Alright, time for another chapter. I'm disappointed, I only got 9 reviews on the last chapter! I appreciate every review that I get, and, yes, I love to know that you guys are still reading! ^_^ I've heard it said that one should never write for anyone other than themselves, but I feel like that's a rather selfish attitude. I'm glad that I'm creating something that so many people can enjoy.

Fortunately for Xellos (and those wealthy golfers) Filia isn't going to postal . . . today . . . ^_^ Nice to see you, Tiggs, Tamra. Glad to know that some guys are reading this, Tiggs. ^_^

Neko-Metallium, I'm ever so grateful that you went to so much trouble to leave a review! You're the greatest. ^_^ Of course, all of you who review are very sweet because you take the time to let me know that I'm making something you enjoy reading. ^_^ (hugs readers)

Beast Master Zelas: Well, at this rate it IS gonna be a book. LOL. I'd have to say I'm not sure when the first part will be done . . .maybe after 100 chapters. (falls over) As to Kendar, what you wrote was quite amusing, because Kendar is supposed to be creepy yet boring at the same time. He's not perfect, or that wonderful. He hates himself, thus he looks as worthless as he feels. And I don't suppose that he will ever be as noble or sane as Xellos is . . . not that Xellos is that sane or noble . . . eh heh . . . Anyhow, yeah, Kendar is far more screwed up than anyone else in the story so far. Besides Telgaln of course. ^_^

Tbris: Bearded iris? And I thought you were a girl! J/K, somehow I think you still are a girl. Sorry, I guess it just sounds like a female Vulcan's name. ^_^ T'bris. ^_^ In Star Trek, female Vulcans put a T in front of their names.

Akai: Thanks for letting me know you're still around. ^_^ And, sure, you can print it out! Anybody who wants to can. Also, don't worry if you don't know what to say. How about which part of the chapter you liked the most? ^_^ I liked the part where Xellos said everyone was going to die. LOL. Funny how something as normal as menstruating could scare HIM. ^_^

Angry Flagoon: Yea! You actually sat down to read it! (BIG HUGS) Not that you'll read this note until you're at this chapter . . . (sweatdrop)

Tiggy: Yep, there IS a Modern Day II going to be made. I've already written some of it when I've been feeling less like Xellos/Filia. Does this mean people will torment me to post up stuff from it? Maybe!

Anyhow, on to the story. This chapter has a few swear-words in it, so be forewarned. I decided to not rate it R, however, since it's not THAT bad IMO.

P.S. If you've seen Ranma 1/2 . . . well, nevermind.

yours,

Ukchana

Chapter 33



Hong Kong, China
June 9th, 2002

"I might as well go by myself," Filia told the receptionist as she took out another candy bar from her purse, "there's no point in waiting any further." The dragoness unwrapped the bar of processed sugar and began eating ravenously, hoping the chocolate would curb the moodiness flowing through her.
"Um," replied the woman uncertainly as she checked in another couple for tennis, "really, it will only be a few more minutes . . ."
A lean middle-aged Asian man stepped out of a door behind the counter just then, his long graying hair pulled back into a clasp. "Tan Chien, is there a problem?" He adjusted his thick glasses with one hand while the other smoothed his gray suit-coat.
"No, no," she smiled nervously, "it's just that the tour guide, um . . ." Her voice lowered, but Filia's inhuman hearing picked out, "He still hasn't shown up for work yet, sir . . ."
"Ah." The man beamed at Filia, his lined yet handsome face brightening. "Well," he said, lifting the counter-partition and walking through the opening out into the lobby, "I can give you a tour, then, Ma'am."
Filia took another bite and attempted to smile back, her nerves overly-frayed. "Thank you, however, you needn't trouble yourself . . . I originally wanted a tour just so I could familiarize myself, but . . ." I'm so tired of waiting, I don't think I could deal with another nauseatingly happy employee. She rolled her eyes and kept eating.
The taller man bent his head to look over his glasses at her, his aquamarine eyes reminding her of her son's hair. "I promise to give you a wonderful tour, Miss . . . ?" He held out his hand.
"Veria Mettler." With a sigh, the blonde took his offering with her free hand and they shook hands, his grip gentle but firm.
"Kiang Mu Tsu," he smiled winningly, releasing her hand. "I'm the director of the resort here, so you needn't worry that I'll get us lost," he chuckled.
Flushing slightly, Filia nodded, charmed by his easygoing nature and attractive veneer. "Oh, thank you for taking the time, then, but really, sir, it's not necessary . . . and it's already been a rather large waste of money for me . . ."
"Well then, we'll take care of that. Tan Chien," he said, looking back at the receptionist, "give her a full refund. How did you pay?" he asked Filia as the Asian woman gasped.
"C-credit card?" the dragoness attempted, amazed at his generosity.
"Very well, then," the man smiled. "Tan Chien?"
"Yes sir!" She hurriedly began typing on her computer.
"Now, how about that tour?" the Chinese man asked.
Eyes wide, the blonde pulled back a little, "Oh, no, you've already done so much!"
"Nonsense!" he exclaimed, already beginning to lead her away from the desk and towards one of the wide doorways out of the lobby. "All of our guests are important. Anyhow, I was getting tired of paperwork," he joked easily as he straightened his slate suit-jacket.
The dragoness smiled and followed him out into the sunlit courtyard, half-eaten candy bar still in hand. "Well, thank you, then," she flushed, studying the beautiful landscaping instead of looking up at him. I shouldn't be so affected by this human. I just met him, and it's not as if he's doing anything to flatter me. Okay, maybe giving me back my three-hundred dollars . . . nah . . .
Perplexed, she shook the feeling from her head and tried to dispel the growing attraction she felt for the resort director.
There is no way I'm going to act like some love-sick puppy, she told herself firmly. No way in Hell!

