DISCLAIMER: … I do not own the Slayers or any quotes I have listed at the top of the chapters…
Special thanks to you Mwafa, and Mistress Dragon Flame...
Chapter Three
And what's the worst you take…
From every heart you break…
And like the blade you stain…
Well I've been holding on tonight…
What's the worst that I can say?
Things are better if I stay…
So long and goodnight…
So long and goodnight …
Helena - My Chemical Romance
Twas just short of two in the morning when Filia finally sighed and gave up her feeble attempts of self-distraction. Heaving a dry sigh, she primly tucked her book away and gazed forlornly out of her window, the fullmoon shinning its pale light down on the little inn from where it hung big and bright in the night sky above. It seemed distraction was definetly out of the question. If for no other reason than that the scenes in her current novel reminded her far too much of her own uncomfortable reality.
Why? Why had you looked so hurt underneath your typical annoyance with me, Xelloss? Filia asked herself sliently, uable to hold back a light twitch. And why did you have to be so rude about it?
Filia pouted, letting out a low growl as she flopped down on the bed in annoyance. Heaving another sigh, she pulled liberated her travel bag from its place under the bed. Its' contents appeared to be rather simple at first glance. Three novels like the one she was currently reading, her tea set, a Shrine Maiden's guide for Amelia to learn from, and an odd little black book. It was the book that she pulled from the bag. Carefully, as so not to anger it. Yes it, for you see, this book wasn't really a book at all.
Summopere Monstrum was a rare and highly sought after Mazoku. Long ago, in a time just before the war of the Monsters Fall, he had served as a messenger under none other than Hellmaster Phibbrizo himself. However, as the history went, it seemed he had been quite poor at his job. As such, it came to pass after yet a fifth summons was improperly issued to the other Mazoku Lords, that Phibrizzo came to a swift and final decision. It seemed to the Hellmaster that the simplest remedy to his problem was also the most poetic. So, with a grin and a snap of his fingers the Hellmaster transformed his most obtuse servant into something more than capable of doing his job for him.
Summopere Monstrum had awoken to find himself eternaly bound in the form of a tiny black book. A one of a kind little black book which had the preiviously unheard of ability to produce the ritual to summon any Mazoku from any place, at any time. Instantly.
With his newfound creation, the Lord Hellmaster also had the added bonus that now he could also make this happen without any concern whatsoever for the free will of the monster. Oh yes, now they had to come when he called. After Monstrum's little transformation Hellmaster had often joked that he was offically his favorite servent.
Once Lina had destroyed Hellmaster however, Monstrum, who at the time had been stolen by Gaav in an effort to cripple said Hellmaster, found himself quickly sealed away by Valgaav. The powerful half-breed had known the book would be quite useful to the remaining Lords, especially in finding and apprhending Valgavv and the remaing mazoku still loyal to Gavv that had gone into hidding.
Filia, as well as probably both Xelloss and his master, had been completely clueless to all of this. However, last month when she and the others had been traveling through a small village close to where Valgaav's hideout had been, Lina had stopped to listen to an old and disreputable looking merchant give a lecture on the mysterious little black book. Lina's eyes had gotten wide and shiny at first but Zelgadiss suspicious nature kicked in and he gave an escapably logical argument as to why the book was obviously a fraud. Lina had shrugged in agreement and ran off with Gourry to grab some food instead, Zelgadiss and Amelia trailing behind.
Filia, however could sense the tiny but definite Mazoku aura tainting the small "book." Then, after she had heard its' full history and more importantly the names all of its owners, she knew she had to buy it less it fall into the wrong hands.
Yes, that was why you bought me… The book's mocking voice spoke up in her head, allowing her to realize that she had been thinking aloud. Nothing at all to do with Lord Beastmaster's General-Priest…
Filia smirked at the books pathetic attempts to enrage her. In the end, it was still a Mazoku, and it was always hungry. "I do not deny that the thought of being able to summon Xelloss at anytime was certainly appealing, but I would never interrupt his work."
She smirked knowingly at the little black book. "I wouldn't want him ending up like you now would I, Monstrum?"
