Instert standard disclaimer here. Everyone should know that I don't own these characters. Except, of course, the original ones. Also chopped the story up into chapters. Sorry if the transitions are rough. If you want to read it without chapters, head over to vejiitasei.com.
Absolution- Part 1, Chapter 26
by the Prime Minister
Xellos waited until an hour before dawn, then slipped from the bed and summoned his clothes to him. Lina was still tangled in the sheets, eyes shut tight with a slight scowl on her face. She showed no signs of stirring, and so he quietly went over to her. It had been a long, long night for him, since he did not need to sleep, and he had turned over many things in his mind as he held her. I'm sorry, he whispered to her again, picking up one of her fiery tresses and lifting it to his nostrils, and teleported to Lecia's room.
He walked over to his daughter's bed and put a gloved hand on her shoulder, shaking her slightly. The child was sprawled out on the mattress, the covers only actually touching a small portion of her body. Lecia, it's time to go, he said softly.
Lecia groaned, rolling over and wiping at her face.
It's time to go see Grandma, he repeated, brushing the child's heavy bangs out of her face.
No, Mama, Lecia muttered, burying her face in her pillow.
Xellos sighed and picked up the child's slight body, keeping her wrapped in her blankets. He gathered her favorite stuffed toy, a wolf, and set it atop his bundle.
We're going now, he murmured, and she clutched at his cloak in her drowsiness.
Gotta say bye, she grumbled.
Bye to Mama.
There's no time, little one. We'll see her again, Xellos said, and cast one last look around the room. He wasn't planning on being defeated, nor did he think it was possible that he would die on his mission, but there was always a chance. Being around Lina and his daughter had taught him the fragility of life, even when one was immortal. he said to his little life, just in case, and teleported.
I was worried you were going to be late, Xellas purred as he materialized in front of her.
I may have been many things, but I haven't been that foolish, he replied, tone deferential.
Nonsense. You've been the ultimate fool where that mortal woman is concerned, Xellas snorted, sliding off of her throne and over to where he stood. Although, I can definitely see the appeal of the child. It's so very much fun to have a mortal mind to mold.
Xellos felt cold threads of anxiety weave through his insides, careful not to let his expression change. I've come as you ordered, Mistress, he said softly. Thank you for caring for my young one.
She's become so big, Xellas commented. It's strange, they way the humans grow and change. But enough of that. You've come to hear what tasks I have for you.
Yes, Mistress, Xellos said with a bow. May I request we see to Lecia first, however?
Xellas, who had been walking away from him, stopped and turned. Of course, she said, opening up a dimensional portal with a wave of her hand. The two of them stepped through it, Xellos still carrying Lecia, and found themselves in Xellos' old quarters. His room had been transformed over the years into a sort of nursery, full of toys and things interesting to children. A small, cozy bed was nestled in the corner, and it was here that Xellos situated his daughter. As he put her down she stirred, her amethyst eyes fluttering open and focusing on him.
she murmured, rubbing her eyes.
I'm leaving now, little one, he whispered. Behave for Grandma.
she sighed, and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. He smiled and gently pressed her back against her pillow, handing her the wolf toy, tucking her in, and kissing her on the forehead. Bye, Daddy.
Goodbye, Lecia. I'll see you soon, he replied, stroking her hair one last time.
She'll be fine, Xellas said, tone bored. Let's move on.
Xellos followed her, but couldn't resist casting one last glance at the tiny form in the bed as he walked away. Before he knew it they were back in Xellas' throne room, the edges teeming with underlings just like always. What is my task, Mistress? he asked, placing a hand over where his heart should have been and kneeling.
Xellas settled into her throne and yawned, stretching her long, tanned limbs. Your antagonism of the dragon race these past few years has not been enough to draw them out, Xellas explained. If we are ever going to rob them of their numbers we need to take a new plan of action.
But I have destroyed all the dragons I have been able to search out in the limited time you have given me, Xellos protested politely.
I'm aware of that, but your actions have not changed our situation for the better. We need to kill more of them than just a few here and there. Unfortunately, the dragons are onto us now and it is becoming more and more difficult to locate them.
What is the plan of action?
We have been doing some reconnaissance, Xellas explained. In the upper part of the continent there lies a city that is located near the temple of the Air Dragon King. Judging by our observations, this city is exceptional in that the dragons interact from time to time with the humans, who also appear to worship our enemy, the Air Dragon King. Apparently that particular tribe of dragons is devoted to protecting the city and the humans within it, since they have a common goal.
