"The Kataart Mountains? Why there Mistress?" Xelloss asked, confusion in his voice when he was told his new mission. "Didn't Gaav destroy what was left of the Clair Bible there?"
Zelas smirked, tossing her cigarette to the side. Her current form was that of a slender darker toned woman with long blonde hair, wearing a silky white dress. "That will become clear to you when you go with your mate, pup. After all, you still owe the Water Dragon King a favor, remember?"
Xelloss froze at the mention of that. "… Yes, due to my carelessness. Forgive me my lord…" he bowed his head. "To be in debt with a Shinzoku is a high dishonor to us."
"No need, your Soul Touch made you try so foolishly to help protect that little human of yours, I know it wasn't all following Phibrizzo's orders." Zelas shrugged. "So my orders are to get this favor out of the way before the events with Cepheid play out. Though Ragradia did seem to take a liking to Lina Inverse, so odds are she might not be in favor of her destruction. Odds are your favor to the Aqualord will be decided by the leader of the golden dragons of that order if the remaining conscious of Ragradia was indeed destroyed by Gaav."
"In other words, you want me to find out where we stand with the Shinzoku, if they are following The Flare Lord's wishes or not. Along with their Ryuzoku followers…" Xelloss smirked slightly. "Or if we can use some of their self-righteousness and 'free will' to our own advantage."
"And perhaps stir up a bit of chaos between them in the process." Zelas snickered. "Now run along, grab your woman and head there immediately."
"As you wish, Lord Beast Master." Xelloss rose to his feet and bowed his head once more, before teleporting into the library where Lina was researching still.
"Vandal I can't read these!" Lina snapped, turning to the former elf. "Your damn translation notes only gives me a few pages worth!"
"That is because those are in Ancient Dragon, Miss Inverse." Vandal sighed. "I'm afraid due to the race being wiped out even most Golden Dragons cannot read their language, let alone Mazoku. I fear that is all I know of it."
"But some of these books are about Cepheid, and just might help with the research I need!" Lina snapped in frustration, slamming the book shut.
"Well perhaps we should have a certain dragon or so look at them?" Xelloss chuckled as he spoke up.
"Gah! Xelloss what have I told you about just popping in like that?" the crimson haired sorceress snarled. "And what the hell are you talking about? What you mean have Filia look at them?"
"Well she's one, another would be Milgasia as he's quite a deal older than her." Xelloss shrugged. "We can ask him as you and I have a little assignment to work on."
Lina raised her eyebrow. "I thought your damn Mistress wasn't going to be using me on missions?"
The priest rubbed his head. "Well, it's actually my assignment not yours, but I thought in the event the Clair Bible is still in piece in the Kataart Mountains you could check for the information you seek."
She pursed her lips for a moment, then gathered several of the books together on the table. "Fine, then put all these in that damn dimension satchel thing of yours and let's get going."
Xelloss chuckled, placing the books inside his bag. "Of course Lina dearest. Shall we depart for Dragon's Peak then?"
Lina attached her shoulder armor and cape, walking over to him. "Fine let's go already. Oh yeah." She turned to Vandal. "If you find any other books on what I told you, just put them to the side for me. I'll read them later."
"Of course." Vandal nodded.
Xelloss opened one eye curiously to look at her as he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close as they vanished. The next thing Lina knew was they were in the Kataart Mountains, just around the spot they met Milgasia the first time they came here.
Lina swayed a bit, clutching Xelloss's cloak. "Damn I still can't get used to the way you travel."
The Mazoku laughed. "It's because your human body is not used to being pulled from the physical plane." He was still looking at her with one eye open. "So just what are these books you're having Vandal look for you?"
She shot him a glare. "Just Astral Magic and research that I hope can help me with separating Luna from Cepheid."
"And perhaps another book or so on The Soul Touch?" he asked with a grin. "Really Lina dearest, if you had any other questions about it you could easily ask me."
"Shut up, fruitcake." Lina snapped, pulling herself away from him as she walked ahead. "Though is it true what I read that Dragons have Soul Touches as well?"
Xelloss chuckled. "Why yes, just for them it's different than Mazoku. They can only have one Soul Touch ever in their lifetime, as that becomes their life mate." He shrugged. "They conform to whatever their Soul Touch needs most, whether it be a friend, a lover, a brother or even a mother." He purposely stressed the last word.
Lina blinked twice as she took in what he said. "… Are you saying that Filia…"
"Oh you really think she took him in out of just plain pity?" Xelloss laughed slightly. "Why do you think Valgaav never killed her despite having the chance several times. They share a mutual Soul Touch, the two fools. Just Filia was in denial of it until just before she thought Valgaav was taken by DarkStar, after that she assumed he was dead and her Soul Touch was that short lived. When he was reborn that is the true reason she chose to become his guardian, her Soul Touch made her conform to what he'd need most."
The crimson haired sorceress rubbed her head. "… Does explain a few things, but rather creepy. I mean doesn't Valgaav view her as a mother now?"
