Here Comes Some Fics.

[eastofthemoon]

I saw Sherlock Holmes today. It was really good and it's a fun movie. The Holmes fan in me was quite happy, especially seeing Watson being able to be ten times more awesome than popular colour has lead people to believe. ^_~

Also, since the secret santa exchange is now over, I figured it was safe to post my pick. So, I'm posting two fics this time.

One of my gifts to flyingcharr was Slayers drabble with some Xellos and Filia hinting and the other was a Princess Tutu fic for haleysings. ^_~

Title: The Game
Characters: Xellos, Filia, Lina, Gourry, Zelgadis and Amelia
Rating: PG



Filia normally wasn't the impatient type. Granted, ever since she had met Lina Inverse in order to stop the prophecy of destruction, she found her patience to be strained.

Her stress level has been increasing ever since Valgaav appeared and claimed her clan had killed the ancient dragons. The danger of Dark Star entering their world caused her stress to be tripled and her patience to nearly be torn in two.

Which was why she was pacing, as the rest of the group sat lazily about in the cabin. They didn't have time to waste. They needed to find the Dark Star weapon and find out the truth about the ancient dragons as soon as possible.

Lina sighed. "Filia, would you sit down and relax. Watching you pace is making me dizzy."

Filia stopped in midstep. "How can I possibly relax when the world is at stake?"

Zelgaids finished cleaning his sword. "It can't be helped. It's risky to walk during a snow storm." He put his sword away. "Besides, weren't you the one who suggested we take a short cut through the mountains?"

Filia chewed her lip. It had been her suggestion. She had heard the route through the mountain would cut the time in half to reach the next town. She never imagined a blizzard would suddenly appear. Truth be told, they were fortunate that Gourry had managed to spot the small cabin. They could have frozen to death if they were still outside.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it," Gourry replied. "I'm sure the storm will be gone by morning."

Lina raised an eyebrow. "And since when are you a weather expert?"

"It's a guy's intuition."

Lina looked skeptical, but was interrupted by Amelia before she could argue further.

"Maybe we should play a game to help pass the time," Amelia suggested.

"I think that's an excellent plan," Xellos replied, reaching into his pocket. "It just so happens that I have a deck of cards with me."

"And why exactly do you have that?" Zelgadis replied.

Xellos smiled back. "It keeps me from getting bored."

FIlia rolled her eyes. "You mean you Mazoku actually get bored from your evil plotting?"

Xellos's smile never left his face. "We do and at least we know how to entertain ourselves unlike certain uptight priestesses."

Filia growled. "I am not uptight!"

Xellos shuffled the cards. "A dragon in denial I see. I'll bet you couldn't even handle playing a simple game."

Filia's tail popped out. "I can play any game!"

Xellos opened an eye. "Well then, how about a card game." He smirked as he climbed to his feet and moved in closer to Filia. "How about a nice game of strip poker?"

Zelgadis dropped his sword. Lina and Amelia barely managed to not fall out of their chairs from shock.

"Strip poker?!" Lina cried. "Are you nuts?!"

"Why not?" Xellos asked. "It's a nice fun game." He glanced to Filia. "Of course, it would be an impossible game for uptight people or dragons to play."

Filia twitched. "We'll see about that. I accept!"

"Miss Filia?!" Amelia gasped, not believing what she had just heard.

Xellos grinned. "Well then, it should be an interesting game." He turned to the others. "And of course, the rest of you are more than welcome to join."

"Like hell!" Lina snapped. "Why in the world would we agree to play strip poker with you?!"

"My thoughts exactly!" Zelgadis agreed.

Xellos tapped his chin. "Hmm...perhaps would you be more keen if I wagered something good." He snapped his fingers. "How about this."

There was a sharp pop and a heavy thick book appeared in Xellos's hands. It seemed to be quite heavy as the priest appeared to have difficulty holding it. In fact, he had to place the book on the table and catch his breath.

Zelgadis stared at the book, trying not to appear anxious. "What is that?"

Xellos resumed his calm posture. "Why, this is a book where I keep my most guarded secrets."

"What kind of secrets?" Lina asked, as she tried to take a closer look. There was no writing on the cover, but she could tell the book was ancient.

"If I told you it wouldn't be a secret." He placed his hand on the cover. "However, if you win the pot, I'll let the winner borrow the book for however long they like."

Zelgadis growled. This could easily be a trick. However, if Xellos was telling the truth, then the book could contain vital information, such as how to change a chimera back into it's original form. He couldn't risk losing this chance. "I'm in," he replied sourly.

