AN: Ok, long chapter. This one gave me some headaches, hence some randomness that may occur within, but trust me, things will start to come together later, it's not all AS random as it seems.
Was there anything else.... oh yea, I SUCK at names (well, most of the time, anyway), so bear that in mind. Also, I might have spelled some things funny (like some of the spells used later on), but that's either cuz that's the spelling I found for it when I looked it up, or cuz that's just how I felt like spelling it. Ok? Ok, peachy.
Disclaimer: Still dun own Slayers, that's not changing anytime soon...
* Chapter * 3 *
Three days later, the friends were gathering their belongings together to prepare for their journey from Seyruun. No one had seen so much of a purple strand of hair since the night Zelgadis had spoken to Xellos, and the friends wondered about the Mazoku's strange behavior before remembering that it WAS Xellos they were talking about. Still, they all agreed that for the priest to ask for a favor was slightly out of character.
So now they stood at the gates of Seyruun, preparing to leave again. Amelia had run into some problems in trying to get permission to leave again; but Prince Phil had finally relented when Amelia told him that she would be embarking on a quest for Justice.
So, where were you and Gourry-san headed before you came to Seyruun, Lina-san? Amelia asked. Lina looked thoughtful for a moment.
Nowhere in particular, she finally said with a shrug.
So, we're about to set out on a journey, at the request of a known liar, to no particular destination, Zelgadis asked. He was still as sardonic as ever; but when he had regained his human body, he seemed to have found the ability to smile just a bit more easily. It was a change that Lina, Gourry, and especially Amelia were all quite pleased with.
Yep, that sounds about right, Gourry said, nodding his head. Lina whacked the blonde on the head for no apparent reason. Zel sighed and shook his head.
Then does anybody mind if I suggest a place to go? he asked. Lina shrugged as Gourry picked himself up from the ground shaking his head.
Fine with me, Lina said.
Anywhere you want to go is just fine by me, Zelgadis-san Amelia said, getting a little starry-eyed. Zel blushed slightly, sighing.
Well then, I'd like to go back to the Mystics' Cave.
Where you found your cure? Amelia asked.
Because I want to ask Faith something, Zelgadis replied.
Oh, about Xellos-san? Amelia deduced. Zel nodded.
Well let's get a move on, then! Lina exclaimed. That's a pretty long haul, and we'd better get started. After all, it's getting close to dinner time! Zelgadis glanced up at the noon-day sun and shook his head, grumbling something unintelligible as the four friends set out towards the Mystics' Cave.
Their journey was uneventful. Well, uneventful for the group in question. Lina and Gourry would race each other to the inns to see who could clean out their cupboards first, with Amelia trailing close behind them. Lina would occasionally decrease the bandit population rather violently. One or two villages were left as nothing but smoking rubble after some unsuspecting person said the wrong thing to the red-haired sorceress. Gourry had quite a few more bumps and bruises than he had started the trip with. And there was no sign of Xellos, who was making himself somewhat conspicuous with his absence. So, after the uneventful journey, the friends finally found themselves at the mouth of the Mystics' Cave.
They stepped inside, Amelia supporting a Light spell which cast eerie shadows on the walls. Zelgadis was about to call out to Faith when a voice spoke from a shadowy corner.
Zelgadis-san, you're back! cried the young woman who came bounding out at them. And the spell worked, like I told you it would! she added happily, coming to a stop a few feet from him. Merry blue eyes sparkled as they looked around at the other three people who had entered her cave. You've brought your friends, too! she said with a giggle. Lina was looking at Amelia and Gourry, and all three of them shrugged, not knowing quite what to make of this strange girl. Suddenly Lina found herself staring into two wide eyes the color of the sky.
Lina said awkwardly as the other girl smiled broadly.
You must be Lina-san! Faith said, bowing slightly to the younger woman. Lina was still dazed when Faith turned her attention to the swordsman next to her.
And you must be Gourry-san, she giggled, and he nodded. He looked slightly confused, but then, Gourry always looked slightly confused. Finally, Faith turned to the dark-haired princess.
