Spawns of the Trickster - Alternate Endings
By: Kelly M. Mules
Disclaimer: I do not own Slayers or any concepts mentioned in this story. This is my recognition that the original tale had many things wrong with it and gives me an excuse to explore other options. There is technically a crossover with Any (Anime) Character Humiliation Match ep. 109, but it's only briefly mentioned here. You may want to read it before the very end though. This is a sequel to the MST I wrote of this story but I can't upload that so here you go! I make a reference to "Once Upon a Time." Fans of the show will get it. I obviously don't own it.
Lina's version:
The players stared at Arcanum in shock as they returned to their respective seats in the theatre. Luckily, she had temporarily blocked the memories from the ACHM Arena as they would be addressed later.
"We can change this story any way we want?" Amelia asked the question burning the minds of the Slayers' crew.
"Not precisely, you may choose one moment in the story to change and the story will unfold from there." Arcanum clarified.
"Well then, I'm going first because I'm the star and I was barely in this story!" Lina Inverse, stood up to emphasize her point.
"Very well, Lina-san, take my hand." Arcanum offered with a smile and extended her hand to Lina.
The dark creature lifted the sorceress effortlessly and they floated into the movie screen itself. The others called after her but stopped when they could see her on the screen. Arcanum and Lina appeared in the lair of the Lord of Nightmares.
"I see I have guests. Ah, Lina Inverse, it is good to see you again. Arcanum, you're breaking the rules. Does your creator know no bounds?" L-sama spoke.
Lina was momentarily in shock. This was the creator of their entire universe.
"My creator is currently enduring a ridiculously boring meeting, listening to a presenter she describes as 'dryer than sand,' hence she will utilize any means necessary to save herself and her close coworker who read the entirety of the MST from boredom." Arcanum explained.
"Ah, I see. Very well, I suppose I can amuse her." L-Sama agreed.
"Whoa, don't forget about me here! What's happening?" Lina cut in.
"Since it is her universe, we need the assistance of L-Sama to make changes in a world that has already ended. Now, Lina-san, at what point in the story would you like to make your change?" Arcanum replied.
"I'd go back to the point where Filia walked away but I'd pull her back by her hair and start Dragon Slaving! I'm the star after all, I'm supposed to save the day!" Lina demanded.
"Very well," L-Sama nodded and looked to Arcanum.
"I call upon the power of the Lord of Time and Space
Grant us permission to travel from here to another place.
Lina Inverse will stop Filia and change their past,
But will her new future be accepted by the rest of the cast?"
Arcanum chanted the spell and Lina watched as the story rewound itself in front of her until it reached the scene where she and her friends were faced off against a group of Golden Dragons. Lina walked up to herself, frozen in time and touched her shoulder. She was surprised when her other self turned to look at her.
"Well, this won't be confusing at all." Zelgadiss commented sarcastically as he and the others still watched from the theatre.
Lina from the theatre whispered something to Lina in the story who nodded. With a flash, Lina and Arcanum returned to the theatre to watch Lina's story unfold.
To Be Continued...
"We are willing to offer you forgiveness and reinstate you as Priestess if you abandon those monsters born from the demon seed forever." Milgazia continued.
"What, how could you ask such a thing?" Lina yelled, ready to throw a Dragon Slave at him.
"That is very unjust! They are her flesh and blood just as much as Mr. Xelloss'! You cannot ask a mother to abandon her children!" Amelia screamed, tears coming from her eyes as she remembered losing her own mother.
"It's not right!" Gourry yelled, drawing his sword.
"We will fight all of you cowards if need be so don't tempt us!" Zelgadiss shouted.
Xelloss picked this moment to appear next to Filia. She looked at him with disgust.
"I know you hate me Filia and I don't care, but don't make the wrong decision here because of me!" He pleaded.
"I have made my decision." Filia said quietly.
With that, she made to walk away from her children and her friends. Filia actually took one step before Lina intervened.
"Here, hold Xeria! Stop right there, Baka Filia or I'll have a Dragon Slave with your name on it!" Lina yelled, tossing Xeria to Xelloss and grabbing Filia by her hair. She yanked the dragon back just in time for the dragon army to fire upon all of them. Xelloss created a shield with his staff, guarding the little crew from the blasts. Filia was appalled.
"They were never going to let my children live at all! By Cepheid, this is not what dragons do!" Filia exclaimed and luckily could not hear what Lina was mumbling under her breath until it was too late.
"...Let those who stand before us be destroyed by the power you and I possess! Dragon Slave!" She chanted and unleashed a Dragon Slave at the group of dragons. She killed about half of them.
"Lina Inverse, those creatures will bring about the end of the world. It has been foretold." Milgazia tried to reason.
"Yeah, well, you said, one who lives tries to keep on living. That's only natural, right? Well, these kids have a right to live!" Lina turned toward the group. Filia was now holding Fal, crying. The rest of the group were looking around in desperation. Xelloss, and Baby Xeria, were nowhere to be found.
"Yes Lina-san, it's only natural and this child will be raised as a Mazoku, naturally." His voice bid farewell from the Astral Plane.
"Lina Inverse, I hope you realize the grave mistake you have made this day." Milgazia warned and with a quick transformation, he and the remaining dragons left the area.
The Next Day
"Are you sure about this, Filia-san? You and Fal can come stay in Saillune with me! Then we can go rescue Xeria-chan together..." Amelia pleaded.
"Amelia-san, please, I just want some peace and quiet with my son. I will stay here and rebuild my shop that was destroyed by Lina's Dragon Slave." Filia said with an exasperated sigh and a glare toward Lina, who laughed nervously.
"You're going to abandon Xeria then, aren't you Filia?" Zelgadiss asked plainly while the others looked uncomfortable. Zelgadiss was always adept at asking the awkward questions that needed to be asked outright.
"How can you expect me to challenge Xelloss for her anyway?! It's better if I just forget about her and live in peace with Fal! It's better this way." Filia kept repeating, at first shouting and then in a whisper.
"Well, we'll leave you be now Filia but don't be a stranger okay?" Lina said nervously as she pushed Zelgadiss out of the door, following closely by Amelia and Gourry.
"Geez, Zel, that was kinda harsh." Gourry commented.
"I don't think so. You saw the way she reacted when Xeria was born. I think it's easier for her to convince herself she doesn't have a daughter that looks like Xelloss and that Fal is a pure-bred dragon." Zelgadiss defended angrily.
"You have a point Zel. After all, Fal looks mostly like a dragon but Filia is right, too. How would she even start to challenge Xelloss for Xeria when he could kill her without a thought?" Lina reasoned.
"Should we really be leaving her alone?" Amelia asked.