"Me too," Lina replied, not taking her eyes off the book. "I'm not about to pass up the chance to learn some secrets about the mazoku."

"I'll...um play too." Amelia raised her hand while sweating. She didn't really want to play the game and the idea of possibly being naked in front of everyone was far too embarrassing to imagine. But, the book could hold information that could help Zelgadis or even how to defeat powerful mazoku.

Xellos grinned and turned to the swordsman. "And you Gourry?"

He shook his head. "No thanks, I don't care much for that kind of thing."

Xellos shrugged. "Oh well, we'll have a nice sized group to play. Filia dear, if you would shuffle the deck."

The priestess snatched the deck and marched to the table. Then, she turned to Lina. "By the way, how do you play strip poker?"

Lina groaned and was soon met by Filia's scream as she explained the game to her.

808080808080808

Filia could barely look at her hand. She had never been so furious at herself. How could she have been so stupid as to fall for that piece of garbage's trick like that? She was just thankful that she had many layers of clothing to go through before she had to start worrying about betting her undergarments. The others weren't as fortunate.

Lina, Amelia and Zelgadis had already taken off their capes and pieces of jewelry they each wore. Filia felt sorry for them, since they didn't have her advantage of extra clothing to buy time.

Xellos removed his gloves and placed them in the center of the table. "Well then, it's time to raise bets again. Miss Amelia, I believe it's your turn."

The princess paled. She had already removed her cape, jewels and belt. If she wanted to continue in the game, Amelia would either have to remove her pants or her shirt. She'd been praying it wouldn't have to come to this. She tugged at her shirt collar. It was a delima. On the one hand, justice demanded that she help win the book no matter what. On the other hand, justice and her modesty also argued she wasn't the only person playing to win it, so there was no point to sacrificing herself.

"Amelia, you don't have to if you don't want to," said Zelgadis.

She sighed and laid her cards on the table. "Sorry, but I have to fold. I can't bring myself to remove any more clothing."

Filia patted her shoulder. "Don't concern yourself Amelia." She glared at Xellos. "It's the piece of trash's fault for starting this game."

"But I didn't force any of you to agree to play it."

Filia snarled as Lina cleared her throat. "I'll make a bet."

All eyes were on her. She was in the exact same position as Amelia. The only thing she had left to take off were her shirt and pants.

"You're really going to bet Miss Lina?" Filia asked stunned.

Lina sighed. She didn't want to do it, but she couldn't let this chance slip by. Whatever was in that book, might not even exist in any other book in this world. She was dying to read it...even if it meant taking her shirt off in front of Xellos. She blushed madly as she started to pull at her shirt. However, Gourry leaped behind her and clamped his hands over hers.

"Don't even think about it!" he snapped.

Once Lina broke out of her shock, she squirmed in his grasp. "What do you think you're doing?"

"As your protector there is no WAY I can let you get naked in front of other people, especially Xellos."

Amelia let loose a happy squeal and muttered something about true love.

Lina glared. "Last time I checked, it's my body and I'll do whatever the hell I want to it."

Gourry glared back. "You're that determined to go through with this?"

The sorceress blushed, but forced herself to nod.

Gourry shook his head and pulled Lina out of her chair. "I thought so, so I'll take your place."

Lina blinked baffled. "You'll take my place? You can't do that!"

The swordsman glanced to Xellos. "Do you have any problems with this?"

Xellos shrugged. "I would have preferred to keep the same players, but I'm fine." He smirked. "Although, it's only fair that you take off the same amount of clothing that Miss Lina has already."

"Fine." Gourry quickly removed his armor, belt and finally his shirt. Filia blushed madly, since she wasn't used to seeing male humans without their shirts on. The swordsman turned to Lina. "You alright with this?"

Lina didn't hear him. She was trying to hide how red her face had become. "Fine, whatever! Just make sure you win! I want that book."

"Well then." Xellos looked to Zelgadis. "What about you? Still in."

Zelgadis nodded and reluctantly removed his shirt. Amelia blushed a little, but she wasn't that shocked to see it. She had seen Zelgadis without his shirt before from the times she had to use her healing spells on him. He tossed the shirt onto the table. "Does that answer your question?"

"Oh my..." Filia muttered, trying to avert her eyes.

Xellos shuffled the cards. "Let's carry on then shall we?"

Gourry shook his head. "I don't get why you guys are so excited about this book." He went to pick it up. "You don't even know what it's about-WOW this is heavy!"

"Gourry, put that down before you break it!" Lina snapped.

"How can I break a book?"

