Spawns of the Trickster: An MST - 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. I do not own Final Fantasy of any kind, duh!
Filia's version:
"Yuck! Why would I share a drink, tea, cake or anything with lizard lips over here?" Xelloss asked, disgusted by the end of his own version.
"Do you think I'd want to share anything with a filthy Namagomi like you?!" Filia ranted as her tail popped out the back of her dress.
"Filia-san, I can see your panties." Amelia said with a nervous laugh.
Filia squeaked and tried to pull her dress back down.
"Are you trying to create our offspring, here and now, Filia-san? My, you are a dirty little dragon aren't you?" Xelloss teased.
Out came Mace-sama and Xelloss quickly dodged. She ended up hitting Pokota, sending the plush doll flying into the top deck.
"I believe that would be a home run." Arcanum commented as she appeared.
"No, it just went foul, like this story! What the hell, we were mentioned but not in it! This sucks!" Lina ranted, with Amelia holding her back from storming the front of the theater where Arcanum stood.
"The Writer killed her husband again." Zelgadiss added.
"We may have to save that poor guy." Gourry said in a convinced tone, his hand going to his sword hilt.
"The Writer assured me that all will be resolved including her supposed violent tendencies toward the character that represents her husband. For the record, she loves her husband completely and would never entertain ideas of hurting him, unless he plays Final Fantasy XIV with his friends in Australia too much." Arcanum explained, in her usual bizarre fashion.
"So is it my turn or Filia's turn now? We're the only ones who haven't gone." Zelgadiss inquired.
"The order has been predetermined and Filia-san is to go next." Arcanum answered.
Filia was happy to hear this news but Zelgadiss seemed frustrated.
"Don't worry Zelly, I doubt the selfish dragon ending will be any better." Xelloss teased earning a glare from Zelgadiss and an angry rant from Filia that the others mostly tuned out.
Lina leaned down to Zelgadiss and he whispered to her, "there's one glaring event in the original tale that could resolve everything but no one has seen it."
"Maybe Filia did," Lina tried to reassure.
"I hate to agree with Xelloss, but I highly doubt it." Zelgadiss whispered, shaking his head.
Luckily for him, Filia was too distracted to hear him as she had taken Arcanum's hand and being guided into the movie screen.
The Lair of the Lord of Nightmares
Filia was quite uncertain how to react to being in the presence of their world's creator, so she gave a polite curtsey but kept her gaze lowered.
"This is one of the reasons I like humans. No awkwardness." L-Sama mentioned with a shrug before continuing, "So outspoken Golden Dragon, what change would you make?"
"If possible, I would not be separated from either child after birth, but take them both with me and raise them as dragons." Filia responded in a firm, soft tone.
"Hmm...this will be interesting indeed. Go ahead, Arcanum." L-Sama replied as Arcanum began her chant.
"I call upon the power of the Lord of Time and Space
Take us from here to an earlier time and place,
So Filia can step up to be mother to each child,
But will the ending of this tale be more mild?"
Filia found herself transported to the scene where she and her friends were faced off with the golden dragon army. She walked up to herself with the intention of giving herself a warning but hesitated and looked first toward the babies that Lina and Amelia currently held.
"So innocent and such a shame, well, this time will be different. Just wait and see." Filia whispered to the two babies before facing herself and lightly touching her shoulder.
The Filia in the story looked at her in surprise as Filia from the theater whispered something to her counterpart who nodded before the story jumping dragon was transported back to the theater.
"So Zel, was that it?" Lina asked in a whisper. Zelgadiss sadly shook his head and they all sat back to watch Filia's version play out.
Back in the Story
"So Filia-ul-Copt, what is your decision?" Milgazia pressed.
"I will not abandon my children!" She stated firmly, but as some of the dragons prepared to attack, she continued, "however, I recognize the potential for evil and I want to try to purify them. If we purify the Mazoku then perhaps their dragon blood will win out."
Milgazia motioned for the army to stand down. All obeyed but one did so with a nasty glare toward Filia.
"Send Marcus forward." Milgazia commanded.
The dragon that had glared at Filia begrudgingly allowed a small boy to walk forward and take Milgazia's hand. The dragon leader led the small boy to Filia and her group of friends.
"This is young Marcus. He is also a hybrid with unfortunate beginnings. We have used some purification magic on him that has been somewhat successful. Please feel free to examine the effects." Milgazia introduced.
"Hey, Zel, Amelia, can you sense the hidden power in his kid?" Lina whispered.
Zelgadiss nodded, as did Amelia. Gourry crouched down before him and smiled before asking, "Hey little guy, how old are you?"
Marcus looked at him with ice blue eyes full of uncertainty, but shyly held up two fingers to indicate his age.
"Does this child not speak?" Zelgadiss inquired.
"Unfortunately, there are side effects to the purification process. Marcus has never spoken a word in his life." Milgazia provided.
"That's awful and very unjust! How could you do that to an innocent child?!" Amelia yelled in her usual dramatic fashion, balancing Fal on one arm and pointing with the other.
Milgazia took offense to the pointing finger but approached the Saillune princess to examine the baby in her arms. Amelia looked to Filia who nodded her approval so the princess allowed Fal to be examined up close.
"The darkness in him is buried deeply. Odds are, he will not need any purification magic at all. He will be welcomed into our clan. Filia-san, may I examine your other child?" Milgazia revealed.
Filia let out the breath she had been holding before immediately recapturing it in a gulp. She closed her eyes in hesitation before nodding. Milgazia approached Lina who still held Baby Xeria and she tensed.
"I would hope that you'd know I mean the child no harm, Lina Inverse." Milgazia commented, slightly insulted.
"No insult meant, but when you see this child, you'll understand." Lina responded.
Milgazia approached the young sorceress, as did young Marcus. The small hybrid child stood on his tip toes to peek at the baby. The dragon lord looked upon the violet-haired child whose eyes were closed at first. When she opened them, he took a few steps back in horror before speaking.
"Filia-san, this child has amazing potential for darkness. I'm not certain purification magic will even work fully."
"Then we destroy it!" The nasty dragon yelled and prepared to attack.
Lina handed Xeria to Zelgadiss so she could prepare a dragon slave but suddenly all stopped and a small voice could be heard.
"Xeria." The voice said.
Zelgadiss looked down and realized that the boy, Marcus, had reached up to touch Baby Xeria's hand and it was he who had spoken. Zel kneeled down so he could see Xeria up close. Marcus smiled as did Baby Xeria.
"Marcus quickly, come here!" A dragon priestess called as she had left the nasty dragon's side and raced toward the child. It seemed she had stopped the attack because Marcus would have been destroyed as well. She reached for Marcus and quickly picked up and carried him away.
Baby Xeria started to cry and her dark powers started to emerge and blasted all the humans back.
"If we're going to have a chance at purifying her, we have to do it now!" Milgazia yelled. Filia nodded her agreement.
Milgazia, Filia and the priestess who carried Marcus away formed a triangle around Baby Xeria who was now floating in the air by herself. They started to unleash Holy Magic on her.
Amelia held Baby Fal away and stood with Lina, Gourry and Zelgadiss.
"This doesn't feel right." Gourry said suddenly.
As usual, Gourry was adept at making points no one expected him to make but everyone agreed with.
"And apparently, we're not the only ones who think so." Zelgadiss commented and nodded toward the group of dragons where the nasty dragon seemed to struggle in holding back the toddler, Marcus, who was screaming with his newfound voice for them to stop.
The light faded and Xeria floated harmlessly into Filia's arms. The humans and young Marcus all gathered around to see the results. They were quite shocked to see that Xeria's appearance had dramatically changed.
"Is there extra magic around her eyes?" Lina asked, as felt a soft piece of Xeria's now blond hair.
"Her eyes held a lot of the darkness so we tried to change them, but unable to, so we had to seal them to the light." Milgazia explained.
"No, she has pretty eyes." Marcus said, starting to cry.
"Don't worry my son, you'll have no memory of them." The priestess, now revealed to be Marcus' mother, said and with a gentle touch to his forehead, Marcus fell asleep.
"What did you do to him?" Zelgadiss demanded.
