AN: Dum de dum, chapter eight.... Not much to say about it. I hereby dedicate this chapter to my baby brothers, Fuzzy and Aragorn (only the former actually being related to me), for no apparent reason. I'm just hoping it'll get them to READ this story. ^_^
Oh, an Ryo. *gryn* I have a few muses...a couple of crazy faeries named Krista an Tasha for my fantasy stories, and for Slayers, my muse is Xellos (frighteningly, he actually has IM conversations with my friends at times).
||^_^|| Why is that so frightening, Faith-chan?
...
Yea, ANYWAY.... Happy reading, all. ^_^
Disclaimer: Slayers is the property of someone who is not me. Isn't it sad?
* Chapter * 8 *
Not much later, at a local inn, nine people were gathered around a table piled high with empty plates, and still some plates that weren't quite empty yet. Faith, Filia, Jillas, and Gravos were all still upset, though they had all gotten themselves mostly under control now. Finally, Lina drained the last mug and slammed it down on the table as she let out a contented sigh.
Ok, that's much better! she declared, patting her stomach and sitting back slightly in her chair. Now I can think straight!
Wonderful, maybe now we can figure out some answers, Filia said, her hands still shaking slightly as she lifted her teacup to her lips to take a sip. Lina nodded and turned to look at Faith.
Faith, tell us everything you can about the Mystic's Cave, especially anything that might be connected to Val, or to the Ancient Dragons, the red-head asked. Faith thought for a moment, then began to rattle off as much information as she could think of that might be relevant to the situation.
I don't think, though, the half-breed said after a long explanation of the cave, That it has any kind of connection to the Ancient Dragons. Most of the Librarians there have been Golden Dragons, almost since as far back as the cave has been around. A thought tickled the back of Lina's mind.
You said that the cave has been around since the time of the battle between Ceiphied and Shabranigdo, right? Lina asked. Faith nodded. And the cave itself has a life of sorts to it as well? Again, the Librarian nodded, not sure where Lina was going with all this. Lina was still desperately trying to get at that ticklish thought scampering around the back of her mind. Something Faith had said about balance points...
Lina-san, what are you getting at? Amelia asked. Lina ignored the question and turned her fiery eyes on Faith again. The strawberry-blonde was beginning to feel like a scientific specimen under close scrutiny.
What was it you said about balance points? the sorceress asked, her eyes intense. Faith looked confused for a moment, then as she began to explain a look of realization began to cross her face.
The worlds we are in are meant to be balanced. After great wars or battles that upset the balance of the world, a new balance point is created, the half-breed said.
How many balance-shattering battles have been fought? Filia asked.
More than I care to count, Faith sighed. The battle between Ceiphied and Shabranigdo would probably be the biggest and one of the most ancient.
Then there were the more recent ones, Xellos added thoughtfully, The War of Monsters Fall was a major one. Probably the massacre of the Ancient Dragons as well, he added with a sidelong glance at Filia. The golden dragon growled at him, though she couldn't hide the flash of guilt that flickered across her eyes. Zelgadis continued with the list.
What about our battles with Rezo and Shabranigdo, Kopii Rezo and Zanaffar, Gaav, Hellmaster, and Darkstar? the shaman asked. Faith thought about it and nodded slowly.
And there are probably more that we don't know about, but for the moment, let's just work with the ones we know, shall we? Lina said. Now, if we assume that Faith's theory is right, than a new balance point is created for each battle, correct? Faith nodded. Ok, so let's see if we can reason out what those balance points might be.
Well, we already think that Faith-san is a balance point from the War of Monsters Fall, Amelia said.
If what I have seen and heard about your battle with Kopii Rezo and the demon beast Zanaffar is correct, then the balance point for that battle is the great tree Flagoon, as it was when Zanaffar was defeated the first time, Faith said. Lina, Zelgadis, Amelia and Xellos nodded their agreement.
But the tree was destroyed by Hellmaster when he went to Sairaag, Amelia said. The young woman couldn't help but fight back tears at the memory of that terrible battle.
Then probably when a new balance point was created for the battle with Hellmaster, it also took over for Flagoon, Faith suggested.
