Here is the informative Author's rant to answer questions poised by people after reading the previous chapter!
First off, go see the movie Sleepy Hollow if you're old enough or your parents let you watch gory stuff. It actually has a really good plot and the good guys win in the end. Then you'll know what Xellos is seeing in his mind. This isn't giving away info, because if you HAVE seen the movie and you remember it, you should recall the scene that Xellos is haunted by. WHY he's haunted is another matter that I WON'T tell, bwa ha ha !! Ahem.
Secondly, the song "And So It Goes" is NOT mine, (boo hoo!) but was written a long time ago (as far as my research has uncovered) by a British man, but it's done in the style of an Irish ballad. A few years ago, about ten or so, Billy Joel discovered it and re-did it. It's his words I used, but I think the words didn't change over the decades and centuries. And it's kinda disturbing how good it fits, eh?
Thirdly, just to reiterate (even though I found out Ryoko was only joking, lol), Xellos' human form wouldn't be affected by venereal diseases because he can use magic to cleanse the body and control every aspect of it. In that same aspect, he could also make the body sterile so that no women would get pregnant. Not that the baby would get any magic or cosmic powers: The body is just a puppet of his. It's not really his form at all. But I wanted to make it a bit more clear to anyone who might still be confused. As to whether they can have little children together, you'll have to see what happens, bwa ha ha!!
Fourthly, all the guys in Slayers (except Valgaav) had to dress as women a few times, as I recall . . .Goury a total of three, poor thing! So asking how they put up with it is kinda silly. As to Xellos liking it . . . he seemed to enjoy dressing as a woman so much so that he turned into one in Next! If you don't believe me, look at his arms when he's a girl, then look at them when he's playing tennis. When he's dressed as a girl, his arms are slender and willowy, but as the tennis player they are slim yet slightly muscled, with a wider frame. Even his shoulders changed. I know, I know, it's hard to accept, but I had to face it as well. When I first heard of it, I was aghast! No way did Xellos turn into a girl! But, I looked, and to my chagrin, he did. L
That, BTW, is part of where I base the "puppet" concept for his body, and much of the universe. According to theoretical science, the whole universe is possible. Of course … due to the nature of theoretical science, it's all . . .theoretical. (falls over) So I can't really say it's scientifically accurate since none of it can be proven or disproven! Heh heh . . . (blush)
Fifthly, I will once again say that no one's gonna find out about Amelia for quite a while. However, the other characters WILL make an appearance . . . I can't say how or when, but you'll figure it out. I have the whole story planned out from here until the end, and I can guarantee that very few characters won't make an appearance. I can say, however, that any Amelia-haters out there will be sorely disappointed.
So, this is my informative rant! Yea! Any more questions (that aren't too silly or out there) I will be happy to answer. Unless they're about upcoming events or upcoming plot, then I'll have to say: read and find out!
PS: I'm so happy to be getting so many reviews! Already 12 for this last chapter, that's a lot when compared to my usual track record of 3! BTW, I think you guys should know that when you mention something that you see in my story, or mention the way a chapter makes you feel, I read over the chapter with your words in mind in order to see what you see and feel what you feel. So I truly do appreciate every review, and I also want you to have the best fanfic experience you can. I'm glad that I got a little constructive criticism, namely the request to see more of Iyzeka and more of Kendar. I will do my best to meet your wants and needs, thanks for the requests!
And once again, we return! This upcoming chapter doesn't have too much plot to it, but it's good for the characters and getting a feel of how they feel towards each other right now.
Thanks for all the reviews, guys!! I'm posting up another chapter in appreciation, and I hope I keep getting your great reviews!
Love,
Ukchana
Chapter 26
Hong
Kong, China
June
8th, 2002
He sat in a cell . . . water dripped down the stone walls and he could hear the chittering of vermin as they gathered around his beaten body. He raised his slashed arms, bloodied sleeves shredded and tattered, and hissed as the holy magic seals burned around his wrists.
His voice clung to his dry throat. "My power's been sealed." The non-corporeal form was locked to the human shell, the magic bound to the astral plane. There was no escape.