The book emitted a low growling noise, causing the lights to flicker and the shutters to come unlatched as a large gust of wind blew them open and closed. The shutters continued to bang against the sides of the inn as the wind blew out every candle and light in the room. Filia giggled and shook her head in amusement and laid back down on her stomach, flipping open the book as she searched for the page she needed. "Touchée! You know you should do something about your self-confidence issues, Monstrum. Other Mazoku might end up using it to get a free meal out of you!"
Filia had learned to use taunting as a form of manipulation from the best and the book quickly quieted down as it began moping. …sure, I mean who wouldn't want to be a big, scary, book!
Filia giggled again as she continued to flip through the pages. "Oh come on now, don't be like that Mr. Monstrum. Why you are certainly the most powerful book I've ever seen, and so sought after too!"
If books could puff up in pride, Summopere Monstrum would have been doing so. …why yes I am, aren't I?
"Yep. " Filia replied nodding as she bit her lip scanning the page dedicated to WolfPack Island. "Hmm… this odd…"
What is? Do I have a waterstain on my pages or something! Oh I do, don't I! Great, you know once you hit three millennia everything just starts falling apart… and don't even get me started on the book lice…
"No it's not that…" Filia interrupted tracing a finger down the list of names. "It's just I can't seem to find Xelloss' Mistress on here."
… hmm… well perhaps she moved and neglected to put in a change of address form… or perhaps she decided to remain unlisted… How the hell should I know!
Filia glared at the temperamental book. "Relax, no one's calling you inadequate, I was just curious that's all!"
…Hmpt… whatever… look dragon, are you going to use me, or what?
"I… I'm not sure I should…" Filia replied, considering the annoyed look that had been on Xelloss' face. "But… I want to…"
…Hmm… well any advice I would give you would be evil… so just put me back and go to bed…
Filia arched an eyebrow. "Wouldn't that make what you just said bad advice then?"
If books could sweatdrop … oh yeah… ooops…
Filia shook her head and gazed down at the book, finally making up her mind.
"I'm going to summon him." She informed the book. "What do you need from me?"
…blood… free will… and some form of important reason, he's too high up to be forced to come if your pull isn't strong enough…
"I see." Filia replied quietly as she memorized the text. "Very well, lets begin."
Using his power, Monstrum created for her an amethyst bladed dagger. A wolf possessing amethyst shards for eyes, which was wrapped protectively around a silver moon, was carved into the ebony hilt. … here you go dragon… are you sure you aren't a little out of your league with this sort of power?
Filia glared at the book, taking the dagger in her left hand and slicing a gash in her right palm.
"I can take it." She muttered clenching her fist and letting the blood fall onto the ancient pages. "I can take anything your kind can dish out…"
…indeed… so little dragon to call on the evil that you require you must recite the ritual of your own free will… he will ask why you called him before he will come however. You are not nearly as powerful as Lord Hellmaster he can refuse if he wants to…
"I know how it works." Filia muttered in annoyance as she wiped the blade across the page again as it still held a crimson taint.
… hmm… indeed… then little dragon you'd know that the blade you use to summon any monster of higher power than you remains stained until they accept the summoning…
Filia blanched and a rustling of pages could be heard as the book chuckled at her.
"Oh shove it." Filia muttered closing her eyes and gripping the dagger in preparation as she concentrated on a haunting set of amethyst shards.
"Suboles lupin... suboles luna. Messor pax pacis. Fontis de letum. Purpureus qui erumpo. Audio mei citatio erus frustro! Summopere Monstrum!" The dragon maiden's eyes flashed violet and she drove the bloodstained blade into the book.
Deep violet smoke began to leak and swirl from around the tip of the blade and a picture began forming; a deep indigo star filled sky, lush green moss, a marble temple, and a beautiful yet cold statue. Nearly fifteen feet from its base, curled up and … asleep?… was the object of her summoning. Abruptly he awoke with a gasp, clutching his staff desperately.
