Now that Xellos has ticked everyone off with smut, the jerk has returned to spout religious drivel, a week EARLY no less! BWA HA HA HA HA—

Xellos: Shaddup.

Ahem. Okay.

PS: review!!

Love,

Ukchana (And pissy/slutty Xellos . . .)


Chapter 17

Wolfpack Island
June 6th, 2002

Breakfast passed fairly quickly. When it was through, Zelas stood before them, leaning on her chair. "Alright," the pink-haired demoness began, "now that we've all eaten," she grinned at Val, who smiled back, "it's time for a more serious affair." Her face hardened, and she turned to gaze out over the wrought iron railing, cigarette appearing in her mouth. "Yugesle," she called, and a writhing, ghostly form materialized before her, green and slimy. "Yugesle, tell the Beastmaster that it is time. Bring her here."

Filia watched with interest. Beastmaster? So, this must be whoever was promoted to Xellos' old position.

The lesser demon, seemingly made completely of tentacles, lowered them submissively and vanished.

"Very well!" Zelas chuckled. "She'll be here soon. Oh, by the way," she said, book suddenly in her hand, "I've been studying the book you found. It's very interesting. I think it may be able to help you find the last fragment."

Filia watched as a crouched woman materialized behind Zelas, long robes shimmering rainbow-like in the sun. The dragoness frowned, eyes narrowing, as the petite, maroon-haired Mazoku began to look awfully familiar . . .

The pink-tressed Hellmaster spun and gazed down at the new arrival. "Wonderful. Please stand. You have yet to meet our guests."

Rising, the short-haired girl bowed to Zelas, nodded to Xellos and smiled at Filia. "Lords and Ladies."

Eyes widening, Filia stood quickly, eyes intent upon the tiny Mazoku's friendly emerald gaze. "You . . ."

She beamed back politely. "Lady Filia. How wonderful to see you again."

"The masseuse?!" Filia cried, blinking as she looked back and forth between Zelas and Xellos, the latter actually managing to look slightly uncomfortable. "You mean to say . . ."

"Why," Zelas chuckled, "This is Iyzeka, my Lesser Beastmaster. Are you alright, Filia?" She stepped closer to the blonde and smiled at her.

Filia blinked at her, crossing her arms across her chest. "You're telling me that you have your Beastmaster be a masseuse?"

The Hellmaster winked at Filia and brushed her cheek gently, to which the dragoness jerked back. "Well, she's very good at it. Why not?"

Still bowed, Iyzeka remained silent and still, her iridescent multi-colored robes shifting slightly in the gentle summer wind. No one spoke as Xellos approached her, looking casual without his cloak and moving with a careless grace. "Iyzeka. Good to see you. You may rise, if you like."

She stood slowly, head still bowed, but Filia could see a small, wistful smile on her face, dark bangs framing her hopeful green eyes. "Lord Beastmaster."

Filia started to get annoyed.

"I trust," Xellos began, the breeze ruffling his amethyst hair, "our Lady Hellmaster has kept you busy while I was absent." His tenor voice sounded amused.

"Yes, Master," she curtsied as she spoke, head still low. What is the deal with this girl? Filia wondered angrily. And why is Xellos encouraging her?

The slim monster eyed his inferior closely, then gave a little smile. "We'll have to catch up later. Now, for proper introductions." With a smooth pivot, he extended a hand to Filia and beamed. "As you have met before, this is Lady Filia Ul Copt. My Lady, this is my subordinate, Beastmaster Iyzeka."

Great. The little wench had better not get all smarmy with Xellos while I'M around. Filia smiled politely at the young woman and tried to hide her feelings from even herself. "Nice to finally know your name, Beastmaster Iyzeka."

"Charmed," the demoness beamed sincerely.

"And," Xellos gave Valgaav a considering look, "this is Lord Valgaav Ul Copt."

Her son gave a nervous smile, then took the Lesser Beastmaster's hand and kissed it. Iyzeka returned the smile as Val said, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Quite," replied the redhead. Oh, no! Now she's hitting on my baby! Filia fretted.