But what would the balance point be for that battle? Zelgadis asked. Everyone was silent for a moment. The final showdown with Hellmaster Phibrizo was not something that those who had been there liked to think about. Except for Xellos, of course, who had been able to watch from a safe distance as he had healed from the wound Gaav had given him, and who had often wondered about the strange turn the battle had taken.
If I might make a suggestion of a possibility? Xellos asked, smirking slightly.
Go ahead, Lina said, watching the Mazoku carefully. It wasn't like him to volunteer useful information.
I believe that the balance point created at that battle would be you, Lina-san, Xellos said with a smirk.
came a chorus from around the table as everyone turned to stare at the Mazoku.
Are you serious? Lina asked, glaring suspiciously at the grinning priest, who nodded in response.
To be plainly honest... Xellos said.
There's a first, something that's not a secret, Filia muttered under her breath. Amethyst eyes turned their gaze on the dragon, who simply stared back. Filia wasn't giving an inch on this one; damn Mazoku and his damn secrets. Silence filled the room for a few moments before Xellos continued, grin still firmly in place.
To be honest, I've often wondered why L-sama restored your life after that battle, Xellos said, looking at Lina.
It was the power of Gourry-san's love for Lina-san! Amelia exclaimed. Everyone stared at her blankly, except Lina who blushed slightly and stuck her nose up in the air as if in defiant denial, and Gourry who just blinked repeatedly, glancing back and forth between Lina and Amelia. Amelia sighed as Xellos's smile twitched in amusement.
As touching as the sentiment is, I found it hard to believe that she would bend, or even break the rules of existence based on one man's determination not to let go of someone, the Mazoku said, smiling. Actually, I believe that there might be some validity to Faith-chan's theory, and it would explain Lina's re-birth far more effectively than saying it was a cosmic whim, the purple-haired priest insisted.
Ok, ok, enough about all that, Lina said, seeming anxious to get away from the topic. What about the battle with Darkstar?
Really, Lina, I thought it would have been obvious, Xellos said, grinning at the sorceress and Filia. Lina sighed slightly as she looked at Filia, the sorceress' suspicions confirmed.
Valgaav, right? the red-head said. Everyone in the party looked around at each other, all nodding slightly. Only Filia huffed slightly.
His name is Val, she said, tossing her head slightly, though it was clear that she was putting up a front. Xellos and Faith could both feel the waves of fear and pain rolling off of her as she worried about the fate of her adopted son. However, she didn't deny that he was almost definitely the balance point from the battle with Darkstar.
But, what about the battle between Shabranigdo and Ceiphied? Amelia asked. Before anyone could think of a response, though, the door of the in burst open and two familiar figures rushed in, looking frantic.
cried the raven-haired figure, her dark cloak swirling around her as she rushed over to the table where the troupe sat. Thank the gods we've found you!
Faith replied, standing abruptly and banging her leg into the table as she did so. Wincing, the strawberry-blonde faced her friends. What's wrong?
Something has happened to the cave, Raven said, worry clouding her lavender eyes. A Mazoku attacked it, and now the whole place stinks of evil, the red-blonde woman said, glaring at Xellos out of the corner of her eye. The priest merely grinned and waved jauntily.
I know, I felt it when it was attacked, Faith said, frowning at the memory.
I thought you said that the energy left behind wasn't very strong, Xellos, Filia said, looking at the Mazoku suspiciously. She still wasn't convinced that Xellos wasn't somehow involved in Val-chan's disappearance.
Just because the specific energy pattern left behind is weak doesn't mean that the overall air of a place can't be filled with the presence of evil, Faith said. Xellos merely continued grinning with upturned eyes.
Faith, you have to come back to the cave, now, Amber said, her voice urgent. There is something very wrong going on there.
Excellent idea! Xellos declared, standing up. Let's go! Filia gaped at him, burning with rage.
Why should we go!? What about Val-chan!? the golden dragon demanded as her tail shot out from her skirts again.
If the Mazoku who attacked Faith's cave is the same one who kidnapped Val, where do you think he's more likely to go back to, Filia. Your shop, or the cave? Zelgadis asked. He got what he was looking for here; or at least we're pretty sure he did. We don't know if he got what he wanted at the cave--
He didn't, Faith said, quietly, but as though she was sure of it. Zelgadis continued.
And if he didn't get what he was after, he'll probably go back and try again, the shaman concluded.
