(We have reached 10 chapters! I'm so happy! There's a lot more to be learned in this chapter- if you couldn't tell from the title and the italicised text, it begins with a flashback. I do not own Slayers, though it's fun to write out the characters! ^.^ Enjoy!)
10- Flash Back, Flash Forward
Elmyria walked the streets of the village, trying to determine where she wanted to go. "I can't believe it..." she murmured to herself. "I finally managed to escape from Zelas' prison, and now I don't even have a plan... onii-sama would be disappoint-" El stopped. "What am I saying? He's not my big brother! He's Xellos, and he's my enemy! I've got to get it together or I'll never figure out what to do! Alright..." She found a place to the side where she could stand and think. "Okay... so Lord Gaav is dead..." She grimaced at the thought. "And Valgaav failed to gain our revenge... so what can I do now?"
Suddenly, a group of children came running past her, talking excitedly. "Was he nuts? You know that no one has ever gone to the haunted house and come back to tell about it!"
"Well, he said that he'd get the jeweller's treasure no matter what kind of ghosts he had to fight... too bad he never got brave enough to actually try it!" The kids laughed.
"Excuse me..." Elmyria began. The children looked at her, startled. "Tell me, what were you talking about? A haunted house? Which no one has come back from alive?"
"Uh... well..." One of the kids began. "It's a house about two miles out of town... it used to belong to a gemstone expert by the name of Shichiro Hoseki... but one day, about three years ago, he suddenly vanished without a trace. No one knows what happened to him. They say that he had an enormous treasure trove of rare and valuable gemstones hidden in the house... but..."
"But what?" Elmyria asked.
Another kid continued. "But they say that the house is haunted by a ghost that guards the treasure and will kill anyone who enters..."
"A guarded treasure, eh..?" Elmyria murmured. Anyone could look at the myriad of jewellery displayed on her fingers and wrists, and tell that she had a weakness for treasure. "Sounds interesting..."
"You're not thinking of going there, are you lady?" One kid asked. "It's too dangerous!"
"I'll be the judge of that..."She replied, turning away from the village and heading toward the house. The kids watched as she walked away.
"She's going to die..." One of them whispered to his friends. Suddenly, Elmyria decided she was done with walking and simple teleported away. The kids stared in incredulity.
"Maybe not..." Another muttered.
Elmyria easily found the three-story building, standing ominously alone on top of the hill. I suppose this is it... she thought to herself. She could feel the presence of a monster inside, and decided to make her way in as stealthily as she could. El opened the door slowly and carefully, but-
KLI-KLINK!
Elmyria hadn't realised that there were bells on the door. She mentally slapped herself for being so careless. Years of being a prisoner had really dulled her skills. However, she didn't hear any movement from inside the house, so she assumed that it must be safe for her to enter. Creeping inside, she was grateful for once that she was wearing flat shoes rather than those high-heels that she always envied on Zelas. The front portion was a one-story shop- full of shelves that looked as if they might have held lots of items when this had once been a store. Now it was all a mess- rocks and gemstones scattered around in no particular order. Elmyria picked up a small amethyst and stared at it for a moment. It was beautiful, but...
She tossed it aside and turned her attention to some opals that caught her attention. Purple was not a colour that she particularly wanted to keep close. It reminded her of someone that she no longer wished to associate with. Venturing further into the store, she saw that there was a doorway leading to the actual house portion of the building. Seeing nothing of great value in the room that she was in, she decided that the infamous treasure must be located further in the house. She carefully checked the door this time, making sure that there were no bells on it, and opened it slowly and silently.
Elmyria was met with a living room containing a couch and an armchair next to a small bookshelf and a coffee table. To the left was the entrance to a large dining room, and to the right was a staircase that allowed access to the upper two floors. Venturing further into the dining room, El discovered another door which, upon inspection, didn't lead to another room- it led down to a basement.
