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. Can you spot the slight Commando reference which I obviously don't own?
Xelloss' version:
After the last episode, Zelgadiss expressed what most of his companions were thinking, "well, that was pointless."
"What do you mean? There was a happy ending for once! Isn't that what you all have been complaining about?" Pokota ranted, insulted by the commentary.
"We're kinda rooting for Xelloss-san and Filia-san's kids to have a happy ending. They didn't." Amelia explained.
"I still say she's trying to kill her husband." Gourry added.
"Only when he does not help her clean on Mother's Day." Arcanum offered as she appeared in the theater.
"So it's true that the Writer is with child?" Filia asked.
"That is to be confirmed later. She has very specific plans and absolutely cannot tolerate anyone else interfering with them. It is her OCPD." Arcanum explained but only confused the theater goers more.
"Well, Pokota's version was pointless so who goes next?" Lina asked, ready to get more snacks and move on.
"You're just pissed you weren't in the episode, Flat Chest!" Pokota yelled and started floating away from fireballs. Suddenly he couldn't move and got roasted slightly.
"I believe I will take the next turn and make certain I get my 'happy' ending." Xelloss added, while holding Pokota.
"Very well, Xelloss. Take my hand." Arcanum replied.
The Mazoku priest dropped the cooked plush doll, took Arcanum's offered hand and they ascended into the movie screen.
The Lair of the Lord of Nightmares
Xelloss was immediately overwhelmed being in L-sama's presence and dropped to one knee without even making eye contact.
"You may rise my child and speak your wishes for this tale. I command it." L-Sama spoke in a gentle but firm tone to Xelloss who shakily rose to his feet but kept his gaze lowered.
"As you wish, L-Sama. Frankly, it is unnatural for Filia and I to fornicate so to avoid the entire ordeal, I wish to prevent myself from even being there. I realize this means our offspring will not exist but there cannot be a happy or sad ending if the story never begins." Xelloss explained thoroughly.
"How true. Interesting. Very well, Arcanum, perform your chant and let us see how this plays out." L-Sama replied. Arcanum shrugged and began,
"I call upon the power of the Lord of Time and Space
Grant us permission to travel to another place.
Before our story began and be so bold
To erase it all so no ending is told."
Wolf Pack Island
Xelloss suddenly found himself transported to the lair of his master, the Great Beast and faced with not only Xellass herself but himself as well.
"What is the meaning of this?" Xellass demanded.
Xelloss from the theater dropped to one knee immediately, before speaking, "I realize, Ju-ou-sama, that is may seem unnerving and impossible but I beg you both hear me out because it is of utmost importance."
The current time's Xelloss simply looked to his master and shrugged and Xellass motioned for the newcomer to continue.
Xelloss did continue and when he was done, he had soundly convinced his master and his other self against going to the celebration of Dark Star's defeat.
"All of this is quite unnerving, but is it all true?" Xellass asked.
Xelloss from the theater could sense he was about to teleport back so he smiled at his master and simply replied, "Now that is a secret" before teleporting back to the theater.
Back in the theater
Xelloss sat back with a cup of tea and a delicious piece of cake and feigned a sigh of satisfied relief.
"That's very selfish of you, Namagomi! Now Xeria and Fal won't exist at all!" Filia ranted.
"Are you saying you'd prefer that we had disgustingly raunchy sex, Filia-san?" Xelloss teased and laughed hysterically at Filia racing for the trash bin to vomit once again.
Back to Wolf Pack Island
"Well, that settles it. Xelloss, you're not to go to that party. Only the real you could be that obnoxious and you don't lie so I'll believe him. I save some wine anyhow." Xellass said dismissively.
"As you wish, Ju-ou-sama." Xelloss bowed and retreated to his quarters for a quiet night in.
Twenty Years Later
Filia-ul-Copt enjoyed her life. She pushed a stray piece of blond hair out of her face as she made a fresh pot of tea. Her small shop, Maces & Vases, was such a success, she expanded the business and bought the building next door to create a tea house as well. Her two employees were left to manage the main shop while she enjoyed making tea and small cookies and cakes to go with it. Her adopted son, Valteria, flitted back and forth between the shops wherever he was needed. Her sapphire blue eyes held none of the old stressors they used to when she was High Priestess to Karyou and worried about the fate of the world. She smiled at her son as he sat new guests at a table, taking their order.
