AN: Ok, here ye go. Oh, to my beloved reviewers:
Moro -- LOL, ok, since you've been asking since I started posting this thing, I'll see what I can do about giving Zel some extra added bonus grief. I'm not making any promises, and if I do get to it, it won't show up for a few more chapters, but I'll try. ^_^
Ryo Hoshi -- Ye know, I've actually been saving a line similar to the one you mentioned in yer review to use against Xel and Filia... hee hee, either great minds think alike, or I'm just weird. ...Wait, I am weird...
And to Lauren-sama and Digi-riven for so many wonderful reviews. MUAHAHAAA! Ok, Faith-chan needs a nap, so I'll let y'all just read now.

Disclaimer: All I own is my computer, a half-empty bottle of some highly caffinated substance, and a warped imagination. Nowhere in that list is

* Chapter * 6 *

It all began just over a thousand years ago, with the War of Monsters Fall, Faith began. As I said before, my father was a Ryuuzoku -- a golden dragon to be precise -- and my mother was Mazoku. I wasn't told much about how they met, it apparently wasn't a very pleasant situation for either of them. But they did meet, and for whatever reason, they were...intrigued by each other, my father used to say. He hated Mazoku, but for some reason, my mother intrigued him. The same went for my mother. So, when the war ended, my father would go off into neutral territory, for the sake of hunting' or exploring.' My mother would just so happen to be in the same area on some excuse or another. They would usually fight quite a bit when running into each other, too. Neither of them wanted to admit that it was more than simple coincidence that they kept meeting up, because neither one of them believed it was possible that the other could feel anything for them. For that matter, they both spent a great deal of time trying to convince themselves that they didn't feel anything for the other, she added with a slight chuckle.

she continued, In spite of the facts that Mazoku can't love,' and Ryuuzoku care only for themselves,' somehow or another, my parents did end up loving each other. It took them a long time to admit it; and even longer for them to trust each other, she chuckled again, somewhat more ironically this time. It was especially hard for my father to trust my mother. As much as he wanted to believe that she was telling him the truth, everything he had been born and raised to believe told him that Mazoku are untrustworthy, Mazoku lie, Mazoku are always scheming and up to something. Which, of course, they often are. However, to say that Mazoku are incapable of love, and incapable of being trustworthy is as ignorant a statement as proclaiming that Ryuuzoku cannot hate and never ever lie. Faith sighed and got herself back on topic.

I still don't know what happened to convince my father of my mother's sincerity. They told me it was a secret that must be kept between the two of them. But regardless of that, they did finally trust each other. They were in love. And they decided they wanted to have a child. That's where I come in.

But that's impossible, Filia said, sounding almost panicky. Faith turned and looked at her. Mazoku don't reproduce like normal creatures, how could a Ryuuzoku and a Mazoku possibly have a CHILD? Faith sighed.

Obviously it's possible since I exist. If you want to know the detailed mechanics of it, I'll leave that to someone more qualified. But the basics of it was that my father gave a piece of his essence to my mother, which she melded with a part of her own essence, and she used the combined energies to create me. I was born as Mazoku are but I am fully half Ryuuzoku, and could have just as easily been hatched, she replied.

said Filia quietly, not quite knowing what else to say. Faith half smiled at her, then continued on with her story.

After I was born, my parents took me to the Mystics' Cave, where the Librarian was one of my father's closest friends; and the only person who knew of his romance with my mother. My parents knew I needed to be kept safe; I couldn't stay with either of them, since the Ryuuzoku or the Mazoku would probably kill me for what I was; so they needed to find a place where I wouldn't be seen, even by the most powerful Mazoku or Ryuuzoku Lords. So they left me in the care of Terka, a golden dragon like my father...Uncle Terka, he told me to call him, she said with a smile, And they would come and see me as often as they could.

They just left you there? Amelia asked, half in shock. Faith chuckled slightly.

Well, it's not like they abandoned me. I would see at least one of them almost every day. They taught me all about both halves of my heritage. I learned how to be both Ryuuzoku and Mazoku, to find a balance within myself. They taught me, and Uncle Terka taught me... the young woman trailed off, tears glinting in the corners of her eyes. She sniffed and blinked to clear her vision, then continued on.