Zelas' commanding voice called everyone to attention. "Good." She took a long drag from her cigarette, blowing the smoke out leisurely. "Now, we have business. Come."

And they were no longer on the balcony, but standing in a vast darkness, filled with tropical plants and waterfalls. Standing torches lit the gloomy area enough so that Filia could see the fog rolling across the floor, touching her bare legs with whispery caresses.

Valgaav looked around, absorbing everything eagerly. "It's beautiful."

Shrugging, the pink-haired Mazoku grinned and began along the path they had appeared on, headed towards a tight clutch of trees. "Come, then!"

They followed her, passing through the foliage to find a small clearing. In the center stood a large round mahogany table and eight chairs, the deep crimson wood shining in the torchlight. This must be where the Council of War will be held, she told herself nervously, and shivered in the thin burgundy dress. I don't know anything about war . . .

Everyone joined Zelas at the table, Xellos and Iyzeka on either side of her with one chair on either side separating the Hellmaster from her subordinates. Filia sat to Xellos' right, directly next to him, and Val took her other side, leaving a seat between him and the redhead.

Still uncertain, Filia glanced up at Xellos as his mistress began to talk. Why was he so distant this morning? Not mean or cold, but just . . . withdrawn from us slightly. I hope this goes quickly, she added to herself. I need to talk to Xellos about last night.

"Now," Zelas began, "let this council begin." She looked everyone in the eye individually, her golden gaze roaming the table. "The reason this meeting was called is obvious to everyone here by now. Ex-High Beastmaster Telgaln murdered his mistress, Hellmaster Dolphin, and Hellmaster Dynast, then stole both of their Philosopher Stone fragments. All this," she drank deeply from her wineglass, "after he announced his intentions to take over Shabranigdo and manipulate his power."

Zelas' eyes narrowed as she looked at them, wavy pink hair almost incongruous with her serious demeanor. "Now, we five are the only ones who can stop this. The first time Telgaln declared his plans, one hundred years ago, no one believed him, including myself. He had left Dolphin to become a rogue. It was unknown if he had a fragment or not, but it was rumored either way. And then, a week ago, the two were assassinated by the traitor."

She inhaled from her cigarette again, and a holographic display suddenly blinked into existence over the center of the table. What glowed there appeared to be the earth, spinning very slowly in mid air.

As Zelas continued, her deep commanding voice rang through the forested darkness. "Since he made his declaration, the mission to stop him has been completely voluntary. High Beastmaster Xellos requested to try his hand at this mission, but no other Mazoku was willing or able to help him. In secret, I gave Xellos support. But now, upon the recent discovery that some of Dolphin and Dynasts servants are following Telgaln, Iyzeka has decided to risk herself and assist her superior in his undertaking." Her golden eyes turned to gaze piercingly at the woman. "Perhaps you should explain why you decided this, Lesser Beastmaster."

The amber-haired Mazoku shifted and smiled anxiously. "Of course, Lady Regent," she bowed slightly in her chair.

Lady REGENT? Filia blinked. What is going on . . .

"Well," began Iyzeka, hands clasped together before her, "I realized that High General Xellos' admirable bravery and determination were qualities that should not go unappreciated. His intentions would benefit not only the Mazoku, but all other races as well, and yet . . . the High General has few open allies." Her viridian eyes glanced to Filia and Val and she gave a polite smile. "I just felt that the Mazoku should be offering more assistance, especially since Telgaln has so many underlings to assist him now. After a long period of thought, I decided to take the risks just as my superior has done. The end results will be worth it."

A thoughtful silence fell across the table, but Filia found her hands on her lap, clutching her red dress irritably. Now what? If she joins us, then Xellos will probably start hitting on her and ignore me again. A sadness greater than she'd ever expected welled up inside of her, and her gaze fell to the table. But what can I do? We need all the help we can get. With a heavy heart, she noticed that Xellos was looking at Iyzeka approvingly. I feel like crying. What's wrong with me?

Her anger began to burn hot as she told herself, It's not fair, just when he was beginning to be nice to me! The rage took over, and she found herself musing deviously, Maybe I can get his attention by asking some questions . . .