"What else can we do in this case? We'll keep checking in on her as often as we can, whether she wants us to or not." Lina reasoned and they all agreed. So the four adventurers went off on their ways, bringing them closer to the events of Slayers Revolution and Evolution-R. (Author's Note: Ha! Now I can bring in Pokota and my story will stay canon! ^_^)
That Night
"Yes, my precious son. You will be raised safely here as a dragon, with no need of knowing of any impurity." Filia whispered softly to the sleeping Fal as she laid him in a small bassinet.
"That impurity includes his sister, I presume." Xelloss' voice commented before he appeared from the Astral Plane, startling the dragon. Filia took up a defensive position to shield Fal from Xelloss.
"You will not take my son, Mazoku!" Filia spat.
"Wouldn't dream of it, although, he is my son, too, Filia-san." Xelloss replied, teleporting around Filia to glance down at Fal sleeping soundly.
"You're not here to take him?" Filia stammered out her question, not daring to allow any hope of that possibility.
"Not right now, no. Xeria-chan is enough to drive Ju-ou-sama and I insane as it is. She may be a Mazoku but she's still an annoying baby, too. I'm sure she'll grow into a beautifully nasty Mazoku and cause worldwide mass destruction. " Xelloss sighed and enjoyed the negative feelings from Filia.
"I want you to leave, Xelloss." Filia said with as much determination as she could muster.
"Now why is that Filia-chan? Don't you miss me?" He said in a low whisper as he appeared behind her and grabbed her in an embrace. He began to let his hands roam her body. Filia stood still, paralyzed in fear and another emotion she could not identify.
"We both got very drunk that night, Filia-chan, but after a while I started remembering the details of our little tryst. Do you remember? You enjoyed my touch quite well that night." He taunted her.
"You filthy Namagomi, get your hands off me!" Filia shrieked, pulled away from Xelloss and swung her mace to hit him. He caught the mace in midair and pulled her roughly to face him.
"Never forget Filia-chan, I could easily destroy you. It amuses me to let you live right now, but I bore easily. I am letting you keep Fal for now, but how long will that last? Maybe I'll take him tomorrow or five-ten years from now, you'll never know. Live in fear, Filia-chan, and thank your precious dragon god for each day you get to draw breath and be with my son." Xelloss said menacingly before vanishing back to the Astral Plane, leaving a terrified Filia shaking by her son's bassinet.
A Few Days Later
"Boss, we're home! We got lots of supplies and Val had a great time playing with Palou!" Jiras called out as he and Gravos entered the remains of the shop. He carried bundles of food, wood and other building supplies as Jiras carried a small baby in his arms. It was Valteria, a pure Ancient Dragon who was reborn as a gift from the Lord of Nightmares. (AN: Ha! Got Valgaav in too! Boo-ya!) Once upon a time he had been a young, angry dragon turned Mazoku who lived for revenge. Now, with no memories of that hardened lifetime, he was a happy baby who enjoyed spending time with his adoptive mother and her two employees.
"What happened here, Boss?" Gravos asked as they witnessed the shop's disarray.
"Much has happened my friends and I'm glad you were not here for it, but I'm heartened to see you now." Filia said quietly as she emerged from the upstairs' rooms with Fal in her arms.
"Oh, you had the baby?" Jiras asked.
"There is much to explain. Let us get the babies settled, get some tea and discuss it all." She suggested.
They did just that. After hearing the whole story, including the threat from the night before, Jiras and Gravos were in shock, frightened and angry. Filia had left out the part where Xelloss touched her however, as she felt great shame when she remembered it.
"We won't let anyone hurt you or the kids, Boss!" They both stated adamantly.
"The kids must be the priority so I must have both of your words, even if I am in danger, you must get these kids to safety, no matter what!" Filia emphasized.
"You have our word, Boss." They both replied simultaneously and reluctantly.
"Thank you." Filia replied and smiled while she watched Val and Fal get to know each other.
Ten Years Later
"Mama, why can' we go outside? It's a beautiful day!" A young, eleven year old boy whined along with his brother.
"Yeah Mama, we won't get too dirty!" His ten year old brother added.
"Val and Fal, the answer is no and that's final! You know we have visitors coming today and you two are already dressed nicely." Filia stated firmly.
The two boys pouted and walked away. They sat at the kitchen and started complaining about how bored they were to each other. Valteria was the oldest, sporting light green hair and golden eyes. He kept resisting the urge to touch his hair which was currently tied back but usually spiky. Fal, the younger of the two, had his golden hair tied back in a modest ponytail while his blue eyes showed a sad, bored expression.
"Why do we have to meet your friends, Mama?" Val complained.
"And why do we have to look nice?" Fal added.
"One answer: Because I said so." Filia responded with a frustrated tone.
She was a bit nervous about the old crew coming to visit. Many things had changed over the years and she had missed much due to her fear of taking her sons, especially Fal, anywhere. Lina and Gourry had gotten married as had Zelgadiss and Amelia. She and the kids, as well as Jiras and Gravos had been invited to both major events but she sent her employees in her stead. To her understanding, they also went through an interesting adventure involving a slumbering kingdom and had to fight Shabranigdo again. She wasn't exactly sad to have missed that one.
Filia wondered briefly if Xelloss was a part of that adventure but pushed the unwelcome thought of the Mazoku from her mind. Thoughts of him would only lead to sadness, fear and shame. She busied herself in cleaning and preparing for the arrival of her guests instead. Suddenly, the bell on the top of her storefront chimed.
"We'll greet the customer!" The boys yelled and raced downstairs to the store, desperate for something to do.
"No wait, boys!" Filia called after the boys as she raced to follow them. She knew that sense and it had been ten years since the last time she felt it.
"It's been a long time, Filia-san." The customer stated.
"Yes it has, Milgazia-sama." Filia replied.
"Mama, you know this guy?" Val asked innocently.
"This guy?" Milgazia huffed.
"Now Val, be respectful. That is no way to speak to someone." Filia scolded.
"Yeah, Val, don't you remember? We're supposed to say, 'hello, welcome to Maces & Vases, may I help you, Sir?'" Fal recounted politely with a bow.
"Show-off." Val muttered. Fal stuck his tongue out at him and the two boys ran off into the house after each other.
Filia sighed. "I apologize for their behavior. They are still young."
"No apologies necessary, Filia-san. They seem to be happy children and obviously well cared for." He complimented.
"Thank you, but I take it this is not a social call." Filia said more seriously as she invited Milgazia to a table and prepared cups of tea for them. They were not aware that the boys and her two employees were listening around the corner.
"I wish I could say it was. First off, I wanted to apologize for the attack ten years ago. One of our ranks fired without my orders." He started.
"If I recall, you told Lina-san that she made a mistake by helping us." Filia shot back respectfully but firmly.
"I still believe that, but only partially. You see, we have been monitoring you and your actions and we have no concerns about you or your boys." The Golden Dragon leader revealed.
Filia let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"However, we are still concerned for you and your boys' welfare." He continued.