The dragon priestess took a step back so Milgazia answered, "This is Faranth and she is Marcus' mother. She put a small seal on his memory so he would forget this meeting."
"So he'll forget how to talk again?" Gourry asked sadly.
"Hopefully." The nasty dragon grunted as he came to stand by Faranth.
"You know; I don't like your attitude." Lina challenged as she stood toe to toe with him.
"I will not tolerate disrespect from a human! I am Sagalia, a dragon lord!" He announced arrogantly.
"Yeah, whatever. One question left, Filia. What about Valteria?" Lina waved Sagalia off, turning her attention to her friend.
"He is my son. He comes, too." Filia stated firmly.
"We have to accept two more disgusting half-breeds and now an Ancient Dragon, as well?!" Sagalia started to rant but quickly quieted as he saw Lina, Zelgadiss and Amelia preparing spells, Gourry brandishing his sword and Filia holding Mace-Sama in her spare hand.
So the plans had been decided and after some short preparations, Filia had closed her shop and moved herself and her three children into the temple. Lina and her group went their separate ways at first, to be reunited in the events of Slayers Revolution. Everything remained mostly settled until ...
18 Years Later
The temple was abuzz with activity as preparations were underway about the upcoming peace conference. It would be the first time that representatives from the three most powerful and influential races would actually sit down to discuss peace. These races included dragons, of course, humans and most shockingly, Mazoku. The dragons were wary that the Mazoku agreed as peaceful things went against their very nature but as proof of their commitment, they agreed to come to the temple where their powers may be somewhat diminished.
"This is really exciting, isn't it, Xeria? We could finally have peace in this world between all the races!" A young dragon, of sixteen years spoke to her friend of eighteen years.
"Although that is a possibility, Lauria. It is also a distinct possibility that the peace talks could fall through horribly and we'd have a war on our hands." Xeria replied.
"Geez, Xeria, you're always so negative! Speaking of which, aren't you scared? I heard you were chosen to greet the representatives of the human and Mazoku races." Lauria asked, fear evident in her voice and in her crystal blue eyes. She nervously pulled a strand of blond hair behind her ear as she waited for her friend's reply.
"Not really. I am familiar with the human representatives, despite never meeting them. Besides, meeting the Mazoku reps will be intriguing. Who knows, perhaps Fal's and my father will be among them." Xeria replied, allowing herself a small smirk at Lauria's shudder as she turned away from her friend.
Xeria and Lauria had been friends since they were very young. Despite their stark differences in personality, they were really good friends. Although, Lauria's unbridled positivity was, at times, sickening to Xeria, there would a dark or sarcastic comment that the half breed could throw back, secretly enjoying her friend's discomfort. Xeria and her twin brother, Fal knew they were half-breeds. They were half Golden Dragon and half Mazoku. This fact bothered Fal and Lauria as well, but not Xeria. She was curious. She flipped some of her hair, which she was told was blond, over her shoulder and utilized her specialty staff to continue her descent downstairs. Xeria had been blind since birth, she was told, but she always felt there was more to the story than that. Perhaps this peace summit would answer some of those questions.
They heard familiar voices ascending the staircase.
"There you two are. It's not good to be wandering around during this time, you know." Xeria recognized the voice of her twin brother, Fal, chastising as always. Fal meant well, but he was very "by the books" and one wouldn't have guessed he was half-Mazoku without the slightly slanted shape of his eyes.
"Oh calm down Fal. It's not like they were captured by an evil Mazoku and eaten or forced to do unsightly things." A deep, sarcastic voice that Xeria would never miss as Lauria's older brother, Marcus spoke.
His dark commentary had the usual desired effect. Lauria squeaked in horror, Fal started scolding him for scaring her and Xeria simply smiled. She was told Marcus had different coloring than your typical Golden Dragon as he had dark brown hair and ice blue eyes. Marcus was a half-breed just like them but he was told his father was the Mazoku Lord, Dynaast Grausherra whereas she and Fal didn't know who their father was. Despite others being put off by Marcus' appearance, he sounded rather handsome to Xeria and despite that she couldn't see him, she had helplessly fallen for his deep, sensuous voice.
Fal and Lauria had been betrothed since they were younger as one of the elders had a vision of them being together. The flip side was true for Xeria and Marcus. They were seemingly kept apart unless with the others. Xeria was dragged from her thoughts by Marcus asking for that very thing.
"Hey Xeria, can I talk to you for a minute in private?"
Xeria nodded with a small smile and allowed Marcus to take her hand and guide her off into a different room.
"So what is it that you wished to speak about, Marcus?" Xeria asked as she heard him close the door behind them.
"Sorry for all the secrecy but if Fal heard what I was about to ask you, he'd flip and I don't want to deal with it." Marcus admitted. Xeria nodded with a smile so he continued, "So I'm curious about the Old Man, my father. I know you were chosen to greet the other reps and I was curious if he even knew about me."
"So you want me to dig for information?" Xeria asked.
"Blunt and to the point as always, but yes. I don't want you to put yourself in any danger but if it's possible..." Marcus asked sheepishly.
"I will. To be honest, Marcus, I have my own curiosities as Fal and I don't even know who our father is. I planned secretly to find a way to ask so it would be no trouble to ask about you as well." Xeria explained.
"That's awful sneaky of you. I take it Fal knows nothing of this plan of yours?" Marcus inquired. Xeria simply shook her head and smiled widely. Marcus returned the smile and continued, "That's what I like about you, Xeria. You're not the typical prudish, boring Golden Dragon. You never seem offended by my dark humor and you don't seem ashamed of your true heritage."
Xeria blushed at his compliments and felt Marcus move closer to her.
"You know what's weird though. We can never talk like this, have you noticed that, too?" He asked.
"I have noticed. It seems unless we are with others, there has been a concentrated effort in keeping us apart. I don't understand why though." She agreed.
"Maybe they're afraid we'll start doing naughty things and create evil half breed babies together if were left alone." Marcus said jokingly and he grabbed Xeria in for a hug around her waist.
"Maybe that's true." She replied with a chuckle.
She suddenly became very aware that she was in Marcus' embrace and just how close he was. She also noticed that not only did she not mind but she was enjoying it. Marcus had grown very quiet but she felt his face moving closer to her own. Her breath caught in her throat as she prepared for what she hoped was him about to kiss her when they heard a familiar shrieking voice in the hallway.
"What do you mean they went off somewhere to talk? They're not supposed to be alone together, Fal! I demand you tell me where they are this instant!" Filia screamed at her son loudly enough to destroy the "moment" Xeria and Marcus were having.
"I guess we had better get back." Marcus said with a disappointed sigh and Xeria felt instantly cold as he let her out of his embrace.
She let out a defeated sigh and silently cursed her mother for bad timing. Before she took another step, Xeria stopped herself.
"Wait, Marcus, did you hear what she said?"
"Yes, the only question is why." He replied in a suspicious tone.
They exited the room to find Filia, Xeria and Fal's mother, berating Fal for allowing them to leave together. She stopped when she spotted them.
"Where have you two been and what were you doing?!" Filia demanded.
"We were making love ferociously." Marcus said in a perfectly calm tone.
"What?!" Filia shrieked causing Marcus to laugh while dodging Mace-sama.
"We were simply talking, Mother. I don't understand why you're so upset." Xeria supplied, hiding a smirk.
Before Filia could answer, another voice was heard.
"I'd know that shriek anywhere. I guess some things never change."
A small group of humans approached from the bottom of the stairs. The one who had spoken was the self-proclaimed leader of the group. Her flame-colored hair hadn't lost any of its luster despite the passage of time but it did give Lina Gabriev more wisdom in her ruby eyes.
Lina's husband, Gourry Gabriev, walked at her side. His long blond hair was tied back in a modern ponytail. He still wore a gentle smile, despite being married to Lina. His blue eyes seemed full of excitement at seeing old friends.
They were followed by another married couple, the Crown Prince and Princess of Saillune. Zelgadiss Graywords never thought of himself as prince material or falling for a princess. He figured with his looks, blue rocky skin and purple wired hair, he'd be isolated from the rest of the world. Then he met Lina and the others. They accepted him as he was, especially Amelia, despite thinking he was creepy and suspicious-looking at first. He shot a gentle smile at his wife who practically bounced up the stairs in excitement.