"I don't know, but I'm certain a Jellyfish brain like you could find a way!" Lina leaped on him to get book. On instinct from the countless battles over food, Gourry kept the book out of reach and held it over his head.

Zelgadis rolled his eyes. "Would you two cut it out so we can continue-"

Lina grabbed Gourry's arm and shook it. The thick book dropped from the swordsman's hand and fell right on top of Zelgadis's head. He let out a small "Ow" before falling out of his chair.

Amelia rushed over. "Mister Zelgadis are you alright?!"

There was no answer, but she was relieved to hear him breathe. "I think he's unconscious."

Lina sheepishly held her hand behind her hand. "I guess it was a heavy book."

"I told you," Gourry replied.

Amelia began to cast a healing spell on Zelgadis's head. "Miss Lina you need to be more careful!"

As Lina grumbled an apology, Filia went to pick up the book. Out of curiosity, just to make sure there was nothing too evil in it, Filia peeked at a couple of pages. When she read them, she became very confused. "These are-"

"Are you still playing Filia?" The dragon priestess turned to Xellos who was sitting with his hands folded. "Or are you losing your nerve as you lose more clothing. Then again, I can't blame you since you don't have much to show off."

Filia fumed and tossed the book onto the table. "Of course I'm still paying and I'll beat you to the ground when I win!"

Xellos nodded. "So, that only leaves Mister Gourry, Miss Filia and me playing since it appears Mister Zelgadis is unable to continue at the moment."

"He's not going to be happy when he wakes up," Lina said under her breath, knowing full well he was going to blame her and Gourry.

The mazoku clapped his hands. "So, let's carry on with the game shall we."

During the next couple of rounds, Filia was becoming a nervous wreck. She had reached the point in which she was down to her last under dress and socks and once those was gone she would be in her underwear. It didn't help that she had to see Gourry sitting in his boxers. How could the man not feel embarrassed? She wondered if Lina was affected by the sight, but she seemed too preoccupied with winning to care. Amelia had moved Zelgadis to the couch and was currently holding an ice pack to the still unconscious chimera's head.

Then there was Xellos, who was also reduced to his pair of pants. She just prayed he was wearing something underneath. It would be typical of Xellos to strip himself naked in order to make Filia feel more flustered. Just the image of him tormenting her made her blood boil. She stared at her cards, from what she could tell, she held a good hand, but it was hard to tell if Xellos was willing to give up in the next round.

She only wanted to play until the mazoku gave up. Once that happened, she would have no more reason to keep playing. She peeked over her cards and glanced at the shirtless Xellos. His human form wasn't his true form, but she had to admit, by human standards he was attractive.

Alarmed at her recent thought, she slapped her cheek. Xellos attractive?! Just what on earth was she thinking? She must be even more tired and frustrated than she thought to start thinking that. Xellos suddenly clued in that he was being stared at and looked to Filia. She quickly dropped her eyes back to her cards. Oh heavens, what would she do if Xellos ever found out that for a single second she thought he was attractive?

"Your bet Filia?" Xellos asked.

Breaking free of her disgraceful thoughts, Filia looked to her cards and then removed her socks. "There's my bet."

Xellos raised an eyebrow. "Your socks? Don't you think it would be more approperiate to bet your last layer of clothing?"

Filia glared. She knew what he wanted. He wanted Filia to be in her under garments because her negative emotions would no doubt triple. She wouldn't let that happen, not if she could help it. "That's my bet, take it or leave it."

Xellos nodded. "Very well, Mister Gourry-"

"I fold," Gourry said putting his cards on the table.

"WHAT?!" Lina jumped and held Gourry in a headlock. "Why are you giving up?! Didn't you say you would win!"

Gourry was desperate for air. "I didn't promise to win, I said I'd play for you!" He wiggled out of her grip. "Fact is, right now I have lousy cards and in case you haven't notice that only thing I have left to bet are my boxers!"

"Who cares! You should just be a man and bet!"

Gourry folded his arms. "So you're alright seeing me naked in front of you and everyone?"

Lina went silent. Oh, right, Gourry would be naked... She blushed madly and coughed. "Um, good point."

Amelia muttered a "Rats" under her breath.

Lina pointed her finger straight at Filia. "All that's left is you Filia, so you better win this for us!"

"But Miss Lina, in all honestly, the book is-"

"I know you don't want to book, which is why it would make more sense to let us read it."

Filia sighed. It was clear she wasn't going to listen. "I'll try."

It was then a low moan came from Zelgadis. "Why does my head hurt?" Amelia went to explain things to the chimera as the tension build at the table.