"Oh Xelloss…" Filia whispered aloud placing a worried hand to her lips. "… what's happened to you…"
O O O
In his dream-like state, Xelloss shuddered violently as images of a wolf, the moon, a sickle slaying the masses, and finally a spring of blood, death and annihilation erupting from the ground filled his vision. With a shocked gasp his amethyst shards burst open and he sat up and grabbed hold of his staff not willing to be caught off guard. … I… I've been summoned… but how? Hellmaster-sama is dead…
"Oh Xelloss…" Came a worried whisper from above the canopy and Xelloss attention snapped up to see Filia once again staring at him."… what's happened to you…"
… what indeed! Xelloss thought bitterly casting the dragoness an icy open-eyed glare. …Stupid dragon, she hasn't the first clue of anything now does she! Not that she should of course, the ways of my race are far beyond her understanding… but then… how did she get her hands on Lord Hellmaster's Summopere Monstrum?… and how was she able to get it to trust her… hmmm this will bear investigating…
Filia winced under his harsh glare and looked down at her lap not wishing to hold it. "Sorry… I… you don't have to tell me, if you don't want too."
"Hmpt, I don't need you to tell me that, Miss Filia." Xelloss replied annoyed as he dusted the moss off his cape and looked up again once he was sure she'd meet his gaze.
With his typical smirk, although it now looked terrifying rather than infuriating as his open, amethyst shards locked in on her own large, sapphire orbs. "So Filia, it seems you have the will to summon me and Lord Hellmaster's book was also apparently willing to serve you…" He gave the book an even glare.
… oh he's the one having a casual chat with a dragon and he thinks me guilty of treason… arrogant bastard… Filia heard the books annoyed voice quip from inside her head. She figured that must be one of the nicer benefits of being transformed into a magical book; only your master could hear what you had to say. Otherwise book lice would have been the least of his worries.
"… but as I'm certain you know Miss Filia…" Xelloss continued, unaware of the silent dialogue although able to feel Monstrum's indignation. "… I can still refuse you if your reasons for summoning are below me and I find that they are! Good day Miss Filia!"
Filia dropped her mouth in shock as Xelloss phased out of her view. "Wha… Why that little!"
… hmpt… Spoke up the book in her mind. … don't worry little dragon… he has to hear out your proposal… its the rules…
That said, the view changed so that it showed Xelloss' study where he was preparing to pour himself a stiff drink. Sensing the intrusion he slammed down the crystal glass, causing it to shatter, and glared at them. "Oh my Miss Filia! You just don't know when to quit, do you!"
Filia glared back and replied haughtily. "You have to hear out my reason for summoning you! It's the rules!" She crossed her arms and turned up her nose. "You don't think I'd bother summoning you of all Monsters simply to chat do you!"
… heh… The book chuckled in here head. … that's precisely what you did though, isn't it?…
"Quiet you." Filia grumbled to the book attempting not to blush.
Xelloss easily overheard the response from Filia and he had to smirk. Unable to resist following up on what he was certain Monstrum had said the trickster fell back into his usual close-eyed grin. "Oh dear! Why Miss Filia! I don't know what to say! To think you'd go through all this effort! Tracking down Lord Hellmaster's Summopere Monstrum just to find the ritual to summon me!"
He shook his head in amusement. "It seems you're completely infatuated with me! How very unfortunate!"
"Wha…why… arrrggg…" Went the dragoness, once again a loss for words in his presence. Monstrum's pages rustled loudly as his chuckling filled her head. Filia glared at him and chucked him at the wall. "Oh shove off you stupid book!"
Xelloss tittered in amusement and beamed at the flustered dragoness as she glared at the book, tail popped out and fists clenched, its now slightly bent pages were still rustling. He had often considered the prospect of seducing the annoyingly fascinating little gold but had figured it a near impossible task. It appeared he had been quite wrong!
"Yare, yare!" Xelloss replied airily. "Obviously I can't just blow you off after you put this much effort into it!" He beamed at the confused dragoness and phased into her room, placing a finger over her lips and touching his nose to hers as her bright blue orbs went wide in shock. "I'll accept this summoning Fi-chan!"
Filia turned red and quickly backed away. Unfortunately, she bumped the backs of her knees into the bed and was forced into a rather immodest sitting position on it.
"It… it isn't like that!" Filia protested as Xelloss crossed his arms and smirked smugly down at her, clearly not buying any of it. The pages of the book rustled again and Filia smirked cruelly at it before turning the same self-satisfied gaze on Xelloss.
"Although I won't deny that I've wanted to see you again for sometime now…" Filia stated, picking up a still rustling and chuckling Monstrum and dusting it off. "The real reason I summoned you tonight was to give you this!"