Amelia Wil Tesla Saillune, smiled back at her husband as she pushed a piece of longer black hair over her ear. The lifelong defender of justice was really excited and hopeful for the peace talks but even more so to see old friends. She almost knocked Filia to the ground in a large bear hug, knocking off her head ornament.
Prince Posel used to be human but now his soul was trapped in the body of a plushie doll with green-gloved hands on his head that allowed him to do magic and fly. Filia hadn't met him before but as a prince of another kingdom, he was invited along and apparently he enjoyed riding atop Amelia's head.
After the initial greetings with Filia, Zelgadiss spoke, "it was our understanding that a guide was supposed to meet us but we heard your voice so we just followed it here."
"Yes indeed. Please forgive my tardiness, but I, Xeria, will guide you all to quarters, the dining hall later and the conference room for the talks tomorrow. Please rest assured, despite my blindness, I am perfectly capable of doing so." Xeria explained, stepping forward.
"I thought so! Look at you all grown up! That must be Fal as well. We were there when you two were born!" Amelia exclaimed.
"I thought her hair was purple though." Gourry said and was quickly punched by Lina.
"Gourry, shut up! Don't mind him!" Lina said with an uncomfortable laugh.
"I wouldn't have known the difference anyhow." Xeria said with a shrug.
She couldn't see the sadness that flashed in the humans' eyes but Marcus didn't miss it and looked at them suspiciously.
'They're hiding something.' He thought to himself.
"In any case, please allow me to escort you to your private quarters for now as I must go and await the Mazoku representatives." Xeria continued.
"Are you sure you don't want any escorts yourself?" Zelgadiss asked in concern.
"I agree with him, Xeria. You really shouldn't face them alone." Fal added.
"Your concerns are appreciated, but we need to send the right message. After all, how much of a threat could a little blind dragon be?" Xeria said, her tone slightly sarcastic as she motioned for the human party to follow her.
After showing the humans to quarters and showing them the dining hall as they passed it, Xeria returned to the front foyer of the temple to await the Mazoku representatives. She could sense that Fal, Lauria and Marcus were watching from a hiding place She could also sense the Mazoku before they teleported in from the astral plane in their human forms.
Fal, Lauria and Marcus looked upon the newcomers with a mix of contempt, fear and curiosity. There were three of them and they all appeared to be male. The first wore light blue robes to match his short, light blue hair. He carried a small scepter with a large blue diamond in it. Despite him being a Mazoku, he offered a gentle smile and bowed respectfully to Xeria.
The second didn't pretend to be nice. He carried a sword at his side and wore black clothing with dark gray armor. He appeared very creepy to Lauria as she could swear his clear eyes were staring right through her soul. He flipped a long strand of white hair over his shoulder as he surveyed Xeria with a bored expression.
The last of the three was quite mysterious to the two hybrids and dragon priestess in hiding, but Xeria felt somehow comforted by his presence. He sported shoulder-length violet hair and smiled with his eyes closed. He spoke first.
"Well, hello, you must be our guide." He said in a sing-songy voice.
"Yes, I am. Greetings, esteemed guests. I am Xeria and I shall be your guide for your stay at our temple. I will guide you to personal quarters, to the dining hall later and the conference room tomorrow. If you would follow me." Xeria explained.
The purple-haired Mazoku opened his eyes to look at Xeria suspiciously and her friends could see that his eyes almost matched his hair as they were a shade of purple.
"Why don't you open your eyes, Dragon Girl?" The creepy one asked rudely.
"I believe I told you my name was Xeria and as far as that, my eyes are sealed to the light, since birth I am told." Xeria answered, a tinge of aggravation in her voice.
"Now don't be disrespectful, Norst." The seemingly gentle Mazoku scolded.
The creepy Mazoku, now known as Norst, scoffed and fired back, "Oh shut up Dee! You can't tell me how to act!"
"But I can and I agree with Dee-san. This young lady is our guide and may have the information we seek." The purple-haired Mazoku threatened. Norst immediately backed down so he continued, "Please forgive his rudeness. I am Xelloss Metallium and on behalf of the Mazoku race, please guide us to these quarters." He finished, addressing Xeria.
"I appreciate knowing all your names as I can't see your features to distinguish you. So we have a general and priest of Dynaast Grausherra and the general and priest of Xellass Metallium. Very well, please follow me." Xeria started to lead them away, displaying her knowledge of the Mazoku Hierarchy.
"You seem to know a lot about us." Norst said suspiciously.
"It is the reason I was chosen to be your guide, because I studied the Hierarchy." Xeria explained.
Xelloss smiled widely.
"Xeria-san, I sense there's more to you than a blind dragon priestess. Am I correct?" Dee asked.
Xeria stopped, turned toward the group and replied while waving one finger, "it's a secret." Then she resumed walking.
Xelloss' smile widened further and his two companions shot him a look before following.
Fal, Lauria and Marcus were so engrossed in the scene before them that they failed to notice Sagalia sneak up on them until he bellowed, "What are you three doing?!"
The three let out startled cries and fell out of their hiding places in a crumbled heap. Xeria allowed herself a small chuckle while the Mazoku reps laughed.
"Now that we have had some entertainment, please follow me so I can show you your quarters and then onto dinner. From what I have been told about the human representatives, there will be no food left if we are late." Xeria said as she guided them away, not wanting her friends to get in any more trouble than necessary.
As she led them down the halls of the temple, dragons scattered like mice and some even squeaked out screams. Xeria sighed, shook her head and spoke, "Please ignore them. They are naught but cowardly sheep and unworthy of concern."
"Question, dragon girl," Norst began, but after a dark look from Xelloss continued , "Xeria, why aren't you afraid of us?"
"Make no mistake, General Norst, I am afraid. However, my curiosity outweighs my fear. Besides, what good would it do to me to cower and run like the rest of these fools? In fact, it was insinuated that there was information you three sought. Well, I have a few questions of my own. Perhaps we can help each other." Xeria replied as she opened the door to the Mazoku quarters and allowed them to enter. She shut the door behind them so the conversation could be continued in private.
Dee stepped forward to continue, "It is our understanding that among the dragons in this temple there are three hybrids of Mazoku descent as well. Is that true?"
"I will answer your question, if you answer one of my own." Xeria replied.
"We don't have to negotiate with you. We could just torture you for information." Dee replied in an upbeat tone, revealing the darkness in him.
"True, but there's no telling if you would be able to obtain the answers you seek from me by torture. Plus, I can't imagine you'd want to deal with the wrath of Lina Gabriev and her lot as they are the human representatives." Xeria replied in a calm, calculated tone.
"Ah, Lina-san is here. I figured from your comment about the food. Well, then, how about an even trade for now - one question each? I'm excited to see Lina-san and party again. They are always fun." Xelloss added.
"Very well, agreed. To answer your question, yes, there are three among the dragons here that also share Mazoku descent. However, they have been forbidden to reveal themselves to you all." Xeria confirmed, before continuing, "Now for my question. How much do you know about the hybrids here?"
"We know that one is the spawn of our master, Lord Dynaast and he is curious to meet him. He would be around age twenty." Norst offered.
"Also, the others are a pair of twins - one boy and one girl. They would have about eighteen years now." Dee answered.
"Well, I suppose we have reached the end of our initial agreement. Perhaps we can negotiate further in the future. For now, I must guide you to dinner to avoid any suspicion. Please follow me." Xeria concluded and led the three high-ranking Mazoku to the dining hall.
The Dining Hall
Xeria opened the door and allowed the Mazoku reps in before closing it behind them. Only members attending the conference were eating in the dining hall. The servants of Dynaast were taken aback by the scene in front of them while Xelloss smiled. Lina, Gourry, Amelia and Pokota were fighting over legs of chicken while Zelgadiss simply shook his head, enjoying his coffee. Xelloss noted Filia sitting with the delegates of the dragon race and their gazes met briefly before she turned away hastily.
"Hey, it's Xelloss!" Gourry called out.
The food frenzy stopped briefly so the human delegates could greet their former comrade.
"Well, hello. I'm glad to see you all haven't changed a bit!" Xelloss greeted cheerfully.
