Monty stared at the sign hanging innocently from the doorway of a shop just outside town. According to the bespelled map he had bought from the Mapsquest store using the beguiling Filia's address, kindly provided on her medical forms, this was her home. But who opened a Vase and Mace shop? Filia apparently.

"I will feed Master Val today, Gravos!"

"It will be my honor Gilas!"

"I think not!" A small explosion from inside the shop, punctuated by a thin stream of smoke filtering from the door's edges. A moment later a series of crashes shattered the brief silence.

"Stop! Both of you outside! I will feed Val!" Monty smiled thinly, his prey was home.

"Of course, mistress!" The two previously arguing voices shrilled. The next thing Monty knew two beings were plowing into him from the flung open door. He blinked up at the lizard man and fox creature who stared down at him.

"A customer!" The fox man shouted gleefully. "S'ry mista. Dinna mean to knock ye ova." They both scrambled off him, managing to dig an elbow in his lip, a knee in his stomach and a fist in his side. Once on their feet they pulled him to his far more gently than they had gotten off him.

"Did I hear customer?" Filia stood at the door, her expression darkened minutely when she saw him however. Still, she managed a beaming smile. "Dr. Monty what brings you here?"

Monty straightened his clothes and smiled charmingly. "I simply find myself in need of a mace and consequently a vase and found this delightful shop in the town directory. I had no idea you worked here." Not even a lie.

"I own this shop." she said primly.

Montgomery didn't notice her slightly offended air however, his eyes were now glued to the young boy that was looking at him around Filia's skirts. She noticed the direction of his gaze and followed it. The beautiful smile that lit her face told him exactly what he didn't want to hear.

"This is my son, Val."

Val stared up at the human man distrustfully. Something about him told his young heart that this guy couldn't be trusted. Besides he kept looking at mom like she was a very special prize.

"Val, this is Dr. Montgomery Hoozitwatsit."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Sleezyspitgit." Val said cheerfully, deciding that for now he would play the innocent card. Xelloss had told him that it could get him far if used properly.

"It's Hoozitwatsit. Nice to meet you Val, call me Monty." Sleezyspitgit looked angry at Val's mispronunciation, insuring that at least in his thoughts and amongst friends the real name would never be used.

"Sorry, Mister Mounty."

"Monty." "Monkey?"

"Monty!"

"Val, stop teasing Dr. Monty." Filia interrupted at last, frowning in gentle reprimand. "Sir, come in and I will help you find the mace and vase for you."

Monkey Sleezyspitgit followed Val's mom into the shop, sparing a furious glare at the boy as he passed. Val stuck out his tongue and went outside to discuss things with Gilas and Gravos. That man wanted something from Filia and it was there job to thwart him.

Filia blushed for what had to be the fourth time since she brought Dr. Monty into the shop. She couldn't think of what had made her so angry with him before. He was actually very charming and it had been a very long time since anyone had paid her any compliments. Still, she could not be completely comfortable with his attentions, something was wrong… and what would Xelloss think?

Filia's spine straightened and she stared at the handsome doctor blankly while her mind reeled. Xelloss wouldn't think anything of her flirting with a man because he was a filthy monster and she was nothing but a meal.

"So, Filia, I was wondering if you would like to go to dinner?" Monty asked with a beaming smile, obviously missing her change in demeanor.

"I would love to." Filia agree easily.

"Great! How about tomorrow night at The Swampy Goose?"

Filia started at him in shock, the Swampy Goose? But that was the most elegant restaurant in town! "T-that would be wonderful." "I'll see you tomorrow then, Filia, at 8?" She could only nod, with another beaming smile he strode out of the store.

Filia did not even notice that he hadn't bought anything and showed nothing but cold disdain for her wares.

Xelloss, who had watched from the astral plane did and it made him frown. What was Floozytwatzit after?

Meanwhile in the Temple of Magical Things…

Zelgadis stared forlornly at the book in his hands. He understood just enough of the dragon language to decipher that the tome was about Chimeras and cures but couldn't understand anything beyond that.

"Don't be sad Mr. Zelgadis!" Amelia's chipper voice broke him from his melancholy. He looked up at her, his expression stating clearly that he could see no reason for cheer.

Amelia smiled up at him warmly. "Zelgadis, we know a dragon that could translate for us." When the chimera frowned in confusion she giggled. "Miss Filia of course!"

"Of course! this is great Amelia, we might have found my cure!" He twirled the girl around, not seeing her blush, too lost in the hope that he may be fixed of this unwanted condition. And, if it worked out he could finally tell the ascertain his feelings for the princess smiling in his arms.

Amelia watched Zelgadis' happy face, feeling her heart warm painfully. Two months ago she had found him in despair in some dark corner of her castle's library going through books that didn't even mention chimeras. She of course had immediately offered to help and found a book that detailed a collection of treasures horded by one of the dragon temples of old. It had even had a map. So, they set out together to pursue the extremely weak lead and here they were… now all hey had to was travel to the village where Filia resided.

Which meant another few months in the company of the man she loved, even if the feeling wasn't reciprocated.