"You forget Lina dearest, 100 years to us is like 10 years to you. It will only take perhaps 15 years for young Val to reach maturity, and then their Soul Touches will bind them hopelessly together." Xelloss shrugged. "For them it helps them find their one true mate, so you need not worry Valgaav will not see her as his mother forever. It's not like they are blood related after all."
"That is true, and they're both the last of their kind. Filia is the last of the Fire Dragon King's Goldens, and Valgaav is the last Ancient Dragon… And besides I guess I shouldn't judge considering like our age difference." Lina gave him a sly smile. "You're freaking old enough to be my ancient ancestor after all."
"It merely means I have enough experience and information to keep you entertained for a good long time Lina my dear." He chuckled, waving his forefinger.
She rolled her eyes and was about to retort, when she saw the heard of dragons were alerted to their presence. A large dragon landed right in front of them, glowing as it slowly took a human form with long blonde hair and tan robes.
"Milgasia!" Lina cried.
"What are you doing here, Beast Priest?" Milgasia growled, ignoring Lina at first. "I thought I saw the last of you after HellMaster's incident."
Xelloss chuckled, opening one eye. "Now, now Milgasia. I was told you'd be expecting us, or is it your comrades are stirred up because I am here? I mean them no harm as long as they don't… Give me reason to."
Milgasia's brow furrowed. "… Yes, we did receive word from Beast Master. But just what are you up to?"
The priest waved his finger. "As I explained last time, I am merely middle management. My Mistress told me to come here, I was hoping though you could assist Miss Lina here with her research."
"If you're suggesting to allow her another look at the Clair Bible, threaten all you want Dragon Slayer, she is pledged to a Mazoku now so that would be treason if I did." Milgasia warned.
Xelloss's eyebrow twitched at the name. "Watch that tongue of yours, Milgasia. If I didn't owe your lord a favor I'd be inclined to act upon that threat."
"Hey whoa you two!" Lina snapped, stepping between them. "For one Milgasia how dare you ignore me and Xelloss…" she glared at the priest. "We're not going to get anywhere if you kill all the damn dragons." She turned back to the Golden Dragon. "Yeah I'm pledged to Xelloss now, but that was because I almost died due to a curse from…"
"Deep Sea Dolphin, I know the details." Milgasia sighed. "Filia explained everything in her letter a day ago that reached here."
"Filia?" Lina blinked twice. She didn't know that Filia and Milgasia knew each other. Well, they both were goldens after all…
"Milgasia here tutors young Val, my guess is he's being taken care of here while Filia is away?" Xelloss asked suddenly.
"Yes, Filia sent a letter explaining everything and why she might be away longer." Milgasia said calmly. "But don't expect me to assist you as we are on opposite sides now, Lina Inverse."
Lina twisted her mouth. "Luna is in danger and I need to help save her! I don't give a damn about Cepheid I just want to stop the world from ending so if you're gonna get in my way-"
"I won't."
"Huh?" the crimson haired sorceress blinked.
"I said don't expect me to help." Milgasia said with a chuckle. "Not that I won't. I do not answer to Cepheid, we dragons unlike the Mazoku have free will. We only pray to the Shinzoku because we chose to, some have forgotten that over the years. And my loyalty goes to the Water Dragon King, who wishes in fact to see you. That's why I'm here now."
"Ragradia?" Lina blinked twice. "But she…"
Suddenly the wind picked up, Xelloss and Milgasia got in front of Lina as fragments of magic formed together into the wind, slowly taking a shape. It became a creature covered in robes and a straw hat with a palm tree like pipe sticking out of a round, black head with shining golden eyes.
"What the hell?" Lina cried.
"What is the Air Lord doing here?" Xelloss growled slightly. "This is the Aqua Lord's realm."
"Air Lord?" Lina repeated, her eyes wide. "As in the Air Lord Valwin?"
"What brings you here, Air Lord?" Milgasia asked.
"Rumor had it that the new threat to our Lord Cepheid had ventured here, out of us I was chosen to come investigate you might say." Valwin replied in a bored tone. "Though how such an insignificant human can be such a threat I think is overreaching."
"What? I'll show you insignificant!" Lina snapped, rolling up her sleeves until Xelloss grabbed her arm.
"Lina please, while you're more recharged I'd rather you not test it on this one." He warned.
"Then if she is so insignificant then be on your way, this is not your domain." Milgasia spoke up. "I can handle the situation here."
"I believe not, Milgasia. Ragradia has already refused to assist us when we asked her to lend you and your comrades." Valwin said, playing with his pipe. "I think she shows too much compassion for this human, granted she destroyed HellMaster, but that will be for nothing if she helps Beast Master rise to power. She should be dealt with quickly."
"What she has done can still be undone." Milgasia growled harshly. "Once her curse is broken she could easily break a pledge, her soul still not fully tainted by the Mazoku. For now it is merely for survival, that is what Ragradia believes in. And my orders from her are to protect this human, as she might be able to save Cepheid from himself."
Several of the other Golden Dragons started gathering.