So our best bet of getting Val back is to head off the one who took him, and our best bet of that is at the Mystics' Cave, Lina declared, her mind made up. Amber glowered, clearly not pleased with the idea of having to travel with Lina again; but for Faith and the cave, she'd deal with it. Filia still didn't look quite convinced of the whole thing, but she trusted her friends.
So I guess we should leave in the morning? Faith asked, looking around at everyone. Everyone nodded, and after it was decided who would be staying where, the friends said their good-nights and arranged to meet back at the inn in the morning for breakfast and leave right afterwards. Filia took Jillas and Gravos back to the shop, which doubled as their home, and Xellos disappeared to somewhere. The remaining seven people paid the innkeeper to use the three unoccupied bedrooms in the inn. Faith, Amber, and Raven had no complaints about sharing a room together, even if it meant one of them would have to sleep on the floor. Lina, Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadis stared around at each other for a moment, and after an unspoken agreement passed between them that no one would ask any questions, Lina and Gourry took one room, while Zel and Amelia took the last.
Once Faith, Amber, and Raven had settled in to their room, the three friends sat down to discuss things. Faith noted that it was amazing how much her two friends softened their attitudes once they were away from the main group. Amber's eyes grew softer as she relaxed, removing her cloak and draping it over a chair. Raven's tight-lipped expression loosened, and the corners of her mouth turned up in a smirk as she shook out her hair and plopped down on the floor, sighing happily.
So, did either of you see who attacked my cave? Faith asked, glancing back and forth between her friends. They both shook their heads sadly.
Sorry, Faith, we didn't, Amber said with a sigh. We were about two miles away when we heard this gods awful scream... It sounded like something huge was being killed.
So we went as fast as we could to check it out, Raven said, picking up the story, But when we got there, all we found was the cave, looking a little scorched, and the whole place stinking of Mazoku. I STILL say I saw that purple-haired Xellos character there too, the red-blonde said with a huff.
You probably did, Faith said, He went there to check it out after I collapsed from the attack. But he was with us when it happened, so it couldn't have been him.
Not directly, anyway, Raven said, a slight glower flickering across her face before she chased it away. Faith sighed and shook her head slightly.
I know how much you hate Mazoku, Raven, Faith said kindly, But I really don't think that Xellos had anything to do with this. Now it was Amber's turn to shake her head and sigh at Faith.
I still think you let yourself trust people way too easily, Faith-chan, the raven haired sorceress said. Faith smirked at her friend.
And I still say that you don't trust enough, Amber-chan. Besides, she added with a smile and a shrug, It's been ten years since you've seen me, maybe I've wised up in my old age. Raven laughed and threw an amused glance at her friend.
Old age? Either you hit that long ago, or you won't hit it for a long time to come, Raven said, But either way, I don't think ten years is a long time for you. Faith laughed and nodded.
True enough, she said. Slowly, Faith's smile faded, and she looked at her fiends again. The strawberry-blonde heaved a breath. I know that you both know I'm not human and all... she began, uncertain how to continue. Her friends didn't know the truth about her heritage, and Faith knew it was only fair she tell them; but she worried that they might reject her for her Mazoku half. Well,' she thought, Amber says I trust too much, and she's right. Better trust my friends as well as strangers.' And with her mind made up, Faith spent the rest of the evening explaining her past to her friends.
* * *
Faith's trust in her friends paid off. After the initial shock wore off, Amber and Raven still accepted their friend. Though Raven was not happy to hear that her friend was part Mazoku, the trust that had built up over ten years ago between the three friends was strong enough to see them through.
The next morning, Faith spoke to Amber and Raven about Lina and the rest of the troupe. Though both of the other women were reluctant to trust people they barely knew, Faith convinced them that her new found friends were trustworthy and should at least be given more of a chance. So, for the sake of having a slightly more peaceful journey than the last one, Amber and Raven agreed that they'd open up a bit more to the rest of the troupe... with the exception of Xellos.
So, when the three women went down to meet the others for breakfast, there were relatively few problems, especially since Xellos had yet to reappear. Lina, Gourry, and Amelia were battling over sausages as Faith and the others sat down to join them. Zelgadis was sitting next to Amelia, quietly sipping coffee. Soon, Filia arrived at the inn as well, though without Jillas and Gravos. She had told the beast-men to mind the shop while she went with the others in search of Val-chan. The Ryuuzoku was introduced to Amber and Raven, who nodded politely.
