patted him on the back. "It's alright, Mr. Zelgadis," she assured him, blue eyes returned to its patent brightness.
It would be useless to say he was surprised. At the very least, didn't believe his ears. His heart got that nice soaring feeling, coupling with the pounding that was resounding up to his ears. No, shouldn't have had that third cup. "Amelia, you mean--"
She nodded, black hair shifting softly over her radiant face. She tapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Of course!" She continued, "It's no big deal if you slept in my room the whole night while I slept in the couch! We were quite drunk, Zelgadis-san, and I could barely crawl into my bed myself, so I guess you had no choice when you took to my room! Don't think any more of it."
The Chimera gave her a STUNNED look. "We... We didn't--?"
Amelia raised an inquiring eyebrow at him. "Uh, what are you talking about?"
A beep. A yellow car parked gracefully on the sidewalk.
Zelgadis seemed to return to normal. "Nothing," he said. "Hey, looks like our cab is here. Let's go in. Yes, let's go in, Amelia--?"
She gave him another odd look as they approached the waiting taxicab. "Right, Zelgadis-san," she intoned, then greeted the driver, a portly man in his thirties. The Chimera was a few steps behind her, looking... bewildered.
She was about to step inside the back seat when he fainted.
*~*
"This is what happened? ... Right, I understand. Jiras, whatever you-- no, don't panic. Yes, I know, this whole thing is just terrible... Hey, stop crying. There'll be a way out of this. I'll see what I can do. You and Gravos continue to look after the shop and-- ... Yes, 'bye." Suddenly feeling tired, Val put down the phone in the lobby outside the conference hall.
He'd already phoned mom. She didn't tell him anything, only made a quick reference to certain new difficulties with Dragon Crest lately.
Which, of course, turned out to be this, the aqua-haired youth thought, shrugging. At times he didn't like the way his adoptive mother treated him like some kid who needed to be shielded from the harsh realities of the world. She'd always been rather careful not to expose him to anything having to do with his past life in the slums. Not that he could blame her, Val defended. That life hadn't been all too good; and he was more than thankful she'd went and took him in. Looking back, the only good thing going for him before Miss Filia had arrived was meeting Gravos and Jiras, and Lord Gaav.
Lord Gaav.
Yes.
Calmly he strode back into the large room. He didn't miss much, some other school representative was on the podium giving a small report on a Clean Air campaign they were implementing on the campus. Acknowledging nods were exchanged as he entered; they were ready to resume the talks, and an open forum afterwards, until Val shook his head, approached his school teacher, Mr. Byron, and quietly informed him he had to attend to a small emergency at home -- would it be alright to have the day off? The Social Studies professor gave him the go ahead, nodding understandingly. Val thanked him and was off.
To the White Serpent Jazz Club.
Not that nice Mr. Byron has to know that, the youth thought, as he passed the swinging doors into the bright sunlight of the courtyard.
*~*
Author's Ramblings: A note of apology to any individuals or goups I may have offended with the last line of chapter 15. I clearly recognize that epilepsy is a serious disease; and did not and do not wish to poke fun at people with this condition. Just to put things straight. Consequently I will be editing the preceding chapter's line. Bear in mind that author is still trying to change from an immature brat into a responsive citizen of her country. Thanks for your consideration and understanding.
Serious for once,
The Dolt of an Author
^_^
WILL AMELIA REUNITE WITH HER DAD? WILL THIS FIC EVER END? O_O I'M SCARING MYSELF...
- JUST ANOTHER AU FIC -
Chapter 16: Xellos And This Annoying Fellow Called Conscience
He arrived at the building at half past ten. Took a quick shower, threw on a simple blue shirt over gray slacks, called the secretary to cancel all appointments for the day, then went straight back to his office.
And abruptly sank down into the fuzzy pink high back. He pushed himself back, propping his feet up over the polished desk, not caring when a few folders slid off and onto the floor as he did so.
Xellos was afraid. For the first time in many years, he was truly afraid.
And he didn't even want to think about the reason.
Like he could help it.
Alright. Because for the first time, he really couldn't understand what the hell was happening to him.
Frowning, he ran his fingers over the candy pink armrest, letting his nails draw small circles over the surface as he sorted the matter out.
He had always found Filia attractive -- why deny that fact? She was overtly self-righteous, naive, prudish. She was the only one who could actually drive him over the wall; both figuratively and literally, if he might add. But she was beautiful. Both in and out. He has always admired her bravery, her loyalty to family, however vain, how she could stand up to a person as powerful and influential as he was now for what she believed was right. Strange, and somehow perverted, it may seem, but he found those traits rather endearing.