And this must be Amelia-san! she announced, as if making a great deduction. Amelia smiled back at Faith, still not quite sure what to make of the older woman, but somehow kinda liking her.
Pleased to meet you, Amelia said. You're Faith, right?
Yep, that would be me, she said, still smiling.
She smiles almost as much as Xellos,' Lina thought, Though her smile at least seems genuine.' How did you know who we were? the red-head asked.
Oh, I've heard lots about you all, she said excitedly. Lina cast a wary eye at Zelgadis.
Did Zel here tell you all about us? she asked, half suspiciously. She already had half the population of the land calling her Dragon Spooker and Natural Enemy of All Who Live, she really didn't feel like having the wrong reputation spread.
said Xellos, suddenly appearing behind Gourry, causing the swordsman to jump half out of his skin, I've been telling Faith-chan about all of you. Everyone spun to face the Mazoku as he grinned at them.
What is going on here? Lina asked, clearly getting frustrated.
What do you mean, Lina? Xellos asked innocently.
What are you doing here, why are you telling this girl about us, and why did you want Zel and Amelia to come with me and Gourry when we left Seyruun? Lina demanded, ticking the points off on her fingers as she spoke.
What I'm doing here is talking to Faith-chan, and I'm telling her about you because I rather enjoy telling her tales of my friends, Xellos replied, grinning sweetly.
Zel scoffed. I don't think that Mazoku can have friends.
Of course we can! Xellos declared. After all, what are friends other than people who you enjoy spending time with and whom you share experiences with?
Mazoku can enjoy things? Amelia asked, seeming confused. But I thought that happy emotions and stuff made you sick? Xellos nodded slowly, as if he were debating on how to answer her question.
Well, half the time, the emotions raging in this group are much less than happy. Especially when I'm around, the priest added with a smirk at Zelgadis, So in that, I do very much enjoy being around you all. However, he continued when angry glares were pointed in his direction, Though I cannot speak for all Mazoku, I can appreciate traits like loyalty, bravery...and others that you all possess. There was a stunned silence, which Faith finally broke.
The world is never as black and white as it seems, she said with a smirk to no one in particular. Gourry scratched his head.
But the world doesn't seem black and white, it's got lots of pretty colors all over the place, he said. Lina bashed him over the head, Zel and Amelia sighed, and Faith giggled at him. Zelgadis turned his attention to Faith.
he asked in a low tone, Did Xellos give you any information that was crucial to finding or completing my cure that I couldn't have given you? Faith thought for a moment before replying, her usually merry eyes looking quite serious for once.
I can't say what you do or do not know, but Xellos did tell me something that was essential to making the spell work properly. I can't say for sure that you did not know this information, but my instinct tells me that you wouldn't have, she finally answered. Zelgadis seemed taken aback.
Did he put you up to telling me that? he asked in a whisper. Faith shook her head.
I can understand why you don't trust Xellos, or maybe even me; but what I have told you is the truth.
What is this mysterious piece of information that Xellos told you? Zel demanded.
I can't say, Faith replied. Before the brown-haired man could protest, she held up her hand. I know that's not a very satisfying answer; but the fact is that the spell worked and you're human again. So what difference does it make? Zel did not look pleased, but decided to drop it. For now, anyway.
You still haven't told us why you wanted Zel and Amelia to come with me and Gourry, Xellos, Lina said, tapping her foot impatiently.
Well, I have a job for you all, and I needed to get you to a secure place before I could tell you. This cave is shielded so that no one can listen in, and set up so that no one can enter it on any plane without Faith realizing it, the Mazoku replied, being uncharacteristically serious.
How did you know we'd come here? Amelia asked. Xellos smiled broadly again.
Zelgadis-san is incredibly predictable and suspicious minded. I knew he would want to come here and see if I had been telling him the truth, the priest replied. Zelgadis growled low in his throat, and Xellos chuckled at him. You know, you're not quite as threatening now that you've lost the rest of yourself, Xellos said, still grinning. Amelia put her hand on Zels' arm to try and calm him. Lina crossed her arms and sighed, used to Xellos' attempts to bait Zelgadis.
