THE GIFT OF THE MAZOUKU - A SLAYERS STORY

Chapter 17 - Even the Brightest Day Ends in Darkness

The best way to get the better of temptation is just to yield to it. - Clementina Graham

"Oh! What a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day!" Amelia was in her element.

Lina and friends were seated at the best window seat in the finest restaurant with a table laden with every food conceivable, and it was all FREE. It was not really morning, though. Nothing less than dynamite could have moved Zelgadiss and Gourry before noon.

"I've got a beau-ti-ful fee-ling! Every things go-ing my way!"

"Ahem, Miss, would you please step off the table and return to your place. I have other customers to seat."

"Oh, excuse me!" blushed Amelia as she scooted back to her chair.

"Thank the Gods." muttered Yoyo.

Lina and Gourry had not noticed. They were not even battling over food. They were chatting politely and offering each other tid-bits to sample of favorite dishes. Sometimes they laughed or smiled, or.

"What was that? Did Lina bat her eyelashes at Gourry? Did Gourry just share a meatball with Lina?" wondered Zelgadiss. He shook head to clear away the cobwebs, "Whoa.shouldn't do that again, still woozy." He looked around and caught Yoyo's eye across the table. She stared at Lina and Gourry and rolled her eyes. Zel chuckled and took a bite of food, "Well at least I'm not the only one noticing.Gourry said Lina was really mad last night. I told him to take her for a walk before lunch, alone, and talk about it. Go figure. I'm sure the magic will wear off by next mealtime."

SHIMMER

"Good afternoon everyone! Enjoying my winnings?" greeted Xelloss, appearing beside the table Amelia had graced earlier.

"Mr. Xelloss," cried Amelia, "Even you can't spoil my good mood today."

"Spoil? Are you challenging me?" he asked with a nasty grin.

"Oh, Xelly, Charm-boy?" chortled Yoyo while pulling out the empty chair beside her, "Come sit by me and tell me how you screw up your friends dreams. I'm not familiar with that demon trick."

To everyone's surprise, he did. Sit down, that is.

"I'll have coffee, please." He told the hovering waiter. To Yoyo he smiled pleasantly and answered, "First, demons are low-level creatures we use when needed. I am Mazouku, not to be confused with ordinary demons. Concerning the dream question.I cannot imagine what you mean. Ah, no thank you I drink it black.. Mmm good blend. Don't you agree, Zel-chan?"

Amelia was seated on his other side. She had been staring with great interest at his chest.

"I thought princesses had better manners than to stare, or did I spill something?" he asked.

"What happened to your cloak clasp? Miss Yoyo, can you see it? It's missing some jewels.there's writing.Come closer, will you?"

Xelloss leaned away from Amelia's curious glances, and into Yoyo's clutches. His chair slipped backwards, his head fell into her lap, and Yoyo grasped the clasp.

"It's round and gold with a.heart inscribed, how cute! Is this Mazouku symbolism that's lost on me? Oh, no I can read it. Hold still! It says 'Souvenir of Cepheed's Shrine #129, Love and Happiness, Goodness and Beauty Make the World a Better Place. Xelloss, what lovely sentiments! You were right, Mazouku are different from demons!"

Xelloss started sputtering, "F-F-Filia.that Dragon Witch."

SHIMMER

"Ooh did I say something wrong?" grinned Yoyo. While Lina, Gourry, and Amelia laughed aloud.

Zelgadiss smiled, "That's one for the humans, zero for the Mazouku!"

* * * *

SHIMMER

SHIMMER

"What? What are you doing here, my Lady Beastmaster?" Xelloss replaced his expression of shock with one of his innocent and idiotic smiles then bowed deeply.

"Why Xelloss-darling! How nice to see you and so soon too. Wasn't it only yesterday that I was saving you from your transfer spell? And now today, let's see.you've lost your clasp! What's this, a new one? Number 129? Oh my, Xelloss-dear how the mighty have fallen."

Putting on his best face, Xelloss smirked, "Just a funny little joke between me and the Dragon Lady. I am here to return this clasp. And you?"

