SMUT! If you like a little smut, give me a review! Granted, there's not enough to even count as a lime, but . . . we're getting closer!!

Ukchana


Chapter 14

Wolfpack Island
June 5th, 2002

"Xellos," Filia said softly as she tightened the robe around her, "maybe we should just skip the herbal wrap."

Unabashedly nude, Xellos stepped from the tub and put on his own robe. "Why? Getting too tired?"

"I suppose." Her matted wet hair hung in clumps cutely around her rosy face as she shrugged uncomfortably, eyes avoiding him.

"Hmm." She's acting rather odd. "Alright, then," the Mazoku smiled cheerily, "if you want to skip to the hot springs, that's fine."

A little burst of power later, and they stood in darkness, shafts of warm light piercing the night through the foliage above them.

"Whaa . . . where are we?" Filia blinked, peering around them and shivering in the cool breeze.

Xellos ignored her question, taking her hand. "Come on, Filia. The hot springs are this way."

Cicadas and crickets chirped in the night as they walked towards the streams of light, and the golden dragon's blue eyes fearfully took in her surroundings.

"Don't be afraid, Filia," the robed Mazoku chuckled. "This is the forest on the mountain. Zelas created lights to illuminate the springs at night."

She nodded but didn't answer, small hand tightening in his.

They came to a rock outcropping, and he led her up steps hewn from the stone. The soft yellow lights greeted them, then; glowing orbs hanging in air and surrounded by inquisitive insects dancing in the heat, and steam wafting above pools of murky water.

Ready to surprise her, Xellos took off his robe to reveal that he was now wearing his bathing shorts. "Well, I'm all ready! What about you?" he grinned.

Fuming, Filia snapped, "Okay, very funny! Now, where's my bathing suit?"

Xellos sighed melodramatically and held out his hand, and the silver bikini appeared. "Fine, I suppose you can be clothed." He laughed as she snatched it away and glared at him.

"Xellos, you jerk! Well, turn around, I don't want you watching me!"

He did so, watching her shadow move against the leaves, but added, "Why? I've already seen everything. Ow!" Rubbing his head where she'd smacked him, he turned to see her clipping the back of the bikini top in place, the silver passing across her chest.

"Hey!" she yelled, hands protectively going to shield her already covered breasts. "I didn't say you could turn around!"

"Everything looks in place to me," he grinned, and walked past her towards one of the pools, "so what's the matter?"

Growling, Filia stomped over to a different pool and began to step in. "Fine. You stay over there, I'll soak by myself!"

Xellos shook his head and entered the other pool, relishing the burning sensation that cut into his skin as he settled into the water. "Whatever you like, Filia. I just want you to relax."

The strident sounds of the insects swelled in the quiet that remained, giving Xellos the chance to mull over his realization of earlier.

So. I was horrid back then. He remembered, much clearer now, how intolerant he had been of failure in his subordinates; the sadistic glee he'd felt when punishing them. So Iyzeka had remembered that - even though it had been so long ago and she had never been under his command - and she had expected a severe punishment for her accident.

As Xellos leaned back into the heat, the memories flowed through him. He could see, in his mind, the fleets of golden dragons approaching him; it had been war . . . but now he felt unsettled by the twisted joy the deaths had brought to him. He still had no guilt for the deaths . . . but a strong relief surfaced within him when he glanced across the clearing to Filia's down-turned head. Thank Lady Nightmare that we did not kill them all, then. That Filia was given a chance to live.

The way he'd reacted to Haramon was a grim reminder of his past . . . he hadn't felt that rush of hunger in a very long time.

Xellos grimaced slightly as he recalled that strange emotion and its connotations. He had lived for pain; for inflicting and incurring agony, for bringing fear and destruction. His desire was only quenched with blood and tears and the horrified screams of the dying . . .

A shiver ran down his back, and he tried to concentrate on the verdant leaves and the sound of the crickets chirping . . . anything but the images of the past, smoky specters of a person he no longer was.

I can remember that feeling, how it rushed through me with heat and a strange, heady sensation of pleasure . . . how it drove me to do whatever was necessary to feel that again. Was something wrong with me? Is something wrong with me now?