She held out the shocked book and beamed at the equally shocked Xelloss.
… WHAT!… you can't seriously be considering giving me to that arrogant bastard!
Filia smirked condescendingly down at the book. "Oh don't worry! I think you two have a lot in common!"
If books could glare and looks could kill … do you have any idea how treacherous it was of me to allow a dragon to use me… the book took on a mournful tone … I trusted you, Filia-Sama… how could you?
Filia gulped and Xelloss felt the books sadness and the feelings of guilt as they washed over the dragoness. "I… I'm sorry Monstrum… but I really don't have any reason to keep you and… he does… I… I've enjoyed your company though…"
When you weren't being so rude to me… She continued silently. …but then again apparently he must have really liked me… She cast a confused look at another Mazoku who had insulted her on a regular basis and sighed. … Arrggg! Why are Mazoku so confusing…
"Oh I see!" Xelloss stated, smacking a fist into his palm as he interpreted the emotions being emitted from both of them. "You actually liked her, Monstrum! That's why you let her use you!"
The book growled, causing the wind to pick up outside and Filia stroked his cover comfortingly and he instantly calmed himself. Xelloss shook his head in bemusement at his good fortune. Filia was presenting him with a book that could easily bring his Mistress' killer to him as soon as he had bait strong enough to bring him. His decision to save her during the battle with Valgaav may have got him in some trouble, but it was certainly paying off!
"Well Monstrum!" Xelloss began cheerily walking over to them. "I'll make you a deal! If you let me use you I'll the share ownership rights of you with Miss Filia!" He beamed at them. "If she needs you or even if she doesn't and you just want to visit with her, if I have the time, I'll let her have you!"
"Is it a deal!" He asked smirking calmly at the two of them.
"Monstrum?" Filia asked the little black book in her arms.
… If I must…
Xelloss felt the book's feelings grow resigned and beamed at them, carefully taking him from Filia and placing him in his bag. It was then that he noticed the blood on the cover, the blood that was still dripping from the gash in Filia's hand as it swam its way down her arm, and dripped steadily on the carpet.
"You're bleeding." He stated in a cool tone, focusing his now opened eyes on her. From nowhere he produced a deep violet, silk scarf, grabbed her wrist and began wrapping her palm.
Filia opened her mouth to protest but closed it quickly as she saw the look in his eyes. She watched his lavender gloved hands as the one not gripping her wrist pulled tight on the scarf to put pressure on the wound. She gasped in pain at this and Xelloss saw it dance across her eyes as he tasted it. It was delicious, just as the rest of her was.
… but how can you know that when all you've tasted are her emotions? His inner reasoning asked him mockingly and he smirked at the thought. Oh yes, he had often considered seducing his little dragon, but time would not permit the effort before and now was certainly no time to break his focus. … However, you do owe her a bit of time… she did just practically hand you victory on a silver platter…
Filia gulped briefly as she caught the fleeting look of hunger in her former enemy's eyes and tried not to think of how nice it felt to have her hand in his. … you don't love him Filia and you know it… you're just… lonely… so very lonely… and he… he's just the only one who could even possibly begin to understand…
Xelloss felt the confusion and desire radiating off his little dragon in waves and once again felt that same empty yet over-filled feeling he had felt in the restaurant. He released her hand abruptly. "I'm sorry Miss Filia, but I have overstepped my bounds and simply cannot allow myself to be distracted by you. It cost me one Mission and this one is far more important."
Filia looked at him briefly confused and not just a little hurt, but then quickly bowed her head in submission as realization hit her. "I understand."
This look was something Xelloss was not used to seeing on her. He couldn't help but wish to explore more of it. As soon as he considered it, a whole new set of thoughts crashed through his head and he nearly gasped aloud as he considered doing all of them to her here and now. …oh my…it'd certainly be nice to forget everything, now wouldn't it?… relieve some stress… No! What are you saying! …
… you have to get out of here now…
"Goodnight Miss Filia. I shall see you and the others tomorrow." He sated coolly and phased home.
Filia glanced concerned at the spot where he had just been and sighed.
"… oh Xelloss… if I only knew what was wrong…"