c-chan: hi hi! Finally got around writing chapter 3. I've tried to write longer chapters.. really~ But my short attention span won't allow it. Finally, some action!

Disclaimer: Slayers is not mine.

Slayers: Balance

Chapter 3: What goes around…

-A few days later-

"Juu-ou sama, you called?"

"Yes, Xelloss. I have received words that many of our kind are dropping off the face of this world without any apparent reason. At first, it wasn't a problem since they were all low-level mazokus. But recently, even higher-level ones are disappearing."

"Disappearing?" Xelloss cocked his eyebrow.

"Indeed. Not a trace of their existence inside or outside the Astral Plane."

"I see. Would you like me to investigate this issue?"

"Yes. Something's happening and I don't like to be kept in the dark. Also, this should keep your wandering mind in check." Zelas added with a snicker.

Xelloss sweatdropped. He had tried hard to conceal his distracted mind.

"Xelloss, I created you. I know you inside out like the palm of my hand. You can fool others, but never your own creator. Go. Carry out my orders and I'll let you continue with your little blonde-haired side project."

"As you wish, master." He bowed and left.

Zelas chuckled, her bangles clinking melodiously. Silly boy…Just what kind of beautiful mess are you getting yourself into…

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"So… you're telling me that this Shabranigdo is the supreme Dark Lord of this world. And he was split into seven pieces by this other Ceiphied fellow." Reia glared at the mazoku who was held firmly in her grasp. The mazoku nodded miserably.

"And two pieces have been destroyed…that leaves five pieces." Once again, the mazoku nodded whimpering.

"So where do I find those five pieces?" Her grip on the mazoku tightened.

"Umm… I think Xelloss-sama knows." He stammered.

"Xelloss? And who is he?"

"He's one of the higher-ranking mazokus. Juu-ou sama's Priest and General."

"I see…so all I have to do is find him."

"Please don't kill me! I've told you everything you wanted to know!"

"Indeed you have. Why, of course, that only means one thing." Reia's eyes sparkled cruelly. She brought up her free hand and placed it on the mazoku's face. Immediately, the mazoku started to thrash and scream in agony as she absorbed his life force. Moments later, any trace of the mazoku had disappeared.

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-A few moments earlier-

Xelloss sat perched on a tree limb. Hmm… how to approach this problem…From what I've gathered, they seem to have disappeared all of the sudden, as if they've never existed, not even a remaining trace of their life energy. I wonder what Filia's doing now? Hey, where did that thought come from? Xelloss scratched his head. Hmm…maybe someone's attacking these mazokus. If so, how do I lure them out? I hope Filia's feeling better. Hey, it is not the time for this. I must concentrate on the matter at hand. Xelloss tapped the crimson jewel on his staff impatiently, trying to decide his next move.

A shriek of agony interrupted his train of thought. I should check it out. Maybe it's another mazoku. It might lead me to some concrete clue.

Gathering his cloak and staff, he phased out to investigate the blood-curling scream.

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"Well… How do I find this Xelloss?" Reia stood pondering her plan.

A cheery voice behind her caught her attention. "So desperate to meet me? And might you be my newest admirer?"

Reia spun around and came face to face with a handsome violet-haired man dressed in priestly robes. His shoulder length hair waved gently under the slight breeze. She looked at him suspiciously. Something about him just didn't sit right. She couldn't quite place it. Perhaps it was the smile, or perhaps it was because she couldn't look into his eyes.

"The name's Reia. How long have you been standing behind me?"

"Oh… long enough." He replied cheekily.

Reia growled. "That means you know what I want from you."

"Correct. I happen to have overheard that piece of conversation. I have to thank you though. You made my job easier by taking care of that traitorous coward."

Curse him! Why won't he open his eyes? Reia's eyes narrowed.

"Tell me where the remaining five pieces of Shabranigdo are and I'll go easy on you, pretty boy."

Xelloss' face twitched. Pretty boy…

"Sore wa himitsu desu." He wagged his finger at her. "Besides, my master won't be pleased if I told you."

"Oh? You want me to do this the hard way? I suppose I'll have to force it out of you." She unsheathed her sword and charged it up with her power. Her lips curved up with cruel delight. "I sure will enjoy wiping that smile off your face." She brought her blade down in an offensive stance.

That is a lot of power she's radiating. A worthy opponent, perhaps stronger than Valgarv, but I've also grown stronger. This might prove to be a good fight. Xelloss gripped his staff in anticipation.

Without a word, they both sprinted towards each other. Staff and sword clashed against each other with a resounding SMACK. The sky was suddenly filled with the two adversaries phasing in and out. Sometimes, Xelloss was in the offense; sometimes Reia was in the offense. It was a fair fight.

