Filia sat at the vanity in her room brushing the tangles out of her long hair. A late sunset poured in through the window and she enjoyed watching the pinkish tinge it put on her face and hair. It was a rather serene moment.

Until he showed up.

She was going to start yelling and screaming when words from earlier filtered back to her; you react the way he wants you to.

Not anymore.

Getting her rage under control she calmly returned to brushing her hair, ignoring him completely; if he wouldn't do her the courtesy of knocking on her door or at least showing himself outside the astral plane then she wouldn't do him the courtesy of attention. He didn't deserve it, stupid namagomi…

Xellos waited patiently for all of 40 seconds before increasing the force behind his presence. Yet the stupid dragon continued to ignore him! She went about her business getting ready for bed, removing various items of unimportant clothes as if he wasn't even there! He didn't deserve the silent treatment; he wasn't trying to annoy her… yet. He manifested himself physically in the room and coughed to draw her attention, bracing himself for the (attempted) beating he was likely to receive in the next few seconds.

"Hello Xellos-san." She drew the's' in his name out longer than necessary he noted, as if deciding whether or not to add the honorific to the end. "What can I do for you?"

Filia watched amused as somehow he managed to give the impression that he had just blinked despite his eyes still being closed while he tried to understand this new development –She, the 'selfish dragon', being civil, polite even, to him?

"Aren't you going to call me a 'namagomi' and throw your mace at me?" he asked

"Why? Have you done something to deserve it?"

Xellos managed to mask his surprise at that question. As it happened he hadn't done anything to deserve it (as far as she knew) but that didn't usually stop her… Still there was only one way to answer a question like that;

"That is… a secret!"

"Of course it is." Filia replied with a smile. It was actually rather fun watching him struggle with the sudden 'change' in her behaviour, she didn't feel angry at his presence for once and the lack of negativity was obviously confusing him.

"Well, I… came to say goodbye really…" Xellos said, and then grinned suddenly, regaining his form "And I'll stop by soon to see you and Val"

He grinned slightly at the taste of rage he got from her at the mention of her 'son' and the thought of him associating with the young dragon. He had to give her some credit though; she hid it well and soon recovered her composure and the neutral air she had developed suddenly.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? Wouldn't all that childish glee would hurt you?"

"Oh, I'll cope Filia-sanAlthough I must say it's so strange for such a selfish dragon to be concerned about little old me."

"Yes, I'm sure a filthy mazoku like you would be totally unable to comprehend common courtesy and politeness." Was Filia's instant reply and she would have revelled in her victory at having such a comment ready, instead of lunging for mace-sama, if Xellos hadn't opened his eyes and gained a most serious look.

"When, have I ever been impolite?" He asked. To her chagrin Filia felt herself pale and cower slightly from his gaze. She stood her ground however and met his eyes as she spoke.

"Just now, generally it is considered impolite to enter another's room without knocking or announcing oneself."

Xellos was taken aback by that answer, and the surprise momentarily crossed his face. His expression soon turned back to the usual cheery expression though, if somewhat subdued into a more thoughtful look.

"I see, then, if I refrain from appearing unannounced and so on, you will extend civility towards me and won't hit me for no apparent reason?" 'Not that you could hit me if I didn't let you' he added to himself

"Provided you do nothing I would object to while in my presence, yes."

"Oh?" he questioned "You realise that being mazoku I'm used to such incivility? Meaning whether one little insignificant dragon is polite to me or not doesn't matter? That isn't much incentive for me to behave myself" he teased.

Filia smiled and looked away from the trickster out of the window at the sunset disappearing over the horizon.

"I had a wonderful conversation with Amelia-san this afternoon. All, about life, love, justice, that sort of thing…" she looked back at Xellos who wasn't having any trouble guessing where this was headed "She even taught me a song about it, perhaps I should demonstrate?"

"That's quite alright, I believe we've reached an understanding." He replied hastily, looking slightly green. "I should go then, farewell." A thought struck him and he added cryptically; "Although it is a shame…"

"What is?"

"I was quite enjoying the show before." He said, eyeing her somewhat loose robes. "Perhaps you would finish before I leave? Fi-chan?"

"NAMAGOMI!"

Xellos grinned smugly as she lunged for him and teleported out of the room. Good to know he could still push her over the edge. Although, admittedly, he rather liked the polite Filia.

And he would miss the show.

A/N: Don't like this chapter. Fi's ooc... Admitedly that is somewhat the point, but still... I just really wanted to get it out of the way, AZ next:)

Gerao-A: You guys didn't have to go back and review every chapter, you know. You make me feel so guilty! I've been reading Slayers Extreme without leaving any reviews! I'm glad you like it and thank you SO much for all the reviews! I love you all:) Ichiban Victory:Again with the 'as always' I swear my ego's never been bigger! With each chapter i do i seem to like the previous better, because NOW i like the GZ chapter, i agree with you about the conversation, Gourry's just a great listener (when he's actually paying attention). And also about Lina, she is soft on the inside. (and yes, the books will be adorning my shelf as soon as i find a copy of them!)Yexis: Another chapter! And AZ should be up soon as well. Hope you like this one! Hitteh Pitteh:Generally reading chapters in order does help, hehe. Glad you liked that chapters and AZ is next! All thats left now is to decide is how long i leave you waiting for it, hmm? Elling: your reviews always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy, or at the very least, smiling. You just always say the nicest things! Thank you! Keep up the good work yourself! ;) Steven P.P: Thank you! I think writing Gourry gets easier the more i do it. I'm quite fond of the conversation now myself and your 'natural' comment really made it for me! Thanks again!