Okay, time for another chapter! First of all, I want to say "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all of you out there. As a V-day gift to you all, I'll be posting up the chapter after this one in one week, instead of in four weeks. (hugs readers)
Now on to answering reviews. Jee, there sure were a lot! Please read the replies to reviews, btw, since I think a lot of good stuff was brought up and discussed.
Jadelitfireflies: I'm not talking. Lol, you'll find out who's in the 'copter this chapter. Though I'm not sure what you want to quote – but whatever it is, go right ahead! LOL. And I agree, I don't think Xel would go to hell, since he's just extra hard on himself and is definitely less evil than he THINKS he is. LOL, unfortunately, he has been something of a sadist, but he was brought up in a society that taught that to be right, so he shouldn't be blamed in my opinion. I like your rambling, by the way, and if anyone else wants to ramble, go right ahead!
Shahrezad: Well . . . (hand on back of neck) Heh, Mu Tsu and Xian Pu got together because everyone else got together too. LOL. Anyway, I always saw them together. And, no, Xellos can't stop being immature because it hides the tortured soul within. ^_^ There, that should brighten your day!
Akai: you're not the only one to believe the last chapter was boring/slow moving, etc. Unfortunately, it leads up to a lot, as does this chapter . . .and the next . . .let's just say this is the longest day in character that I've written so far, I believe. And you will have more Xellos. The last chapter was pretty much Filia time.
Tiggs: Hah! Name-checked you again! Glad to see you're still along for the ride!
Grace: WHEE!! You yet remain in the land of the living! That's okay, everyone's been busy. I'm glad you still are reading and liking it. Lon IS great, she's funny ashell. Xellos stressed? Definitely. It's not something he's used to being. LOL. I LOVE LITTLE NICKY! The best Adam Sandler movie in my opinion. (hugs Grace)
Neko-Metallium: Yes, Xellos was rather cruel, and Val is annoyed because he wants everyone to be just as serious as he is and also just as laid back, because he's picky and dorky. ^_^ That one day when X & F get together? (glances around . . .) No time soon I'm afraid! (SOB!!)
Beast Master Zelas: Sorry about that, Your Highness. But you'll get more screen-time shortly. And, yes, chihauhuas (according to my high school history teacher, anyhow) were, in fact, bred for torture. Scary, isn't it? Explains a lot . . . Humble? You? No need! ^_^
Nightfall Rising: Hello again! Glad that you like my version of Mazoku, they're a bit bipolar on occasion but that makes them all the more enjoyable! I will hasten to avoid making Val appear as a Marty Stu, though exposition is sometimes necessary (as in the last chapter). Filia, a fetish for Beastmasters? I guess you could call it that, but any other Mazoku in his position would never get the attention. ^_^
SithKnight Galen: Well, I'm certain that Nabiki and Kuno are off running an empire somewhere, and Akane and Ranma are having children and beating the crap out of their students, and who even knows where Ryouga and Ukyou (myself ;-)) are. Amelia? Yeah, I tend to not think about it too much, it hurts right *here*. No, really, I hated making Amelia like that but something had to pull the group apart for this to work right. Zel is, unfortunately, not immortal I will admit. LOL, him as Telgaln? (which is pronounced "tel-gallon" basically) I can't imagine him wanting to live underwater in such a putrid area. Lol, otherwise, I guess it wouldn't be too out of character after 700 years! As to Ryouga, I was considering putting him in . . . I'm not sure though. Keep an eye out for more cameos!
Tamra: Thanks, Tams! I appreciate the support! Would you like to buy a bumper-sticker to support the effort? J/K. ^_^
Clover: Hey, Heth, I couldn't help the souvenir joke. ^_^ I love that. "Bubbles-style". LOLOL. Yes, Xellos would be proud. Of the dog, for scaring you! HA!
Bob: Well, the stone could have certainly helped out I suppose. My fans are so creative! Thanks for your review, I don't' recall seeing you before but I could be wrong.