With a screech, the iron door swung open, slamming heavily against the wall. A pale-haired humanoid entered, and he could feel the white aura around the stranger. "Get up, filth," the golden dragon hissed, his teeth bared as he kicked him soundly in the side.
Grunting, the Mazoku peered up at him; the light from the hallway hurt his eyes, and without his magic he could not offset the reaction. "Where am I?" he asked softly.
The dragon male roared in rage and backhanded him across his face. "How dare you speak at all to me, demon!"
Spitting blood from his mouth, he let himself be dragged to his feet and out of the cell. Where am I? I can't remember anything from before . . . I was somewhere . . . with Filia and Valgaav . . .
The halls were desolate and sullen, a rank darkness clutching to the stone. He was shoved and forced down the long expanse, blonde dragons on either side . . . laughing, growling, kicking his legs out from under him and dizzying him with swift strikes to the head. I . . . I have to get out of here, he told himself, but his logic was clouded.
Surrounded by gleeful cackling, the demon crawled through the door he was pushed towards, and found himself bathed in light.
"Xellos Metallium," a voice rang from the brilliance, "your crimes against the Golden Dragon race will finally be brought before our court on this day."
A multitude of dragons were gathered around him on pews that stretched out from the center of the giant chamber. Dragged into the middle of the room, the Mazoku gazed up at the pulpit, his eyes finding the ancient Gold looming over the stand.
"Your great misdeeds against us, the rampant slaughter and butchery of our race, has been witnessed by thousands of dragons. With this evidence," the dragon's gravelly voice fell, "you have been sentenced to death."
Xellos' eyes widened slightly, a dull emptiness filling him. I can't fight; my wings are clipped . . . He dropped his head, long violet strands brushing the cold stone beneath him as clattering and footsteps surrounded him. They . . . they're right, though, he breathed in and could smell the bitterness of sulfur and burnt pine. I am a butcher . . .
Eyes closing, he let his mind sink deeper into himself . . .
"STOP!"
A rumbling of dissent began as the crowd warily parted. The demon was pulled to his feet, but his captors halted as a stranger pushed through the throng into the open ground.
Cerulean eyes glared angrily at each dragon in turn, the woman's presence shocking all into stilled silence. Xellos drooped, an empty churning filling his stomach. Filia . . . NO!
Snarling, the dragoness spat at them, "This is ridiculous! You can't just sentence him without even a trial!"
"Restrain her!" demanded the elder, "and continue, guards."
With nods, the two men holding him continued to haul their prisoner towards the tall wooden spire. Nearby, dragons held torches aloft, ready for the kindling waiting at the base.
"No!" Filia cried, struggling against the guards that grabbed her. "Xellos, you have to fight this! What's wrong with you?!"
He shook his head, glancing up at her painfully. "Let it be, Filia," the demon rasped. "I deserve to die for what I did."
Mouth trembling, the blonde winced. "No." Her voice raised as she began to kick against her captors, "NO, it was WAR! And you've changed, you're not the same!"
"HE'S EVIL!" the elder dragon retorted. "Pure evil, corrupt and unreformable! You know that, Filia Ul Copt!"
Xellos looked away, brows twitching in confusion. "Evil?" he whispered, barely noticing as they held him against the spire, wrapping metal twine across his chest and stomach. "I . . . I didn't want to be evil . . ."
"You couldn't help it," Filia wept, "Xellos, don't! Fight the bonds, escape!"
"I couldn't even if I wanted to," he answered softly, peering out with a dull gaze from beneath his bangs. "My power is sealed. I'm sorry, Filia. I . . . I said I wouldn't leave." Head falling, the demon felt tears pricking in his eyes. "Forgive me for breaking my promise to you."
"You're NOT EVIL!" she screeched, choking on her sobs as they began to light the fire at his feet. Golden strands whipped around her face as she raged against those holding her. "He's not EVIL! Just because he's Mazoku—"
"BECAUSE he is Mazoku," hissed the old dragon. "You forget yourself, Filia. And you forget the TRUTH!"
Growling, she cried, "your truth is subjective! You MAKE UP THE TRUTH! To suit your purpose!"
"Mazoku . . . are . . . evil," the elder intoned, his yellow eyes hard. "They have no capacity for good."
