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 obviously don't own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Doctor Who or much else for that matter.
Zelgadiss' Version:
"I take it you all do not approve of the ending Filia-san suggested?" Arcanum asked with a sarcastic smirk as she could clearly tell from the extreme reactions of the theater-goers that they hated it.
Lina, Amelia, Gourry and Pokota were all crying openly. Zelgadiss looked down angrily. Filia was in absolute hysterics and even, Xelloss sat with dark power surrounding him.
"What the hell was that, Arcanum?! That was the darkest one yet!" Lina yelled, storming up to the front of the theater to confront the dark creature.
"I must admit a bit of surprise at your anger, Lina-san. You were in this version and had a significant role. Is that not what you wanted?" Arcanum pointed out
"Yes, but that was too much!" Lina hollered, stomping her foot.
"That was so sad! They had a real chance to be together!" Amelia cried.
"If only the dragons weren't so judgmental." Pokota added, nodding. He had to quickly dodge Mace-sama for his commentary.
"Don't say such things!" Filia shrieked.
"Don't attack Pokota because he's right, Filia!" Zelgadiss defended, stepping in to block Mace-sama. "Amelia's right, too. Fal and Lauria were already together and to my surprise, Marcus and Xeria seemed to actually have a chance, too. However, due to a lack of understanding or acceptance of their Mazoku halves, it was classified as evil and had to be destroyed." He finished. Filia looked down silently as she knew he was correct.
"For once, I also didn't like this ending." Xelloss added, surprising his companions. He continued on to explain, "I have never failed my Master ever but killing Filia-chan was a nice twist I'll admit." He finished with an evil smile.
"Well, obviously that won't be happening, Namagomi." Filia said with a humph
Almost immediately, she felt Xelloss' hand around her throat.
"I could easily kill you, Filia-chan. In fact, maybe I'll avoid any of this nonsense and do that right now." He threatened.
"That cannot happen at this time, Xelloss-san. The plan of the Writer as not been completed. As one that carries out the plans of your master to the letter, I am sure you can respect my position on this." Arcanum explained calmly, as she suddenly appeared behind the Mazoku priest.
"The Writer's plan is not my concern." Xelloss replied with his usual creepy eye open trick.
It was wasted on Arcanum who summoned a sword made of flames, similar to the Ragna Blade and the Sword of Light.
"It's my concern and as my origin story has yet to be rewritten, even I have no idea what I'm capable of, but I know I'm not to be trifled with." Arcanum, using contractions as she rarely did, threatened.
Xelloss did back up and released Filia, but it was more out of curiosity than fear.
"Oh no, we don't have to watch your origin story too, do we?" Gourry asked with a small whine in his voice. The others looked on in interest.
"I think it is time you all remembered our previous encounters." She began and suddenly all seven travelers recalled meeting the original Xeria and the battle between the Evangelion and the Weeping Angels (Author's Note: See Anime Character Humiliation Match Ep. 109). As she saw the looks of recognition on their faces, she continued, "As you may recall, I referred to Xeria as my 'Spirit Sister.' The Writer created three characters to represent different aspects of herself. I was created first when she was only 16 years old. Xeria was created in her early 20s and the last character, named Robin, was created in her late 20s. Naturally, she is two decades older than when she created me so she has different insight into the world."
"Yeah, Xeria mentioned something like that in my version." Pokota pointed out, earning a nod from Arcanum.
"So now that we have some background information and our memories intact, is it finally my turn so I can end this the right way?!" Zelgadiss demanded impatiently.
"What makes you think you can do it? We have all tried!" Filia protested
"I saw a major flaw in the original story that has bothered me, plus there's a slight theme behind all the versions that could be addressed. If I'm wrong, it won't be any worse than any of your endings, but if I'm right, well, we'll see. I'm ready, Arcanum." Zelgadiss explained as he confronted the hostess at the front of the theater.
"Very well, Zelgadiss-san. Take my hand." Arcanum offered. Zelgadiss took it and they floated into the screen.
The Lair of the Lord of Nightmares
"So here is the last one to make changes to my world. The tragic chimera, Zelgadiss Graywords, what change would you make?" L-Sama greeted.
"I have a question for you first. Was it Rezo's free will or your plan that I ended up with this body?" Zelgadiss asked right out.
The theater-goers were shocked as was Arcanum. L-Sama paused, but smiled.
"It depends on your point of view, I suppose." She replied.
"I expected an answer like that but I would never have forgiven myself if I didn't ask. I think Marcus is the key. He was described as having more power than Fal or Xeria due to his lineage but he couldn't get to Wolf Pack Island unless his sister said his name? It seems highly unlikely that he couldn't return to stop Fal. Most likely, it was probably a plot hole from the Writer being so young when she wrote the original tale. Zelgadiss began. Arcanum bit back a chuckle, before she hissed in pain as a small beam of sunlight touched her arm. At Zelgadiss' confused look, she replied, "Judging by that reaction, you are probably correct. So, you want Marcus to stop Fal then?"
"Yes, but there's one more thing. There's a theme I can relate to underlying the previous stories – Acceptance or lack thereof. In each scenario, including the original, the theme is there. In the original, when Fal disowned his Mazoku family, Xeria couldn't accept herself anymore and was almost lost. She even demonstrated her hatred of Filia, her Ryuzoku mother, when we visited that arena. In Lina's version, Marcus was killed for being different. In Gourry's version, Filia and Fal couldn't accept Xeria becoming full Mazoku. In Amelia's version, the kids felt forced to choose a side. In Pokota's ending, the only way the Writer and her husband could save each other was to sacrifice who they were. Even though Xeria and Fal didn't exist in Xelloss' version, Valteria was almost killed for being an Ancient Dragon. Finally, Filia's version rammed this point home. Xeria and Marcus had broken all their bonds to release their Mazoku powers and yet they still loved each other, but since Fal couldn't understand that until it was too late, well, we saw what happened. Fear, resentment and destruction. I believe if all three hybrids can gain acceptance of both their sides, they may ascend to a new level and no one will be able to stop them. There was a time I would have been very angry about your answer regarding my body, but I recognize that this is who I am now and I accept that." Zelgadiss finished his explanation and all was quiet for a few moments.
"That was an excellent analysis, Zelgadiss Graywords. I am impressed and rather excited to see what becomes of your theory. Arcanum, if you would…" L-Sama complimented.
Arcanum stepped forward to begin her final chant.
"I call upon the power of the Lord of Time & Space
Transport us from here to another time and place.
Zelgadiss' theory is our final hope
For the ending with which we can all cope.
For the sake of my Spirit Sister, I pray he is right
So, there'll be no more tears shed silently in the night."
Zelgadiss noted the desperation in Arcanum's voice as he was transported into a small chamber at the dragon temple. As he had witnessed the others, he was prepared for the surprised comments when faced with Marcus.
"Hey, you're one of Xeria & Fals's uncles, right? What are you doing here?" The hybrid asked.
"You could say I am a vision and I recognize your visions are not usually self-aware but I am so let's skip the excess explanations. We are low on time." Zelgadiss said firmly, borrowing Gourry's rare brilliant idea.
"Okay, so what do you want, o vision of the future?" Marcus asked sarcastically, taken aback by Zelgadiss' brash greeting.
"You asked why I was here. I could ask you the same. You should be at Wolf Pack Island, stopping Fal from disowning his family. What the hell are you waiting for?!" Zelgadiss challenged.
"I would if I could." Marcus said simply as the sarcastic smile faded instantly from his face.
"You're supposedly more powerful than either Fal or Xeria and yet you can't get there? That's foolish!" Zel argued.
"Look! I want to help Xeria more than anything but I don't even know how I got there last time! I just sensed Lauria calling to me so I went. I don't have a strong connection to the Astral Plane because I've had no training! I just started developing a connection to Xeria so I can't sense her unless there's a spike in her emotions." Marcus explained, but stopped short suddenly.
"I can sense her. It's bad. I need to go to her now!" Marcus said, panic in his voice.
"One last thing! If you expect a happy ending or any satisfaction for yourself and Xeria or your sister and Fal, then there's something all three of you hybrids need to do. If any of you fail, consider your world over and I'm not talking about the Mazoku mission. No one will get what they want!" Zelgadiss warned.
Marcus listened carefully to the message Zelgadiss delivered. He seemed confused but nodded before teleporting to Wolf Pack Island.
Zelgadiss was then returned to theater. He got himself a cup of coffee and sat back to watch his changes play out.
"What do you think, Zel?" Lina asked.
"I did all I could. It's up to Marcus, Xeria and Fal now." Zelgadiss said as calm as possible.
The others got snacks and sat back to watch as well.
Wolf Pack Island
Marcus teleported into Xellass' throne room and he realized some damage had already been done. Xellass looked pissed and was smoking deeply. Xelloss didn't show any emotion but Marcus noted his back was to Fal. Xeria had the most visual reaction. Her whole body was tense, her arms were crossed and she seemed to be holding herself as tears were brimming in her eyes.
"Guess I'm a bit late huh?" Marcus commented.
"No, there's nothing more here, so you're in time for us to return to the temple." Fal explained in a somber tone and made to leave.
"Hold up Bro, I have new information. Fal, you can't give up your family! If you do, we're all doomed!" Marcus warned, positioning himself in-between Fal and the door.
"I get Lauria. I don't exactly call that 'doom.'" Fal responded.
"Okay Fal, do me a favor. Shut up. Now, I beg all of you, hear me out. Give me ten minutes." Marcus pleaded.
Despite the "shut up" comment, Fal shrugged his shoulders, crossed his arms and stayed put. Xelloss nodded. Xeria waved her hand to show she was listening but was trying to hide her tears from Marcus.