Dragonet: As to Zelas tormenting rapists, she was, of course, bored. It gets boring when you can't leave your island because a big, bad, evil and strong meanie might crush you. Actually, it was to show something far more subtle: The fact that though she has evil tendancies, she's trying to be a good person. (shrug) If anything, Xellos is more evil. Sorry if you didn't enjoy it, but thanks for the review anyhow!
One and many: Another emotionally-mature fan! Whee! Thanks, and I hope it fits together because I'm so anal that if it didn't I'd go postal on myself. Lol.
Carla, darling! Your review had to be the brightest thing in my life over the month! It was a joy to meet you. I'm sorry you cried yet I'm glad, because that scene with Val and Xellos was very important for both the characters and for myself. I feel that it's despicable to write the characters OOC and it's a disservice to them to do so. I can't bring myself to do that, so unfortunately, a lot of pain and suffering ends up hurting them. (pout) Poor things. Iyzeka is definitely pure chaos. I still can't get over the fact that your parents are like Xellos and Filia. Scary! Also, of course, glad that you didn't' think Zelas was hitting on Val. (Though she DID hit on Filia . . . not that anyone noticed!) As to Xellos being a slut . . . It's not my fault! LOL. Please don't be like CEP and eat your nails. ^_^
Dreaming One: Enjoyed your reviews, but not sure how Xellos is too soft after 700 years, or how the story is too fluffy. Do you mean that Xellos is acting too nice? If so, I want to bring your attention to the use of "acting" in the previous sentence, LOL. ^_^ He is most definitely silk-covered steel. He will get a lot meaner fairly soon. And, look again, because there is no way Xellos COULD become human. He has no physical form. If that body died, he'd be perfectly fine. Making him human would be like turning oil into water. You'd need a damn big molecular converter! LOL. As to the love of ridiculousness, like I said, it's covering his tarnished insides. ^_^ Ah, another complaint, that it's too slow. Not the first, nor the last. As to dragging, well, the chars aren't exactly the "rush in all at once" that they used to be. And Lina isn't even there! As to slow, like I said, this whole day IC has really taken a long time. It's a very important time. After this day, things will speed up.
Angry Flagoon: Someday you'll get far enough along to read this reply! Lack of female nudity? Come on, honey, you just haven't read far enough yet! Glad you're still reading . . . and escaping eternal punishment at my hands! BWA HA HA . . . ahem. Go read more. I know where you live.
MDF: Hey, there. ^_^ I'm trying to write, give me a break! LOL. You make your website, and I'll write. LOL
Okay, all done! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and sorry if it drags as well. PS: don't forget! XELLOS CAN NOT AND NEVER WILL BE A HUMAN! ^_^ Use, rinse, and repeat!
Ukchana
Hong Kong, China
June 9th, 2002
"Alright," Lon pointed with her pogo staff into the air, "that building over there is one center for Chi in this area. They've been very prosperous because they built their corporation in that location."
Val gazed out over the blooming towers and skyscrapers to peer at the looming visage of a silver spire shooting out above all the rest, piercing the sky above them. "Okay," his cool baritone voice began as he turned to look back at the little girl beside him, "what are we waiting for, then?"
To his chagrin, the tiny redhead stood before yet another kiosk, her arms full of candy and chocolates. "I'm hungry, can you buy these for me?" Batting her eyelashes cutely, she widened her emerald eyes and wheedled, "Pleeeease?"
Her long saffron hair whipped around in the gale of the helicopter and she covered her ears against the thick WHOOF as the blades sliced through the air, her heart thudding in abject fear of the several-ton sable monstrosity directly above her.
"Why is it here?" Mu Tsu called over the roar, his black locks tossing around his slim features as he clutched the grassy lawn. Behind them, the caddy dropped the golf bag and began running from the hovering machine, squealing in terror.
Filia shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut as the aircraft began to lower itself, leaves and debris thudding against her body. "I don't know!" her yell was swallowed by the violent wind as the machine landed. Shielding her face with a forearm, she winced at the high-pitched squeal of the engines shutting down. What on earth is going on? This looks like a military model, though it's rather old and without the heavy-armaments.