Xellos' mouth hung open, eyes empty. "No capacity for good." His feet felt very warm.
"XELLOOOOS!" shrieked a voice, but he couldn't see for the smoke surrounding him. Flames began to grow, and he gasped in pain as the fire rose up, torture licking along his body.
"Let it be, Filia," Xellos whispered. He shook, a scream of agony escaping as his feet began to burn. Tears welling in his eyes, the demon clenched his teeth, refusing to cry out again. Let it be.
The sobbing and the crackling mixed morbidly, ash filling his lungs; from the distance, he could feel the immense wave of holy magic approaching. It struck, tearing, rending his soul—
"XELLOOOOOOS!"
"Uhh!" the Mazoku sat up in bed, body shaking uncontrollably. A pale blue filtered through the blinds as he glanced around the darkened bedroom. I . . . I'm alive. He closed his eyes and lay back down beside the woman next to him. A dream.
He found himself turning to stare at the saffron-haired dragoness as she lay sleeping at his side, his hand trembling as it rose of its own accord. Suddenly unable to breath, Xellos pulled her to him and clutched her tightly. "Filia," he whispered very softly.
"Mmmnnn," she shifted, then slowly blinked. "What's wrong?"
Swallowing, he dropped his eyes away from her azure gaze. "Nothing. I . . . I just . . ."
Filia turned to the man and slipped her arms around him, then drifted off once more.
The deep shadowy light before the dawn hung in the air as Xellos desperately clung to the woman in his arms; he memorized the feeling of her skin, the smell of her hair. I'm alive, repeated in his mind.
Kissing her forehead, Xellos cupped her cheek in his hand, burying his face against her neck. Filia.
Gradually, sleep overtook him.
(-(-(-)-)-)
Yawning as she awakened to the sound of pattering rain, Filia blinked and tried to stretch, only to find that one of her arms had gone to sleep. What . . .
She opened her blue eyes and gasped, "Eeeee!!" then stopped crying. "Oh." Xellos was sprawled next to her on his stomach, trapping her right arm under his neck with his own arm draped across her chest.
Oh, this is nice, the dragoness scowled, a hot flush rising across her cheeks. "Hey, Zander," she nudged him, "wake up." Glancing at the alarm clock at the bedside table, Filia sighed and shook her head. "It's almost noon, we sure slept late."
Beside her, the demon shifted, tightening the grip around her and burying his face into the nape of her neck. Softly, Filia tried to wake him. "Xellos . . ."
His violet hair brushed along her face as he moaned, then jerked awake, eyes wide and lashes fluttering at her. "'Morning," he croaked, smiling a bit uncertainly.
Raising her brows at him, the slender blonde tried to move her pinned arm again. "Can you . . ." she barely suppressed a grin, "maybe, move a little?"
Xellos blinked at her, then released her arm, only to lay down again and close his eyes. "Okay."
"Hey, come on, let's get up," the dragoness admonished, shaking him with a piqued expression. "why are you so tired?"
"I'm not sure," he admitted, covering his face with a hand as she rose to open the blinds. "Hey, cut it out," his nasal voice whined.
"Nope." Beaming, Filia stood and looked out on the miserable rain, the light glowing through the clouds dimly. "It could be worse, it could be sunny out."
The General-Priest rolled over and hid his purple head under his pillow. "Come back tomorrow," he murmured, "we're closed today."
(-(-(-)-)-)
"No, no," Valgaav shooed his mother as she stepped out of her bedroom, "go back to sleep!"
Filia's face contorted in confusion. "What?"
"Listen," continued the boy with a grin, "you guys had that fight last night, you should go back to bed and snuggle together or something." He winked a golden eye at her.
Behind him, a fully-dressed, hot-pants clad Iyzeka appeared, hopping up and down on one foot out of her bedroom as she put on her other tennis shoe. "Oh, good morning Missus Mettler!"
Sighing, Filia nodded, tightening her robe around herself. "'Morning. Anyway, Val," she glared at him, "where are you guys going?"
"Well," he shrugged as he put on a jacket over his t-shirt, "even though it's still raining, we thought we'd go out and get some donuts or something - oh, 'morning, Dad."