"Are you revolting against myself and the others Milgasia?" Valwin asked in a warning tone.
"Only you and Rangort have followers left, Vrabazard's are all dead." Milgasia explained. "And are you sure you would want to have them face the Dragon Slayer once again? Both your numbers were brought down immensely by him before."
"No need to brag nor boost his ego." Lina grumbled slightly, though took note Xelloss wasn't quite amused by what was said.
Valwin took a quick look around. "… Very well, I'm not in favor of these odds. Not worth the possible wounds for such an overreaction of a simple human. But warn Ragradia she better watch herself now, as we will know where her loyalties truly lie."
"No need, she heard everything she needed to." An elderly sounding voice came from behind Lina, who spun around to see a short, old woman dressed in blue smiling at her. "Hello Miss Lina, it's been a while."
"Auntie Aqua? You're alive!" Lina cried.
"Of course, I told you before I'm merely an illusion created by the manuscript. Gaav just drained my Astral energy pretty badly it took some time to recover." Aqua chuckled, then glared at the Air Lord. "Lina here is still human, to outright destroy her because she's a threat makes us no better than the Mazoku. I would think some of us would have learned from Vrabazard's mistake. But you Valwin, you always found humans and their affairs a waste of your time."
"Which is why I never understood why you involved yourself so much in the War of the Monster's Fall, look where it got you." Valwin shrugged. "… No matter, I am not in the mood for a fight anyway, merely came here to check up on… Information I had received. Just know next time won't be so simple." With a pick up of the wind, he vanished.
"Information? … It appears someone intercepted Lord Beast Master's message to you, Water Dragon King." Xelloss spoke, looking at the spot where the Air Lord had just been.
"Yes, I'm afraid so." Aqua sighed, then smiled. "I see your gag order on your Soul Touch finally lifted."
Xelloss rubbed the back of his neck. "Hoo yes, I was finally able to allow Miss Lina here to know."
Lina's eyes went as wide as dinner plates. "HUH? Auntie you knew?"
"She called me out on it when Gaav arrived before us, the day you figured out I was a monster." Xelloss chuckled.
"Which is why I knew he wasn't really a threat, and told Milgasia not to worry about his influence on your group." Aqua chuckled. "I mean really, while Milgasia knew Xelloss could kill him easily, wouldn't normally he worry about a Mazoku asking a human to see the Clair Bible? In case it was a trap?"
"I… Suppose that makes sense…" Lina rubbed her temple. "Wait, Milgasia is that why you were telling me all that about Xelloss? You knew I was his Soul Touch?"
"You… Could say that." Milgasia averted his eyes. "And to check and see just how strong his bond was with you."
"Oh that was easily to spot it was a true bond, he wouldn't have allowed himself to get hurt half as bad from Gaav." Aqua giggled. "Normally self preservation is priority one for Mazoku, yet he stayed around to make sure Miss Lina was safe."
"Yeah but he ran off later on!" Lina snapped, bopping the priest in the head with her fist.
"But I explained that Lina dearest, HellMaster Phibrizzo was there I knew he wouldn't allow you to be killed." Xelloss rubbed his head. "That and Lord Beast Master had summoned me right then, I had to leave much to my detest."
"Yeah, yeah." Lina rolled her eyes. "So Auntie, what all is the favor Xelloss here has to do for you? Obviously Zelas wants to get his debt to you cleared up."
Aqua chuckled. "I'm sure Zelas was worried I'd take Cepheid's side with Luna's situation, but I am not. After all I am just barely alive, so when my main shell was destroyed so was my loyalty to the Flare Lord. Unlike my brothers." She sighed, shaking her head. "And I know what's going on is wrong, and could very much destroy the world just as badly as if the Mazoku succeed in their goal. Zelas and I can to an agreement, we both don't want the world to end just yet, so that is why when she sent word I knew she wanted to see where we stand."
"So does that mean you can help us?" Lina asked.
"Take Milgasia and his assistant with you, with his extra power you might just need it in helping the Cepheid Knight." Aqua said. "And Xelloss as for my favor, I want you to pull this off without killing the Cepheid Knight herself."
"Huh?" Lina blinked.
Xelloss just stared at her dumbfounded. "… You want me to make sure Miss Luna survives? But that could be at the expense of…"
"I just explained why my loyalty isn't to the Flare Lord." Aqua shook her head. "But Luna I have my own reasons for wanting her alive, after all my dragon followers I look at almost like my own children."
"What does that mean?" Lina snapped, clearly confused.
Xelloss's amethyst orbs went wide though. "… You mean, one of your followers has a Soul Touch with Miss Luna? …" he smacked his fist into the palm of his hand. "Oohhh I get it now, no wonder you're so willing to help, Milgasia."
"You're one to talk, look what your Soul Touch makes you act like." The Golden Dragon scoffed.
"Will somebody explain to me what you all are talking about?" Lina snarled.
"Oh well here I thought you possibly knew Miss Lina." Aqua giggled. "Luna is Milgasia's Soul Touch."