The trill slowly lowered to a treble then base thrum, and finally became silent, the blades above still cutting the air at a leisurely pace. The old, black-painted door opened on the pilot's side, and Filia raised her blonde head from the ground to peer at the ebony-suited figure that stepped out and began slowly walking towards them. The tall frame and wide shoulders marked the person a man, though a helmet, goggles and air-mask completely covered his head and face from view.
With measured, ponderous movements, the young woman rose to her feet, Mu Tsu stepping before her with a stoic look in his eyes. "You should go back to the resort, Ma'am," he told her, blind teal gaze somehow caught directly on the stranger in black, and hands raising in a defensive position.
Filia folded her arms across her scarlet blouse and began to speak, when a wheezing laugh interrupted her and she turned to stare at the flight-suited man.
"She's not going anywhere," the hollow-sounding voice stated firmly from a few yards away. It was so distorted from the air-mask that it hardly sounded human. "Miss Mettler is coming with me."
"If this is not a child of Zelas," Kendar sighed tiredly, "I cannot say what is."
Before him, on the material plane, the little maroon-haired sprite was hanging upside-down by her knees on the second-story railing within what the signs deemed the Yang-Yi Tower. Laughing and waving her hands at the human patrons and businessmen, she completely ignored the pleas above her.
"Iyzeka!" the tall, sea-haired boy vented, fists clenched, "get back up here RIGHT NOW!"
The miniscule old woman shook her head and chuckled, but did little. "Oh, she'll come up when she pleases," her low, guttural voice told him, and then she turned away. The ancient human was suspicious, Kendar decided, but he was content to merely watch.
With another giggle, the Iyzeka girl cried out, "Hey, there's money down there! I can get a soda!"
The boy turned back and snarled, "That's the fountain, people throw coins in there to make wishes, you CANNOT take the money!"
"Unfortunately," continued the hag, "if it weren't for that fountain, this would be the most powerful source of Chi in all of Hong Kong. The fountain destroys the perfect ebb and flow."
Ignoring her, Valgaav glared down at Iyzeka and added, "Oh, we're leaving, by the way, so you'd better come up or you'll be stuck here all alone. Got it?"
In the astral plane, the brown-haired Mazoku covered his face with a hand and sighed. "The children aren't much better than the adults."
Filia stared up at the raven-clad stranger, blood thrumming through her veins. "What do you want with me?" She felt a strange warmth flooding her body and tingles of electricity.
Suddenly the dark-haired man at her side was tossing off his gray suit-coat and flinging it to the ground, revealing the ivory dress-shirt beneath. "Not so fast," Mu Tsu stated, and with a swift slide of his feet into an offensive stance, he spread his arms to block access to her, deep aquamarine eyes locked on the interloper. "You'd better leave and not even think about kidnapping any of my customers, Sir."
The pilot slowly stepped forward, still a few dozen feet from them, then leisurely raised an arm and moved his hand behind his back in an extremely indicative way. "I'm afraid," the man's muffled voice spoke as he withdrew a jet-black pistol, "that you have no choice." The barrel of the gun pointed directly at the director's head.
Mu Tsu growled low and spat, "Coward. Using a gun is only for the weak." Lips curling, he swept his hands forward in a pinwheel and assumed a ready guard position with both hands open and straight. "Why not fight me like a true man, if you believe yourself to be one." The wind tossed his long, ebony pony-tail as silence fell across the course.
The helmeted man's snort broke the quiet. "A fight over a woman?" His breath came in rasps through the mask. "I suppose it's only customary. Why not, we'll follow your quaint tradition." With that, he returned the gun to the back-holster and chuckled as his arms dropped to hang loosely at his sides, body slack and relaxed.
An odd tightness filled Filia's chest as the two men prepared to battle over her, and she shook and clutched her arms tightly across her chest. She knew a gun could possibly kill her if she were shot while in human form. While her musculature was so firm that any bullets but hollow points would simply lodge in her skin, at close enough range . . . She shivered again. If he shot me in the head, at point-blank range, I . . . I'm not sure that my skull would be able to stop the bullet.
