AN: Ye gods! Well, since y'all asked so nicely, here ye go! Ummm...let's see...I have no idea what to say. Oh, one quick thing: a lot of people have asked about Zelly-kun's disadvantages of losing his chimera form... He's slower and physically weaker...he's just human now, like Amelia, Lina, and Gourry. He's no worse off (physically or magically) than they are, so I'm not gonna single him out for difficulties in that area. However, this insane little author might have something diabolical planned for ALL our characters later on. MUAHAHAHAA!

Disclaimer: In case I forgot to say it before, I don't own Slayers. MAN, I'm REALLY un-creative this morning... I can't even come up with one good smartass comment! What IS the world coming to?

* Chapter * 5 *

It was hours later before any of them stirred. Faith was the first to wake, and she looked around to get her bearings. She found herself inside a small cell with the unconscious forms of Zelgadis and the blonde woman who must be Filia. The room containing the cells was small, and had only three cells. One set in to the back wall, which was the one Faith herself was in, one set into the left wall and one in the right wall. Faith looked out between the bars of the cell and saw Lina, Gourry, and Amelia in the cell in the wall to her right, collapsed on the floor, all still unconscious. The cell in the wall to her left had only one occupant as far as she could see. She was at somewhat of a bad angle to see to the back of the cell, all she could make out was a few locks of purple hair from a figure who seemed to be chained to the back wall. By the look of the head that was drooping, Faith figured it must be Xellos and that he was unconscious as well.

Oh well, better see if I can help at all, Faith muttered to herself. Over in the cell to her right, she thought she heard someone stirring; but at the moment, she was more concerned with seeing to the unconscious people in her own cell. Filia was apparently far more seriously injured than Zelgadis, so Faith set down to cast a major recovery spell on the golden dragon.

As Faith worked on healing Filia, Amelia was stirring in her cell. With a pained groan, the young princess came awake, and became very much aware of a pounding pain in the back of her head. She tried to open her eyes and sit up, but it hurt so much that she had to cast a recovery spell on herself before she could even sit up. Her headache gone, the dark-haired princess sat up and took stock of the situation. After figuring out where everyone was, and sparing herself a moment to worry about Zelgadis, she set to work healing Lina and Gourry.

Within a short while, everyone was conscious again except for Filia and Xellos. Filia was still being healed by Faith, and Xellos just did not look to be in good shape overall. Lina, Amelia and Gourry could see him all too well across the way, and he was a mess. A few open black rips were visible in his arms and chest, his face was beaten in, and he was chained up almost spread eagle against the back wall of his small cell.

But, I thought Mazoku could heal pretty fast? Amelia said, worry filling her eyes. Lina, who was still nursing a small headache, also looked worried as she glanced over at Xellos.

They can, usually, the red-head replied. So it's gotta be one of three things; one, he was hurt much worse than that and he has healed significantly already; two, the wounds were made with some kind of special weapon that makes the injuries take longer to heal; or three, some outside force is interfering with Xellos' healing ability. Their discussion was interrupted by a pained groan from the cell to their left.

cried both the women as they immediately turned their attention to their Ryuuzoku friend. The blonde woman groaned again and sat up, looking around in confusion.

Hmm... Wha... Who are you? Filia asked, looking warily at Faith, confusion, fear, and grogginess thickening her voice.

It's alright Filia, she's a friend, said Zelgadis, casting a recovery spell on his wounded left arm. Filia looked at him and her expression of confusion only deepened; it was apparent that she didn't recognize Zel, and that she was rapidly getting more alarmed.

And who are you? the golden dragon demanded, still sounding groggy as she searched under her skirts for her mace. When she discovered that her mace was gone, she became considerably more upset, and a golden tail with a pink bow tied near the end came shooting out from beneath her skirts, thrashing about and nearly knocking Faith into the wall. Zelgadis yelped and leapt out of the way of the appendage, tripping over Faith in the process and landing in a heap on the stone floor of the cell.

Filia-san, it's us! Amelia called, looking through the bars at her friend. Through the haze of groggy confusion, Filia recognized the Seyruun princess and the fiery-haired sorceress beside her.

Amelia? Lina? the Ryuuzoku asked, the haze finally clearing from her mind. She caught sight of the blonde swordsman in the cell with the other women. Turning back into her own cell, she looked at the brown haired man again.

he told her, rubbing the side of his face where it had smashed into the stone floor. Filia gasped a little and looked as though she were about to ask a question when Zel cut her off, guessing at what the question was. I found the cure for the curse that was on me. This is what I'm supposed to look like. Faith made a small noise of indignation in her throat.