"It seems you are granted your ten minutes, Marcus. What information do you have?" Xellass commanded.
"Thank you, Ju-ou-sama and Xelloss-sama. I will not waste your time. Xeria and Fal, you both especially need to listen. I received a vision in my room. It took the form of your human uncle with the blue skin." Marcus began, with a respectful bow to the Greater Beast and her servant.
"Uncle Zelgadiss?" Xeria asked.
"Yeah, I think that's him. Anyway, he said that I had to stop Fal first and foremost because if I didn't there was no hope of a happy ending for any of us, including you and Lauria. Also, that our world would be over but not the way the Mazoku would want it either. To avoid this, we three hybrids have to go on a journey." Marcus continued.
"What sort of journey?" Xelloss asked before either of his now very interested offspring could ask.
Marcus hesitated, but continued, "I'm not looking forward to it either but he said we had to go on journeys of self-acceptance. We have to accept both sides of who we are – Mazoku and Ryuzoku. He says when we do that, we will ascend to a new level of peace and power." Marcus explained.
"No." Fal said simply.
"No way in the lowest fiery pit of hell." Xeria responded angrily.
"I get it, both of you! I'm a hybrid, too, but I'm willing because I want my happy ending with Xeria! Plus, why wouldn't I want my sister and my best friend to be happy, too?!" Marcus tried to convince.
"Because you fashion yourself a Mazoku and a real Mazoku wouldn't care." Fal responded quickly.
"Well, maybe I have more dragon blood in me then I care to admit but that will only help me on my journey." Marcus replied quickly, a look of disgust on his face.
"Even if I were willing to do this, Marcus, you know Sagalia won't accept that and I'll lose Lauria." Fal challenged.
"Have you ever thought of lying? It's a brand new concept!" Marcus suggested sarcastically.
"In Fal's defense we can't lie, but he won't have to." Xeria answered, a rather devious grin forming on her face. After some confused looks, she continued, "Fal did disown us before you got here, Marcus. Should he decide to stop being an idiotic ass and change his mind, it doesn't erase that fact." She explained.
"I have to disown you all forever." Fal added.
"Forever is not a measurable length of time. The past few minutes could have felt like 'forever.'" Xeria suggested.
Fal paused after her explanation and let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding.
"In that case, I take it all back and beg forgiveness Grandmother, Father and Xeria. I didn't want to lose Lauria and I thought I had no choice." Fal begged as he took a knee. Xellass smiled and Xelloss nodded. Xeria wasn't so easy, however.
"Why the hell should I forgive you? It's all my fault, right? Because I was born, you were abandoned, too!" Xeria reminded him angrily.
"You seriously said that?!" Marcus asked incredulously.
Fal nodded then addressed his sister, "so what do you want, Xeria?"
"You don't criticize me the next time I do something particularly evil." Xeria suggested with one eye open.
"Fair enough. Now I have an idea and I'm going to ask you two to follow my lead." Fal agreed then gestured to his fellow hybrids.
Marcus and Xeria exchanged looks then nodded back toward Fal, smiling.
The Dragon Temple
Fal teleported back to the Grand Hall of the temple and took a knee before Sagalia.
"It is done." He simply said.
"Good. I accept you, Boy." The dragon elder said triumphantly.
Fal rose slowly to his feet and left the temple into the garden, looking solemn. Lauria and Filia ran after him.
"Fal, are you okay?" Filia asked.
"Don't ask." Fal said, a shakiness in his voice causing Filia and Laura to immediately embrace him.
"How did they take it?" Lauria asked hesitantly.
"Yes, how did they take the news that you were pussing out on them?" Marcus said sarcastically as he teleported in.
"Not now, Marcus." Lauria defended.
"Oh quiet, Lauria. I'm just practicing Astral Plane travel and I couldn't help but crash this conversation. So Fal, how did my future family react, especially my beautiful Xeria?" Marcus challenged.
"Your beautiful Xeria?" Filia questioned.
"No disrespect, Filia-san, but this does not concern you. Well, Fal?" Marcus said curtly.
"I told her it was her fault we were abandoned." Fal managed to get out before he spit out blood. He looked down at the fist-sized hole in his gut. He gave Marcus a shocked look.
"Did she cry?" Marcus demanded. Fal nodded so Marcus continued.
"Well, it looks like you saved your family the hassle of attending your funeral because I'm going to end you." Marcus said in a rather eviler tone that Lauria was used to as she prepared to defend Fal. Marcus started building up his power around until he realized he couldn't move.
"I'm sorry Marcus. I'm glad my daughter has someone to defend her but I cannot allow you to kill my son." Filia said, having cast Holy Magic on Marcus.
"He won't be able to kill anyone ever." A voice just entering the garden said. Marcus and Fal both swore under their breath. It was Sagalia.
"I saw the whole thing and it seems like it's finally time to put an end to our greatest threat – you, brat. Tonight, Lauria will become mated to Fal and then we will execute Marcus. No arguments!" Sagalia demanded as he doubled the Holy Magic on Marcus and they all returned to the temple.
Later That Night
There was a large turn-out for the short, beautiful ceremony where Fal and Lauria promised themselves to each other. Fal's human family was not permitted as a last-minute stipulation from Sagalia, which disappointed both Fal and Filia. Fal was dressed in simple white robes and Lauria was dressed in a long-sleeved, turtle-necked, ankle-length white satin gown with a layer of lace over it. They both smiled and shared a short, socially appropriate kiss.
"Now that we've had a wedding, let's have an execution!" Sagalia announced and most of the dragons cheered as Marcus was guided into the center of the room, frozen by Holy Magic.
"Sagalia, this may not be a smart move. From what Filia-san has told me, killing Marcus might risk of the wrath of the Greater Beast." Milgazia, the Dragon Leader stepped in.
"Fear not, Milgazia-sama, I have erected a barrier around the temple that only someone with dragon's blood may enter so we have no fear of interference from humans or Mazoku." Sagalia bragged arrogantly, before turning his attention to Marcus.
"Any last requests, you abomination?"
"Plenty! None you'd grant, moldy old man, but one my new brother can." Marcus replied angrily, trying not to wince in pain from the restrictions on his movements. Fal took a step forward.
"You'd better take care of my sister, you jerk or I'll come back to punch you in the gut again." Marcus said with a sarcastic tint in his voice.
Fal nodded at him with a smile before he spoke, "you take care of mine, too, jerk." Marcus would have laughed if he could breathe enough.
"I don't know what you two are talking about, but it's time to end you, Boy!" Sagalia yelled and raised a poison-tipped spear and prepared to pierce Marcus' heart when a strangled cry was heard, followed by screams of horror.
Marcus dropped to the ground to catch his breath and Lauria was instantly by his side, causing Sagalia to lower the spear. He then found himself jumping out of the way of a head rolling on the ground. It was the head of one of the priestesses holding Marcus at bay. The face was twisted in a look of pain and horror. The rest of her bloodied body was on the ground with her life force seeping out of the top of her neck, where her head was once attached.
A large, black cone appeared, swirling in the center of the room, terrifying the dragons with its level of dark power.
"That's impossible! How could a Mazoku enter here? Only one with dragon's blood may enter the Temple!" Sagalia yelled.
"Yuck, you're going to make me admit to that?!" Xeria said in disgust as her human form materialized in the room.
"You waited until the last minute." Marcus chided as he rose from the floor.
"I like to make an entrance. I was highly influenced by my aunts growing up. I just choose not to do so my high places like Aunt Amelia. Anyhow, you're welcome for the rescue. It was fun." She explained with a smile.
"Who are you?!" Sagalia demanded.
"Yes! I was so hoping someone would ask!" Xeria jumped excitedly before composing herself, closing one eye and lifting one finger in front of her face.
"Don't do it, Xeria." Fal said in a deadpan tone, ruining his sister's chance to use their father's infamous line. She face-faulted to the ground before sending a glare her brother's way.
"Fal, you suck." She said in a defeated tone and stuck her tongue out as she rose to her feet.
"You made a mess." Fal scolded nonchalantly as if Xeria hadn't washed the dishes.
"Hey, you weren't supposed to lecture me when I did something evil!" Xeria complained, stomping her foot.
"I'm not lecturing you for the violence but for the mess. The cut could have been cleaner." Fal said with as little emotion as possible.
Marcus started laughing at the matching looks of horror on Lauria and Filia's faces.
"You played your cards too early, Fal because it seems you lied to me. This nullifies our agreement and your marriage to my daughter." Sagalia said triumphantly.
"Actually, I haven't played my trump card yet, Sagalia. For one thing, I did not lie. I did disown my family, but forever is up to interpretation, so I decided a few minutes was long enough. Secondly, basic warfare suggests you know your enemy. My father may be infamous for his quote about secrets, but he also says if you can fool your friends, you can fool your enemies. Golden dragons tend to be very focused on keeping up appearances so I imagine no dragon would want Lauria after she's been defiled by a filthy Mazoku hybrid like me." Fal explained, taking his father's secret stance and wagging his finger.
"Fal, you wouldn't! That's not you!" Filia called out.
Lauria was quiet, but her eyes widened as she started slowly backing away from her husband. Fal looked at her from the corner of his eye then teleported next to her, grabbed her and kissed her roughly. He ran his hands all over her body, sending a message that he owned it.
Marcus and Xeria were also taken aback. Marcus' brotherly instincts made him step forward, but Xeria held him back. Fal finally released the kiss and Lauria ran from the room in tears of humiliation.
"Lauria is mine. Is that clear? If not, I may encourage my sister to practice her decapitation cuts here at this temple." Fal threatened as he raised his power up around him. It appeared in golden color with swirls of black in it.
