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Chapter 21

Wolfpack Island
June 6th, 2002

They stood in the courtyard as the sun began to set, and slowly, Xellos and Filia looked at each other, then hesitantly joined hands.

"Filia," he whispered, "remember the peak and the sunset?"

She nodded, staring at the sun that hung low in the sky. "Yes." A pall of sadness dimmed her smile.

"Let me show you it," he asked hesitantly, his free hand nervously on the back of his head.

Squeezing his hand, the blonde nodded once. "Okay."

A breeze shifted through them, tossing their hair as they broke eye-contact. With an odd timidity, they left their luggage on the ground, and Xellos began leading the dragoness out of the dark courtyard.

Zelas smiled as the two walked off, then put her hands on the youths' shoulders. "Don't you wonder about those two?" she asked them.

Grinning, Val shrugged. "I've been egging them on since I was a little kid," he admitted. "But they never got married."

"But they fight all the time," the petite redhead exclaimed, green eyes wide.

The Hellmaster chuckled lightly. "Little boys often tease the girls they like," she answered, saffron eyes reflecting the setting sun.

"But," Iyzeka whispered nervously as she adjusted her white sundress, "Master Xellos isn't a little boy."

Snorting, Valgaav gazed off into the sunset, and he and Zelas said together, "That's what youthink." They peered at each other, then cried, "Jinx!" and began to laugh.

With a sigh, the tiny demoness gazed after the departing couple thoughtfully, her emerald eyes narrowed with consideration. The wind blew again, and shadows descended as the sun touched the horizon.

"I'm afraid," Filia said softly as they watched the golden light reflect off the castle beneath them. The sunset glowed mandarin and fuchsia to their left, the clouds catching afire in the sky.

Xellos released her hand and wrapped his arm around her, the sensation causing warmth to spread through his body. "It's okay, Filia."

She turned and shoved herself hard against him, causing his breath to catch as she grasped desperately at his back. "I don't want to die," she mumbled.

I didn't really expect this, the priest told himself, sensing exquisitely every part of her pressed up against him. "I won't let you die," he told her, holding her though the contact heightened his arousal. "I've done this kind of thing my whole life . . . there's a very slim chance that Telgaln will find us."

She nodded against his chest, silence settling around them as the wind scoured their clothes. Finally, the dragoness spoke. "It's very beautiful."

Xellos nodded and pulled his black trench-coat around the both of them. "I told you it would be," he smiled down at her. Filia, don't be so afraid, he wished, brows furrowed in concern.

Nodding, she bit her lip and raised her azure eyes to his. "I . . . I'm glad Zelas put you in charge," she meekly admitted. "I know that . . . you'll protect me."

The Mazoku's jaw tightened and he clutched her firmly, her head nestled under his chin. "Always." A flush rose within him as he became acutely aware of her full bust conforming to his chest, the buttons about to pop on her blouse, the pale violet fabric of her suit-jacket tight across her back—

"Xellos," she sighed happily.

Time to turn off the hormones, he decided, quickly shutting them down. "Don't worry," he repeated, grasping for a joke. "Though," he added, beginning to smile, "I'm surprised you're happy I'm in charge."

She blinked and pulled back to stare at him. "Huh?"

"Well," he winked at her, "I could order you to do practically anything, couldn't I?"

Frowning, Filia growled, "'Within reason', remember!" She bit back a smile as he pouted.

"But, Filia," Xellos whined, "if I'm the commander, then it's within whatever I consider reasonable!"

The blonde pulled away, brows rising and she crossed her arms. "Oh, really?"

"Yep!" he beamed, clapping his hands together. "Now, let's see, what will you do first . . ."

"THIS!" she shouted suddenly, pushing him towards the trail.

"Hey!" Laughing, Xellos grabbed her arms and spun her, then chased her down the hill, their giggling echoing off the canyon walls as the sun dipped over the edge of the world.