Filia often thought of her friends from her wild days and was happy that they had all seemed to settle down as well. Amelia and Zelgadiss had gotten married. She was most surprised that Zelgadiss had agreed to such a large, public affair but it was customary considering he became the Crown Prince of Saillune. She noticed he seemed a lot more comfortable with himself and no longer hid his face with a hooded cloak. Amelia had also calmed down quite a bit, but still maintained that childish innocence, despite ruling a country, allowing her father to retire from most of his duties.
Shortly after Amelia and Zelgadiss' wedding, Gourry proposed to Lina. Filia allowed herself a smile, remembering the shocked look on Lina's face and her quiet 'yes' response. At their wedding, however, she was back to her usual Lina. She was determined the bride would be the center of attention, dancing all night and loudly proclaiming it to be her day all day long.
Filia was proud to attend both events, along with her son and her employees. The only downside to both events was that Xelloss crashed both of them. She had to admit though, seeing him nauseous at all the love in the air was satisfying. He kept giving her unnerving looks from time to time during both events. She figured he didn't realize she caught him looking in her direction, but she felt it was better not to ask.
She eyes drifted again to her son. He was a handsome young man, of twenty years. He looked very similar to Valgaav at this point, minus the horn on his forehead and the intense trauma behind his eyes. Filia gave herself a lot of credit for that last part. She did whatever possible to provide a stress-free, trauma-free life for her son. Not that he didn't get into mischief during his teen years, but most of the town saw him as a lovable scamp and protector as he defended the town from bandits when he was just ten years old.
Filia didn't foresee anything interfering with their quiet, peaceful life until she sensed two powerful beings enter the shop. Valteria must have sensed it, too, because he nearly tripped getting to the door to greet them. Of course, this could also have been because the woman was quite beautiful.
Valteria stuttered a bit as he welcomed the young man and woman who entered the tea shop. The woman was clearly a golden dragon in human form as far as Filia could tell with long, wavy blond hair and blue eyes the same as her own. She dressed in a simple white dress with white hooded cloak. The cloak was down as the day's sun seemed to shine off her hair as she entered the doorway.
The man, however, was a mystery to Filia. She could sense a great power to him but could not place what race he was. He sported short, light brown hair and dressed in darker colors, choosing a contrasting midnight blue top and pants to his companion's white dress. He carried a sword at his side but Filia could not sense if he used it often or not. He smirked at her son's behavior but what actually disturbed her was the young man's eyes. They were an unnatural shade of ice blue and carried a lot of potential for darkness.
Valteria approached Filia with the strangers' order and informed her that they also wished to speak with her. As it was close to closing time, she told him to let them know they could stay after closing and she would join them then. They nodded in agreement when Val delivered the message.
A short while later, Val locked the front door and began the clean-up. Filia came to join the table with a fresh pot of tea and a small plate of cookies.
"On the house. I am Filia-ul-Copt. My son, Valteria said you both wished to speak with me." Filia greeted with a polite bow as she joined the table.
The two young guests rose from the table and each bowed to their hostess.
"We appreciate you taking the time, Filia-sama. My name is Lauria and as I imagine you could tell, I too, am a golden dragon. I am a priestess of our temple. We are a small band of golden dragons that gathered after the last great battle which took many of our kind." Lauria began.
Filia shuddered at the memory. She had been one of the few survivors of that "battle" for the last Dark Star weapon. It was mindless carnage, not a battle at all.
"This is my elder brother, Marcus. He may seem a bit confusing to sense, but he is half golden dragon. His other half, and I pray you we mean no harm whatsoever, is that of Mazoku heritage." Lauria explained in a shameful whisper.
Filia could not stop her gasp and Val nearly dropped a plate when he heard.
"Okay, I think I can speak for myself now, Lauria." Marcus began in an annoyed tone. His sister nodded to him and he continued, "The way I understand it, our mother was raped by the Mazoku Lord, Dynaast Grausherra and I am the result. That's not why we're here, however."
Filia, still utterly horrified by the idea of intimacy with a Mazoku, composed herself to inquire, "so why have you come here?"
"Our leader, Milgazia suggested it. You see, our mother was a visionary and I got that sense from her. We were told you also had visions so I was hoping you could offer me some insight." Marcus explained.
"I would be happy to try. So tell me more about your visions, Marcus." Filia agreed.
Before Marcus could answer, Lauria cried, "I really hope you can help him, Filia-sama! Please, these visions are so intense at times, he blacks out completely for hours!"