Raising her head, Filia shyly broke the silence. "Now that there is the opportunity, I was wondering if I could ask a question." Come on, Xellos. Stop staring at Iyzeka already.

"Go right ahead," Zelas answered, taking another sip of wine.

Filia cleared her throat and looked down at the holographic planet. "Well . . . what exactly IS Telgaln's objective?"

The pink-haired demoness chuckled and leaned back in her chair, breasts swaying under her ivory chemise. "Quite simply put: to enslave this world once he has Shabranigdo's power."

Glancing to her left and up at Xellos, Filia's eyes narrowed with honest confusion. "But, that doesn't sound nearly as bad as what the Mazoku race has claimed it desired: the total destruction of the universe."

"Not quite true," Xellos answered for her. "If I may, Regent?" he politely bowed his head to Zelas. Yea!

"Of course," she waved him off and winked at Iyzeka. "My star pupil," the Mazoku Lord sighed with a grin, and the girl giggled quietly.

Xellos looked at her with resigned annoyance. "Ahem. Now then," he beamed to Filia, "I will explain. However, before I can get to Telgaln, I will have to explain some other things, such as physics."

Frowning, Filia snapped, "I know physics!" Condescending little . . .

"Yes, you do," he replied patiently. "However, it's been a while since you've had to think upon it, so just be patient. Within all things," he raised a gloved finger, "there has to be balance. What I am about to tell you is something that neither Ryuuzoku nor Mazoku were capable of realizing. But, my Lady Regent realized this long ago."

"And what is that?" Filia snapped. How dare he think to lecture me on such a simple principle?

"Simply put," he answered, and she frowned at his unknowing mockery of her thoughts, "In every being there is chaos and order. By my very existence," his amethyst eyes turned to take in everyone seated at the table, "I am defying what Mazoku propose to hold so dear. I am living. I am . . . alive."

Filia blinked, gaze becoming unfocused. "What?"

Valgaav turned to her excitedly. "Exactly, Mom. And by our aging and existing, we are defying 'life', because we are in a self-sustaining entropic universe. That's a linier universe where energy and matter are constantly recycling," he added softly.

"I KNOW what 'entropic' means, Valgaav," she hissed back, glaring at her son.

"Okay, okay!"

Xellos cleared his throat again, voice hard. "If you would please, Miss and Mister Ul Copt?"

Filia flushed and looked down at the table, but Val paled at Xellos' gaze and replied, "Apologies, Lord Beastmaster." Filia nodded her agreement.

"Very well. As I was saying, there can never be a total end to life or death in this universe, because the laws of physics in this universe dictate that it will forever recycle energy and matter."

Filia frowned at how intently the russet-haired girl was listening to him and tried to ignore the demoness.

"Essentially," Xellos concluded, "even if the Mazoku tried to destroy everything, they would only manage to annihilate every planet that was, at that point in time, whole. But new planets and stars would continue to be created, and there would be nothing they could do to stop it because of entropy, because of time. Likewise, if the Dragon races succeeded in keeping everything stagnant, the way their beliefs dictated, very little would be accomplished in science or technology, because the 'change' and 'newness' of the ideas would have been too drastic for them to accept. Change is chaos." His dark cat-like eyes fell upon Filia last, then pulled away. "Everyone with me so far?"

A chorus of yeses was heard, but Filia abstained, troubled. He . . . he's right. I never really connected physics and my religion together. How could I be so blind?

"Lady Filia?" Xellos asked politely. "are you alright? I can understand how this might come as a shock to you. Believe me, it came as a shock to me when Her Majesty first told me of her revelations."

Filia nodded, mouth open. "Oh?"

"Mom? Don't worry, alright?" Val patted her hand with concern.

Beastmaster Iyzeka nodded to Xellos and asked, "Please, High General Xellos, continue."

She probably just wants to hear him talk, Filia told herself.