You make it sound like you did all the work, she said in a half-teasing tone. Apparently, the young woman's sense of humor was not affected by being imprisoned by powerful Mazoku. Zelgadis simply sighed and shook his head slightly.

And this is Faith. Like I tried to say before, she's a friend, the shaman said. Faith stuck out her hand to the Ryuuzoku, and Filia took it carefully, as if not quite sure what to make of the young woman.

Filia said, looking confused again, What are you all doing here? This place-- Filia was cut off by Lina.

We're here to rescue you, actually, the sorceress said.

Though now we seem to be in about as much trouble as you, Amelia added with a sigh and a small pout.

Lina declared, Now we have seven people here, I'm sure between all of us, we can think up and execute an escape plan!

Filia asked slowly, looking around. She counted: Lina, Amelia, Gourry, Zelgadis, and Faith were five, plus herself was six... Who's the seventh? she asked through slitted, suspicious eyes, glaring around, almost daring someone to say the name she hated.

Lina stuttered, not knowing how to tell the Ryuuzoku who the seventh person was without a complete fit ensuing.

It's Xellos, Faith said. Everyone winced, wondering if the young woman would survive the coming eruption of anger. Zelgadis did his best to hide in a corner of the cell, as far away from the two women as possible. Filia stood still for a few, long minutes, staring into the dancing blue eyes of the younger woman in front of her. When she finally spoke, her voice quavered with barely repressed rage.

What did you say? she asked, eyes still locked with Faith's.

I said that the seventh person is Xellos, Faith replied coolly. The anger radiating off of the woman in front of her did not seem to phase the strawberry-blonde.

What... is... that... NAMAGOMI MAZOKU DOING HERE!? Filia roared, her eyes glowing reddish and her dragon fangs becoming far more pronounced. Faith smiled slightly as another voice answered Filia's question.

Saving you, of course, Filia-chan, came the weak, yet unmistakable voice from the cell to their left. Everyone turned their attention to the Mazoku, though Faith, Filia, and Zelgadis couldn't see him too well. Of course, her inability to see Xellos did nothing to Filia's ability to scream at him.

How DARE you address me in such a manner! she shrieked. Besides, why would a namagomi Mazoku like you come to save me? she demanded, growling low in her throat.

I guess the gods are upset with me, Xellos said, his tone dangerously icy, even through the pain it was apparent he was in. Filia twitched. Xellos continued, I can't think of anything that even I have done that would be so terrible to warrant being sent on an errand after a selfish Ryuuzoku who can't even keep herself safe. I still can't understand how such an irresponsible woman was made the caretaker of the last Ancient Dragon-- The Mazoku was cut off by a nearly deafening roar from the Ryuuzoku. A collective yelp of fear was heard from the humans present, as they all made an effort to back as far away from the angered golden dragon as possible.

HOW DARE YOU! she bellowed, her eyes dangerously red. Zelgadis wondered if she was going to transform and crush them all to paste. Instead of transforming, though, Filia grabbed two of the bars of the cell and, with an unnatural strength, tore at them with all her might, ripping one of them out and bending the other.

Never piss off a mother dragon, Lina whispered to Amelia and Gourry, who simply stared and nodded, dumbfounded. Filia stalked out of her cell, followed quickly by Faith and cautiously by Zelgadis. While the dragon was busy trying to tear open the bars of Xellos' cell so she could get in and dismember the grinning Mazoku, Faith and Zelgadis went on a search for the keys to cells and the weapons. They found a locked closet, which Zelgadis promptly burned the wooden door off of with a Flare Arrow. They were rewarded for their efforts, finding their weapons, but no keys. They gathered up the weapons and went back to their friends, handing Lina and Gourry their swords through the bars of the cell.

Stand back, Zelgadis said, drawing his own sword. Astral Vine! The blade glowed red, and with two deft strokes, the shaman had cut away three of the bars of the cell. The friends now all turned their attention to the snarling dragon and grinning Mazoku. Filia was still trying to get into Xellos' cell, but to no avail. Apparently, the bars on his were made of sterner stuff, probably designed to stand up to the strength of a powerful Mazoku, Lina reasoned.

Filia-san, um, could you-- Amelia began before she was cut off by a roar from the Ryuuzoku. The princess shrank back a little. Lina-san, how long do you think it will be until Filia-san calms down? Amelia whispered. Lina shrugged.