"I was looking for you. How convenient we meet here. Now I can check on the Dragon-child's progress. What's that expression? Does it bother you, my interest in the child? Can it be that you are interested too?" PUFF PUFF

"Yes." Xelloss had decided that honesty was the best policy, "I know an attack is planned and I will prevent it. I promised. And he is MINE."

"Very well. If you can handle all that without your complete powers, without your staff, then.he'll be yours. I'll even help you with his transformation, when the time comes."

"Thank you, you are very generous."

"I'm in a generous mood. PUFF PUFF In fact I have brought you a gift."

"A gift, my Lord Beastmaster, for me?" Xelloss was starting to feel more comfortable.

PUFF

"I don't know or want to know how you lost the locator clasp, or why it seems to be here at the Dragon's shop, darling. But I do need to stay in touch."

"So do I Mistress. As I said, I will protect Val-chan and I can't be everywhere at once," smiled Xelloss.

"You GAVE a Mazouku Lord locator to a DRAGON!? PUFF I will not get you out of trouble when she calls you to the slaughter.but I will come to your funeral.Anyway, take these."

Lord Beastmaster withdrew an ornate brooch nearly identical to the one Xelloss had gives to Filia. "Since you found it necessary to sell my power magnification jewelry to Lina.I know, I know, it was part of your plan to boost her capabilities to invoke the GIGA SLAVE spell, but.I just wanted to point out how poorly you have treated my gifts to you.so unappreciative sometimes."

Xelloss thought her Lordship was being petty and he WAS on a tight schedule, "I shall take the best care of this gift, my Master." He bowed onto one knee, then stood and attached the clasp. "Locator, power magnifier, and fashion-statement all in one. How thoughtful! I love it!" then he kissed her hand and grinned mischievously

Her Lordship rolled her eyes, "Xelloss-darling, you are such a Mazouku!" then disappeared. SHIMMER

Xelloss looked at the Dragon Shrine clasp, chuckled, and pocked it. He ran a hand through his purple hair and sighed, "Next time, Filia-chan." Instead of knocking at the front door, he sneaked around the back to talk to Val alone for a few minutes.

* * * *

Gourry and Zelgadiss were forbidden to go drinking that evening. So they chose to investigate the 'Weapons-Be-We' store. Amelia was shoe shopping. Lina and Yoyo followed her mostly to people-watch. Lina stopped and looked over her shoulder for the 10th time.

"What's up? You're making me nervous." Yoyo complained.

"Mazouku.back here," Lina pulled Yoyo into a hidden spot between buildings, "Watch, see over be that alley.I count 1,2,3."

"Five." whispered Yoyo. "Yeah, five. Following us., said Yoyo. "How long, you figure?"

"Since we left the restaurant, I think. They could have followed us from the bar last night but."

"Why aren't they attacking us?" asked Yoyo.

"What do we have they could want?" wondered Lina. "Nothing I know of, but that never stopped weird stuff from happening before."

"Whoa, then maybe they're waiting for Xelloss. Didn't that smoking bitch say some demons were out to get him?" asked Yoyo.

SHIMMER

SCREAM! OUCH!

"Hello, Lina-chan! My ears are ringing. Were you talking about me, perhaps?"

"GET OFF MY FOOT! It hurts!"

"Oopsie!" giggle

"Gods, you're such a goofball! But, ooh nice rocks! Look, Lina, he's traded his Dragon shrine schlock for a ruby the size of." hack choke Yoyo was pinned in a headlock by Lina to silence her.

"SHHHH.Shut up! Xelloss those look like Mazouku hunters!" growled Lina. "They've been shadowing us all afternoon."

"Probably trying to OFF you," grumbled Yoyo.

Xelloss agreed and didn't grin back. He observed the figures melt into the darkness of a building.

"Betcha wish ya had your fancy staff now, huh? Maybe if you didn't waste your money on fancy jewelry, you could afford to one of those wizard wands we saw at WEAPONS-BE-WE, right, Lina?"

Xelloss turned to stare at the little bandit girl with a smile that could paralyze prey. "There's always one more idiot around than one has counted on.," he hissed. Yoyo shrank back into Lina shaking.

