THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY

Chapter 15 - Interlude III Weaving tangled webs

Like some poor nigh-related guest,

That may not rudely be dismissed,

Yet hath out stayed his welcome while,

And tells the jest without the smile. - Coleridge

*** Part 1 *** The MACE & VASE

Actually Xelloss was disturbed about Zelas-sama's appearance. She had given Lina and CO. far too much information he had wanted kept secret. His first mission was damage control; check on the young dragon.

"Zelas must never get her hands on him. If anyone claims the ancient dragon, it will be I. He's mine to enslave, if I want to.I did promise the Dragon Lady not to touch him, yet."

Xelloss knocked politely at the Mace & Vase door, then entered, ignoring the locks.

"Mama! There's someone here! So, who are YOU? I don't know you!"

Xelloss smiled down at the young dragon boy. Dragon's development is fast until the late teenage years, when they age slowly into a perpetual middle age. Like Mazouku, Dragons never die naturally, they chiefly die in battles or by accident. Val was now a 10 year old boy by human standards. He still sported facial stripes and his spiky, green hair was below-the- chin-length and worn pushed off his face by a black headband. His brow was furrowed in consternation.

"The store's closed for the day. If you want somethin', come back tomorrow." And he stood his ground, staring down the much taller man.

"That's right! I'm late, but I'm not here to shop. I've come to see you! Your mother and I are old.friends."

Val studied the purple-haired man's face, "You smile too much!"

Xelloss dropped to one knee an opened his eyes, "And you look like you need to smile more. Let me show you a trick!"

Xelloss created an army of tiny golden dragons. They flew up into the air and circled around Val's head.

"WOW!" giggle

Val jumped and ran around chasing after them.

"Val-chan? Is that you making all that noise? Please be careful and don't break anything." Filia's voice grew louder as she entered the room. " XELLOSS! What are you doing here?"

"Ha, ha, he, he! Aren't they cool, Mom? Your friend there made them for me!"

"Namagomi! Stop it! Stop them now!"

"Mom! That's not a nice word."

Xelloss smiled, "Very well, Filia dear, if you insist." and with one finger SWISH the illusions were gone.

GASP

"WHY YOU, YOU.HORRIBLE CREATURE! MURDERER OF MY PEOPLE!"

"But, Mom? You told him to get rid of them.and they weren't real, ya know."

"My, my Val-chan, you shouldn't talk back to your mother like that. And before she tries to kill me with that mace, maybe you should go out and play so we can talk adult-stuff, okay?"

"Yeah, alright, that sounds boring anyway.but can I wait to see her hit you?"

"No."

"NO!"

Both the Mazouku and the Dragon stood listening to Val's retreating footfalls. Filia was first to break the silence.

"How did you do that?"

"What? Those little dragons? Well that is a simple trick."

"No! Don't be ridiculous! I mean, how did you get him to obey you like that?"

"Hummm, not my male charm.must be my fatherly instincts.Hey! OUCH!" shouted Xelloss while diving out of range of Filia's flying mace.

"I told you to stay away! And then you send that AWFUL EVIL woman here! STAND STILL!" screamed the Dragon.

"So you can MASH me again? I don't really enjoy it (that much.). Actually, can I talk to you?" grabbing her wrists in both hands, "Seriously, Filia." That stopped her. This was not the Xelloss she was prepared for; no silly teasing or rude insults.

*** Wolfpack Island ***

Ermgort, Chapuun, Warui, and Mataku - Four Mazouku sat plotting dark, dangerous deeds at the heavy oak table. Ermgort, a green-skin reptilian male pounded his fist into the table. The sound echoed in the cavernous stone room.

"We're agreed then? That is the only way to guarantee the kidnapping."

Chapuun, a slender female version of Ermgort, whipped out her long forked tongue to pushed a stray black hair out of her eyes and nodded in silence. She followed orders, to the letter and played it safe.

Warui looked worried. His narrow eyes peered out from beneath dark stony brows. He was part Golem and the weakest fighter present. He was also a coward.

"Why wait? Why not do it now why he's young and virtually unprotected?" asked Warui.

"Haven't you been listening Warui? Orders are to WAIT, and we follow Oxceplin's orders or die!" hissed Chapuun.