I dunno, this is almost the maddest I've ever seen Xellos get her, and that's saying something, the sorceress replied. I'm surprised she hasn't transformed yet. Out of the corner of her eye, Lina saw Faith chanting something quietly, and was about to ask the older woman what she was doing, when she finished the spell and sent it at it's target.

the strawberry-blonde said, and almost immediately the red glow faded from Filia's eyes, her fangs receded, and she stopped screaming, staring rather blankly into space, a contented smile on her lips. Lina gaped slightly.

Where'd you learn that spell? she asked. Faith blushed and shrugged.

Being the librarian of the Mystics' Cave has it's advantages, she said quietly.

Aww, Faith-chan, I was having such a delightful meal, though, Xellos said, his voice sounding stronger and his wounds looking considerably better.

I know, the young woman replied, smiling at the Mazoku, But it was necessary, if you ever want to get out of those manacles and get out of here. I'm sure you'll be able to piss her off again later, once the spell has worn off.

True, but we might need her clear headed in order to get me out of the manacles, unfortunately. He was met with looks of confusion from everyone except Filia who was still completely zoned out. These restraints were forged by Ryuuzoku, and were designed to hold Mazoku, even one as powerful as myself, quite effectively. I don't know how Sankuro got a hold of them, but unfortunately, he somehow did. So unless you have a specific Ryuuzoku charm which serves as the key, the only other hope of getting these things off me is to have a Ryuuzoku disable them. A collective groan escaped the group.

Let's see if we can get past the bars first, then we'll worry about the rest of it, Lina said. The shaman nodded and raised his still-glowing blade and swung at the bars of the third cell. Much to everyone's relief, the Astral enchantment let the blade slice through the bars of the cell with relative ease. Ok, Faith, can you take the spell off of Filia? Lina asked. Faith sighed.

Yea, I can; but if the spell is removed prematurely, then the person goes back to the original emotional state they were in. Meaning that if I take it off, Filia is far more likely to tear Xellos limb from limb than to get him out of the manacles... well, get him out in one piece, anyway, she replied.

How long does the spell take to wear off on it's own? Amelia asked. Faith shrugged.

It depends on how upset the person was, the woman replied, At a guess, I'd say probably an hour or so. Everyone groaned.

We don't have time for that. We have to get out of here before Sankuro comes back, Zelgadis said.

We could just try and blast them off, Lina suggested, stepping forward with a ball of energy collecting in her hands.

As pleasant as that would be, it would be ineffective. These are designed to stand up to direct attacks, physical or magical, Xellos said. Lina growled.

Then how are we supposed to get you out? Could Filia do it as she is now? the fiery sorceress asked. Xellos shook his head.

he said.

I have an idea, said Faith, cautiously stepping forward. Lina turned to face her and gave her a questioning look. I think I might know a way to get them off. Something I learned in my time in the Mystics' Cave, she said almost shyly.

Well, then get to it! Lina demanded, impatient to get out of the dungeon as fast as they could. Faith nodded and stepped forward, placing her hand against the manacle securing Xellos' right arm. After a moment, to the astonishment of everyone, the restraint released the Mazoku's wrist. Faith moved to his left arm, then his left ankle, then his right, freeing the Mazoku completely. Ok, let's get out of here! Lina said.

Ano, Lina? Gourry said, standing by the door and scratching his head.

What is it? Lina hissed in irritation.

How are we going to get out of here? The door is locked from the outside. Lina howled in frustration.

Get outa the way, Jellyfish. Grab Filia, I'll take care of the door, she said, a dangerous glint in her eye. Gourry quickly raced out of her line of fire and stooped to help the still staring Ryuuzoku to her feet. Faith was supporting the wounded Mazoku as she helped him out of his cell, handing him his staff and picking up Filia's mace. Lina cried, loosing the supercharged spell at the wooden door, which erupted into flames and left a gaping hole in the middle of the inferno.

How do we get through THAT? Amelia asked, staring at the flames.

Hmm, the door was stronger than I thought, Lina muttered. Zel? Think you can put that out? The shaman nodded, stepping to the front of the group.

Bomb Di Wind! he cried, and the ensuing burst of wind not only extinguished the flames, but also managed to give the whole party a rather windblown look.

Ok, let's go! Lina cried through her tangled hair, dashing through the hole in the door.