Ok Xellos, so what's this job? she asked. There were times she simply didn't know what to make of the purple haired priest or his motives. Well, actually, most of the time she didn't know what to make of them; but she ventured to guess she knew about as much as any human could.
Someone very important has been kidnapped, and is in great danger, Xellos finally said. I will guide you along the way.
Why should you care? Lina asked. And why should we care? Xellos gave a dry, humorless laugh.
Let's just say that you do have a reason to care, he said.
Lina demanded.
Why do you need our help to save whoever it is? Gourry asked. I thought you were pretty strong all by yourself?
And for that matter, Amelia asked thoughtfully, Who is it?
Sore wa himitsu desu, Xellos announced, to everyone's dismay. Lina noticed, though, that for once, the priest did not seem delighted to be withholding information from them.
Xellos has been acting very out of character lately,' she mused. Whatever is going on, it's enough to get a Mazoku upset. So it's probably something worth investigating. And I don't think he would say that we have reason to care unless he meant it...' her thoughts trailed off, and she looked back at the priest, smiling his usual smile again, chatting idly with Faith. Alright, Xellos, we'll go, she said, barely glancing around at the others. But this better not be a trick, or I'll Dragon Slave your ass right back to Wolf Pack Island.
Ne, Lina-san, would I trick you all? Xellos asked.
came a chorus of five voices, as Faith even chimed in, though she still had a grin on her face while everyone else basically glowered at the Mazoku.
* * *
Shortly, six people set out on the trail. Faith had decided that she wanted to join the group. Lina had asked her about her duties at the cave, but she pointed out that people rarely ever came to visit her there. In fact, Xellos-san and Zelgadis-san have been the first people to visit me in a long time, she sighed. I think most people have forgotten about my poor cave, she added with a pout.
The forest trail was fairly narrow, but wide enough for two to walk abreast. As they walked, they chatted idly. No one but Xellos noticed cold blue eyes following them from the bushes, and the Mazoku felt no desire to inform the others at the moment. However, after they had been walking for almost two hours and the mysterious shadow had not tired of following them, he decided he might as well inform the others.
Ano, Lina-san, Xellos called up to the red-head in the front. Lina turned back to face the priest.
What is it, Xellos? she asked.
Well, I don't know if you're interested, but someone has been following us for the past few hours, he announced, and a startled rustling was heard from the bushes. Immediately, Lina gathered energy in her hands and the people between her and the bushes in question dived for cover.
she cried, letting loose the spell. Just before it incinerated the bushes, though, a figured leapt out of the way, landing by Zelgadis and Amelia, who were still crouched on the ground for cover. The friends all turned to see who this intruder was, and their eyes met an unexpected sight.
A young woman stood there, half crouched in a defensive posture, ice blue eyes darting around, as if analyzing everything around her. Her raven-black hair fell in waves to the middle of her back, contrasting sharply with her cold eyes and pale skin. She was clothed in loose pants of black fabric tucked into low-heeled black boots that came to just above her ankles, and a short-sleeved tunic of deep purple trimmed with black girdled around her waist with a black leather belt that had a sheathed dagger tucked into it. Completing her outfit was a long black cape lined with a deep bluish-purple material, held at her neck by a silver clasp with a large garnet set into it.
Who are you? Lina demanded, her fiery red eyes meeting the icy blue ones of the stranger. Suddenly, a crashing noise came from the trees above Lina, and the red-head barely had time to look up before a dark form crashed down on top of her. Gourry drew his sword and Zelgadis and Amelia both gathered energy for spells, watching both the two strangers in front of them and the forest around them in case of another attack. The second intruder leapt off of Lina's now prostrate form and landed lithely next to the first stranger.
Like the first stranger, this second one was also female. She had golden-amber hair, streaked through with natural highlights of a crimson red that resembled fresh blood. Eyes of pale lavender-blue peered out from her pale-skinned face, sizing up everyone in the clearing. She wore dark blue leggings, covered to her knees by dark brown boots. She also wore a tunic the same color as her leggings, trimmed in crimson. A brown belt held a short-sword at her side, though the weapon was mostly concealed by the midnight blue cloak she wore, clasped at her throat by a sizable sapphire.