For a long time, we continued on that way. I grew and learned, though I lived a very sheltered life. My parents and Uncle Terka were the only people I saw, except those who came in to seek knowledge from the Mystics' Cave. Then one day... her voice cracked slightly, and she took another breath to steady herself. Her eyes stared off into the distance, and when she spoke again, her voice had taken on a much more child-like nature.

Then one day my mother came into the cave, very upset. My father and Uncle Terka were both there, playing with me. Mother told them that one of the Mazoku had found out about her relationship with my father. She said that the Mazoku, Sankuro, was on his way to my father's village, that he intended to destroy it, and that he had a small army of Mazoku with him. Father got mad...he nearly shifted into full dragon form right in the cave. He and Uncle Terka left the cave to go and protect their village...it had been Uncle Terka's home too, before he had become the caretaker of the Mystics' Cave. So they left. Mother left too, after a while. I don't know where she went, maybe to check up on them or something. I was alone in the cave for a long time. I don't know how long. Then mother phased into the cave, with father and Uncle Terka. They were all hurt very badly, especially father and uncle. There was so much blood everywhere. Faith was speaking in a half-whisper now. Her eyes were glazed over as she stared into space. It seemed as though she was reliving the memory.

I tried to heal them, she whispered, still glassy-eyed. I tried. But I didn't know enough, I wasn't good enough. Father died in mother's arms as I tried to help him. She took his body away... to bury him, I guess. She said she would be back soon. She left me with Uncle Terka. He was bleeding, he was dying just like my father. I went to him and tried to help, but it was no good. He looked me in the eye and told me not to be afraid. He said that the Ryuuzoku had managed to destroy most of Sankuro's army, and that he would probably never regain all of the power he lost in the battle. It was a grand battle, he said with a smile on his face. Then he told me that even if Sankuro could get his power back, he could never hurt me, because he didn't know I existed; and that even if he ever found out, he'd never be able to find me in the cave. I cried and hugged uncle. We both knew he was dying. She choked off a sob.

He told me that someone would have to watch over the cave, that someone would have to be it's guardian. He told me that the cave needed me as much as I needed the cave. He told me it would teach me and watch over me. I said no at first, I was afraid. But he told me it was for the best, and that if I ever needed to, I could pass the responsibility to someone else. So I agreed. He took my face in his hands and... I don't know, passed me his link to the cave. It was warm and comforting. It held me and soothed me as Uncle Terka died in my arms. It rocked me to sleep when mother didn't return. It took me as it's child when I became an orphan. It gave me the strength to bury my uncle and face life. It taught me to hide my true nature when I wish to. It taught me to heal, so that I would never have to watch someone die again. The cave is much more than a library, a collection of information. It's a collection of all the souls who have ever watched over it, and a life in and of itself. And I have been in the cave since that day, until I set out with you all, she concluded, drawing a deep breath and shaking her head slightly, as if to bring herself back to the present. And that is the story of my life, she said with a grin, If you have any questions, please hold them until another time, since I don't think I can talk any more about this tonight and still manage to retain what semblance of sanity I possess. With that, the half-breed orphan stood up, wobbled slightly, and walked down the hall to her bedroom.

The others sat in stunned silence. Even Xellos had replaced his normally cheerful mask with a thoughtful one. Gourry didn't fully understand the story, especially since he had dozed off a few times; but he had gathered enough to know that Faith's family had died in a bad way, and that the Mazoku that Lina had just Dragon Slaved was involved. Maybe he'd ask Lina to clarify stuff for him later, if he was feeling up to being bashed around. For now, though, he knew enough to understand why his friend Faith was sad, and that was enough for him. With a yawn, he stood up and went to his room. One by one, the others followed suit as tiredness took hold. Finally only Xellos was left sitting in the lounge, a thoughtful look still on his face.


* * *


The next morning over breakfast, it was decided that they would all escort Filia back home first, then they would see Faith back to her cave. Filia was eager to get back to her shop and make sure everything was ok with baby Val, while Lina and Amelia were eager to see how much he he had grown.

How old is baby Valgaav now? Gourry asked. Filia glowered at him for a second, then softened.

His name is Val now, the Ryuuzoku said, Valgaav is dead, and we decided that Val deserved a second chance. But he's just over a year old now.

