Disclaimer: I don't own Slayers, but perhaps my hopes have been answered! Word around the campfire is that they are finally putting out more Slayers! (Japan April '08) Not exactly a fourth season, but thirteen episodes (OVAs I am told) on, who else but Lina and Gourry! This news has put happiness into my ashamed non-writing little heart. I find out more info, I will make adjustments to this chappie (or maybe finish writing the next one, it depends on my mood).

Everyone in the room was silent, not sure of how to respond to the announcement Lina had just made. She looked around at her friends waiting for the first argument to come out.

It came from Amelia. "But why do you have to leave so soon?"

Lina was prepared for this one. "I told you I would stay until after the babes were born. Well, it's been a few months since. I need to get going. I've tarried long enough as it is."

The next argument was from Zelgadis. "But... you're pregnant. You can't travel like that. You're in the lavatory every morning and sometimes in the afternoon. You're cravings are... phenomenal in comparison to what you normally eat. How are you gonna deal with all that?"

Lina had prepared for this one as well. "If Amelia, who was pregnant with triplets, could work as Crown Princess till she was eight months along, I'm pretty sure I can handle the first few months traveling. And it's better if I leave now rather than later."

Amelia spoke up again. "But my duties are not as exhausting as traveling is. Who's going to protect you? It got increasingly more difficult to use my powers as the months went by."

"All the more reason to leave now. And besides I have Gourry by my side. Not to mention Xellos and Bleed. I've already sent word ahead to my sister so she knows to be expecting me soon. Even Naga has said she'd join me."

Naga nodded. "I have, and Daddy is even willing to send you on your way with an escort. But we both thought you would at least wait until the official Unveiling of the triplets."

"I thought I could, but you haven't yet set a date for this, and it's been more than two months since their birth. And time is short. I've got to get home and to the temple before the Golden Dragons have a chance to come after me. The sooner I leave, the sooner I'll be under the protection of a Knight of Ceified, if I need it. The Golden Dragons should not be able to go against my sister."

She paused to emphasize her point. "I need to get home."

Zelgadis, sharp as ever, narrowed his eyes. "What temple?"

At this everyone else who hadn't caught it suddenly looked at Zelgadis and then at Lina, gauging her response.

Lina sighed. She knew she had to let that one little word slip, but she had honestly hoped no one would catch it. She had hoped that the fear of the Golden Dragons attacking would occupy her friends' minds. She leaned against the wall. All eyes were on her. "The Temple of Nightmares."

Filia slumped into the couch she was sitting on. "What?"

Amelia and Sylphiel gasped while Naga frowned.

"The Temple of the Golden Lord. Other names include the Temple of Chaos, the Golden Temple of the Black Sea, the Temple of the Lady of Nightmares… the names go on and on."

"There is such a place? Here, on our world?" Sylphiel looked a little faint at the very idea.

Lina shrugged. "From what I've heard, there's one on every world She has dominion of."

"How come we've never heard about one before?" Zelgadis asked.

"Probably because most humans can't deal with the concept that She actually has a temple, and that there are priests that are actually devoted to Her and the chaos that She represents."

Filia shook her head. "I've been alive a long time Lina. And I've never heard about a temple for Her."

"Yeah. Well, no offense Filia, but you didn't hear about the massacre of the Ancient Dragons either, at least not until you met me. And that was what, ten, eleven years ago at the most?"

Filia sighed. "Point taken."

"Honestly, I didn't hear about the temple until just recently."

"And where, or more specifically, who have you heard all this from?" Zelgadis asked.

Lina bit her lip, not sure if she should give up her sources so easily. She hadn't wanted to let her friends know about it, but they deserved to know. She was keeping so much from them already.

"From me of course," Xellos responded as he phased into the room. Bleed had phased in as well, but while Xellos kept his distance from Lina, Bleed had immediately placed herself at Lina's side.

Lina chuckled, scratched Bleed behind the ear and said, "Not yet. That's what we're all arguing about." She laughed again, but only shook her head in negation.

Zelgadis eyed Xellos for a moment. "So then Xellos, how do you know about it?"

Xellos shrugged. "I can't divulge all my secrets."