((()))

It had been a tough decision, but finally the fear of Telgaln's wrath had won over his own desires.
Kendar floated after Xellos, watching his actions and hoping the other Mazoku did nothing overt that would force him to inform Telgaln of his true identity. If he can just hold out a little longer . . . I know the children are doing most of the work to get the fragment. I certainly hope they can succeed in finding it before their cover is blown.
Bleakly, he dropped his brown head and sighed, then continued to stalk his ex-commander. Xellos, you'd better do what's good for you. I can't carry on this charade forever.

((()))

Iyzeka stuffed another pork-bun into her mouth and stared at the old woman. "Who are you?" she asked innocently, then gulped down some tea, almost spilling it onto her azure dress.
The tiny wrinkled crone smiled at her and smoothed her long silvery hair once with her hand. "Just an old woman, my dear. And who might you be?"
Val continued to stand, staring agape at the newcomer.
"I'm Iyzeka!" announced the girl as she continued to eat. "Did you know Val? He's awfully nice, isn't he?"
"Iyzeka!" Valgaav snapped, a bright blush blooming across his cheeks. "Um, listen, it's, it's nice seeing you again Honored Elder, but . . ."
Cackling, the ancient matron sat down with them and laid her staff across her lap, then waved over a waitress to give her a teacup. The laughter of other customers filled in the silence as she was given her tiny porcelain cup, and the young dragon was quick to pour her tea. "Thank you, Val. Now, don't worry so much. I know that things are . . . not always as they seem." Her sharp black eyes peered up at him, and Iyzeka blinked in confusion.
Could it be that the old woman knows why we're here? the Mazoku asked herself, then shook her maroon head. But how could she? She's only a human, I didn't think any humans still knew of the existence of our species.
Valgaav sat down in his seat again, his lean frame taunt and features a sickly ashen tone. "Please . . ." His eyes closed and his voice dropped to a whisper. "Be careful of what you say."
Lon did not reply, but sipped her tea and ate a sample of the Dim Sum laid out on the table. However, Iyzeka caught a glimpse of a bare nod of her silver head. "I heard you needed help . . . with Feng Shui."

((()))