Filia-san, who's watching him now? Amelia asked, worry in her voice. For a moment, a worried look flashed across the golden dragon's face before she chased it away.

I was kidnapped by those vile Mazoku on my way back from food shopping she said with a slight glower, I had left Val-chan with Jillas and Gravos in the shop. Those two can be clumsy, but assuming Jillas hasn't blown up the shop, I believe that Val-chan is in good hands, she finished with a slight smile. Xellos grinned brightly at her.

I could always pop over and check on them-- he began when the Ryuuzoku snarled and cut him off.

You keep away from them, namagomi! she snapped, standing up and leaning close to his face. Xellos twitched slightly, but kept his smile on.

Well, if you don't want to know if the child is even still alive, that's up to you. What a concerned caretaker you are... the priest trailed off as Filia's tail shot out again and thrashed about, knocking dishes off the table.

MY FOOD! came the half-panicked shouts from Lina and Gourry. While the blonde swordsman scrambled about to try and salvage what food he could, the fiery sorceress leapt over the table to tackle Filia. The dragon maiden shrieked and threw Lina off of her and into Xellos. Lina immediately changed tracks and proceeded to bash the Mazoku over the head repeatedly.

You two have no respect for other peoples nutritional needs! she hollered, stamping on Xellos' head and glowering at Filia.

Lina, you've already eaten enough to feed a horse for three days, I don't see why--URK! Zelgadis was cut off when he was suddenly face to face with a very peeved sorceress.

Are you comparing me to a horse? she asked, her tone low and dangerous. Zelgadis gulped and backed away a little, raising his hands in a defensive gesture.

That's not what I meant, Lina, I just meant that-- but he didn't have time to finish his explanation as Lina mashed in the top of his no-longer-stone head. Her fury temporarily sated, Lina returned to her seat to mourn the loss of her food. Amelia scooted over to comfort Zelgadis. Xellos lay on the floor covered in black and blue marks, looking far too pleased, while Filia was glowering at him. Faith was sitting back slightly and giggling happily, seemingly very amused by the whole production.

What's so funny? Lina asked the older woman. Faith got her giggles under control and turned to face the sorceress.

Everything and nothing. Just you all...the way you act and interact... she trailed off as another fit of giggles took her.

I don't think it was very funny, Faith-san, Amelia said with a slightly disapproving look, resting her hand on Zelgadis' arm. Faith turned and smiled at the princess when she'd gotten her laughter under control.

Understandably. But you aren't part Mazoku; and for better or worse, I am, she said, grinning.

And what is that supposed to mean? Lina demanded. Faith shrugged.

It means that I feed off emotions, like Mazoku. Though, unlike Mazoku, positive emotions taste' just as good to me as negative ones, I do have to admit that pain and fear can be quite delicious, in small enough quantities, she replied.

Small enough quantities? I though Mazoku couldn't get enough of pain and fear, Zelgadis said in a questioning tone.

But I'm not fully Mazoku. I don't know why I got the strange combination of traits that I did, but I guess that's just how I was supposed to be. Now then, if we're done eating, we should probably get a move on if we want to get to the next town by dark, right Lina? she asked brightly, standing up. Lina looked at the strawberry-blonde and saw that she was clearly avoiding the subject.

Oh well, we all have things we're uncomfortable talking about,' Lina thought. Yep, we better get moving, she said, looking around at her friends and clapping her hands together to punctuate the statement. Within a few minutes, everyone had gotten themselves together and they had set out again.

The day's journey was basically pleasant. The friends chatted idly as they made their way down the road. Lina and Amelia questioned Filia about all the details of how baby Val was doing, while Zel and Gourry followed along behind the women, smiling and chatting with each other. Faith hung back from her new friends, lost in thought as she stared at her feet walking down the dusty path. She suddenly became aware of a presence at her side.

Hello Xellos, she said without looking up.

Hello Faith-chan, he said brightly, Why are you hiding back here? Embarrassed by your Mazoku side? he asked, opening an eye to glance sidelong at the half-breed girl. She shook her head.

Not embarrassed. I just sometimes feel guilty for enjoying the suffering of others, she sighed. But it's part of who I am, not much I can do about it, I suppose.