Azure eyes taking in the still forms of the duo, her mouth became dry, a sudden thought fleeting through her mind. Oh, Xellos. Her gaze rose to search the blue sky sorrowfully. I hope I live long enough to see your face again. Just once. And my poor son . . . I hope I survive this, I still want to see you get married!
Her eyes squeezed shut and she waited for the inevitable, knowing that she must not join the fight . . . or else they would surely be discovered by Telgaln.
Mu Tsu struggled to keep any emotions from his features as he studied the loose stance of his opponent. Never in all of his years had he come across someone with such a relaxed martial form; already he could tell this from the precise, yet languid way the man held his shoulders and hips.
I have to test his abilities without angering him, the Asian man realized as his eyes almost imperceptibly narrowed. He swallowed against his racing pulse, the air burning through his lungs as he breathed deeply. If he is incompetent, I could easily knock away the gun with my own weapons. However, if he's skilled, then I can't risk him using his gun if I fail to disarm him.
The breeze grew and tossed his long hair around his face as he gazed at the masked intruder. He would test his martial prowess in a simple yet elegant way, Mu Tsu decided, reveling in the adrenalin rush of anticipated battle.
Across from him, the black-clad figure still did not move, and Mu Tsu knew he was waiting for him to act first, since he had been the one to issue the challenge. With a slow, sweeping movement, Mu Tsu dropped his hands until his open palms faced the opposing forearms in front of his chest, the inner wrists touching in a lotus. His gaze hardened on the man and watched him steadily.
Almost immediately, the dark man's feet shifted slightly to ready for an attack, and Mu Tsu suppressed his disappointment. He knows the moves; he knows that the lotus is a prelude to a strike. In that case, there was no way Mu Tsu could risk Miss Veria.
I'll do exactly what he expects, to lull him into a false sense of security.
With a sour grin, Mu Tsu's brows rose, and he finally spoke. "Let's get on with it, then."
He moved forward swiftly and spun the lotus, shoving the flat of his hands up at the black figure's masked face; but, of course, the enemy had expected it and spun clockwise, the strike flowing past him as he reached to chop the side of his hand against Mu Tsu's exposed back.
Mu Tsu rolled forward, avoiding the heavy blow meant for his spine, and came up from the tumble into a cautious guard facing his opponent, ivory shirt billowing.
The dark man immediately came at him with a sudden wave of his hands, but Mu Tsu parried the firm blow with his arms as he lifted one foot to lash out with a rising heron kick, connecting soundly with the man's chest.
The black-cloaked figure stumbled back as Miss Veria cried out, but Mu Tsu couldn't spare a glance behind him, even though his aquamarine eyes narrowed in confusion. Why would she be worried for her kidnapper?
For his part, the sable man dusted himself off silently, yet returned to the loose fighting style. Shaking his head almost imperceptibly, the Asian man wondered at his adversary. I've never seen such a relaxed stance, yet his attacks seem to be a mix of the dragon and mantis styles of Kung Fu.
He could see, now, that a full-out attack was in order. But first, of course, he had to give the man a chance to save himself.
Filia watched in awe and fear as the two men stood in silence once more, each obviously sizing the other up after Mu Tsu's hit. For some reason her heart was going out to the mysterious man who had come to abduct her . . . No, no, the blonde firmly shoved the emotions down, that's just your hormones acting crazy because of your period, stupid. You felt the same way about Director Kiang before he started acting like an idiot.
With a sigh, her glance returned to the Chinese man, and she blinked with worry at the firm expression filling his turquoise eyes. The wind picked up again, throwing his long, ebony pony-tail into the air.
Finally, the middle-aged director tossed his head back. "If you want to continue to live, I suggest you give up. While you have skill, I don't think you've studied for quite as long or hard as I have."
The man seemed to be considering this in his silence, then he leisurely swept one foot around and forward, and spoke. "I'm not leaving without Veria."
Filia's mouth fell open and the wind roared across the green, the hot summer sky above beating down on them with renewed fury.
Before she could react in any way, Mu Tsu lashed out with sudden viciousness, the dark man leaping away, and the two left the blonde to stare as they spun and struck in a furious blur. She clutched her hands together as the ebony-clad man fell to his knees again, Mu Tsu's wrath pressing him back, then suddenly he was flung across the grass in another brutal swing.