He had experienced that rush of power and bloodlust with Haramon . . . yet he'd not returned to his old ways. Other times had been similar . . . Ironically, one in particular that he remembered was the first fight he'd had with the original Valgaav . . . he'd failed to kill him, but as Filia was helping him away from the battle, Xellos recalled that the desire for death had faded back into the recesses of his mind yet again.

So he HAD changed . . . Why didn't I realize that until now? Filia must be having a real effect on me. I'm actually analyzing myself and thinking about the past. What happened to living for the moment?

It seemed that, as soon as Filia and Valgaav had become common-place figures in his life, the future and the past had slowly begun to concern him. Damn dragons and their planning and considering.

Xellos glanced over at Filia's blonde head and smiled.

(-(-o-)-)

Valgaav stood on the streets of Hong Kong, eyes scanning the horizon. "Where would they be? Hmm . . ." He walked down the street and stepped into a familiar restaurant, hoping to get some clues.

It was a chic café in this high-brow area of town, and his mother often ate there. Now it was mostly vacant, the Chinese host leaning against a counter and gazing out the window. The waiters were tidying up things, but seemed bored as well.

In the corner, two men were smiling as they ate their dinner, and Valgaav watched as they toasted each other.

"Zsu-jiu!" they chuckled, tossing back their drinks. "Happy New Year!"

"Of course!" Val rolled his eyes and walked out of the restaurant. "It's the British New Year's Eve! That's why Xian and I were so dressed up. Which means . . ." He began down the street, smiling as the street lights began to glow with the falling of night. "This will be really interesting, since Mom was so upset with Xellos on New Year's morning."

As he neared the Hylton Hotel, Zelas phased in next to him. "Well, I have good news!" she grinned at him. "There is finally only one stone remaining that I cannot recognize. Which means the other one was taken by Telgaln."

Val tried to smile back, but it was still disconcerting having the most powerful Mazoku Lord beaming at him. "That's wonderful. Um, I'm pretty certain Xellos and Mom are at the Hylton, celebrating the New Year."

"We should go watch, then, don't you think?" she asked, cackling and rubbing her hands together. "Ooh, I need a drink."

"We're in my head!" the dragon stared at her in disbelief. "What will it matter?"

"It won't," the blonde rolled her eyes, sipping the wine that suddenly appeared in her hand. "But when has that ever been a reason to not do something?" With a cackle, she cried, "This is boring, my way is much faster!"

And they were in the ballroom of the Hylton, couples in finery waltzing around them and sipping wine much like Zelas'.

"Much better," the demoness sighed, and Valgaav blinked as he looked at her. She wore a full length, shimmering indigo gown, with long slits running up both sides of the skirt and a very low neck-line.

Clearing his throat and trying to hide his blush, the green-haired youth looked away and straightened his own tuxedo. "Don't you think you're overdoing it? No one can see you . . ."

Nose upturned, Zelas walked past him, murmuring, "I don't like to be underdressed."

(-(-o-)-)

Filia twiddled her thumbs, wondering at Xellos' silence. She knew he was still there: she could feel his miasma of darkness, thick like a heavy perfume.

"So," Filia spoke up nervously, "what's for dinner . . . tonight?"

There was a pause, and his amused voice returned, "I'm not certain. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, however."

Dammit! She folded her arms across her chest angrily. I don't feel relaxed at all. I just . . . She sighed, frustrated with herself. I want someone to talk to. I . . . I LIKED it when Xellos talked to me in the mud baths. Why can't he . . .

"Grr . . ." she snarled and hit the rock with her fist, chipping it slightly but not affecting her hand whatsoever. "Dammit," she muttered, and rubbed her forehead with her fingers.

His smooth voice rose over the steam. "Having problems?"

The bastard even sounds amused, she snapped to herself. "NO! Everything's FINE! I'm TOTALLY RELAXED!!"

"Hmm . . . you don't sound very relaxed to me . . . of course, I'm not an expert on Golden Dragon methods of relaxation . . . maybe yelling at someone is really the ancient Golden Dragon relaxation technique," the moron intoned grandly, "kept secret over the centuries . . . perfected over millennia of practice . . . enhanced within the deep cloistered hands of the-"

"XELLOS!"

He paused. "Yes?"

She took a deep breath and said calmly, "Get over here."