"Why am I not surprised the Mazoku would send you, Xelloss?" Lina said suspiciously.
"Why wouldn't they? It's pure intimidation, of course." Zelgadiss said matter-of-factly.
"Luckily, we're not intimidated so easily!" Pokota said in a tough tone.
"Of course not! We'll just sing a song of life and justice to Xelloss-san!" Amelia said cheerfully.
Xelloss winced, but his comrades turned pale.
"This is the group of humans you travelled with, Xelloss?" Dee asked.
"I'll never doubt your power again, because it must have taken a will of steel to not strangle them." Norst choked out.
"Hey Xelloss, who are your friends?" Gourry asked cheerfully and was promptly attacked by Lina for taking the last chicken leg.
"Friends is a strong term but this is Dee and Norst. They are a priest and general that serve Lord Dynaast." Xelloss introduced Dee and Norst in turn.
"There is food yet to be served, so please everyone, let us return to the table. Our historic enemies, you are also welcome at our table." Milgazia, the current leader of the Dragon Clan greeted and offered respectfully.
"We graciously accept." Xelloss replied and they all sat down.
Outside the Dining Hall
Xeria could feel a presence behind her and knew it to be Marcus.
"I'm glad you didn't get into too much trouble."
"Nah, the Old Man just threatened to use me in his purification experiments again. Lauria cried and Fal played the 'just trying to protect my poor, blind sister' card." Marcus said with a shrug.
"Purification experiments?" Xeria questioned.
"Yeah, the Old Man has been trying to find a way to purify the Mazoku so I'd be a full Golden Dragon. Gross, huh?" Marcus explained.
"How horrifying! I would never want to undergo an experiment like that. I wouldn't be who I am without my Mazoku half. Anyway, let us find some place to speak in private before we're pulled away from each other again. I have information." Xeria suggested with a shudder of fear.
They ended up going to the Mazoku rep quarters considering they were at dinner anyhow.
"So it turns out the Mazoku are here to find out information about the three of us hybrids. They know our ages and they know that two of three are twin brother and sister. Most importantly, they mentioned about you specifically and that your father is curious to meet you." Xeria revealed.
Marcus took in all of the information before speaking, "I'm amazed Xeria! Did you find out who your father is?"
"Not yet, but I have a strange familiar sense from one of them and I can't explain it." She replied.
"You're a badass, Xeria. I can't believe you were so brave to get that information. I can't thank you enough." Marcus complimented.
"You could try." Xeria teased.
"Indeed I could try. In fact, maybe I will." Marcus said rakishly before grabbing Xeria around the waist and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. As quickly as it began, it stopped suddenly. Then it started again. The second time, however, Xeria was a willing participant. She dropped her walking staff to grab onto Marcus with both hands, running one through his hair. Then he suddenly stopped again and pulled away from her. Xeria could hear his ragged breathing along with her own.
"Okay, it's official. I'm an ass! I'm sorry about that, Xeria. I truly am." Marcus said as he tried to regulate his breathing.
"Why are you apologizing?" Xeria asked in a confused tone.
"I have to come clean. I didn't really believe you could get some information from those Mazoku, so I asked you for a question I didn't really care about. I couldn't care less what my real Old Man wants. As far as I'm concerned, where the hell has he been for the last twenty years? There was a question I wanted to ask, but after what I just did, I couldn't possibly ask that of you. I'm such an ass!" Marcus tried to explain but left Xeria more confused.
"I still don't understand, Marcus. Why was kissing me so terrible?" Xeria asked, her voice cracking once as she started to feel herself get upset.
"Two reasons: One - I know you like me. I mean really like me. I overheard Fal and Lauria talking about it. Otherwise, I'm so oblivious I probably wouldn't have known. So I took advantage of that knowledge that you would help me. The second reason brings me to the question I really wanted to ask. You know how I have visions, right?" At Xeria's nod, he continued, "Ever since my mother died, I've had visions of this young woman, probably close in age to us with violet hair and eyes the color of amethyst stones. She has similar coloring to one of the Mazoku representatives. I feel that she's a Mazoku so I wanted their help to find her." Marcus explained and instantly wished he didn't because he looked up to see tears streaming down Xeria's face as she quickly retrieved her staff and started making her way to the door.
"Xeria, I..." Marcus began.
"Stop, don't say it again. Let me cherish the memory and try to forget the rest happened. Good night, Marcus." She said with as much conviction as she could as she left the Mazoku quarters in tears.
"I am such an ass!" Marcus said aloud to himself. He didn't expect a response.
"That's a pretty accurate diagnosis." A voice said before the Mazoku reps appeared in the room from the Astral Plane, mocking him with applause.
"How long have you all been here?" Marcus demanded.
"Pretty much from the beginning. Lord Dynaast would be proud that his son is so good at playing others' emotions." Norst said with a smirk on his face. Dee nodded in agreement.
"Lucky me. Well, then you heard about my real question. Do you three know who she is?" He asked boldly.
"I know her and I could tell you how to find her." Xelloss added.
"Well?" Marcus asked, trying to hide the excitement from his voice.
"But it's a secret." Xelloss replied in his trademark fashion, causing Marcus to face plant onto the floor. The other Mazoku laughed.
"And that is the true art of playing with others' emotions." Xelloss said with a smirk.
"So you really don't know then? Now I'm a double ass. I used poor, innocent Xeria for nothing." Marcus grumbled as he rose from the floor.
"Actually, Xelloss doesn't lie. He does know who she is and how to find her. In fact, if I've guessed correctly, she's been close to you this whole time. You just need to open her eyes; I mean open your eyes." Dee added with a glance toward Xelloss who nodded.
"I'll do you a favor Kid and teleport you away from here so you're not seen around us." Norst offered and teleported he and Marcus right into Xeria's personal quarters.
When Marcus looked at Norst for an explanation, the general smirked at him and vanished.
"What do you want, Marcus?" Xeria asked in a soft voice with her back to him.
"To be honest, I have no clue why Norst dropped me here, but I'm kinda glad. I feel absolutely terrible about how I treated you." Marcus responded.
"You know, thinking it over, I have to applaud you. It was very Mazoku-like of you. I left myself wide open to be used emotionally. Good job." Xeria said angrily while sarcastically clapping her hands.
"Okay, I deserved that, but Xeria..." Marcus began but was taken aback when Xeria suddenly teleported right in front of him, face tear-stained and eyes open and angry.
"Yes you did and a lot more! You're a complete ass! I'm so sorry that I don't have amethyst eyes like your precious dream girl and ..." Xeria began screaming but was cut off when Marcus once again kissed her.
The anger slowly melted as she melted into his embrace and enjoyed it. When they broke contact, Marcus spoke softly, "those jerks knew and to think you were right here all along."
When Xeria gave him a confused look, he continued, "the Mazoku told me to find my dream girl I just had to open her eyes. Xeria, look at yourself in the mirror."
Before Xeria could explain how dumb of an idea that was considering she was blind, Marcus turned her toward an object she never used before in her room - a mirror. She remembered asking her mother once why it was there but never got a straight answer. Xeria stood absolutely mesmerized by her reflection. She did indeed have blond hair and was dressed in traditional white robes but her eyes were the part that drew her the most. They were a shade of purple amethyst.
"We need some answers. The dragons will probably flip and we can't guarantee a straight answer from the Mazoku." Xeria began.
"I think I know where to find some answers." Marcus replied.
Before he could elaborate, he grabbed his head and collapsed to the floor in pain. Xeria knelt down beside him but she was also stricken with a sudden headache. Amidst their painful hazes, they both had visions which disturbed them greatly. When they recovered, they agreed that they couldn't wait until morning and set out to the only people they could trust for information.
Zelgadiss didn't seem all too shocked when he responded to a knock on the door of the quarters given to the human representatives and found Xeria and Marcus both standing there. He ushered them in quickly and shut the door behind them.
"We can guess why you both are here." Lina commented as Gourry, Amelia and Pokota looked on silently.
"We need some answers." Marcus put it simply.
"To what question?" Zelgadiss asked.
Xeria took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes. The humans all gave her a shocked look.
"We have many questions and would appreciate as much knowledge as you're willing to impart."