Sagalia growled but turned and stormed out of the room. Milgazia nodded but asked, "what is your plan, Fal?"
"To be honest, Milgazia-sama, I planned to stay here with Lauria and raise a family. Plus, I look forward to getting to know my mother more. I had to bring out my Mazoku blood to get whom I wanted without sacrificing my family but truthfully, I feel a stronger connection to my dragon's blood than my Mazoku half." Fal explained in his usual respectful tone.
"Could've fooled us, Bro. You may want to go after Lauria now. She's probably pretty pissed." Marcus suggested, slapping Fal on the back.
"Agreed. I'll talk to you all later." Fal said quickly with a wave and teleported away.
"Wow. Didn't know he had that much Mazoku in him. I'm so proud! Wait until I tell Father!" Xeria said with a laugh.
"What about you, Marcus, what is your plan?" Milgazia asked, ignoring Xeria.
"I'm out, Milgazia-sama. Lauria was the only reason I stayed, but Fal will look after her. Time for me to carve my own path. I might be back though, because I may need information. Tonight, however, I have special plans with the hot girl next to me." Marcus explained, gesturing toward Xeria.
"Well then, shall we?" Xeria suggested, holding out her hand to Marcus. He took her hand without hesitation. As they were about to leave, a quiet but desperate voice reached them.
"Wait a moment, please." Filia said, taking a hesitant step forward.
The pair of hybrids paused, but only Marcus turned toward Filia, sending her a slightly frustrated look that told her he wished she hadn't spoken. He glanced back at Xeria who was shaking a bit. Marcus couldn't tell if she was nervous, angry or some combination of the two, but he squeezed her hand to offer comfort. Xeria closed her eyes and started adjusting her face to the smiling mask her father was famous for.
"I must admit I am surprised by the guts you have, Gold! I can guess by your actions who you are and even after everything you've witnessed, you still feel brave enough to speak to me. I hate to admit I am a tad impressed." Xeria said in a strong, angry tone as she allowed her dark powers to surround her. Unlike Fal's power, Xeria's was almost purely black with a deep, lapis shade of purple and no visible light to behold.
Filia was terrified by the level of evil she felt from her daughter but she stood her ground and dared to step forward, reaching out one hand toward Xeria's shoulder. Marcus saw this and sent a desperate look to Filia that said, "Don't!" Filia caught the look and hesitated but only a moment and then reached her hand out again. Xeria sensed this and raised her power to blast Filia back. Luckily, Milgazia was there to catch her before she hit the wall.
"I didn't want to ruin my brother's wedding day so consider yourself lucky, Gold! But take heed to this one and only warning…" Xeria said before finally turning toward Filia and glaring at her with as much hatred as she could muster, "stay the hell away from me."
Then the two hybrids teleported away, leaving the dragon temple great hall looking less than great.
"To be honest, Filia-san, I think there is hope for Fal. He seemed very uncomfortable 'bringing out the Mazoku' as he called it. However, your daughter …" Milgazia started, but Filia cut him off.
"There's hope for her, too, Milgazia-sama! I saw it in her eyes. There's pain, pain I put there, but where there's pain, there can be healing. All I can pray for is to have an opportunity to help her heal from the pain I caused. Please Milgazia-sama, pray for that with me." Filia asked, tears in her eyes. The dragon leader nodded.
It was then they noticed a strange power building in a different part of the temple.
A few moments before in the new quarters of Fal & Lauria
Fal had to dodge the moment he teleported in as he narrowly avoided a vase to the head. It broke harmlessly on the wall behind him.
"Xeria would be proud of your aim. She is quite fond of the human game, baseball." Fal joked until he saw Lauria reload with another vase. He put his hands out in front of him to try to ease her down.
"Lauria, you have every right to be upset." He began.
"I don't need you to tell me that, you Mazoku jerk!" The dragon priestess shrieked and threw the second vase. Fal caught it and placed it carefully on the floor beside him, but he didn't expect Lauria to be right in front of him when he stood back up and she punched him with all her might, right onto his right cheek. He flew backward against the wall and briefly joined the original broken vase on the floor.
"I totally deserved that. You're right. I'm a jerk, but I'm a jerk that absolutely loves you, so much that I humiliated you so I could keep you." Fal tried to explain but each word seemed to dig his hole deeper.
"Do you even listen to yourself?! How much sense does that make?!" Lauria yelled at him.
At this point, Fal slapped his hand to his forehead and admitted, "Absolutely none. It made sense at the time. By Cepheid, I'm a moron!"
"I feel like I don't even know you anymore." Lauria said softly as tears started to fill her eyes.
"Please, Lauria, hear me out. I truly and genuinely love you. I really do! Something is changing inside me. I feel it even now. I started feeling it when I confronted your father out there. It's a power from deep down inside of me and I feel myself changing, but I don't think it's for the worst. As much as I feel the power, I feel something else. I feel peace. I think this is what Marcus was talking about." Fal started to explain.
"What do you mean?" Lauria asked, chancing to move closer by a few steps.
"Marcus came to Wolf Pack Island to stop me from disowning my family but he also spoke of a vision he had. He said we, meaning myself, Marcus and Xeria, needed to go on journeys of self-acceptance. Accepting all that we are and then we'd ascend to a new level. I think that's what is happening to me. I want to embrace this change, but to be honest I'm scared and I don't want to lose you in the process! I know I humiliated you and I know that I scared you and I am deeply sorry for both, but I need you by my side for this. Please stay with me!" Fal pleaded as tears started to fall from his eyes.
Lauria chanced to kneel down beside Fal.
"What will you become?" She asked hesitantly.
"I don't know, but I hope whatever it is, I will finally feel balanced in my life." Fal answered honestly.
Lauria did not speak, but nodded and reached out to hug Fal to her. He embraced her tightly. She heard him whisper, "Thank you" before he was engulfed in a cloud of black and gold.
His power swirled around him and pushed Lauria back toward the wall in their quarters. Apparently, his power spiked because Sagalia, Filia and Milgazia all rushed into the room.
"Lauria, are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Sagalia asked.
"No, Father. I am fine but I don't fully understand what is happening to Fal." She answered.
"Did he say anything?" Filia asked in a panicked voice as Milgazia put up a shield to protect the four dragons.
"He said he was ascending." She responded.
"Well, we should destroy him then! Who knows how powerful he'll get!" Sagalia suggested and started building up power.
"No, you mustn't!" Filia stood in front of Sagalia to block but he pushed her out of the way and attacked Fal.
Luckily, the attack was blocked by Marcus.
"Geez, Fal is trying to make us look bad by being an overachiever, Xeria." He joked.
"He's welcome to this one. I'm all set." Xeria replied as she appeared on the other side of the room, prepared to defend Fal on that side.
Before anyone could say or do anything else, Fal teleported out of the small room. The others followed and found themselves just outside the temple as Fal floated in the air above them. Marcus and Xeria took up defensive stances. It turned out not to be necessary because all became distracted and awed by what happened next.
Fal started to transform from his humanoid form to a swirling black cone with stripes of golden color running through it. As the cone started to dissipate, a large golden dragon wing with black along the edges emerged. Suddenly the cone burst apart and Fal appeared in full dragon form. The dragon landed and was, once more, engulfed in a black and golden cloud. When the cloud settled, Fal stood there in humanoid form again with a smaller set of golden dragon wings with black along the edges. He opened his eyes to reveal they were still sapphire and slanted. He walked up to the small group, let out a deep breath and smiled.
"Well, that was interesting. Feels good though. Thanks for the save, Marcus. Appreciate that, Bro." Fal said in his normal, calm tone.
Xeria walked a circle around her brother.
"You approve?" Fal asked.
"No. Those wings are gross. Reminds me not to rush on this journey." Xeria scoffed.
"If you could feel the power I have, Xeria, you'd think differently." Fal answered.
"Are you okay, Fal?" Lauria said softly as she slowly approached her husband.
"Better than okay, I'm amazing!" Fal said with a wide smile and scooped up Lauria for an embrace, swinging her around.
Lauria looked deep into his eyes and saw no turmoil there.
"I'm so glad to hear that!" She exclaimed and kissed him fully on the lips, not caring who was watching.
"This is getting a bit too mushy for me. Shall we cut out, Xeria?" Marcus teased.
"Yes, let's. Have fun you two, don't do anything too gross or if you do, don't tell me!" Xeria said teasingly and she and Marcus teleported out.
"So, this is the ascension?" Milgazia questioned.
"So, it would seem." Xelloss' voice said before he teleported in to stand next to Filia, who immediately jumped aside.
"Don't do that, Namagomi!" She shrieked.
Xelloss' eye twitched but he ignored her and walked toward Fal and Lauria. He, too, walked around his son in observation.
"Let me guess, the wings are gross?" Fal said with a sigh.
"On the contrary, to see the pure gold corrupted with black is a nice touch. The power level is astounding. I offer you congratulations my son, on all your achievements." Xelloss praised, gesturing to Lauria as well. He continued, "I must report back to Ju-ou-sama, but I imagine she'll want you to visit soon, but not tonight. Don't do anything your mother and I did, or go ahead and have fun. We did." Xelloss said with a smirk which turned into a fully-fledged evil grin when he heard Filia shrieking in horror behind him. Then he teleported away.
"Although I am thoroughly grossed out, I think it's sound advice. Shall we bid the others a good night, Lauria?" Fal asked, trying to shake bad images from his mind.
"Yes, let's." Lauria said with a smile as they teleported back to their quarters for the evening.
The Next Day
Greater Beast Xellass Metallium always started her day with a cup of coffee, then a cigarette and then a glass of Zefilia wine. Until she had finished the wine, disturbing her was not intelligent. However, as the Mazoku sub-lord was drinking her coffee, Fal, Lauria and Filia teleported in, the last of which wearing a blindfold and being guided by Fal's hand.
