Yes, another story. I blame When You Reach Me and A wrinkle in Time for this, even though this story doesn't really have anything to do with that. I'm still going to be working on Almost Lina, don't worry. Or at least, I plan too.
This story is Xellos centric, with sporadic updates instead of the scheduled ones, and even shorter chapters than my other Slayers fic. I wish to say that this idea is completely mine, but that isn't true. There was a picture on deviantart, along with a short summary of a Korean fanfic that inspired this. I started daydreaming about it, and over time, the idea turned into something different, and that's what I'm posting here. The title for this, Puppet, comes from the picture. I do not know where the picture is at this time, but when I find it, I'll post the link on my profile. Until then, enjoy.
I do not own Slayers. I gain no profit from this, and I have no money to give anyone who wants to sue me. Sorry to disappoint.
It was a fascinating feeling, both thrilling and frightening, in knowing that he was disobeying orders. Nervous excitement crashed through him, so much so that even he could not hide it on the physical plane. His traveling companion knew something was up, but hadn't asked anything about it yet. That was good. Too much prodding, and he might just turn and run at the last moment. This was a once in a lifetime chance- even for a monster like himself. He could not afford to leave now, not if he wanted to know the truth.
Xellos the Priest would never admit that he was afraid, but the idea of facing Beastmaster Zelas' wrath when she found out what he was doing…. He pushed those thoughts back, and tried to focus on keeping his physical form from acting like a child caught with a hand in the cookie jar.
Well, Mistress did say that this mission is to be put above all else. And I say an order given a thousand years ago counts as 'all else'.
A lesser monster passing through came a little too close via the astral plane, and Xellos lost control of his physical body once again. He jumped, and could not control the urge to look around guiltily. His traveling companion had had enough with him.
"Geez, Xel. You're acting as if the Hellmaster himself is after you."
At this, Xellos winced. "My apologies." He said, even though he really didn't need to. There was a pause between them, and then he asked, "Miss Lina, about this town we're going to…"
"Demisus." She answered automatically.
His astral body shuddered at the name, but he had managed to keep his physical body restrained. "Yes, that." He tried his hardest to act casual. "Have you ever been there before?"
His efforts paid off, she didn't suspect him at the moment. "Yeah, a couple times." She said.
His metaphorical heart leapt. "What's it like?" He pressed, perhaps more than he should have.
Now she did suspect him. "Just like any other large town." She viewed him suspiciously. "Why? Haven't you been there before?"
His body hesitated. He mentally cursed his lack of control; guilt was doing funny things to him. "No," He admitted.
That surprised her, but it also put her suspicions to rest. The fact that there was actually someplace in this world where he hadn't been before, let alone a place in such a central location, was unexpected, but not really a need for concern. He knew she wouldn't ask anything more- as long as he could keep his physical form in check.
"They have good food there. They have some sort of sauce that they cook with their green beans and corn; it's absolutely delicious. And they have cakes too, you'll love them." Xellos listened as Lina delved into food-laced memories. He nodded his head, and asked questions when appropriate. It was a good distraction from what was coming.
Almost too soon, they saw buildings in the horizon. The bandit killer sped up, and the priest ran a few steps behind, trying his hardest to keep his legs from turning around and running away. The city they were running towards was known to all as Desmisus, but Xellos had another name for it.
Forbidden.