—
Standing behind Filia, the violet-locked Mazoku peered at the teens blearily, one hand leaning heavily on his 'wife's' shoulder. "You're eloping?"
"Noooo," Val glared at him, "we're getting some breakfast so you two can have some time aloooone together." Sticking out his tongue, the turquoise-haired youth waved and said, "I'm sure you'll survive without us around. And maybe you should get some coffee, Dad," Valgaav added as the petite demoness walked up to him.
—Valgaav,— Xellos sent to him as the two teens began to leave, —You and Iyzeka will NOT take the brunt of the workload. I won't have that.—
They walked out the front door and closed it behind them and Filia raised her hands. "Whatever." She headed back into the bedroom, removing her robe as she went.
—It's okay,— came the boy's reply from beyond the suite, —Mom is really stressed and you don't look so great yourself. I know you must have had a pretty bad night . . . I could feel it. Get some rest today. We'll look for the stone in the rest of the main museum.—
Growling, the priest followed the blonde and closed the bedroom door behind him, countering the teen, —Yet it will still be better if we each search.—
—I WANT Mom to REST,— Val stressed. —Come on! It's not that much to ask!—
With a sigh, Xellos sat on the bed and watched the night-slip garbed woman as she began to pick out the clothes she would wear for the day. —Fine. But not the whole day.— He shook his head and cut the link, eyes wandering, despite himself, as the blonde began to undress.
I can't believe how many damned arguments I lose to Val.
—
Filia quickly took her shower, lathering her hair with an odd excitement running through her veins. I wonder why I'm so happy, she giggled, hurrying to finish bathing.
With a laugh, she turned off the water and pushed back the shower door, then dried herself swiftly. Bobbing her saffron head back and forth as a song started inside her head, the blonde slipped on her undergarments and wrapped a towel around her hair.
Leaving the bathroom, she found Xellos sitting at the desk in the bedroom with a bleary expression in his violet eyes. "Zander," she was careful to say the name, "are you sure you don't know why you're so exhausted?"
He frowned, and Filia had to suppress a giggle at how cute he looked with nothing but his shorts on and that tired look across his face. "Well," the demon rubbed his eyes, "I did have a nightmare last night . . . I think it really wore me out."
Pouting, Filia picked out another pantsuit - a navy blue one that would no doubt be too tight, but at least looked warm - and began to dress. "Come on, take a shower and you'll feel better."
With a nod, he stood and headed for the bath.
Hmm . . . hopefully he'll wake up . . . and then we get the whole day together, this will be great!
(-(-(-)-)-)
Valgaav smiled as he returned with his new umbrella. "Okay," he said to the petite redhead, avoiding looking at the form-fitting black pants she wore, "this is pretty big, we should keep at least a little dry. I think the monsoon is letting up slightly."
Beaming, she slung herself against him and squeezed his waist. "Okay. So, we're getting breakfast first?"
"Yep. Donuts." He opened the umbrella and tightened his jacket around him as they stepped out of the lobby and into the maelstrom.
"Eeeee!" Laughing, Iyzeka pulled Val through the rain, the dreary skies echoing with sound and their feet sloshing through puddles.
The young man led her through the streets and ran into a coffee shop, both shaking themselves off as they stepped through the door.
Once they'd bought their pastries and drinks, they found a table and sat.
"Where to after this?" Iyzeka asked as she dug into her éclair.
He sighed and shook his head, mouth quirking. "Not sure. I'd say the museum again; I didn't get to look at everything."
—We'll search the rest of the areas,— he continued in his mind, —and with any luck we'll see the stone. Of course, then we have to figure out how to get the stone out of the museum, but we'll deal with that once we find it.—
—Are you sure we CAN find it?— the girl asked, gulping down the hot chocolate before her. "Aren't you gonna eat?"
"Yeah," the turquoise-haired teen answered, narrowing his eyes. —I hope we can. No . . .— his golden eyes hardened. —We'll find it.—
(-(-(-)-)-)
"You're still bruised," Filia sighed, pressing the icepack gently up to Xellos' cheeks. "I'm so, so sorry I did this to you."