"It's a bit early to offer me a sacrifice, Fal, but in honor of your marriage and ascension, I'll take it" The Greater Beast said with seriousness in her tone. Both Lauria and Filia were horrified as Lauria helped Filia remove her blindfold, but Fal just sighed.
"She's not a sacrifice, Grandmother." He answered in a bored tone.
"She will be if she's still here when your sister wakes up." Xelloss added as he brought his master a tray with her cigarettes and wine on it.
"Actually, Xeria and Marcus is the reason I brought her here. I think Mother may be able to help them ascend." Fal explained.
"I want to help in any way I can." Filia said quietly.
"How could you possibly help? Do you plan to give birth to Xeria all over again so you can abandon her again? Or perhaps you want their power for the dragons." Xellass suggested.
Filia cringed but stood up straight and walked in front of Fal to face the Greater Beast and her servant.
"I am a High Priestess of the remaining golden dragons. I am also a visionary like Marcus and Lauria's mother was. I believe I may have insight into their dragon blood that will help them ascend. I don't care about how powerful they become or what side of the battlefield they'll choose! But I see how at peace Fal is and watching Marcus grow up, I want that for him. Giving up the chance to watch Xeria grow up, I want that peace for her, too. I know Xeria bears a lot of resentment toward me and it is justified, but if I can help her move beyond the anger, pain and hatred, even if it is by my death at her hands, I want to help!" Filia said passionately, tears at the corners of her eyes, but head held high.
"So glad we agree." Xeria's voice drifted from the astral plane as Fal blocked an attack on Filia.
"Knock it off, Sis. She's here to help." Fal said in a calm tone that seemed to irritate Xeria more as she and Marcus teleported in.
"You heard her, Fal. She's willing to die by my hand so I can ascend, so it would be worth getting those ugly lizard wings to test that theory." Xeria bit back.
Marcus greeted the visitors and went to stand next to Xeria. He whispered in her ear, "I hate to say it but Fal may have a point. My mother's gone so perhaps Filia-san could help both of us."
"If you want to try it, fine. I will not stop you, but I want nothing to do with it!" Xeria said angrily, pulling away from Marcus and teleporting out of the room.
Marcus sighed.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Bro. She's just cranky because she hasn't had her coffee yet." Fal joked.
"I heard that!" Xeria yelled from the kitchen as she was making her coffee.
"Well, it seems Xeria's rage is not the only one you'll have to worry about Fal. I don't envy you how some particular humans will react when they learn they weren't invited to your wedding." Xelloss said with a smirk.
"Well, we don't have to tell them, right? It can be a secret." Fal said, using his father's infamous pose.
"Except Xeria already told us, Fal, and you have a lot of explaining to do!" Lina Gabriev's voice filled Fal's ears as she pulled him into a headlock with Gourry gave him noogies on his head.
"That was very unjust of you, Fal-chan! We're family! How could you?" Amelia yelled as she pointed to the hybrid who was currently twisted in an uncomfortable position as Lina practiced wrestling moves on him.
"Perhaps we should be asking Filia why we weren't invited, Lina. She knows how to contact us so there really was no good excuse." Zelgadiss added as he exited the kitchen with Xeria, both holding cups of coffee. Pokota floated above them, carrying a cream donut.
Filia sighed and explained the whole story with Sagalia and Marcus so Lina finally let Fal go to listen. After hearing about the ascension and checking Fal out by pulling on his wings and poking him, the Slayers crew were amazed but Gourry had a question.
"Does that mean Xeria and Marcus will ass send, too?"
Lina proceeded to beat him with a slipper until Gourry cried "uncle" while everyone else shared a good laugh.
"Well, to answer your question, um, Uncle Gourry, it is possible for us to ascend as well, but we each have to figure out how." Marcus supplied, struggling with how to refer to the human swordsman.
"Wait! What do you mean by 'uncle?' You two didn't get married, too, did you?!" Amelia said in exasperation.
"You mean with a mushy ceremony and all that? Hell no!" Xeria cursed and took a sip of her coffee.
"They became mated the traditional way." Xelloss revealed with a smirk and waited for the carnage to follow. He didn't have to wait long.
"You did what?! You're not supposed to do that until you're properly mated!" Lauria yelled.
"How scandalous!" Filia added, wiping away tears of shame.
"That's not how things are supposed to go, but now you have to get married!" Amelia said with her usual point, her face bright red with a blush.
"Now, now, everyone. Calm down. So, you and Marcus did some unsightly things huh?" Lina said coyly, putting her arm around Xeria's shoulders.
"How was it?" She asked.
"Lina-san! How inappropriate!" Amelia yelled, pointing at Lina.
"I don't see the big deal. So they had sex, so what?" Pokota said with a shrug, finishing off his donut.
"Agreed. If they want to have a wedding now, fine, but if not, then…" Zelgadiss began.
"Then we just need to make sure Marcus will stay dedicated to Xeria-chan." Gourry nodded at Zelgadiss as they both drew their swords and pointed them both at Marcus, who gulped in surprise.
"Oh, no worries, there'll be a wedding." Lina said confidently.
"What makes you so certain, Aunt Lina?" Fal asked.
"Xeria, do you want an entire day where you are the center of attention and the limelight is all on you?" Lina asked.
"Yes, absolutely!" Xeria answered with a smile.
"Get ready for a wedding Marcus." Lina turned to the young hybrid.
"Yay." He replied with as little enthusiasm as possible.
Everyone else cheered as the dragon and human women gathered to start planning.
A few months later
A skilled wedding planner would have taken over a year and a half to plan a wedding of this magnitude, but with Lina, Amelia, Filia and Lauria working on it, it was done in less than half the time. Xeria originally balked at the idea of a white gown, but loved the A-line style dress with more lace and silk than ruffles. It was an ankle-length dress with lacey straps and no sleeves. She had a long finger-tip length veil that almost covered her long, violet hair which she wore down for the occasion. Marcus wore a simple, black tuxedo with white vest and tie. He looked very handsome but extremely uncomfortable. Apparently, as much of a jackass as he could make of himself, he really didn't like being at the center of big crowds of people.
The ceremony itself was very short and not overly nauseating but then the real party started. There was music, dancing, eating, drinking and silly pictures all around. Xeria really enjoyed herself being center of attention, but of course, no wedding ever goes perfectly. Her human family had to work very hard during the event. First, they had to save the florist because she brought the wrong shade of Moonshadow carnations for Xeria's bouquet. Then they had to save the DJ a few times when he would play the wrong songs, but the worst one was when he called Marcus by the name of Michael for some odd reason. Then they had to calm both bride and groom down. Other than that, the night was fun and all had a good time.
A few weeks later
Xeria and Marcus had returned from their honeymoon to find everyone sitting and waiting for them.
"Hey, we're back. Why are you all here?" Xeria asked, wasting no time.
"While you both were gone, we've been researching what it would take to get you both to ascend." Pokota started.
Xeria and Marcus just looked at them, waiting.
"We have a few ideas. Starting with Marcus, you might actually be the harder of the two but definitely more open to the concept, so if we can help you, you can help Xeria." Zelgadiss continued.
"Okay, I'm definitely open to the idea and want to help Xeria, so I'm listening." Marcus responded. Xeria originally had a smile on her face, but now a frown had settled in and wasn't leaving.
"The reason why you'd be harder is you don't have any resolution or strong loyalties to one side or the other, truthfully. Your mother passed away tragically but you are able to hold love for her, for Lauria and for Xeria. Isn't that true?" Filia questioned.
Marcus was quiet at first and seemed uncomfortable with the question. Xeria sensed this and strengthened her grip on his hand. He looked at her, smiled and then turned back toward the group and nodded.
"Yes, that is all true." He replied.
"However, you hold intense hatred for Sagalia who should have been a father figure to you, laughed at the carnage caused by Xeria at the temple, but yet have no connection to Dynaast-sama, who sired you." Xelloss added.
"Yes, all of that is true." Marcus answered without hesitation, which the others also noted.
"Basically Marcus, the theories we have on your ascension are to confront your father, Dynaast and have Filia contact your mother from the spirit realm so you can make your peace with her. What do you think?" Lina put it plainly.
Again, Marcus was quiet at first.
"I …don't know. To be honest, I've been thinking about what it would take so I'm not surprised by your theories but…I need to think about it." He said with a lot of anxiety in his voice before teleporting to the quarters he and Xeria shared. Xeria quickly followed him, leaving the others to wonder what the next course of action should be.
Xeria appeared in their quarters to find Marcus under the covers of their bed and pretending to sleep.
"I know you're awake, so you might as well talk to me. I'm not pressuring you to ascend and I'm not stopping you, so talk to me." Xeria said assertively.
"It's stupid." Marcus said quietly.
"What's stupid?" Xeria asked. Marcus sat up in bed and covered his face with his hands.
"It's stupid the way I'm acting, thinking and feeling right now! I'm the one who had the vision and then Fal ascended so I was right and it can be done! Truthfully, I'm scared to meet my father!" Marcus paused.
"Well, Uncle Dynaast, or Father-in-law I guess, can be pretty scary, although his servants can be pretty downright creepy, especially Norst." Xeria said with a shiver.
"That's not what I meant. I don't know how I'll react when I meet him or how he'll react when he sees me. Will I want to hug him or punch him? Will he deny me?" Marcus started, but Xeria interrupted his rant.
"Well, we'll just get a good size manila envelope and say 'when it comes to 20-year-old, Marcus, Dynaast, you ARE the father!'"