Marcus shot his sister an annoyed look and Filia sighed, summoning Valteria to her side.
"Val, why don't you escort Lauria-san next door and show her some of our finest vases?" She requested.
"Of course, Mother, no problem. Lauria-san?" Val answered and offered his hand to Lauria.
She dried her tears and gratefully took his hand to be led away.
"I take it I can trust him not to try anything funny with my sister." Marcus asked when Val and Lauria were out of earshot.
At Filia's nod, he continued, "Then thank you. She's very concerned but her crying all the time about it gets annoying really quickly."
"Well, now that we have some peace, please tell me about your visions and your concerns." Filia prompted.
"Truth be told, they're not bad visions. I started having them when I was very young. When I was about two years of age, I'm told I had a massive seizure and began hysterically crying for days. Nothing could stop it, then it stopped on its own. I believe that's when I had my first vision. The next one occurred when I was about five years. That was when my mother was murdered." Marcus paused, closing his eyes in obvious pain.
"Murdered?" Filia gasped.
"Lauria refuses to believe it but I witnessed it with my own eyes. Her father, my stepfather if you will, murdered her because she protected me. It was then my Mazoku blood awoke and I injured him gravely, but unfortunately not enough to kill him. The vision came right before my powers awoke. Now I get them regularly, mostly when I lay down to sleep or I need comfort in any way. As I said, they're not bad." He continued.
"What do you see in these visions?" Filia asked.
"A young woman, the most beautiful I have ever seen. She has always appeared to me at this age, but as I grew I saw her differently. First, she was a friend and comforter and now, a lover. I need to find this woman, more than anything!" Marcus said emphatically.
"That may prove difficult, Marcus. There are many women in the world." Filia warned.
"Trust me, Filia-san, this woman is remarkable and one of a kind. She's a Mazoku." He added.
"Mazoku? Are you certain?" Filia gasped again.
"Yes, I am certain. I can sense her dark powers but I have searched the records and spoken to all who had dealings with Mazoku and her description doesn't fit anywhere. That's another reason I came to you. If I describe her to you, will you tell me if you've ever encountered anyone like that?" Marcus asked, desperate hope in his voice.
Filia nodded and he continued. "She has long, purple hair, the shade of violets to be precise. She dresses in dark clothing, almost looking like a shadow if not for her hair and her eyes. Her eyes are the most amazing. They are purple, too, the color of amethyst stones. Please Filia-sama, you are my final hope. I could sense her strongly when I walked into the tea shop and I pray to whatever god that is willing to listen to a freak like me, that means you have some information for me."
Filia's first instinct was to say no, but as she started she stopped. Her eyes widened and she practically bolted from her chair, commanding Marcus to follow her. He did, no questions asked and they also moved to the vase shop next door. They surprised Val and Lauria but passed them as Filia ran up to her private quarters and Marcus followed closely behind. Concerned for his mother's welfare, Val also followed with Lauria close behind.
"What's going on here? Are you alright, Mother?" Val asked in concern.
"Twenty years ago was the last time I had a vision. It was so intense that I passed out. When I came to I formed this vase. The images on it greatly disturbed me but nothing ever came of it so I just put it away." Filia explained as she opened her wardrobe and pushed the clothing aside to reveal a dusty old vase. She pulled it out and placed it on the hope chest at the end of her bed. All in the room crowded around it as Filia removed the dust to reveal its images.
The images depicted a classic battle of good and evil. One side of the vase showed Filia, with the Golden Dragon army behind her. On the other side, Xelloss Metallium stood in front of a giant wolf. Xelloss' eyes stared at her with hatred and disgust. There were two images that Filia could never place. One depicted the shadow of a young woman with piercing amethyst eyes and long, flowing violet hair and the other portrayed a Golden Dragon with slanted, Mazoku-shaped, sapphire-blue eyes.
"This vase is amazing, Filia-sama!" Lauria exclaimed and found herself drawn to the image of the golden dragon with slanted eyes. Her hand lightly brushed over it and she fell to her knees in tears.
Val was instantly by her side and helped guide her to her feet.
"What happened?" He asked.
"I saw a vision, too. I saw, whom I can only assume was that dragon in human form. He was reaching out to me and crying. I feel such an overwhelming sadness and emptiness now. I can't seem to stop crying!" Lauria explained in-between sobs.
Val comforted her by letting her cry on his chest as he enveloped her in his arms. Filia looked to her sympathetically and noticed Val was giving Marcus a dirty look.