There was silence, then he appeared next to her, water level rising and sloshing around them. His violet eyes looked at her calmly, and he murmured, "Just waiting for a request."

Filia smiled at him and released a long breath. Strangely grateful, she leaned back against the smoothed rock sides of the pool, then grimaced. "Ouch. I think this needed to be sanded a little longer . . ."

Smirking, Xellos moved to sit next to her and put his arm out across her back. "Here. I like pain so I won't mind," he beamed.

Grumbling and giving him a glare, Filia relaxed again, resting her head upon his arm. Stupid Mazoku. He thinks he's so wonderful . . . She let out a happy sigh and snuggled into the crook of his elbow.

(-(-o-)-)

Valgaav spotted his mother to the left of the grand ballroom, talking distractedly to a very old couple while glancing every so often at the other side of the room.

Filia's hair was up in a bun, pristine ice-blue gown sweeping the floor with the folds of lace flowing over the skirt. Mom's so beautiful . . . I always wanted to know what she would look like in a wedding dress. Sighing despondently, the young dragon turned to look in the direction that she peered towards.

Chatting amiably to five very disturbed teenagers was Xellos, decked out in his own black and gold tuxedo, his ebony-gloved hands gesturing wildly in the air. Above and to his right, Zelas sat in air, cackling uproariously and soaking in the sight of her General-Priest as if she hadn't seen him in millennia. Well, Val told himself, it had been a long time since he visited home.

Xellos brought a glass of wine to his lips and took a few gulps, then continued waving his hand and laughing.

As Valgaav neared, he heard him finish, "-and that's why you should never put gerbils in the tailpipe of your auto!"

One pale-faced girl in a frilly pink dress seemed to be unable to contain herself any longer, and clattered off, complexion a pasty yellow and hand over her mouth. The others had to sit down on nearby settees, ashen and uneasy, while one boy bowed shakily to the Mazoku and thanked him with a trembling voice.

"You're quite welcome!" Xellos returned, beaming. "Enjoy the rest of the festivities, young man."

On the other side of the great chamber, Filia's eyes narrowed. Xellos turned to smile at the dragoness, looking directly at her, which only upset her further.

"Oh," Zelas chuckled, "this ought to be fun!"

Valgaav watched with growing apprehension as Xellos walked towards the stage where the orchestra was playing, violet eyes set on the empty microphone. "Yeah, I bet."

After whispering to an elderly gentleman sitting next to the conductor, Xellos sat down next to him, watching the band.

As soon as the song ended, the conductor stepped from the stage and the old man took the microphone. "Ladies and Gentleman, pardon the interruption. One of our distinguished guests, Sir Zander of the house of Lords, has a very important announcement to make."

The demon took the stage gracefully, accepting the microphone with a bow. "Thank you, Ambassador Longfellow, for your eloquent introduction." With a smile and a flourish, the monster faced the crowd. "Sirs and Madams, I have requested this opportunity for the sole reason that, there is something within my heart that cannot remain hidden any longer."

With a groan, Val covered his eyes. "Oh, no."

"As most of you are probably aware, Doctor Veria Coppell and I have been close friends for some time now." His loving gaze fell upon Filia, who was blushing madly and clenching her fists tightly at her sides. The mass of people began to murmur as they turned to stare at her.

"I have come upon this stage to declare my undying love for Veria." Stepping from the stage and the microphone, Xellos made his way through the quickly parting crowd, gaze set upon Val's mother.

Filia made an obvious attempt to calm herself as Xellos reached her, but her composure collapsed when Xellos fell to one knee on the ground before her, gazing up at her with adoring amethyst eyes.

"Veria Coppell, will you marry me?"

Valgaav dropped like a stone, eyes wide. "Jeeze, why didn't anyone TELL me this happened?"

His mother was just as shocked but managed to remain upright, turning very pale and glowering down at the man at her feet.

"I have to hear this," Val told himself, picking himself up off the floor and moving closer to the couple.

Filia was bending down, fingers crushing the muted blue of her gown. "Zander," she hissed, bangs hiding her face from curious eyes, "what the hell are you doing?"

None of the humans appeared to have heard her at all. Xellos just ignored her words and held something up to her: a golden ring with a large diamond set into it.

