Spawns of the Trickster: An MST - Alternate Endings

By: Kelly M. Mules

Disclaimer: I do not own Slayers or any concepts mentioned in this story. This is my recognition that the original tale had many things wrong with it and gives me an excuse to explore other options. I do not own Final Fantasy. If I did, well, that's a secret. ^_~ Just so you know, I tried to research Dynaast's servants and with the exception of Sherra, there's practically no information so I took some liberties. If anyone knows a good site for accurate info, please let me know. There is a slight reference to Jojo's Bizarre Adventure which I obviously don't own. Duh!

Gourry's version:

"Well then, I take it you all are not satisfied with the ending Lina-san suggested?" Arcanum hinted at.

"No, it was so sad!" Amelia whined.

"Hey, it's not like I intended for it to come out that way! I wasn't in it that much either!" Lina huffed.

"Question Arcanum-san?" Zelgadiss began. At Arcanum's nod, he continued.

"You mentioned that Xeria was created to represent the Writer and Marcus was created to represent her boyfriend, correct?" Zelgadiss continued.

"That is correct." Arcanum answered.

"Well, they broke up didn't they?" Pokota commented, folding his arms.

"Obviously. He died again." Xelloss agreed.

"Believe it or not, they did not break up. They got married. They have been married for three years now." Arcanum explained.

The Slayers crew gave Arcanum matching shocked expressions.

"Uh, he's not safe there, is he?" Amelia asked.

"Yes, he is safe. She only harbors negative thoughts when he plays Final Fantasy XIV too much." Arcanum explained with a Xelloss-like smile and the crew simply shrugged, rolled their eyes or smiled in response.

"Is it my turn?" Gourry asked excitedly.

"Why yes, Gourry-san, it is your turn. Take my hand." Arcanum offered the swordsman with a smile.

Gourry took her hand and they floated through the movie screen into L-Sama's lair.

The Lair of the Lord of Nightmares

"Ah yes, Gourry Gabriev. I remember your last visit as well." The Lord of Nightmares greeted as Arcanum and Gourry materialized into her lair.

"I was here before? Did I eat? I think I would've remembered if I'd eaten something good!" Gourry said with determination, crossing his arms and nodding.

In the theatre, the rest of the crew face-faulted.

"Whenever I think his stupidity has reached its maximum, he continues to surprise me." Zelgadiss commented sarcastically.

"You don't speak to L-Sama like that!" Xelloss yelled in horror.

"So is your creator still at a boring training?" L-Sama continued, not insulted by Gourry's reaction.

"No, now her thoughts are, 'I started this thing - I have to finish it.'" Arcanum replied.

"Very well, Gourry-san, what part of the original story do you want to alter?" L-Sama asked.

"Okay, I got this! I think this will really change things!" Gourry started excitedly.

"Do you think he can save everyone?" Amelia asked hopefully.

"Doubt it highly," Zelgadiss replied.

"Come on Gourry!" Lina cheered.

"You know how they had that big breakfast at the end? Well, I think we should all be invited, too! The food looked delicious!" Gourry answered proudly.

"WHAT?!" The others from the theatre yelled, following by insults and face faults.

"Seriously? Really?" Arcanum asked, to which Gourry nodded. L-Sama laughed heartily.

"Perhaps Amelia-san will have more insight. Okay." Arcanum muttered and then began her chant.

"I call upon the power of the Lord of Time and Space

Grant us permission to travel from here to another place.

Family and friends will join Mazoku Lords for a meal

But is a happy ending for our tale a part of the deal?"

Suddenly, Gourry found himself transported into the kitchen of Wolf Pack Island where he met an exhausted but shocked Marcus.

"Uncle Gourry? Is that you? You look different and not to mention, how did you get here?" Marcus questioned, understandably confused.
"That's so cool! I'm an uncle!" Gourry exclaimed, ignoring all of the questions.

"Hello, why are you here?" Marcus asked, waving a hand in front of Gourry's face as the swordsman was lost in the wonder of being an uncle.

"Oh right, I'm a ... vision, yeah, that's right!" Gourry said quickly.

"That is actually a clever cover. I'm impressed!" Zelgadiss said, his tone flabbergasted. His companions couldn't speak but nodded in agreement.

"Okay, I've never had a vision be self-aware or speak before but I'll play - what do you want o great vision of the future?" Marcus said dryly.

"Well, I think I'd be from the past. I just know we're in a theatre now." Gourry rambled.

"What?" Marcus said in complete confusion.

"Here's a hint, son-in-law, don't try to understand!" Xelloss yelled from his seat.

"I hate to agree with you at all, but on this I do." Filia said, shaking her head.

"Anyway, you're supposed to have a big breakfast today with lots of great food so you should invite everyone!" Gourry said simply.

"Uh, why?" Marcus asked.

"Because the food looked delicious and it would be fun to have everyone share a meal - like a picnic!" Gourry said, beaming with pride at his own brilliance.