Lina chose to ignore her companions, then Yoyo's words sank in, RUBIES? Lina grabbed Xelloss by the shoulder and tugged him down, "Lemme see that clasp!"

"Ow.Lina! Those are MINE! They're just like the ones you took thump ouch, that is, the ones I sold you, for much less than they were worth, an incredibly cheap price thump ouch. Besides, you can't use two set of power-magnifiers together okay, I lied but such a little one..."

Lina released her grip. "I don't believe you, you sneaky weasel. I bet you traded that Mazouku dagger for that clasp, a dagger YOU stole from ME. I KNEW it had to be valuable! So that makes the clasp MINE TOO!" Her eyes were glazed with greed. Lina reached for the huge shining red jewel. ARGH!

A jolt of electricity shot up Lina's arm. She stood frozen in place, her terrified crimson eyes staring beseechingly into the Mazouku's surprised amethyst ones HELP ME! . Then her world turned blood red.

A deep hollow voice filled her consciousness, "Lina Inverse. I welcome my KNIGHT. Bask in my Power! Await my Orders!" Then the world faded into blackness for Lina.

"Miss Lina!" screamed Amelia, dropping her shopping bags and running across the street. She had stepped out of the 'Shoes Serious' shop and witnessed Lina's shocking transfixion while in contact with the ruby clasp and subsequent release. Xelloss caught Lina's slumping form, but Yoyo pushed him aside and settled Lina on the ground slumped against a wall.

"Mr. Xelloss! What happened to her?" cried Amelia breathlessly.

The purple haired Monster shook his head silently. He had no idea, and said to Amelia roughly, "You are a healer, Princess, do something for her," then turned away from their accusing looks and tried to think.

"She's coming to. Good work Amelia!" cheered Yoyo.

Lina blinked then cried out, "NO! I SERVE NO DARK LORD!"

"Lina?!" the girls cried.

Lina's eyelids fluttered open and sought out Xelloss, whose back was visible. He was watching for the shadow demons. Failing, he approached Amelia and tossed her an envelope, "A message from Prince Phil."

Lina remained mute. No prompting from Amelia would pry an explanation out of her, so Amelia opened the envelope.

"My sister, Princess Gracia, is in Seyruun! Oh Miss Lina, I have to go see her immediately!" cried Amelia.

"Great idea! We're done with this place anyway. I'd like to lose those dark lurkers along the way. Yoyo, you'll love Seyruun, unless your face is plastered on WANTED posters all over town. Excitement and great food abounds. Now, where have Gourry and Zel run off to?"

Xelloss smiled cat-like and raised his index finger, "I can answer that!" Then, not answering the question, continued, "Going to Seyruun is a terrific idea, actually. You'll be much safer there. Those are Mazouku trackers hunting for me. You'll be safe the farther away from me you get."

"Well DUH! That's a statement-of-the-obvious if I've ever heard one!" interrupted Yoyo.

Xelloss smiled a little wider and closed in on Lina, "Besides, I heard that a dear old friend of yours will be there too. Someone I don't believe I've ever met.hmmm name escapes me."

"Isn't interesting how only the important details escape your mind?" questioned Lina, keeping her distance from the ruby jewelry on his cloak.

"Oh, whatever do you mean, Lina-chan? I remember many things, like . my favorite ice cream shop in Seyruun. It has soft serve giggle . And I have something for you Yoyo, a map. I won't be needing it this trip."

"Oh? Where will you be?.Oh don't bother smirking at me. Keep your secrets!" laughed Lina.

"Lina! You wound me! Actually I can tell you. I think you three should get your belongings, and Gourry's and Zelgadiss' while you're at it, and leave the inn before the snowstorm begins. You're a Princess, order horses and warm clothes too. I'm taking Gourry and Zelgadiss to see Val-chan. I promised the dear boy a visit from his swordsman heroes. I'll even deliver them to your palace the next day if you like. Okay with you, Lina?"

"No, but since you've clearly had this planned for awhile, I'll go along with it, IF you promise me one more thing?"

Xelloss raised an eyebrow, "Yes, Lina?"

Lina whispered, "Explain why, when I touched your clasp, Shabrinigdo spoke to me and why in my dreams you are teaching me spells that call on him."