(-(-(-)-)-)

"Well," Zelas said, beaming at the four as dusk set in, "I'll let your commander take over from here." Winking at Xellos, the candy-haired Hellmaster cocked her hip, then sauntered off. "Good luck!" she called out behind her as she melted into the shadows.

Letting out a deep breath, Xellos watched her disappear, then turned a slight smile onto his three subordinates. "Very well," the Mazoku said, adjusting the lapels of his fine business suit, "there are some things I want to say first before we leave the shield."

Iyzeka stood up straight, and Valgaav copied it beside her. His mother simply stood still and watched the general somberly.

"I realized something not too long ago about this mission," he began, violet eyes raking over them as he clasped his hands behind his back. "We cannot, under any circumstances, drop character. Even when we're alone."

Valgaav's mouth hardened as Filia gaped.

"You see why, Mister Ul Copt?" Xellos asked, gaze centered on the young man.

"Yes."

"Please explain for the rest of us, then," ordered the Mazoku.

Glancing to his mother, the aqua-haired youth began, "Well, we're basically up against someone who's obviously going to be smart, even if he isarrogant." He took a deep breath. "He'll have spies scouring the planet, like Gestapo, searching for us. Telgaln would be very aware that you can change your appearance, Sir," he continued, "and that none of his people would know what I or my mother look like. Not to mention that we could dye our hair or Mom could cut hers. So physical appearance wouldn't be how they would search."

Filia's fists tightened at her side, but she remained silent, simply glaring at them all.

Biting his lip at his mother's expression, Val spoke once more. "Power signature would be next; however, Telgaln would know that it was possible to make magical items to block it, and he would probably be giving those to his own people. So he'd know that was out as well. What's the only thing left?"

Filia frowned. "Abnormal behavior," she murmured to herself, then winced as Xellos' eyes fell upon her.

"Exactly," the General-Priest sauntered up to her, forcefully gazing down at the blonde. "At ease, Miss Ul Copt," he whispered, eyes softening. "No need to work yourself up." Pivoting before she could reply, the demon announced, "Basically, anyone could be hiding in the astral plane. Granted, that takes an amount of power, but I'm certain that Telgaln, being stronger than the Regent now that he has two of the stones, has been able to make amulets that are capable of blocking a certain degree of power in use . . . unlike our own, which cannot."

The three were silent as Xellos slowly paced back and forth in front of them, his eyes hooded in the dwindling light. Finally, he said, "So, here are my orders. Lesser Beastmaster, you will be the innocent young maiden who doesnot want to compromise herself and demands to wait until marriage," his eyes rose to touch Valgaav's. "Mister Ul Copt, you will have slight inclinations towards pre-marital relations, but nothing serious. You two have dated seriously for over a year, after meeting in your private high school in Honolulu. You are very much in love and get along rather well and are planning on getting married eventually."

"Yes, sir," they spoke in unison.

The General-Priest's violet gaze fell upon Filia as he walked past her. "Miss Ul Copt, you and I are married, we got married ten years ago after your unfortunate divorce. I adopted Valiant as my own son when he was seven and we've had a happy marriage since then. However, I expect you to often get headaches, or for us to fight and retire with angry countenances." He turned away as she began to blush, and walked down the row again.

"Telepathy or whispering is how we will communicate anything out of character," Xellos continued. "Being in the astral plane doesn't mean that they can hear abnormally well, and they won't be able to risk being too close to any physical entities at any rate, since there is an obvious disruption between two astral bodies, and we all know that everyone has one. I'd suggest using the necklaces only when physically apart."

He came to a stop before them, hands still behind his back. "Any questions? Please raise your hands."

A few seconds passed, then Valgaav raised his hand slightly, and Xellos nodded to him. "Yes, Sir. I noticed that my name on the passport is Valiant Coppell, the name I had the last time we were in China. What names should we all call each other?"

Giving him a small smile, the General-Priest replied, "You are correct, and the obvious assumption would also be correct. I will be addressed as Zander Mettler, and Miss Ul Copt will be Veria Mettler. Iyzeka will keep her first name and have the last name of Larken; since she has been so cloistered through her life, there are no Mazoku that would recognize the common first name. Any other questions?"