All right, Lina growled dangerously, picking herself up from the ground and turning her blazing eyes at the two taller women, Who are you and what in the name of L-sama do you think you're doing? Gourry backed away from Lina, and Zel and Amelia got out from behind the two strange women. They didn't want to get caught in the blast of any incoming fireballs. Then, another voice broke in.
Amber? Raven? Is that you? Faith asked, stepping forward for the first time. Lina froze in obvious shock as the three women turned to face each other and broke out into joyful grins, embracing each other like long-lost friends. Zel and Amelia stared at each other and shrugged. Gourry appeared to be completely confused. Xellos was grinning his usual grin. Lina looked about ready to explode.
Would somebody mind explaining just what is going on? Lina bellowed, glaring dangerously at Faith and her two friends.
Oh, I'm sorry! the strawberry-blonde said as she turned to face the rest of her party. she said, indicating Lina and her friends in turn, Is Lina Inverse. That tall man back there is Gourry Gabriev. Those two over there are Zelgadis Greywers and Amelia wil Tesla de Seyruun. And this is Xellos. Everyone, these are my friends, Amber and Raven, she said, indicating the black-haired woman and the golden-haired one, respectively. Lina glowered.
So why were your friends following us; and why did she, Lina said, pointing an accusatory finger at Raven, Jump on my HEAD!? Raven bowed her head slightly.
I'm sorry about that, she said. We didn't know you were friends of Faith. Amber nodded, her dark bangs fluttering in front of her eyes for a moment.
We thought that you had kidnapped her, she added, somewhat sheepishly. Lina buried her face in her hands.
Why would you think something like that? It's not like we dragged her kicking and screaming, Lina muttered into her hands.
Amber said, I know we haven't been in to talk to Faith in almost ten years, but we watch over the Mystics Cave often, and we have never seen her leave her cave. So when we saw her leaving in the company of a large group, with a Mazoku no less, we got worried, she concluded with a nasty glance towards Xellos, who looked a bit surprised for a moment, then recovered and grinned at her.
Delighted to make your acquaintance, the priest said to the women with a slight bow. They glowered at him. Faith looked slightly insulted. Lina guessed it was because her choice in friends was being questioned, but she decided to ignore it for the moment.
Anyway, we were worried, so we followed you to see where you were you were going and such, Raven said.
Then that Mazoku spotted me, and we were forced out of hiding, Amber finished, still glaring at the grinning Xellos.
Well, now that that's all cleared up, shall we get moving now? Xellos said.
He's in an awful rush to get wherever it is we're going,' Lina thought, casting a sidelong glance at the purple-haired priest. Ok, let's go, she said, ushering everyone along. This can be discussed as we walk. Amber looked none-too-pleased to be taking orders from someone, but Faith smiled at her and patted her friends' shoulder as she walked past.
Lina is a good leader, and her friends follow her, Faith said quietly to her friends. If you want to come along with me, then relax and go with the flow. Her temper is worse than yours, Amber, she added with a wink and a grin. Thankfully, Lina was out of earshot of that last comment, or else Faith might have found herself on the wrong end of a fireball. Amber smiled slightly and chuckled, while Raven just shook her head in amusement. Suddenly, the three women became aware of a smaller figure dropping back to walk with them.
Hello Amelia, Faith said with a smile. The princess returned the smile and glanced at Amber and Raven.
Hello. Ummm, if you don't mind my asking, how do you all know each other? she asked in typical Amelia blunt fashion.
Oh, Amber and Raven used to come up to my cave all the time when they were younger, and we'd play together, Faith said with a grin and a shrug, patting her shorter friends on the shoulders as they chuckled as only old friends do.
Now we watch the cave, when we don't have much else better to do, Raven said. Guarding it, as it were. But being inside that cave makes me and Amber both very uncomfortable now, so we don't stop in to see Faith that much, she said as she shot an apologetic smile at her friend. Faith grinned back as if to say that it was ok, no hard feelings.
Oh, ok, Amelia said with a nod, looking thoughtful. She turned to Amber and Raven. How did you know that Xellos-san was a Mazoku? she asked them. We traveled with him for a long time, and the only one who figured out that he was Mazoku was Gourry-san. Well, and Lina-san too, but only after he dropped his act in front of her. Amber shrugged.