* * *


Racing out through the hole in the doorway, the friends paused, realizing a somewhat important problem.

Does anyone know the way back? Lina asked, looking pointedly at Xellos. The Mazoku smiled at her cheerfully.

Yes indeed, he said, stepping away from Faith and taking off at a labored jog through the hallways. The others immediately took off after him, Gourry half-dragging Filia. They wound their way back through the passages, wondering how it was possible for Xellos to actually know where they were going. However, after a half an hour of running through the maze-like halls, they again found themselves in the giant, cathedral-like room they had first entered.

And standing in the center of the room, looking rather smug, was Sankuro.

I knew it was too easy, Zelgadis growled. In an instant, at least thirty lesser Mazoku had entered the room and were closing ranks on the friends.

Ok, no fooling around this time, Lina snapped, We've got lots of room now. Faith, make sure Xellos is well shielded; Gourry, keep Filia safe; Zel, Amelia, Rah Tilt! Whatever it takes, hold them off, buy me some time!

chorused everyone.

Source of all souls which dwell in eternal and infinite, chanted Zelgadis and Amelia, Everlasting flame of blue, let the power hidden in my soul be called forth from the Infinite. Rah Tilt! A wave of blue-white light shot from each of them, destroying two of the attacking Mazoku. They were surprised to hear another voice whispering something quietly from behind them, and even more surprised as they turned to see that it was Faith. Suddenly, a brilliant beam of light shot from her mouth, destroying some rather unlucky Mazoku.

That's laser breath! Amelia exclaimed in shock. Before anyone could actually question her about her ability to do that, though, they heard an all too familiar chanting, and they turned to see Lina preparing to vent all her frustrations.

Lord of the Darkness and the Four Worlds, I call upon you, grant me all the power that you possess! The Demons Blood talismen Lina wore glowed as the spell charged them. Locking eyes with Sankuro, Lina began to chant. Darkness beyond twilight, crimson beyond blood that flows; buried in the flow of time; in Thy great name, I pledge myself to darkness! Those who oppose us shall be destroyed by the power you and I possess! Dragon SLAVE!! The eruption of red energy shot forward, the beam of light headed straight for Sankuro. The green haired Mazoku looked surprised as the spell closed in, leaving him with no time and no escape. In a blinding flash, the spell impacted and Sankuro bellowed as the energy tore his essence apart.

The explosion racked the building, and the entire realm now threatened to fall apart with it's creator destroyed.

Xellos, open that portal and get us out of here! Lina cried. The Mazoku nodded and the friends raced to the back wall, dodging bits of falling stone that threatened to crush them. Touching his staff to the wall, the portal opened, and the friends raced through it, Gourry still half-dragging Filia along. They raced through the darkness, not stopping until they passed into the small brick building that served as the other end of the portal. Lina raced forward, stumbling in the darkness, and groped for the door. Finding it, she threw it open and dazzling sunlight poured in through the opening as the friends ran out of the building and into the sunlight. Last out was Xellos, who paused to close the gateway behind him.

Out in the street, the friends paused to catch their breath, except for Xellos who was finishing up healing himself. Once their breathing was back to normal, Zelgadis and Amelia turned to stare at Faith.

How did you do that? Amelia asked the older woman.

Do what? Faith asked, looking confused.

How did you use Laser Breath? Zelgadis clarified.

Oh, that... Faith blushed slightly. Lina spun to face the three of them.

Wait, that was FAITH who did that? I thought it was Filia! the red-head exclaimed.

What did I do? groaned Filia as the effects of Faith's Calming spell wore off. The Ryuuzoku looked around in confusion. How did I get here?

You'll remember it all soon, Filia-san, said Faith.

You still haven't answered the question, how did you use Laser Breath? Lina demanded, getting in closer to the taller woman and staring her in the face.

Yes, indeed Faith-chan, I'd be quite interested to hear how you can use an attack only Ryuuzoku can use, Xellos said, his cheerful mask back in place.

Filia asked, suddenly seeming to remember Faith, She used Laser Breath? But... but... she has Mazoku eyes!

cried Lina, Amelia, Zelgadis, and even Gourry in unison. Faith just stared at the ground and sighed.