"Alright," Xellos smiled, purple hair shrouding his eyes as he steepled his fingers below his chin and bent his head to peer into the floating orb before them. "Evil and good, hate and fear, order and chaos. All these are opposites to each other, and everything contains all. This planet is in balance because Lord Ruby Eyes is still slumbering, and all of the Dragon Kings are no more. If Shabranigdo awakens, with or without Telgaln's help or force, it will unbalance this planet's order and chaos. While it would," his gaze fell upon Iyzeka, "be in our best interests to stop him because he would be using Lord Shabranigdo as a puppet . . ." Xellos looked at everyone evenly, "it would never be prudent, in my opinion, to allow so great a destabilization of chaos and order to occur."

There was silence around the small table, as the ghostly jewel separating them spun leisurely in the center of the table.

Xellos' tenor voice spoke again. "Hellmaster Phibrizzo was returned to the emptiness we all come from, by Lady Nightmare's Hand. But, as he was dying, he suddenly cried that he had changed his mind. He no longer craved the death he had so strongly desired, for so long. He said that it wasn't what he wanted after all. Not at all." His hands folded together and he sighed. "This is, in my opinion, why all Mazoku would not be served well to seek out total destruction. For, we are alive."

Xellos grinned at Filia. "As a wise Golden dragon once said in my hearing, 'One who lives must try to keep on living. That is only natural.' And we are as natural as plants and animals, because we, too, were created by the Lord of Nightmares herself."

The quiet that his words left was practically palatable; the low fog undulating across the floor seemed to dip and sway to a song she could not hear.

"Then," Val's deep voice broached the unnerving quiet, "would it not be arguable, High General-Priest, that if such a destabilization were to occur, something to balance it would be created or brought about by the universe, simply from necessity?" His golden eyes locked with Xellos', and Filia was certain she saw the Mazoku's eyes glint.

"Why, yes, Valgaav," Xellos replied, pride evident in his voice. "Although, how can you be certain that we are not the weights that God has chosen towards that very end? She works in mysterious ways, after all," he chuckled.

(-(-o-)-)

Valgaav watched his mother as Xellos lectured, concern distracting him from the debate more than he'd anticipated. Mom. Are you going to be alright with all of this? I hope I can find a way to get you to talk to me.

So much had happened to Filia over the past two days. The ancient dragon wondered if his mother would last through what was required, or if she would break again.

And what is going on with Xellos? A week ago, he was talking as if Mazoku were meant to destroy everything. Now he's against it? Grimly, Valgaav realized why he found it strangely familiar. Dammit, he closed his golden eyes and opened them. One of the most common signs of brainwashing. I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner. I bet he doesn't even remember the conversation we had a week ago. I'm just glad that Zelas has been trying to break him of the brainwashing.

"Alright," Zelas spoke once Xellos' speech came to an end, "there you have it. Now, on to the plans. I've looked over the old book our operatives-" she smiled at the dragons, "-have discovered, and there is a section on China that I think will aid us well in finding the stone."

The Mazoku Regent opened the book to display the pages. "It tells about the major religions in ancient China, and where the temples were located. More than likely, the fragment will be within one of the temple ruins, since it is drawn to positions of great power."

Valgaav glanced around the table, blinking in confusion. No, the book can't just say that . . . Xellos seemed to think it was so important . . . There must be something else.

"From what Xellos told me," Zelas continued as if reading his thoughts, "this was found in a fairly unusual way. There is something odd about the book," her gold eyes met each person around the table, "but I've yet to uncover what the deeper secret is. So far, this seems to be the most information we can glean from it. Any of you are welcome to borrow the text for study; it's entirely possible there is something I missed."

Zelas sat down in her chair and looked over each of them slowly, her smile widening. "So, any other questions before we go on to our plan of attack?" They all shook their heads, so she nodded and waved towards her general. "Well, then, General Beastmaster Xellos will be taking over the meeting."

Narrowing his eyes, Valgaav leaned back and watched. I have a strange feeling of foreboding . . . I wonder what is going to happen in this next battle . . .

(-(-o-)-)

The sensation of bewilderment rang strongly as Xellos led his guests back to his quarters, using the walking as a chance for them to ponder the council proceedings. Of course, the feeling emanated purely from Filia, the only one of them completely unaccustomed to strategy beyond chess.