There were gasps from the crowd, and Val could spot many women crying quietly into handkerchiefs. Xellos was gazing up at Filia with a very somber expression that made Valgaav pause. Am I hallucinating this?

With a forced smile, Filia held out her left hand, allowing Xellos to slide the ring onto her finger.

Val looked away as the people began to cheer and clap. "Poor Mom, no wonder she was so upset."

Zelas popped in, grinning mischievously. "This is quite amusing, don't you think? I always thought Xellos had it in him, but I never thought I would get the chance to see such a stunt."

Grimacing, the teen shook his head as the "fiancées" made their way up to the stage. "Maybe we should get going," he suggested, flushing with embarrassment for his mother.

"No, no! This will be good, we can't miss it." The Hellmaster returned her attention to Xellos and Filia as they ascended the stage.

Grinning from ear to ear, Xellos cried into the microphone, "Veria has agreed to marry me! I don't think there can be a happier man in the world!" With puppy-dog eyes, the Mazoku turned to his companion and softly said, "I love you, Veria."

Val tripped again, groaning. "I always wanted to hear him say that to her, but this is NOT the way." He let himself lie on the ground, too weak to handle any more.

The skin around Filia's eyes tightened, but she continued to smile back. "I love you too, Zander," she forced out, tone sugary.

And then Xellos kissed her.

Coughing as he pulled himself from the marble tile, Valgaav rushed to the stage, shocked. "Mom?"

A very red Filia emerged from Xellos' embrace, muttering very softly, "Xellos . . . I'm going to kill you."

The Beastmaster laughed happily and beamed, replying, "You can try!"

Valgaav turned to face Zelas as she appeared next to him. "Can we go home now?" he whimpered. "I feel very damaged."

"Oh, I suppose. Now they just have to get though all the well wishers!" she smiled happily, downing another ethereal glass of wine. "This is so delightful! What a marvelous prank! Too bad it was a sham," she added with a sly wink. "Maybe we can get those two together yet!"

(-(-o-)-)

Xellos looked down at Filia as she rubbed her cheek into his arm. Still very beautiful, he told himself absently, having a difficult time not reacting to her soft touch.

The blonde finally relaxed as if comfortable, and he could sense that, once again, she was beginning to drift into sleep. Her fairly ample bosom rose and fell smoothly, the silver bikini glinting in the dim light.

This hasn't been the most easy day, the Mazoku reminded himself, swallowing before he realized that his mouth was dry. Great, the psychosomatic responses are kicking in again.

He began to shut them down just when Filia rolled over towards him, moaning slightly. Her arm wrapped around his shoulder and she muttered into his neck, then began to snore softly. Oh. Wonderful.

Flushed, Xellos closed his eyes, the shivers of lust flooding his senses. Every move of her body against his shot pleasure through his nerves. These are the times I wish I hadn't made a human body, he noted wryly, then bit his lip as Filia shifted, her breasts rubbing against his chest. Well, I guess these sensations aren't that bad, he amended shakily.

It's been so long, he told himself. I just couldn't risk a fling in any of my assignments and my vacation was spent with this very dragon following me around . . .

His breathing was becoming the slightest bit uneven, but he noticed and disapproved. This isn't good . . . but it feels wonderful . . . Damn everything, Mazoku should never have to go without sex for THIS long . . .

Focusing desperately, Xellos tried to grasp onto his hormones and stop their affects upon him with his power, but it was as if his body was ignoring the black magic. This is ludicrous . . . I guess I'll have to do it the old fashioned way.

After a few moments and Filia wriggling around even more, it was obvious that finding the sine of a three dimensional quadrilateral still couldn't distract him from her supple body moving against his.

Why is this happening? he growled to himself, frustration almost overriding his desire. That's it, he threatened, strengthening his will. Time for the Unified Field Theory.

(-(-o-)-)

"So, where's the stone," Valgaav asked as they left the party.

Shrugging fluidly, Zelas took a last drag on her black cigarette before tossing it aside. "Somewhere in China. Now it shouldn't be too difficult to just watch its progress. Hold." Her commanding tone stopped him in place, and the blonde closed her eyes, concentrating. "Alright . . . . it stayed there for many years . . . moved little, seems centered at . . . Damn. I can't get it's exact location, but I know it's still in China."

