A/N: Hi again! As usual, thanks to all who are reading, and even more thanks to those who are reviewing! I, once again, apologize for all of the long delays in updating the story. Read and review to tell me what you think, everyone!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Slayers characters, plot, or settings, aside from maybe the Ragna territory/kingdom, which is an important part of the story later.

Chapter 10: K, K, K, K…Sorry, I just like typing K.

"Wait right there." Xellos teleports inside of the huge doors before them, leaving them with little to no chance to object.

"So, why are we here again?" Gourry asks, tilting his head sideways with a very innocent and confused look, like a lost puppy.

"Ugh, Jellyfish Brain!" Lina growls, "We're interrogating Zelas!"

"How many times do I have to tell you," Zelgadis sighs, "that this is not a mystery genre?"

Xellos appears again. "Greater Beast Master Zelas would be delighted to speak to you."

Lina and Zelgadis push open the doors, muttering quietly to themselves.

"Welcome, Slayers," a melodious voice purrs. "I have been waiting to see you!"

Lina frowns slightly, recognizing the voice and not liking it at all.

Zelas is, obviously, very busy looking elegant, sitting on a tall throne. "Lina Inverse, I have waited a long time for this moment. I believe you came here in complaint."

Lina says, "Lord Beast Master, I have a few questions."

Zelgadis huffs, "For the LAST TIME, this is NOT a mystery genre!"

Zelas closes her eyes and smiles in an expression scarily similar to Xellos', "Why, yes, Mister Zelgadis Greywords! I believe that this story's genres are romance and adventure!"

"SOMEONE gets it right," he sighs.

"Anyway, Lina, what are your questions?"

Zelgadis sweatdrops.

"First off," Lina starts, "why did you change me into a chimera?"

"That's a secret."

"Why did you bring Zel to Seyruun?" she continues.

"Oh, that's easy!" Zelas smiles, "It's a secret, too!"

Lina frowns, "And are you trying to prove something?"

"You're hitting question number 1 right in the face, Lina!"

Zelgadis cuts in, "You changed Lina into a chimera to prove something?"

"Yep!"

"To who?" Lina asks.

Zelas pokes them comically. "Now your beating up question number 2. You and Zel, of course!"

"Why?!" Zelgadis demands.

Gourry cuts in, "I think I know—"

"Shut up, Gourry, we're thinking," Lina growls.

Zelas continues prodding them with a very evil, very catlike look on her face. Maybe this is why cats rule over all. They are cute and adorable on the outside, but very, very evil on the inside. I LOVE CATS ANYWAY, DON'T JUDGE ME!

Suddenly Zelgadis' jaw drops. "I know why."

Lina blinks, "Me, too."

They stare at each other. "She's trying to set us up!" they both exclaim.

Lina pauses, looking worried. "B-but…she knows how to cure me, right?"

"Of course I do! I made you!" Zelas purrs, "Sadly, only Shabranigdo can cure poor Zel. That's why he hasn't found anything yet!"

The blue chimera's head drops. "My chances have lowered from 2% to a billionth of a percent," he sobs quietly.

"Oh, don't worry, Zel! I have ol' Ruby Eyes on speed dial!" Zelas smiles comically, "I could call him now…"

"NO!" they all scream.

"Well, okay, but don't you at least want to—"

"NO!" they yell again.

"Fine," Zelas mutters. "But anyway, Lina, on with business. In order to change you human again, I need some supplies…but I want you to get them."

"Well, that couldn't be hard!" Lina exclaims cheerfully.

"I want you to go with Zel, too!"

The black magic sorceress' cheerful mood changes to a very angry one as she frowns, "You are one determined mazoku."

Zelas grins, "Well, I wouldn't be me if I quit all the time! Here's your list." She hands Lina a slip of paper and adds, "Leave now."

"Yes, Lord Beast Master," they all mutter.

"And Lina?"

"Yeah?"

"Your current party…fix it," the monster lord growls.

Lina nods silently, and Xellos teleports the group away.

Zelas glances into the shadows, "You can come out now."

A tall man with black hair and dark blue eyes, wearing a black trench coat over a purple shirt as well as classy gloves, steps out of the shadows. A cat is sitting on his head.

"That went well," he says, grinning like a certain cat from a certain movie we all know of. "Now, if you'll excuse me…"

He dissolves into the shadows.

A/N: Just in case you haven't guessed, the cat is from Alice in Wonderland...yeah. This mysterious figure will be poor, poor Lina and Zel's enemy, by the way. Sorry, Zelgadis! ...Oh, and Lina too. Be prepared for really bad puns! As a reminder to you guys, please read and review, and maybe I won't feel like a fanfiction failure. Thanks!