Marcus, who had been very protective of his sister, paid her no mind at all in her upsetting moments. He was completely transfixed on the shadowy image of the young woman with purple hair and eyes. Filia watched him closely, interested in his reaction. He, too, ran one hand lightly over the image and, like Lauria, received a vision.
When the hybrid opened his eyes again, he was on the floor in Filia's room with everyone crowded around him. Lauria was crying as usual so he knew he had blacked out again.
"You had another vision, I take it?" Filia asked. Marcus nodded and recounted what he had seen and heard.
"I was in darkness so thick I could barely see my own hands as I looked directly at them. Then I saw her. She appeared as the shadow on the vase at first and then walked closer and was illuminated by a light around her. It was the woman I had envisioned all these years and for the first time, she spoke to me. 'You found me' she said and reached out to me. I immediately reached back and our hands met. I pulled her into my arms and held her. 'Don't let go,' she said in a desperate whisper as she started fading from my arms. I tried to hold her with all my might but she vanished with tears in her eyes. Then I woke up."
"If you found her, where is she?" Val asked.
"I wish I understood more, but I feel it was my destiny to find this vase." Marcus said with a strong determination in his voice.
"But it seems destiny took an alternate route this time." A voice that Filia hadn't heard in years spoke before Xelloss materialized in the room.
"Xelloss, what are you doing here?!" Filia demanded.
The Mazoku general/priest's appearance had a wide array of reactions from the room's occupants. Filia was surprised and annoyed. Val shrugged and waved to which Xelloss returned the wave. Marcus just stared at him in awe, but Lauria had a rather strong reaction.
"Ah, Mazoku! Keep away from me! Ah!" She screamed, racing from the room in hysterics. Val sighed and followed closely behind.
"Ah, memories. You remember when you used to be so freaked out by me, Filia-san?" Xelloss teased as he strode forward to stand in-between Filia and Marcus.
"It's not hard to be freaked out by a Namagomi like you!" Filia defended herself.
Xelloss' eye twitched at the old nickname but did not respond. Instead, he turned to Marcus who stood dumbfounded.
"I have the answers to your questions, young Marcus. Are you interested?" He asked directly.
"Yes, please Xelloss-sama, what can you tell me about her and this vase?" Marcus begged, taking a knee.
"Oh, I'm not used to someone bowing before me. I wonder if Ju-ou-sama feels this much of a thrill." Xelloss remarked.
"Stop stalling Xelloss. If you have information, tell us and don't you dare say 'it's a secret!'" Filia warned.
"I see Lina-san and the others warned you about my catchphrase. Well, it is a secret, one I've been holding onto for twenty years and it is time I revealed it." Xelloss began.
Filia and Marcus listened intently as Xelloss spoke.
"About twenty years ago, I was preparing to attend a gathering to celebrate the defeat of Dark Star. Ju-ou-sama even gave permission for me to bring some of her favorite Zefilia wine, but as Filia could attest, I did not attend." Xelloss paused. Filia nodded in agreement.
"Why didn't you attend, Xelloss-sama?" Marcus asked.
"Ju-ou-sama and I were visited by an alternate version of myself." He replied.
"So there were two Xelloss'? How is that possible and what a horrible thought?!" Filia exclaimed. Xelloss shot her a dirty look before continuing.
"The other me told us a tale so convincing and horrific that not only did I not want to go but Ju-ou-sama forbade me to go, so I didn't." Xelloss paused again.
"What could be so horrible that would disturb you, Xelloss-sama?" Marcus asked the question Filia was curious about as well.
"Marcus, be prepared to dodge and catch Filia-san because he told us that Filia and I would become intoxicated and fornicate - creating twin hybrid offspring in the process." Xelloss explained and true to his predictions, Marcus had to dodge Mace-sama and catch Filia because she almost fainted.
"Of all the sick, disgusting, perverted..." Filia ranted as her pink-encrusted tail popped out from behind the skirt of her dress.
"Hybrid offspring?" Marcus began to question but suddenly his eyes widened and he looked toward the vase, dropping Filia in the process.
When she got up, she, too, looked at the vase.
"It makes sense as horrific as it sounds. I had that vision shortly before the gathering so these images - the golden dragon with Mazoku-shaped slanted eyes and the young woman with Xelloss' coloring were supposed to be our offspring. But that means..." Filia connected the dots but trailed off when she figured out where they led.