"Originally, we wanted to ask questions about Xeria's eyes but shortly after we discovered this, we both were pummeled by memory fragments that were disturbing, to say the least." Marcus started.
"We were hoping you could fill in some gaps for us." Xeria added.
"We'll answer any questions we can." Zelgadiss answered immediately.
"But …" Amelia was hesitant.
"No, Zel is right. There are some things we've been asked to keep as secrets but you're 18, Xeria, so if you really are ready for these answers, we'll share what we know. Are you two absolutely certain?" Lina asked firmly. Xeria and Marcus exchanged glances. Xeria reached out for Marcus' hand and he took it, squeezing it slightly. They both turned toward the human group and nodded.
"Okay, go ahead." Pokota invited as they all took seats.
"We want to know what happened to Valteria, my brother." Xeria began, noting how the humans all visibly winced.
"What do you both remember?" Zelgadiss asked.
"I'll start." Marcus began.
13 Years Prior
"It sucks that Fal went on that retreat. It sounds boring!" Marcus, age 7, complained to one of his best friends.
Valteria, or Val for short, was a 6-year-old Ancient Dragon. He was the last of his kind but was raised as a precious son of Filia and well-loved brother to Fal and Xeria. He looked nothing like a golden dragon, however, with mint green hair and golden eyes.
"Yeah, Lauria went, too, so I guess that leaves us to watch over Xeria but we won't have to watch both at least." Val replied.
"Marcus! Where are you, Boy?! Come here!" Sagalia's voice rang through the temple.
"That doesn't sound good. Well, he wouldn't do anything to me if more people were around so dude, cover for me. I'll go get Xeria and meet you back there." Marcus said anxiously and sprinted off at Valteria's nod.
Val followed the voice to Sagalia's laboratory. As he was about to approach the elder dragon, he saw him in his human form pouring two suspicious glasses of green liquid. Then he used magic to transform the liquid into two small bars, resembling candy.
"This will be the end of those hybrids." Sagalia said with a malicious smile on his face.
Val's eyes widened and he turned quickly to run and rammed into Marcus and Xeria.
"Who is that? Oh Val, hello. Marcus came to get me so we could all play today." Xeria explained as she sensed her brother while Marcus helped her steady herself on her staff.
Before Val could speak, he sensed Sagalia standing right behind and he didn't have to look to feel the glare at his back.
"I didn't expect you to be here as well, Valteria, but I made special candy for Xeria and Marcus to try." Sagalia said in a strained, good-natured tone as he handed both children the bars. Marcus looked at his bar suspiciously but Xeria had started to open her mouth.
"No, don't eat it!" Val yelled.
Marcus immediately dropped the candy and Sagalia moved toward Xeria to force her to eat it but Val was faster due to his Ancient Dragon's blood and pushed his sister down. Sagalia did get ahold of the bar but Val blocked him from getting to Marcus who was helping Xeria off the floor. Val tackled Sagalia to the ground and in the tussle, the bar ended up in Val's mouth and he swallowed it whole.
"Oh well, I still have one more." Sagalia sighed and turned away from the young Ancient Dragon was started coughing uncontrollably and saw drops of blood on the ground.
"Val! What the hell did you do him, Old Man?!" Marcus yelled.
"Marcus, Val, what's happening?!" Xeria said in a panic.
Marcus had moved to Val's side and Sagalia moved toward the blind, unsuspecting Xeria.
"Don't worry Xeria, in a short while you'll be free of that disgusting Mazoku blood and we'll be able to open your eyes once more." He said as he moved toward Xeria, other candy in hand.
Marcus moved to intercept but Val pushed him out of harm's way and bit Sagalia's hand that held the candy. In his rage, he shoved the other piece of candy into Val's mouth and stormed back to his lab desk to start preparing more doses. Marcus caught Val before he hit the ground, uncontrollably coughing up blood now.
"Don't worry Bro, we'll get you to my Mom. She can help. Xeria and I can't use healing magic." Marcus started to lift Val but he coughed so violently that he pulled Marcus to the ground. "We cannot leave." Xeria said as she was standing at the edge of the lab. She touched the air in front of her and there was a force field there.
"Marcus, leave me here. With your combined strength, you and Xeria could escape. I'm dead anyway. Look after her for me, okay? Tell Fal and Lauria what happened here and you all get away from this temple. Tell my mother, I love her." Val strained to say his last words before he fell silent and his body tensed briefly then relaxed in Marcus' arms.
"Val? Come on, Bro, stop faking you jerk! Val? Val!" Marcus cradled his friend and started to cry. He looked to Xeria who just stood frozen as if she were in shock.
"You bastard!" Marcus yelled as he charged Sagalia.
The elder dragon swatted him away like a fly and approached the young hybrid, forming a spell in his right hand.
"Forget the potion, I'm just going to end you." He said menacingly and raised his hand before he felt a strong, dark power.
Back to the present
Marcus paused in his tale and started shaking. He dropped to his knees as the weight of the memories was too much to bear.
"Are you sure you're remembering that right? That's not how I heard it from you guys on our way here." Pokota asked.
"I think it's obvious at this point, Pokota, that we were lied to." Zelgadiss concluded.
"But why would Filia-san lie like that, especially about that?" Amelia asked with tears at the corners of her eyes.
"I don't think my mother knows the whole story either. After all, she wasn't there until the aftermath. I remember the rest so I suppose we're telling you all the story." Xeria suggested.
"In that case, please continue, because I want to know how the real story goes." Lina requested with Gourry nodding in agreement.
Back to the past
Sagalia turned toward the entrance of his lab to see Xeria, completely surrounded by dark power. Black and purple swirled together with just a tint of gold in a cloud behind her. Her eyes were open to reveal the same amethyst color she had been born with and her hair had also reverted back to its natural violet state.
"So …. beautiful." Marcus said in awe.
"I never suspected that the first sight I'd see in this world was my brother's bloodied corpse. I will fulfill his last wishes and avenge him. Come along Marcus, for now, we're leaving." Xeria said menacingly and with a quick wave of her hand, easily broke the force field over the entrance. Marcus quickly raced toward Val's body, picking it up and starting to move toward Xeria, when suddenly Marcus' mother, Faranth burst into the lab.
"I've been trying to get through that force field! What has happened? Oh Ceiphied-sama, what is going on here?!" She exclaimed in horror at Val's body, her injured son and husband and Xeria in her natural state.
"Mom, I can explain…" Marcus started but Sagalia was louder.
"Faranth, work with me to stop her! She finally broke the seals and attacked all of us. I got hurt protecting Marcus but that evil Mazoku even killed her own brother!"
Xeria was too shocked by all his lies to speak, but luckily Marcus had his voice.
"That's not true, Mom! He tried to poison us! Val was killed saving us and Xeria just saved me. He was going to kill me! Please Mom, you have to believe me!" Marcus pleaded, tears streaming down his face.
Faranth hesitated for only a moment before she positioned herself between Sagalia and the kids.
"So this is how it is, huh? You haven't been the same since you became a filthy Mazoku play thing and gave birth to his hell spawn! I'm going to end his waste of existence!" Sagalia threatened and shot at Marcus once more but a mother's love can give a woman superpowers and Faranth, in the blink of an eye, was able to knock Marcus to safety and took the full blast herself, reducing her to an outline of charcoal on the floor.
"Look what you made me do! No one else to hide behind, now I will destroy you both!" The elder dragon declared and fired some Holy Magic directly at Xeria. This time, however, the blast was blocked by what seemed to be a lightning strike. When the dust of the two spells cleared, Marcus stood there. His Mazoku powers surrounding him in the form of electrified ice. He glared at Sagalia as the tears streaming down his face stopped and he took a menacing step toward the elder dragon. Sagalia looked at the two hybrids in absolute terror until both suddenly fell to their knees in pain.
Filia and Milgazia entered the lab and immediately joined with Sagalia to start sealing the two children once more.
Back to the present
"That's all I remember. When I awoke, I had been told Val died of an illness and Faranth-san contracted his illness as she had been caring for him and died as well." Xeria finished.
"That's what I was told, too. I can't believe those bastards made me forget how my mother and Val died!" Marcus growled, clenching his so hard it started to draw blood. "Anyway, what were you guys told?"
The human exchanged nervous glances.