With a moan, Filia wrung her hands as her would-be abductor rolled out of the way of a sweeping attack aimed at his head, then desperately evaded the following dozens of blows aimed at him from where he lay upon the ground. Her aqua eyes tightened and the cool breeze sent a shiver down her back even as the bitter sun burned across her skin.
I shouldn't PITY him! she lectured herself derisively. He's threatened my life and who knows what he intends to do with me!
But somehow, in the stranger's silent acceptance of the blows, in his stoic perseverance even against an obviously superior foe, he had earned her compassion.
Suddenly, the helmeted man rolled to his feet and flung himself at Mu Tsu, his unbelievably rapid strikes forcing the director back along a shallow dip in the green. Tenuously keeping his balance, the Chinese man spun, hair flowing as he whipped his arms around, and announced, "You just don't know when it is best for you to quit!" Mu Tsu's twirling ended in a firm thrust of his hands towards the black-clad man, and he yelled, "JÍFËNG ZHÈN!"
Brilliant light sprung from his hands, throwing the stranger many yards back in a roar of ivory flame, and Filia pin-wheeled away in shock. "You know magic?" she faltered, eyes wide.
Mu Tsu shrugged and gave her a little smile, then glanced over at the dark man lying on the ground. The dragoness' eyes followed his, and frowned to see the black-clad man lying motionless on the green. "Oh no!" her instincts flared and she rushed down the slope towards him.
As she approached, a crease marred her forehead. Her abductor's helmet was cracked slightly, the breath-mask missing, and he began to stir as they reached him. Slowly, the dark figure sat up, one hand reaching to touch the scarlet liquid flowing down his chin. In a fluid movement, the separate pieces of the mask began to collapse, almost fluttering to the ground like leaves . . . and the man glanced up at Filia, face scratched and bloodied.
The blonde's lips parted, then she sputtered, "Xe-ZANDER?!"
Wincing, Xellos' pained violet eyes gazed back at her and he spit out blood onto the grass, folding his legs under him. "Yeah." He wiped at his blood-covered face and tisked at the remnants on his ebony-gloved hands. "Yuck. I'm bleeding. Again. How distasteful."
Mu Tsu stepped up hesitantly. "You . . . know him?" His turquoise eyes widened in nervousness and he wiped his brow of sweat.
"Yes," the woman answered with a growl, glaring down at the demon. "Bleeding, eh? Well, how would you like to bleed MORE?" Her hands rose, fingers flexing as she began stepping closer, the breeze tossing her long golden hair.
The Mazoku swiftly stood and began backing away down the incline. "V-Veria!" he chuckled, one hand on the back of his purple head and the other waving in front of him, "come on, it was just a joke! You know!"
Her lips trembled as she peered down at him, loose waves of gold billowing behind her. "You . . . you . . . I was worried about you!" she cried, suddenly launching herself down at him, tears bursting from her eyes as he ducked out of her grasp. "I was sad because I thought I'd never see you again, that I would be killed before I could!"
Xellos stared at her as he dodged her grabs nervously. "Don't cry!"
Sobbing, Filia ran after him as he darted in circles. "Why not! You jerk!" The blonde grabbed a golf club as she darted past the abandoned golf-bag and lifted it to rush him.
"Come on, I was just trying to have some fun with you," he spun away from her swing, violet hair flashing in the sun. "Veria! Put down the golf club!"
Mu Tsu backed up swiftly as the blurred form of the feisty blonde in the tiny red blouse rushed past him in an effort to bash in the other man's skull. "Um," commented the Asian man as he grabbed up his gray suit-coat, "please calm down, Missus Mettler! Um, I really don't need a law-suit on my hands. Who is he?" Damn, I wish Xian was here. She's so much better than I am at dealing with women.
Taking another wild swing at the purple-haired pilot, Veria turned to glare at him, which gave the dark-clothed man the chance to head for the helicopter. "That bastard is supposed to be my HUSBAND!"