"He does have a point," argued the fourth monster. Mataku was lovely in her gray wolf form. She was also the sneaky one. "I could hide and wait. Outside the Dragon's house is a dense wood. I could watch and wait. When he's old enough, and BEFORE the humans come that you expect, I take him. Simple, clean, no muss, no fuss!"

*** Part 2 *** The MACE & VASE

"Okay, make it quick."

"May I sit down?"

Filia automatically began to say no, but changed her mind and lead him into the kitchen where only days ago was filled with Lina & CO.

"Perhaps some.tea?" teased Xelloss.

"Don't push your luck, Mazouku!"

"Humm, very well then. First, I'm here to protect NOT hurt Val-chan. You must believe me. He is in grave danger, but not from me. That woman you disliked was the Lord Beastmaster Zelas Metallium, my er.. ex-boss."

"EX-boss?"

"For the time being, yes. When my staff was destroyed with your mace, there was a..problem. Filia, this is very hard to say to anyone, but my powers have been severely reduced until I get a replacement staff. But even so, I will do anything and everything possible to keep Zelas from getting Val-chan. I promise you. Because if she does, she will enslave him like Gaav did, only more terrible, I'm afraid."

Xelloss paused to let his words soak in and settled his purple gaze upon the Dragon.

"Of course I don't believe you. I know you are lying. You are a lie, a Mazouku, the most hated, annoying OBJECT in my life! You never offer information. And today you're here to clue me in on Mazouka plans in order to help VAL-chan? Give me a break! Why insult my intelligence too? That woman oozed evil, just like you. You're working together, I know it! Now. what are you doing? Put that back on! WHAT? WH-HAT! OH CEPHEED! GASP!

*** Wolfpack Island ***

"It won't work! shouted the male lizard demon. "That forest may be as dense as Warui here Ha, ha , but it is not neglected. That Dragon Lady can smell a Mazouku a mile away, they say. And that fox and Beastman with her, Valgaav's minions, comb that forest daily. You'd be found out and than we'd have an ALERT Dragon watching for us AND all her human friends ready for action."

Hundreds of wolves howled outside- Mazouku packs fraternizing on the isolated island.

"No changes! We go with MY plan.Eh? I hear him coming. Look sharp, all of you!"



*** Part 3 *** The MACE & VASE

Xelloss had removed his cloak and sash, then roughly pulled off his tunic. Filia stared in obscene fascination. Her mace remained suspended over his head. Across his chest shone the red scar, his owner's brand:

PROPERTY OF ZELAS METALLIUM

He hung his head, purple bangs hiding his eyes, but not the tears of shame running down his cheeks.

Humiliation! Could it possibly be true?

"Oh Xelloss, I-I don't know what to say.," cried Filia with pity- filled eyes.

Xelloss brushed the wetness off with the back of his hand in disgust. He pulled the soft, creamy tunic back over his head and retied the sash. He toyed with the brooch clasp on his cloak, then in one violent movement, ripped it off. GASP! He carried the heavy clasp to Filia.

"Take this. Keep it with you.always. If Zelas ever returns, if you or Val are ever in danger, call my name. I'll come instantly."

Filia made no movement to take it.

"Please, humor me here. Let me help you, and help preserve Val- Chan's innocence. Can't you see I have nothing left, not even your respect?"

"Why? Why are you.you doing this.?"

"Why? Filia, you know that.that's a secret?"

POUND MASH

"Ouch! Okay, okay, I was just trying to lighten the mood a little.Zelas studied Gaav's mistakes after he resurrected Valgaav that first time. His transformation to Mazouku by her hand would result in an evil creature of unimaginable power, and under her sole control."

"Much like you."

"Worse than me, Filia. You have no idea just how much worse."

"Stop that, Xelloss! You're scaring me!"

"Good. I meant to.please, take this and use it if need arises."

He set the clasp on the table, "No need to see me out. I know the way. Oh, ah. one more thing. Val-chan is safe for a week or two. She won't touch him until he is a mature teenager. Okay, that's all. Say good bye to him for me, hmmm? He's.your doing a great job, Filia. Bye!"

Xelloss strode to the door. As his hand touched the door handle, Filia called out, "Just a minute, Nama. Xelloss. You can't go out looking like that."