"I'll look into that, Lina. Some things are mysteries to me too."

SHIMMER and he was gone.

"Yoyo! Amelia! Let's get outta here fast!" cried Lina.

* * * *

Zelgadiss was weighing the benefits of having two swords, "But when will I get a chance to practice? We seem to be in life or death fights daily. Another sword will just get in my way."

"Yeah, but.it's a perfect match to your old one, just shorter for close-in work." Gourry pointed out, " Hey, we can get in some sparring time together, you and me. It's not that hard. You'll get the hang of it fast."

"Talked me into it!" smiled the Chimera, paying up," You are very knowledgeable about swords, Gourry. Glad I had you along."

"Thanks! You know, all aspects of sword-craft are my hobby and profession." Looking around, he added, "This place is a museum. Get a look at this."

He didn't get to finish, though. Xelloss walked up to the two swordsmen, rested a gloved hand on each of their shoulders and

SHIMMER all three men disappeared.

* * * *

SHIMMER

The three men reappeared in front of the 'Mace & Vase' just as Jillas was locking the front door. "Oh, oh, Mistress Filia won't be happy about this!" and he ran to call her to the door.

Gourry was none too happy. He stood arms folded glaring down at Xelloss. Zelgadiss was practically hyperventilating after slamming his fist into Xelloss's face and kicking him senseless and cursing a blue streak for two minutes without stopping to breathe.

AHEM

Filia was standing in the open doorway taking in the scene. She waited until all three men were looking her way then said by way of a greeting, "Gourry, Zelgadiss, what a pleasant surprise. Xelloss, why are you here and what can I do to change that?"

Before anyone could answer, a pounding of feet thundered to the door.

"UNCLE XELLOSS! Wow, you're back already! This is just so entirely cool and.you brought THEM!"

Val gently pushed by his mother and gave Xelloss a big hug nearly knocking the man over. He had grown. The young Ancient Dragon was the nearly full- grown equivalent to a 15-year-old human teenager. Only Gourry remained taller. Val still had the cheek stripes on his handsome face and beyond the shoulder-length green hair that shot out wildly on the top. He was an awkward, big-footed, loud kid that looked terrifyingly like their nemesis of the past, Valgaav.

Gourry and Zelgadiss had not been prepared for that vision. They stood opened-mouth, hands on sword hilts. Before them hopped nervously the image of a man who had tried to annihilate the world. It gave them pause to consider: this was not Valgaav, last week he was a baby, now he's a big kid gawking at his childhood heroes.

"Ah yes, Val. I said they were good friends of your mother's." started Xelloss.

"Is that the SWORD OF LIGHT? Wait till the other guys hear about this! Can I hold it?"

Gourry simply stared in silence as if spellbound. Zelgadiss woke up to answer, "It's a family heirloom, I'm afraid. Gourry won't even let ME hold it, but I'll show you mine. My name, by the way is Zelgadiss."

"--Graywords the shaman swordsman! Yeah, and he's Gourry Gabriev the master swordsman of the SWORD OF LIGHT! You guys are famous!" Then suddenly he turned to Xelloss and asked breathlessly, "Do you know what I can do? Look at."

"NOOOOOOO!" bellowed Filia, "Not in public, Val-chan sigh . Why don't you show everyone to the back yard and talk there.

Val laughed and bounded through the shop leaving rare antique vases rattling on the shelves. Filia filled in her friends, "He has learned to control his Dragon transformation and is dying to show off, but.well it frightens most people.I know he makes you remember Valgaav but. he's just a kid. Noisy, clumsy, and growing so fast. He worships you guys, and without a father figure around, well.Thanks for coming."

"My, my, Filia-chan, you're not mad then?" asked the smiling Mazouku, slowing down and letting Zel and Gourry follow Val outside.

"I'm resigned to fate. I don't know whether to kiss you or to kill you."

"Ooo, do I have a choice?"

"No! I didn't mean THAT. It's just a saying meaning I have mixed feelings about your coming here. Val adores you. I know that cannot be good. Your feelings are well guarded but I know your desires towards accumulating power, creating chaos and ultimate destruction, and that none of it benefits Val or me or any of my friends. We certainly need the protection you offer from other Mazouku. But who can protect us from you? There, that's my say. No violence. No mace. No nonsense."