"It's okay," the Mazoku sighed as he buttoned up his jet shirt and tried to smile up at her from where he sat at the dinner table. "Really, it'll heal."
The blonde tisked from where she stood above him and brushed some of his damp purple hair from his face. "Still . . ."
"Don't be sad," Xellos mock-frowned at her, then winked. "We're going to have the whole day to spend together, so you'd better get your spirits back up."
Filia nodded and went to get their coats from the hall closet. This is going to just get more and more odd, I guess. But . . . it's not that bad, she blushed, closing the closet door.
When she returned, Xellos was fully dressed, and he took the coat with a smile. "Okay, time to go out into that damned rain!" he announced happily, taking her arm.
"You're more awake," the blonde noted as they left the suite.
"Well," he glance down at her, "I can't exactly give us a good day to make up for last night if I'm falling asleep on my feet. I'll manage."
(-(-(-)-)-)
"What horrible weather for a Saturday," Val frowned as they wandered down the vast halls of the same museum they had visited the day before.
Iyzeka nodded, green eyes scanning the antique items in the display cases. Her black-cad legs swung back and fourth aimlessly as she trudged along. —Don't see anything like a stone yet . . .—
—I know, just keep looking.—
Valgaav shook his head and let a part of his mind mull over the recent situations while the rest of him studied the artifacts.
Zelas has the first fragment reinforcing the shield around Wolfpack Island, so if Telgaln were to find us, we'd have no way of defending ourselves. He smiled at the young demoness and her dedication to looking for the item, but his mouth felt tight.
I know it's somewhere in this city . . . I KNOW it. But where is it? Damn, I wish I could sense it with magic. Why on earth does it not have a magical signature? Everything else in the whole world hassomething for a magical signature . . .
Hmm . . . Thinking of magic brought his mind to the communication devices that Zelas had given them. Opening his jacket and running his hand under the collar of his t-shirt, he flipped open the heart locket and began to whisper. "Hey, Xellos," he spoke very softly, "can you hear me?"
There was a slight pause. "Yes," came the reply in his ear. "Your mother and I were just about to leave the hotel. What's up?"
"Just seeing if these things worked," he murmured lightly. "We're at the museum of cultural history, in the wings we didn't see yesterday."
"Alright. 'Call' if anything goes wrong," the demon returned.
"Okay." Val closed the locket at his chest and turned to glance at the maroon-haired girl. "What do you think?" he asked aloud.
She shrugged and rocked back on her heels then forward on her toes, her endowments swaying along beneath her tight, long-sleeved shirt. "Let's go to the rest of the cultural wings," the girl laughed at his spreading blush. "Okay, Val?"
With a gulp, he nodded, pulling his gaze from her enchanting green eyes. "Okay."
(-(-(-)-)-)
"I feel much better, now!" Xellos smirked as they entered the lobby hand in hand.
The dragoness beside him glanced up, her hand absently swinging the closed umbrella she held. "That's good." —You do seem more energized. Why?—
—Well,— he shyly admitted as he stopped to look out the windows at the downpour, —everyone is so upset about the storm that it gave me some power. Unfortunately, I'm not able to feed from positive emotions just yet, as Iyzeka can.—
Rolling her eyes, Filia bumped him with her hip and laughed as he glared at her. "So, are we just going to stand here?" —Too bad for you,— she giggled in his mind, enjoying the faint 'scent' of his evil that the link allowed her to feel past the magical broaches. —Though I had no idea she could do that. You do realize I'm going to use that against you?— she teased in his mind.
"Aaah," the violet-haired man smirked at her as he began buttoning up his trench-coat, "aren't we in a happy mood today? I'd almost think I was with Iyzeka instead of Veria," he winked. "Just looking at the weather, darling."
"Let's GO already," she tugged on his arm, azure eyes wide and eager.
"Okay, then," he raised his head, eyes closing haughtily, "if you insist!" With a swift bending of his knees, he grabbed her back and legs and lifted her up before him, laughing at her gasp. "This way you won't get too wet!" cried the demon as he headed out the door, "open the umbrella!"
"Xe-Zander!" she caught herself, swiftly raising the parasol and unfurling it as he thrust them out into the onslaught, "what on earth do you think you're doing?!"