Thunk. Eyes wide, Mu Tsu found himself collapsed on the grassy ground, mouth falling open. As Veria turned to run after her would-be abductor, he shook his head, their images becoming a haze in his extreme nearsighted vision. "Wait until I tell Xian about this," he gaped. "Reminds me of younger days . . ." He shook his head again as a tiny smile broke across his face, then his gaze fell to the onyx pistol next to him on the ground.
"Oh, he must have dropped it." Picking it up, his brow rose at how light-weight the weapon felt. Pulling back on the trigger, the director watched a stream of water dart out of the barrel. "Hm . . . figures."
Around the old woman and teenager, the rush and bustle of the business crowd seemed to melt together into a low hum as they descended the moving staircase.
Sighing, Valgaav shook his head as he leaned on the rail of the escalator. "This 'project' isn't turning out so well."
Beside him, the old woman balanced on her pogo-cane and puffed on the thin cigarette holder in her hand. "Hmm . . . it's rather quiet, isn't it?"
As they reached the bottom floor, Val groaned, head falling forward into his hands. "God dammit!" The lanky teal-haired dragon turned around and searched the sea of office workers coming and going in endless eddies, but found no sight of a short redhead in a turquoise dress. "Where the hell did she go?"
"How do you think we should go about looking for her?" Lon drawled, low voice husky as she chuckled.
Pursing his lips, the young man crossed his arms over his chest and glared into the crowds of Chinese workers around them. "You search this floor and I'll look above. If anything explodes or gets set on fire . . ." One side of his mouth quirked up. "That's probably her."
"I really think you should leave."
Iyzeka's eyes welled up with tears, and she stared in turn at every person around the conference table. "But, all I ask is that you move the fountain from the lobby! It's destroying the perfect Chi!"
The Mazoku stood in an expansive conference room, the afternoon sun basking across her back from the full-length wall of glass at the far end. Businessmen in drab suits and confused secretaries all stared at her as she waved her arms frantically. "The Chi is essential!"
"I'll call security," a slim Chinese woman sighed and reached for the intercom mic on the table.
"NOOOOO!" The maroon-haired girl launched herself across the long table and swiped the mic from her just in time, then pressed the intercom button. "Destroy the FOUNTAIN OF EVIL!" she screamed into the mic, dodging the businessmen as they grabbed at her in desperation, "I will get my REVENGE!! KHAAAAAANNNN!!!!"
Val turned a corner on the third floor and began peering into the offices when he suddenly heard the loudspeaker go on.
"Destroy the FOUNTAIN OF EVIL!" a familiar voice cried, "I will get my REVENGE!! KHAAAAAANNNN!!!!" There was some shuffling and shouting and then, "Die, INFIDELS!! Your suppression of the Chi WILL NOT BE ALLOWED!!" There was another pause, and then, "STELLAAAAA!!!!"
Finding himself sprawled across the floor along with every other shocked passerby, Valgaav growled and pulled himself back up, wiping off his blue-jeans as he rose. "Dammit! Where the hell is she NOW?!"
A determined look in his saffron eyes, he began stalking towards the security office.
Xellos huddled against the flight-stick of the 'copter and winced as, through the window, he saw Filia approaching. "I knew I should have sprung for the Kevlar vest," he muttered. "Rebuilding a body is not on my list of things to do today."
With a flourish of her wrist, the dragoness tossed the golf-club away and knocked on the door, her face a cloud of contortion. Eyes icy, she demanded, "Let me in right NOW, you asshole!"
The purple-haired man folded his arms across his black flight-suit and shook his head slowly. "This is exactly why I always ran away whenever she was menstruating."
BANG-BANG-BANG. "Get out here, Zander! I am not finished with you!"
Unwrapping his arms from around himself, the Mazoku winced and dropped his head into his hands, cradling his aching skull. "Oh, this really is bad. I never new headaches were this painful."
Filia was silent for a few moments, then he heard a dull thunk against the side of the metal beast. Raising his head, Xellos took a risk and peered out the window.