It's just something I've been able to do for a long time, she said. Mazoku have a certain feel to them, different than humans, just as humans are different than dragons. I can pick up on the differences, if they're strong enough.
As the four women chatted, the now larger party continued on it's way southeast. Zelgadis and Gourry had struck up some conversation, and Lina decided to try again to get some information from Xellos, though she knew it wasn't likely. She slowed her pace, letting Gourry and Zel take point, with Amelia, Faith, Amber, and Raven bringing up the rear of the group. Xellos was walking quietly along in the middle, though there was still a good distance separating him and either of the two groups walking along the trail. Lina fell into stride next to him.
she said in a quiet voice, What is this all about? Who got kidnapped? The priest gave a small sigh.
I'm sorry Lina, I still can't tell you, he said. To Lina's shock, he actually sounded genuinely apologetic.
Well, can you at least tell me where we're going? she asked. Xellos thought about it for a moment.
There is a city southeast of here called Vlaston. That is where we are headed.
Xellos looked at Lina for a moment, then shook his head to say that he couldn't answer that question either. Ok, then what is it that has you so upset? Lina asked.
What do you mean, Lina-san? he asked, his face a mask. He looked as though he didn't have any idea what Lina was talking about; but Lina knew better.
Come off it, Xellos, she said, still keeping her voice quiet, We've known you too long now. You yourself called us your friends, and as we have all had to learn the hard way at one point or another, you can't fully hide these kinds of things from your friends. Xellos turned to her and opened his eyes in honest surprise for a moment, then returned his face to it's normal smiling mask, and gave a small laugh.
I really do admire you, Lina-san, he said, shaking his head and laughing. Lina couldn't help but smile at him. However, he didn't say anything else, and Lina figured she wouldn't get any more specific information out of him. She decided to change tracks and ask him another question that had been bothering her for a bit.
Xellos, can Mazoku feel positive emotions? Do you feel like humans do? she asked, her voice only a bit louder now. Still, it somehow carried and got the attention of the other six members of their party, and they all altered their pace to get in closer to the Mazoku to hear his response. It was a question that had rested on the minds of each of them at one point or another. Faith seemed especially eager to hear his response, as she walked up to him and followed only inches behind, occasionally stepping on his heels for added effect. Xellos sighed and shook his head, shrugging slightly, as if in surrender.
All right, this one I'll answer, he said with a grin, But not now, he added. Displeased noises came from everyone, and Faith was even so bold as to reach up and tug sharply on a lock of the tricksters' hair. He chuckled, and glanced around at the glowers directed at him. I need some time to think of a good way to explain it, he said defensively, It's not something that translates easily into human terms. By the time we make camp for the night, I think I'll have it worked out though.
The group walked on in relative peace through the afternoon and evening until it grew too dark for them to see without the use of Light spells. They found a small clearing and built up a fire. huddling close in around it for warmth. Well, everyone except Xellos, who say contentedly beneath a tree. After an hour or so, Amber and Raven decided to get some sleep, and moved off to the side of the fire to lie down. Then Faith remembered the question Xellos had promised to answer.
Ok Xellos, come on, you promised to explain! Faith said, grinning brightly at the Mazoku, motioning him over to the fire. Zelgadis snorted.
This I have to hear, he muttered. Through his sarcastic comments, though, the young shaman was actually interested in what Xellos had to say. The priest took a deep breath as he came to sit by the fire with the other seven travelers. His usual grin was pulled a bit thin, and he looked tired.
Indeed I did promise, he said, settling down and putting on a thoughtful expression. Well, first off, most Mazoku do feel things much like humans do, only for very different reasons. While humans feel sickened looking at a battlefield, Mazoku get a joyful rush, much like humans get walking onto a fairground. However, if a Mazoku were to walk onto a fairground, full of happy humans, they would feel ill. I'm sure you are all basically familiar with that idea, correct? he asked, looking around at the faces around the campfire. They all nodded, even Gourry who still somehow didn't seem like he understood even this most basic idea.