"Why is that?" Filia asked in a concerned tone.
"Mazoku energy has been steadily increasing in the South for the past ten years and it grows stronger daily. I'm sure you realize the implications of that." He explained.
Filia stiffened. "Yes, I understand."
"So I am reframing my offer my a decade ago. We would like you to return to the temple, be reinstated as Priestess and bring both your boys safely into the clan." Milgazia revealed.
"When?" Filia asked, mind numb from the offer given.
"Immediately?" He suggested.
"Tonight, I am having a get-together/ birthday party for the boys so to leave after ..." Filia trailed off, lost in thought.
"A celebration? Excellent, perhaps I could attend. I shall bring two of the children from the temple with me so your boys will already have friends there." Milgazia suggested.
"That would be a wonderful idea! As far as moving, might I tell you at the party?" Filia asked, plans swimming in her brain.
"Yes, that will be fine. Until tonight then Filia-san, I look forward to drinking tea with you many times in the future." Milgazia said respectfully and left her small shop to prepare.
"Mama, do we have to move?" Fal asked as they all rounded the corner.
"Didn't you hear the guy, Fal? We're in danger!" Val yelled at his brother.
"But I don't wanna move!" Fal whined and started to cry.
"Don't worry Fal. Gravos and I will keep the shop running. Besides, you'll meet new friends!" Jiras said, hoping to cheer the young dragon up.
"You will? Good, because people like our little shop." Fal said proudly.
"Besides, it's not like we'll never come back! You and I just have to train hard to beat any Mazoku and we won't have to be scared anymore!" Val stated defiantly.
"Yeah! We'll get strong enough to protect Mama, too!" Fal added.
"That's the spirit, Kids! Go get 'em!" Gravos cheered them on.
Filia smiled her thanks at her employees and then the bell on the shop door rang again.
"Hello, anyone home?" A familiar voice came through the door.
"Lina-san? It's been so long!" Filia exclaimed and raced forward to hug the sorceress.
Lina Gabriev, formerly known as Lina Inverse, was a formidable sorceress who had enjoyed wild adventures, killing bandits and stealing their treasure for years. Now she and her long-time companion turned husband, Gourry, ran a small magic shop in Zefilia. Lina looked as if she hadn't aged a day, still sporting vibrant flame-colored hair and bright ruby eyes. Her husband, Gourry, followed her inside and also gave Filia a hug. Gourry also looked in great shape as he still practiced with his sword daily when he wasn't helping Lina run the shop. His long blond hair was tied back in a long ponytail and his gentle blue eyes held a smile for his old friend.
Two more people followed Lina and Gourry and one launched herself at Filia for a huge hug. Crown Princess Amelia had taken on more duties in the Kingdom of Saillune when she got married, yet she still held that innocent look in her bright blue eyes. She flipped a somewhat longer strand of dark hair over her shoulder as she allowed room for her husband to also step up and greet Filia. Zelgadiss Graywords would never have thought he could be a prince. With his blue, rocky skin and purple wire-like hair, being in the limelight at all would be frightening for many people. However, because it would be unjust to judge a person by their appearance, the people of Saillune accepted him as their Crown Prince and he found he enjoyed walking amidst crowds of people now.
Filia was quite surprised when Amelia's head ornament moved. It turned out Pokota, who looked like a plushy rabbit with green-gloved hands on his ears enjoyed travelling on people's heads. Her friends explained that Pokota was actually Prince Posel from the sleeping kingdom adventure she had heard about. After the explanation, Filia welcomed him as well as her friends to her home.
Later That Night
Maces & Vases was bustling with activity that night. Lina, ever the merchant, came up with the brilliant idea to combine the boys' birthday with a going away party for Filia and the boys as well as a sale for the shop. Customers came from all over the town to partake in the sale and enjoy some refreshments - only ten gold pieces at the door. Filia was a bit concerned that her clientele would be put off by the fee at the door, but all paid it as they wanted to wish her well. A local band offered music and the party was in full swing.
"Oh hello Milgazia-sama, forgive all the commotion." Filia said as respectfully as she could considering she had to shout over the band.
"You have large get-togethers, Filia-san." The Golden Dragon commented as he made his way through the crowd.
"I have to thank Lina-san for that. Are these two the children from the temple?" Filia sighed before pointing out the two small children next to Milgazia.
The young girl was very petite and wore a light pink dress with white frilly lace on the sleeves, around the neck and on the bottom. Her shoulder-length, golden blond hair was down and slightly wavy. Her bright blue eyes looked a bit nervous to be there. The young boy next to her squeezed her hand in comfort, causing her to relax.
The young boy looked nothing like the young girl as he carried a bored expression in his ice blue eyes as he yawned. He wore a dark blue suit with a tie he kept trying to take off. He stretched and ran a hand through his light brown hair before looking around the party.
"Yes, these are Marcus and Lauria, they are siblings and around the same age as your boys. Marcus has twelve years and Lauria has eight years. I figured they would mesh with your boys well. Now I want you two to behave and go spend time with the other children." Milgazia explained.
"Yes, Milgazia-sama." Lauria replied with a curtsey.
"I hope they're not boring." Marcus replied and raced off before he could be scolded. Lauria followed.
"Milgazia-sama, the girl is a Golden Dragon with no doubt, but the boy, he is..." Filia began.
"Yes, he's a hybrid as well. That is the main reason I brought them. Unfortunately, you were not the only one who was violated by a Mazoku." Milgazia said in a low tone.
"I should like to meet the dragon involved." Filia replied. Milgazia simply nodded.
"Marcus, I'm scared. What if these two boys aren't nice?" Lauria said in a quiver.
"That's simple, sister. I'll destroy them." Marcus replied in a dark tone.
"You know you'll get in trouble if you keep talking that way. Father doesn't like it!" Lauria warned.
"The Old Man isn't here and Milgy is out of earshot so I can relax a bit. Oh, that must be them." Marcus replied with a stretch before spotting Fal and Val.
"Hey, you two must be the birthday boys." Marcus greeted informally as the children met.
"Yes, my name is Valteria. You can call me Val and this is my little brother, Fal." Val introduced and shook Marcus' outstretched hand.
"Fal, short for what?" He asked.
"N-nothing, just Fal." Fal stammered.
Marcus sensed his intimidation and smirked.
"No worries Fal, I don't bite ... much." Marcus said with a rather evil grin.
"Marcus, don't be mean!" Lauria stepped in.
"Yes, this is my younger sister, Lauria. Lauria meet Val and Fal." Marcus introduced with a sigh.
"I am pleased to meet you both and happiest of birthday wishes." She said politely with a curtsey.
"Th-thank you." Fal stammered.
"Geez, Fal, you're making me look bad. Are you scared of her, too?" Val said in an exasperated tone.
"I'm not scared at all!" Fal whined a bit and blushed.