Marcus stopped to chuckle.
"Will you stop making me laugh? I'm trying to be serious here." He said in a half-serious tone.
"I am, too! I don't recommend the hugging, but it would be rather funny to see his face if you did hug him. So, what about contacting your mother upsets you?" Xeria asked.
"When I was little, I watched my mother die by Sagalia's hand. He denies it, of course, and Lauria doesn't believe me. What if …" He started and stopped, so Xeria finished, "What if you were wrong and you have to accept how she really died and let go of a lot of your hatred? Or what if it did happen that way, but she denies it? Or what if she confirms it and now Lauria has to live with the fact that her father murdered her mother? Right?"
"I guess I'm easy to read, huh? Well, yes, all of the above. Can we get off me for a second? Let me ask you, what is it about ascending that deters you the most?" Marcus asked, turning the tables.
"I knew you were a Mazoku. Make me uncomfortable to make yourself feel better?" Xeria insinuated, trying to use anger to mask her anxiety. Marcus simply smiled so Xeria continued. "Jerk. Well, to be honest, I'm downright terrified of something. This thing scares me to the core of my being."
Marcus didn't say anything but put his arms around his mate as she started shaking.
"I won't be 'me' anymore, Marcus. My anger and hatred, my trauma – they make me who I am! Without that, who will I be?" Xeria said, fear evident in her voice.
"It seemed like everything worked out with Fal, but there's no saying our ascensions will be that pretty. We will still be us, but new versions, I guess." Marcus replied, trying to comfort her.
"Well, I'm scared to meet the new version of myself!" Xeria cried.
"Maybe that's why we need to take this journey. We're both so screwed up because of our past traumas but in order to live, we must not let our traumas be the sole definitions of ourselves." Marcus supplied.
"Since when are you a therapist?" Xeria asked.
"Since the author went on vacation." Marcus replied.
"What?" Xeria asked him with a confused look.
"I have no clue. Look, Xeria, I'm about ready to go get this over with, but you're with me, right? I need you with me." Marcus pleaded.
Xeria took a deep breath and dried her tears.
"Just don't turn out ugly alright? You're so good-looking now, it would be a waste." She teased.
"Shallow bitch." He teased back.
"Jack-ass jerk." She shot back.
They smiled, shared a quick kiss, took each other's hand and teleported back to the others.
Later that evening
"Well, I took the liberty of contacting Dynaast, but who knows when he'll decide to pop in so I suggest we deal with the dragon spirit thing first." Xellass offered between sips of wine.
"Fal, Filia and Lauria should be back any moment. They had to go get a spirit realm expert. They also said we'd be pleasantly surprised." Lina explained between bites of food. Zelgadiss just shook his head as he watched his wife, the Queen, bash Gourry off the head with her royal crown to get a chicken wing.
"Are they seriously like this all the time?" Marcus asked Zelgadiss in a whisper a he witnessed Lina joining the fray to get the last cheeseburger.
"Yes. As much as time passes and creatures evolve and mature, some, however, do not." Zelgadiss said in between sips of coffee.
Marcus just stared at the humans, noting Pokota jumping in, covering Lina's eyes with his hands so Gourry could grab the donuts first. He let go to catch the one Gourry tossed to him. Xeria and Xelloss shared a bowl of popcorn and enjoyed the mayhem.
Suddenly, Fal returned, with his mother and wife in tow, along with one more creature. The food mayhem stopped so everyone could check out the newcomer. As he removed his blindfold, the humans gasped, "Valgaav?!"
"I was told to expect that reaction. Sorry to disappoint you all, but I am not the Ancient Dragon turned Mazoku turned emissary for a hybrid Dark Lord/God that you battled. I am called Valteria and I am a pure Ancient Dragon – the last of my kind." Valteria explained, running a hand through his slightly spiky mint-green colored hair and sighing.
"Oh, that's right! He was reborn at the end!" Amelia proclaimed.
"Yes, I was caring for Valteria with Jiras and Gravos at my shop, but shortly after I decided to return to the temple …" Filia began.
"Abandoning us in the process." Xeria added very loudly under her breath.
Filia cringed, but continued, "I had decided it would be safer for Valteria outside the temple so I set up a small house close by where Jiras and Gravos could raise him but I could visit constantly."
"How convenient." Xeria commented in an angry tone.
"Hate to admit it, Mother, but I agree with Xeria on that one." Fal added sheepishly.
"I made a lot of mistakes but all I can do now is try to make up for them. This is why I've asked Valteria to come here." Filia said sadly.
"Well, this is amazingly awkward, but it is nice to finally meet the siblings I've heard so much about! And please, call me Val." The Ancient Dragon said shaking hands with Fal first and then Xeria also shook his hand but grabbed it tightly.
"So why should we trust you and what is your purpose?" She asked.
"Well, I can consider myself having a special connection to the spirit realm. It's different from the Astral Plane as that plane is still connected to this world. When I was young, around six years of age, I suddenly had an epiphany and found myself at the ruins of the Ancient Dragon temple. I had many visions and spoke at length with the spirits of the elders of my race. So, in short, I can help someone with divination abilities to connect to a soul in the spirit ream. Mother has those abilities and as I understand it, we will be contacting Faranth, your mother. Correct?" Val explained, gesturing to Marcus in the end. Marcus nodded.
"So, you're going to summon my mother's spirit into your body, Filia-san?" He asked. Filia nodded.
"Is that safe for you, Mother?" Fal asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Perfectly fine." Filia replied quickly.
"She's lying." Xeria said pointedly.
Everyone was silent as Xeria walked up to her mother and took a confrontational stance. She continued, "why don't you reveal what the real risks are?"
Filia cast her eyes down silently so Valteria answered, "The risks are actually quite high. We agreed originally not to mention that but since Mother is a lousy liar, I guess the cat is out of the bag. The way I understand things, Faranth-san did not leave this world peacefully so there is a chance that she will be a corrupted spirit. With Mother's power and hers combined, she could prove dangerous to us all but most especially to Mother because she could take over her body completely."
This explanation was met with a lot of concerns.
"Then this doesn't happen." Fal said plainly.
"The risk is too great." Zelgadiss agreed.
"Stop it, all of you! My mother would not be a corrupted spirit! She died of illness, peacefully in her sleep!" Lauria cried.
"Oh, then I must have misunderstood. I was under the impression that she was murdered by…" Val began but Lauria cut him off.
"No! Marcus made all of that up because he has a Daddy Complex! My father would never do something like that!"
Lauria instantly covered her mouth after she spoke and hid her face in Fal's chest in shame as she cried. Marcus looked at her with a mix of anger and hurt. Xeria squeezed his hand. He squeezed back before letting go and standing before Filia.
"The risk is very high. Are you still willing?" He asked softly, but firmly.
"Yes, I am." Filia answered without hesitation.
"Then let's do this." Marcus said with anger in his tone and purposely avoiding his sister's gaze.
"Marcus, you were only a child when your mother passed but your sister was even younger, so you would have the clearest memory of her as someone who had special connection to her. However, because you were so young, there is a chance this may not work but we don't have anyone else to ask that would have a clearer memory." Val explained.
"Well, that's not exactly true." A deep voice stated from the Astral Plane.
"About damn time, Dynaast. I was wondering when you'd make your presence known." Xellass commented between sips of Zefilia wine.
The humans jumped back into battle stances when the ice demon of the North, Ha-ou, Dynaast Grausherra, teleported in from the Astral Plane in human form. He stood just shy of six feet tall and appeared to be in his mid to late twenties. He ran a hand through his short black hair and smirked, his ice blue eyes alight with chaos. Along with him, were four others who the Slayers' crew assumed were his servants. Among them were two priests that looked almost exactly alike, both sporting gray-blue eyes and short, black hair and wearing matching dark blue robes. These were Grau and Grou. Dee was another priest but much different than the twins. He sported much lighter blue hair and robes. His eyes were also a light blue and seemed to hold a kindness there, but the human crew knew better than to trust a Mazoku priest on face value. Lastly, there was Norst, Dynaast's last remaining general. His long white hair was tied back in a low ponytail and his clear eyes held malice and boredom simultaneously.
"You can all relax. I call the shots in my domain and no one dies …for now." Xellass said strongly as she looked her equal right in the eye. Dynaast returned the gaze but shrugged.
"I came out of curiosity but as I was listening, I couldn't help but interject. I believe I have a very clear memory of Faranth, especially without clothing on." He spoke in a derogatory tone.
"How shameless and disrespectful! She was my mother and you raped her!" Lauria screamed, tears coursing down her face as Fal held her back from approaching the dark lord.
"Clearly this Gold has a death wish. Shall I grant it for her Lord Dynaast?" Norst said in a menacing tone as he drew his sword and took a step toward Lauria.
"I believe Ju-ou-sama already made it clear that no one was to die today, so you have your answer. Now back down before I put you down." Marcus said angrily and showed Norst he was not intimidated by looking the general straight in the eyes.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" The general asked, clearly insulted by the hybrid's actions.
"I'm the spawn of your master, so show me some damn respect!" Marcus yelled.
Norst looked ready to argue at first, until he felt Dee's hand on his shoulder. The bright-eyed priest stepped up to examine Marcus closely.
"He speaks the truth, Lord Dynaast. This hybrid is from your breeding, my lord. I sense your power in him." Dee said in surprise.
Dynaast pushed her servants aside and stood in front of Marcus.
"So, the rumors were true. Indeed. I can sense my own power within you, boy. By what name do they call you? If I don't like it, I may change it." Dynaast said arrogantly.
"You can call me whatever you like, Old Man but my birth name is Marcus." Marcus replied in a disrespectful stance that made Xeria nervous so she came to stand beside him.