Young Val seemed to be troubled as well, though, an overall sense of unease and worry shrouding the aqua-haired dragon.

Well, this will not do, Xellos told himself darkly, a dour malaise seeping into him with every step through the halls. No, not when we'll be leaving so soon.

The Mazoku walked through the doorway to his rooms leisurely, hiding his concerns with his usual sunny grin. The two dragons moved rather zombie-like after him, sitting on one of the settees side-by-side, visions glazed over with their own troubled thoughts.

Alright, how best to proceed. They're both so . . . Xellos smiled instead of frowning and sat on Filia's other side - far closer than she'd normally allow – yet neither mother nor son noticed whatsoever. Oblivious.

Allowing himself a sigh, he moved to a more normal distance and cleared his throat. "Ahem. Filia. Val." The two blinked and looked over to him, Valgaav's eyes narrowing as his emotions twisted towards worry.

Wonderful. "My, my, we're all so gloomy today!" Xellos' eyes widened as he crossed his legs and tipped his head to look at them comically. "Okay, time to spit it out. Obviously, something's wrong, and we need to fix it."

Filia's large sapphire eyes blinked at him, and she bit her lip. "I'm all right . . . just a little overcome by all the possible outcomes." The blonde looked at her son, her hand covering his own in concern. "Valgaav?" She tried to smile confidently. "You certainly knew what you were talking about. You contributed a lot."

Mouth tightening, Valgaav raised his head and looked at them both, then down at his mother's hand in his. "I know . . . I just . . ." His saffron gaze latched onto Xellos, and he shook his head. "Xellos . . . I just have a feeling it's not right, the plan."

The Beastmaster frowned. "What do you mean?"

As if sorting a puzzle within his own mind, Valgaav haltingly spoke. "It's . . . it's like another feeling . . . that we're looking in the wrong places. Not the wrong country, just . . . I donno'," he sighed heavily, squeezing Filia's hand and smiling at her. "I'm sure it's nothing."

With a firm shake of his head, Xellos countered, "Not at all. Just keep me informed if you feel anything else." The boy bowed his head, assenting.

It was still morning, and sunlight filtered gently through the windows in the following silence. The Mazoku was unsure of what exactly was going on, but he knew they needed to get a hold of themselves.

"Okay," Xellos clapped his hands together, "this is far too depressing! What you too need is to relax and be energized for our little romp later this evening."

Val blinked at him tiredly. "What exactly did you have in mind?"

"Well," Xellos winked and grinned at Filia, "a little tour of the island. Filia was commenting that she couldn't believe it was Avalon, so I thought I'd prove it to her and give her something to distract her from whatever's troubling her."

The blonde in question jerked upright on the settee and stared at him. "Avalon? Oh, gods," she moaned, "yes, now I remember!" Holding up her hands, Filia shook her head slowly, azure eyes sorrowful. "Oh, the horror . . ."

Giving her a strange glance and patting her shoulder, Val commented, "You must have suppressed the memory because it was so shocking . . ."

"Anyhow," Xellos pushed the conversation back on track, "that's what we'll do. Got it?" His voice was light but he knew they saw the serious cast of his eyes.

The boy opened his mouth slightly, then nodded. "Yes, sir."

Filia's timid glance caught at his resolve, but he just bent his head in her direction stoically and continued. "Filia, I know you seem to have a problem with Iyzeka for some reason, so I think she should go along as well, before the mission starts. Both of you need to get to know her, and I need to re-familiarize myself with her as well, as it has been some time since we've seen each other."

Lips trembling as if she desperately wanted to speak, the dragoness settled for nodding contritely and murmuring, "Yes, sir."

WHAT? Xellos blinked and gazed at her with concern. She must have been suppressing her worry and fear before. All the talk of battle during the council must have been more than she anticipated, for her to be so subservient to ME of all people . . . but how could she hide her feelings so well? She seemed slightly afraid during the meeting, and a little angry, but nothing like this level of upset. And now I've hurt her . . . dammit.