Why feel guilty? It's a part of you, why not simply embrace it? he asked, still watching her with one slitted eye. The girl thought for a moment, then responded.

Two reasons, I guess. Firstly, because another part of me despises pain and suffering, and that is as much my nature as it is to enjoy the suffering, so how can I chose between two conflicting parts of my own nature when neither of them will relent in their stubbornness? It simply wouldn't work. And secondly, she said, glancing up at the Mazoku beside her, Perhaps it is a part of myself that I don't really wish to embrace. After all, we all have things about ourselves that we aren't particularly fond of: weaknesses, vices, desires that we try to deny; if not to ourselves, then still usually to others. Isn't that right? she asked with a smirk that rivaled one of Xellos' own infamous smirks. The priest opened his eyes in surprise and looked at Faith's knowing smile for a moment.

She is either very observant, very wise, or simply good at talking like she knows what she's talking about when she doesn't really have a clue.' he thought. Perhaps this is why Juuou-sama is interested in the girl. Either way, though, the girl probably does know something; and is hiding it. Perhaps something of interest...' He chuckled slightly at Faith, his cheerful smile once again masking his face. Indeed, we all have our secrets, now don't we? he asked. Faith looked at his mask-like face, and nodded.

Indeed we do, she agreed. Though some of us have more than others. And with that, she fell silent and went back to staring at the road as her feet picked their way down it, kicking at a stray rock every now and then. Xellos shrugged and made his way up to the front of the troupe to torment Filia. He convinced himself that there was no way Faith knew any more about him than he had shared with the group.

After all,' he thought, ducking a mace as Filia roared at him, She's a young, inexperienced child who probably doesn't fully understand enough about either side of herself to fully use all her potential abilities. She was just talking big.'


* * *


They walked on through the day, and soon their shadows lengthened as dusk fell. Lina soon announced that they should make camp, since there was no way they'd make it to the next town until well into the night. The red-head glared slightly at Xellos as she said this, since it was largely due to his tormenting of Filia and Zelgadis that the group had been delayed.

As everyone moved about getting camp set up and a fire going, Amelia noticed that Faith was being unusually quiet and withdrawn. She felt a slight pang of guilt, and wondered if perhaps her admonishment of Faith's Mazoku sense of humor might have contributed to the half-breed's now sullen look. Uncertainly, the princess made her way over to her sulking friend.

Hello there Faith-san, she said brightly, putting on a smile and trying to be cheerful, hoping it would be contagious and the other girl might perk up as well. What are you doing sitting here all by yourself? Faith smiled faintly at Amelia and shrugged.

Nothing much, just thinking a bit, the older woman replied.

Oh. You aren't mad about this morning, are you? Amelia asked, a hint of worry edging into her voice. Faith chuckled.

Mad? No, not at all, she said with a smile. While my sadistic side is not always something I'm proud of and don't like being reminded of, I have no reason to be mad at you for what you said. Amelia looked relieved.

Come on, why don't you join us by the fire? You can sit and think just as well over there, the princess offered. Faith grinned and nodded, and both women stood, making their way over to where Gourry was adding more wood to the crackling fire. Lina was helping Filia prepare some food for dinner, and soon the friends were all munching away. Well, except for Xellos, who had feasted earlier, courtesy of Filia and Zelgadis.

Ano, Faith, Lina asked around a mouthful of food, Do you think you could tell me some more about what the Mystics' Cave is? Maybe about some of the knowledge that's stored there? Zel, Gourry, and Amelia recognized the glint in the sorceress' eyes that said that she was looking for new and powerful spells. Faith thought for a moment as she chewed her food. Finally, she swallowed and replied.

Even I'm not sure where all the information came from. Some of it has been there since the time that Lord Ceiphied and Lord Shabranigdo battled over 5,000 years ago, she said, leaning back slightly, watching a few jaws drop.

How can you keep track of all of that? Amelia asked in wonder.

The cave isn't just a warehouse of information. Pieces of the essences of all the past Librarians are still in there, and they help me to find things sometimes. And like I said, the place itself is almost alive. Sometimes, if I'm phased into the heart of the place, I can almost hear it breathing, feel it pulsing with life, she said dreamily.

Yes, yes, that's very interesting, now what's this about information that's been there since Ceiphied and Shabranigdo? Lina asked, her eyes wide with interest. Faith chuckled.