"Okay, I'll run that by my master." Marcus said warily.

"Okay then, bye!" Gourry said as he vanished back to the theatre where he was promptly attacked by Lina.

"Jellyfish Brain, how is a picnic going to save everyone?" She yelled.

"Well, we always feel better after a good meal and we come up with great solutions, too. So I thought what better way to save the world is have everyone together to share a meal!" Gourry explained proudly.

"It actually makes sense in a way." Amelia agreed.

"I still have a bad feeling though." Zelgadiss commented.

"Guess we'll have to wait and see." Pokota shrugged and the Slayers crew of the theatre sat back to enjoy the show.

"That was weird, but I'll run that by Master as soon as I bring Xeria her coffee." Marcus commented aloud to himself before teleporting back to his newly shared quarters with the cup of steaming liquid for his new mate.

"What took you so long?" Xeria questioned as she lounged in bed still with pillows propped up behind her.

"Strangely enough, I saw Uncle Gourry in the kitchen." Marcus replied as he joined his mate in bed.

"Uncle Gourry? How odd. What did he say?" Xeria asked perplexed as she enjoyed a sip of her coffee.

"He looked differently and said he was a vision. He mentioned something about a breakfast today and that everyone should come." Marcus explained. Xeria opened her eyes wide.

"Oh shit, the breakfast! I bet Grandmother forgot! We should get ready in case we need to help prepare." Xeria said hurriedly, downed her coffee in one gulp and quickly rose from bed, covered only by a sheet.

"Not so fast, you!" Marcus teleported to her, grabbed her and kissed her passionately.

"We should go, Lover. Our Master will be looking for us." Xeria said smoothly as Marcus started trailing kisses down her neck.

"I suppose we should dress properly first then." Marcus replied as they easily created clothing onto their humanoid forms, smirked at each other and teleported out of the room.

A short explanation later, Xelloss took on an evil smirk, gave specific orders to his servants before returning to attend to his master. Xeria and Marcus shared a smirk and a kiss before teleporting to separate locations to carry out their master's orders.

"Xelloss, where were you and where are your servants?" Xellass asked as she continued setting the table and shooting annoyed glances at Dynaast because he wasn't helping.

"It seems my new general had a bizarre vision and I was inspired to invite a few guests to breakfast, Ju-ou-sama." Xelloss spoke as he bowed before her.

"I still can't believe Xellass gave you servants. So Xelloss, where are Xeria and Fal?" Dynaast asked as Xelloss took over setting the table.

"I told you Dynaast, all will be revealed at breakfast. Now if you're not going to help, just stand there and shut up. Xelloss, finish up here while I go check on the kitchen." Xellass ordered.

"I thought you cooked, Xelloss." Dynaast questioned.

"Only to kill, Lord Dynaast." Xelloss replied cryptically as he smiled remembering silly moments of the past.

Zefilia

Lina and Gourry Gabriev awoke quite peacefully in their bed, snuggled in each other's arms. Until their peaceful morning was interrupted.

"Ohayo, Aunt Lina & Uncle Gourry!" Xeria greeted cheerfully as she popped into their room, sitting Indian style on the foot end of their bed.

"Fireball!" Lina cast and Xeria fell off the bed, slightly crispy.

"I should know better than to startle the great Lina Gabriev!" Xeria said with a dramatic flair as she rose from the floor, completely unharmed by the fireball.

"What do you want, Xeria?" Lina asked suspiciously.

"My Master invites you both to breakfast this morning." Xeria said simply.

"What's the catch?" Lina asked.

"It's free." Xeria replied.

"Cool, Lina let's go!" Gourry said enthusiastically.

Lina grumbled about untrustworthy Mazoku, but rose from bed.

Xeria allowed them to dress, before taking their hands and teleporting to the next location - Saillune.

Saillune

Zelgadiss grumbled about his aching back as he rose from his resting place on the floor.

"I guess it would've been unjust to still sleep in your bed with your sister-in-law in the room, huh Uncle Zel?" Xeria asked cheerfully as she popped in from the Astral Plane, along with Lina and Gourry.

"Xeria, drop the barrier right now!" Zelgadiss yelled, waking Amelia from her slumber. Naga snored away peacefully on Zelgadiss' side of the bed.

"Xeria-chan, that was very unjust!" Amelia added, jumping up into her usual pose. As the bed was soft and not stable to stand on, she stumbled off and hit the floor with her head.

"See Auntie, that's what you get for making a justice speech too early in the morning." Xeria taunted in the usual Xelloss pose. Zelgadiss roasted her with a fireball.

"*cough* You guys really aren't morning people are you? Anyhow, get dressed, it's time for breakfast!" Xeria said cheerfully.

"Wait, Xeria, did you put up a magical barrier in here, in the heart of Saillune?" Lina asked incredulously. Zelgadiss widened his eyes, just coming to that realization.