"So, Sister," Xellos asked the woman seated beside him, "can I ask you a question?" The elation of all the fear and confusion he'd been causing the whole day thrummed through him like a drug.
The nun nodded politely and gave him a comforting smile. "Of course." She smoothed her black habit with one hand and waited patiently.
The hum and noise of the double-decker bus surrounded them, and the engine cycled down as they slowed and turned a corner.
Biting his lip, the Mazoku thought for a moment, then earnestly began. "Sister . . . does God forgive near-genocide?"
The woman blinked and opened her mouth, her fingers tightening on the bible held in her lap. "Um, well . . ."
Sensing her discomfort, the black-clad man hastened to ad, "It's a purely hypothetical question." Come on, say yes! If not, I'm screwed.
"Well," she frowned, "I'm not so sure . . ." Her eyes sought the sunlight streaming through the windows on the other side of the bus as if looking for an escape.
"What if," stated the purple-haired demon firmly, "the race you hypothetically committed near-genocide on had previously committed total genocide on a different race? Hypothetically. Does that make it okay? Does that mean you'd be forgiven?" He stared at her in tense anticipation.
Her blue eyes narrowed in dismay and she gaped and stuttered, "I, well, I know that . . . two wrongs don't make a right. If one asks forgiveness with true repentance in their hearts . . . but that's . . . well, I just don't know, young man."
A desperation erupted within him and he grabbed one of her hands, amethyst eyes begging. "C'mon, Sister! You don't know how much this could mean to that hypothetical person!"
Her shock and fear struck him as she stood up and said, "Um, I really must be going, this is my stop. Perhaps you should . . . seek answers elsewhere, child."
Absorbing her emotions like a sponge, the slender man watched as she hurried down the corridor and out one of the wide-open doors. With a hiss, the doors closed again and the double-decker bus continued on its way.
Xellos sighed, satisfaction and frustration struggling within him. That sure feels nice, but I still didn't find out anything. Oh well, if I go to Hell, then I guess I deserve it.
Glancing out the window, he spotted his street and rose from his seat to grab a nearby support pole. With the other hand, he pulled the stop chain, and the bus jerked as the engine changed gears and prepared to slow. Almost there. Just stay calm, Filia, I'll be back soon.

((()))

"This is the tennis court," Mu Tsu's voice echoed as he smiled, arms spread to encompass the huge chamber. Just as he turned to face her, the door to the court swung open, hitting him square in the face.
"Oh!" Filia cried as he bent over and moaned. "Are you alright?" She pulled the long-haired man over to the wall as the newcomers gasped and began to apologize. "Here, let me look at you, I'm a doctor."
Mu Tsu's aquamarine eyes teared up and his hands rose to pull off his glasses. "Oh, no," he moaned as he felt the shattered glass fall from his hands, "my glasses broke." He sat down heavily, overwhelmed.
Frowning, the dragoness gently touched the skin around his eyes. "But what about your face? It looks like you got cut a little."
"Is he alright?" the guest behind them asked nervously, her green eyes wide. "We're so sorry!"
The blonde doctor sighed and nodded. "Yes, he'll be okay. Come on, Mister Kiang, let me help you up."
The bewildered gentleman stood with her support, then blinked. "Well, my glasses are gone, but I can still give you the tour . . . I hope," he muttered softly, teal eyes narrowing in concern. He tossed back his long ponytail and straightened his shoulders, dusting off his gray suit-coat. "Come on, then," he said, walking out the door and ignoring the two gaping tennis players.
"But, Mister Kiang, don't you want the frames of your glasses?" Filia called after him, and began to run to catch up.

((()))

"I never realized your staff was also a pogo stick," Valgaav commented uncertainly as he watched Lon hop down the busy street next to them, the sunlight bright on their heads. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his blue jeans and tried to hide from the curious stares of passerby.
"It wasn't, but I got a new one when I realized it would save time and energy on my part," the old woman growled, long alabaster hair dancing as she bounded on her cane-pogo stick.
The little demoness beside him squealed in jealousy and began to jump up and down, sundress flapping in her movements. "I want one too!" she cried, then gazed up at Val with large emerald eyes. "Please?"
"No, we have a lot of work to do," the tall teen snapped, then glared at the pogoing witch who hopped in place, waiting for them. "Now listen, Elder, where are we going?"
"There are many spots in town," she said, raising one hand from her pogo stick to puff on the long cigarette holder in her mouth. Deep gray plumes of smoke flitted around the bouncing woman as she smiled her wrinkled mouth. "We'll have to go to all of them to see which one is the most powerful."
Rolling his eyes, Val continued walking down the narrow streets, wiping sweat from his brow and scowling. This is ridiculous, I'm surrounded by crazy people. I sure hope things are going better for Mom . . .

((()))