"I see you've caught Xeria's interest. Well, Boy, at least you have better taste in women than Fal. Then again, she does look a lot like her mother. I wonder if they scream the same way in bed." Dynaast insulted on purpose, causing both Xeria and Lauria to hold back their mates.
The ice lord just laughed, enjoying their rage and turned to Valteria. "Well, we're supposed to summon Faranth, right? Shall we begin?"
Valteria looked toward Marcus who took a deep breath and nodded. The ancient dragon then looked toward his mother figure. Filia nodded and said, "Let's begin."
Valteria drew a magic circle on the ground and had Filia stand in the dead center. Valteria then closed his eyes and started to concentrate his power. Filia did the same.
"We shall now attempt to call forth the spirit of the fallen dragon, Faranth. Lost soul, join us using this memory and using the power and form of your fellow priestess. We call you forth, Faranth, use my power to guide you back to this plane." Valteria chanted, gesturing toward Dynaast and Filia respectively.
At first nothing seemed to happen, but the suddenly, the magic circle was engulfed with a golden light. Filia could not be seen but all could hear her screaming. Xelloss stood in front of Fal so he won't not interfere. The light faded and those in attendance adjusted their eyesight to see Filia still standing there, but now she was surrounded by a soft gray power and her eyes lost the light that had been in there.
"Can you identify for us who we are in the presence of?" Valteria asked.
"I am the one you summoned from her unearthly torment. I am Faranth. Why have you summoned me?" Faranth responded, still using Filia's voice. The tone was different however, and the others could tell it wasn't actually Filia speaking.
Before Valteria could respond, Faranth strode right up to Dynaast and slapped him across the face. His servants all rushed to confront the dragon but they were distracted by a strange sound. It was Xellass, and she was laughing so hard she had fallen off her throne.
"I suppose I deserved that." Dynaast said, waving off his servants.
"You deserve more but…" Faranth began but stopped short. She teleported directly in front of Lauria.
"You are Lauria? By Cepheid, how much time has passed?" Faranth asked. Lauria began to cry and hugged her mother.
"Oh, my child, you have grown beautifully! What of your brother… wait." She stopped, before teleporting to stand in front of Marcus.
"Oh, my word! Look at you and how you've grown, my son!" Faranth reached up a hand to touch her son's cheek. Marcus closed his eyes but his whole body was shaking.
"I suppose Sagalia was unsuccessful then. Such a shame but don't worry, I'm here now." She said next, which snapped Marcus to open his eyes.
"What are you talking about, Mother? He tried to kill me! You died protecting me!" Marcus yelled, taking his mother's hand away from his face.
"Oh, is that what you thought? Poor boy. Well, yes, you're correct but there was more to it." Faranth paused. No one, but Fal seemed to notice that Lauria started crying and collapsed to the ground. Faranth continued. "Sagalia and I were trying to save you, but when one of the experiments didn't work, he grew frustrated and tried to kill you. I stepped in. That was my fault, because I know now that spell wasn't strong enough to kill you, but it did kill me. I have been researching what went wrong and I think I've figured it out so after I test it. It will probably work."
"What kind of experiments?" Lina stepped forward to ask the question everyone wanted to know.
"Why to purify the Mazoku out of him, of course! I would not tolerate a child of mine being tainted like that!" Faranth explained very matter-of-fact which caused all eyes to go to Marcus for his reaction.
The hybrid in question was in shock. Xeria stepped to his side, took his hand and squeezed it to show her support. Faranth saw this and responded, "Oh, yes, you. You'll do nicely for a test."
Before anyone could react, Xeria was engulfed in a golden bubble. When she tried to push on it, she was shocked for her trouble.
"I wouldn't recommend fighting it, Dear. Trust me, this will make your mother quite proud. She wants this as much as I want it for Marcus. I mean, how could she not a pure child instead of a contaminated one?" Faranth continued.
The others in attendance didn't just stand idly by. Both Zelgadiss and Gourry were trying to cut the bubble with their swords to no avail. Fal was busy trying to hold Xelloss at bay from attacking Faranth because of Filia. Meanwhile, Xeria was screaming in pain and her eyes held an intense fear. Dynaast's servants looked to their master who was about to order them to jump into the fray, when he suddenly stopped.
"Wait, my servants. Let's watch. I think something very interesting is about to happen." He said and glanced at Xellass who nodded in response.
Lina Gabriev was not about to stand by and let her niece be tortured. She started chanting the spell for the Ragna Blade. Just before she finished, she was surprisingly stopped by both Xelloss and Fal. In fact, almost everyone was just standing still and watching.
Xeria was still in the bubble. Faranth was still maintaining the spell, but Marcus was at the bubble punching it in desperation. He was getting shocked every time but didn't seem to notice because he didn't stop. His fists were covered in blood.
"My son. You need to stop. This will be better for her and for you if her experiment is successful. If not, then at least her existence will cease and she won't have to live that way anymore. This is powerful magic, my son. It comes from both myself, Filia and from the spirit realm. You can't break through it. You will destroy yourself! Stop it!" Faranth tried to reason with him. She stopped when she noticed a soft golden glow around his entire body.
"It's almost time. I can sense it." Fal said as the others gave him a weird look.
"You mean, he's ascending?" Lina asked. Fal simply nodded.
"Marcus…" Xeria said quietly as she felt so weak.
"Hang on Xeria! I'm going to save you! You may be moody and stubborn! You over-react to everything and you look down on anyone you deem as incompetent, but Xeria, I need you! Don't leave me!" Marcus yelled. With one final punch, his power flared up around him with a mixture of gold and black and he broke the bubble. Xeria fell right into his arms. Marcus fell to his knees but hugged her close to him. She held onto him tightly as if terrified to let go. She whispered, "Thank you." They pulled back from the embrace to share a deep kiss. Many let go of the breath they didn't realize they were holding.
"I don't understand! You're still a hybrid! How is that…" Faranth started to rant but stopped and stared at Xeria as if she were looking at her for the first time. "I see. So that's why." Xeria was tempted to kill the dragon where she stood but she was quickly distracted by Marcus.
He looked at the black and gold power radiating around him, looked up to Xeria and spoke, "I think it's my time."
"So, it would seem." Xeria replied, touching Marcus' cheek with her hand. Marcus grabbed her hand tightly.
"Will you stay with me?" He asked.
"Just don't turn ugly, okay?" Xeria said with a smirk.
"Bitch." Marcus muttered without malice.
"The best." Xeria replied, gave Marcus a quick kiss and stepped back.
Marcus rose and stood in front of Xellass silently, then took a knee respectfully before the Greater Beast.
"With your permission, Ju-ou-sama, there is one more that needs to witness my ascension." He requested. Xellass nodded.
Within a flash, Marcus was gone and returned with a struggling Sagalia. He let go of the blindfolded golden dragon, who ripped his eye cover off and started to survey his surroundings.
"What is the meaning of all this and where am I?!" He demanded, trying to sound braver than he felt considering the amazing powers around him.
"It's a secret, Old Man." Marcus said in Xelloss' fashion to which the Mazoku priest/general nodded. Sagalia mustered a glare before Faranth in Filia's body approached him.
"Oh, how I've missed you, my faithful, Sagalia." She said.
At first, Sagalia was about to question why Filia would refer to him that way but he stopped, "Faranth?" He managed to choke out. At her nod, he embraced her tightly.
"I …" He began again, but she put a finger to his lips.
"I know your heart, my love, so no apologies are necessary. Our daughter has grown beautifully and has found a love powerful enough to protect her. Thank you, but my time here grows short and before I return to the world beyond, I want to see my son ascend and achieve a power enough to protect his happiness." She paused and turned toward Marcus and Xeria. "My apologies, Xeria. Being a mother is the most difficult, yet rewarding roles to ever play. I only wanted what I perceived was best for my son, but I see you both have a different beat to march to. Marcus, please hesitate no longer and accept the peace and the power. Ascend, my son!"
Marcus nodded at his mother, sent one last dazzling smile to Xeria before rising in the air. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
"I am ready to complete my journey." He thought to himself as he allowed the golden and black sparks that were the physical representations of his power to surround and encompass him completely. His body disappeared into a shapeless mass of shadows and darkness barely visible against the high ceiling of Wolf Pack Island's Great Hall.
Many of those below looked on with concern while others with curiosity. Small bright, golden dots started to cover the mass which suddenly dissipated to reveal Marcus' dragon form. It was notably different from Fal's dragon form. Marcus' main body and head were both that of a golden dragon but his hair was still black and his wings were all black as if they were dipped in black tar. The dragon Marcus roared which sounded to the others like a roar of pain, but as quickly as the dragon appeared, it was quickly hidden by the black mass once more. However, this time, the mass didn't seem as aggressive but more natural. The black mass slowly shrunk and descended to the floor. As the shadows dissipated, Marcus emerged in a humanoid form.
The others observed some subtle differences between non-ascended and now-ascended Marcus. They could feel his level of power all around them, but as strong as it was, it was also calming. His humanoid form looked mostly the same but he now sported a modest beard, slightly darker hair and wore dark blue clothing covered by black armor. Just as with Fal, from his back were a smaller version of his massive black dragon wings. As he started to approach the small group, he smiled and spoke, "Well, that sucked. So how do I look? Completely bad-ass I hope!"
Lauria, Faranth/Filia and Fal approached him first with the human crew following.
"You look okay. Not as cool as me though." Fal commented.
"Here I thought you and Xeria couldn't lie." Marcus returned.
"I can sense the peace in you, my brother. I'm so happy for you!" Lauria exclaimed, hugging the newly ascended hybrid.
"Okay, that still makes me a little sick but not as badly as before." Marcus laughed.