"Well, Marcus and I thought it might be fun to tease them a bit. What's hysterical is that the barrier probably only lasted an hour but you probably had given up by then." Xeria explained.

At hearing this, Zelgadiss would normally be furious but he, like Lina, had realized the implications of their current state - Xeria and Marcus had grown much more powerful than they were letting on. To think they created a barrier without any object to reinforce it was a frightening thought. As if she could read their minds, Xeria chose that moment to creepily open her eyes and smirk.

So after allowing Zelgadiss and Amelia to dress, the five travelers returned to Wolf Pack Island. When they got there, they were surprised to find out they weren't the only special guests at breakfast today.

A Short While Ago - Dragon Shrine

Filia-ul-Copt knelt in her quarters, deep in prayer.

"Cepheid-sama, please grant me some guidance on the predicament I find myself in. I have found my son and he has found happiness. My daughter, however, has strayed away from the light of her dragon's blood toward the Mazoku darkness. Also, I believe she may be lost to me forever and how can she ever find happiness?"

"Who says she hasn't already? Besides, do you honestly think he's listening?" Marcus commented as he popped in from the astral plane.

"Marcus, is that you?" Filia questioned, having not seen him as a full Mazoku yet.

"Yes, that would be me, hmm... now how to refer to you, Mother? No, that may upset Xeria, although I won't call you what she does. Well, as I do owe you my life, from what I understand, twice now I shall split the difference and call you Filia-san." Marcus thought aloud and then respectfully bowed.

"Okay, now that's settled, I have a question. Are you here to kill me?" Filia asked nervously.

"As much as I'm enjoying your anxiety, rest at ease, I am here to invite you to breakfast this morning on my Master, Xelloss-sama's, orders." The Mazoku general explained.

"I'd be a fool to attend as I most certainly would be killed." Filia began.

Marcus took on a look of uncertainty as he had no orders if the invitee refused, but then Filia continued.

"However, maybe Cepheid-sama did hear me and sent you as a messenger. I need to face Xeria. If she kills me, so be it, but I need to have the courage to face the consequences of my actions. I will accept Xelloss' invitation."

"I can see why my Master respects you, Filia-san. Just know, I intend to repay lives owed if possible, but I will not stand against my mate to protect you." Marcus said seriously.

"I wouldn't expect anything less of my daughter's mate." Filia replied, took Marcus' offered hand and they vanished.

They reappeared in the bedchambers of Fal and Lauria, who were currently in bed and indisposed.

"Oh gross man, seriously with my sister? Ew!" Marcus yelled in mock horror.

Filia blushed and averted her gaze while Fal fell out of bed in shock and Lauria squeaked and hid under the sheets.

"Marcus, Mother what the hell's going on?" Fal yelled as he started to rise from the floor.

Filia also squeaked and turned around. Fal realized his severe lack of attire and formed clothes onto his body.

"Mazoku powers are convenient, ne?" Marcus asked with one eye closed.

"Okay, I'm clothed so now what's going on?" Fal demanded.

"My Master requests you three join us for breakfast this morning." Marcus said simply with a shrug.

"Why would we want to do that? Besides who is your master anyway?" Fal asked in a rant. Before Marcus could answer, Lauria approached him in her robe.

"Marcus, my brother, is that really you?" She asked in a small voice.

"You saw me yesterday and you still ask? Don't you remember me covered in Wilfy's blood as I just decapitated him after Xeria made his heart into her jewel and ..." Marcus went on and on, relishing the horror he felt from his sister as she tried in vain to cover her ears.

"Are you done?" Fal asked bluntly as he put a protective arm over Lauria.

"Oh quite, now shall be get ready to go?" Marcus said with a smirk.

"I have a feeling you aren't really giving us a choice." Fal commented.

"Well, my Master believes any Mazoku that takes hostages should have more pride when it's convenient, of course." The Mazoku general replied.

Filia remembered a time when Xelloss had no problem using her as a hostage so she wasn't surprised.

"I'll go on one condition. I'd love to ask for our safety but I'm a realist and I know you can't trust Mazoku so I want to see Xeria." Fal said matter-of-factly as Filia helped Lauria dress in the next room.

"How quickly we forget who has Mazoku blood, too, however, you shall see my beautiful mate. Guaranteed!" Marcus smirked and sent an evil glance at Fal who glared at him in return.

They said nothing else until the women returned and then they all made their way back to Wolf Pack Island.

Wolf Pack Island - Xeria & guests just arrived

"Filia, Fal, you guys are here, too? And you're Lauria, right?" Lina wasted no time in approaching the dragons as stood together just outside the Main Hall of Xellass' fortress on Wolf Pack Island. Gourry, Zel and Amelia all followed as the guests exchanged greetings, congratulations to Fal and Lauria on their wedding and rants about lack of invitations.

"Aunt Lina, Sagalia-sama stated we could only have those with dragon's blood in attendance otherwise, I definitely would've invited you all!" Fal said nervously, with one hand behind his head as he backed away from the angry sorceress a bit.