"Thank you," Xellos said to the manager and handed him his credit card. "I'll be waiting here, just come and let me know when you're done."
"Yes sir!" the balding man nodded excitedly and sped-walked away.
"Hmm . . ." sighing, the violet-haired Mazoku frowned and rubbed his chin with one hand. "This is pretty boring . . ."
Suddenly, a yipping noise interrupted his musings, and a tiny dog came barreling down the aisles of the grocery store, a young boy chasing after it. The boy, red-haired and freckled, grabbed the mongrel and skidded to a stop in front of the demon.
"Why, hello there," Xellos smiled, a slight glint in his eye.
The child's mouth opened, then he replied, dog wriggling in his arms, "Hi."
"What kind of dog do you have there?" asked the 'businessman'.
"A Chihuahua," squeaked the boy, holding the yipping monstrosity close to his little chest. Its vicious miniature teeth snapped in the air at Xellos.
"Ah," the General Priest nodded sagely, then lifted one slender finger to the boy. "Do you know what those types of dogs were originally bred for?"
"They put breading on the dogs?" the little boy asked, blinking his large turquoise eyes.
Mouth tightening, Xellos shook his head. "No. They made that kind of dog to be something special. That tiny, with his sharp teeth and short hair and violent nature."
The boy's face fell as Xellos' voice dropped darkly to a dull whisper.
"The lords from Spain," his low words sent shivers down the child's back, "would take prisoners of war, and torture them. The torture was to eviscerate the prisoners - which is to cut open their stomachs until their intestines pour out of the open hole - and shove in one of those tiny dogs. They would then sew up the prisoner's stomach, leaving the nasty little beast inside of their body."
Face pale and green, the child began to back away slowly. "But . . . but Bubbles wouldn't let anyone put him in someone's tummy . . ."
"Then," Xellos leaned down further to look deep into the kid's wide eyes, "the dog . . . would eat its way out as the prisoner screamed in pain. The man would die horribly after the dog feasted upon his insides."
"Ahhhhh!!" Screaming in horror, the child turned and ran, crying, "Mommy! MOMMY!!!"
Dusting off his hands, the black-clad Mazoku straightened and shook his head. "Kids just aren't being taught enough about historical events and practices these days. How shameful."

((()))

"And here is the tea garden," Mu Tsu said, stepping out into the bright sunlight.
"But, this is a helicopter landing pad," Filia said, softly, frowning as she looked at the middle-aged Chinese man. "Are you sure you're alright?"
Laughing nervously, he put his hand on the back of his head and closed his eyes. "Um, yes, whatever do you mean?" Turning away, he bumped into a bush and blinked in surprise, his aquamarine eyes bright and luminous to see now that he wore no glasses. "Oh, Miss Jiong, what are you doing here? That's a very nice dress you have on, by the way."
The blonde behind him scratched her head, then tugged on her long golden hair in frustration. "Mister Kiang, that's a rose bush!"
"Oh," he chuckled again, rubbing his forehead nervously. "So it is!"
Groaning, Filia covered her face with her hands. "Oh, this is going to be a long day."

((()))

"Why are we stopping here?" Iyzeka asked curiously as they stood in front of the Ramen shop.
The old woman puffed on her cigarette once more, then nodded with certainty. "Yes, of course," she muttered to herself.
What a strange old woman, the demoness mused tugging on her dress with one hand while she considered whether to put back on the large dragon head in her other arm. "So, um . . . why are we here again?"
"Yeah, Elder Lon," Val stressed, voice a bit strained and saffron eyes narrowed. "Is there a point to this? Is this one of the powerful sources of Chi?"
"Of course not," the old hag said suddenly, and hopped forward on her pogo stick. "But they have the best Ramen in Hong Kong."

((()))

Kendar shook his head as he watched Xellos' departure, and just sat on the roof of the warehouse. He is not making this easy on me, he said to himself with a tiresome groan. How can he go around tormenting people and not think someone might notice? I'm just surprised no one has by now.
Unfortunately, it was certainly a sign that he was Mazoku. With a glare tossed back in the direction the General Priest had left, the brown-haired demon disappeared, wondering how he could forestall speaking to Telgaln for a few more hours.
I should see how the children are doing in locating the stone. Then, I must speak to Telgaln about this . . . eventually.

((()))

