Okay, this is a chapter that a few of you may have objections to. However, just try to bear with me . . . it's the characters' faults, not mine! They made me do it . . . Um . . .

Anyway, (sweat-drop), if you have problems with slight limeish content, this chapter will not be for you. But . . . if you like "lime", it's probably not going to be what you're expecting, so don't kill me! Like I said . . . it's not my fault!

Yours,

Ukchana – PS: Review! (It's not my fault!)


Chapter 16

Wolfpack Island
June 5th, 2002

Filia sat down on Xellos' couch heavily and crossed her arms. "So. Now we just have to narrow down where in China the stone is and go get it."

"Exactly," Xellos answered, draping hair hiding his face, and it was the first thing he'd said since they'd returned to the chambers after dinner. He stood at the wet bar at the other side of the room, mixing himself a drink in the dim candlelight.

Why has he been so quiet? Filia wondered, frowning as the smell of vodka introduced itself. After embarrassing me with those stories, you'd think he'd be strutting with pride, she scoffed bitterly, then sighed and shook her head. No, that's unfair. He really did seem to try to tell a story that wasn't that bad, until Zelas demanded something worse . . . and he held my hand . . .

Filia blushed, and glanced at the bedroom door. If only I could have spoken to Val before he went to bed. Though he teased me too, at least I could talk to him. She smiled slightly through her sadness. Valgaav really has taken to some of Xellos' behavior patterns. At least they aren't too negative.

The Mazoku slowly returned to the couch, sitting to her left, his drink in his gloved hand. Though he was right next to her, the faint illumination behind him still clouded his features.

Filia clutched her hands together on her lap and decided to try again, even though the sense of his betrayal at dinner colored her thoughts. "Why do you drink alcohol if you can control everything about your body?"

He shrugged, and she could see his smile. "I can make myself drunk without alcohol, yes. But that would be creating the effects of a poison, and that takes energy and concentration. It's easier to let something else do it for me. And anyway," he beamed, "I like vodka, it's almost like drinking lighter fluid!" He tipped his martini to her, then took a sip. "Though less oily."

Xellos seems just fine, she bit her lip in frustration. But something's wrong. Dammit, I wish this day had been easier towards the end . . . I wish I could feel his emotions the way he can feel mine. Why doesn't he say something?

0

Great, she's sad. Why isn't she trying to kill me? Xellos wondered, starting to despair. If I don't do something, she'll probably start crying. He could just imagine how bad that would go. Then she'd want to be hugged, and if I do that, I . . . The memory of their recent kiss rolled over him in waves, and he pushed the feelings away. No, that's bad. I'll want to do too many things that I really shouldn't do to her . . .

But if I say something, she might get mad, or she might think I'm mocking her. Not that I didn't mock her enough, tonight, he chastised himself, spirits dropping further.

Xellos sipped his drink again, stalling for time.

0

She watched as Xellos' smile slowly fell, his mouth becoming still as if he were thinking about something. But he never spoke, just sipped his martini occasionally, his posture becoming rigid and movements less and less.

Something is definitely wrong, Filia told herself, brow furrowing. He has to be upset about what happened because he's not showing any expression at all. If he were fine, he'd be talking or something!

Desperation began to fill her, and she twisted the heavy viridian fabric of her dress in her hand nervously. I have to do something. Oh, Gods, let it be the right thing . . .

Releasing the cloth, Filia slowly reached out and carefully took his hand.

Xellos' head slowly turned to her, eyes still shaded in the darkness, and he became very still. His mouth quirked in a smile, and he tilted his head down slightly.

A few seconds past, and then he took a deep breath.

"When Lina's actions brought about the death of Phibrizzo, so many years ago," Xellos quietly began, "I went to inform Mistress Zelas of how it had occurred." He gave a little laugh, and went on. "My Mistress has a secret room she likes to go into occasionally. I never knew what it was for. But that day, I had to talk to her."

Unsure of where this was going, Filia watched as he sipped his martini again, then set it down in order to grasp her hand with both of his.

"I tried to announce myself telepathically, but she didn't answer. I couldn't feel her presence, either, though I had been informed that she was, indeed, in her secret chamber. I had no choice but to enter without permission if I wanted to make certain that she was alright."