Now then, he continued, As I said earlier, some Mazoku can appreciate traits such as loyalty and bravery; and it does somewhat approximate your human conception of friendship, he finished.
So do you really consider us your friends? Amelia asked. Xellos faltered for a moment, then got his composure back.
I have come to appreciate many of the traits that I have seen in all of you, he finally said with a smirk. For a moment, though his smile was his usual plastered on grin, it somehow seemed less forced to those who knew the Mazoku well enough. Then another question popped into Amelia's mind.
Can Mazoku feel love, too? she asked. Xellos raised his finger and shook it at her slightly, somehow winking through his closed eyes.
Sore wa himitsu desu! he said to the princess. Disappointed sighs and groans were heard everyone around the campfire. Since no more information seemed to be forthcoming from the Mazoku, the travelers laid down one by one around the fire. Lina, Gourry, Zel, and Amelia stayed close together. Faith decided to stay between her two groups of friends, curling up by the fire between Amber and Raven and Lina and her crew.
Xellos backed away from the fire, preferring to sit in the shadows beneath the tree. He was not a happy Mazoku at the moment, despite the smile that was pasted across his face. For the first time in almost a thousand years, a part of him was wishing that his master had not created him to be as he was.
Greater Beastmaster Zellas was a shrewd woman, probably one of the most intelligent of all of Lord Ruby Eyes' generals. When she decided to create her general priest, she made a judgment call that startled all of the other generals and their respective generals and priests. She did not want to instill simple mindless obedience, or a forced, borderline obsessive loyalty into her general priest. Neither of these traits would allow her minion to make good split second decisions when she was not there to watch over him. If he was mindless, he could not make any decisions of his own, and he might well end up getting himself killed. If he had a forced loyalty to her, it would mean not only a high-maintenance minion, but would also usually either lead to the probability of irrational judgment calls, or the possibility of having the forced loyalty broken or overpowered.
So the great Beastmaster had decided to take a calculated gamble. She created her general priest as a being capable of True Loyalty, a wolf-like loyalty to her, a pack mentality. Xellos had been allowed to develop his own loyalties to his master, and this had led to him becoming not only the most faithful of all the generals, but also to his being the most clever; and since he was given the power of both general and priest, he was also the strongest.
However, because Xellos was capable of True Loyalty, that meant that he would be able to form loyalties to people other than his master. Of course, both he and Zellas knew that Xellos' first loyalty would always be to his master; Zellas could know her servants' thoughts and feelings at all times, and could also tell if he was trying to hide something from her (which never really happened). Xellos had chosen his loyalty to his master, and he had never regretted that; but it worried him that he could form loyalties to others as well. Not because he feared betraying his master, but because these loyalties opened the door for him to form almost Human friendships. And he had formed friendships. Much as he had tried to deny it, he had allowed himself to get close enough to Lina and her group. Even the strange child Faith had somehow managed to earn a kind of friendship from him.
He hated the friendships he had formed. He didn't hate the people; but he hated the fear he felt, the worry about them getting killed, the slight pang of guilt he felt when he used them more than usual. And now, things had gotten even worse...
Xellos thought long into the night about the current problem before he decided that it was pointless to dwell on things...for the moment...
* * *
The days passed and the troupe traveled further and further into the southeast. Amber and Raven were not fitting in well for the most part. More than a few fireballs had been thrown around, primarily between Lina and Amber. Both of the two black magic sorceresses preferred the position of leader, and neither wanted to back down. Lina, of course, had Gourry, Zel, and Amelia to boss around, and Xellos would usually shadow them, making his usual mischief. Raven, however, was the only one of the troupe who would follow Amber before Lina. Faith felt torn between her two groups of friends, so she would try and keep things calm between Lina and Amber. However, after the strawberry-blonde had been thoroughly toasted by a combination Fireball and Flare Arrow when she tried to get between the feuding sorceresses, she all but gave up on trying to make peace.