"And this is the spa entrance," Mu Tsu continued cheerily as he ran into a door, then rubbed his bare face. "Oh . . ."
"Um," Filia hesitantly pointed out carefully, her cerulean eyes uncertain, "I think this is your office . . . the spa is downstairs, I believe."
His secretary watched them unamused as they entered the small waiting area for the director. The flaxen-haired dragoness sighed as Mu Tsu stumbled over to the Asian secretary's desk, his hands catching the corners. "Oh, my head hurts," the long-haired man complained.
The phone rang, and the woman at the desk shook her head and answered it. "Director Kiang's office. Oh, hello Missus Kiang. Yes, just a moment." She put the phone on hold and looked up at the two of them. "Sir, that's your wife. She wanted to talk to you."
Filia blinked as Mu Tsu shot up straight, then turned to the dragoness and said, "If you'll excuse me, I have to take this call. Just wait a moment, alright?"
The slender woman shrugged and folded her arms, then blushed slightly as she remembered how scantily clad she was dressed. Looking away from her tight red blouse, she watched the gray-clad man enter his office behind the secretary and pick up the phone as he closed the door. With a sigh, Filia sat down in a plush chair and waited.
Through the windows, she could see him talking with a large grin on his face, and recognized the obvious signs of someone deeply in love. The black-haired middle-aged man practically cradled the phone to his cheek, his sea-green eyes sparkling with happiness as he listened. Even at one point when he frowned in concern, the dark expression lasted only a moment, and then was over.
Filia found herself flushing with a spark of anger, and in surprise, she glanced down at her lap, one hand rising to twirl a lock of golden hair. I'm jealous. She studied her emotions, then guiltily agreed that it had to be true. I . . . I wish someone was so happy to speak to ME, she told herself, a pall of sorrow washing across her and making a thick lump coalesce in her stomach. Frowning at herself, she pulled out another chocolate bar and ripped open the wrapper.
In the office, Mu Tsu nodded and smiled after a moment, then hung up the phone. With a final glance around his office, he put his hand on the desk, then started slowly in the general direction of the door.
Raising her golden head from her snack, Filia peered in bemusement through the blinds of Mu Tsu's office as he reached blindly for the doorknob, then moved to the right a few inches and tried again. Finally, he seemed to have gotten it, for the door swung open and he came striding out joyfully.
The blonde rose to her feet, then gasped as the tall Asian man stumbled into the desk and spoke to it, "Oh, Missus Mettler! Are you alright? Why are you on the floor?"
His secretary rolled her dark eyes and continued to file her nails.
"Um," Filia hesitantly began from where she stood off to the side, "I'm over here, Mister Kiang. Maybe you should take the day off, or something, you seem a bit . . . troubled." She absently ate her candy bar while staring at him.
"Oh, no!" he beamed, his aquamarine eyes sparkling as he turned and turned to a nearby azure vase on a table. "I'm fine! My, that blue looks very nice on you. I didn't know I'd been in there on the phone that long, but the new blouse is very pretty."
Frowning, Filia watched as he complimented the porcelain piece, then looked down at herself and noted her blatant red blouse. "No, turn to your left." He did as she said, a bewildered expression crossing his smooth face, until finally he was facing her. "There," Filia forced a smile while her fingers itched to curl into fists. I know he's just blind as a bat, but, Gods, is he making me angry!
"Oh!" Bursting into jittery laughter, he cupped the back of his head and blushed. "Yes, my apologies."
"But, truthfully," the fair dragoness continued, a strange frustration rolling over her and threatening to explode, "if you received a phone call that's important, you should feel free to do whatever's needed. You don't have to continue our tour." Please, don't continue our tour, she begged, uncertain if her frayed nerves could handle it even with the chocolate.
"Oh, no, no!" Mu Tsu was quick to dissuade her, hands waving in front of him. "That was just my wife, calling to tell me that she was going home from work early. Somehow it flooded so they closed early for repairs." His eyes became wide and lipid as he gazed off into space. "She's so beautiful . . ."
"Where does she work?" Filia asked in an attempt to remain civil, though she was seriously considering just running off and letting him continue to think she was . . . well, whatever piece of furniture or nick-knack he started calling "Missus Mettler" next.
Mu Tsu sat down heavily near a chair and ended up on the floor. "Oh, she works at the museum. She's just lovely," his gaze became even more hazy, a rosy flush crossing his features, "with the most vibrant violet-blue hair and such large amber eyes. Men used to just follow her around, begging her to let them marry her . . . I'll never know why she picked me . . ."
Filia rolled her eyes and glared out the window. Yeah, neither will I. Gone were all previous thoughts of how handsome and witty he was.

((()))

"What is that?" Val asked pointedly, his tone hard and cold.
They stood outside of a department store in the alley, where Lon was busy poking through the trash and studying the sky above.
Iyzeka looked up sadly at his harsh words, and cradled the piece of metal to her chest. She leaned against the brick wall and kicked an empty plastic bottle back into the piles of refuse. "A spigot."
With a sigh, the young dragon glared down at her. "Where did you get it?"
She frowned. "The wall."
"WHAT wall!?" His jaw was beginning to tighten, saffron eyes narrowing in anger.
"The wall of the museum," the brunette cowered, wincing in expectation of his eruption.
"WHAT?!" Gaping, Valgaav shoved his fingers through his spiky teal hair and began to pace back and forth down the alleyway. "WHY?!"
Exhaling sorrowfully, the little demoness gazed down at the iron spigot. "It's a souvenir."