The purple-haired Mazoku squeezed her hand lightly, smiling more but eyes still in shadows. "I found that the room contained a stage, with lights and a fanciful pastel and gold backdrop, and on the stage was my Mistress . . . singing a nauseatingly saccharine idol-singer song."

Filia blinked, then opened her mouth with disbelief. "You can't be serious! But she's . . ."

Nodding and grinning, the monster replied, "Yes. It was the most ridiculous thing I had seen any Mazoku do. There she stood," he chuckled, "all happy and bouncing, wearing this frilly blue costume and a silver tiara. Her hair was curled in little ringlets, and she was dancing around the stage like a child. It was disgusting to see," he laughed.

Unable to suppress herself, Filia giggled, then began to laugh with him, the sound of their mirth comforting her.

"Of course," Xellos added, "she was so engrossed that she didn't notice me until I approached her. Mistress Zelas was quite embarrassed, and asked me to not tell anyone."

"But then," she frowned uncertainly, "you broke your promise."

"No, not really. I never promised to not tell anyone." Xellos held up his hand, finger raised. "I merely told her that she needn't worry about me telling anyone." He gave her a wicked grin.

Filia actually found herself blushing at his roguish smile, and she looked away quickly. "You just bandy words to your convenience."

"Sometimes," he nodded, cocking his head coquettishly, grin widening.

Why do I have to feel this way? she fretted, feeling her cheeks warming further. He's just so compelling.

Without reason, Xellos' grin faded to a smile, though he still held her hand. Filia took advantage of the opportunity and reined in her emotions, then edged closer to him and peered up into his shadowed eyes. "Xellos . . . thank you."

His amethyst gaze was soft. "I didn't do very much."

Shaking her head, Filia began to smile. "You made me feel better."

Xellos snapped his fingers, an overly annoyed look crossing his face. "Damn!" he smirked at her. "I have to stop doing that!"

She couldn't help giggling as she relaxed next to him, their shoulders touching. "You're crazy."

Shrugging, Xellos smiled. "You've already said that. But, if anyone should be thanking someone, it's me. Mistress Zelas can be . . ." he winced, "childish, at times."

Filia blinked and laughed, still leaning close to look up into his eyes. "That's understating it a bit, isn't it?"

"Maybe."

He turned his head to look down at her and their noses brushed, Xellos blinking at the contact.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she couldn't bring herself to pull her eyes from his piercing violet gaze. Oh, no . . . His scent, musky and very masculine, ran shivers down her spine. I have to stop looking at him . . .

0

Alright, Xellos forced out past his lust, this is probably a bad idea. I should say something . . . Something to make both Filia and myself STOP thinking about what we're thinking about . . .

Her eyes had little flecks of green in them, he realized. They blended into the sapphire orbs, framed by her elegant eyelashes . . . NO! Xellos shoved away the heat that churned within him, slowly and solidly shutting down the system. Filia is my friend; even though she is very beautiful and . . . he made himself look away from her, head bowing, desirable . . . I can't just romance her like a casual fling.

Xellos took a slow breath as he studied his hands, sensing her discomfort. Filia needs someone to love her . . . I wish there were more men available to her . . . then she wouldn't be as desperate as we both are.

He decided to speak, then, looking down at her without masking his affection. "You look lovely tonight."

Shifting embarrassedly, Filia smiled. "Thanks."

"I'm sorry you had to be subjected to my Mistress' little diversions," he continued, turning back to his martini as if it were natural. "Hopefully it didn't ruin your 'vacation'."

"No," the blonde blushed slightly. "It's alright."

So, Filia needs a husband . . . Xellos decided, and I need to get laid. Not necessarily in that order. Then, he sipped his drink again, everyone should be happy. Subjectively speaking, of course.

The only problem he could see was where he would find a male dragon still alive.

(-(-o-)-)

Filia lay in the darkness, warm under ebony sheets. As she looked up at the curtains of the four-poster bed, they billowed in the slight night zephyr, illuminated by the barest of moonlight.

Tonight was very odd.

After the mortifying dinner and slightly less embarrassing conversation later with Xellos, both of them had agreed that it was due time to go to sleep.