When Lina and Gourry were finally full and Xellos had still not arrived, the troupe decided to set out without him, much to the delight of Filia, Raven, and Amber. They were a full day's journey, on foot, from the Mystics' Cave. There were some protests about not being able to just fly there; but it was finally decided that since they didn't know what they were dealing with, they'd probably be safer traveling on the ground. Setting off at a brisk pace, the group wound their way through the forest trails. There was little conversation as they traveled as everyone mulled over their own thoughts about what could be ahead of them.
Faith and Filia, walking along at the back of the group, were by far the most preoccupied of everyone. So, neither of them noticed the purple-haired Mazoku who phased in just behind them until he reached out and gently gripped the women on the shoulder. Both women yelped, but Filia had the added reactions of her tail shooting out from her skirts as she wheeled around, grabbed mace-sama, and smashed the intruder across the face with it. The whole party stopped short to investigate the cause of the uproar. When Xellos finally crashed to a stop, he smiled up at Filia.
We really must stop meeting this way, Filia-san, he said, still grinning. Filia simply huffed and turned her nose up. Only Faith saw the faint blush that spread over the Ryuuzoku's nose and cheeks.
Lina growled, stalking to the back of the troupe to confront the grinning Mazoku. We don't have time for your pranks today, we're in a hurry. So cut it out!
Indeed! About that, though, the Mazoku said, standing up and dusting himself off.
What about it? Lina asked. Amber and Raven were glaring at the priest suspiciously.
I was just thinking that you might not want to rush headlong into battle without at least having a general idea of what it is you're up against, he said with a smile and a shrug.
Does that mean you know who's behind this? Filia asked, turning to face Xellos. For once, there was no hatred or anger in her gaze, only fear and worry. The Mazoku nodded slowly.
I'll explain more when we make camp tonight, he said. Raven glared at him.
But we can be at the cave by dusk, why should we make camp? she asked. Xellos opened one amethyst eye and turned his cutting gaze on the young woman.
Because the foe who awaits us is not one whom you would like to meet exhausted from a long journey, he said as he closed his eye again and slid his usual smirk back into place. And not one whom you want to meet in the dark shadows of night. Lina stared at the Mazoku.
Is he really that bad? she asked. Xellos shrugged and smirked.
Well, from what I've heard, the Mazoku said. Everyone crashed to the ground in exasperation. Lina got to her feet, rubbing her head.
You mean you don't know for sure? You've never met him? the red-head asked.
Shall we say, his reputation for power precedes him, the Mazoku said, opening his eyes slightly, Although in actuality, he's probably more secretive than even I am. Everyone stared, dumbstruck.
You mean that there's someone out there who has more secrets than YOU!? Gourry asked, stunned that the possibility even existed.
Erm, well... sort of, Xellos said, unsure how to respond. Before he had a chance to think of something to say, though, he found himself knocked to the ground with his neck pinched in a tight head-lock.
Well, whoever or whatever he is, you are gonna tell us everything you know about him, right? Lina asked as she held the priest down, blocking off his airway with her forearm.
You know, Lina-san, you really don't need to do this so much, Xellos croaked out. While he didn't need air to survive, he did need it to speak out loud, at least in his human form. And quite the inconvenience it is,' he thought as Lina finally eased her grip on him. I'll explain about him later, but for now I would highly suggest we find a place to camp that's a few miles from the cave. After a fair amount of grumbling, mostly form Filia and Raven, it was agreed to follow Xellos' advise; at the very least, until he told them what he knew about this new enemy.
By dusk, they had found a clearing about four miles from their destination, and they set up camp.
Are you sure this is safe, Xellos-san? Amelia asked, looking around in the direction of the cave. If what you say about this villain is true, what's to stop him from sneaking here in the night and attacking us? The Mazoku grinned at the princess.
Oh, I think we'll be safe enough here for tonight, Xellos said.
How can you be so sure? Zelgadis asked, coming up and standing behind Amelia, resting his hand protectively on her shoulder. Xellos winked at him.