Filia stared at her cards. She had what she understood was called a full house. She had a pair of fives and three eights. Should she call out Xellos now? The mazoku's face was impossible to read, but then again was he ever easy to understand? She sighed. She would have to end it now and risk losing or be forced to play another round and play in her underwear. She spread her cards on the table. "I have a full house."

Xellos was silent and he tapped his cards. Filia sweated. He's going to win. He's going to win and Miss Lina is going to kill me for not getting the book. All eyes were on Xellos. Then, unexpectedly he laid his cards face down. "I fold."

Filia stared. Either she heard wrong or she was imagining things in her desperation. "What did you say?"

Xellos sighed and leaned back in his chair. "You win Miss Filia."

Filia stared in shock, but this soon turned into a triumphant scream. She pointed her finger at Xellos. "And losing is what you deserve for trying to trick me you filthy mazoku! You-"

"Filia!" The dragon priestess turned to Zelgadis. "While I can understand you wanting to gloat over Xellos, do you mind if I have a look at the book first."

"Oh, of course." Filia handed the book over, and she strangely didn't find the book to be that heavy. "Although, I don't think it will be that useful to you."

As the others circled around Zelgadis, Lina approached Xellos who was putting his shirt back on.

She tapped her foot and stared at him like he was the suspect in a robbery. "Why did you do that?"

Xellos slipped on his cape. "Do what Miss Lina?"

"Let Filia win. Don't deny it, I took a peek at your cards. You had a royal flush."

Xellos grinned. "Ah, so you saw." He shrugged. "I figured that letting Miss FIlia win would benefit me more in the long run."

"How?"

Xellos shook his finger at her. "By winning, Miss Filia will gain more confidence and it shouldn't be too hard to get her to play me again and at that time when I defeat her she should have a delicious mixture of negative emotions."

Lina shook her head and was ready to comment on how sneaky that was, when Zelgadis suddenly cried.

"What the hell?! This is just a cookbook!"

"It has some of my best recipes," Xellos replied cheerfully.

"How in the world is this considered to be a great secret?" Filia asked, feeling like she was getting a headache.

"There are many mazoku who would love to have my recipes, so there are my most guarded secrets. I never promised they would be important to you."

The rest of the night was spent with the group chasing Xellos and trying to bury him in the snow outside. Later, once the group had calmed down, Xellos appeared next to Filia. "That was a good game, care to play again sometime?"

Filia turned away. "You like me betting against you that much?"

Xellos smiled. "You were just lucky, I think, unless of course you're chicken."

Filia folded her arms. "I can beat you in my sleep." She smirked. "I'll play you again, but next time I get to pick the game."

Xellos grinned back, looking forward to the next game.




Title: First Christmas
Characters: Mytho, Rue
Rating: G
Warning: This takes place after the series. Also, Mytho and Rue are called King and Queen because I figured their royal ranks went up after they were married. XD



"Put some holly along the stairway, and remind the gardener that we want the tree tomorrow."

The maid nodded and bowed. "Yes, Queen Rue."

Rue watched as the girl left the room and then allowed herself to sink into her chair. "Good grief," she muttered to herself. "I never realized decorating for Christmas was such a hassle."

Growing up, Rue had never paid much attention to Christmas. Her father had forbidden Christmas being celebrated in his home, since it was considered a waste of time. Then, during her time at the academy, Rue mostly kept to herself and left the task of preparing the school for Christmas to the other students. She didn't hate Christmas, she just never thought much about it. The only thing she enjoyed about Christmas was giving a present to Mytho.

She had to admit, she did enjoy walking beside him when it was cold and snowing. Of course, back then Mytho had no heart to allow himself to enjoy the holiday. The situation was different now. Not only was it going to be their first Christmas as together as husband and wife, but it would be the first Christmas in years that Mytho would be able to fully understand and enjoy it.

Rue would make sure everything was perfect, even if she died trying. "Which may be be the case," she thought sourly, as she rotated her shoulders. "I'll be surprised if I get everything done in time." Rue looked over her to do list. As she began to check off the chores she'd completed, her mind drifted to her thoughts of her overly happily friend that she and Mytho left behind.

If Ahiru was here, she would probably be laughing and grinning like a maniac over this. She smiled as she imagined Ahiru getting tangled in tinsel. I wonder how she's doing? Fakir had better be taking good care of her. He'll pay if he doesn't.

"Um...your highness?"

Rue looked up. "Pierre?" She looked to the clock. "It's not even near supper time yet."