It wasn't easy for her, however. She felt so awake, and her eyes kept darting from one slight movement to the next. This will take forever.

It didn't help that being in Xellos' bed made her nervous. The satin sheets, though fresh and cool, were Xellos', as was the pillow. The bed even smelled like him.

Sighing, Filia rolled onto her side. The breeze from the window grew stronger, blowing across her skin and ruffling the wispy curtains.

She inhaled deeply, and wondered what she could compare it to. He almost smells like leaves and autumn . . . cold, fresh air and loam . . . With a smile, she snuggled into the pillow and hugged it. Maybe if I just try to concentrate on the smell . . . then I can sleep.

The feeling of his dark evil seemed near, but she wasn't sure where he was. He's always so quiet . . . She held the pillow close to her and rubbed her nose into the satin. This is nice . . . I've never had satin sheets before . . . Even if they ARE black . . .

I can't believe he got that jewelry for me. He was so gallant and kind . . . well, kind for Xellos. It's actually sort of cute the way he behaves sometimes. When he's sincere . . . it's breathtaking. She glanced out the window, to the full moon shrouded in mist. Like I'm gazing into his soul . . .

Slowly, almost indiscernibly, Xellos' miasma grew closer. Unconcerned but curious, Filia rolled onto her back.

At the bedside table, a candle slowly burst into light, a faint warm glow that barely lit the room. Filia sat up and parted the curtains, shivering in her long, diaphanous night dress.

A soft voice spoke. "I thought you might be having trouble sleeping." The Mazoku held a cup of tea and a saucer in his hand; the other clutched the back of his neck, and he smiled nervously as he whispered, "I brought you some tea with valerian in it."

Filia was touched, but stunned. Why is he being so nice to me? My "vacation" is over. Is it just because of the stone? No, that wasn't it, she knew that. Now that the stone was in a pouch and not touching her skin, she had to think hard to use it. Not to mention that Xellos could always take the stone from her before she could even realize his intentions, if he were truly inhibited by her having it. So . . . maybe he just feels . . . bad? He's being sincere again . . . it's kind of disturbing.

His expression in the moonlight was difficult to read, but his smile started to seem strained, so Filia shook herself and smiled back. "Sorry. I just was a little surprised. Thank you."

Shrugging, Xellos chuckled uncertainly as he carefully handed her the tea. "Yes, well, let's keep my little acts of kindness to ourselves. Everyone already thinks I've gone soft."

Filia sipped the tea carefully, appreciating the mint flavor. Xellos continued to stand before her, wearing the same priests' robes that he'd worn when she first met him; the robes he'd worn every time he'd been cocky and ruthless and sadistic . . .

And now the Greater Beastmaster stood, silent, his shoulders hunched forward almost imperceptibly and his eyes in shadow. When did my opinion start to matter to him? she wondered in amazement and awe.

"Xellos," Filia spoke softly, giving him a smile, "would you like to sit down?" She patted the bed to her left.

Nodding and taking a breath, he took the few steps there and sat. The bed dipped very slightly with his weight, and the candlelight revealed his features. "Do you like it?" he asked, amethyst eyes solemn. "I left out the arsenic." He broke into a shy grin.

Chuckling, Filia shook her head. "That's good; I never cared for almond flavoring in my tea."

Xellos watched her as she finished the drink, both of them silent in the cool night. When she was done, she set the cup and saucer on the side table, then returned her gaze to the demon sitting next to her.

"I like your nightgown," he commented slyly.

She punched him in the arm, not too hard. "At least I have a variety of clothing. Are you going to sleep in your priest clothes and cloak?"

"If I sleep," Xellos shrugged. "I probably will wear them."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

They sat and looked into each others' eyes, and Filia felt no desperate passion . . . only a contentment, soothing and calm.

She touched his arm, then slowly leaned towards him to hug him. His arms sidled around her back, and she held him, then pulled away. "Thanks for not poisoning my tea," she grinned.

He looked at her intently as he let her go, then gave her a little smile. "Goodnight."

Quickly, as if expecting her to move, Xellos kissed her forehead, then stood. The candle died. Darkness and quiet enveloped the room, but for the moon and the wind.