Xelloss said nothing. Filia passed him and caught up to Gourry.

"Umm, Filia, Zel just got a new sword and I wanted to practice with him. Would you mind if we offered to spar with Val too?" the tall blond swordsman asked.

"I teach him to love and live in peace.but he wants to learn to fight.he wants to be a great swordsman like you, Gourry. Yes, go ahead, he'll be so excited.and maybe he'll be able to fight off the girls better!" said Filia, hopefully.

Xelloss was giggling on the floor, "Problems with the girls now, Filia- chan?"

"It's not funny Namagomi! There's a couple of human girls that hang around the shop when he's working and, and.We'll they're just shameful hussies!" And with that, Filia stomped out the back door to watch the sword play and shaking her glossy blonde hair.

Gourry was a natural teacher. He would demonstrate with Zelgadiss, then Zelgadiss would lend Val his new sword. Val and Gourry would then practice the same moves. The young dragon was a fighter and loved it all with a frightening ferocity. Xelloss relaxed on the porch with Jillas the Kitsune and Filia the Golden Dragon.

"I see you've gotten a new clasp." Filia noted with the faintest smile.

"Hmmm? What was that? Ah yes, it's a gift from my Ex-employer, so she can keep tabs on me I suppose," grinned the purple haired Mazouku.

"Mo-om! Can I show 'em all now?" shouted the boy.

"Okay, dear. sigh

ROAR

The cocky teenager made an incredible Ancient Dragon. He tripled in size, was covered in black scales, sported huge claws and had fangs the length of a man's arm growing from his long-snouted dragon's head. His leathery wings spanned nearly 40 feet and fanned dust in every direction. Oh yes, he was impressive!

"I suppose you all would like to stay for dinner?" Filia asked graciously.

"Sure!" said Gourry smiling up from his sword cleaning.

"Well, then someone's got to fly with him to make sure he's back in an hour for dinner.I'm going to help Gravis in the kitchen!" demanded Filia.

"I'll go!" offered Zelgadiss, "RAY WING!"

FLAP FLAP FLAP

And the odd couple, a shamanist Chimera and a teenage Ancient Dragon disappeared over the forest.

* * * *

Valentine and Zelgadiss were resting on a tree top watching the sun low on the horizon. The sky was getting heavy. Snow was coming. Val reached over and touched Zel's hand hesitantly.

"I wish my human-form skin was like yours. It looks so cool and I'd never have to worry 'bout getting hurt in a sword fight, huh?"

"As long as I stay away from the Sword of Light.Heh, heh, heh.guess I have to keep on Gourry's good side!"

"Do girls like your.you know.looks too?" asked the curious boy.

"Ahh, no. Actually. I mostly scare them away." Zel answered awkwardly.

"That's even better! Girls are so dopey. Some hang all over a guy. I'd love to be covered all over with rocks like you! Can you do it? You know, with a spell?" Val asked eagerly.

"I wish I had your problems.Huh? A Spell! NO! I-I was about your age when.a powerful man I trusted cast a spell.changed me into a Chimera. Now all I want is to find a cure and be normal again."

"Ah, I'd think being a wimpy human would suck.unless you have the SWORD OF LIGHT," mused a slightly disappointed Val.

"Yeah well, it's time to go back. We don't want to be late or your mother will pound me to GRAVEL! Heh, heh, heh RAY WING!"

FLAP FLAP FLAP



"Filia this smells delicious!" gushed Gourry, "I sure wish Lina was interested in learning to cook like you."

"Thank you, Gourry. You could learn! I mean, you could learn faster than Lina. Her temperament isn't suitable. Cooking requires patience."

"And Gravis!" sputtered the giggling Mazouku.

WHAM OUCH

"You promised!" Xelloss whined.

"No I didn't. Not this visit anyway. So what else brings you here?" asked Filia.

"My, my, Filia-chan, so suspicious.though.well, I did make a deal with the Lord Beastmaster concerning Val-chan. She'll leave him alone. But, there are others.coming soon, three days at most."