It wasn't the place to delve deeper into Filia's emotions, however, so he gave her a little smile and stood. I hope she doesn't think too badly of me, but there is a time and a place for closeness, and then for distance. "Alright, then," he beamed, one gloved hand raised, "don't look so down! Iyzeka is very interesting once you get to know her, and I'm sure you'll enjoy yourselves if you give it a chance."

They rose after him, Valgaav giving his mother a quick hug, then replying, "I think a tour is a great idea . . . we all need some fresh air and time to think."

Xellos nodded, pleased. "Exactly."

This has to be the most unusual thing I've ever had to do, he thought as he transported them away. I never thought I'd see the day that I'd be doing my best to cheer up some dragons . . . let alone commanding them as if they were my troops.

(-(-o-)-)

"Look, Mom," Valgaav tried to get her attention. "There are a lot of fish in the water."

Filia looked out onto the rushing river, the castle towering behind them, and nodded miserably. "That's nice, Val."

Xellos and Iyzeka stood a few yards away, the former instructing the latter on what would happen. The dragoness ignored them, doing her best to concentrate on the beautiful surroundings.

Water dripped from the tree limbs, the grass and shrubs soaked from a recent shower. Rounded, full sleet-gray clouds sat in the distance; beneath them, silken sheets of darkness confirmed that rain was falling from them still.

"Mother?"

Filia turned to her son and looked up at him. He had grown so much . . . his shoulders wide and his saffron eyes clear. But Valgaav looked different than his previous incarnation, she reminded herself as she embraced her son, holding him tightly to her.

Back then he'd seemed starved, but her son now had healthy meat on his bones, his face softer with the happiness of a good life. And the scars on his cheeks and back had never returned to him, something she thanked the gods for often. Oh, Valgaav. How can I ever tell you about the past?

"What's wrong, Mom?" his deep voice whispered. "I know you're upset . . ." he trailed off, so she pulled back to gaze into his uncertain eyes. "I wish you hadn't had to deal with so much, all at once."

Filia smiled sadly. "You're very sweet, Val. It HAS been difficult, but it must be done."

Taking her chin in a hand, Val peered at her, expression darkening. "Are you going to be alright? I'm worried about you, Mom."

Leaning her face into his hand, she sighed. "Oh, Val. You shouldn't have to worry about me at all . . ." They hugged again, Filia burying herself into her son's arms. Why do I need so much support right now? She asked herself. Why do I NEED in this way?

A little part of herself brushed against her thoughts with a tiny reply. Because . . . Xellos doesn't like you anymore . . .

She jerked and pulled away, blinking up at her son.

"Mom?"

"I'm okay," she promised him, trying to smile. "I just thought of something . . . and it surprised me." Sure, Xellos has been distant today . . . And I hate it, she realized. Dammit, when did he start to mean so much to me?!

"It's Xellos," Val spoke softly, glancing back at the Mazoku across the clearing. "Isn't it?"

Filia bit her lip, tears brimming in her eyes suddenly. Gods, what's wrong with me? I just started feeling so . . . depressed . . . after the meeting. Is it really because of Xellos? He's acting so serious and dour . . . like he doesn't even know me anymore . . . Her head drooped, flaxen bangs covering her eyes . . . like last night never happened. They had seemed to connect so well . . . had it meant nothing to him?

She looked over to where Xellos and Iyzeka stood, still conversing. He never once looked her way; and though Filia knew he could see without using his eyes, somehow his turned back tore at her heart. Was everything he told me a lie? I can't believe that . . . And I shared his thoughts and emotions . . .

But . . . how can he act like this if he still cares?

(-(-o-)-)

"Excuse me for saying so, Lord Xellos," Iyzeka added softly once he had finished, "but . . . Miss Ul Copt truly seems to despise me . . ." She looked past him, glancing quickly at the downcast blonde as she held her son. "And . . ." the lesser Beastmaster glanced up at him nervously, Lady Nightmare, please let him not get angry, "it seemed to have something to do with you . . . talking to me." Or anything else you and I do together, for that matter.