The cook uncomfortably twisted his hat. "I know...but, your highness...you see."

Rue sighed. "Stop stuttering and tell me."

The man suddenly broke into tears. "King Mytho is trying to cook again."

Rue's annoyance disappeared instantly. Now, she understood why he was so upset. Lately, Mytho took it upon himself to explore new hobbies. He still loved to dance, but he felt he needed to rediscover himself. It had been so long since he had a heart, it was reasonable to want to learn and see how he felt about different activities.

Rue of course didn't mind. Mytho could decide to suddenly shave his head and she would still love him. However, lately, Mytho had been taking over the kitchen in an attempt to master cooking. His last couple of experiments were driving Pierre insane, especially since Mytho had broken the oven last time.

"I'll take care of it," Rue said as she began to leave.

The cook weeped. "Thank you your highness."

Rue sighed and made her way down to the kitchen. She could hear the banging of pots and pans. When she stepped in, she heard a crunch beneath her foot and found a broken egg shell.

She looked up and saw her husband had his back to her as he appeared to be stirring. "Mytho?"

The once heartless prince turned. "Oh, I didn't hear you come in Rue."

It took all of the girl's will power to not laugh. Mytho had flour all over his face and even in his hair. Drops of chocolate stained his shirt. It was quite comical. Rue grabbed the towel near the sink and handed it to him. "You're a mess and you're making the cook cry again."

Mytho laughed. She loved that laugh. Mytho's laugh was a pleasant sound. It reminded her the sound of ringing bells. "Sorry," he said. "I promise I won't be long and I'll clean up this time."

Rue folded her arms. "As long as you don't start a fire again."

Mytho pouted. "That wasn't my fault you know."

Rue looked into the mixing bowl. "So, what are you cooking?"

"Actually, I'm baking Christmas cookies." Mytho open the cabinet and took out the cinnamon. "I thought it would be a good way for me to help with the Christmas preparations."

Rue blinked. She wasn't expecting that. "It's a nice idea my love, but you do remember that Pierre can bake cookies in his sleep."

Mytho nodded. "Well, it's not just that." A sudden warmth appeared in his eyes. "I wanted to keep up the tradition."

Rue folded her arms. This was the first she heard about this and encouraged Mytho to continue.

"Every Christmas, I would bake Christmas cookies with Fakir and Raetsel." He smiled. "It's odd, I didn't quite understand what I was doing, but looking back on it now it was a lot of fun. Fakir began to grumble about it when he was older, but I know he still enjoyed it."

Rue frowned. She suddenly felt foolish. Of course Mytho would have special traditions from when he lived with Karon and Fakir. Why on earth didn't she think to ask Mytho about what traditions he had with Fakir?

Because you never had Christmas traditions yourself Rue's inner voice argued. She looked at the mixing box and blushed slightly. "Do you mind if I join you?"

"Of course not!" Mytho cheered. "I was just about to come get you, but I thought I would gather the ingredients first."

Rue smiled and felt like she had been given the best Christmas gift. "You remember how to make them without a recipe book?"

Mytho nodded. "Yes," then he frowned. "Although, I can't quite recall if we put in lemon or grated orange peel, maybe it was both...and how much salt was it again?"

"I'm getting a recipe book," Rue replied sharply. She wasn't going to let her husband accidently poison everyone in the castle.

She walked to the shelf when a shiny glint cut her eye. Rue stared at the small object and gently picked it up. It was a cookie cutter. A duck shaped cookie cutter.

Mytho hugged her from behind. "I found that and thought it would be appropriate. Do you agree?"

Rue smiled and squeezed Mytho's hand. Her life was perfect and her Christmas was going to be perfect too, all thanks to a little duck. "Yes, I would."

Comments

[auriga]

The first one was fun. Of course Xellos would never give them they secrets they actually want to know. XD

The PTT one is really adorable, especially the ending! ^__^

[earthstar-moon.livejournal.com]

Thanks and poor Zel should know by now that getting info from Xellos would never be that easy. XD

For the PTT one, I thought it would be a nice touch. I like the friendship between Rue and Ahiru.

[izo-chan.livejournal.com]

I second this motion!

I thought the Filia/Xellos hints were cute and it is so typically Xellos to lead them on like that. XD

The PTT fic was sweet. I thought the ending was adorable too. <3

Great job!

[kokumi009.livejournal.com]

nice facfic!
You never know Zel. A cookbook just might hold some potential life-changing concoctions, although being Xellos' possession is debatable. XD
The bickering with Filia and Xellos is amusing. Denial is such a nice scapegoat.