"Goodnight, Xellos," she whispered back; a breeze rustled the canopy once more.

His dark silhouette nodded. "I'll be nearby."

"Alright."

He disappeared, but she could still feel him.

Sighing, Filia got back under the covers and tugged them up to her chin. Xellos . . . you're so weird . . .

And nice . . .

Across the room, Valgaav stirred ever so slightly on the couch, and an owl hooted in the distance.

Maybe, she took a deep breath as she pulled the pillow close, it's damp ferns . . . and waterfalls . . .

She held it tight . . . and fell asleep.

(-(-o-)-)

Xellos stood outside of his chambers in the torch-lit hallway, hands clutched behind his back. "My Filia . . ." He smiled and shook his head.

Now to take care of certain personal problems. But that would mean leaving. He leaned against the stone wall and considered his options.

Creating a shield around his quarters would be tricky, because if anyone knew about the barrier they could possibly break in and attack Filia. Though unlikely, because he hadn't sensed any other Mazoku stalking them the whole day . . . still, leaving remained a risk.

With a nod, Xellos decided that correcting his recent . . . difficulties . . . was very important, and an hour away was a negligible amount of time.

Using a large flush of power, Xellos erected a huge barrier around his chambers. If any Mazoku even tried to pass through it, via phasing or otherwise, the ward would alert him instantly.

Content with his spell, Xellos cloaked his power and stepped into the astral plane. When he exited it and moved into the area between subspace and the physical dimension, he was floating above the lesser demon recreation area.

It was just as Xellos remembered, from long ago. While he had never been as low in rank as they were, as a Major and later a General, he'd had to visit the recreation chambers many times, to see to his troops.

Smiling, Xellos lowered himself to the ground, still invisible to the demons. It's hard to believe all that's happened since the war. The last time I stepped into this room, I was the commander of Zelas' front line troops, the most elite of her soldiers. Now, I fight next to two dragons, and care for them. Now, we fight against one of ours again, just like Gaav but worse . . .

His dark eyes narrowed as he watched the demons carouse, voluble and animated. They drank and laughed and fought amongst themselves, many new faces, forms and astral signatures unknown to him.

But one he recognized. The petite reborn human slouched in her chair, gulping her drink as she watched her fellow Mazoku. Her green hair fell around her annoyed face, and her black leather bodysuit clung tightly to her slight figure. Kirelle.

Back when he'd known her, Kirelle had just been reincarnated. Innocent, uncertain of who she was, her rank had been very low. She wasn't without abilities, of course, or Zelas would have never allowed her to be taken. Kirelle had been a very strong mage, not adverse to using unorthodox techniques and deception. She was someone that Xellos found he could connect with in conversation, and her attractive physique and low status had suited his other needs perfectly.

Xellos crossed his arms and continued to watch her. As I recall, she was promoted three times over the years. Sergeant Kirelle . . . how amusing.

Kirelle sat alone, as usual. She never had any companions, even among the Mazoku. While being so like himself, Kirelle embodied a few traits that caused her to be despised by most demons.

Chuckling, the General-Priest watched as a male demon approached her and made a comment, to which Kirelle flashed her fangs and slowly stood. The other monster backed off, laughing, and left her there.

Poor, selfish Kirelle. When he'd first met her, Xellos had learned quickly that the self-absorbed girl was a manipulator, a liar and a cheat. It seemed that she still had her ways of making enemies.

Still, the feisty jadette had always been lustful and willing.

With a sigh, Xellos cocked his head as the Sergeant slammed down her glass and stalked towards the exit, her movements lush and sinuous. The best time to approach her, he mused. She's always more naughty when she's angry.

Following her to her tiny yet private quarters, Xellos watched through netherspace as she entered the room and flounced onto the bed. Very well, then.

He appeared outside and knocked on the door with a gloved hand, then put his hands on his hips and waited.

After a moment, the door flung open, and enraged black eyes glared up at him. "What-" She gasped and fell to her knees, and Xellos grinned.

"It's been a long time, Kirelle. Sorry you had a bad day."

"High General Xellos," she whispered. "I had heard about your arrival."