Winking with a grin, he held her tighter in his arms and carefully ran down the sidewalk, avoiding the puddles. "Well . . . you're my wife and I can't have you getting your feet wet! The restaurant is nearby, don't worry! Anyway, it's not like horses would stand to be out in this weather, so we can't get a carriage! The thunder would spook them!"
Flushing, Filia leaned back against his chest, careful to keep the parasol over both their heads. "It's just . . . embarrassing."
—Oh, you know you like it,— he chided her joyfully.
—Maybe . . .— she hid her golden head under the lapel of his coat. —It IS awfully gallant of you.—
Xellos slowed at an intersection and stepped between the water-filled potholes, giving her a quick peck on the forehead. —Good, I'm glad it makes you happy.—
With a sigh, the dragoness settled deeper into his arms and closed her eyes, mentally holding tightly to his miasma before the sensation faded. —It does.—
(-(-(-)-)-)
"Good afternoon," Jieng nodded to them, readying his pen and paper in his hands. "Welcome to Café Lo Yuun. What can I get you today?"
The two lovers were holding hands and smiling at each other so sweetly that the young waiter was reminded of his first childhood romance.
Purple eyes flicking up to him, the man began, "How about the dinner for two, letter A."
"Alright," Jieng jotted it down.
Glancing at his pantsuit-garbed companion, the tourist asked, "So, what would you like, Veria?"
"What?" She stared at him, blue eyes shocked. "You're going to eat that all by yourself?" the woman blinked at him. "Zander . . . that's a lot of food."
Her companion's mouth twisted in thought and a faint blush rose to his cheeks. "I know, but for some reason I'm really hungry today. So, what do you want?"
Flushing slightly, the blonde woman squeezed the man's hand and admitted, "I forgot to look at the menu," her gaze flitting over the closed book before her.
The violet-haired gentleman chuckled at her and looked up at Jieng.
"I guess," his purple eyes scanned the menu on the table, "some Tai Chien Gai for Veria . . ."
Jieng beamed and said, "Good, and what can I get you to drink?" Shaking his head, the waiter told himself, Young newlyweds are so full of hope and joy. I hope they don't lose that.
—
Filia rested her chin on her free hand and watched Xellos as he ordered their drinks. In the air, a tinkling melody played, and the overhead lights glinted off of his silken hair as he turned back to face her. He looks so handsome in all black . . .
Smiling lightly, the priest winked and stretched his other arm across the table to take her hand in both of his. "What are you thinking about?"
"Can I lie?" she laughed lightly, dropping her eyes from his face to study the sleeves of her navy-blue pantsuit.
"If you want to." —But . . . do you?— he said in her mind, a calm curiosity resting there.
Under his intense gaze, the blonde felt herself warming quickly. "So, why are you so hungry?" she swiftly changed the subject.
Shrugging, he straightened, fingers rubbing her hand absently. "Not sure." —Actually, my energy is very low. This body is becoming closer and closer to true human norm the less and less I reinforce it with magic.—
The dragoness nodded, something else catching at her thoughts.
"What's wrong?" he asked aloud, amethyst eyes studying her somberly.
Shaking her head, Filia chuckled at herself. "Nothing. It's just . . ."
"Just what?" He gently cupped her hand between his, the warmth enveloping her fingers.
With a dip of her head, she blurted, "I'm just worried about Val."
"Veria!" Xellos laughed heartily, "why? Val is big enough to take care of himself, and damn smart, too. Hell," his tone soured though the glints in his human-looking eyes still danced merrily, "he managed to fool the both of us at that party."
Filia solidly gazed at him, sensing the apprehension tugging at the man as he brought up the tender subject, both knowing it echoed her own. "Yes, he certainly did do that . . . And we never got around to grounding him!" she exclaimed, remembering suddenly. "Darn it, I'll have to remember to do that when we return."
Nodding, Xellos countered, "Well, grounding is a good start, but I think he'll only learn by getting a taste of his own medicine."
"What do you mean?" she asked, raising her head as a steaming pot of tea was set onto the table by the young waiter. "Thank you," she added to the human.
"Well," Xellos chuckled and raised one hand from the table to take the teapot, "we have to humiliate him the way he did to us!"