Filia snorted. "You never have."

"I'm just keeping to tradition."

Zelgadis shook his head, "Then what will you decide to tell us?"

Xellos smiled at Zelgadis, then shrugged. "The Temple of Nightmares has been on this world for as long as there were... people to worship Her. Probably since the beginning of Her Creation, but I'm not entirely certain."

Zelgadis frowned. "People? Do you mean humans?"

"No, I mean people. Do you honestly think humans are the only race to be considered a people?"

Zelgadis blushed. "No! I just-

Xellos smiled while he shook his head. "Humans are young. Very young. There are races you will never even think of, never even know; races that existed way before humans came into the picture." Xellos chuckled. "There are races that even the Golden Dragons know nothing about. Humans are actually Her newest and youngest creation so far. She likes to experiment. Actually, not to put too fine a point on it, humans seem to be Her favorite creation so far."

"So how do you know about these other races? You're only a Mazoku, right?" Sylphiel asked.

Xellos smiled as he raised his index finger. "That, my dear little bint, is a secret."

Lina shrugged. "And knowing Xellos, will remain one. But from what I have guessed, is that humans, like me apparently, produce a lot more chaotic energy than the other races. We humans are just so diverse, and because of that, not prone to one alignment like the Mazoku or the Golden Dragons. There aren't any truly evil Golden Dragons. There aren't any truly good Mazoku. But there are both in humans. Plus we reproduce like bunnies, Amelia being a prime example with the triplets. I suppose that makes Her like us better."

Xellos stared at Lina for a moment before forcing his gaze somewhere else. Zelgadis suddenly noted that this entire time, Xellos had purposefully not been looking at Lina.

Lina didn't seem to notice. She pushed herself off the wall and walked to the couch where Gourry was sitting. Gourry made room on the spacious couch, and she sat next to him. Bleed settled herself at Lina's feet. The movement actually brought Lina closer to Xellos, which made Xellos move to be as far away from her as he could, while still being in the same room.

This time, Zelgadis was not the only one who noticed. Both Filia and Amelia's eyes widened in surprise. He wondered just what was going on because whatever was affecting Xellos was not affecting Bleed.

Lina still didn't seem to notice. "None of this changes the fact that I have to leave and soon. Xellas is letting me borrow you for this, right Xellos?"

"Yes… my Lady."

"Good. As soon as everything is packed up, we'll be leaving."

Amelia shook her head. "You can't leave so suddenly Lina. Please stay for at least the Unveiling, please? Most of the foreign royalty are here and it would take but a day for the rest to show up. We could have it the day after tomorrow."

"I can't. And now that I think on it, I shouldn't. The longer I stay in Seyruun, the more likely it is that you'll be attacked. And if I'm going to fight the Goldens, I want it out of the city where the fight is less likely to spill onto innocents. I have enough on my hands, without having to worry about more lives. Besides I really don't wanna be known as the girl who destroyed Seyruun."

Amelia continued to look up at Lina, pleading. "Please. Just two more days. Can you wait just two more days? Filia says she should know when the Goldens are near."

At this Filia nodded. "I should know the moment they are within two hundred miles of Seyruun."

"And we have patrols making the rounds through all our territories and even those of our allies, as far as five hundred miles, with messenger pigeons ready to be sent the moment anyone sees anything out of the ordinary. I really, really want you to be here Lina." If possible, Amelia's eyes had become wider as she begged her best friend to stay.

Lina grimaced.

Damn it all.

She couldn't say no when Amelia looked at her like that. She still had to try. "Adelina's just gonna make a fuss you know, if I'm still in the same room and not holding her."

"We want you to hold her; to bring her out and show her off. You are her Godmother, and she's chosen you for a reason. You need to be there so everyone knows what you mean to Seyruun and to us. We want the Golden Dragons to realize that we aren't afraid of them, that you're not gonna hide in fear from them. This is a public announcement as much as a social event. You have to be here."

Lina looked down for a moment, contemplating her hands. When she looked up, there was a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. "I suppose it'll probably take about two days for my escort to be readied and all the food I'm gonna take with me to be prepared. I think I can wait two days more." Everyone in the room, except for the two Mazoku, brightened at the response. "But, I will leave after the party. This can wait two more days, but not three. I will be going the day after it."