The tiny maroon-haired girl hesitantly waved her fingers. "Yes, Sir, I have one." With his miniscule nod, she asked, "Are we going to behave like different people, or should we keep our true personalities?"

"Good question," the purple-haired man beamed, standing straighter. "The answer is no. I think it would be easiest for everyone to keep their personalities and just change their behavior slightly to accommodate our new 'fake' relationships. Saying that," the Mazoku's hard gaze fell upon them one after another, "I think we should take five or ten minutes to discuss with our partners on the finer points of the deception."

Holding out his hand to the blonde fidgeting before him, he said, "Veria."

Blinking, Filia nodded and accepted his hand, letting him lead her away.

Valgaav and Iyzeka looked at each other in the dwindling light, then the young man shrugged. "Okay, then. Um, what should we do?" He chuckled nervously and put a hand behind his head.

The burgundy-haired girl frowned, then peered up at him. "Well, how do teenage humans behave when they're in love?"

"I have no idea!" he laughed loudly, eyes avoiding her. "I . . . I've known some girls, but I never had much of a relationship with anyone. I think they just . . ." Valgaav flushed and dropped his head to stare at his shoes, which didn't do much good against the petite girl, "um . . . kiss each other and talk."

Smiling prettily, she clutched her hands in front of her and giggled, "Let's just act like the best of friends and hug each other a lot, Val."

The tall young man bit his lip and nodded, flushing brightly. "Okay."

(-(-(-)-)-)

Filia bent her head, hiding her eyes behind the long locks of her saffron bangs. "So . . ."

Smiling at her, Xellos brushed the strands from her face with his fingers. "I'm going to call you Veria for the next week," he said softly, violet eyes studying her face. "Sometimes I might call you Vee as a pet name, alright?"

She nodded, waves of fear causing bile to rise in her throat. "But . . ."

"Why are you so afraid?" he asked, gently turning her chin up to look at him. "I know this will be difficult, but you seemed to be feeling better when we were on the cliff."

I don't know, she realized, the terror escalating. Shaking her head, Filia's mouth trembled as she suddenly clung to him, shaking uncontrollably.

She could feel him sigh against her, then a miniscule swell of darkness warmed her.

—Filia, or should I say Veria . . .— His thoughts drifted through her worriedly. —Why are you doubting yourself? I wouldn't bring you along on this unless I knew you could do it.— His voice echoed firmly in her mind.

"But . . . but . . ." Her fingers dug into his back as she began to babble, "but I've never been a wife, I wouldn't know the first thing about it, and I'm not a spy, I really shouldn't be here it's just not a good idea and you're so capable and wonderful and I'm just a clumsy dolt, I'll just hold you back—"

"No, Filia," he spoke firmly, and grabbed her by the shoulders, lifting her up slightly to stare into his eyes. "You are very capable, and it's not that difficult to be a spy OR a wife." Gaze softening, he put her down and embraced her. "Vee," he chuckled into her ear, " . . . how about this. Just be yourself, and let me be your husband."

His voice tickled her skin and a red flush ran down her body. "But . . . Xellos . . ." My . . . husband?

"'Zander'," he corrected, and her hair stood on end as his whisper caressed her neck.

"Zander, then . . ." He smells so nice, she thought, nose at his collarbone, the heat of his skin warming her. No, bad, bad Filia. Bad Veria. "I . . . I just . . ." ­—I just want to be good enough for you,— she finished in her mind, cheeks flushed with shame.

—This certainly sounds familiar, doesn't it?— Xellos asked, running his hand over the bun on the back of her head absently. —You said I was strong enough for you . . . Well, you are definitely good enough for me, Veria. Stop this craziness and just relax. I can guarantee it will be fun.—

Tossing her head back, golden bangs glowing in the dusk, Filia glared up at him. "Fun how?!" she snapped, "when, when-" Her voice cut suddenly, and she looked away. —When we're . . . going to have to be together . . . sleep in the same bed . . . kiss each other . . .— Her head fell as the fire within her was suddenly extinguished.