And wasn't she so much fun to annoy?
In the years they'd known each other, she was something of a form of entertainment for her. He found delight in the knowledge that he and he alone could provoke the seemingly sweet blond woman into a fiery rage. Like everything else, that was what she was to him: a toy. A pretty one, and quite a bit more unpredictable than most, but still, a toy.
But now... Last night... Was different.
Amethyst eyes opened, staring off into all and nothing, searching. No, he wasn't accustomed to this at all.
She was just another job! Another conquest! Another mission!
Then why are you so flustered over this?
He had never failed in any mission, and that was, more than anything, why he continues to lead Wolfpack Corp. in Lord Beastmaster's stead. He was, quite simply, the best; deceptively innocent-looking and ruthless, and always has been proud of that fact. Nothing else mattered.
Until now.
Xellos sighed inwardly, unable to arrive at an exact conclusion.
No, that's not right, a small, knowing voice in his head chided. You know what this leads to very well. You're just avoiding it.
Which is?
Come on, do I have to spell it out for you? You're no idiot.
Right, he isn't. He bowed his head, hands clasped together now over his knees. 'Great, now I'm arguing with myself,' he thought wryly. 'I really must be losing it.'
Of course you are. You're losing yourself in Filia.
Shut up.
Then why did you stay the night? And cook her breakfast afterwards? She didn't even put out...
And what? I should have taken advantage of her?
Yes. Wouldn't that have been in keeping with your character?
It's different now, the other half of his mind reasoned. Dragon Crest will be handed over to Heigel. What use would it have been to go on seducing her?
Oh, I don't know... Entertainment? At least some compensation for all the trouble you went through wooing her? What's a better reward than getting lai--
My mission is to get Dragon Crest, not her.
Right. So what *will* you do?
Yes. What will he do? Damn it, his head was starting to hurt from talking to himself. He had few alternatives now... And one of them was, he decided, to deal with this fellow Heigel.
A clear goal. Yes, that was what he needed. Somewhat relieved, Xellos relaxed into his seat, quickly thinking things through. Heigel Kaiser. He'd have to, first of all, run a background check on him. Easy enough. Then arrange to meet him. Then Filia--
You're going to help her, aren't you? My, how gallant of you.
I'm going to help *me*, he corrected. Filia's much easier to handle. I don't trust that sneaky-looking blond upstart that much. And it takes one to know one, let me tell you that. Now shut up.
Why, certainly, sir. Do go on and be her knight in shining armor.
You're annoying.
Of course. I'm you, right?
"Alright, enough," Xellos finally muttered, head resting on one hand. Taking a deep breath, he reached for his sat phone and electronic organizer, proceeding to flip through various directories. Alright... Wait... There. He found the names he wanted, dialled the first. He adopted his usual cheerful grin as he greeted the person on the other line.
He now knew exactly what to do.
*~*
"We'll see what happens in a few days," Lina had said. By then they could fully appropriate a suitable offense. Of course they'll sue. What they needed, of course, was to come up with at least one damning bit of evidence to dwell upon, and the rest they could leave to the beautiful lawyer genius herself. With Zel to fix up the boring parts, of course.
That was OK with him, the Chimera thought, walking down the familiar wooden stairway out of their office. What wasn't was--
"So Miss Lina is going to catch up with us at the Italian Club?" Amelia inquired, adjusting the sleeve of her brown blouse.
"Y-yes."
"Uh, OK." The raven-haired young woman put in, giving our dear wiry-haired attorney another odd look. Finally unable to hold it in, she finally asked, "Zelgadis-san, what's the matter?"
He froze.
They were now both outside the building. Lina had already arranged for a taxi cab to take him and Amelia to the restaurant, while she was to stay at the law office for another hour or so 'to fix a few extra stuff up'. She should at least have tried for a more convincing excuse, Zelgadis thought blearily of the redhead. She was practically shipping him off with--
"Just got a few things on my mind," he finally answered, avoiding those bright blue eyes.
"Oh," She said. "Do you have other stuff to do before we rendezvous with Lina-san?"
He tried not to cringe. "Yeah."
The secretary was silent for a moment, seemingly taking a sudden interest on the concrete pavement beneath them. "Look, Mr. Zelgadis, it's OK if you don't want to be with me," she finally put in.
The Chimera tensed. "W-what?!" He faced her. She still wouldn't look at him. "I mean, what makes you think that?"