"Typical Golden Dragon over-controlling behavior, huh?" Zelgadiss muttered as Gourry and Amelia both nodded in agreement.

"How rude! We're not over-controlling!" Lauria yelled.

"Ha, one can tell you've had dealings with golds before Uncle Zel." Marcus piped in with a laugh.

"How quickly we forget who has Golden Dragon blood?" Fal shot back.

"Not me, mine was purified with evil." Marcus replied with a smirk.

As Marcus and Fal continued to try to top the other's last insult, Filia noticed a deafening silence from one corner of the room. Chills seemed to permeate her skin and she covered her arms with her hands in an effort to warm herself somehow. The sense was very similar to Xelloss' but even his felt warmer because despite his great evil, he always seemed to enjoy himself. This sense felt pure evil, dark, cold, angry and horrifying. She dared a glance toward that corner of the room, praying silently to Cepheid that she wouldn't see whom she thought she would standing there. Her prayers went unanswered this time.

Filia spied a lone figure in the shadows of the corner, leaning against the wall and recognized it to be Xeria. Her Mazoku daughter was dressed completely in black from the low-cut, ankle-length velvet dress with sheer sleeves covered with black flowered designs and long un-hooded cloak to possibly calve-high black boots covered by the dress. She carried a black, misshapen staff with a blood-red jewel encrusted in it. Her violet hair now extended to the backs of her ankles and was darker than Filia remembered. What was most unsettling to Filia was the hatred-filled glare that Xeria's piercing amethyst eyes directed right at her. Filia allowed herself a quiet gulp and Xeria smirked in satisfaction.

"Okay, Marcus, I believe we had a deal. Where is Xeria?" Fal asked bluntly.

"I know I made myself scarce when we arrived but I must admit, I am surprised my dearest twin that you did not sense me. Your mother did." Xeria's voice drifted over front that dark corner as she stepped into the lighted room so everyone could see her.

Fal approached his once-hybrid sister with curiosity and trepidation. He circled around her and looked her up and down.

"Do I meet your approval?" She asked with one eye open.

"Not really. Did you expect to?" Fal said bluntly.

"No, not really." Xeria replied.

"How could you do this to yourself?" Fal demanded.

"Oh stop acting like the disapproving old man, you're only two minutes older." Xeria admonished.

"Three." Filia said quietly. Xeria shot a glare in her direction before continuing.

"Fal, for the first time in my existence, I feel exactly right. You can't possibly understand but I feel like I've found my destiny! I have Marcus and my master and everything feels free." Xeria explained, twirling around before teleporting to Marcus and kissing him deeply.

"Are you asking me to be happy for you? I can't do that, Xeria." Fal responded solemnly.

"Oops, forgot who I was talking to. I forgot that in the eyes of a golden dragon, I will always be a disappointment." Xeria said angrily, shooting a glare at Filia.

"As delicious as this whole interchange has been, it is almost time for breakfast!" Xelloss said as he appeared at the door to the main hall.

"Okay Xelloss, spit it out, what's going on here?" Lina demanded as she stood at the front of the little crowd. She didn't notice her human companions slap their hands to their foreheads and realized why until it was too late.

"Lina-san, don't you ever learn? It's a secret." Xelloss replied in his usual manner. This caused resigned sighs from the majority of the guests, but an angry growl followed by a fireball from Lina.

Surprisingly, the fireball was blocked by Xeria's staff.

"Now, Xeria, that wasn't necessary. That spell wouldn't have damaged me at all." Xelloss commented.

"Forgive me Master." Xeria replied, bowing before Xelloss.

"As your servants, it is our duty to protect you, my master." Marcus added, also bowing before Xelloss.

"What? Father, what is the meaning of this? You're their master? How could you do such a thing?" Fal yelled rather angrily as he approached Xelloss.

Xeria and Marcus rose and stood in front of their master, but Xelloss lightly pushed them aside and faced his son.

"It's what they both wanted, Fal. You know Xeria has always wished to be full Mazoku. Marcus also never denied hating his dragon's blood, so why are you so surprised? Are you upset because of me? Is the idea of me being their master that's so bothersome to you?" Xelloss asked curiously

"I guess I was wrong about you, Father. You're just another heartless Mazoku after all!" Fal said darkly.

"I'm surprised you thought differently at all. I never denied what I am, Fal. Nor do I have to defend myself to you. Your sister has everything she ever wanted. If you don't approve, oh well. Both Xeria and Marcus made the choice for their own lives. The only approval they need now is mine, for I am their master. I invited you all here for their introduction to the Mazoku world and to enjoy breakfast. That is all." Xelloss said very matter-of-factly to Fal.

"There is something else you're not mentioning Xelloss. I sense many other powerful Mazoku here." Filia stepped forward to stand face to face with Xelloss.