HUH!?

*** Wolfpack Island ***

Oxceplin's giant boots thundered into the room. The wolf-like Mataku girl smiled inwardly as he entered. He reminded her of one of those fat Japanese Sumo wrestlers she had seen in a previous surveillance mission. She had loved that job. She had loved watching Sumo wresting. And she had to admit that she loved Oxceplin, in her own twisted power-hungry way.

"Well?" the giant wolf-like Mazouku roared, "Is the plan done? It had better be. We have less that two weeks to go!"

"Yes, Master Oxceplin," began Ermgort, "My plan will not fail. We will enact a kidnapping attempt. Our timing is critical. The Dragon will be of age. The human protectors will be present: Chapunn will cover the swordsman who lost the Sword of Light; Warui, the white-magic sorceress; Mataku, the Shamanist. I will distract Lina Inverse. We'll take turns engaging the Dragon Lady in the crossfire. You will have a very small window to capture the Dragon boy.and kill him. We'll make it appear that Lina Inverse committed the murder and cover our tracks."

*** Part 4 *** The Mace and Vase

Filia pulled the damaged cloak from his arms, "Why don't you go out and find Val-chan while I fix this. Then.would you like to stay for dinner?"

Xelloss pivoted on one heel and squealed in girlish glee, "Oh Filia! I thought you'd never ask!"

"Oh Cepheed, now I wish I hadn't."

She could hear both 'boys' laughing, one high and giggly and the other, well high and giggly too. The beautiful Golden Dragon lady carried her sewing basket and a pot of unshelled peas outside to a bench. There she sat and listened. They were 'sword fighting' with crooked tree branches, parrying, lunging.

"Ahhh!" moaned the Mazouku, falling to the ground. Blood spouted like a fountain from his chest.

"Oh NO! What did I do?" screamed a smaller voice.

Before Filia could interfere though, Xelloss did, laughing hysterically, "GOTCHA!" And grabbing Val's leg, tripped him and pulled him down. He then pinned him to the ground with his 'sword'.

"Never let your guard down!" he warned Val.

Then they were off play-fighting again.

Filia noticed that Xelloss was not an especially skilled swordsman, but that wasn't what he was busy teaching. His messages were clear and simple:

1. Watch your back

2. Trust no stranger's words

3. Remained focused on you opponent

4. Know when you are out-classed, and run.

Filia frowned. I'm not sure I want him learning to fight.however, maybe

its just what he needs. Oh I don't know.

What a father would do for Val, Xelloss was doing now. And Filia didn't like it, but she didn't stop it either. She was a very proud Dragon; too proud to say she might have been wrong about Xelloss. But not too proud to recognize that he was doing a good thing, one she couldn't do herself.

Can demons do good things if their purpose is to destroy the world?

Filia had long finished shelling the peas. She left her bench and stepped inside to finish preparing the dinner. "Alright you 'kids', time to come in and wash up. Dinner will be ready in five minutes."

"AW, do we hafta?"

"Yes, Xelloss, you do!"

*** Wolf Pack Island ***

"Hummm. I like it, Ermgort! You'll make a fine assistant-general to me, soon-to-be General to the Lord Beastmaster! Now, time to plan the details and equipment you'll need."



*** Part 5 *** The Mace & Vase

The three remarkable 'people' sat quietly eating at the table: a Golden Dragon, an Ancient Dragon, and a Mazouku - natural enemies. They shared the meal of fresh peas, warm bread with butter and cheese, sliced pears (season's last) and tea. Xelloss ate little and so kept up a constant babble.

"So are you a famous swordsman, Mr. Xelloss?" asked Val.

"Oh, no.but I know two excellent ones. Friends of your mother's and mine." answered Xelloss.

Friends of YOURS? Since when did Lina & Co become friends wondered Filia.

"Zelgadiss Graywords is a shaman and swordsman of great speed and cleverness. Gourry Gabriev is very skilled and wields the Sword of Light!" said the purple-haired, smiling Mazouku.

"Or he did. Didn't Gourry return that sword to the Otherworlders in the end?" Asked Filia.

"Ah yes, that's right! But I had a replacement made and gave it to him."

WHAT! wondered Filia.