Torchlight glared off of the black leather, accentuating her ample breasts. Smiling, Xellos leaned down to brush his fingers along her jaw line. "I thought I'd drop by and see if you were feeling frisky. What with the way that demon spoke to you, it seems you haven't been having the best of luck with men, lately."

Her head jerked up and she glared at him. "That's none of your business!"

His once tender hand pulled away and backhanded her forcefully, causing her to stumble on the ground. "You should watch your language, little one."

With a growl, the demoness peered at him, looking ready to pounce from the ground. "Master . . ."

Xellos beamed at her, then took her wrist and roughly pulled her from the floor to dangle in mid-air. "You won't mind if I enter, will you?"

Desire burned in her ebony eyes from the coarse handling, and she bit her lip and smiled back. "Always so polite," she hissed, one foot caressing his thigh though she still hung in the air by her arm.

He snarled and flung her into her room, and she landed on the bed hard. In an instant, he appeared at her side, the door slamming shut. "Just shut up," he said, shedding his cloak and pushing her down as she tried to rise.

His saffron waist ties vanished from his hips and appeared in his hand. "I thought you might need your ego reduced," he mocked, holding her in place with magic.

Kirelle struggled uselessly, spitting out, "you always did like to be the dominant one."

"Like it mattered to you, as long as you got enjoyment out of it." He tied her down with the cloth, and smiled at her as he slowly, teasingly, began to remove her leather jumpsuit from her curvaceous form. "Don't worry. I can guarantee that this time will set a new record for the best sex you've ever had."

(-(-o-)-)

Wolfpack Island
June 6th, 2002

The chirping birds at the window woke Valgaav, who then rolled over and covered his head with a pillow. "No, go away . . ."

"Morning, Val," came Xellos' chipper tenor voice. "You're the first to awaken! Get in the shower quick before Filia does, or you'll never get any hot water."

The young dragon raised his head and glared at the General-Priest, who still wore his saffron and scarlet ensemble. "This is Wolfpack Island. You're telling me you don't have the spell facilities of a ski resort?"

Xellos tipped his violet head and frowned, gloved finger on his lips. "Well, yes, we do. But Filia uses a lot of hot water."

Laughing, Val slowly got up from the couch and stretched, yawning. "Whatever you say, Xel." He paused, then, and looked the older man in the eyes. "So, how was Mom . . . last night?"

Xellos sat in a nearby chair, hand absently rubbing the red velvet arm. "Not too upset," he replied, slightly distracted as he gazed into nothingness. "She's not mad at you, if that's what you're worried about." His purple cat-eyes looked up into Val's seriously. "I'm sure she's fine, she seemed happy after we talked."

Valgaav nodded, mollified slightly, and stripped off his t-shirt. "Okay, then. I'm taking a shower. What's for breakfast, by the way?" he added as he entered the bathroom, running his hand through his short, spiky green hair.

"Road kill cakes!" Xellos called cheerily, and the silhouette in the canopy bed stirred at the sound.

"Great," Val sighed darkly, and shook his head with a grin as he closed the door.

0

Xellos watched through the black curtains as Filia yawned and blinked heavily. She's so cute when she wakes up.

"Xellos?" she yawned again, azure eyes bleary. "What are you doing here?"

"Making sure you're alright, of course!" he beamed from where he crouched on the floor. "I came to wake you and Val. He's in the shower right now." Well, this is going nicely. I hardly feel any lust at all.

She nodded and pulled her fingers down her blonde hair, frowning at the tangles that she discovered. "Today is the day that we have our war thingy, or whatever Zelas called it, right?"

"Council of war," he corrected. "Quite."

"Yeah," she blushed. "My brain doesn't function at its best in the morning."

Xellos shrugged, then rose with a smile, black cape flowing with his movements. "That's okay. Just wanted to make sure you got up. You don't want to be late for breakfast!"

Filia's head bobbed and she sat up, so the demon said, "I'll be waiting in the living room," and vanished.

(-(-o-)-)

Breakfast was out on the balcony again, but there was no buffet table, and Xellos had left them as soon as they'd arrived.

"Ooh," Zelas clapped her hands as Xellos had bowed to leave, "this will be wonderful!"