"It means that the woman I was destined for and have had visions about my entire life never existed. The massive seizure I had when I was a two was probably the same night as the gathering, marking the idea that I would never find her. I was just too young to understand. Now the only physical representation that she was supposed to exist is this vase. I found her. Now I understand completely." He said in a soft, completely despondent tone of voice.
"And judging by Lauria-chan's reaction earlier, I'd say she was meant for our son as well. Oh, this is too much and too sad!" Filia cried.
"Lauria and I were raised to believe that Mazoku are all evil villains and the villain never gets a happy ending in any story. I guess that is my fate, but there's no reason that Lauria should share it. You both have my gratitude for your time, wisdom and patience but please keep any knowledge of my sister's denied destiny a secret." Marcus paused to bow respectfully, before continuing, "I will take Lauria home now. I imagine if we're gone any longer, the Old Man will call out the hunting party."
"I thought you said your leader suggested you come here." Filia reminded him.
"I lied." He replied simply, shrugged and left the room.
As he descended downstairs, he noticed Lauria and Val sharing a piece of cake and smiling together. He pushed aside a sharp pain in his chest and cleared his throat to make his presence known.
"Time to go already? Did you find the answers you needed?" Val asked.
Marcus thought about how to answer and settled on, "it's a secret."
Dragon Temple - One Month Later
"I told you a thousand times over the past few weeks, Old Man. I protected her, she's fine!" Marcus yelled.
"You had no right taking your innocent sister out of this temple! She told me she met Xelloss, Demon of Demons! How is that protected?! Now she flits about the temple like an idiot! Is she under some sort of curse?!" Sagalia, Lauria's father and Marcus' stepfather, demanded as he blasted Marcus with Holy magic again.
Marcus could normally just teleport out of there but he had lost the will to care about his own wellbeing. He faked it around Lauria so she wouldn't cry all the time.
"Maybe she's in love." He replied in a sarcastic tone, even knowing it was true.
Val had followed them on their journey back to the temple and he and Lauria continued to meet in secret at the old oak tree just outside the barrier to the temple. Marcus knew all this but kept the secret, determined that his sister would at least have a shot at the happy ending he was denied. He was blasted again for his sarcasm but the barrage was stopped shortly after by Lauria's entrance into the room.
"Father, please stop this!" She begged.
"He's just getting what he deserves for putting you in danger. Who are they?!" Sagalia demanded as he noticed two others had entered behind Lauria.
Marcus raised his head from behind where Sagalia stood to see Filia and Val. Val took a step toward him to help but Marcus shook his head and waved him off.
"I take it you must be Sagalia. My name Is Filia-ul-Copt and this is my son, Valteria. We are here because my son wishes to take your daughter, Lauria as his mate." Filia said strongly, not at all happy about the treatment Marcus was given and also not doubting for a second Marcus' story about Sagalia killing his mate.
"Out of the question! What makes you think your brat is worthy of my daughter?!" Sagalia yelled rudely.
"Because Filia-san was once High Priestess to Karyou-sama and her son, Valteria, is the last of the Ancient Dragons. There is good breeding and power there, everything you could want for Lauria-chan and for future children of this clan." Milgazia, the leader of the clan, stepped next to Filia and explained.
"Is that all true, Milgazia-sama?" Sagalia asked with sarcastic emphasis on 'sama.'
Milgazia and Filia both nodded so Sagalia shrugged and continued, "Well, I guess I have no alternative then. You can have her, boy."
Valteria gave Sagalia a respectful bow before turning to Lauria to kiss her hand briefly. Then he nodded his thanks to Milgazia and his mother. He waited for Sagalia to leave the room and raced to aid Marcus.
"Are you alright, Marcus?" Val asked as he helped Marcus to his feet.
"I'm living, I guess. So I suppose I have to start calling you, Bro, now huh?" Marcus teased, wincing a bit in pain.
"Actually, could I talk to you a minute in private?" Val asked in a low, serious tone. Marcus raised an eyebrow, but nodded.
The two separated from Filia and Lauria who were already talking excitedly about the ceremony and walked out onto the patio.
"So what's up Bro?" Marcus asked.
"Well, especially after what I just saw, I wanted to ask the real man in Lauria's life for permission to take her as a mate." Val said directly.
"Well, I wasn't expecting that but I appreciate it. She obviously wants you and you make her happy so yes, go for it with my full blessing." Marcus replied with a slight nod.