Iyzeka winced as his piercing purple gaze bore into her. "Iyzeka . . ." Xellos suddenly grinned at her cheerfully. "You really need to relax! I know that Miss Ul Copt is having some difficulties with you . . . I realize it looks rather worrisome, actually," he folded his arms across his chest. "However, you seem to have grown into a rather new-age Mazoku since last we saw each other. Knowing Mistress Zelas, that's not surprising," he added, winking.

She nodded, shuffling her feet. Whew, okay . . . it's been so long since I've seen him . . . Master Xellos never jumped down anyone's throat about comments before . . . but he's changed a lot. She could barely remember the demon standing before her, she had been so young the last time she'd seen him. But from what she'd heard, she was glad she hadn't had to receive his punishments in the past.

Cape rustling in the cool wind, Xellos leaned a hand against a tree and looked down at her, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Listen, Iyzeka. Lady Filia needs to learn to work with you. She also needs to learn that, however close she and I have become, I have my duties. I know," his sharp tone made her wince, "that you won't be disclosing anything interesting about what occurs today . . . whether it be during the mission or before then. Correct?" His icy words made it clear that if she did so, she would learn what was truly so very frightening about him . . .

Swallowing fearfully despite her control over the physical body she'd created, Iyzeka bowed. Damn, this is going to suck if I'm so scared all the time, she realized as she humbly replied. "Yes, Master Xellos. I guarantee that you will have no difficulties about my silence in any matter."

"Great!" He sighed and shook his head, violet locks glinting in the dappled sunlight. "Well, now I suppose I have to see to Filia," he muttered. "Anyway," his dark eyes twinkled, happy once more, "while I'm talking to Lady Filia, you keep Mister Ul Copt occupied. Entertain him, talk to him. You two are around the same . . . age . . . I think," he frowned and glanced up in thought. "Hmm. Whatever!" he beamed at her. "Okay, then, let's get the rest of our 'tour group'."

He turned and began to walk away, then stopped and gestured to her with his staff. "Oh, and you can act like yourself around me. It's alright. Don't be so nervous!"

"If that is what you command," she bowed again, smiling with more conviction then she felt, "then I'll really try my best, My Lord."

(-(-o-)-)

Pained, Valgaav watched his mother hold back her tears. "Mom . . ." Dammit, why does this have to be so complicated? I wish she understood that Xellos has a job to do, here. He can't hold her hand all the time. "Mom," he tried again, "listen, I know--"

Before he could finish, however, she turned her head to where Xellos and Iyzeka were walking towards them, Iyzeka understandably trailing behind. Halting, the young dragon shook his head and watched his mother steel herself for what was to come, her back straight and azure eyes unyielding.

But the priest, though still in his official robes, wore the familiar jolly smile on his face. Discarding his gnarled staff into subspace and greeting them with a wink, Xellos spread his arms wide. "So, now that everything's settled, where should we go first? I know," he turned to the tight-jawed blonde, "Filia, why don't you pick someplace."

Filia's mouth tightened further as she studied the ground. "I wouldn't know where to begin," she said, voice dangerously level. "I don't know very much about Wolfpack Island."

Ouch, Val winced despite himself. This is going to take a lot of work for Xellos to fix. Poor Mom . . . she was already betrayed by her people . . . even after so long, it seems she's still very sensitive to duplicity. Real OR imagined.

Xellos' expression barely faltered, his happy eyes tightening infinitesimally, but Valgaav was too familiar with him to be fooled. It was obvious that the ramifications had struck the Mazoku General as well . . . So, now what is he going to do?

"How about," Xellos began cheerily, "I tell you about the island, first? Then you can decide where to go!"

Forcing cheer again, eh, Xellos?Val decided to intrude.

Of course, the answer came, strained as he'd expected. --I had a bad feeling that Filia would overreact . . . I just wish she wasn't so sensitive . . . Maybe you can help me along the way. She spoke to you . . .

Val sighed as Filia shrugged and answered coldly. "Whatever you think best."

Listen, she may have talked to me, but she didn't say much. I don't think I'll be much help. You're on your own, pal.—