"I knew it! You have your darkness in you, but your heart is golden! I'm very proud of you, my son! Now you have the power to protect your happiness and knowing that you and your sister are safe and happy. I can return Filia's body to her." Faranth exclaimed and embraced Marcus, then Lauria and lastly Sagalia. She then turned to Xeria who had hung back all this time.
Before she could step forward, Marcus approached his mate.
"Well, what do you think?" He asked with anxiety clear in his voice.
"Your eyes are different." Xeria said as she reached up to touch his cheek. Indeed Marcus' eyes had shifted from a cold ice blue to a warm sky blue. "And you're fuzzy now." Xeria continued, running her hand through his beard.
"I imagine I could shave it off if you really hate it." Marcus suggested.
Xeria leaned in to kiss him. "No, I like it actually. You look dignified."
"It doesn't make me look like a hobo." Marcus asked, starting to relax.
"No, it doesn't! The wings will take some getting used to, but overall, I like it." She confirmed.
Marcus let go of the breath he had been holding, let out a "woot" and picked up his mate, swung her around and then kissed her deeply. "I love you." He whispered.
She nodded but did not return his words. At this moment, Faranth/Filia approached the young couple.
"My time here is done and I shall be returning Filia to you. Marcus, my son, Xeria's journey will be hard on you as well but you will need to be as strong and as patient as possible to support her. Let me say, congratulations and good luck to both of you. The road ahead is hard, Xeria, but as someone who filled that role, all the difficulties are worth it. Be blessed, both of you." Faranth said as she returned to the middle of the magic circle and was engulfed in a white light. When Filia opened her eyes, there was no trace of the other dragon priestess.
Filia surprised everyone by immediately collapsing to her knees in front of Xeria and Marcus.
"I'm so glad we were successful in this venture! Marcus, the beard is a nice look for you." She commented as she tried to catch her breath. Fal was by her side to help her off the floor. She was unsteadied on her feet but she waved Fal away and stepped up to her hybrid daughter.
"Xeria, I owe you an even bigger apology than I could have imagined! I will admit that I did, no, I do harbor thoughts of what might have been if you were a pure golden dragon. Please know, however, it is not because I cannot accept you for who you are, only because I only wanted an easier life for you!" She explained.
"I'm not sure you even have that right to want anything for me." Xeria said bluntly, with as much disdain as she could muster, which was proving more difficult than it should have been.
Xeria's thoughts were jumbled for the most part. The last words of Faranth were stuck on her. 'What role was she talking about?'
Xeria was so lost in thought that she only picked up pieces of the conversation going on around her. The soul shows different shapes but there's usually only one shape to designate a soul. Marcus' voice broke her out of her befuddled mind.
"So that's why my mother's experiment failed? Xeria has two lines for her soul, one dark and one lighter?"
"That is correct. That is what your mother saw when Xeria was released from her spell and it could only mean one thing." Filia continued.
"Xeria carries two souls, which means, she's with child!" Lina finished the conversation.
Xeria heard that loud and clear. She stood shocked for a moment before tears came unbidden to her eyes. Tears of sadness, joy, fear or all three, she could not identify. She barely heard Marcus repeat the word, "okay" three times before he declared, "I'm going back to bed!" To which Xeria quickly replied, "Me too." Then they both teleported to their quarters, leaving the small mixed crowd behind wondering what will happen next.
Inside Xeria & Marcus' quarters
Xeria had lived on Wolf Pack Island all her life and the wolves that lived there all loved her, but there was a rare, light tan-colored wolf that taken to her and now Marcus since he moved in, so they declared her their wolf and named her Lina, after their human aunt. The name was quite fitting because Lina the wolf would bite people if they pissed her off, eat everything in sight and generally wanted all attention on her at all times. She also had a sixth sense about her that she could tell when her masters were upset, so when they both teleported haphazardly into the bed, she jumped up to join them, allowing them to lazily fuzz her while they gathered their thoughts to speak to each other.
"So that's what she meant." Xeria broke the silence first.
"You mean about what my mother said?" Marcus replied.
Xeria simply nodded, before asking "Marcus, how am I supposed to feel right now?"
"I don't know. I know I'm confused, happy, and terrified out of my freaking mind." He replied.
"I think I feel all those, too. What do we do?" Xeria asked as she and Marcus cuddled closer. Lina the wolf made a point to nudge herself in-between them.
"Well, I doubt she'll like this whole thing, but I'm right by your side, Xeria. No matter what!" Marcus said adamantly while play fighting with their "fuzzy kid."
"So, what if Wolf Pack Island gets nine feet of snow and I'm too sick and pregnant to shovel?" Xeria teased.
"Well, I'll shovel it all, but you'll owe me for the next few years while I sit inside with Lina and the kid." Marcus replied in his usual sarcastic tone.
The two shared a chuckle and then a kiss, before Xeria continued, "Do I even have the right to bring a child into this horrible world? What do I know about being a mother?"
"Plenty on both counts! The world is what we make it and you know the most important piece of motherhood – what not to do." Marcus replied seriously.
"We need to be prepared, Marcus. Even if we decide to have this child, there's no guarantees that others will want its existence." Xeria warned.
"Well, then, let's make a decision and be prepared to commit to it, no matter what." Marcus responded. Xeria nodded.
Back in the Great Hall of Wolf Pack Island
The others were all still gathered in the Great Hall when Xeria and Marcus reappeared. They stood together, holding each other's hand for support and presented clearly to the others as a unified force.
"We have discussed the situation of our unborn child and have come to a consensus." Xeria stated firmly, not giving away any hint of which way they decided.
"Before we reveal that decision, however, we want to hear the positions of all the races accounted for, to see where you all stand." Marcus added, also not giving any indications of their choice.
Dynaast was the first to speak.
"Hmm. Well, this gets more and more interesting by the moment. Here, I thought I was coming to see the brat I sired but I also get to meet the lizard I seduced and her mate who I seduced her from and now even more entertainment!"
Marcus stood up straighter and glared at his father.
"I sense your strong dislike of me, boy, but I suppose I can't blame you being raised by that lizard and all." Dynaast paused, glancing over at Sagalia who also glared at the Dark Lord. Dynaast just smirked and continued, "Which brings me to my question that may determine my position on this. Should this spawn enter this world, how will it be raised?"
Marcus and Xeria shared a glance briefly before Marcus answered, "Despite my ascension and the hope that Xeria will eventually ascend as well, we are both more partial to our Mazoku heritage. If we were to keep this child, it will be raised to know both but the teachings will lean toward their Mazoku history, as Xeria and Fal were raised."
Dynaast listened to his son's answer with great attention, ignoring the protests from the dragon camp. He quietly faced his servants before addressing them in a direct manner, loudly enough for everyone else to also take note. "These are my orders." He began as all his servants took a knee. "If my son and Xeria want to allow my grandson to exist, then the child will have my protection but he will be raised right, none of that lizard crap! If his parents forget that, you will remind them." The Dark Lord finished.
"Yes, Lord Dynaast!" His servants replied in unison.
"They could have a girl." Lina suggested.
"No, I declare it to be a boy." Dynaast replied arrogantly.
"Um, does he actually expect that to work?" Amelia whispered to Zelgadiss.
"He probably does. Arrogant ass." Zel muttered back.
Dynaast just smirked.
"Okay, so my biological old man has given his position, what say the dragons, Lizard old man? And Fal, do I include you in their camp, too?" Marcus asked in a rude tone.
"I get my own party. Well, I guess I have to share my party with you, you disrespectful ass, so please know I support my sister in whatever she does, as long as it's not stupid. I do hope you choose to bear your child, Xeria, because I will do my best to buy it the loudest, most obnoxious gifts possible to torment you and Marcus the best I can! Uncle Dynaast and Sagalia-sama, please allow me to avenge any 'old man' comments from now on. Please, I'll enjoy it immensely!" Fal finished with a flourished bow, keeping his father's famous smiling mask on the entire time.
By the time Fal finished giving his position, Dynaast was smiling and applauding, Sagalia was nodding toward him with a smile and the hybrid received matching glares from the would-be parents. Fal just laughed.
"Marcus, you asked what the dragons' position on your child would be?" Sagalia asked in a serious tone.
Marcus was taken aback at first because it was the first time he could remember his stepfather calling him by his actual name, instead of "abomination" or the like. He eventually nodded.
"I'm afraid the council would probably call for your child's destruction." The elder dragon reported with clear remorse in his voice. To this, many voices rose up in anger, but none louder than Filia's.
"Sagalia-sama, you must convince the council that this child must live! I know they said they would raise him or her to know more of their Mazoku heritage but Faranth said it best – Marcus has the heart of a Golden Dragon. I, too, believe in Xeria's heart and I will do whatever is necessary to support her ascension but don't you see the hope there? There is hope that with two balanced parents, the child will be more balanced as well. Sagalia-sama, I know Lauria would love to be an aunt and you know…" Filia paused to grab each cheek of Sagalia's face and look him straight in the eyes, then continued, "You know that this is what Faranth would want."
Filia let go of Sagalia as she finished, letting the weight of her words sink in as the room fell silent. Everyone was taken aback at how passionate Filia had been in her defense of the unborn child but none as much as Xeria, whose eyes welled up a bit. She blinked the tears away and hoped no one noticed.
Sagalia turned away from Filia and looked at his daughter. Lauria smiled at him, took his hand and squeezed it. Then he turned to Marcus and Xeria.
"Marcus, there has been a lot of love lost between us and I take full blame for it all. Losing your mother only made it worse, but seeing her again…apologies can do nothing now so I won't waste your time, but I will speak to the council in favor of your child's life. I can only hope that will atone for some of my crimes against you." Sagalia finished with a slight bow.