"Aw, Filia-chan, you can't spoil the surprise. My master will be mightily upset. But as final preparations are made in the other room, I'm curious about your opinion. What do you think of Xeria and Marcus now that they are full Mazoku?" Xelloss asked, evilly smirking and opening one eye.

"I know you're asking this question to make me uncomfortable because you're a horrible Namagomi, but I have no right on comment on Marcus being a full Mazoku." Filia said with as much strength as she could muster. Xelloss' eye twitched at the Namagomi comment and twitched again when Lina and crew started snickering.

"Oh, so you think you have the right to comment on me then?" Xeria said as she approached her parents.

"Yes, Filia, do you have the right to comment on Xeria?" Xelloss, recovered from Namagomi, said with a smirk.

"Yes and no. I am her mother but I gave her up so I suppose it depends on one's opinion." Filia answered.

"Well, here's my opinion. You don't have the right, especially because I'm sure you disapprove." Xeria said while quickly turning away. Marcus was quickly by her side as everyone could tell she was upset.

Before Filia could respond, the conversation was interrupted by Xellass.

"We are all getting rather full in here from all the high emotions. I suppose that means that the humans will have to eat all the food. Xelloss, why don't you show your guests in now. Our other guests are waiting. Your servants will wait to be properly introduced." The Beastmaster finished and returned to the Main Hall. Xeria and Marcus bowed and stayed behind as Xelloss led the humans and dragons into the Main Hall. They were shocked to see a large spread of various breakfast foods including eggs, omelets, pancakes, red potato home fries, bacon, sausages, etc. as well as all the remaining Mazoku Lords and their servants seated at the table. Lina and company quickly took to arms in defense after brief being awestruck with the food selection.

"Now, calm yourselves. You are all guests in my home and no one dies unless I order it. Is that understood?" Xellass said sternly, shooting a look toward her fellow Mazoku.

"So why have you invited humans and dragons to our annual breakfast, Xellass?" A woman with long dark hair, dressed in fine silk and jewels asked in an indignant tone.

"For the hell of it, Dolphin. Do I need a reason for everything?" Xellass said offhandedly and the now revealed Mazoku Lord Deep Sea Dolphin simply shrugged in a bored tone.

"So which one is the famous Lina Inverse that had a hand in destroying both my servants?" Dolphin asked, rising from her seat.

"Oh, I'll answer that one, Dolphin. It's the short, flat-chested one with the flame-colored hair right there." A young man, probably in his mid to late twenties with dark hair and clothing that Lina and Gourry recognized as Mazoku Lord Dynaast Grausherra answered.

"It seems you've recovered from our last battle, Lord Dynaast." Lina remarked with sarcastic emphasis on 'lord' as she shook with repressed rage.

"Indeed I have and despite that you destroyed Sherra, I have more servants at my disposal now to squash any hope you'd have at victory at our next battle." Dynaast threatened.

Lina and company glanced at the other four Mazoku sitting at the table, assuming they were the servants in question.

"How many servants does my Old Man need?" Marcus whispered to Xeria as they stood behind Lina's crew, just outside the Main Hall, waiting to be properly introduced.

"Well, Uncle Dynaast has always had a lot of servants. I think he creates them out of pure boredom. Let me see if I can remember them all. There was a general and priest killed in the Kouma War. His general, Sherra, was ruined by Aunt Lina. So he has three priests and one general left. The creepy twin-looking things are Grau and Grou." Xeria pointed to two male priests who looked exactly alike, wearing dark blue robes and sporting short, black hair. They seemed to move together in everything, even feigning a yawn simultaneously,

"Okay, sure, who's the other priest?" Marcus asked.

"He's fairly new, maybe created after Sherra was killed. His name is Dee but that's all I know." Xeria explained with a shrug as she gestured to the other priest in lighter blue robes with light blue hair.

"Okay, got the priests down and I take it the other guy is his general?" Marcus asked, soaking in all the information.

"Yes, that would be Norst. Frankly, he gives me the creeps. He was always watching me as a little girl and as I grew, his glances grew creepier." Xeria explained as she feigned a shudder.

Marcus looked over the other general with contempt. The creepy general had long, white hair and clear eyes that seemed to stare right through a person's soul. He carried a sword at his belt and wore black and dark gray armor.

"So, how do we stack up with these guys in power?" He inquired, already formulating plans how to kill Norst.

"Well, despite how creepy they are, we'll need them for the upcoming war so we can't kill any of them. Power-wise, I think we're equal to them because if my father is equal to two servants, but then we draw on his power so ... I have no clue." Xeria tried to explain.

"Leave it to my Old Man to make things more confusing and convoluted then they need to be." Marcus remarked and Xeria nodded in agreement.

"Okay now everyone sit down and eat." Xellass demanded.

"Xelloss, you didn't cook this, did you?" Gourry asked.

The other humans looked at him in horror after they had all taken a bite.

"Oh my God, we're going to die!" Amelia cried.

Filia, Fal and Lauria exchanged weird glances.