"A basement, eh?" She murmured to herself. She slowly and carefully made her way down the stone steps, taking in her surroundings. The staircase led to a large room filled with bookshelves. "This must be the library..." she murmured. Peering into the room, she also noticed a large armchair. In the armchair there was a large red book, with a small grey cat lying idly on top of it. Elmyria could tell right away that the cat was actually a monster. She approached it cautiously, wondering whether or not it would be hostile toward her. Elmyria was also curious about the book that the cat was sitting on. She could feel an enormous volume of magical energy coming from it, but wasn't able to identify exactly what the energy was. As she approached, the cat opened one sapphire eye with a glare at the new monster that was encroaching upon her territory. A low growl escaped her throat as a warning for the intruder to move away. When El didn't, the cat sprung to her feet with a high pitched snarl.
"Easy, girl. I'm not going to hurt you." Elmyria said, but the cat didn't listen. Approaching Elmyria slowly, she suddenly pounced. El created a ball of dark energy to blast the cat away, but the feline was back on her feet in an instant. The two of them exchanged physical and magical attacks for a brief period of time, before a disembodied voice stopped them.
"That's quite enough, Riko." The voice commanded. Obediently, the cat stopped fighting and backed away from Elmyria. El searched for the source of the deep voice- that familiar voice that made her heart race. It couldn't be... It couldn't...
"Elmyria?" The voice questioned. Searching intently for the source, she quickly found herself drawn to the book that Riko had been sitting on. On the front cover was a pale green gemstone cut into four pieces- one large hexagonal piece, and three thin diamond shaped pieces radiating from the bottom of the hexagon. It was a strange formation, but even stranger was the possibility of the identity of the voice. "Is that you, Elmyria?" It asked again.
El almost didn't dare to guess. "L-Lord Gaav...?" She stammered, waiting for the reply.
The voice laughed slightly in response. "Good, I was almost afraid that you wouldn't recognise my voice. I would think that being trapped in a crystal might change it slightly."
"A-a little..." Elmyria admitted. "But... how did you... I thought... Zelas told me that you were killed by Hellmaster Phibrizzo..."
"That information is correct. However, there is more to the story. When I was destroyed, my spirit became trapped inside this crystal." He replied.
"R-really?" El gasped.
"Elmyria, think. Would I be talking to you right now if it were not true?" He laughed.
"I-I suppose not..." Elmyria responded, blushing slightly. She examined the book once more, looking over the beautifully detailed edges. Whoever had made this book had certainly put a lot of effort into it. They must have cared a lot to put so much work... or perhaps the information in the book was important... "It's incredible that you would end up like this..." she murmured.
"But I obviously don't want to stay like this. Elmyria, do you see this book?"
"Yes sir." She nodded.
"The jeweller who lived here was the one who ever-so-kindly attached the crystal to this book and wrote down the information contained inside it. This book contains the procedure that would allow a Dark Lord to be resurrected from a crystal such as the one that I am trapped in."
"R-resurrected...?" Elmyria gasped, her eyes glinting with hope.
"Yes... however, I very obviously cannot accomplish the task on my own... and the only servant I have at the moment is the book's appointed protector, Riko."
Elmyria glanced at the cat, who wore a green jewel around her neck as well. "I suppose that is Riko?" She asked.
"Correct. She was appointed to be the protector of the book before her master was killed, and she continues to perform her duty out of obedience to her former master. So she really isn't my servant, to tell the truth."
"I see." Elmyria nodded. "Well, she may not be your servant, but I am. And I will do everything in my power to assist you in any way possible."
"I am grateful to you, my dear Elmyria. Your loyalty is unfailing, even now. You're truly a special monster to have stayed devoted for all these years." The voice commented.
"I-I..." Elmyria didn't know what to say. Her face turned red as she tried to think of an appropriate response. He had never really shown any emotion to her before, and she wasn't sure exactly how to react. "Th-thank you... Lord Gaav... for not losing faith in me... even though I was captured..."
"You are strong- as was Valgaav as well."
"Sir... you know that Valgaav is..." Elmyria began.
"I know that Valgaav has been reborn as an ancient dragon egg, and is now in the care of a golden dragon named Filia. That is correct, is it not?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Then we must revive him as well. Since he has already been reborn, it will not be difficult to change him back into a monster- and restore the memories of his previous life, of course."
"Of course. If that is the case, then we must hurry." Elmyria nodded."That does sound like a good plan..."