The dragoness frowned in thought as he filled her cup. "I donno' . . . that's kind of mean to my baby . . ."
"Your 'baby'," snickered the priest, "pulled that whole little stunt at the party, remember?"
Face flooding scarlet, Filia dropped her golden head, gazing shamefully at their held hands. "Yeah." Quickly, she took her cup in her free hand and sipped the scalding brew as if to cover her feelings, but her other hand still clasped his.
"So," he tapped his lip with his index finger, "it has to be really bad, like maybe something to do with Iyzeka. We have to embarrass him in front of his 'girlfriend'!"
Nodding, the flaxen-haired woman sighed, azure eyes uncertain. "Okay. What would you suggest?"
With a naughty grin, he announced, "Why don't we sit them both down and give them 'the talk'?"
Filia blanched, spitting out her tea onto the red tablecloth, their hands still entwined. "The TALK?"
Rolling his eyes, Xellos dropped his arm to rest his free hand on the booth cushion beneath him. "Don't tell me you never thought to give him 'the talk'."
"Well, but . . ." Her mouth trembled slightly and she let go of his hand to take her cup in both her palms, lifting it to her lips. "I just thought they'd teach him sex-ed in high school."
The General-Priest frowned, then chuckled and raised his hands out, palm up. "Good thing I told him about it, then!"
"WHAT?!" Filia dropped her cup, sloshing tea over the edge as it landed upright. "When?"
Ignoring her cerulean glare as he leaned back, the demon peered up at the lamp above them in thought. "Hmm . . . we were in Ireland at the time, I believe."
"But . . . but Val was just a boy then!" she sputtered, eyes wide as she ran her fingers frantically though her golden locks. "How could you have told him then?!"
Xellos' brows rose. "Kids DO have sex at that age, you know, Veria. Even back then," he stressed.
Glowering at him, Filia crossed her arms. Jerk . . . only GIRLS had sex that young because they got married around the age of twelve to older men. It's not the same with Valgaav! And he had no right telling him about sex!
Giving her a glance, the purple-haired Mazoku sighed and attempted, "Come on, Veria. Don't be so angry."
"What did you tell him?" she demanded suddenly.
"Weeeell . . ." Xellos laughed and put a hand behind his head, then sipped at his tea nervously. "You know, the birds and the bees, the facts of life, how to find the G-spot—"
Her icy azure glare stopped him. "WHAT did you say?"
Before he could reply, the waiter appeared with a large tray. "Ma'am, Sir, here we are." He sat down the food before them, glancing warily between the two.
Filia waited until the server left, then began spooning rice onto her plate. "ZANDER, how could you have done that?" The Gods only know how he's damaged my poor baby!
Wrinkling his nose at her, the Mazoku sneered, "And who was going to tell him about how to do it, then? Not you." Expression smoothing, he added calmly as he began to eat, "And, come on. Would you rather he just have to experiment until he got it right, or learned the correct way to make women happy the first time?" The demon turned his attention back onto his meal.
A lurid blush flowed over her face and she quickly began to stir the food on her plate with her chopsticks. "But-but-"
"But, anyways," Xellos hastened to continue between bites, "getting back to what we'll do to embarrass the boy. There's not much else, you know."
Filia sighed, giving up. "I . . . I guess . . . I guess you're right." Wincing, she began to eat half-heartedly, then raised her head and peered at her companion.
"Wha?" Xellos paused, then returned to shoveling food into his mouth with the chopsticks.
"You ARE hungry!" exclaimed the dragoness. "Don't eat so fast or you'll make yourself sick!"
Frowning, he glared at his plates of food and swallowed, setting the chopsticks down. "You're right." Under the table, his foot brushed hers.—I never had this crazed urge to eat before. How can you mortals stand it? I mean, I sometimes felt a little hungry, but it's like there's a damn hole in my stomach!— Picking up his utensils again, he continued to eat.
—You're starting to eat like Lina and Goury,— she warned dryly.
Instantly, he stopped still and stared at her, then went back to his food, dining much more slowly. —That almost made me lose my appetite. Don't ever let me eat like that again, I wouldn't be able to retain my dignity!—