"Thank you. I also wanted to let you know that despite what destiny she was meant for, I will make it my destiny to make her happy." Val added, letting go of the breath he had been holding.
"So you found out huh?" Marcus asked.
"My mother told me before we came here and I have no intention of telling Lauria either. As I said, I want her to be happy. Listen, Marcus, about your destiny, I..." Val began.
"Now listen to me Bro, don't get mushy on me! You just take good care of my sister or I'll haunt you forever." Marcus cut him off and slapped him on the shoulder hard for emphasis.
Val looked suspiciously at Marcus as the hybrid walked away but said nothing.
One Month Later
The ceremony was beautiful. Everything from the dress to the flowers came through perfectly. Filia and Val's only disappointment was they were not allowed to invite their human "family." That was one of the stipulations Sagalia set forth.
As everyone was just gathering and chatting after the ceremony and a full course meal, Sagalia stepped forward with an announcement.
"Now that everyone is happy and fed, I have a special gift to give my new son-in-law."
Val stepped away from Lauria to stand before his father-in-law suspiciously. He was right to be suspicious because suddenly he was separated from the rest of the crowd, including Lauria and his mother by a field made of Holy Magic. He also discovered he couldn't move. His eyes scanned what he could see and he noticed that Filia, Lauria and Milgazia were being held captive.
"What is the meaning of this outrage Sagalia?!" Milgazia yelled.
"You're too soft and I have many followers that feel we need new leadership - me. So as proof to my new army, I'm going to take the life of our biggest threat - our old enemy the Ancient Dragon." Sagalia replied menacingly.
Filia and Lauria screamed and cried but no matter how hard he tried, Val could not move although now he understood why Sagalia insisted on Aunt Lina and the others not being welcomed. Val used his only strength to give Sagalia the nastiest death glare he could as his father-in-law raised a spear, tipped with poison and brought it down, on a fast track toward his heart.
In split seconds there was a blood-curling scream of pain and the magic field was cracked. Milgazia drew his sword to fight but Filia had bashed their captors with her mace, freeing the three of them who were instantly by Val's side. It took a few moments for them to register what had happened.
A dragon that had been maintaining the barrier laid bloody on the floor. His heart had been ripped from his chest and his head lay in a separate spot from the rest of his body. Sagalia had struck down with his spear but it wasn't imbedded in Val's heart, but Marcus' instead. The hybrid also had his hand enclosed around Sagalia's throat and was slowly clenching. Val found his voice again.
"Marcus pushed me out of the way just in time, but ..."
"Marcus, no! Please, both of you stop this!" Lauria cried.
"You fool! You're going to die now! This poison is strong enough to kill you, too, monster!" Sagalia struggled to say as his windpipe was slowly being crushed.
"Maybe you're right, Old Man. Maybe I'm going to die, but I can take you with me. So I give you a choice. I may let you live if you tell Lauria the truth right now. Tell her how our mother died!" Marcus demanded, his eyesight going foggy but trying not to show any weakness.
Sagalia looked right at Lauria and said clearly, "I killed her. I killed that Mazoku's whore!"
Lauria was shocked and she fell to the floor as she cried. The dragons that were following Sagalia now looked at him in disgust.
"That's all I needed to hear and now you can die, Old Man." Marcus said gleefully, an satisfied smirk gracing his face.
"But you said you'd let me live! Ugh!" Sagalia managed to say before Marcus crushed his throat and ripped his head off his neck.
"I lied." Marcus managed to say before falling backwards to the floor.
Filia, Lauria and Val were by his side instantly while Milgazia saw to the detainment of the traitors. Filia tried healing magic on Marcus but it wouldn't work.
"No, Marcus, you can't die! I can't lose you, too!" Lauria cried.
"Do me a favor, Sister. After this day, cry only tears of happiness. You've cried too many tears of sadness already." He managed to choke out, along with some blood.
Just then, many dragons started screaming because Xelloss teleported into the shrine directly.
"Now that's a damn shame. Here I had orders to invite you to join our side. Guess I'm too late." Xelloss said with an unsatisfied sigh.
"Forgive me, Xelloss-sama. I might have taken you up on that, but it's too late now anyway. Please know that I really do appreciate you and Filia-san and I bear no resentment toward either of you. Val, you had better keep your word." Marcus continued to try to speak.
"You bastard, you knew this would happen, didn't you?" Val said angrily, with tears at the corners of his eyes as he now realized what Marcus meant about haunting him.