"Then we'll have to get our hands on that ancient dragon egg. There is one stipulation to the spell contained in this book as well."
"And... what is that?" She questioned.
"It must be performed on the night of a blue moon."
Elmyria gasped. "A... a blue moon? But the next one is in... less than three months!"
"I know. That's why we must hurry. There are extensive preparations that need to be done, including the collection of nine magical items necessary to provide the energy for the spell to work."
"Sounds complicated." Elmyria commented.
"It is very complicated, my dear. If you are not up to the challenge, then I respect your decision. You can back out now if you-"
"Never!" El gasped. "You know that I'd never turn my back on you, Lord Gaav!"
"Wonderful. Now, I would suggest making this house our home base, since it is convenient and no one occupies it at the moment."
"If you don't mind me asking... how did the former owner of this house die?" El questioned.
"He was killed by a sorceress." Was the simple reply.
"A sorceress...?" Elmyria asked. "You mean a human?"
"Yes."
"I see..." Elmyria nodded."So what about Riko? What shall we do with her?"
"She must stay and protect the book, of course." The voice replied. "With her master destroyed, the only reason that she remains alive is because of her task to protect this book. If she were to become separated from it, then she would die."
"How terrible..." Elmyria said, glancing at the cat. Riko really was quite cute, when she wasn't trying to attack you. "That settles it, then. First we'll get Valgaav, and then we'll get the materials for this spell. And once you're resurrected, then you can get revenge yourself. It's perfect."
"Correct, my dear... perfect indeed..."
"El? Hey, El?"
Elmyria was sitting on the balcony of the house, engrossed in a book about gemstones that she had taken from the library. It was late at night, but of course she could easily read with light she produced herself. "What is it, Valgaav?" She growled.
"I was just thinking... I'm afraid that, if we don't do something about Lina Inverse and her friends, then we're going to seriously regret it later." He said.
"Going against Lord Gaav's orders? Are you insane?" She gasped.
"No, no! Lord Gaav's word still stands! I just..." He sat down on the bench beside her.
"You just what?" She asked, her tone softening slightly.
"I just can't ignore my instincts. Those humans have thwarted our plans before, from what you and I have seen, they are intent on doing it again." Valgaav sighed.
"You'd need a good plan this time. I know I said that they were weak... but... I'm not sure anymore..." El sighed. "While I was a prisoner of Zelas, I heard bits and pieces of the stories that Xellos had collected on them. Apparently they're a tough group of humans."
"I know. I fought them. They're quite determined." Valgaav agreed. "But this time I do have a plan."
"Oh?" El asked curiously.
"Yes. I've decided that they are a much more formidable group when together. If we split them up, then their power diminishes dramatically. I figured that I could go, kidnap two of them, and bring them back here. Then you could be in charge of killing one, and I'll take the other. They'll be no match for us alone." Valgaav grinned.
"I suppose that would work... you know, you're really not as much of an imbecile as you let on..." Elmyria replied, smiling. Valgaav felt a surge of pride. If Elmyria smiled at your plans, then they must be good.
"I'll ask Lord Gaav for his permission, and if he agrees, then I'll get right to work. It's already dark, so the humans should be unsuspecting. This is the perfect time to strike." Valgaav said, grinning.
"Perfect." Elmyria replied.
Lina and the others sat around a campfire, busy catching up with Filia. They had explained all the stories behind Valgaav and Elmyria's attacks- at least what they knew. It had been a whole day since Filia joined the group, and she was curious as to how her friends had been doing since she had seen them last.
"So, Miss Amelia, Mister Zelgadis," She began. "How have the two of you been doing? Has everything been going well in Seyruun?"
"Of course! Seyruun is a happy and prosperous country!" Amelia enthused. "Under my father's leadership, everything is going well!"
"That's good. How about you, Zelgadis? You're happy with the way things are in Seyruun, correct?" Filia replied.
"Oh, in Seyruun? I suppose." He nodded simply.
"Uh... alright..." Filia realised that she probably shouldn't have expected Zelgadis to give her such an enthusiastic response. She had assumed that Amelia's personality might have rubbed off on him, even just a little bit, but he seemed to be the same person she had known before. "And what about Miss Lina and Mister Gourry. You two have been quite happy, right?"