"Oh I think I get it Val. I think your brother has a crush on my sister and is absolutely terrified of what her big bad elder brother will do to him." Marcus spoke slyly. Val laughed heartily while Lauria and Fal blushed.
Just then the band struck up slower music and couples started dancing.
"Perfect timing! Fal, ask Lauria-chan to dance." Val whispered to his brother, loud enough for Marcus to hear.
"What's that Fal? Too scared to ask my sister to dance. That's a darn shame. She's a good dancer." Marcus said sarcastically.
Lauria sent a mild glare at her brother before blushing and glancing at Fal.
"W-would you like to dance, Lauria-chan?" Fal asked in a stammer.
"I-I'd be delighted." Lauria stammered back.
Marcus and Val nearly fell over laughing as they watched their siblings slowly walk to the dance floor and started counting how many times Fal stepped on her feet.
As the slow music ended and a faster one began, a pair of hands grabbed one of each of Marcus and Val's hands and dragged them toward the dance floor to meet the other two children.
"We can't let them have all the fun, can we? Let's get this party started!" A young female voice spoke as the group was swept up into the dance. When the four children already introduced got their bearings, they looked toward the newcomer.
It was a young girl who appeared around their age dressed in a long dark purple, long-sleeved dress with black flowered designs on it. Her skin was very pale and it was in deep contrast to her vibrant, violet hair which was tied back in a modest braid. The most unusual to the small group was the color of the girl's eyes. They were a bright amethyst color and they were alight with amusement.
"Who are you?" Lauria asked the question burning all their minds.
"It's a secret." The mysterious girl replied wagging one finger at them with one eye closed. The others exchanged mixed glances or confusion, concern and amusement.
"Just kidding, my name is Xeria. I'm from out of town. I saw there was a party and so I crashed it. Nice to meet you." She said bluntly and smiled with her eyes closed.
The others were dumbfounded at first but then decided to throw caution to the wind and enjoy the dance.
On the other side of the room, Filia suddenly felt a strong chill, similar to one she hadn't felt in ten years.
"Milgazia-san, do you feel that?" She asked in concern, scanning the room.
"Yes, but I can't tell which direction it's coming from. We should check on the children." He suggested and they made their way through the crowd.
"Aw, hell, not now." Marcus groaned and looked around for a place to hide.
"What's the matter?" Xeria asked in confusion.
"Our parents are coming." Lauria answered, also sensing their approaching presence.
"Correction: Our mother and your father. I'm out of here. You guys look after her for me?" Marcus quickly asked the others and raced upstairs to hide.
"He and our father don't get along." Lauria explained in a sad tone.
"Actually, Marcus hates him and he fears him as well, but I think I may go hide with him. I'm a party crasher after all." Xeria smiled with her eyes closed and teleported away, leaving the others once again dumbfounded at how she knew all that and where she went.
"Why am I bothering to hide? He'll definitely find me." Marcus commented to himself after hiding under Val or Fal's bed. He wasn't sure whose it was.
"Don't they say the chase is more fun? Make him work for it." Xeria said as she teleported under the bed next to Marcus.
"Geez, you startled me. So you're a hybrid, too, huh Xeria-chan?" Marcus asked outright. Xeria opened her eyes in surprise.
"You're pretty insightful for the tough guy, huh? Here I thought I was the one with insight into others' feelings." Xeria said with a nervous laugh.
"Well, it takes one to know one, right? My mother was raped by Dynaast, what's your story?" Marcus said in an almost bored tone.
"Darn, that means you outrank me. Well, I could say it's secret but truthfully I don't know too much. My father is Xelloss Metallium and my mother is a golden dragon priestess. I also have a brother, I'm told." Xeria revealed.
"Really? That's interesting. Think you'll find him?" Marcus asked.
"I think I already have, but that's ... only a theory." Xeria replied in the "secret" pose. Marcus rolled his eyes.
Meanwhile, downstairs a ruckus of sorts was starting.
"Sagalia, is there a reason for your appearance?" Milgazia confronted.
Sagalia and his mate both looked very similar to Filia and Milgazia as they both sported blond hair and blue eyes. However, Sagalia's eyes held an evil glint in them and his mate's eyes held a defeated look in them. Filia recognized him. He was there ten years ago and he was the one who fired first. Filia could tell that Lina and the others may have recognized him, too, because Lina, Gourry and Zelgadiss immediately came to stand beside her. Amelia and Pokota stayed back with Fal, Val and Lauria.
"I know I originally said you could take the kids to this party but I had forgotten that the brat had extra class punishment tonight so I thought I'd come retrieve them. Lauria, come here." Sagalia called.
"Yes, Father." Lauria replied and gave a polite curtsey to Fal and Val and then to Filia as she approached her.
"Were you good?" Sagalia asked.
"Yes Father, Filia-sama was a nice hostess and Fal and Val are both very nice." Lauria replied sweetly.
"Lauria-chan, where is Marcus?" Her mother, Faranth, asked.
"Um, I don't know, Mother." She replied in a scared tone.
"That miserable brat better hope I don't find him." Sagalia grumbled and began searching.
Filia then realized two things, Faranth was the other dragon violated by a Mazoku and she didn't trust Sagalia at all.
"Okay, I've been contemplating whether to say anything since you showed up but I'm going to so don't be freaked out, okay?" Marcus said in an uncomfortable tone.
"Okay." Xeria said in an interested tone while she raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, here it goes. My mother's a Golden Dragon priestess, too. She's also a visionary so I think I got some of that from her. When I was really little, I had a vision." Marcus began.
"Okay, of what?" Xeria prompted.
"Of you, I think." Marcus replied, a slight blush creeping onto his face.
"You think?" Xeria questioned, tilting her head to one side.
"Well, I'm pretty sure it's you because I imagine there aren't many women with purple hair and eyes, but you're older, maybe eighteen or twenty. You were angry and using amazing dark powers." Marcus started to explain.
"Sounds good so far, so why are you so uncomfortable?" Xeria asked in a teasing tone.
"Well, I saw this vision multiple times, almost nightly. You were a Mazoku and I knew that, but you were so beautiful so I ended up falling in love with you. Stupid huh? Just forget I said anything!" Marcus said quickly, his face completely red with embarrassment.
"So I'm your destiny, huh? Hmm...that's cool, I guess. I mean, I don't know much about love stuff, either, but I guess if you could feel it then I must be able to. Right?" Xeria answered, slightly uncomfortable herself. Marcus noticed this.
"Geez, here I was making fun of Fal and Lauria earlier, now look at me - fumbling all over myself around a pretty girl." Marcus remarked, trying to ease Xeria's discomfort.
"Well, you're smarter then. You waited until no one else was around before you fell all over yourself." Xeria replied, feeling a bit relieved.
The two hybrids shared a quiet chuckle.