Lots of random information, she said.

Like what? Lina asked eagerly. Faith shook her head.

I don't remember off the top of my head, and even if I did, you would need a more specific question. The Cave will tell most of it's secrets, but only when the question is asked correctly, she added with a wink. Lina's face fell and she glowered at the older woman.

Well that's a great load of help, she grumbled.

Well, if you can think of any specific questions to ask by the time we get back to the cave, I'll be happy to try and look things up for you. I don't have much else to do there, other than simply study for myself, she added with a shrug.

That must get pretty boring, Gourry said. He couldn't imagine staying inside all the time reading and stuff. It would make his head hurt. He needed to be outside, with his friends.

Sometimes. But it's not too lonely in there; and if things get too lonely, I can go to sleep, she said. She received a number of confused glances, and decided to elaborate. Time works strangely in the heart of the cave. Sometimes it goes fast, sometimes it goes slow, depending on what I need. Whenever I was feeling too lonely or bored, I'd curl up in the heart of the cave and go to sleep until either someone came in or I just decided to wake up. Quite a few times, I've slept for a couple of decades. Once or twice, I think I slept for almost a century, she said.

So you must be even younger than you seem, Xellos said, smiling. Faith shot him a strange look, but nodded.

I guess, depending on how you define age. I don't even know if I do age while I sleep, but I guess for someone like me, physical age barely matters much, she added with a shrug. she added quietly after a moment, I do sometimes wonder if I'm learning while I sleep. Sometimes I wake up and I'll understand a problem I was puzzling over before I went to sleep.... But then again, from what I hear, that's not an uncommon experience, she said, smiling at everyone. Lina, Zelgadis, and Amelia nodded. Gourry was happily munching away at some last bits of food he'd found.

Faith-san, you said that your father was a golden dragon, correct? Filia asked, looking up from her now finished meal. The Ryuuzoku was very careful not to look in the direction of the grinning Mazoku priest who had been taunting her for most of the evening. The blonde woman was determined to not let him get the better of her, at least not for the moment. Faith nodded in response to Filia's question. What was his name? I'm curious to know if I've ever heard of him or his clan.

Xellos broke in brightly, And perhaps I know your mother, if you'd tell me her name. Perhaps she isn't dead, I could give you news of her, if I have it. Faith glared at the priest for a moment, then smirked.

Sore wa himitsu desu, she said, wagging a finger at him, while both he and Filia sat back in surprise. As you said, Xellos, she might still be alive. I may be young, inexperienced, and naieve at times, but I'm not stupid. Assuming she is still alive, even if you personally don't do anything to try and harm her, I'm sure there are plenty of Mazoku out there who would not take kindly to her having mated with a Ryuuzoku, so I will not risk putting her in danger. And even if she is truly dead, I will not risk someone finding out her name, finding out her truth, and defiling her name and memory. The same goes for my father, she added, glancing at Filia, who sputtered as if gravely insulted.

Why... I... Of all the..., the Ryuuzoku stammered, staring at the young half-breed in shock. How could the gods have allowed such an unholy union, between a Ryuuzoku and... and a MAZOKU? she finally exclaimed, unable to think of anything better through her anger and insult. Faith's eyes grew cold and hard as topaz as she stared at the golden dragon.

Actually, I think that the gods were quite pleased by it, she whispered dangerously. Xellos opened an eye to watch the girl closely. Lina, Amelia, Zel, and even Gourry were listening intently, though keeping a safe distance away.

And WHY would they be pleased? Filia sputtered.

Because I'm a balance point, I think. And after that damned war, the world needed one. Or do you all really think that one side or the other is SUPPOSED to win this stupid conflict? she snapped. Why would L-sama have gone through all the trouble of creating these worlds and creating a balance within them if She did not intend for it to be as that? If She truly WANTED Chaos, she could bring us to it in a moment, with a mere thought. I doubt She intended for all to be Order, since she is the Sea of Chaos itself. So I think that She intended for a balance between Chaos and Order, since that is what She created. The single greatest balance point is humanity itself, which is both orderly and chaotic by nature. And after something upsets the balance, like the War of Monsters Fall, then some new balances must be created. And at the risk of sounding like a self-important Ryuuzoku, I believe I am such a balance. There was a stunned silence when the angry young woman finally stopped.