((()))

Wolfpack Island
June 9th, 2002

Blowing a ring of smoke from her full scarlet lips, Zelas leaned back in her throne and kicked up her pointed toes to cross her legs sensually. "So, who's next then . . ." A bored girl's got to do what she can to keep entertained . . . Looking down at her clipboard, she read off the name. "Hmm, Semish Harnold . . . prisoner 347 at Georginia State Penitentiary." She snapped her slender fingers-
-and a bulky, tall man in an orange uniform appeared on the ivory marbled floor, his shaved head jerking from side to side as he stared around him. "Hey! Where the hell!" His cold blue eyes settled on the woman above him on the dais, and he growled, "Hey, who the hell are you and what the fuck did you do?"
"My, my," the bubblegum-haired woman tisked. "Such language. Now, you're here in my . . . kingdom, Mister Harnold. According to your records," the busty matriarch glanced down at the clipboard, "you . . ." her lips twisted in disgust, "were convicted with first degree criminal penetration." His features were blank in confusion, and Zelas rolled her eyes and threw up her hands. "You raped a girl."
A sneer of understanding flooded his blocky features and he snorted gleefully. "Yeah, so what? And now I sit and pump iron while I watch satellite television and eat ice-cream." His mouth split into a wide grin. "Some punishment for the fun I had!" Guffawing, Semish smirked at her. "What'cha gonna do about it, bitch?"
Her slim brows rose as a cool stare pinned him in place. "It also says here that you continued your . . . despicable treatment of other human beings after being incarcerated. So I guess all I can ask you is . . . How would you like to know what rape feels like, Mister Harnold?"
On cue, a gigantic male Ogre appeared in the doorway, a grim smile on its face. The inmate gasped to see the inhuman creature, and as its ten foot tall form began marching forward, he turned to run . . . but found himself held in place as if a statue.
"No!" Semish screamed, "no! You can't do this! You CAN'T! I've got a lawyer," he cried as the Ogre grabbed him, and she released the hold, "he'll make sure you never see the light of day!"
Her laughter began as a jingling bell as he was carried, kicking and hollering, out of the audience chamber, but soon the light chuckles rose to a maniacal bellow. "NO, MISTER HARNOLD!" she called after him, face flushed as her cackles echoed off the walls of the marble chamber. "IT IS YOU WHO WILL BE LUCKY TO EVER SEE FREEDOM AGAIN!"

((()))

Hong Kong, China
June 9th, 2002

Filia sighed and looked out across the sea of green, the azure sky above clear and brushed with the barest smudges of ivory. With a shake of her head, she continued walking to the next hole and listened half-heartedly to her companion. Behind them, a tiny Asian teenager carried their golf-bags in his arms and kept his head down.
"We met when we were both very young," Mu Tsu was babbling, his voice soft and eyes far away on the distant mountains. "She was so beautiful . . ."
The blonde rolled her eyes and continued strolling towards the next ridge. Golfing is STILL boring, she told herself, remembering similar outings with colleagues from the hospitals she worked at. It had been interesting to talk with them; that was really the only reason she went along.
Giving Mu Tsu a frustrated glare, Filia turned her eyes heavenward and wondered where Xellos had gone. With the director going on and on about his wife, this is going to be a long day.
As she breathed deeply of the fresh air and tried to appreciate the outdoors, the dragoness realized she could hear a faint strumming in the air. As time passed and she trudged up the grassy slope, it became a low, swift thumping, and her head rose to glance into the sky.
Filia continued to walk, the breeze billowing her long blonde hair out behind her as she let the director talk about his romance.
After a few moments, Mu Tsu broke off from a story about his wife and him in high school and looked around also. "Is that a helicopter?"
"Yep," the saffron-haired dragoness tried to smile, but failed. "You have a landing pad, they're probably heading for it."
"But," his teal eyes narrowed and he scratched his head and turned to look back at the resort, "I haven't approved any aerial landings today."
They stopped and Filia searched the sky until she found a black dot that slowly grew into a familiar shape. "There it is," she pointed, and the director and the caddy turned and followed her arm into the horizon. "It's headed this way."
The dragoness' eyes widened as she took a closer look at the swiftly approaching 'copter. "It's . . . headed . . . right FOR US!"