Before Filia could finish swallowing her mouthful, Xelloss was telling Val the DARKSTAR story. Only to hear his version, you'd have thought Filia was the heroine throughout.

"Now, Xelloss, that's not quite true." BLUSH

"Wow! Mom, you defied the Great Elder to protect everyone?"

"Oh, it gets better yet!" Xelloss carefully left out references to Valgaav, and dramatized his role some.

"There I was, and Lina, Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadiss, when your mother called on her God's strength and presto! Blasto! DARKSTAR was defeated and the world saved again!"

Xelloss, that's shameful but.look at the way Val-chan is looking at me.darn it!" Filia thought, then aloud said, "Xelloss, you didn't eat much. I'm sorry I don't really know what Maz.you like to eat."

"Don't worry Filia. I'm actually a dessert fanatic!" he chirped.

Fanatic, maniac.. Filia thought to herself.

"Hey, Mom! Can we go get ice cream? The shop's still open for another hour!" asked Val.

"Is it THAT late? It's your bedtime," answered the Dragon mom.

"Aw, Mom, please? Just this time?"

"Xelloss! I'm not your Mom!"

That idiot! He's so.so.charming. Ach! Where did that come from? she thought.

"My treat!" chortled the grinning man.

Filia gave in.

*** Wolfpack Island ***

Zelas Metallium, the Lord Beastmaster, hated to admit it, but she missed her Priest and General Xelloss. He was obedient but not a brown- noser; neither a perfectionist nor sloppy. He interpreted orders creatively but was reliable. He was witty, charming, disarming, handsome.unique.

"So I've teased him with the possibility of my replacing him.they say that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. But how much stronger do I want him to become? Would he make a move against me? It's not unheard of.hummm. He has shown no interest at all in becoming a new Hellmaster or Demon Dragon King.In fact he seems to have no ambitions whatsoever.That could be useful.or dangerous."

*** Part 6 *** The Mace & Vase

"Val-chan, I have to go now and it's your bedtime, so good-bye now," smiled Xelloss.

"Bye Mr. Xelloss. Promise you'll come back real soon?"

"Oh, I don't make promises I can't keep, so I won't. But, I'll try and.I'll bring Mr. Gabriev and Mr. Graywords too, if that's okay with your Mom..?"

"How can I say no?" sighed the Dragon Mom.

When Val-chan had disappeared, Filia walked Xelloss to the door. She hesitated by the table where the clasp still lay.

"So this allows me to signal to you?"

Xelloss nodded, "Only in dire emergencies!"

"I see.how can you get by without it?"

""Hmmm, it won't be easy but, I'm innovative. Oh, and I have something else for you."

WHAT NOW!? thought Filia with a start.

"My, my Filia! What an expression. You're not still afraid of me, are you?"

GULP "Of course not!"

"Well, then.here." Xelloss pulled out a dagger, which had a dangerous looking sharp blade with curious engravings. "Oh no, chuckle take it. I'm not going to kill you with this. I don't think it can harm Dragons at all! You see, it's a Mazouku blade, for killing Mazouku!"

"Xelloss!"

"It's for Val-chan, but I wouldn't even dream of giving it to him. I trust you will when he's a little older."

"But, why?"

"Just a little insurance, Filia-kun, for you."

"You're handing me a dagger which can kill YOU?"

"Ah, perhaps it can! But I hope you aren't planning to soon! My Mistress, er. 'EX', probably won't come again personally. She'll send some lackeys to kidnap Val-chan. This would give him a fighting chance."

"I understand, thank you.I wonder, where did you get this?"

"Actually, from Lina Inverse!"

"Oh I know HER. She wouldn't turn over anything this valuable to you!"

"Ha, ha.you are right, Filia-kun! We collected it from a Troll clan, and this was.my share of the reward let's say."

"Of course."

"Goodnight, Filia. Thank you for dinner. Time to go, I have more business tonight. Unless you'd like me to stay.longer?" grinning hugely.

BLUSH

"EeeeK!"

"Whatever are you thinking?" Xelloss grasped Filia's hand in his gloved one, bowed deeply, and left a kiss.on her palm.

SHIMMER

*** Astral Plane ***

"Hummm. I deserve an Oscar for that one!" Xelloss chuckled as he approached his next stop.Seyruun.