Xellos was, of course, having a ball. He didn't seem to care too much for Amber and Raven; possibly due in part to Raven's habit of insulting Mazoku in general, and him in particular. So at every chance he got, he'd say those lovely little things that he knew would set the sorceresses off at each other, helping them along a bit, as it were. Being a manipulative self-serving bastard had it's perks, Xellos decided, as he trailed along behind the feuding women, drinking up their pain, anger, and frustration. He was feeling much more like his usual self, though there was still an unpleasant tickle at the back of his mind. He did his best to ignore it.
came the harsh cry from just up ahead. Xellos was snapped out of his musings just in time to see Amber jump cat-like out of the way of the spell, and to realize that the fireball was now headed right at him. Before even his Mazoku reflexes could react, the red ball impacted, charring him instantly. Coughing out a puff of smoke, he grinned happily as he fell over. Lina paid him no mind as she tried to throw another Fireball at Amber, who was readying her own Flare Arrow. Zelgadis looked irritated, but he wasn't stupid enough to get in the middle of all this. Amelia and Gourry both wore worried expressions, though Gourry was secretly happy that at least Lina wasn't trying to fry HIM for once. Raven was watching the whole scene with a kind of aloofness, while Faith tore her hair out, desperate to get her two friends away from each others' throats.
The dueling sorceresses loosed their spells simultaneously, and to the dismay of Lina's friends, they were headed on a collision course. Before they could impact (and probably char everyone in the troupe with the inevitable ensuing explosion), though, Raven chanted something and loosed her own spell into the fray.
Freeze Arrow! she said, and the bolt of ice leapt from her grip to intercept the colliding fire spells. A small explosion erupted from the center, since the ice had not been enough to totally overpower the double fire spells; but at least no one in the clearing was blackened. Raven turned to Amber, who was poised in a defensive position facing Lina. This is ridiculous, the amber-haired woman commented to her friend. Amber nodded.
And pointless, the raven-haired sorceress agreed, leaping out of the bushes she'd landed in when avoiding Lina's Fireball and landing neatly next to Raven. Faith looked worried, glancing back and forth between Amber and Raven and Lina. Finally, Amber turned to face Faith. I think it's probably best if we left this company, Faith, the dark-haired sorceress said. Are you going to come with me and Raven or stay with these...people, she said, casting angry and irritated glances at Lina and Xellos.
I'm going to keep going with Lina-san and her party, Faith said, still nervously waiting for the fiery sorceress to explode again about something. I have reasons of my own for traveling with them. You go back, I'm sure we'll meet up again later or something. Amber did not look pleased with the situation in general, but decided not to make any comments that might spark another fight. She wasn't in the mood for this stupidity at the moment.
Suit yourself, Faith-chan. Hopefully Raven and I will meet up with you again soon, once you're not with such a...big...party. With that, Amber and Raven turned and walked back up the trail they'd been following, both of them going just slightly out of their way to step on the crispy Mazoku who was still lying in the middle of the trail. As they walked past, Xellos grinned.
he sighed happily. Faith went over to help him up as Lina stalked back to Zel and Amelia and Gourry, grumbling about egocentric sorceresses who couldn't just follow others quietly. Wisely, nobody decided to comment on her complaint. Once Xellos had been hauled back to his feet, the group started back down the trail again. In a matter of hours, they reached a small inn where they decided to stay the night. After Lina and Gourry and Amelia had thoroughly cleaned out the pantries, the six travelers went upstairs to their respective bedrooms to rest up for the rest of their journey.
* * *
Two days later, they entered the city of Vlaston. It wasn't an overly large city, and it looked as though the people who lived there didn't care very much to keep it clean. The buildings were mostly covered with layers of dust or grime, and there were no bright colors to be seen anywhere. In fact, the only colors that the travelers saw were the dull brown of the dirt roads, the gray of dust-covered walls, and some drab greens here and there where a sickly tree tried desperately to survive.
What a depressing place, Amelia muttered, voicing the thought that was running through pretty much everyone's mind.
Ok Xellos, we're here, Lina said, turning to face the Mazoku with a hard gleam in her eye, Now stop avoiding the question and tell us what we're doing in this gloomy place. The Mazoku still wore his normal cheery expression, but when he spoke, his voice sounded slightly strained.