"Absolutely perfect." Lina replied, smiling. "We have a great house, though I still get to travel around all the time as a *cough* merchant. Zara is the greatest kid any parent could ever ask for, and I've always got him and Gourry around when I need them. Life is great." She paused. "...well, except for when people are trying to kill me...but..."
"Of course..." Filia sighed in agreement. "Well, it's nice that things have been going so well for you. Say, Enrico?"
"Hmm?" Xellos looked up at Filia- he truthfully hadn't been paying much attention to the conversation.
"I wanted to know how you ended up with Miss Lina and her friends. How did you meet them?" Filia questioned. Xellos stared at her for a moment, his mind racing, trying to figure out what to say. He wouldn't, couldn't lie to her. But what was he supposed to say...?
"He actually knew me before he met Lina and the others." Lorelei interjected. Xellos flashed her a grateful smile. It was, after all, the truth.
"Oh, I see." Filia nodded. "So how did the two of you meet?"
"I helped Lorelei out once when she had a broken wing." Xellos replied. "It was no big deal, really."
That was almost a lie- it had been a big deal, at least to Lorelei, whose life he had saved by his act of semi-kindness.
"Oh, I see. You really are a nice person." Filia said, giving Xellos a warm smile that slightly unnerved him. But he found himself smiling back at her involuntarily. Were smiles really that contagious for humans? He blushed slightly and turned away so that he wouldn't be forced to see her expression anymore.
"Like I said, no big deal..." He shrugged.
"Enough about us, how have you been, Miss Filia?" Amelia asked.
"Who, me? Oh, I guess I've been doing alright. Business in my little shop is really picking up, and..."
"Excuse me, I don't mean to be bothersome, but I'm afraid that I must intrude."
A jolt of fear and panic passed through the group as they heard the vaguely familiar voice echoing toward them. Lina and Gourry stood up defensively and Lorelei grabbed hold of Xellos. "V-Valgaav...?" Filia gasped.
"What are you doing here?" Lina demanded. It was the first time she had actually seen Valgaav since the Dark Star incident, and wasn't sure what to expect from him.
"You don't have to worry, I'm not going to hurt you..." He replied, grinning. "...at least not here..."
"What?" Filia gasped. The group stood warily as Valgaav seemed to study them for a moment, as if he was trying to pick his target. Suddenly, in one swift motion, he lunged forward, grabbing Zara. The little boy began to scream in response.
"Zara!" Lina shrieked. "You put him DOWN!"
"Not likely, Lina Inverse..." Valgaav replied. "It seems like someone doesn't know how to be a good little boy and die when they're supposed to."
Zara continued screaming, trying to escape the monster's firm grip. The closest member of the group made an effort to rescue him. "You fiend! Picking on innocent children like that! As a Warrior of Justice, I cannot allow you to get away with your evil de- AH!" Amelia was suddenly cut off as Valgaav grabbed her by the collar of her shirt.
"Oh yes, I think you'll do nicely too. El will be happy with me for getting her such amusing prey." He turned his gaze up to the rest of the group, who were trying their best to get close to him. Valgaav put up a barrier of magical energy around him to prevent them from reaching him. "Don't be so upset. I haven't forgotten about you. I'll return for the rest of you once these two are dead. Farewell for now."
He quickly teleported away, causing the magical barrier to dissipate. Lina and her friends stood, shocked at how fast everything had happened. Just a few minutes ago they had been sitting and talking peacefully, and now...
Now all of a sudden, they were two group members short.
Zelgadis was the first person to speak again. "AMELIA!" He gasped, running to the spot where Valgaav had been standing before disappearing. "Zara... Amelia..."
"Where..." Filia gasped. "Where did Valgaav take them?"
(A/N: You know... I've noticed that poor Amelia and Zara are always the ones to get picked on... is that odd? Anyway, I had a LOT of fun writing the scenes where Elmyria explores the house. I guess I just really enjoyed revisiting an old setting that I hadn't written about in a long time. How nostalgic~ ^.^ Don't forget to review and tell me how you think it's going! ...if you'd like to...)