Author's note: I'm churning out new chapters for this fic despite having only a mere few days until my university exams. I'm crazy huh? Well, that's because of my dearest reviewers! *glomps reviewers* Strangely, it wasn't difficult writing them. Inspiration is hitting me like never before and I can actually write about 2 new chapters a day. For the moment, I'm typing out bits and pieces for much later chapters (no idea what comes before that though!). They will be rather angsty. That's all I can say for now.

Aisha C: Yup, and this fic will be based on a Japan-like setting, because that's the only way I can make Amelia churn out new singles every month (and be really cute but still not get booed down). Zel will come in the next chapter!

Soobin: I was surprised at how I put Filia in the same situation as in TRY, but I felt it fit in the end. I accidentally stumbled on to this idea when I wanted Filia to be Amelia and Zelgadiss' manager, Lina as Amelia's marketing director with Xelloss being around them at the same time. If they were in different record companies, that wouldn't work out so well, and considering Filia would never willing work on the Mazoku's side, I had Zelas come in and buy the company instead. (^-^)

Cookie: No tutu? Aww . . . .can I make him sing that "Maiden's Prayer" song with Zel-chan? *snickers*

Ishy-chan & Phizzy-chan: You want to see Gourry in a tutu as well? You sick people! Oh well, here you go:

Gourry: Hey, why am I here?
deep sea dolphin: 'coz the reviewers wanted to see you in a tutu and we're going to give them what they want!

Gourry: Oh, okay . . .wait! Nooooo!!!!!!!!!

deep sea dolphin: But they won't review if you're not in a tutu! Wear these ballerina shoes too! *suddenly gets trampled by Gourry fangirls*

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Chapter 5: Memories

She was a little girl, about five years old, sprawled on the ground. Next to her was a rather large rock that she'd tripped on. Although she had a very stubborn expression on her face, her lip quivered and her eyes brimmed with tears as he approached her.

"Are you okay?"

She sniffed a little as she was helped to her feet. "I'm oh-kay! I won't cry! Stupid rock."

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"Why are your eyes like that? They're funny."

"Well, it's because . . ."

"Tell me! Tell me!"

". . .because that's a secret!"

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She was running towards him, giggling as he scooped her into his arms.

"I like you very much Xel-chan!" she beamed at him, looking up. "You're the bestest friend I have!"

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"But I don't want to leave with Onee-chan! I want to stay with Xel-chan!"

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"I'll come back! Onee-chan says we might move back here next year!"

"Ah, that's wonderful. But don't forget me. Promise?"

"Yup! Promise!"

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Xelloss took a sip from his wine glass as his eyes were still fixed on the small photograph on his desk. It was a picture of himself when he was ten years old with a little girl with messy crimson hair in his arms. Her eyes hinted of mischievousness, and he found himself lost in them whenever he looked into them, even up to now. He found solitude in those memories, when life had been much simpler. Ever since she had left with her family, he expected she would write. But there were no letters. Not a single one. She had forgotten about him.

He took out a key and unlocked one of the drawers beside him. He took out an extremely thick and heavy file with various clippings, and flipped through them. All these years, ever since she had left, he had hired private detectives to keep track of her. It was expensive, but money was of no concern to him; he had too much to spend. In return, on the other hand, he was given weekly updates, which included pictures and all information about her. From who her friends were, where she frequented, her scholarships and graduation at Atlas University . . .it was all there.

Even . . . . that incident.

He felt repulsed every time he saw the police report, but kept it and shoved it at the very bottom of the file. He noticed a letter slipped discreetly under his door. Wondering what it was, he went over and picked it up. A smile returned to his face when he read its short but very informative contents. His detectives had done an excellent job, he mused. He considered giving them a bonus, since he wasn't going to need them anymore. He took another glance at the frame photograph and chuckled softly.

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"So you've finally returned, Lina-chan."

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"Wow. Lina-san, your office is really big! It's just like Filia-san's!" Amelia said in excitement, drawing the curtains back. They were in the Marketing and Management department, the 33rd floor of the record company. The rest of the employees on that floor were curiously gathering at the door to see who the newcomer was. Even Lina was surprised at the spaciousness and extravagance of her new office. "Whoa, hey Filia, what's with the special treatment?"

"Since you're playing an important role in Amelia's career, our company thought you would need a spacious office. There's your desk," she pointed to one side. "And there's the long table for discussion. So whenever we need to discuss things, we'll do it here."

"Do they have a snack bar?" she asked hopefully. An office wasn't an office unless it had one!

Filia went to the wall and pressed some buttons. Part of the "wall" opened, revealing a small room equipped with a coffee maker and shelves of food.

Amelia's eyes widened in astonishment and blurted, "Wow! Do they have a bedroom too? Because that would be so cool."

Everyone stared at her like she was crazy. "Heh heh . . .sorry," she said sheepishly.

"And one more thing. It's quite important." Filia handed Amelia a bunch of keys and a cell phone. "You'll have your own apartment. Your cell phone must be switched on at all times so anyone can contact you. Don't worry, we won't call while you're sleeping," she added when she saw Amelia's semi-shocked face. "But remember that wherever you go and whatever you do, you must tell me beforehand."

"Yes Filia-san. But why would you need to know everything little thing I do?"

"Because your conduct and who you associate with will have an impact on your career. The paparazzi are aggressive and rumors will be inevitable. But we can minimize that if I know what you're planning to do. As your manager, that's my responsibility."

A shriek suddenly filled the room. Everyone turned around to see Rodimus standing at the doorway, looking absolutely livid. "What's she doing here?" he shrieked, pointing at Lina. "She's not supposed to be here!"

"Lina-san will be working here as Amelia's marketing director. Everyone in this department is at her disposal."

"Says who?"

"Says Juouu-sama," Filia said coldly, emphasizing her boss' name. At the sound of the name, Rodimus could only turn red in the face, but withheld the scathing comments he had wanted to say about the flat-chest girl who had occupied the office that he secretly hoped to have. Lina was impressed at the fear that struck in everyone at the mention of a mere name. Yet she could not but help wonder why a director of the company -- who should be too busy -- would personally interfere with trivial matters such as office space. Maybe that person was one of those "hands-on-management" type bosses? She hoped not. She couldn't really imagine having someone hovering over her shoulder every 5 minutes to see her "progress". But for the moment, she was satisfied with the impressed expressions on everyone's faces. At the corner of her eye, she could see Rodimus gritting his teeth.

Smirking, she put her hands on her hips. This was going to be fun.

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Author's note: As for this chapter, I like the bit on Xelloss. He's always so enigmatic, which makes him a little difficult to write to keep him in-character. I think privately, he'd be a dark person, but on the exterior he'd be this happy fruitcake. What are your views on this?