"You guys do not eat anything Xelloss cooks!" Lina warned the dragons at the table.

"Why are you all upset?" Xelloss asked innocently.

"Oh, maybe it's because we've been exposed to your cooking before. 'One bite can kill even a golden dragon' - I believe is what you said." Zelgadiss explained.

Filia, Lauria and Fal instantly dropped their forks.

The Mazoku all chuckled, before Xellass spoke.

"Xelloss did none of the cooking, I assure you all. Xelloss doesn't outright lie and neither do I so you can trust this statement."

Despite some uneasiness from most of the guests, it was enough for Gourry who immediately started eating. This incited Lina and Amelia to join in which encouraged Zelgadiss and the dragons to at least get a plate full because there wouldn't be food left for long.

Aside from the residents of Wolf Pack Island, the Mazoku were quite shocked by the behavior.

"This is the group that took down so many of our race?" Dee asked the question burning the minds of the others.

"Unfortunately so. Despite their weak appearances and undignified behavior, they are quite formidable and cannot be underestimated." Dynaast explained in a low tone. Dee and the rest of the servants nodded.

"So Xelloss, I see Fal, where's Xeria?" Dynaast asked, redirecting the conversation.

"Yes, where is my beautiful Xeria?" Norst asked in a lecherous tone.

"Your beautiful Xeria?" Filia questioned in an annoyed tone.

"You have no right to question me, gold!" Norst yelled at Filia.

"Alright, then I will. I assume I have the right to ask what you mean by that comment Norst?" Xelloss said darkly and opened his eyes to glare at Norst. No one seemed to notice Dolphin smirk.

"Well, Xelloss. I have decided to take your offspring as my mate." Norst said bluntly.

Outside the room, Xeria held Marcus back while trying not to gag.

"Sorry Norst, you're not my type." Fal said with a sarcastic smirk causing all the guests to bite off chuckles.

"I meant Xeria, of course." Norst rose from his seat and approached Fal with his hand on his sword hilt.

"Well, you're too late then. Too sad for you." Filia muttered.

"That's that last time you disrespect me, gold!" Norst yelled and moved to attack Filia.

"Marcus..." Xelloss said quietly and Norst's sword was blocked by Marcus' Sword of Darkness.

With a slight push, Marcus knocked Norst back toward the other end of the room. Then the new general took his bows as many in the room applauded.

He sheathed his sword and bowed before Xelloss.

"Thank you for calling me Master. It allowed me to repay one life debt, correct Filia-san?" Marcus glanced back at Filia who nodded.

"Filia, when did you get so reckless?" Lina screamed.

"It was reckless but I didn't like that he was threatening my son and speaking disrespectfully about my daughter!" Filia said with a humph.

"Aw man!" Dynaast exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table.

"Yes!" Dolphin cheered and sent an evil grin toward Dynaast.

At everyone's confused expressions, Dolphin continued.

"We were telepathically betting on who you were, Golden Dragon. Dynaast bet you were the girl's, who I can assume belongs to Fal, mother and I bet you were the twins' mother. I win and I look forward to claiming my reward." She explained, sending another nasty grin toward Dynaast who gave a defeated sigh.

"So you're the mean dragon who abandoned her babies oh so long ago?" Dynaast asked sarcastically.

"Oh drop it Uncle Dynaast. It was so long ago. It's not a big deal anymore." Fal shot back in an angry tone.

"It was the wrong choice. Nothing I can say in my defense is a good enough reason so I'll just take responsibility for it being the wrong choice." Filia said as she stood up to look Dynaast in the eye.

"I can see why my general wanted to kill you, gold. You're very disrespectful. You should know your place." Dynaast said in a threatening tone.

Fal started to stand as did Lina and crew but Marcus was faster and luckily for Filia because Dynaast aimed to blast her out of existence.

Marcus jumped in front, pushed her aside and blocked the attack with his sword.
"More disrespect. Sorry Xellass, cannot abide. You're dead whelp." He said menacingly and increased his blast, but then Marcus was no longer there and the blast hit the wall.

Outside the Room

Xeria and Marcus reappeared from the Astral Plane a bit worse for wear, but alive.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Xeria angrily whispered to her mate.

"Repaying my last life debt." Marcus replied simply.

"With your life? That bitch isn't worth it!" She waned to scream at him but was forced to whisper so they were not discovered.

"Well, I should be all paid up now." Marcus replied, trying to get back on his wife's good side.

"Put it this way, you ARE all paid up because I said so, are we clear?" Xeria demanded as her eyes were open. Marcus saw the fury in them but also the fear and understood.

"Crystal clear. Come here." Marcus responded and pulled Xeria into his embrace.

Inside the Main Hall - Right after Marcus vanished

"Okay Xelloss, where is he? That general of yours was disrespectful and needs to be destroyed!" Norst stepped forward and demanded of the Trickster Priest.

"Is that really how you want to be speaking to me, Norst? I will discipline my servants for their disrespect and disobeying orders but that is none of your concern." Xelloss said matter-of-factly.