"Wait. So it was in China in nineteen-sixty-four when we were?" he asked, head jerking to shake the confusion from himself. "That sucks, we could have gotten it then!"

"Eh, you win some, you lose some. Fate has an odd sense of humor," she grinned. "Anyway, I'm hungry. Maybe that book of yours that Xellos held so dear will have more information, but for tonight I want to relax." She yawned and stretched, exposing even more cleavage in her dark blue dress.

"Um, okay. Can we leave, then?"

"Oh, right!" She sighed.

And Valgaav found himself blinking awake in the twinkling darkness of the scrying pool chamber. "Whoa. That was really amazing."

Back in her ebony dress, Zelas jolted awake as well. "Now then. I think Xellos and your mother will be bringing their day to an end, and you haven't eaten since breakfast."

"What?" He looked at his watch and groaned. "You can't be serious. We've been in here for seven hours?"

(-(-o-)-)

Filia drifted within herself, just above the edge of deep slumber.

The darkness opened up into a hallway, fluorescent lights illuminating scuffed linoleum floors and pea green lockers.

Slowly, students began appearing; some chatting to each other, others opening lockers. They milled and argued and yelled in a disconcerting blur.

Filia looked down at the books she held in her arms, and gasped at her own nudity. Quickly, she bent over to cover herself, just as a voice cheerfully called.

"Miss Filia! How have your classes been?"

Cringing, she looked up to see a youthful Amelia standing before her, beaming happily. She wore a pleated plaid skirt and a tight blouse, a backpack on her shoulder.

Filia gasped and demanded, "Do you have any clothes I can borrow?"

Ignoring her question as if she hadn't spoken, Amelia asked wistfully, "Have you seen Mr. Zegadis?" Her dark blue eyes became worried and she began swinging a leg back and forth. "I know he's a senior, but Judei and Reggie are dating and . . . Miss Filia, are you all right?" the teenager peered up at her. "You're awfully quiet . . ."

With a moan, Filia looked around desperately. "Where's Lina, she'll help me."

"Help you with what?" Amelia asked sweetly. "I can help."

"I need some clothes!" Filia snapped, then sighed with relief and embarrassment as she heard a familiar yell over the crowd of high-schooler's.

"Dammit, you moron! You almost got us KILLED!"

"But – OW – Lina, I just did what the instructor said!"

Goury and Lina came into sight, Lina sitting upon his broad shoulders and hitting him continuously, both dressed in sloppy jeans and t-shirts. "Stupid jerk! He said to stop BEFORE the intersection, not WITHIN! I'm never letting you drive MY car!"

The indigo-haired girl beside her sighed happily. "They're so cute together. So, anyway, what is it that you needed, Filia? Come on, I may be a freshman but I have a lot of connections!"

Sighing herself, the naked blonde dropped her books to hold her head. "Oh, never mind. No one seems to notice, anyway."

"Notice what?"

Groaning with frustration, Filia turned to the couple, and begged, "Lina, please. I really need some clothes! Anything!"

Lina scowled and covered Goury's eyes as they stopped before them. "Now how about that

"Lina!" he whined.

The dragoness began to fume, a low growl starting in the bottom of her throat. "LINA!"

"What, what?" the redhead looked down at her. "Yeah? What, did I piss off your stupid choir friends again or something? Filia, you've gotta ditch the popular crowd, it gives you a bad name!"

Dropping her head, Filia murmured, "No. Sorry. Just . . . forget it."

"Hey, I can't see!"

Lina looked around from her perch and frowned. "So, where're the other morons? How are we supposed to go to the movies if they don't get their butts over here?!"

Amelia looked to the ground nervously. "I donno'. I told them to meet at my locker . . ." she smiled as if afraid she'd take the blame. "You know boys! They're so crazy! Heh, heh . . . Jeeze, I wish they'd hurry up," she muttered to Filia. "I always take the fall, and then . . ." she shivered. "'Bowling for Freshman'!" The princess turned green. "I'm glad you're not so cruel, Miss Filia."

"Of course," Filia nodded, "that's evil." How can they not see that I'm naked? And I can't remember my classes; was I nude then, too?

