“Filia!” A firm hand grabbed her wrist, jerking it away from her breast where it had placed the knife.

Filia’s eyes flew open to see Xelloss’ face.

“Damn you! Why are you stopping me?!!!” She tried to yank her wrist out of his grip and failed. Xelloss’ grip tightened, casing Filia to gasp in pain and release the knife. He kicked it away as she tried to grab for it with her free hand. Failing that, Filia reached for the other knives, invariably finding her other wrist in his grasp as well.

“Damn you Namagomi! LET ME GO!!” She screamed, kicking out at him. Xelloss made no move to dodge, simply holding her wrists as she continued to struggle and kick, screaming curses at him, tears streaming down her face. Eventually her struggling stopped. Exhausted, Filia hung limply in his grip. Xelloss released her wrists slowly and she sat on the floor, crying, and slowly pulled her knees to her chest. He sank down beside her, putting an arm around her.

“Why...?” She asked softly. “Why did you stop me?”

A moment of silence passed, “You aren’t as alone as you might think.”

Filia looked at him, “Really?”

Xelloss grinned, “And I couldn’t let a violent ryuuzoku commit such a shocking act.” He opened one eye to watch her.

Filia’s lips turned up into a small smile, “Namagomi...” she said almost affectionately. Another moment passed. “You’d better visit from time to time.”

“Of course.” He chuckled, closing his eye. “With an open invitation, why wouldn’t I?”