"It must be so cool to live with Mazoku. I hate to say it but I'm a bit jealous." Marcus admitted.
"So, why don't you run away with me?" Xeria asked simply.
"Are you serious?" Marcus asked, hope permeating every syllable.
"Absolutely, I'm sure my father and grandmother wouldn't mind having another potentially powerful Mazoku and besides you're my destiny, right? To be honest, Marcus, I think your visions may not be that far off. I know it sounds mushy and I feel sick even saying it but I feel a strong connection to you already. I don't really know why or how." Xeria confessed.
"I'll do it! I'll run away to the dark side with you, Xeria! After all, Val and Fal are supposed to move into the temple with their mother so I can leave care of Lauria and my mother to them. That's truthfully the only reason I haven't run away by now." Marcus said excitedly, grabbing Xeria hands.
"Fantastic! What's going on down there?" Xeria replied and commented on the ruckus below.
"I wish we could check it out without being seen." Marcus considered.
"We can, we just watch from the Astral Plane." Xeria smiled, grasped Marcus' hands tighter and they both retreated to the Astral Plane to listen in on the drama developing below.
"There's strong Mazoku energy here. I don't like it." Sagalia complained as the townsfolk slowly saw themselves out.
"I worry about the children, Sagalia. We need to find Marcus and get home." Sagalia's mate, Faranth, said in a worried tone as she clutched Lauria to her.
"I'm sure Marcus is safe. He's hiding with Xer-oops." Lauria tried to reassure her mother but realized her mistake too late.
"What did you say?" Lina stepped forward to confront the small dragon. Lauria shook with fear.
"Lina, back off a bit. You're frightening the small child. Lauria-chan, correct?" Zelgadiss intervened. Lina walked away in a huff. At Lauria's nod, Zelgadiss continued.
"You were about to say that Marcus was hiding with someone. Who was that?" He asked.
"It's no one really! Lauria was mistaken!" Val tried to interfere.
"Quiet stupid boy!" Sagalia yelled at Val.
Filia had been quieted into shock until this point but no one spoke to her children that way.
"How dare you come into my home, cause my guests to leave and talk to my child that way! Who do you think you are?" Filia yelled, pulling Val behind her.
"I have nothing to say to a Mazoku's plaything like you! In fact, I see two boys. I thought you had a hybrid daughter as well." Sagalia said insultingly.
Xeria and Marcus both opened their eyes in shock.
"Oh that's enough! Let's take this outside!" Lina stepped up to Filia's defense.
"Mama, is that true? Am I a hybrid? Do I have a sister? Is that why Val and I feel different?" Fal stepped up and asked in a quiet voice.
"Fal, Val, now really isn't the time." Filia tried to push the questioning off, but both boys stood together firmly with their arms crossed in front of Filia.
"Filia-san. let me try. Come here boys." Amelia said gently and ushered the boys to the table to sit down. Lina still blocked Sagalia. Gourry and Zelgadiss stood by her, in case he tried anything.
"Okay, where to begin - Val, how much do you know about yourself?" Amelia asked.
"Well, I've thought about it a lot. I know I don't feel anything like Mama or Fal so I'm guessing I'm not related by blood." Val theorized.
"Okay, you are correct about that. However, Filia-san loves you as if you were her flesh and blood!" Amelia confirmed then added quickly as Val looked crestfallen.
"So who am I really?" Val asked.
"You are Valteria, the last of the Ancient Dragons and my beloved son. Never forget the last part." Filia finished, gathering Val in for a hug.
"Okay, so Val's an Ancient Dragon, what am I?" Fal inquired.
"Fal, I'm not sure I can answer that right now." Filia said honestly, stumped for words.
"Aunt Amelia?" Fal looked hopefully at Amelia, who looked extremely uncomfortable.
"I'll take this one, Amelia." Zelgadiss stepped forward.
"Remember, be gentle Zel." Lina warned. Zel sent a mild glare her way.
"Fal, as you've heard, you are not related to Val by blood." Zelgadiss began.
"That doesn't matter! He's still my brother!" Fal said adamantly.
"That's correct. This information isn't meant to upset or hurt you, just to inform you." Zel justified.
"Then why wouldn't Mama tell us?" Val asked, shooting an angry look at Filia.
"Your mother was trying to protect you both. Now Fal, as you've also heard you are a hybrid. Filia is your blood mother so you are half Golden Dragon." Zel began.
"Okay, that's good, but what about my other half?" Fal asked in a fearful tone.
"Is there anything you think is unusual about yourself Fal?" Zel countered with a question.
"Well, one thing, but it's really bad!" Fal said nervously.
"Look at me Fal, I'm the last person to judge you." Zel said with a gentle smile.
Filia was shocked. She had never known Zelgadiss to be this gentle. The years must have been good to him.
"Okay, when someone gets hurt or is really mad, I feel happy sometimes. Well, not happy, but like I just ate a really good meal." Fal explained, blushing in shame.
"Okay, that makes sense." Zel nodded.
"It does?" Fal asked excitedly.
"Yes, Fal, you see you're half Golden Dragon and the other half is ... Mazoku. They are a race of creatures who gain satisfaction from others' suffering." Zelgadiss came right to the point.
"No, it can't be! I thought Mazoku were evil! I'm not evil! Am I Uncle Zelgadiss?" Fal asked tearfully.
At this point, Filia grasped Fal into an embrace and Val joined in for the hug.
"No, Fal, you're not evil. Just like Val, you're a precious son to Filia, just as you both always were." Zelgadiss answered and rose. Lina gave him a high-five.
"Does that answer your theory, Xeria?" Marcus asked.
"Indeed, only one more question remains." She answered then listened once more.
"Wait, Mama, what about our sister?" Val asked.
"Yeah, Lauria's father said I had a hybrid sister, too? Were we twins? Where is she?" Fal added.
Filia looked desperately at her friends but no one seemed to volunteer for this one.
"No boys, you don't have a sister." Filia answered.
Lina and the others were flabbergasted.
"Filia..." Lina started.
"Nothing else need be said Lina-san. Now if my boys will be treated this way when they go to the temple, I'd just as soon as stay right here!" Filia cut Lina off and proclaimed angrily.
"No! They need to go to the temple! Damn, there goes my chance to escape! Xeria, are you okay?" Marcus was so caught up in the conversation that he didn't notice the dark aura surrounding Xeria until that moment.
"Maybe a little fear will jog her memory. No worries, Marcus, they will go to the temple if I have to burn this place to the ground!" Xeria said in a dark, angry tone.
"Wait, Xeria, you'd have to contend with Lina Inverse. You really don't want that, do you? Don't worry, I'll figure out another way to come to you. In fact, there's an old oak tree just outside the barrier to the temple. I'll meet you there as soon as they arrive at the temple. I probably should go, though. The Old Man may burn the house down before you do." Marcus said his piece and let go of Xeria's hand briefly before she grabbed it back in a panic.