I know,— the demon began hesitantly,—that both of us have felt . . . weakened by this past week or so. Physical attraction is only natural, Veria, especially with two human bodies such as this. I will control my own, but you won't be so lucky.— His thoughts firmed and he pulled her away from him to stare at her. —Here is the plan, newly revised.—

His tailored suit and tied back hair seemed to increase the severity of his violet gaze. "Instead of us mock-fighting, you will take some melatonin or valerian or some other over-the-counter drug with your tea to make you tired in the evenings. It won't do much, but it will help." His cold nasal voice flowed across her, the serious tone causing strange flares of desire to flicker beneath the tailored pantsuit.

I have GOT to reign myself in, Filia narrowed her eyes, angry at herself. If I can't, what does that make me? I will not lose control and become like some animal, intent on mating no matter what is truly right. No, she stood straighter and dropped her arms from his sides, hands clenching into fists. That is NOT acceptable.

"Okay," she answered, raising her head to stare at him with intense blue eyes. "I won't let myself lose control," she promised.

Xellos smiled down at her, pride coloring his gaze. "Good. I know you can do this."

(-(-(-)-)-)

Honolulu, Hawaii
June 6th, 2002

Filia shifted nervously as they stepped from the shadows outside of the small airport, luggage gripped in their hands and tossed over their shoulders. The lone hanger sat in the growing darkness, surrounded by lush palm trees that swayed in the breeze. A few men worked in the washed-out light from the street lamp.

Iyzeka and Val followed behind her and Xellos, the warm night air rustling their clothes.

I wish we could have seen more of Hawaii while we were here, Filia thought to herself. This is the one of the few places we haven't lived . . .

Xellos led them towards a tiny box-like addition to the small hanger bay, two warm glowing windows greeting them. As they neared, they could see the lights shone from a little office.

With one swift, fluid movement, Xellos opened the door to the office and stepped in. Filia followed him inside, saying behind her, "Come on, kids." Gods, I feel so strange!

The hour hand of the clock on the wall was almost at eight. Through the walls, she could hear crickets chirping, and a swarthy man with a golfing hat sat at the short counter, reading a brochure.

"Excuse me," Xellos said smoothly, setting down his bags and adjusting his pristine black trench-coat, "My name is Zander Mettler. We spoke over the phone."

Looking up, the pudgy gentleman blinked, then shook his head. "Yes, sorry," he stood, extending a hand.

"Good to meet you," Xellos smiled slightly, amethyst eyes open and alert. "I assume we're on time?"

"Right," said the man, removing his hat to reveal peppered brown hair. "You're a little early, actually." Releasing Xellos' hand, he said, "Sorry I couldn't do the transaction over the phone."

Xellos beamed and nodded slightly, folding his hands in front of him. "No problem. How much did you say it was, Mister Allen?"

Jerking as if he suddenly remembered what he was supposed to do, the man bobbed his head, "Right, right, let me see," then began punching buttons on the register, finishing quickly. "Alright, that will be, with tax, four thousand and thirty-three dollars, and, uh," he wiped his brow, "sixty cents." There was no immediate answer, so the man hurried to add, "Because of the short notice and all, I did say it would be a little more-"

"No, no," the purple-haired business man silenced him with a quirk of his mouth, then began leisurely reaching for his wallet. "Please, don't worry yourself." With a lazy grace, he tossed a credit card onto the counter. "There you go."

The man nodded quickly, "Yeah, right," and took the card, swiping it through the credit card machine.

Filia watched the entire conversation with a slight numbness, then realized, Maybe I should do something wife-like, instead of just standing here. Now, what did Xellos say about their relationship? One year, met in private school . . . If Xellos is a rich business man, this is probably going to be the first vacation with him that our "child" has had in a long time. Turning to her son, she held out her hand and murmured, "So, isn't it nice that your father is finally taking us on a vacation?" She smiled honestly up into his serene saffron eyes, proud of his good looks. Val, you're so handsome and wonderful. All I could want in a son.