"Zel, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Lina whispered to her chimera companion.

"I believe Xeria saved Marcus but she wasn't supposed to enter the room until she was summoned to do so." Zel explained and Lina nodded. Filia overheard their conversation and intended to interject on their behalf if it was true.

"Dynaast, I did not order Marcus to be killed and I am Master here, remember? So pay me the respect I deserve. Xelloss' servants are both new to be full Mazoku and therefore have a lot to learn so they shall be instructed by both Xelloss and myself later about the hierarchy, their place in it and following direct orders. Now, if everyone can be seated and Fal's mother can keep her mouth shut, we can continue our breakfast and Xelloss' servants can be properly introduced as they were supposed to be." Xellass said in a firm tone, shooting glares around the room, daring anyone to challenge her.

Fal thought about defending his mother, but a look toward his father told him, 'just sit down and shut up.' Filia also sat without question but felt the Beastmaster's shot at her was unfounded.

"Fine Xellass, don't get all bitchy about it. I won't kill the kid today so bring that general of yours back in here, Xelloss." Dynaast said in a bored tone as he sat back down.

"Indeed Xelloss, I would like to get a closer look at your general. He look familiar." Dee said curiously.

"Very well, allow me to introduce my general, Marcus." Xelloss rose from his seat and gestured toward the door.

Marcus dared not disobey Xelloss, so he entered the room, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, just in case.

"I am here as you have summoned, Master." He said as he bowed to Xelloss. The Trickster Priest gestured for him to rise and everyone got a real good look at Marcus, but it was Grau and Grou who stood and exclaimed together, "He looks just like Lord Dynaast!"

Now everyone in the room could see what Dee had observed the first time while everyone was distracted by the action. Marcus was almost a dead ringer for his father, Dynaast.

"Okay Xelloss, what kind of a sick joke is this?" Norst demanded.

"What's the matter, creep? Upset that I look more like your master than you do?" Marcus replied sardonically.

"Why do you look like my master?" Norst demanded.

Marcus smirked and glanced at Xelloss, who smiled and nodded.

"It's a secret." Marcus replied in true Xelloss fashion.

The whole room either face-faulted or fell over into hysterical laughter.

Norst moved to attack but was ordered to stop by Dynaast. The Mazoku Lord approached Marcus who bowed respectfully this time. He and Xeria heard what Xelloss had said and knew he would have more punishments in store if they didn't start learning how to be Mazoku.

"Why do you look like me?" Dynaast asked bluntly.

"From my understanding, Lord Dynaast is my biological father." Marcus replied and chanced to look his father in the eye.

Dynaast looked confused for a moment and then seemed to be thinking deeply.

"What foolishness! It's not possible! You're lying!" Norst yelled from the other side of the room.

Marcus glared at him and suddenly took out a small scroll and pen, scribbled something down and put them away again.

"What was that all about?" Grau and Grou asked simultaneously.

"That's getting really annoying isn't it?" Amelia whispered and the rest of the humans nodded.

"I know I can't kill him right now because Ju-ou-sama didn't order it so I'm taking notes on how I'll repay him later." Marcus explained with a cheery grin.

"That's new." Fal remarked.

"I read about a warrior who did that and thought it was cool so I thought I'd steal it." Marcus said with a shrug.

"My general, Marcus, used to be a hybrid, just like Fal but he had the misfortune of being raised with the dragons until rather recently." Xelloss explained.

Dynaast glanced over at Lauria and acted as if he just saw her.

"Boy, are you related to that dragon girl there?" Dynaast asked.

"She is my half sister, Lord Dynaast." Marcus answered with a bit of emphasis on 'lord' as he didn't like being called, 'boy.'

"Now I understand. Your mother was Faranth, then." Dynaast deduced.

"Yes! That is true!" Lauria said and stood right next to Marcus. He glanced at her and then at Fal who stood right behind her.

"Yes, indeed, you look much like your mother. How is she these days?" Dynaast asked as he looked at Lauria in an uncomfortable way.

"Unfortunately, their mother has passed on, Uncle Dynaast." Fal answered as he pulled Lauria behind him. Marcus nodded at him.

"Aw, that's a shame. I enjoyed her quite a bit." Dynaast said disrespectfully and looked directly at Marcus as he was purposely trying to pick a fight.

Marcus kept his head bowed but he couldn't hide his body shaking with fury. Luckily for him, Lauria said what he couldn't.

"You monster! How could you say such a thing when you raped her!" She screamed and had to be held back by Fal.

"What? Ridiculous! I'm sure she probably said that to save her reputation but truthfully, I didn't have to rape her. I bet her mate was pissed" The Mazoku Lord replied arrogantly.

"Yes, he was so pissed that he murdered her right in front of me!" Marcus growled, forgetting to add 'Lord Dynaast.'