"What was that?" Xeria said, breathless and scared.
"What's wrong?" Marcus asked her.
"When you let go of my hand, I had this horrible feeling." She explained and started regulating her breathing. At times like this, she looked forward to becoming a full Mazoku who didn't need to worry about such things.
"What feeling?" Marcus asked.
"That I would never hold your hand again." Xeria answered honestly, grasping his hand tighter.
"That can't be right. I'm going to run away to live with you. You're my destiny, remember? And perhaps, one day, much more." Marcus reassured her softly then suddenly leaned in to kiss her briefly on the lips.
"You're right. Well, we need to ensure that all happens then. Perhaps my original plan may not be too far off after all, no burning needed." Xeria said slyly with one eye closed.
Marcus smirked evilly at her.
"Now we just need to find that stupid brat and leave!" Sagalia bellowed.
"I got bored waiting for you to find me, Old Man, so I took a nap." Marcus said, stifling a yawn as he teleported in from the Astral Plane.
"Marcus, come here. It's not safe!" Faranth called.
"I'm fine, Mother. In fact, better than I've ever felt. I mean, I'm going to have some guy friends to hang around with for once. So when are you two moving in?" Marcus asked Val and Fal as he stood next to his mother.
"It seems we're not, because your father was rude to us." Val answered.
"Oh no, no that won't do. First off, he's not my father. Secondly, what about the Mazoku threat?" Marcus asked in an arrogant tone.
"As much as I do not approve of his tone, I agree with Marcus, Filia-san and I beg you reconsider." Milgazia put his two cents in.
"There hasn't been a Mazoku threat here in ten years, so that's not enough to convince me, Milgazia-sama!" Filia replied adamantly.
Marcus nearly bust a gut laughing.
"What's so funny, Marcus?" Lauria asked.
"Just wait." He replied.
At that moment, dark mist filled a corner of the room. The mist started spinning in a black cone shape. Lina and her crew stiffened. Filia audibly gulped.
"All those deliciously fearful reactions just for little old me? Or were you expecting someone else?" Xeria commented as she appeared in the crowded living room.
Her appearance caused a mild relaxation of tense limbs before immediately tensing again.
"Oh, there you are Xeria! Where were you hiding?" Lauria asked as she started to approach the young Mazoku. Her mother immediately pulled her back.
"I hid with Marcus, naturally. I was crashing the party after all. I thought about it though and felt it was only just of me to say my farewells and pay my respects. One must always be just, right Aunt Amelia?" Xeria commented, throwing a glance at Amelia who could only nod in shock.
"Who are you, Mazoku?" Sagalia demanded.
"Xeria, you're a Mazoku?!" Lauria asked in shock.
"Aw, darn, you guys ruined my chance to use my father's famous phrase. Well, I suppose a proper introduction is required now. I am Xeria Metallium, a party-crashing Mazoku, hello!" Xeria gave a flourished bow and smiled with her eyes closed.
Then she began teleporting around the room to different people. First to Lauria and Marcus.
"Lauria, I enjoyed meeting you and I feel like we're sisters already!" Xeria opened eye toward Marcus who smiled. Then she teleported to Lina and Gourry.
"The infamous Aunt Lina and Uncle Gourry - I've heard stories my whole life but to meet you both in person, oh I am speechless!" Xeria said dramatically.
"That's cool, I'm an uncle!" Gourry said happily.
"Gourry, shut up!" Lina bopped her husband off the head while looking at Xeria suspiciously.
"Just as violent as Father said, how awesome!" Xeria said and smiled before teleporting to Zelgadiss, Amelia and Pokota. She picked up Pokota.
"You really are a plushy doll? That's so weird!" Xeria commented as she squished Pokota as he struggled to break free.
"You look like a female version of that Mazoku freak and I'm weird?" Pokota swore under his breath as he broke free.
"Xeria-chan, that is not just!" Amelia came to Pokota's defense.
"Ugh, Father was also correct about how nauseating your justice speeches can be, Aunt Amelia." She commented and quickly moved to stand before Zelgadiss.
"I imagine your father didn't have nice things to say about me." Zelgadiss came straight to the point.
"Not usually, but he did say you were always good for a nice snack. To be honest, Uncle Zel, Father may not like you, but I think you're kinda cool." Xeria smiled. Zel looked surprised. Then she teleported to Val and Fal.
"What can I say to you two birthday boys? You want to hear something interesting? Today's my birthday, too! Maybe that's what it is! I just feel so close to you both, almost like we were siblings." Xeria grabbed the boys in for a hug and shot an open-eyed glare at Filia when she said the last part.
"It's funny you should mention that, Xeria. According to Lauria's father, we did have a sister, but Mama said we don't." Fal mentioned.
Many of the adults in the room tensed. Marcus clapped his hands over his mouth so he wouldn't laugh.
"Yes, I would be completely amiss if I didn't thank my gracious hostess for such a wonderful party." Xeria said with a strong sarcastic tone and turned toward Filia. Lina and crew prepared themselves in case they needed to defend Filia.
Xeria approached Filia with her smiling mask in place. Filia was absolutely terrified and ashamed.
'Dear Cepheid, this is my daughter?' She thought to herself as Xeria stood before her.
"Filia-san, correct? My deepest apologies for crashing your party, but I had an amazing time. For that, you have my gratitude." Xeria said as she gave a respectful curtsey. Filia tried to regulate her breathing enough to respond but she could only nod.
"In fact, I had such fun that since I heard you're staying here maybe I'll come by more often to visit! I think I shall! What fun that will be!" Xeria proclaimed and opened her eyes at Filia who could only look in horror at the evil in them.
"Farewell for now!" Xeria said with flare, blew a kiss in Marcus' direction and vanished to the Astral Plane.
"Boys, get upstairs and start packing! Milgazia-sama, we will be there by dawn's light." Filia commanded. The boys looked at each other in confusion, Milgazia nodded and Marcus smirked.
"The oak tree," he whispered. Sagalia looked at the boy suspiciously.
Later That Night
As Filia prepares, her belated action leads to a death cry at the dragon shrine as the life of a young hybrid ends.
Wolf Pack Island
"What's wrong Xeria-chan?" Xelloss asked his young daughter as she awoke screaming like a banshee from her slumber.
"I don't know Father. I just felt really alone and sad all of a sudden. I can't stop!" She said in-between sobs as she unknowingly cried for a destiny forever denied her.
The Next Dawn
Lina and crew walked Filia and her sons to the oak tree outside the dragon temple. There had already been an emotional goodbye at the shop with Jiras and Gravos. Filia looked at the oak tree a few moments before entering the temple and waving goodbye to her friends once more.
They were greeted at the gates by a tearful Lauria who immediately threw her arms around Fal. He tried to ask her what was wrong but she was too busy sobbing.