I guess this means I have to explain things, huh, she muttered. Everyone nodded. Ok, ok, but it's a long story. Can it at least wait until we get out of this city? I don't like it here. The others exchanged glances and shrugged. No one else much liked the drab city, except for perhaps Xellos who could probably feast in a place like this; but since Filia was along for the ride now, he was guaranteed a good meal anyway. So they consented and made their way out of the city. By the time the sun was setting, they had made their way to a small village and located an inn. After the pantries had been thoroughly emptied, the seven travelers wound their way upstairs, past their rooms, and sat in a small lounge at the end of the hall.

Ok, start explaining, Lina said, and all eyes turned to the strawberry-blonde. First off, what are you? Faith chuckled a bit.

Zelgadis, do you remember what I told you when you asked me that question? she asked. The shaman nodded.

You said that you were not human, not dragon, not god, not monster; just one of many stuck in between. Sort of like myself', he recited.

Well that's wonderful, how about a straight answer now, Lina said. Faith heaved a deep breath.

I'm a half-breed, as it were. My father was Ryuuzoku, and my mother was Mazoku-- Faith began, but was cut off by a strangled noise from Filia.

A Ryuuzoku and a Mazoku! Impossible!! shrieked the dragon, her tail shooting out from under her skirts again. Everyone except Gourry looked as though they were in shock; even Xellos had opened one eye in surprise.

Well then I am an impossibility because I'm here, Faith retorted, not looking pleased. You said it yourself, I have Mazoku eyes. I don't know how you saw them, I can usually disguise them perfectly, she said. Faith closed her eyes for a moment, and when they opened again, everyone saw that, though they were still the same shade of sky-blue, she had the unmistakable slit-pupil eyes of a Mazoku. And as Zelgadis and Amelia saw, I can use Laser Breath, which only Ryuuzoku can do. Filia looked as though she was about to faint; Xellos had his happy face plastered firmly on; Lina, Amelia, and Zelgadis all looked surprised; and Gourry just looked confused, as always.

But... but... but... How is that POSSIBLE!? Filia gasped, How could that HAPPEN?

Why Filia-chan, Xellos chimed in, smirking more than before, I didn't think you were THAT naieve, let me explain; you see when a mommy and a daddy love each other very much--

MAZOKU DON'T LOVE! roared Filia, smashing Xellos in the face with her mace, sending the priest ricocheting off the walls until he finally crashed to a halt by Gourry's feet.

Some of them do! Faith snapped. Filia tuned and stared at her.

I don't know where you get your information, but Mazoku are all life-hating creatures who feed on fear and pain, who desire nothing more than destruction, and who are fueled by hatred, the Ryuuzoku said haughtily. Xellos twitched as he sat up from the floor.

Ne, and Ryuuzoku don't love either, the Mazoku said, his tone cheerful, but his words cutting like daggers, Unless you count their love for themselves. They're all too absorbed in their own self-righteousness to care about the lives or emotions of other beings.

And what would you know about the emotions of any beings? Filia growled.

More than a self-absorbed Ryuuzoku like you would, Xellos retorted, his smile strained, a vein pulsing in his forehead.

WOULD YOU TWO CUT IT OUT! Faith bellowed. Everyone froze and turned to stare at the young woman. Faith's usually blue eyes were glowing a bloody crimson, and needle-sharp fangs were visible in her mouth. Her hands were now much larger, with long, spindly fingers, covered in golden-brown scales and tipped with razor sharp two-inch long obsidian black claws. Xellos was the first to recover his voice.

Faith-chan, that's a new look for you. Very interesting, he said with a grin as she shot him a deadly glare.

You two can hate each other all you like, Faith growled, looking back and forth between Xellos and Filia, But don't you dare say again that Mazoku or Ryuuzoku cannot love. Both of them nodded, Filia more out of confusion and Xellos more out of curiosity. He was interested in the story this girl had to tell.

Can you explain what happened? Zelgadis asked. He couldn't help but shiver slightly when Faith turned her blood red eyes on him. Slowly, the young woman nodded and sat down. She drew a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were blue once more, though still the slit-pupil Mazoku eyes. Her fangs had receded slightly, and her hands were mostly back to normal.

I can explain, if I'm allowed to do so without interruption, she said with pointed glares at Xellos and Filia, who both nodded. Faith heaved a deep breath. Ok, I guess I better begin at the beginning.


End Notes: So...umm....what do ye think? There is a method to my madness, I promise. ^_^ Anyhoo, R&R pweeze. Oh, the diabolicalness (is that a word?) I was referring to up in my AN does not occur for another 3 or 4 chapters. See how evil I am? MUAHAHAHAHAAA!! *goes back to little hidey-hole to write more*