Before Dynaast could address Marcus' continued disrespect, there was a knocking sound on the door. It originated from the hallway outside the Main Hall.

"I think that's Xelloss' priestess' subtle way of asking when it's her turn to be introduced." Xellass said in an amused tone.

'Very clever, Xeria. We never said you couldn't knock so you're not disobeying orders this time.' The Beastmaster thought to herself as she gestured for everyone to return to their seats. Marcus stood off to the side, not to interfere with his mate's grand entrance.

"Now introducing my Dark Priestess, my daughter Xeria." Xelloss announced. There were a few surprised gasps as Xeria made her entrance.

She first appeared as a swirling black cone and then her human form appeared in the room with her eyes closed. She flared her cloak and her hair out behind her as she summoned her staff with her right arm out to the side, twirling it briefly before planting it down, and opening her eyes. She gave the inhabitants of the room a devilish grin and bowed before Xelloss.

"I am here as you have summoned, Master." She said respectfully.

"Show-off," Fal muttered.

Xeria rose, gave her brother a mild dirty look, then bonked him off the head with her staff.

Many chuckled, but Norst had other plans. He immediately approached Xeria. Marcus started toward him, but Xeria sent him a look and he stayed where he was for the moment.

"Xeria, your Mazoku transformation is perfect." He commented lecherously.

"Uh thanks, Norst. Oh so I hear you wanted to take Fal as a mate. Too bad, he already has Lauria." Xeria said in an innocent tone. Fal shot her a mild glare while Lauria chuckled.

"No, I intend to take you as my mate!" Norst corrected.

"Oh I see, well, I believe you were already informed that you were too late." Xeria reminded.

"Yes, your mother mentioned that..." Norst started, but Xeria cut him off.

"Well, Fal's mother was correct!" Xeria said angrily, but then calmed herself, closed her eyes and smiled before continuing.

"I, too, have a mate. I believe you've already met him."

At this point, Marcus came to stand at her side, possessively putting his arm around her waist and pulling her to him.

"No! I will not accept this! Write this on your scroll, boy! This is not over!" Norst challenged before storming off.

"Maybe I need to use my scroll to make a nametag, considering no one seems to remember my name is not 'boy!'" Marcus said coldly.

"I am full for now, Xellass. I am leaving. Breakfast was delicious and I look forward to destroying our enemies in the upcoming war." Dolphin declared as she rose from her seat.

"Dynaast, there are many preparations to make. Time to withdraw. Besides, I won our bet, remember?" Dolphin said cryptically and vanished.

"Out of curiosity, what would you call me if you had the choice, boy?" Dynaast asked Marcus.

"Honestly, Lord Dynaast?" Marcus asked as respectfully as he could. At Dynaast's nod, Marcus answered. "Old Man."

"Oh that is awful! Thank Ruby-Eyes-sama that you have to call me Lord. Well, Xeria-chan, you picked an interesting mate. Good luck to you." Dynaast said before leaving. His servants followed, including Norst who left while glaring at Marcus and Xeria. They smiled at him and started kissing until he left.

"Well, that was fun. I hope you all enjoyed this last meal all together." Xellass said matter-of-factly.

"Why is that?" Lina dared to ask.

"You'll have safe passage home today but the next time we meet will be on the battlefield and it will be war. This is also farewell to family and friends." Xelloss explained.

"Meaning you all have another plan to destroy the world?" Zel insinuated.

"You know that is a secret." Xelloss replied.

"Well, I guess that means we have preparations to make, too." Lina said plainly, approached Xelloss and extended her hand. He shook it.

"Farewell, Lina-san." He replied.

"Good luck, Xelloss. You'll need it!" She replied arrogantly.

"I guess this means we'll be fighting each other, Sister." Fal commented.

"I guess it does." Xeria replied.

"Oh, Fal's easy. You just punch him in the gut and he's done." Marcus said jokingly.

"Marcus is predictable. He has an obsession with putting holes in people." Fal shot back. The two males shook hands.

"Remember your vow." Marcus whispered.

"As long as you remember yours." Fal whispered back.

As the two groups separated with Fal promising to bring everyone home, Filia took a step toward Xeria.

"Xeria, I know I have no excuses or reasons good enough as to why I made the choice I did and I have no right to ask for your forgiveness but please know this: If I had the power to turn back the clock and make one change, I would not abandon you and Fal!" She stated strongly as tears came unbidden to her eyes.

"And yet, you do not have the power to do that so your words are meaningless as they change absolutely nothing." Xeria said cryptically.

Nine Months Later - War

The plan that awakened two piece of Shabranigdo simultaneously went into effect and the world was thrown into complete chaos. Despite the best efforts of human, dragons and all other life forms, the will of Mazoku won out. Even the mighty Lina Gabriev lost the will to exist after watching her husband, her friends and her world destroyed. So she cast the Giga Slave once more and the power of L-Sama went out of control. Hellmaster's plan finally came to fruition, even though he no longer existed to see it.

End Gourry's version