Clutching herself, the saffron-haired dragoness was leaned against the helicopter, tears running down her face. He could read her lips as she spoke softly . . . "I missed you so . . . and then I . . . I thought I would never see you again." Her head fell, long blonde tresses shielding her mouth from his eyes, and then she straightened and began walking away.
". . . Uh . . . Veria?" Xellos said aloud in surprise, then unlocked the door and opened it. "Dammit."
Why do I always end up making her cry even when I really don't want to? I thought she'd just get a little mad, chase me a few minutes and then everything would be FINE. Maybe I'm just a moron . . . At least she's not nearly as homicidal as I expected her to be when on her period.
He stepped outside onto the lush green and began following after her. "Vee! Come back, come on! I . . . I'm sorry . . ." The purple-tressed man winced as she kept walking, and began to run to catch up with her.
Not this time, honey. We're gonna work this out.
Iyzeka writhed and wiggled as she was carted off by the security guards, her mouth opening to cry, "AHHHH!! I just want the evil fountain removed! Come on!! Stop preventing happy Chi! Where is your Chi?!!" the petite redhead demanded from passers-by as she was carried down a corridor. "Huh? It's nowhere, that's where! Hah!" Her emerald eyes narrowed as they passed beneath the bright fluorescent lights. "Hey. Now what should I do? Hmm." She stopped fighting and became slack in the muscular man's arms, the other pair of guards watching in confused amusement.
"You should be quiet now," the guard snapped as he tucked her suddenly limp form under his arm. "Jeeze, kid, you aren't on drugs, are you?"
"Hah!" the girl cried. "Drugs? Don't be ridiculous! Drugs don't work on me!"
"Riiiight, kid." The short Asian man shook his head, bemused at the girl who was easily slung under his arm now. "Do you have any parents or family here? You're a tourist, aren't you?"
Iyzeka frowned, then nodded surely. "Hmm, yes, I am a tourist, aren't I? Yes . . . Very well then, my boyfriend is here in this building with me somewhere." She folded her arms across her chest while in the horizontal position of being carried and nodded sideways.
"That don't really help, kid," the Chinese guard shook his head, then looked at the other two guards with him. "I'll take her to the office, I doubt she'll be any trouble." They nodded and split off, leaving him alone to carry her. "Okay, kid, we're gonna go to the security office, okay? Don't give me any trouble, alright?"
"No, no, trouble is for later!" she smiled brightly, lifting one finger to wave in his face.
With a groan, the guard shook his head. "Whatever." He took out his walkie-talkie and spoke into it. "Hey, Yun Shóu, I got the freak-child here, we're heading back to the office. Over."
"Good, there's some guy waiting for her here. He just KNEW she'd end up here, believe it or not. Over."
"I feel sorry for him. Out."
Val sat in the office and yawned. "So, they're bringing her here?"
"Yep," the older Chinese man leaned back in his chair. "So, you're her boyfriend?" He hesitated and took a long drag from his cigarette as the boy nodded shamefully. "Wow. Quite a handful. I hope she's worth it."
"She . . . forgot her medication this morning," the young dragon quickly stated, golden eyes wincing. "Really, she's usually much more normal and contained."
The chief didn't seem convinced as he grimaced. "Sure, if you say so."
The door opened and a squat, bulky guard appeared carrying Iyzeka's limp form. "Here you go, Chief. One freak-child, hand delivered."
"I am not a child," Iyzeka primly informed him as he set her down upright. "Hi, Val!" she beamed and waved.
Rising, the dragon towered over her, a glowering frown on his lightly tanned features. "Iyzeka. Lon's waiting for us, let's get going. And I'd better not hear you on the loudspeaker again, either!"
Her head dropped and she nodded. "Okay, okay. But I was just trying to help!"
He ignored her and headed for the door, brushing back his short teal hair as he waved to the guards. "Thanks, guys."
"Hey! Wait up!" The little Mazoku ran after him as he headed out into the hallway.
"So you see," Xellos chuckled uncertainly as he got ready to duck, "I was really just trying to have some fun. I never meant to hurt you, Veria."