"Lauria, where's Marcus? He'll give a straight answer." Val said, a bit annoyed because he hadn't gotten much sleep. Then she sobbed harder.
Filia had a bad feeling and she spotted Sagalia speaking in hushed tones to Milgazia while Faranth was off to the side, quietly sobbing as well.
"Faranth-san, what has happened?" She asked.
The other dragon looked at her with shame-filled defeated eyes.
"Marcus ..." She started. When she finished, Filia was horrified. Then she overheard part of Sagalia's conversation and told the boys to stay with Lauria and that she's be right back.
The Oak Tree
"Are you certain this boy will meet you here, Xeria-chan?" Xelloss asked as he sat up in the tree.
"This is where we agreed to meet Father, but I still can't shake that horrible feeling from last night." Xeria said in a concerned tone.
"Someone's coming Xeria-chan." Xelloss replied and she hid behind the tree.
Filia advanced toward the tree and Xeria appeared from behind it.
"What do you want here? Go away!" She said angrily.
"Good morning Filia-san, it's been a while." Xelloss greeted as he descended from the tree.
"Hello Xelloss, it hasn't been long enough, although I'm glad you're here actually." Filia said coldly.
"Oh?" Xelloss asked with one eyebrow raised and one eye opened.
"You need to get Xeria out of here. It's not safe! Sagalia intends to lead an army of dragons here to kill her." Filia warned.
"Why would you care about me anyway? I don't even exist to you!" Xeria stormed right up to Filia and shouted at her angrily.
"There's something else, isn't there?" Xelloss asked, as he pulled Xeria back.
"Yes, there is. There was a murder at the temple. Xeria's being blamed for it but I don't believe it was her. I just have a feeling!" Filia declared.
"I haven't killed anyone ...yet. I'm seriously tempted to kill Sagalia though. That lizard is a horrible excuse for existence. Plus, there may be another dragon on my list at some point." Xeria said sending an evil glance at Filia.
"I have never known your father to lie Xeria and I imagine he raised you with the same ideals." Filia inquired. At Xeria's nod, Filia breathed a sigh of relief but then looked saddened.
"There's more, isn't there?" Xelloss inquired.
"Astute as ever, and unfortunately, yes, there is. Xeria, please come here." Filia knelt on the ground beckoned the young hybrid to her. Surprisingly, Xeria went up to her and allowed Filia to put her hands on her shoulders.
"Xeria, were you waiting here for Marcus?" Filia asked.
"Yes, I am waiting here. He'll come, you know! If he's been captured, he'll escape and come here! We're destined after all!" Xeria said defiantly.
"Xeria, I'm so sorry! I'm so, so sorry! Please know if I had been there, I would've done everything in my power to stop it!" Filia hugged the young hybrid to her and began to cry.
Xelloss' face took on a look of understanding but Xeria was confused.
"What are you talking about you crazy lizard?" Xeria pulled back from the hug but not the embrace.
"Marcus is dead, Xeria. He was murdered in the night and you're being blamed for it. I knew it wasn't you! I'm sorry!" Filia explained and her heart broke as she felt her daughter stiffen and then collapse into uncontrollable tears in her arms.
Filia simply held her, rubbed her back and let her cry, offering her any comfort she could.
"Mama, there you are! You won't believe the rubbish we heard!" Val and Fal, along with Lauria, ran toward Filia.
They stopped short when they saw Xeria. Lauria was the first to recover.
"How could you? How could you kill my brother?!" She screamed tearfully.
"Stop it Lauria-chan, it has to be a mistake!" Val argued.
Fal said nothing but walked right past both his parents to Xeria, paused and then hugged her.
"You didn't do it, did you?" He asked finally.
"No, I didn't kill him, but I will slaughter every damn dragon until the one who did confesses!" She said in a dark, calm tone.
"That's not the way to handle things." Fal insisted.
"It's my way. You don't have to like it, Brother. Marcus was supposed to be my destiny. I will find his killer and I will destroy all those cowardly lizards that send an army to kill a little girl while they protect a child murderer in their midst! Rest assured, I will not harm you, or Val or Lauria. I will not harm you either, Filia." Xeria declared, shocking the small group, including Xelloss.
"Yes, I do not forgive you for not acknowledging I exist, however, I appreciate that you were kind to me and believed in me. Thank you. Father, let us leave here now. I wish to train and learn from you the art of killing many dragons." Xeria acknowledged her mother before turning her attention to her father.
Xelloss was a bit taken aback at first, but he smiled at his daughter and nodded.
"Xeria, you don't have to do this!" Fal pleaded as he ran up to Xeria and Xelloss as they prepared to leave.
"Would you care to come with us, Fal?" Xelloss offered.
"You know me, Xeria's father?" Fal asked.
"I get it now! Fal, Mama lied to us! Xeria is our sister! Right Mama?" Val challenged.
"Still slightly oppositional, eh Filia-san?" Xelloss commented in regards to Val.
Filia looked at Xeria. "Yes, that's correct." She got up and approached them as well.
"Fal, you had a twin sister at birth. That was Xeria. Shortly after her birth, she went to live with her father and you stayed with me. That is the truth." She stated.
"So you're my father, too?" Fal asked.
"Yes, I am Xelloss Metallium, general and priest to Greater Beast Xellass Metallium-sama, one of the five generals to the Dark Lord." Xelloss answered.
At that moment, they could all feel the dragon army approaching.
"We need to hide boys! Quickly!" Filia tried to grasp both Val and Fal.
"Your mother is correct. We may have another opportunity, Fal." Xelloss said, sent a glance at Filia and turned away.
"But Xeria, you're my sister..." Fal started.
"Yes, Fal, but right now we must be apart. You and Val need to stay with Filia and protect Lauria. Marcus would have wanted that. You haven't seen the last of me, unfortunately for your race." Xeria said sorrowfully as she joined her father on a astral journey back to Wolf Pack Island.
Nine Years Later
The day was finally here. Fal and Lauria were getting married. They had decided on a small private wedding, much to the dismay of Filia who had hoped to invite her human friends. Secretly, she hoped that Xeria may be able to attend. Over the years, Filia had made peace within herself about her one night stand with Xelloss and her daughter, who preferred to be a Mazoku. So she wasn't startled or upset when she sensed Xelloss' presence.
"I received an anonymous message about a special occasion today, Filia-san. Who did it come from?" He asked.
"I sent the message to you and Xeria, Xelloss. Fal and Lauria wed today and I thought you both would want to attend." She answered simply.
"I must admit I'm surprised, Filia-chan." Xelloss admitted with his eyes open.
"I've done a lot of thinking over the years, Xelloss. I've come to terms with it all. My only regret is that I don't have much of a relationship with my own daughter. How is Xeria?" Filia confessed.