Filia blinked in the bright sunlight and gazed at the white-cloaked Hellmaster over the set table. "Oh," she tried a nervous smile. "You changed your hair. I like it very much."

Preening, the Hellmaster grinned and ran her fingers through her bubblegum pink locks. "Thank you. I was bored."

With a confused nod, Filia attempted, "Um . . . where did Xellos go?"

The other woman smirked and took a long drag of her cigarette. "Why, my Xellos is preparing us breakfast! He hasn't cooked for me in such a long time . . ." She sighed and leaned back in the metal patio chair. "Hmm, I think we're due for some rain," Zelas said absently, looking out across the sapphire sky and sipping from her water glass. "Have to see to that . . ."

Filia's eyes narrowed in confusion, but instead of replying, she just shook her head. Xellos knows how to cook?

Her son was, of course, studying the surroundings, wearing another outfit of Xellos' that fit him perfectly, this time a rich indigo in color. She still couldn't get used to seeing him in such clothing . . .

The morning had started strangely, as usual. Xellos had presented her with a new set of clothes, almost as ridiculous as the first. She now wore a maroon long sleeved dress, form fitting, with swirls of glitter wrapping around it. There were also sections missing in odd places, but fully intentional by the stitching, that - of course - required her to go braless again. I really have to go look for clothing myself. There has to be something less . . . unusual, somewhere.

Just as she began contemplating the day ahead, Xellos appeared, wearing his yellow turtleneck and black slacks beneath an apron that proclaimed loudly across the front, "Beat the Cook".

I just might, Filia thought dryly.

"Hello!" the purple-headed Mazoku cried. "Breakfast is all done! Ta da!"

With a wave of his hand, things appeared upon their empty plates, and Filia examined her own in shock.

"Marvelous!" Zelas cried, pink curls bouncing. "they look delicious."

Filia's plate held something that looked just like a pancake, except it was in the shape of a deformed rabbit, red syrup oozing around it disturbingly in the manner of blood. "Um," she asked as Xellos reappeared in his chair across from her, minus the apron, "what exactly are they?"

The Mazoku grinned at her and picked up his silverware. "Why, road-kill cakes, Filia!"

She stared at him, flabbergasted. "'Road-kill cakes'?"

To her left and right, Zelas and Valgaav were digging into their breakfasts, undisturbed by the resemblance to dead animals their pancakes held.

"Well, Filia," Xellos commented, "I made them in the shape of road-kill. Isn't that creative?"

"Yes," she blinked, swallowing as she glanced down at her rabbit cake, avoiding looking at the gray whipped cream that seemed to seep out of the back of its head. "Great."

"Come on, Mom," Valgaav commented, taking another bite of his porcupine cake, "it's not that bad. They taste great."

"How can I eat it? It looks so . . . real . . ."

Her green-haired son slurped down another forkful and shrugged. "I'll eat yours."

"No," Filia sighed, "no. I can eat it, I just will cut it up into little bits, then I won't be as disturbed."

The two Mazoku were sharing amused glances, so Filia frowned and glared at her friend. "Xellos . . . when did you learn how to cook? You never made anything more complicated than toast."

"Oh," he commented, watching with interest as she chopped up the pancake on her plate, "I know how to make a lot of things. I just never had any reason to, before."

Filia's brows rose incredulously, but she let him off the hook and began to eat her pile of tiny pancake squares. The crimson syrup was, indeed, strawberry, and after the initial shock wore off, Filia found herself enjoying the meal.

0

Xellos smiled slightly as he watched Filia attempt to eat her breakfast. Her blue eyes blinked at her pancake with confusion and uncertainty as she shook her head, and the feeling of her frustration rolled over him in delicious waves. She certainly looks beautiful in that red dress . . .

But the usual desire that swelled within him appeared to be mostly dormant. All that remained was a sense of well being and affection when he gazed at her . . . and, perhaps, an inkling of warm passion.

Yes, this will do nicely, Xellos told himself with relief. Now that my needs have been sated, it seems I won't have to worry about being as attracted to Filia. Still . . . it should all have disappeared. He could not understand why there was any remaining, but it couldn't be helped.

Eating as he thought, Xellos decided, I took care of as much as I could with Kirelle. Now my mind can be focused without interruption from base instincts.