The blonde dragoness sat on a huge rock by a 'water hazard' in the form of a wide, lovely pond teeming with life. She frowned and tossed another rock across the surface, the skipping movement startling a frog into leaping under the shimmering azure surface of the water. "I don't care what you say. I'm not listening. And stop wincing like that!" she snapped, azure glare turning to pin him.
"Okay, okay . . ." Uncovering his violet head, the demon inched forward towards her. Tentatively, he reached out a black-gloved hand to touch the large rock she sat on, then, as if approaching a wild beast, carefully sat down to her left on the stone. The adrenaline and euphoria of all the negative emotions still surged through his body, though he was trying to hasten the absorption.
"Hmph," she turned her head away, saffron locks thwacking him in the face.
"Ow." Xellos blinked his eyes and felt them tearing up from the sting. I am realizing new and unique ways to be in pain. I don't like it.
They sat there for a few moments like that, then the dragoness looked down at her hands, then over at the man sitting next to her. "You suck."
He nodded. "Yeah, I know." Holding out his right hand slightly, he removed the glove from it and let the appendage dangle on his knee, almost inviting her to hold it but casual enough that if she declined he could pretend he was just resting his arm. This relationship stuff is difficult, the Mazoku mused ruefully. Emotionally traumatizing as well. I never knew how masochistic I could be to myself by just caring about someone. The sensation of his own pain seemed to heighten the amazing sensations jolting across his body, affecting him much more than it normally would. I'll sure be glad when I can use my magic again and then these annoying mortal sensations of pain and weariness will disappear.
Gazing out across the waters that rippled every time the breeze floated across it, Filia took her time ignoring him. Finally, though, she slowly lowered her hand from her lap and took his bare one in her own. "I hate you," she added.
Feeling a hopeful smile bloom on his face, Xellos said, "I'll try to accept that. If you really want me to." He squeezed her hand and held his breath, anticipating her reply and trying very hard to not be distracted by the rapid dancing of the insects across the lake water, his emotional 'high' heightening every awareness and electrifying him with energy.
She didn't speak, merely kept her head turned away. Just as the demon could no longer prevent his eyes from following the dipping motions of the glittering dragonflies darting to and fro around them, Filia leisurely began to lean her body over towards him. Crossing the few inches, she pressed against him, warm and supple.
With a long sigh, the purple-haired man wrapped his arm around her and held her firmly. Her head fell to rest against his chest, and he could hear her murmur, "You sure are crazy."
He nodded. "Yep. You still want to go feed the underprivileged Chinese villagers?"
Her head rose and she glowered at him. "Of course!" The harsh glare in her sapphire eyes softened.
The smile that the dragoness bestowed upon him sent a trill of heady electricity along his spine; mixed with the dizzying emotions from before, it made Xellos feel on top of the world. Flushing slightly from the overwhelming combination, he helped her to her feet and grinned. "Let's go then. I've got everything we'll need already taken care of."
Arm on her shoulder, Val led Iyzeka out of the skyscraper and into the afternoon sunlight. "This is ridiculous." Shaking his head, he dropped his saffron gaze to the old woman next to them. "Maybe we should stop for today, she's getting too hyper."
The young Mazoku frowned and crossed her arms. "Hmph. Am not!"
Nodding, Lon mounted her pogo-staff and waved a withered hand. "Alright. Just come to the tea-house tomorrow morning if you want to search again. See you then!" With a flick of her long ivory hair, she was off, bouncing down the streets.
Val let go of his charge for the moment and leaned his lanky frame against the building, chin falling to rest upon his t-shirt. "Whew. Such a long day and still nothing."
"Are we going to get our revenge now?" the demoness' viridian eyes sparkled and she rubbed her hands together, giggling maniacally.
Straightening, he rubbed his face and sighed. "Sure, fine. It's about three in the afternoon, I'd say. Mom and Dad should be getting back in a few hours."
"Great!" Iyzeka beamed, throwing her maroon head back to stare at the sky. "We will get our revenge! Ha ha! Revenge, a dish best served cold . . ." She began wandering off down the street, murmuring to herself and snapping her fingers.
"Hey." Frowning, the ancient dragon paused, then began running after her. "Hey, wait up! Dammit!"