"But it's so much fun!" a voice cried joyfully in her ear, and Filia screamed.

"XELLOS!" She turned to him and glared, ignoring her predicament for the moment. "DO NOT DO THAT!"

"If I stop will you let me go 'Bowling for Freshman' unhindered?" he asked sweetly, batting his eyelashes.

Grabbing him by his sweater, Filia hissed, "You leave them alone! Do you know how painful that is?"

"Would you rather I put them in the lockers?" the violet-haired boy wondered.

"No!" Suddenly, she remembered her nakedness, and released him to cover herself. "What took you so long?"

"Oh, just telling more students about the canoe." He winked and she shuddered, but he didn't seem to notice her lack of clothing whatsoever.

From her left, Amelia sighed sorrowfully. "I can't believe you're still telling kids that a student died in the lake. That's so mean, Mister Xellos."

"I think it's a great story!" Xellos chuckled. "You just don't like it because YOU'RE a freshman too."

"Lina, stop covering my eyes!" Goury's voice interrupted their argument.

"Why?" Lina grinned down at him and rested her chin on the top of the blond boy's head. "You don't need to see anything right now."

His expression saddened, and he replied, "I can't see you at all. Can't you come down now?"

Filia blushed at the pair as the redhead jumped down to stand next to him. They're so cute together, she thought wistfully. I wish I had someone.

She'd almost forgotten she was naked, but then Xellos glanced over to her with large purple eyes. "What?" she snapped.

Shrugging, the Mazoku smiled, then faced Amelia again. "So, Amelia, where's YOUR boyfriend, hm?"

The princess glared at him. "Stop saying that! Mister Zelgadis is NOT my boyfriend!"

"But," Xellos confronted her, eyes narrowed above his grin, "you want him to be!"

"Xel," came Lina's growl, "leave her alone."

Xellos pouted and crossed his arms. "But Lina, how can I have any fun?"

"Bug Filia or something," Lina said distractedly as she leaned against Goury.

Xellos turned to her so fast that Filia almost missed Goury's whispered words of affection to his girlfriend. "No, Xellos! Back off!"

The Monster beamed and launched himself at her, wrapping his arms around her. "Lina gave me permission! C'mon, I wanna girlfriend, too!"

"Eek! Let go of me!" She could also feel him as if she were naked, his arms wrapped around her back, his giggling breath on her neck.

A dismal drawl cut through her confusion. "I knew I should have just gone home. Can you people possibly find more appropriate places for that than the halls of the school?"

"Zelgadis!" Amelia cried in happiness, and Filia took advantage of the appearance to shove Xellos away.

"Hey!" Lina waved. "Nice of you to actually show, Zelly."

The young chimera glared at her behind his unruly silver bangs. "Sorry." He continued dourly, "Someone wrote 'stone boy' on my locker." Everyone stopped to look at him, silent. "So I killed him."

Xellos laughed uproariously in the shocked quiet, causing them to all stare at him.

"Just kidding," Zelgadis added. "I'm working on my humor."

"Oh," Xellos stopped suddenly. "Well. That's not funny at all."

Everyone blinked at him, then pointedly tried to ignore him.

"Anyway," Amelia bubbled, "let's hurry and go to the movie!"

"Who's driving?" Lina pointed out. "Not Goury, that's for certain."

Filia looked down at her nakedness. Still, no one could see it. "I guess I could drive."

Before anyone could reply, Xellos cried, "I call shotgun!"

"Whatever," giggled Amelia, grabbing Zelgadis' hand and dragging him towards the exit. "Come on, Mister Zelgadis!"

"Don't call me Mister," he complained as they left.

Filia watched as Goury and Lina went on ahead as well, then gasped as she realized what that meant. "Wait, don't leave me here with this creep!"

Xellos hugged her again, and their noses touched, his soft voice like velvet. "Isn't it strange, Filia, how no one realizes that you're naked?"

Filia jolted awake to find him staring at her, her arms around him and steam billowing in the cold air.

"Filia?" he asked, sounding so genuinely concerned. "Did you have a nightmare?"

What am I doing in a hot tub . . . It has to be Xellos' fault, the pervert!

"Ah!" she punched him, and his head flew back onto the rock, "you jerk, how dare you embarrass me in . . ." Wait . . . I'm not a high school student. I never have been . . .