CRASH BANG THUMP

"Hey MA-A! Dinner ready? I'm hungry!"

"Val-chan! Such manners! Go wash up and then come to the table, please."

"Ah, MA, don't call me that, just VAL!" and he stomped out of the room.

Zelgadiss entered the house chuckling, "You know, he's older than Amelia now, Filia. In less than a week, he'll be."

"I KNOW, Zelgadiss," Filia snapped, "He'll be in extreme danger from Mazouku coming to steal him away and transform my sweet little dragon into some hideous evil creature again!"

"HUH! What are you saying?" asked Zelgadiss incredulously with Gourry now standing and glaring in the direction of Xelloss had disappeared with Val.

"Isn't that why Xelloss has brought you here? To protect Val-chan? He promised me."

"Filia, we know nothing about Mazouku plots or any danger involving your son. In fact Xelloss didn't tell us anything. He suddenly appeared in a weapons store and transported us here," grumbled the Chimera.

"Oh dear, snookered again. I just assumed." sighed Filia.

"With Xelloss," spat Zelgadiss, "assumptions are what we're usually left with after he takes his secrets away with him. If there is any plot, it's his. Who would benefit most from a close association with Val? We know the Lord Beastmaster, to whom He still bows obediently, has an interest in Val, because she told us! I won't let any Mazouku get their hands on him." Zel looked up at Gourry, who nodded agreement, "You can be sure, Gourry and I won't let it happen to Val again."

Dinner was quiet. Gourry and Zelgadiss spoke little and glared at Xelloss. Xelloss chatted cheerfully with Val and Jillas. He noticed their change in disposition, but did not let on. "My dear Filia, you have been quiet tonight. Nothing to do with me I hope? You see, I have another favor to ask of you, but I don't want to impose."

"A favor? What now?" sighed Filia.

"In short I am unable to transport these gentlemen home tonight, even with these new power enhancers. I'm afraid I'm becoming a pest, and one that's attracting bigger ones, so I wouldn't dream of staying here.but could Zel- chan and Gourry stay with you here tonight?"

Filia nodded her assent. What reputation! She was an unmarried woman raising a son with two male servants living above her shop, and now more male visitors. She wondered at the changes Val had brought to her life. "Gourry, that couch is long enough for you. Zelgadiss, is the other one strong enough to hold your weight?"

Zelgadiss was confused. Xelloss was like two different people. Gone were the silly fruitcake antics. Here he was polite, contrite, and serious. While I, on the other hand, seem to be losing my mind. Oh well, that's all okay then.

"Zelgadiss?" Filia repeated, "I asked if that shorter couch will do for you?"

"Er.floor for me, thanks Filia."

"Can I sleep on the couch with them then, please, Mom?" begged Val.

"Hey, why not?" smiled Gourry.

"Come on Uncle Xel, stay too!"

"Just a while longer, then Gravis, Jillas and I have some forest prowling to do.and NO you can't come along. It's your chance to hear swordsmen tales."answered Xelloss sternly.

"I can do both!" Val spoke up, "Mom, you never let me do anything! I'm almost as old as Zelgadiss!"

"He has a point, Filia. Just a moment." Then turning to the boy, Xelloss continued, "Val? Would you help Gravis clean up the kitchen? We need private word with your mother."

"Yeah, sure." grumbled Val-chan.

Xelloss moved toward the Dragon Lady, gently touching her arm, "He must be told about his past."

"Oh no! Val-chan doesn't know and he won't!" cried Filia breathlessly.

"Yes. Do you want him to hear about it from a bunch of damn, lowlife Mazouku or from you and me and Zel and Gourry? People he trusts, who were there, who can answer his questions."

"Filia, he's right, as much as hate to admit it. But, Xelloss, what's going on?" asked Zelgadiss.

"In three days, Val will be the perfect age and maturity for Mazouku transformation. He'll be targeted for kidnapping by one or more Mazouku forces. Zelas has promised to stay out of the way and I have promised Filia to protect Val. But, my powers are limited, as I've said before, so I need your help, Lina's too."

