Thanks go to Elf From Space for suggestions!

I believe that Xelloss and Filia should be considered a traditional couple, rather than an alternative couple.

First of all, the very definition of "alternate" is "substitute". Which couple is Xel/Filia the substitute for?

Some may answer "Filia/Val". However, I feel strongly against this couple for one main reason. The end of Try illistrates my reason. If you don't mind an end-of-Try spoiler or already have seen the ending, click here for my reason.

Who else is there to be the couple Xel/Filia would subsititute for as an alternate couple? I have no idea.

That is the first point behind my reasoning that Xel/Filia is one of the traditional couples. My second point is the "dark vs. light" one can see in the traditional couples. [This was first brought to my attention by another fan on one of my mailing lists.] The differences between darkness and lightness balance each other out in each relationship.

Lina and Gourry: Lina is a very powerful black magic user. Therefore, she represents the "dark" side of their relationship. Gourry is the wields the Sword of Light. Gourry is the "light" side. In addition, his nature is to go with the flow. He adapts to whatever Lina may throw his way. The series constantly shows that Lina and Gourry make an excellent team.

Zelgadiss and Amelia: Zelgadiss is the only really depressed and pessimistic character in the main group. Amelia even comments on his dark nature in one of the Try episodes. So, he represents the "dark" side. Amelia is the "light" side. She is optimism and innocence incarnate. These two make an excellent team as evidenced in the episodes which split the groups into teams.

Xelloss and Filia: Xelloss is a Mazoku. Filia is a Dragon. This relationship is definitely darkness vs. lightness. Yet, as Try shows, darkness and lightness do not necessarily cancel out. On the contrary, they strengthen each other when working together.

Note: I feel that Xel and Filia's relationship would work, given some time. After all, it took three seasons for Zelgadiss and Amelia to really begin their relationship. Xelloss and Filia have only had one season to get acquainted.

These two reasons are the basis behind my belief that Xelloss and Filia should be considered a traditional couple. The entire basis behind Try was balance and the combination of darkness and lightness. I feel that is an important point to keep in mind.