Nodding, Valgaav grinned at his mother. "Yeah," he murmured in return as the credit-card machine began spitting out paper, "we haven't done anything non-work-related since I was ten."

After signing the slip, Xellos turned to peer at them with an amused expression, then stepped forward. "Now, talking about me behind my back?" he teased, clucking Filia under the chin, then slapping Val on the shoulder firmly. "Why do you think I retired early?" he asked, violet eyes centered on the young man. "I'd rather spend my time with my family," he added softly, giving a warm smile to Valgaav as he reached out to hug him soundly.

"Dad," Valgaav murmured, and Filia's mouth tightened at the shimmering in her son's eyes. Poor Val, she breathed slowly to keep from crying herself. I . . . I know how much you wanted to call someone 'father'. She forced herself to smile, and it wasn't difficult, but the ease with which Xellos had slipped into his role disturbed her.

"Um, so," Mister Allen's gruff voice interrupted them just as Xellos released the boy, "let's be off, then."

Nodding and giving a wink and a smile to the turquoise-haired boy, Xellos grabbed his luggage and said, "Let's go, everyone."

They followed suit, Iyzeka the very obviously quiet member of the party as they made their way from the office into the night. Behind her, Filia could hear Val talking with her quietly, and her chiming replies, and the dragoness sighed with relief.

"Something wrong?" Xellos suave voice interrupted her thoughts.

Filia gazed up into his eyes and smiled slightly. "He loves you very much," she answered, and knew that she was not pretending.

"I know." His serious eyes flickered away as he began to smile. Swinging one of his bags over his shoulder, Xellos freed a hand as they neared the gaping maw of the hanger. Moonlight shinned off of his purple hair as he put his arm around her shoulder. "Let me carry one of your bags," he offered, kissing her on the temple.

The prim woman flushed, but in the moonlight it was barely noticeable. Dammit, stop being affected! she ordered herself. "Alright." Giving him another bag, she clutched her remaining one in her hands, glancing over at her 'husband' as he smiled at her.

It's just an act, Filia repeated, blinking as she realized they were within the small hanger bay. A slim alabaster jet stood before them, the craft glistening in the washed-out lamplight.

I hope this works,Filia thought as the hatch opened. No matter what Xellos says, I still don't feel comfortable performing acts of espionage.

Xellos led his team up the stairs and into the jet, his steps heavy on the iron planks. Inside the aircraft, it seemed much like a hotel room. To the left was the cockpit, so Xellos turned right and entered the large living area, then set down the luggage. "Alright, everyone in," he called cheerily behind him. Valgaav, was his first free thought as he watched them file into the room, his eyes almost desperately watching the young man. The emotions that he had sensed pouring out from the boy when he had called him "Dad" were overwhelmingly intense.

They all sat down, so, nodding, the violet-haired man walked back to the door. Standing in the archway of the airlock, Xellos called down, "Thank you very much, Mister Allen. I hope," his eyes twinkled with false happiness, "to do business with you once again."

The large man smiled back and said, "No, thank you! Have a wonderful vacation, Mister Mettler."

"Thank you." Head bowing once, Xellos turned away and let the crew close the airlock door. Now, what to do with my "family", the General-Priest mused, returning to the living room.

Xellos found that the two youths were wandering further down the jet, exploring the other rooms. Filia was seated in a sofa by a window, gazing out into the blackness and looking quite lovely in her lilac pantsuit. She practically oozed refinement, her makeup perfect and not one hair out of place in the bun on her head.

"Would you like to turn in early?" he asked her, removing the clasp from his hair and shaking it free.

Filia turned and gave him a slight smile. "I don't think I'm tired enough. I'll probably just read a book or something."

The teenagers returned from the back rooms then, seeming to be quite at ease with each other. "This thing is great," Valgaav began, yellow eyes glinting with excitement. "There are three bedrooms, two baths, even a kitchen! I want one of these!"