"Your only regret? You don't regret that we were intimate and created hybrid offspring or do you finally admit that you enjoyed it?" He teased while taking Filia into a tight embrace.
"I was under the influence of spirits, Xelloss. However, I can no longer lie to myself either. Physically, it was quite enjoyable. I don't regret our children either." Filia admitted but pulled herself out of Xelloss' embrace.
"Hmm, you may still be fun after all. Good, I didn't want to kill you yet. As for Xeria, it depends on your interpretation. I'd say she's amazing but you'd probably say she's awful. Well, she's excited to come here tonight for the ceremony so you'll see her then." Xelloss answered and returned to Wolf Pack Island to prepare.
Later That Night
The ceremony was simple but romantic as Fal and Lauria pledged their love and devotion to each other. As the reception was about to begin, Sagalia took center stage in the large ballroom.
"My friends, as wonderfully sweet as this has all been, there is a bigger prize to be had this day! Unbeknownst to the bride, groom or his family, this has been an elaborate trap and it has been sprung!" With his words, the whole room was surrounded by Holy Magic. It was so overwhelming that Fal was finding it difficult to breathe.
"Father, stop this! You're hurting him!" Lauria begged.
"It's only so he cannot interfere, Lauria. He'll be fine." Sagalia replied.
It was then that Lauria realized that she couldn't move and neither could Fal, Filia or Val.
"There's a reason I insisted you have a small, private wedding. I didn't want the interference of Lina Inverse and now let's see what we captured!" Sagalia explained.
The Holy Magic started to cumulate in the center of the room, creating an image of a cage. There was one creature locked in the cage.
"It seems we only half succeeded. Oh well, one is better than none." He said with a shrug.
Filia and the others looked in horror to see a young, nineteen year old Mazoku locked in the cage. Her vibrant violet hair had grown to the length of her ankles. She was dressed all in black including her long-sleeved, ankle-length dress and cape to match. Her amethyst eyes held a bit of pain but mostly fury in them.
"That bastard! He used your wedding as a trap to capture Xeria!" Val managed to get out.
"Father, how could you?" Lauria cried.
"So Mazoku girl, you're trapped." Sagalia went up to the cage to taunt Xeria.
"Ugh, the years haven't been kind to you. You're still an ugly bastard, aren't you?" Xeria asked defiantly.
"You've grown more evil and twisted!" He responded.
"And yet, I look fantastic! More than I can say for you. By the way, hi Fal and Lauria! Nice ceremony. Too mushy for my taste but it was mercifully short! Thanks for that! Hey Val, what's going on Brother? Love the spiky hair style! Hello Filia! Father sends his regards by the way! The trap was a bit too obvious so he got out but I let myself get captured because I need information." Xeria greeted everyone.
"That's what you'd like us to think but you can't get out of that! You're only half Mazoku so you don't have the power!" Sagalia yelled back. Xeria ignored him.
"I have a question for your leader, Milgy, where are you?" Xeria asked disrespectfully.
"I am Milgazia and what could you possibly need to know, Mazoku?" Milgazia stepped forward and challenged Xeria.
"Nine years ago, I supposedly snuck into this temple and murdered Marcus, right?" Xeria asked bluntly.
"Yes, Marcus had a darkness to him but he did not deserve to be murdered!" Milgazia replied in anger.
"So we agree on that. Now to my ultimate question, why would I bother to go to all of the trouble of sneaking in to kill Marcus and then wait at the oak tree to be killed?" Xeria asked directly. Milgazia was silent as he processed the information.
"Let me tell you. No secret this time. Marcus was going to run away with me. I was waiting there for him. Why would I kill him and then wait there?" Xeria continued.
"How could we be expected to understand a murderer's mindset?" Sagalia bellowed.
"Oh, you mean basic logic? Perhaps, you need to explain because I believe you were leading the army to the oak tree. How did you know?" Xeria asked seriously, glared at him with both eyes open.
"I can't hold it in any longer! Xeria-chan, right? You said Marcus was going to run away with you?" Faranth, stepped forward and spoke.
"Shut your mouth, Woman!" Sagalia moved toward his mate and back-handed her.
"Yes, he was." Xeria replied.
"Was he happy about it?" Faranth continued.
"Yes, he was. We both were." Xeria answered softly, pain evident.
"He told me about his visions. Here you are and he must have recognized you. I can no longer hold my silence. She didn't kill Marcus. I saw it happen. I didn't stop it! I was too afraid. Xeria, when you escape, please kill me! Sagalia killed him! He confronted him about the oak tree and Marcus admitted he was meeting his destiny. Then he killed him. Dear Cepheid, forgive me!" Faranth fell into fits of sobs and collapsed to the floor.
"Are you going to believe the ranting of this obviously mad woman?" Sagalia yelled amongst his fellow dragons who looked at him in disgust.
"I believe and now my theory is proven." Xeria's eyes glowed as she disappeared in a black cone of her dark power. The cage broke apart instantly and her family was free to move again. Lauria immediately ran to her mother's side. Xeria reappeared as she had looked but holding a misshapen staff that looked similar to the one Xelloss was known to carry.
"There's no way a hybrid like you could break that seal!" Sagalia yelled.
"Who said I was a hybrid? I am a full Mazoku now. I'm only missing one detail. A dragon heart for my staff. Yours is too corrupt but a pure heart laden with shame and guilt - that's perfect!" Xeria announced and immediately teleported to Faranth and Lauria.
"No Xeria, you don't have to do this!" Lauria pleaded.
"Oh no, Sister, I must. This woman is one of the reasons that bound Marcus here and then she sat back and watch while her child was destroyed. She begged for death so I'll give who may have been my mother-in-law what she wants! Stand aside!" Xeria said coldly, pushed Lauria aside with her power and punched her way into Faranth's chest and pulled out her still-beating heart.
"Crimson blood that nurtures life is shed in death. The purity of a dragon's heart is corrupted into chaos. Demonic powers gather within me and give this form!" Xeria chanted.
Faranth watched as her heart twisted into a bright red jewel before she died in Lauria's arms. Xeria fixed the jewel into her staff and turned her attention to Sagalia.
"Now, the time for vengeance is finally here. By the power of your defeated and shamed mate, I destroy you, you pathetic excuse for existence! Begone!" Xeria announced and as the staff glowed red, Sagalia was reduced to a pile of ash.
"Xeria, how could you?!" Fal shouted.
"My apologies to you both, especially Lauria. I ruined your wedding day and made her an orphan. I did it to avenge my destiny denied to me and yet the emptiness remains. I guess Mazoku are the bad guys after all and villains don't get happy endings. Well, I suppose it's time to bid farewell." Xeria said in a somber tone.
Filia and Val approached but both were speechless.
Xeria simply smiled at them with her eyes closed but they could both tell it was fake. Then she vanished.
End Lina's Version