Between Two Fires

Original Plot from a comic by Rinoaebastel/Rinoax

Fanfiction version by: MoonStarDutchess

Chapter 13: Ending A

Disclaimer: I wrote this fanfiction adaptation with permission from Rinoaebastel/Rinoax. I am not in any way plagiarizing. We claim no ownership of Slayers and are just fans but we do own the ideas in this.

He saw her restrain a laugh when he almost let a pout form on his lips. It wasn't unreasonable for him to wear that expression since she told him she wasn't going to go back to Wolfpack Island despite Zelas' invitation for her to stay there. But the fact she wouldn't return wasn't the annoying part, it was that she also wasn't living in her house.

"Stop your whining Xellos," Filia said and let a little chuckle escape with her words.

"I'm not whining," he snapped. "But if I were, I'd have good reason. I rebuilt your house and you aren't even living in it. I made it more spacious. I made sure the furniture fit your taste perfectly and even got you superior equipment so you can continue making your pottery. It's not getting any use."

That was far from the reason he was in a grumpy state. After a failed attempt at trying to convince himself that the reason was true, he knew it would fail to convince her. He didn't want to admit it, but it made him uneasy that she was staying with the wind dragons. Though she'd made peace with them, they would always be his enemies, even after they'd been temporary allies for her sake.

Not to mention there were plenty of young single dragons ready to find a mate and settle down, females were lacking, and as far as he was concerned, Filia was the most desirable one in the city. She was claimed of course, but he wouldn't doubt a dragon would be stupid enough to try to seduce her while he was gone.

"At least come stay on Wolfpack Island until my work is done in this world."

She glared at him and he figured she was wondering what his work consisted of that he felt the need to get her to stay back at the island. She wouldn't ask though. After finding out exactly why he was able to love her, and the results of that love, she realized living in blissful ignorance of the bad things he did would be the best option.

She focused on the fact he cared enough to protect Val and her, and tried to cheer her when she felt particularly horrible. And lately, when he fed off her negative emotions it had a draining effect on her to the point she felt relaxed and calm afterward. She was alive and happy, Val was safe, and she wasn't alone anymore.

"As I recall, you're the reason my house was destroyed. Just because you rebuilt it doesn't mean I have to live in it all the time."

"I'm not the one that destroyed it. I didn't transform into a fat, ugly creature!"

"We are not fat and ugly and don't you think it's quite hypocritical to call us creatures when you're a tornado."

"A cone."

"You prefer cone?"

He shrugged. "Doesn't matter what I prefer. Cone is more accurate."

"You've yet to let me see that form of yours."

"Tell you what. I'll make you a deal. You get out of this disgusting smelling temple and I'll show you. If I feel anymore of this dragon happiness, I might die."

"Well, you're making it awfully tempting for me to stay here when you talk like that."

"Anxious to be a widow?"

"I'm just so happy here. I could settle in this city and not have to move around so much."

He could tell she was teasing him but the thought of her never going back with him made him sick to his stomach.

She took his hand and entwined her fingers with his. "To tell the truth I would like to go back home, but it's my duty to help Liam."

"In what way?" He heard the defensive tone he used and cursed himself. "Did he make you an offer?"

"Perhaps."

He pulled his hand away from hers and grumbled. Jealousy came to him so easily. He'd been surprised the first time he felt it: when he caught a dragon staring at her with more than a friendly interest. He hadn't killed the dragon but had caused a bucket of cement to fall on his head.

"Lack of sense that male." He muttered some curses. "That's the thanks I get for sparing someone, I'll never do it again. Trying to take my dragon away from me." He crossed his legs. "Well, he can't have you. I assume you told him you're taken."

"I did. He said he thought it was the case but asked to make sure. He didn't want to pass up a good thing by assuming we were together if we weren't."

"Smart dragon."

"You're jealous," she said.

Xellos stood. "I have a mission to get to. Beastmaster will skin me if I don't get it done."

"Speaking of . . . I had a talk with her in regards to something I've been wanting. Beastmaster said you were perfectly capable of giving me it if I wanted it. She was excited at the prospect."

Xellos knew exactly what she wanted and he didn't need to think of that right now. It scared him shitless. "We'll talk when I get back Filia Dear. I have to work."

Filia shot up from her seat. "You always use that excuse. You aren't going-" He disappeared. "Anywhere." She flopped back down in her chair and laughed. "Typical Xellos," she said aloud and made a note that on her next teatime with Zelas, she'd ask if there was a way to temporarily disable his transporting powers.

The End

AN: If you want to see Ending B to this story, then you can on the site archiveofourown dot org / works/ 742100/ chapters/ 1401390 or the link is available on my profile.