Sore wa himitsu desu, the Mazoku said, delighting as he drank up the waves of frustration and anger that the two humans radiated.
Enough with the secrets, Xellos, now tell us what's going on! Lina said, crossing her arms and glaring at the Mazoku as he turned to face her.
Hai, hai, Xellos said as he started back towards the fire where everyone else was gathered.
Faith was sitting by the fire, staring idly into the flames when Gourry walked over to her. She smiled faintly up at him as he stood by her.
Hey Gourry, she said quietly.
he said, looking around a bit. Why are you sitting all by yourself over here? Faith sighed and glanced up at him.
I guess I'm just feeling down, she said, then added with a pained sigh, I'm worried about my cave.
But it's just a cave, I'm sure that even if worst comes to worst, you could find a new place to live, Gourry said, scratching his head in puzzlement about why anyone would be concerned about a cave.
It's more than just my home, even more than a library with priceless and unique information. That cave is my family, a part of myself, the orphan said, grief clouding her eyes. If it were destroyed, I don't know what I would do; I might even die.
Well, hopefully things won't come to that, Xellos said as he and the others gathered around the fire. After all, can't have you or that cave being destroyed, now can we?' the Mazoku thought. Not yet, at least.'
Come on Xellos, what do you know about this mystery foe who kidnapped Val and attacked Faith's cave? Lina asked, getting impatient. Everyone settled themselves around the fire as Xellos began his explanation. He put on his best storyteller voice and mask.
This mysterious foe' has a name. He is Koutero, the self-appointed Lord of Terror, he began.
Filia huffed, I didn't know lesser Mazoku could give themselves titles. Xellos twitched, irritated at the interruption.
Well, since there is much that you don't know about Mazoku, your ignorance about anything concerning my people is hardly a surprise, he retorted, then continued on before Filia could cause too much more of a scene. But in any event, Koutero is not a lesser Mazoku. When the purple haired priest saw that he finally had everyone's full attention -- except for Gourry, who was dozing off -- he grinned inwardly and continued.
He is, in fact, something of a myth among my people. For centuries, he was rumored to be dead, and no one truly knew what had become of him. You see, I was not the first servant of a Dark Lord to be given both power of general and priest. Koutero is older than even me, and he was the onetime general priest of the Dark Lord you know as Deep Sea Dolphin. He paused just long enough for the information to sink in and for a few jaws to drop before continuing on. However, perhaps as foreshadowing of his mistress' fate, Koutero began to slowly fall into madness. To this day, no one is sure what triggered his insanity, the only one who could have answered to that was his mistress herself. Then, one day, Koutero vanished. I, along with many others, was sent out in search of the renegade, but no one ever found him. I believe I came close once; I brushed against his energy in a place he had hidden. Unfortunately, Koutero was clever as well insane and powerful, and was able to elude even the most powerful of the Dark Lords who tried to search him out. Then, with the War of Monster's Fall, Koutero was largely forgotten, as many believed that he had been killed.
Wait a second, if this guy has been in hiding for over a thousand years, why would he suddenly show up now? Lina demanded.
And why would he kidnap Val? Filia asked, worry etched on her features.
And attack Faith's cave? Amber insisted. Everyone was clearly confused about what this Koutero's motives could be.
I'm not sure, Xellos said, Though I have some theories, which I think I'll just keep to myself for now. When everyone protested loudly, the grinning Mazoku held up a finger to silence them. No need for me to go surmising things, making assumptions, and causing needless worry, ne?
Xellos, you live to cause needless worry, Zelgadis growled at the priest.
True enough, Xellos responded without missing a beat, But for the moment, Koutero's motives are relatively unimportant; and while I'm sure you all are quite capable of coming up with perfectly good theories of your own, I think you might be better served to focus your thoughts more on how you intend to fight a powerful Mazoku. A general collective sigh went through the group. Before everyone bedded down for the night to think about battle tactics and to get some rest, Amelia thought of one last question to ask.
she said, Why did he decide to call himself the Lord of Terror?
Sore wa himitsu desu.
End Notes: Ok, next chapter has more action, I PROMISE. Oh, and next chapter also has a present for Moro in it. ^_^ I think I'm mostly past my creativity block now, so huzzah for that. Anyhoo, R&R pweeze. ^_^