"I had a vision about it, yeah. Oh well, it won't be long now." Marcus confirmed and took a difficult breath. Each one was more difficult than the last.
Suddenly, a black vortex mysteriously opened up in front of the small group. Everyone backed up in caution as a creature emerged from the vortex, one that only Lauria recognized.
"It's him! He's the one I had the vision about!" She gasped.
The newcomer said nothing but looked at Lauria, then at Val and then at the matching marital bands they wore. He looked down sadly for a moment before approaching the small group. He continued to be silent, but took Lauria's hand and kissed it softly. He hesitated but let it go. Then he looked at Val and nodded, mouthing the words, 'thank you.' He nodded toward Xelloss and Filia who could only watch in wonderment and tears respectively.
"So, are you here to take me to hell or wherever?" Marcus asked, breaking the tension.
The newcomer smirked, glanced briefly at those who would have been his parents, then took Xelloss' infamous secret pose before returning to stand before the vortex. Xelloss smiled proudly while Filia shook her head. The newcomer reached one hand into the vortex and when he pulled it back out, another hand was in it. He pulled another creature from the vortex, one Marcus knew all too well.
It was her. She did not speak either but walked away from the vortex and approached the small group, pushing a stray lock of violent hair out of her amethyst eyes. She briefly nodded toward Lauria and Val and gave a sad smile toward those who would have been her parents and bowed her head briefly. Then she directed her attention toward Marcus.
"You came for me after all?" He asked.
She nodded and reached for his hand. Although his strength was quickly waning, he mustered up what he could to reach for her as well. Their hands met.
"Please don't take my brother away!" Lauria cried, trying to pull Marcus back.
"Lauria, let him go. This is his destiny." Val said sadly, pulling Lauria into his arms to comfort her.
Xelloss and Filia's would-be daughter glanced back at her would-be brother but he just turned away with an obvious pained look in his slanted, sapphire blue eyes. Then she redirected her attention to Marcus and with a slight tug, pulled his spirit out of his dying body. His body fell back lifeless and Lauria cradled it, crying. Val comforted her by stroking her hair. Filia rose to stand next to Xelloss and they watched as the three hybrids made their way to the vortex. Their son entered first. Their daughter began to enter, but Marcus looked back once more, offered a sad smile, grabbed her hand tightly and they both entered the vortex together. It closed and vanished behind them. All was silent except the soft sobbing of the bride.
Later That Night - Maces & Vases Tea Shop
Filia settled into her now empty shop at one of the tables while she decided if she had the energy to make a cup of tea when Xelloss teleported in from the astral plane.
"Good evening Xelloss." She said simply, her voice revealing her exhaustion.
"You don't seem too surprised to see me, Filia-san." Xelloss replied, pulling up a chair to join Filia at the small table.
"I'm not. I had a feeling you'd come." She said with a shrug.
"I came to tell you some interesting, yet depressing news. I told Ju-ou-sama about the whole incident tonight. She was intrigued how two creatures that should not have existed could materialize into our world. She had a few theories but no evidence to back up either one." Xelloss began. Filia listened so Xelloss continued, "One is that we shared in a powerful vision that Marcus had before he died, although that doesn't explain how we could still see them after his death. The other explanation is that it was a gift from L-Sama but hers is an existence we will never understand so that's only a theory as well. One thing Ju-ou-sama could more likely confirm, however, is the vortex was likely the nothing to existence."
"Meaning, despite them entering together, they just cease to exist and won't be together?" Filia inquired. Xelloss nodded.
"I didn't think it was possible to be more depressed but if you were trying to depress me more, you just did." She continued.
"Well, I've had my fill of misery today so how about a drink?" Xelloss asked and produced a bottle of Zefilia wine and two wine goblets. Filia nodded so Xelloss poured the wine.
"What shall we drink to?" Xelloss asked.
Filia turned on a light and Xelloss could see she had cleaned up and displayed the vase from her vision.
"Let's drink to the road not taken." She suggested. Xelloss nodded. They brought their glasses together for a cling and each drank their wine.
"Another glass?" Xelloss asked. Filia smiled at him.
"Maybe we should have some tea instead." She replied.
"Only if we can have cake, too!" Xelloss added with a smile of his own.
Then they both retreated to the kitchen to prepare the tea and cake, each wondering where the road not taken may have led them.
End Xelloss' Version