If the plan is to destroy the city, draw out the dragons, and slaughter them, it will take far less time than several months, Xellos observed.
Xellas shook her head. Has your wit deserted you, pup? she asked dryly, drumming her fingers on the armrest of her seat. There are other dragon tribes between here and there. You are to exterminate all of them on your way north.
All of them?
Yes. Every single last one.
That is very time consuming, especially considering they have gone into hiding.
It is unfortunate that, despite their greater numbers, they are still so cowardly. If they had any sort of spines or pride they'd make their own moves, but as it is we must ferret them out.
I will leave at once, Xellos replied, executing a deep bow and turning away.
Not so fast, pup, the Greater Beast growled. Do you remember the letter I had you deliver to Dolphin all those years ago?
Yes, I do, he answered, slowly turning back toward his mistress with misgiving.
Well, that letter contained many subjects, but one of them was about this very mission. It has taken us this long to finalize our plans, but at last they are finished. However, due to the magnitude of this task, you will have companions.
Xellos raised an eyebrow. Oh? I did not require help when I was slaughtering the followers of the Water Dragon King.
That is so, but they also weren't expecting the attack.
So I am to have chaperones, then, he said sharply. I am not trusted enough to carry a mission of this importance out on my own.
I deny that is so, but you must admit that your behavior has been the cause of much worry to our race, Xellas replied with a wave of her hand.
And, in the event that I am unsuccessful and am destroyed, then you have also conveniently removed the traitor' from your midst, he continued, the tone of his voice growing sharp.
You know very well that I do not want to lose you. If I was willing to sacrifice you so easily, why would I have fought so hard to keep you living? You, Xellos, are the most powerful minion on this planet and have served me very well. With our numbers being as small as they are, I would have to be mad to let you be destroyed. You are our best asset, despite your troubling meddling with the Inverse woman, Xellas intoned, beginning to sound displeased.
Xellos seriously doubted her sincerity, but, as always, he was in no position to argue. It never did him any good, and an angry Xellas was exceedingly dangerous. Perhaps if he only thought of himself, like he had in days gone by, it wouldn't have been an issue, but he didn't want to miss seeing Lecia grow up. He also didn't want to see her grow old and die, but he supposed that was the price of witnessing the beautiful, talented, and vibrant young woman he knew she would become. Monsters weren't capable of many emotions, but pride was among what they could experience, and he already felt that deeply about his daughter. Xellos answered. Who are my companions?
Naiyad and Ority, she replied, clapping twice.
They waited a moment, and then the air began to shift. Naiyad, Dolphin's general, appeared before them and knelt deeply. A few seconds later Ority, who was an underling of Dynast, also materialized. Ority, Xellos remembered, was on the same level of the demonic hierarchy as Kanzel and Mazenda had been, although he looked far more human. His unremarkable brown hair and green eyes made him indistinguishable from mortals, if one didn't discover his slitted pupils.
Xellos said flatly, not wanting to welcome them nor shun them.
Greetings, Greater Beast, Beast Priest, Naiyad said, throwing Xellos a dirty look.
Ority said, standing.
Xellos turned to Xellas and stared at her long and hard, searching her face for treachery. Oddly enough he had trusted his mistress to to betray him before she turned him human, but now he reevaluated everything she said or did. He was no longer her willing servant, that was for certain. We will complete this task as quickly as possible, he said sharply. Please take the greatest of care with my daughter.
He noticed the other two Monsters stiffen at the mention of the child, but Xellas, who always enjoyed being amused, simply smiled. Of course, pup. She's a darling little thing, and I wouldn't dream of seeing anything untoward happen to her. You may journey on free of worries.
I thank you, he replied, bowing again and trying to keep his own smile at bay. Naiyad and Ority looked as if they would fall over, faces pale and drawn. Shall we? he said to them, smiling benignly with a wave of his staff.
They nodded simultaneously and bunched close together, following behind him as he left Xellas' presence. Don't trust him, he's crafty, he heard Naiyad whisper, the sound so faint he could barely pick it up.
Master doesn't trust the Greater Beast, either, Ority replied.
Now that was interesting information, Xellos thought to himself. Something greater was afoot among the Lords, and he wondered how much of it Xellas was aware of. Most likely she knew a great deal, and he was curious to know if her fondness for Lecia lay in the fact that the child kept the others off-balance. Let's begin, Xellos said loudly, and they took off.