Zelgadiss looked unsure, "I see.and you believe all this, Filia?"

She nodded as Val reentered the room. Flinging a leg over his chair, the big kid plopped into his seat and sneered, "So what's up?"

Filia took a deep breath and began, "Val, you will soon be 18 human- equivalent years old. By no fault of your own, this will place us both in mortal danger in order for some horrid creatures to kidnap you and make you an evil part of the Mazouku race."

"Oh yeah? Why's that? Who're they, these Mazouku?"

Xelloss cleared his throat, "I'll take a stab at this, if you don't mind, Filia-chan?" He got no response and so, continued, "The 'why' is a long story. The 'who' is.difficult. There are different races, you know. The Dragons, like you and your mother, the elves (rare devils those guys), the humans, like Zelgadiss and Gourry (well, mostly human anyway) and Lina and Amelia. You may not remember them but I'm sure your mom's told you about them and you'll get to see them again soon."

"So.you're the Mazouku then, huh?" finished Val.

"Good thinking. Is it the eyes? They're a give away." Joked the Monster, "Well, I'm quite.unique, I'm told. I tolerate, no, ENJOY, yes that's the word, the company of other races. But I digress.its Mazouku Lords who can change anyone from another race into Mazouku. Think of it as controlled population growth."

"How?"

"A powerful spell following the.ah.death of the creature to be transformed."

"Death! They want to kill me to make me a Monster? Why? Is that what YOU want too?"

"I said that this is difficult.I certainly don't want any of THEM to touch you. I have promised your mother to protect you, and I will."

"Why me? There are other Dragons aren't there? Why ME? I can't believe this! I'm just a kid. I'm not even a good fighter! I certainly can't do spells. I haven't done ANYTHING!" screamed a furious, frustrated, boy.

"You are right, and wrong. Actually, your information is incomplete. What I am going to tell you next, you may not believe. But Zelgadiss, Gourry, and your mother, even Jillas and Gravis here, were part of the story. You, Valentine Ul Copt, were truly a gift from L-SAMA. You were the last of the race of Ancient Dragons presented to your mother in egg form to care for and raise."

"A gift? Like candy?" Val asked sneering.

"In egg form. Before that you were unfortunately a Dragon/Mazouku transformation called VAL-GAAV, after the Demon Dragon-Lord Gaav of the Mazouku. Jillas and Gravis were Valgaav's devoted servants."

"What! You gotta be kidding or nuts or." cried the confused Dragon

"It's true, Boss!" shouted the excited Kitsune, Jillas, and the slower Beastman, Gravis. Then taking turns the two faithful followers tearfully told the tale about Gaav. How he had 'saved' the dying young dragon, who, in turn, saved them and gave them a place by his side.

Val shook his head, "I can't believe this crap! Why don't I remember any of it if it's true?"

Zelgadiss, sighed and tried his hand at explaining the impossible, "You, the first you, the young Ancient Dragon suffered a transformation into some kind of Monster/Dragon blend, called Valgaav. Valgaav was killed in the battle of DARKSTAR. L-Sama restored your true self back to pure Ancient Dragon form and spared you the memories, which would only be painful. Val, Valgaav sought the total destruction of the world, the ultimate Mazouku goal by the way, and with the power of an Ancient Dragon combined with that of the Monster Lord Gaav and then channeling DARKSTAR's powers too, well, he nearly did end it all."

"Then you guys and Mom and those others, Lina and Amelia, were MY ENEMIES? I tried to kill you all but,. I lost and you killed ME?" Val looked desperately from one face to another, hoping for another answer.

"HIM! Val-Gaav. Not you, Valentine. But to re-create that powerful Dragon/Mazouku form, it's very tempting.Now you are attracting the attention of many power-hungry Mazouku." Explained Xelloss feeling uncomfortable under the scrutiny of so many accusing eyes.

Val started to laugh and shake his head, then with a wild gleam in his eye he said, "And how about you, UNCLE XELLOSS? Is that why mama calls you NAMAGOMI? Aren't you after me too? What could you make of me? And as your servant, what would I make you?"