Iyzeka laughed at him, adorable in her ivory sundress, and said, "Sure, and what would you do with it? You still have to go to college, you can't just roam around the world in your jet."

Interesting, now here is where a father would say, "Ihope you're going to college," Xellos' brows rose as he sat down next to Filia.

"I will," Valgaav blushed, probably to a large extent because he had gone to college already in reality, Xellos figured. "Anyway," Val said, "can we watch TV now?"

The green-haired boy pointed at the large screen television, and Xellos mock-sighed. "Okay, I guess so."

"Thanks! Come on, Iyzeka," the young man exclaimed, and the two sat down in the couch facing the screen and switched it on.

Glancing over at the woman at his left, Xellos bent his head slightly. Filia had found her book, and was deeply involved in reading it. With a sigh, the demon removed his suit-coat and draped it on the other side of the couch, then leaned back and closed his eyes.

Valgaav . . . Xellos thought, inhaling slowly. I must have been so foolish to never see how deeply you felt for me. Biting his lip slightly, Xellos forced his hands to remain loose and calm.You want me to be your father . . . but I have no idea how I would even begin to give you what you want.

Memories of the boy's childhood slowly started to flow through his head . . . watching Val as he grew up; caring for him and his mother when they were ill; teasing him about all the little girls who came calling for him . . . All the time, he had grown more fond of the child.

Sitting up, the demon folded his hands together under his chin, elbows on his knees. Was . . . was that how a father would treat his offspring? I never realized how happy I was with him. We were like two packmates. His eyes opened, studying the walls of the cabin as a slight movement became apparent, a low thrumming almost imperceptible. Even though he's not my son . . . I want him to be.

Behind him, the sensation of Valgaav's emotions rolled over him . . . a dark wave of bitterness and fear. Xellos swallowed, a strange echo of the feelings within himself. You fear my rejection, he thought, schooling his expression to not betray his pain. Oh, Valgaav. I'm sorry this has happened this way. But at least, I can fix it.

(-(-(-)-)-)

Beneath the Ocean
June 6th, 2002

The shadowy cavern seethed with movement, hundreds of souls swiftly sinking through the coral. Water dripped and rolled down the walls with agonizing slowness, a slow plink that ate away at his mind.

It had always done so, dripping through his head and his body until it had saturated him . . .

On the black throne, a man huddled, ebony satin and lace hanging off his bony body. His sable eyes darted in the silence and the noise, the shivering of the cold chamber, the dankness that stifled one's breath.

Finally, the dripping drove him to his end. "Kendar," he hissed, "get out here, I'm tired of waiting!" A fist slammed against the stone armrest, cracking it slightly.

Before him appeared the sycophant, groveling as usual. "Yes, your Highness," his voice scraped like ash leaves rustling in the bitter wind . . .

His fists clenched spasmodically, thoughts overwhelming him. "Find them," he said.

"All of your minions are searching, hundreds of Mazoku," Kendar swore, shivering in the bitter, foul air.

Growling, the man rose from the dais, skeletal form twitching in anger. With a deep, retching roar, he stood, black satin coat whipping with his rage. "I WILL NOT BE BEATEN!" he screamed into the darkness, and the coral wept with the echoes of his shriek. "FIND THEM, KENDAR!"

Kendar began to sob as he lay across the mottled ground, lichen catching on his clothes. "The routes of searches are perfect, eh-everyone has . . . their equipment, Lord Telgaln," he began to babble desperately, "it's only a matter of time before we find them—"

"I felt them leave," the man said softly, suddenly calm. "I felt the shield," he raised his hands languidly before him, "open like a door," his hands mimicked the movement, "then shut. I know they are out there, they are after MY stone . . ." Grimacing, Telgaln pulled back his foot, then launched a kick into his servant's side; the sniveler cried in anguish.

"You fear me," the man snarled. "But they do not. I will have them," he said, returning to his throne, eyes becoming thick and black as pitch. "Yes," he whispered as Kendar rose and slowly began crawling out of the throne room. "Yes!"

Laughter shook the sobbing coral walls as Kendar fled from his king.