He slowly raised his head and winced, then put his hand to the back of his neck. "Ow . . . Filia, what did I do?"

His hand returned with a large blotch of deep scarlet, and she gaped at him. "Oh, Xellos! I'm so sorry . . . wait." She stopped, confusion creasing her brow. "You're bleeding? How could you be bleeding? You're a Mazoku!"

Nodding painfully, the violet-haired man grimaced. "Yes. However, you took me by surprise, and this body is physical. It has blood, a heart, nerve endings . . . the whole 'shebang', one might say."

"Here," she offered, expression crestfallen, "let me heal you."

"Alright."

Filia then realized that she was straddling his lap, and a blush flooded her face. This has to be one of the most compromising positions . . . Xellos leaned his head forward to rest on her shoulder, and she put her hand against the injury on his head and cast a recovery spell.

His cheek was soft on her bare shoulder, and she suppressed a shiver, the skin of his chest warm against her breasts. "Does that feel better?"

"Mmhmm," Xellos replied, fingers tracing patterns on her back under the strap of her bikini.

This isn't good. "Ahem," Filia smiled nervously and gently pulled away. "We should probably, uh, go back to the castle. It has to be late. Right?"

He looked at her with raised brows as she moved to the other side of the small pool. "If you want. Do you feel relaxed enough?"

Too relaxed . . . she pushed away the desire that flared within her beneath his gaze. "Yes," she said sharply. "Um, I feel fine." She frowned as a strange, yet familiar sensation came over her.

"What's wrong?" her companion asked.

Filia gave him a little smile. "Nothing. I just have a real appetite for the first time in days. I'm actually hungry."

He beamed, clapping his hands together. "That's wonderful! Well, Mistress Zelas will have dinner soon. So let's go back so you can eat, then!"

"Right!" she nodded with forced enthusiasm. What is going on here? I'm not as stressed as I was before, she told herself as she quickly stepped from the pool and wrapped herself in the discarded robe. So why am I feeling like this? I have to get a boyfriend as soon as we leave this island.

Filia turned away from where Xellos was getting out, and glared into the brush. I don't know what to do with myself. How can I get a human lover? How can I possibly make love to someone without loving them? But if I love them, I must watch them die.

"Filia?" Xellos' soft voice interrupted her musings. Concern colored it in the unusual way that she was slowly getting used to.

She refused to look at him, lest her expression give away even more emotion. "I'm okay."

"You're upset again," he replied, and put a hand on her shoulder.

She turned to see him fully clothed in his priest garb, amethyst hair dry and brushed. "When did you change?"

Grinning, Xellos shrugged. "Being a Mazoku has advantages."

With a slow sigh, she nodded, but didn't answer.

"Filia. Tell me what's wrong. Did I upset you somehow?"

His clear voice sent shivers down her spine, and she shook her head quickly. "No. I'm just . . ."

"Just what?"

His hand on her arm was hot along her skin in the night's chill. Folding into his touch, Filia leaned against him. "I just feel so lonely," she admitted.

He held her, quiet for a while. Then he spoke. "You were very young when you were cast out."

Nodding, she hid her face in his dark robes.

"I'm sorry, Filia. You saved the world at a great personal cost. I regret that I gave so little thought to your sacrifice in the past."

"We should go to dinner," she tried to pull away, but he gently stopped her.

"No, not yet." He tilted her head with gloved fingers, and she gazed up into his hooded eyes. "Filia, were there no other dragons remaining that you could have gone to?"

"You would know better than I," she answered, a solitary tear escaping her eyes.

"Damn," he muttered, embracing her again. "And you were so happy, too."

"I still am. I'm happy to have you care about me," she admitted, blushing.

"Don't tell anyone," he chuckled, then took a deep breath. "You're not alone, though, Filia. You have Valgaav and me. As strange a combination as the three of us are . . ."

Xellos let her go when she stepped away, this time. "I'm hungry," she complained, smiling slightly.

"Now you sound like Lina." He grinned, and winked at her. "Let's get you changed into some nice clothes for tonight, then. Women are mostly an alien species," he ducked her half-hearted swing, "but I'm fairly certain that looking nice lifts their spirits, no?"