Zelgadiss felt a pang of sorrow for Xelloss, and thought to himself, " It appears that the Monster truly feels affection for the boy. But isn't that at odds with the past directive to bring Valgaav into the fold or destroy him? What was Xelloss up to?"

Gourry sat watching and listening in silence, wondering, "Poor kid. I'll kill you, Xelloss if you try and hurt him."

Val was shaking as he approached Gourry, "Why don't we just get it over with now and save everyone a pointless battle with pointless deaths. Gourry, please, with the SWORD OF LIGHT, end my life!"

"That was unexpected." Thought Xelloss sinking his head into his hands on the table. "I owe you the whole truth, Val, please sit down and hear me out. Gaav had broken from the Mazouku. Val-Gaav was .shall we say, an unstable transformation, incomplete and flawed. I believe when Gaav died (another long story for another time) whatever mental stability Gaav had given Val-Gaav, was gone. Val-Gaav was overcome with power and went mad. My orders were to invite Val-Gaav back into the Mazouku mainstream or, failing that, kill him. No one, save Gaav, knew of his Ancient Dragon heritage. (Here he corrupted the truth, as shall come clear in later chapters.) As a result, I serious misjudged his abilities. I failed to turn him and to kill him, right Filia?"

Filia sat quietly but nodded. She didn't want to lose her Val-chan. "I wonder if his anger and resentment will over-whelm him? Can he forgive us all? Is my love enough?" then aloud she said, "Please remember, Val-chan, this was another creature, VAL-GAAV. Not you. You didn't do anything!"

"Unfortunately, as I understand it, there are Monsters on the way who want to re-create a Val-Monster under their control, right?" asked Gourry, "We can't let that happen. Val, whatever you are or want to become, should be your choice. We are your friends and friends stand by one another. I swear by the SWORD OF LIGHT to protect you. It will never be used as a tool against you, while I wield it!"

Zelgadiss nodded, "I-I had no choice to become a Chimera. I shall defend your rights with my life. I know Lina and Amelia and our new friend Yoyo too will come and protect you. No Mazouku will control you against your will!"

Filia spoke up, "I have always believed in the goodness inside of you, even in Valgaav. That's why L-Sama gave you to me, to give you another chance. I won't throw that gift away and I won't let you!"

Val slumped in his chair, looking from one speaker to another, "So, what's next?"

Filia laid a long, dangerous looking dagger on the table and pushed it towards her son, "Xelloss asked me to give you this. It's a Mazouku dagger for killing Mazouku."

Zelgadiss jumped up, "That's from the Troll hoard! I recognize it! Why.would you give a kid a weapon that can kill you?"

"He needs it to defend himself. You CAN handle it, right?" asked Xelloss.

"Wow, its cool! It's mine?" SWISH SWISH

"Val-chan! Watch where you're aiming that! It's a dagger and can hurt any of us. Now put it away. You can practice fighting with Zelgadiss and Gourry outside where it's safer, but NOT in the house! And that goes for you too, Xelloss!"

Xelloss smiled and made his little magical knife disappear with a flick of the wrist, "Yes, Filia-chan!"

"Just one more thing.isn't there a simpler way to get a Mazouku/Dragon creature?" asked Val innocently.

Filia blushed pinker than her dress. Zelgadiss sputtered, trying hard not to laugh. Gourry stood gaping at Val. Xelloss couldn't decide which joke to pull, so he did both, "That's right! I've been trying to convince your mother all along. I think I've made progress, she hasn't 'maced' me for the longest time." Noticing Val's eye's growing larger as he made the obvious connections, Xelloss jumped to phase two, "Or was I mistaken, did you mean you were interested in meeting a nice Mazouku girl yourself?"

"Wha-wha I didn't mean that AT ALL." started Val.

"NAMAGOMI!!!" screamed Filia, pulling out a mace.

"I think Val's going to be alright." Laughed Gourry, holding Filia back.

"Maybe so, Gourry. Maybe more of you will rub off onto him and he won't become a nutcase like your other two friends!"

From outside they could hear Zelgadiss chuckling and Val arguing with Xelloss who was giggling uncontrollably, "Shit, why did you say that? I don't even like girls. They're so dumb and boring and, hey, ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!"