Come with me, he said, leading them deeper into the city. The other five looked at each other and shrugged before following the purple-haired priest. He wound his way through the dark and twisted paths of the city, passing by it's grubby inhabitants. The people of Vlaston barely looked up at the travelers as they passed, keeping their heads down and staring at the street.
What's with everybody? Amelia asked, Why do they all dress in gray and walk around staring at their feet? Zelgadis shrugged, but moved a little closer to Amelia. He didn't trust these people, there was something strange about this whole place, and he wanted to be able to defend the princess in case of attack. Lina was also on the alert; and Faith, being unarmed, had worked her way to the center of the group and was glancing around nervously. Gourry had his hand on the hilt of his sword, wishing it were his Sword of Light. This place gave him the creeps.
At last, Xellos stooped in front of a red brick building. It was a small, drab looking place, but compared to the rest of the monochromatic city, it was an almost bright blotch of color. Lina raised her eyebrows and looked at the Mazoku priest.
This is the place? she asked skeptically. The tiny shack looked barely big enough to have two rooms in it; but Xellos nodded, seeming very serious. His usual smile was gone from his face and his still-closed eyes were pulled into an expression of determination. Xellos, we still don't even know what it is we're facing, or who it is we're trying to help, Lina muttered. Xellos didn't say anything, but reached out and opened the door of the building. It creaked open, revealing nothing but darkness within. A wave of unease seemed to pour out from the open doorway, and the friends couldn't help but group a little closer together. Without looking back at them, Xellos walked in through the opening. Lina wasn't pleased with this one bit, but she figured she hadn't come this far to stop now; so she steeled her nerves and followed Xellos through the doorway. Gourry, Faith, Amelia, and Zelgadis came in after them, fighting off the growing feelings of danger and fear.
After Zelgadis had stepped through the doorway, Xellos quickly reached out and shut the door behind him. The room was suddenly plunged into pitch blackness, until the red gem on top of Xellos' staff began to glow, granting some small illumination to the room.
Ok, this has gone far enough, Xellos! Lina said.
You're quite right, Lina-san, the priest replied.
What's going on? Where are we? Zelgadis demanded, standing protectively close to Amelia. Faith was standing close to Gourry, looking like she was trying very hard not to die of fright. The whole building seemed to radiate terror. For a moment, Xellos felt a pang of guilt for bringing his friends into this; but he quickly crushed the feeling and turned to answer Lina and Zelgadis.
This place is a gateway, Xellos explained. It leads to the realm of a Mazoku named Sankuro.
Oh wonderful, Zelgadis grumbled, glowering. Xellos ignored him and continued on.
He has taken a prisoner. We're here to try and change that, Xellos said. He paused a moment, then opened his eyes ever so slightly, the red light from his staff glinting off his amethyst eyes. And if Sankuro happens to get killed in the process, that's his own bad luck. Lina and her friends couldn't help but shiver at the expression on the Mazoku's face. Even Faith, who normally didn't seem to be bothered much by Xellos' moods, shrank back slightly.
But...who are we rescuing? Gourry asked, scratching his head. Xellos tightened his grip on his staff, and his amethyst eyes grew, if possible, even harder. His voice remained level though, as he finally replied to the question.
Like I said, it's someone who you have a personal interest in seeing rescued. An old friend, he said. Faith thought she heard the wood creaking on his staff as his fingers pressed into it with almost enough pressure to crack it. Very softly, Faith heard Amelia whisper from behind her.
Silence filled the dark room for a moment before Xellos uttered the quiet response.
Filia Ul Copt.
End Notes: Ok, I'm sorry if Xellos seems a tad OOC, but parts of this chapter just gave me headaches, so no flames please. Also, this is my story and a slightly alternate univerise, I guess, so no flames about how I'm setting up Mazoku emotions please, this is simply how *I* see things and how I need them to be for my story to work. I HAVE seen all of the series (repeatedly ^_^), so I know some stuff doesn't QUITE fit (Like since Xellos says he's NOT Lina's friend, to Filia....but I figure that after traveling with them all through Try, SOMETHING could have changed). Constructive criticism is welcome, though. Anyhoo, please review. ^_^