Amelia had the brightest smile. "As long as you are here for the party, and all the people see that you are by our side, we shall be content."

"All right then."

xxxx

It had taken almost every minute of those two days, but the start of the Unveiling was ready when it had to be. With the knowledge that the unveiling would start with or without the missing members of royalty, those members who were always fashionably late, were suddenly there on time.

It may have been the reports that the long lost Princess Gracia Ul Naga Seyrunn had finally returned home to see the new heirs to the throne.

It may have been the threat, to those who were late, of an intense justice speech by both King Philionel and Crown Princess Amelia (and possibly even Princess Gracia's horrific laugh as an after word).

It may have been the rumor that there would actually be at least two 'tame' Mazoku in attendance, also rumored to be friends of the pacifist kingdom.

It may even have been the fact that the triplets born were not exactly human, and perhaps even Mazoku themselves.

But everyone knew that these rumors were not really the case.

No.

It was the knowledge that the infamous Bandit Killer, the natural Enemy of All Who Live, the girl who left wreckage and chaos in her wake, the Dragon Spooker and the Sorceress Supreme, Lina Inverse, who was the reason for the 'tame' Mazoku, would be attending as Godmother to the triplets and heirs to the throne of Seyruun.

It was the knowledge that Lina Inverse, as usual and despite overwhelming odds, was not cowering from the possibility that she would be attacked and killed by the entire race of Golden Dragons.

That Lina Inverse was publicly announcing the fact that she was a friend of Seyruun and that nothing would stop her from enjoying the party of the century.

It was the idea that Lina Inverse was basically saying to the Golden Dragons, and anyone else who even thought of challenging her:

"Kiss my ass!"

Anybody who was anybody made sure they were in Seyruun and at the palace on time. No one wanted to miss seeing the Lina Inverse in person, especially if she had her two Mazoku 'pets' with her.

Lina had mixed feelings about the rumors flying about, especially the ones saying she was the Enemy of All Who Live and that she had tame Mazoku pets. She had thought she had finally gotten over that title, but now she wasn't so sure. And saying that Mazoku could be pets, even if they were hers, was dangerous. She also wasn't sure how best to contain Xellos; and Bleed, as usual, wasn't helping.

Bleed actually found it amusing that anyone would dare say that Xellos was tame, which she loudly proclaimed, with a nasty little chuckle, in front of Xellos whenever he was around Lina. She found it even more comical that they both were considered Lina's obedient pets, and took to saying that as well whenever Lina and Xellos were in the same room.

Xellos was infuriated by the rumor that any Mazoku could ever be thought to be a subservient pet, and he was out for blood for whoever was stupid enough to start such a rumor. It would take Lina a couple of tries to calm him down a bit every time Bleed started up on him, but since he was acting so odd around her anyway, she wasn't sure if what she had said worked. And she remained unsure, despite Bleed's promises that Xellos wouldn't do anything too anserine.

Lina was not stupid and she refused to play along with Bleed on this by actually calling him her pet.

Jokingly calling him her slave and lackey when he was in a good mood was one thing; calling him her submissive pet when he was already pissed about it was quite another. And just because she had temporary authority over Xellos, and therefore he could not technically harm her, did not mean that he wouldn't just go on a murderous rampage throughout Seyruun to prove that he wasn't a tame docile housebroken pet of hers.

The mixed feelings on Lina's part became even more mixed when she found out that Amelia was the one spreading those rumors.

xxxx

When she finally found Amelia alone in the council chamber and confronted her on them, Amelia only smiled sheepishly.

"You have to do what's necessary when using Psychological Warfare. I knew some of those rumors would be the only way to get people here on time. Plus... I want those Golden Dragons to think twice before they assume they can just threaten you or my kingdom without just cause. And their cause is not just.

"Believing you can eradicate a race or a person just because they don't follow your ideals or are 'evil' is not the proper way to see justice served. Power Balance must be maintained, and that's true in any situation be it magic, politics, or good and evil. And I'm not about to let them think they can get away with this. So, I'm spreading the necessary rumors to get people talking and thinking. After this, the people can make their own opinions. I'm just setting up the proper stage."