But, Faith-san, if L-sama intended for balance as you say, why would She create the Ryuuzoku and the Mazoku to fight each other? Amelia asked cautiously.

Because if everything was a constant state of balanced harmony, life would stagnate, Faith said with a shrug.

Wow, you really have this all figured out, Gourry said, a slight tone of admiration in his voice. Faith chuckled.

Well, I have had a lot of time to think about it, and plenty of reasons to question it, she said. Filia just sort of gaped at the other woman, unsure of how to react. Even Xellos seemed speechless for once. A silence settled over the group as they processed the new information. Faith took advantage of the silence to stretch and curl up by the fire. It was apparent that the young woman wasn't interested in talking any more tonight.


* * *


The next morning, after a (relatively) quick meal, the troupe set out again. Everyone was in much brighter spirits in the morning light. They all had more of a spring in their step, save Filia and Xellos. Filia had her head held higher, though, and walked with a more gliding gait. Xellos was floating along behind them, lounging as if lying in a lawn chair. The group walked in peace for a while before Xellos got bored and decided to have some fun. He thought for a moment about what to do to amuse himself, then decided in a simple, yet effective, plan.

The purple haired priest moved forward, floating over everyone's heads until he was levitating just two feet in front of Filia, cross-legged in the air with his rear end at eye level with the blonde dragon. As it became apparent to Filia that her nemesis had no intention of moving out of her line of sight, she growled slightly.

she hissed in as sweet a tone as she could manage, Would you mind moving, please? She was determined not to let that Mazoku bait her, she refused to sink to his level. Xellos turned in mid-air so that he faced Filia; but since he didn't change altitude, Filia had to react quickly to avoid being hit in the face with his knee as he spun.

What's the matter, Filia-chan? Is something wrong with the view? he asked, smirking. Filia balked at being called Filia-chan,' but composed herself quickly.

I just don't like having namagomi Mazoku in front of me while I walk. The sight and the stench make me ill, she replied, looking smug. Faith looked back and forth between the two as they bickered, giggling all the while. Lina was smirking, while Amelia looked worried. Zelgadis had an eyebrow raised and an unamused expression on his face, while Gourry was nonplused by the whole thing. Xellos twitched slightly, but managed to keep his smirk firmly in place.

Yare yare, such rudeness! he exclaimed with a mock surprised look on his face. Where did you learn such terrible manners? he taunted, still floating in front of the dragon. Filia bristled at the comment.

A rude Mazoku like you doesn't deserve to be treated with good manners, she huffed. Xellos twitched again.

So this is what the noble Ryuuzoku stand for; not respect for all, but only those who they -- in their haughtiness -- deem worthy, he said thought clenched teeth, keeping a forced grin on his face. Filia sputtered, the growled, her fangs becoming very apparent.

Why you... Haughtiness!! How DARE you!! she shrieked, reaching beneath her skirts, grabbing her mace and swinging upwards with it in one smooth motion, knocking Xellos into a tree and sending the Mazoku bouncing back and forth across the road, making everyone jump to dodge the whizzing blob of purple and black. When the Mazoku priest finally crashed to a stop in the middle of the road, Faith and Amelia stepped forward, picked him up under the arms, set him on his feet, let go of him, and began walking. Faith was still giggling as everyone else fell into step as well, once again making their way towards Filia's town. Filia made her way to the front of the troupe and stalked along the trail, her tail twitching from under her skirts as she walked.

Haughty! Rude! How dare that Mazoku say such things about me!' she thought as she walked along the trail, huffing in anger. Xellos walked along with Faith next to him near the back of the line. The Mazoku was still twitching in anger

Why does that damned Ryuuzoku get to me?' he thought, twitching again. I've been called worse things without losing control. Why would that woman be any different?'


End Notes: Ok, I know, lots of talking and stuff. Talk is boring, but as my wonderful friend and beta-reader Amber says, it can't all be action. Hells, if it WAS all action, my job would be a lot easier, cuz writing action/battle scenes is usually easier fer me than talking an walking stuff! lol Anyhoo, R&R pweeze. I hope the story isn't stagnating too much...