"I don't think you want to know." Amelia said softly, wiping away tears.
Both Xeria and Marcus motioned for them to continue anyhow. Lina took a deep breath and spoke it plainly, "We were told that all the seals had been broken and in your madness, you Xeria killed Valteria and Marcus …"
As Lina trailed off, Marcus finished angrily, "Let me guess, I murdered my own mother?! Are you kidding me?! That's it! The Old Man is dead! I'm done!"
"Marcus, we have to tread carefully. We still need to get Val and Lauria out of here as well. For now, let's keep this a secret. When the time is right, we'll escape all together, okay?" Xeria said while blocking Marcus from the door and holding his face in her hands so he could stare deep in her eyes.
"I guess they couldn't erase everything. I still remembered how beautiful you are." Marcus replied.
"Kind of, it took you long enough." Xeria teased and ran one hand through his hair lovingly. Then they shared a quick kiss and embrace until they noticed the humans suddenly dressed for a fancy occasion. The guys were hanging streamers and the two women approached the young couple with a wedding dress and tux.
Xeria and Marcus laughed nervously as they backed toward the door and swiftly exited the human quarters, said their quick goodbyes where they figured no one was looking and went their separate ways to their quarters, only one of them didn't make it home.
Xeria was a bundle of nerves the next day. She didn't know how to act around her mother, her brother, Lauria and especially Sagalia. She was finding it difficult to keep her eyes closed now or maybe she just didn't want to. As she approached the Mazoku rep quarters to guide them to breakfast, they were waiting for her already.
"Oh forgive me, am I late?" She asked with a respectful bow.
"Oh no, a messenger came by to tell us that we'd be meeting in the Great Hall first for a special presentation." Dee answered.
"Oh, I see. I was not informed of this but please, follow me." Xeria replied and motioned for the three Mazoku to follow her.
"There's something different about you today, Xeria-san." Dee commented.
"She probably had some fun with her boyfriend." Norst said suggestively.
"Now what could you both be referring to?" Xeria asked, unable to hide the nervousness in her voice.
"Well, your power reads differently today than yesterday so we were curious." Dee explained.
"Perhaps it's a secret." Xeria said with a slight smirk on her face.
"Well, then, perhaps we can make another deal of information." Xelloss began. Xeria stopped and turned toward him, nodding for him to continue which he did. "The twin hybrids, what do they know about their Mazoku father?"
"I can answer that question. Absolutely nothing and I imagine they would want to know. At least one of them is definitely curious." Xeria answered honestly.
"Well, here's the trade for your consideration: We reveal the father of the hybrid twins if you tell us what's different about you today." Xelloss offered with a bow.
"That is a very intriguing offer. We must go to not arouse suspicion but I will seriously consider it." Xeria said with a smile and the group continued on to the Great Hall.
As they entered the Great Hall, Xeria noted almost everyone in the Temple was present, except Marcus and she started feeling very nervous. She also noticed a large curtain, covering half of the hall and thought that was bizarre. She left the small Mazoku group and sought out her brother and Lauria.
"What's going on here and where's Marcus?" She asked.
"Oh, just wait Xeria! This is going to be the happiest of days!" Lauria exclaimed. Xeria still felt uneasy but before she could reply, Sagalia came to the front of the hall to speak.
"Welcome everyone to the presentation! First, I, Sagalia, am proud to announce tomorrow to be the official wedding day of my daughter, Lauria, to her betrothed, Fal-ul-Copt!"
Everyone clapped respectfully except the Mazoku who were trying not to throw up and the humans who cheered loudly. Lauria and Fal went to stand by Sagalia and Filia joined then, giving them both a hug when she got there. Fal suddenly felt someone watching him. Now, granted he was in the center of the room, but there was someone staring right into him. He looked around and noticed that it was Xelloss. The Mazoku general/priest smiled eerily at Fal when their eyes met and he looked away. At this point, Sagalia continued his speech.
"Now, we at the Temple all know that Fal, despite how dedicated he is, is imperfect because of his parentage and since only perfection is good enough for my daughter, I have devised a solution for him."
Fal and Filia shot shocked and disapproving looks toward Sagalia respectively. The elder dragon paid it no mind and continued, "For years I have been trying to develop a cure for the Mazoku bloodline in three of our members and I have devised a magical device hat floods the body with holy dragon magic. This will purify the Mazoku, making the hybrid into a pure golden dragon." Sagalia announced proudly.
The whole room was abuzz with chatter. The Mazoku reps were clearly disturbed by this but the human reps just glanced anxiously toward Xeria. She was shaking as she desperately tried to sense Marcus, starting to fear the worst.
"Now of course, my device has to be tested and I wouldn't want to risk my daughter's future mate so another hybrid has graciously volunteered." He said sarcastically as a small group of highly trained dragon priests and priestesses chanting as they entered the hall, dragging someone who was frozen by holy magic. It was Marcus.
"Why doesn't he look very willing to me, Sagalia-san?" Lina stepped up and demanded. The other human reps crowded around her as well as the Mazoku reps.
"Allow us to fight at your side, Lina-san?" Xelloss whispered to her. Lina nodded.
"Tsk, tsk. You all cannot attack me. If someone from the other delegates attacks than the peace talk is over. And now without further delay, you are about to see a whole new Marcus!" Sagalia laughed heartily. Lauria clapped excitedly, making Fal look at her funny. He took a step toward Marcus, but was stopped by Sagalia.
"If you wish to mate with my daughter, you will not interfere." He threatened.
It turned out he didn't have to because suddenly one of the priestesses stopped her chant. She looked in great horror at a small hole that appeared in her neck which grew until it reached her head, causing it to explode in little bits all over. This terrified the others chanting so they stopped, freeing Marcus. As he struggled to breathe, he looked around for his savior and was not surprised, as everyone else was, to see the blast had originated from Xeria.
"Oops, that was rather messy. I suppose I don't know my own strength. And I guess the cat's out of the bag." She joked with a shrug.
The dragons were appalled, the humans were stunned and the Mazoku smiled.
"Xeria, what have you done?!" Filia shrieked.
"Rescued Marcus without destroying the peace conference. After all, I am a member of this temple, hybrid that I am. But you know, I think I'm tired of playing the sweet little blind dragon." Xeria answered. Then she slowly opened her eyes for dramatic effect and stated, "Time for the mask to come off."
With a smirk she summoned all her dark powers. They enveloped her in a cone-shaped cocoon. The color of purple and a speck of gold merged with the darkness and swirled around her. Finally, the cocoon dissipated to reveal Xeria, still wearing her dragon robes, but their color had shifted from white to black. Her specialty staff had turned black as well and looked similar to Xelloss', minus the jewel. Her amethyst eyes were alight with amusement as she flipped a strand of her now violet hair over her shoulder after she took a moment to examine it. She took a flourished bow and simply said, "Ta-da!"
The whole room was stunned into silence for a moment before a variety of reactions ensued. There were many screams of horror, applause from the Mazoku and the stunned silence continued from the humans and the dragons closest to Xeria. The most notable response came from Marcus, who wasted no time grabbing Xeria and dipping her for a deep kiss in front of everyone.
"You look beautifully evil my dream demon." He whispered to her.
"Thank you." She said simply, kissed him again and then faced the rest of the room.
Milgazia had stepped forward to address Xeria.
"What are you planning by this public display, Xeria-san?"
"To be perfectly honest, Milgazia-sama, this wasn't the plan. When our seals started to break and our memories started to return, Marcus and I planned to lay low until we could safely get ourselves as well as Fal and Lauria out of here safely. However, the dragon to whom I could attach so many nasty insults to, decided it was okay to destroy my chosen mate so I had to act." Xeria explained respectfully.
"I was not going to destroy him! I was going to save him from himself! Being rid of the Mazoku in him would allow him, and eventually you and your brother the chance at a normal life! But you – there may be no hope for you!" Sagalia defended.
"Do not insult the intelligence of every creature in this room with that garbage! You have been wanting to get rid of all of us, especially Marcus, for years! Don't think we didn't remember what really happened to Marcus' mother or my brother, Valteria! We still owe them vengeance and it will come." Xeria eluded to.