Lina looked at Amelia, suddenly realizing just how much Amelia had grown up over the years. "Zelgadis is rubbing off on you."

Amelia smiled again, but this time her face was full of pride. "Actually, I think you're rubbing off on me. After all this time, I've found that it's a lot easier to say you're a pacifist then to be a pacifist. And it's also a lot easier being a pacifist if you don't have a kingdom to run.

"I will never condone unnecessary violence and evil, but I won't just sit around and be bullied by people who think Pacifists won't fight back. Those Goldens got another think coming if they think the people of Seyruun will just fall over and die without a fight. Just you wait and see Miss Lina. The rumors are helping you, not hurting you. Especially the one about 'tame' Mazokus who will be attending the Unveiling."

Lina quirked an eyebrow at Amelia. "About that one... I'd be careful about saying that. In fact it might be best if you let people know that they are all still quite dangerous, especially Xellos. He's a bit... upset about being called tame."

Amelia shook her head. "Actually all I said was that there would be two Mazoku in attendance. I never said that they were tame or that they were your pets, although the way Bleed acts around you..." Amelia chuckled. "Besides, what would this world be coming to if Mazoku were actually considered the good guys?"

"I think they'd rather commit hari-kari then be considered the good guys, especially Xellos."

Before Amelia could respond, Bleed phased into the room and like a trained dog settled herself at Lina's feet. You got that one right. Xellos keeps having a fit over being considered docile. I'll admit I'm not really helping, but it is just so hilarious to see him so furious over something so stupid, especially when you think about the power that Beastmaster granted you over him.

In all truth, he is tame and he is your pet until Beastmaster releases him from your service. It doesn't mean he can't fight at the bit, but... he can't take his revenge until after she takes his collar and leash off. Bleed suddenly became serious, her humor in the moment vanishing, and looked around, searching. But as much as I joke about it with you Lina, I suggest your friends be careful around him, he can hold a grudge for a very long time, and when he takes his revenge... Bleed shuddered. If you ever get the chance, and he feels like telling you, you should ask him why he hates dragons so much.

Amelia's eyes had widened at the sudden appearance of Bleed. Those bright blues now widened even further from actually 'hearing' Bleed and all the information she just gave so freely. She glanced up at Lina, "She... talks." It was the only coherent sentence she could think to say.

Of course I talk. I would never have spoken to you under normal circumstances, but once I realized that you truly aren't as annoying as you seem to be, what with these devious little rumors of yours, I figured you were worthy enough to speak to.

You have some really interesting friends Lina. None of them are as they appear on first scan. I suppose that's why I like it here so much. Xellos always tried to scare me with how horribly peace-loving Princess Justice was, but now that I've gotten to know her, I'm realizing he was just pulling my tail.

Bleed gave Amelia a sideways glance. If you keep this up, we might actually... come to like you...

"I'm not sure if that was a compliment to her Bleed."

Compliment or not, things are changing. More so than any of us will ever realize. Of course you are the reason for all of this Lina. But maybe it's a good thing. Some of us are tired of being forced into a mold. All of us are breaking out of it, Xellos being the most obvious example, but even the Golden Dragons aren't following the good path anymore.

"Oh? And just what have you been hearing?"

Well... word around the Black Sea is that the Goldens are beginning to shake off their own bits and bridles, and are beginning to show their true colors. It's become all the more obvious with their recent declaration of war on 'Lina Inverse'. Despite the fact that a few of them are keeping to their old 'good' code, ones like Milgazia and Filia, there are a number that are embracing their darker roots.

One name that has come across even our place is the name of Devorit. He's got a particular grudge against you, though the reasons for why have not yet been told to me. He is the one who has been inciting the war rallies. And despite all that you've done for them in the past, the Goldens have taken his lead and want your head on a platter.

Lina slumped into the high backed chair she had been sitting on and sighed. "Why is it that someone is always out to get me?"

Amelia smiled placatingly. "Cause you're special. As long as you remain alive, there will always be someone out to get you."

AN: And on that note, the next chapter is in the making. Ashamed for the time it took to put this out, but I've run out of good excuses.