Moments passed and the outcome was still unknown.

She's strong and quick. I'll have to come up with a better plan. Xelloss' mind raced as numerous plans were formed. Many he discarded, until he reached a plan that was suitable. Once his mind was made up, Xelloss disappeared, leaving Reia alone on the battlefield.

Where did he go? Reia searched around. "Xelloss! You low-life! Don't you dare run away!"

"Who said I was fleeing?" Xelloss whispered into her ear as he brought his staff down to choke her. "Unfortunately, Reia, today just doesn't seem like a good day for you."

"Really?" Her mocking voice sounded from his immediate left.

Wha…! Xelloss turned around in surprise to feel intense pain in his side where Reia slashed him. Confusion invaded his mind. Who am I choking then?

"A ruse, Xelloss. I'm not a warrior for nothing."

Xelloss fell to the ground clutching his side, his staff landing right next to him. He gasped in pain.

"So… are you going to tell me where the five pieces are?"

He looked up and smiled. "Sore wa…himitsu desu!" Gathering his remaining strength, he disappeared into the Astral Plane.

"Curse it!" Reia glared at the spot from which Xelloss had disappeared. "I'll need to capture him." A smile played at her lips. And when I do… I'll be sure to have some fun first.

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Filia was tending her shop in midmorning when little Val run into her shop. "Mommy! Mommy! Uncle Namagomi is outside! He's sleeping on the street!"

Uncle Namagomi? Xelloss! She dropped her work and grabbed Val's tiny hand. "Show me, sweetheart."

Quickly, they left the shop. A group of curious bystanders had already gathered in the middle of the street around him. "Excuse me, coming through. Out of my way." Filia nudged her way into the center, occasionally elbowing the stubborn ones who wouldn't budge. "Xelloss!" She knelt down beside him.

L-sama, this looks awful. It looked like someone had carved out a huge piece of him. He was unconscious.

"Quickly, Val. Get Gravos and Jillas, I'll need help to carry him back to our place."

"Yes, mommy."

Who could have done this to him? He must have been hurt really badly; otherwise, he wouldn't have fainted out here.

"Oneesan!" Jillas' voice jerked her out of her trance.

"Jillas! Gravos! Please help me carry him back. He needs to be tended right away!"

Together, they managed to carry Xelloss back to her home at the back of her shop and placed him on her bed.

"Oh no. I can't heal him like a normal human. He needs to wake up to regenerate himself." Filia panicked. She reached up and touched his forehead and yelped. He's burning up! Is that even possible? "What do I do?" She ran to the kitchen and brought back a basin of cold water and a rag. Twisting the rag to drain it of excess water, she placed it on Xelloss forehead.

Dusk settled and still Xelloss remained unconscious. At least his body was slowly regenerating itself while he was out cold. Filia was tired. She had not left his side ever since they brought him back. It seems like his fever has gone down. That's a good sign. Now he just needs to wake up. Filia brushed a strand of purple hair out of Xelloss face. What is going on? First the vision, now this. Is something happening that I don't know of? Maybe I should talk to Lina-tachi. Soon she found herself slipping off into the world of slumber.

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Xelloss woke up to complete darkness. The moon was covered by thick clouds. What's this weight on my chest? He gingerly brought his fingers up to his side. Good, it had almost healed. His fingers brushed against something soft and warm. Huh? What are those emotions I'm sensing? So familiar…could it be Filia? Casting a light spell, he looked around. "Yare, yare. It seems like I'm in Filia's room." He looked down and saw Filia sitting next to the bed. Her head was resting on the edge while one hand rested on his chest. The basin with water and the rag explained what had happened. She must have found me and brought me back. The light spell he cast was slowly dissipating. He sighed gently and caressed Filia's soft locks. A few more moments… Concentrating slightly, he started the process of regenerating himself.

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The sound of birds chirping and children playing pulled Filia out of her slumber. She brought her hand up to wipe her eyes. She stopped midair when she realized that she was lying in her bed. That only meant one thing…Filia panicked. No…Please no… She turned around and was greeted by an empty side of the bed and a note on the pillow. Sighing with relief, she picked it up and read it:

Lizard lips,

Thanks for taking care of me. I suppose a selfish little dragon like you can be nice… if rarely. I'll be back soon! Don't distract yourself too much thinking about me.

Your favorite mazoku,

Xelloss

P.S. You snore really loudly.

The children outside playing ran home whimpering. Parents shut their windows and doors as a loud scream reverberated across town. "NAMAGOMI!"

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c-chan: ^^ Again, title has nothing to do with chapter. Thanks for reading this. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did when I wrote it. Worry not, Lina-tachi will appear next chapter! Thanks for reading this!