At that, Fal and Filia exchanged glances and Lauria spoke out, "Xeria, I don't like you like this!"
"That's right Lauria. You said today would be the happiest of days. You knew what was supposed to happen to your brother and you wanted that, didn't you?!" Xeria yelled, her power becoming slightly unstable in her anger and causing a pillar to fall over and smash.
Lauria hid her face in Fal's chest in fear and cried. Marcus gave her a disgusted look.
"Do any of you dragons even get it? Or are you too wrapped up in your rules and ideals to get your heads out of your asses to realize that just because someone does something differently doesn't make them evil?! No other creature has the right to decide what path another takes! Marcus and I have never been able to use healing or holy magic. Fal is master of both. So what? I have purple hair now. So what? That's so unacceptable to you then you won't have to worry because Marcus and I are leaving this temple! We're going to march to the beat of our own drum and determine our path for ourselves!" Xeria said in a proud and determined but angry tone.
The whole room was silent for a moment until clapping could be heard. It came from the human and Mazoku representatives. Marcus joined in as well. Xeria took a moment to compose herself and took a flourished bow. Then she approached her cheering crowd.
"How was that for a justice speech, Aunt Amelia?" She joked.
"That was excellent!" Amelia replied with an approving nod and hug.
"You realize though; you guys won't be safe here now." Lina warned.
"We know. We need to talk to Fal, at least. Unfortunately, my sister may be a lost cause." Marcus said in a slightly somber tone.
"We have much to prepare because neither of us have ever lived outside this temple, but first things first…" Xeria trailed off before turning to the Mazoku reps and continuing, "I believe this quite upholds my end of the bargain, so no more secrets. I have a feeling it will be pretty obvious now but I want confirmation, who is Fal's and my father?" Xeria asked outright.
Xelloss stepped forward, eyes open and shot a glance at Filia who started shaking her head violently.
"I am," he said simply.
Xeria glanced over at her brother, whose eyes took on a look of insight and her mother who looked down in shame. She smiled and turned back toward her now-revealed father.
"That's all the confirmation I needed." She said and unexpectedly hugged him.
Xelloss let out a strangled gagging sound as the other two Mazoku and the humans all laughed. Xeria freed him and chuckled as well.
"Forgive me…Father, I could not resist."
Xelloss just gave her a warning look that said 'don't do it again' while he tried to regulate himself.
"Well, Xeria and I have some planning to do, so please excuse us." Marcus said respectfully.
Marcus and Xeria had teleported to Xeria quarters and she was in a tizzy.
"Oh wow, Marcus, that felt so good! I feel so free like I've been wanting to do that for my entire life! I don't even know where to go from here. What do I pack?" Xeria was cut off from her rant by Marcus grabbing her and kissing her.
"Do you think you can just keep shutting me up by kissing me?" She asked with a wide smile on her face.
"You usually don't complain so why stop now?" He replied before continuing the kiss. As the kiss grew more passionate, they were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Ferocious love-making starting, go away!" Marcus said sarcastically. Xeria laughed and Fal entered the room anyway.
"Phew! Glad I walked in when you were both still clothed."
"You could have saved yourself the potential trauma may not entering at all." Marcus suggested.
"Okay. Calm down, both of you. Fal, you want to talk don't you?" Xeria laughed as she pushed herself out of Marcus' embrace to stand.
"Yes, but I'm not the only one." Fal said, stepping aside to reveal Lauria as well.
"Please, I want to talk to my brother." She said quietly.
"Fine. Whatever." Marcus said in a grumpy voice.
"Will you walk with me?" Fal asked Xeria and gestured toward the door.
Xeria nodded. She took Marcus' hand and leaned in to kiss him. As she let go of his hand, Marcus recaptured it in his.
"What's the matter?" She asked him, concern in her tone.
"I just had a horrible feeling suddenly. When I let go of your hand, I got the sense that I would never hold it again." Marcus explained, breathless in his panicked state.
"Marcus, I'm walking with Fal. He's my brother and wouldn't let me come to any harm. Plus, he's your best friend." Xeria reasoned.
Fal and Lauria were both very quiet during this exchange.
"You're right. Sorry Fal. I guess I'm just on edge." Marcus said, trying to regulate his breathing.
Fal simply nodded and did not try to reassure Marcus. So once again, Xeria kissed Marcus and let go of his hand. Marcus had the same sensation, stronger this time, but he let her leave. As soon as the hybrid twins left, Marcus noticed that Lauria was chanting under her breath.
"What the hell?" He asked before realizing that the room had a protection spell on it. He couldn't leave the room.
"What have you done?!" He screamed at his sister who he now noted was hiding a dragon crystal to boost her powers enough to hold him.
"This is for the best, Marcus. You'll see." Lauria said.
Marcus tried to attack her but the shield protected her too. Then he heard her voice. He couldn't tell if he heard it in his head, his heart or his soul. Xeria's voice was terrified and desperate. This fueled him to push harder.
A few minutes before
Xeria and Fal left her room and started walking through the Great Hall which she noted was eerily empty.
"Where is everyone?" She wondered aloud.
"The peace conference is continuing in the conference hall so all the humans and Mazoku are probably there. Xeria, are you sure this is what you want?" Fal answered but asked his question as well.
"Fal, I wish everyone, but you especially, could see what I see and feel what I feel. For the first time in my life, I feel not only happy, but at peace with who I am and what I am. I am content." Xeria said with a genuine smile on her face.
Fal closed his eyes, seemingly in pain.
"I'm sorry Xeria. I'm not convinced." He said and forcefully shoved his sister backwards into a wall behind a large curtain. Xeria was taken aback and could not defend herself. She stood up, nursing her head and tried to walk forward only to discover she was trapped.
"What is this?" She asked and started feeling lightheaded.
"Stupid girl, you were far too trusting to be a Mazoku anyway." Sagalia entered the room, laughing.
"Murderer, maybe I should end you now!" Xeria tried to sound menacing but the pain in her head was worsening and she was starting to feel very dizzy.
"Just try it." Sagalia baited. So Xeria did. She was quite horrified to discover that not only could she not escape, she couldn't attack either. Her powers were gone.
"What have you done?!" She asked both Fal and Sagalia, panic slipping into her voice.
Sagalia pulled the curtain back to reveal a large machine including a small cocoon-like compartment that Xeria was trapped in.
"I told you all I had created a device to purify the Mazoku, but I guess I'm testing it on you instead." The elder dragon laughed at the absolute terror that appeared in Xeria's amethyst eyes.
"No, I don't want this! Fal, please Brother, get me out of here!" She begged.
"It's too late you fool! The process is irreversible." Sagalia explained but Xeria heard none of that.
She kept trying her magic and when she finally gave up on that, she just started banging on the door of the chamber until her fists started to bleed.
"Fal, please, if you ever held any love for me, I beg you! This is not what I want! I want to be who I am! I don't want to exist as a lie! Please! Marcus, Father, Aunt Lina, Uncle Zel, Aunt Amelia, Uncle Gourry, Uncle Pokota, I beg you all please save me!" She cried as she felt herself changing and not being able to stop it. Xeria was more terrified than she had ever been in her entire life. Fal turned away, but Xeria would never know if it was disgust with her or shame and guilt over what he had done.
Current Time
Tons of dragon corpses lined the walls of the conference room until enough were dead to allow Lina and the others as well as Xelloss to leave. Dee and Norst remained behind to ward off any further attacks. On their way, they passed Marcus, breaking down the door to ul-Copt household which left an unconscious but alive Lauria in its ruins. They didn't speak as they raced toward the Great Hall but suddenly stopped just outside as they heard one more message from Xeria. Marcus' heart sank into his stomach but the sight of Fal reignited his energy.
"Where is she you bastard?!" He yelled in rage and punched a hole right into Fal's gut.
"Marcus, you need to calm down!" Lina yelled at the hybrid's side.
"Yes, we need him alive for information." Xelloss said coldly.
"Xelloss-san, he's your son!" Amelia said incredulously.
"I am aware of that Amelia-san." Xelloss replied.
"I hate to say it, but Xelloss is right. We need information, Fal. Where is Xeria?" Zelgadiss asked straight to the point while Amelia healed Fal's wound.