Her expression was sad, however much it tried to look cheerful. "I know you don't... like me," she started in a quiet voice. "I mean, you've avoided me for the past few weeks, so..." She broke off, unable to continue, at last lifting her gaze to meet his. Her eyes looked glassy, the usual twinkle in them lost in a darker cast.
His heart beat hard and fast. He suddenly found it hard to breathe. That's not true! Zelgadis wanted to shout. I like you! A LOT! But those darned words jammed up at the base of his throat. "Amelia, I--" he began. "You know-- that night-- Jap -- restaurant -- We -- I... When I woke up and -- you --" He choked out in a rush. Yes, he must be turning a very dandy shade of pink over blue skin just about now, if his burning cheeks were any indication.
"Zelgadis-san?"
"I m-mean..." he stuttered, looking pleadingly at her, "That you could have... done... that with a freak like... me..."
Amelia gave him an even more puzzled look in return. "Did what?" she asked, index finger under her chin.
If possible, the attorney blushed hotter. Damned circulatory system! "We... uhh... I mean... I... On your bed..." he continued in a small voice.
It suddenly dawned on her what the poor Chimera was getting at. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "That!"
Zelgadis sweatdropped, still pink. "Er..."
The now smiling Amelia patted him on the back. "It's alright, Mr. Zelgadis," she assured him, blue eyes returned to its patent brightness.
It would be useless to say he was surprised. At the very least, didn't believe his ears. His heart got that nice soaring feeling, coupling with the pounding that was resounding up to his ears. No, shouldn't have had that third cup. "Amelia, you mean--"
She nodded, black hair shifting softly over her radiant face. She tapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Of course!" She continued, "It's no big deal if you slept in my room the whole night while I slept in the couch! We were quite drunk, Zelgadis-san, and I could barely crawl into my bed myself, so I guess you had no choice when you took to my room! Don't think any more of it."
The Chimera gave her a STUNNED look. "We... We didn't--?"
Amelia raised an inquiring eyebrow at him. "Uh, what are you talking about?"
A beep. A yellow car parked gracefully on the sidewalk.
Zelgadis seemed to return to normal. "Nothing," he said. "Hey, looks like our cab is here. Let's go in. Yes, let's go in, Amelia--?"
She gave him another odd look as they approached the waiting taxicab. "Right, Zelgadis-san," she intoned, then greeted the driver, a portly man in his thirties. The Chimera was a few steps behind her, looking... bewildered.
She was about to step inside the back seat when he fainted.
*~*
"This is what happened? ... Right, I understand. Jiras, whatever you-- no, don't panic. Yes, I know, this whole thing is just terrible... Hey, stop crying. There'll be a way out of this. I'll see what I can do. You and Gravos continue to look after the shop and-- ... Yes, 'bye." Suddenly feeling tired, Val put down the phone in the lobby outside the conference hall.
He'd already phoned mom. She didn't tell him anything, only made a quick reference to certain new difficulties with Dragon Crest lately.
Which, of course, turned out to be this, the aqua-haired youth thought, shrugging. At times he didn't like the way his adoptive mother treated him like some kid who needed to be shielded from the harsh realities of the world. She'd always been rather careful not to expose him to anything having to do with his past life in the slums. Not that he could blame her, Val defended. That life hadn't been all too good; and he was more than thankful she'd went and took him in. Looking back, the only good thing going for him before Miss Filia had arrived was meeting Gravos and Jiras, and Lord Gaav.
Lord Gaav.
Yes.
Calmly he strode back into the large room. He didn't miss much, some other school representative was on the podium giving a small report on a Clean Air campaign they were implementing on the campus. Acknowledging nods were exchanged as he entered; they were ready to resume the talks, and an open forum afterwards, until Val shook his head, approached his school teacher, Mr. Byron, and quietly informed him he had to attend to a small emergency at home -- would it be alright to have the day off? The Social Studies professor gave him the go ahead, nodding understandingly. Val thanked him and was off.
To the White Serpent Jazz Club.
Not that nice Mr. Byron has to know that, the youth thought, as he passed the swinging doors into the bright sunlight of the courtyard.
*~*
Author's Ramblings: A note of apology to any individuals or goups I may have offended with the last line of chapter 15. I clearly recognize that epilepsy is a serious disease; and did not and do not wish to poke fun at people with this condition. Just to put things straight. Consequently I will be editing the preceding chapter's line. Bear in mind that author is still trying to change from an immature brat into a responsive citizen of her country. Thanks for your consideration and understanding.
Serious for once,
The Dolt of an Author
^_^
WILL AMELIA REUNITE WITH HER DAD? WILL THIS FIC EVER END? O_O I'M SCARING MYSELF...