"Actually Aunt Amelia, you shouldn't have bothered to heal me. After what I've done, I ... I'm sorry Marcus. I'm truly sorry." Fal said somberly.
"There's nothing to apologize for Fal. You did the right thing for your sister." Filia said, coming in, helping Lauria as she was still unsteady on her feet.
"I can't believe you attacked me Marcus! I'm your sister!" Lauria cried.
"You were keeping me from helping Xeria so what did you honestly expect me to do? So that was the plan huh? Trap the humans and the Mazoku in the conference room, trap me with Lauria and have Fal attack Xeria because she wouldn't see it coming?!" He yelled.
On cue, more filled the room as they were joined by Dee and Norst, covered in dragon blood as well as Milgazia, severely wounded by alive and Sagalia proudly walking from behind the large curtain to stand in front of the small group.
Marcus continued, "You Filia-san, as her mother should be very ashamed! How could not accept your daughter as who she is? Why would you try to seal her as opposed to celebrate her and teach her! You all must be better Mazoku than I to develop such a plan to stop one girl's happiness!" He insulted.
"How dare you?! That is such a cruel thing to say!" Lauria cried and ran from the room.
"It's cruel to decide one's life for them without consulting or even caring what they want! Now for the last time, where is Xeria?" He screamed after his sister, not expecting her to come right back in with a smile on her face.
"Well, none of what you said matters because I have my best friend back!" She stated.
"Xeria is perfectly safe Marcus and if you are not this rude after your transformation, then I will consider accepting you as a mate for her." Filia added as she and Lauria ducked out of the room together.
"What?" Marcus asked in a confused tone.
"Wait and see, I found a new candidate for my purification experiments." Sagalia announced, pulling back the large curtain to reveal the now empty chamber and large magical machine.
Suddenly, various magical blasts toward the machine were blocked by a powerful shield. Lina, Zelgadiss, Amelia, Pokota and all three Mazoku reps had blasted at the machine with various black and shamanist magic to no avail.
"You fools! This barrier is powered by the blood of one that could withstand having both light and dark magic in him so your pathetic powers couldn't touch it!" Sagalia grinned evilly.
"You don't mean…" Lina started.
"Valteria." Zelgadiss finished for her.
Most of the human reps had first encountered Valteria as Valgaav, an Ancient Dragon turned Mazoku. Through the graces of L-Sama, he had been reborn and Filia raised him as Valteria.
Marcus growled and took a step toward Sagalia when pure shock stopped him in his tracks. Filia and Lauria chose that moment to enter, guiding a third with them. The third was female sporting long blond hair and wearing all white priestess robes. Fal looked at the newcomer and lowered his head shamefully. The humans and Mazoku joined Marcus in his shock as the three came closer to the crowd. Now they could see the third female clearly and right into her clear sapphire blue eyes. She smiled a gentle smile at everyone and curtsied.
"Greetings everyone. I am told you all came out for my birthday. I do not recognize most of you so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xeria. Pleased to meet you all."
Marcus' feet felt like lead as part of them wanted to stay put and other part dragged him forward. He trudged up to the new Xeria. She shrunk back from him at first and he felt a knife stab him in the heart and twist.
'Not only does she not know me. She's afraid of me.'
"Do not worry, Xeria. This is my brother, Marcus. He'll probably look different soon but this is him for the moment." Lauria introduced.
"Hello Marcus-san." Xeria said with a curtsey.
Marcus could not speak. He just reached up to touch her cheek and allowed his thumb to move along her smooth skin. He looked into her now blue eyes and felt his vision start to blur as tears came unbidden to his eyes. Then he felt Xelloss stand beside him.
"Xelloss-sama, is there no hope?" He asked, barely noting the irony of asking a Mazoku about hope.
Xelloss approached the now terrified golden dragon and grabbed her chin firmly but not to hurt her. Xeria was too frozen by fear to move, allowing Xelloss to look deeply into her eyes. He confirmed what Marcus felt and most of the others could sense.
"She's completely gone. All that's left is an empty shell."
Suddenly, Marcus felt his knees give out and he let the silent tears fall as he collapsed to the floor before her. Xelloss felt a tickle then. Filia had attacked him.
"Stay away from my daughter, Namagomi!"
"Yes, that she is, Filia-san. Yours and yours alone. Was it worth the cost though?" He asked her.
The humans and other Mazoku were taken aback. Xelloss was clearly angry.
"I have never seen Xelloss act like this before." Norst commented, a slight fear in his voice.
"Indeed. He usually does not show emotion at all." Dee agreed.
"To tell the truth Filia-san, we had a very specific mission and because of you and your influences, I have failed my Master for the first time in my existence. For that, the cost to you will be more than you can afford. Farewell, Filia-san!" Xelloss said before completely blasting Filia to dust.
"Mother!" Fal raced to face Xelloss but Lauria held him back.
"No, I can't lose you!" She pleaded.
Fal turned toward Xeria to at least comfort his new sister and was horrified by what he saw.
A few minutes before
Xeria knelt down before Marcus as he stayed on the ground on his knees, his body shaking with silent sobs.
"Please tell me why are you sad." She asked, genuine concern in her voice.
"I just lost the only woman I will ever love." He replied.
"Oh, how sad I am for you. Is there anything I can do?" She inquired as she ran a hand through his hair ever so soothingly.
Marcus suddenly grabbed Xeria by the neck and started squeezing.
"Yes, you can help me fulfil her final wish. You can die." He said and snapped her neck, killing her instantly. Then he held her corpse and sobbed uncontrollably, not holding anything back.
Fal saw this scene and didn't know how to react. Sagalia did, however, and tried to attack Marcus.
"I can still use her for my research, so back away Boy!"
He didn't hear Lina chanting behind him until it was too late.
"Ragna Blade!" She called out, brandishing the sword of the cold, dark void and broke through the Ancient Dragon barrier to allow all the others to swoop in and take apart his machine. Sagalia moved to attack them but was blocked by Norst and Dee. He went to look back for Xeria only to see Marcus laying the corpse on the ground and sending a blast at it. He looked away before impact.
"Now you're dead, Boy – urk!" Sagalia started before he was knocked out by the hilt of Milgazia's sword.
"I had some doubt that the peace conference would go as planned but I never suspected that it would be the fault of dragons. Let us take responsibility for this one. Marcus, I want you to know that I was told you were willing to undergo the transformation and I knew nothing of the plot to change Xeria. Sagalia will stand trial for the crimes of murder on three degrees – your mother, Faranth, Valteria and Xeria. Please accept these terms." The dragon leader presented.
"I honestly don't care anymore, Milgy. Nothing else matters." Marcus said somberly, barely above a whisper. The humans looked at him sympathetically.
"So much death, all those dragons, Valteria, Marcus' mother, Xeria-chan and Filia-san. It's too much." Amelia said, crying.
"I honestly can't mourn Filia. She forced her own daughter to be something she wasn't to fit her needs. I can't mourn the loss of someone like that." Zelgadiss said coldly. Amelia thought of chastising him but Lina stopped her with a hand on shoulder. It was obvious that it reminded him of what Rezo did to him.
"We're out of here then! I can't take any more deaths today!" Lina said curtly and walked away as quickly as she could.
"Wait up Lina!" Gourry called after her.
"Wait up everyone!" Pokota floated after the rest of the humans.
Marcus watched the humans leave before turning toward the Mazoku reps.
"Out of curiosity, Xelloss-sama, what was your mission?" Marcus asked.
"The three of us were supposed to convince the three of you to join us of your own accord. Fal obviously chose to stay with the dragons by what he did to Xeria and she was a pathetic shell of herself after they were done with her." Norst said cruelly. He smirked at Marcus' wince of pain.
"Is one out of three a possibility?" Marcus asked.
All three Mazoku reps nodded. Marcus took a step toward them.
"No, Marcus, I can't lose you, too!" Lauria cried and grabbed onto her brother.
"Fal, get your woman off me before I show her why she should fear me from now on!" Marcus called out angrily.
Fal pulled her back and spoke, "you're really going with them? There's nothing for you there."
"There's nothing for me anywhere." Marcus said darkly and vanished with the three Mazoku, leaving the temple in depressing ruin.
End Filia's Version