Marcus was clearly tense but he managed a simple nod to Sagalia. Xeria sensed he was actually a boiling stew of emotions underneath so she took over the questioning.
"Now we would ask the representatives of the human race – Aunt Lina, Uncle Gourry, Uncle Zel, Aunt Amelia and Uncle Pokota, what say you all?" Xeria asked in a firm tone.
"Hmm, how do we feel about a powerful hybrid Mazoku/Dragon child coming into the world? That one should be obvious, even for Gourry!" Lina commented, lightly elbowing her husband who stood next to her.
"So Xeria's going to have a baby, right?" Gourry asked, in clear confusion.
Everyone face-faulted, but luckily Marcus recovered in time to catch Xeria.
"That's what we've been talking about this entire time!" Pokota screaming while bopping Gourry off the head.
"Mr. Gourry, you need to pay more attention!" Amelia yelled in her usual "justice pose" that made the Mazoku in the room cringe.
"Well, it's not really up to us, is it? I mean if Xeria and Marcus want to have a baby, we'll just support them, right?" Gourry said plainly as if the response should have been obvious.
Lina let him out of the headlock and smiled at him as she patted him hard on the back.
"Gourry's exactly right. Although, it's quite bizarre to make that statement. It's not for anyone else to decide but you two. I can't speak for all humanity and as I am, maybe I wouldn't have the right to anyhow, but I speak for myself. You both have my support, no matter what you decide." Zelgadiss said strongly, then wished he hadn't been so steadfast because Xeria had notable tears down her cheeks now.
"That's right! We back you guys 100% and anyone who tries to mess with you or your kid will have to deal with us and we'll kick their ass!" Lina yelled confidently and loudly.
"That's right Miss Lina! To go after an innocent child would be unjust and I, Amelia, Champion of Justice, will punish them!" Amelia called out in another justice pose.
"Well, you guys have our answer. Do we get to hear your decision yet?" Pokota asked.
"Not just yet. I believe it's time for my decision. Xelloss, you know where I stand on this. Fulfill my wishes." Xellass said between sips of wine from her throne.
"Yes, Ju-ou-sama." Xelloss said as he bowed to his master. He rose and glanced at his daughter and her mate with his eyes closed at first. He moved suddenly, knocking Marcus to the side and cast a quick spell to trap himself and Xeria within a forcefield.
Xeria's first instinct was panic but as she saw her father walking toward her with his eyes open and menacing, she steeled herself and stood strongly to face him.
"Your choice has been obvious this whole time, Xeria. Marcus has been a cool cucumber but you – you have too much of your lizard mother in you. I saw all the tears despite you trying to hide them. Here I thought you took after me more. I'm so disappointed." Xelloss began his psychological warfare.
Tears came unbidden to Xeria's eyes. He saw this and continued, "I want to help you though, my daughter. Not to ascend, but to cleanse yourself of all this family stuff. Take it from someone who knows - children are naught but a disappointment and extra stress that aren't worth it. So, my wayward daughter, let me guide you back to the darkness. What do you say?"
When Xelloss finished, Xeria had her eyes closed and turned away from her father. She spoke so softly in her response that he had to strain to hear.
"I am terrified, Father. I don't know the first thing about being a mother and assisting a child to being who they are when I can't even figure that out myself." Xeria paused.
"So, let me help you." Xelloss moved closer to her with hand outstretched, energy building in it.
"No, I just needed to convince you that your words were reaching me, just long enough, that is." Xeria opened her eyes and smirked.
"Ragna Blade!" Lina's voice cut through the air as L-Sama's Blade of Darkness cut through the forcefield.
Marcus was instantly by Xeria's side as Fal stood in front of them. Gourry and Zelgadiss both had swords unsheathed and pointed at Xelloss.
"You see, my father, I do take after you and I learned my lessons in psychological warfare well, very well. I believe it was you who said, if you can fool your friends, you can fool your enemies." Xeria said with a confident grin on her face.
"Indeed, I have taught you well. In fact, I'm not sure which was the actual truth – the way you are now or your words before Lina-san broke through." Xelloss replied, taking a step toward Xeria, only to be blocked by two swords crossing in front of him by Zelgadiss and Gourry. He also noted Amelia and Pokota with spells at the ready.
"Maybe you weren't listening before, Xelloss, but I said anyone who tries to mess with them would have to deal with us!" Lina reiterated, still holding the Ragna Blade.
Before Xelloss could reply, the sound of clapping could be heard. It was Xellass from her throne.
"Excellent work, Xelloss, as always. After that display, I have my answer." She spoke.
Xelloss bowed but the majority of the room tensed in anticipation of the Greater Beast's decision. She continued, "I wanted to be certain if this was truly what you wanted, Xeria, and if you were prepared to use any means necessary to take this path. You were willing to defy Xelloss and that is something you have never done. I am impressed; therefore, I also will support this child's safe delivery into this world. I am intrigued as to what the next months will bring. Now, Xeria and Marcus, I command it as ruler here, give us your rather obvious answer."
Xeria smirked and started to close one eye, but Lina interrupted, "You do that and I will encourage Amelia to come visit every day for your entire pregnancy and discuss the beauty of life." The sorceress threatened in a low tone. Those who heard her laughed heartily at the look of horror on Xeria's face.
"We are keeping our child. No doubt about it!" Marcus declared and Xeria nodded.
The humans all cheered and lots of congratulating hugs were given until all left but the dragons and those who lived on Wolf Pack Island.
Fal turned to his mother and asked if she were ready to return. Filia, instead, walked up toward the Greater Beast's throne. Xelloss instantly blocked her but Xellass waved him away.
"So bravely stupid dragon, what do you wish to inquire of me?" She asked in an arrogant, yet bored tone.
"I wish to stay here to help Xeria through her pregnancy." Filia said boldly and then got on her knees.
Xellass was quiet for a moment and then did something unexpected, she laughed and laughed heartily.
"If allowing you to stay here will create that expression on Xeria's face, then I encourage it. I declare Filia-ul-Copt to stay here, unharmed, at least until the child is born." Xellass decreed.
Xelloss bowed and smiled. Filia bowed her head in appreciation. The others' shared in Xellass' laughter at the look of absolute horror and disgust on Xeria's face.
After a brief visit to the dragon temple to return Sagalia, Fal returned and was surprised to see Xeria sitting on the ground with the others crowded around her.
"Would you all stop fussing. I just got dizzy and had to sit down." Xeria yelled, trying to wave off all the attention.
"It's good to have Filia here, Xeria, for her experience." Amelia suggested.
"Why couldn't I just talk to you or Aunt Lina then? You both have children." Xeria countered.
"Two reasons: 1) Amelia nor I ever carried a hybrid Mazoku/Dragon child. Filia carried two. And 2) The author is too lazy to actually create our children as characters this late into the story." Lina explained, pointing to a chart of chapter icons detailing the story so far. The chart vanished before anyone thought to look at upcoming chapters conveniently.
"Well, there's one thing or should I say, one person, we could recommend from our experiences, Miss Lina." Amelia added excitedly.
"My thoughts exactly! Xeria, we have the perfect midwife for you! She delivered our kids." Lina continued.
A short while later, Fal and Gourry returned with the one they were sent to retrieve.
"Aunt Sylphiel?! By Ruby-eyes-sama, it's been years!" Xeria said in genuine excitement and embraced the human woman. Filia looked on, a bit envious. Xellass and Xelloss both noticed and shared a smirk.
"Gourry-sama and Fal-chan just told me the news! Congratulations! I apologize for not being able to attend your wedding. I did not expect that Queen Martina would be having her fifteenth child at the same time, but please let me make it up to you by helping you through your pregnancy! I would be honored to be your midwife!" Sylphiel asked sincerely.
"I could think of no one else! Please do so!" Xeria accepted before getting dizzy again and rediscovering her newly found favorite piece of floor.
"Then it seems I must start immediately by asking some important questions. First of all, do you trust everyone here with the safety of yourself and your child?" Sylphiel asked seriously.
Xeria paused and looked at each human, dragon, Mazoku and hybrid in turn then returned her gaze to Sylphiel and nodded. Sylphiel returned the nod, then continued, "How much of your Mazoku powers can you tap into right now?"
Xeria paused again and sighed before answering, "None."
The others all gave shocked reactions ranging from eyes opening to screaming "what?!" at this news.
"I was afraid of this. We kept it very quiet when Miss Lina and Miss Amelia were pregnant due to the danger and I was hopeful it would not be the case in your situation, but apparently it is." Sylphiel began but Filia finished for her.
"She is stuck in human form and cannot access any of her Mazoku powers until after the baby is born. Correct?"
Sylphiel nodded. Others looked fearful, but Xeria just looked tired.
"Oh well, guess it'll have to be a secret, right?" She said in true Xelloss fashion, then smirked at Lina who wanted to roast her but couldn't.
"Maybe being pregnant isn't so bad after all." Xeria said with a chuckle.
Lina and Amelia shared a look and then shared a glance with Filia before all three women laughed.
"She has no idea what she's in for, does she?" Amelia asked.
"Nope!" Lina laughed, true Nags style, making Amelia cringe.
Xeria looked genuinely scared then.
A mysterious foghorn sound filled the air as one could see the back of Lina's flame-colored hair as she slowly moved closer on the screen. When she turned around, however, her shape had clearly been changed as she could now be classified as super-deformed.
"You waited multiple TV seasons, movies, OVA's, radio dramas, novels, manga, video games, and God knows how much fanfiction for it but you'll wait no longer! From an admirer of Pritty Lina's Magic Lecture comes Pretty Lina Narrates Xeria's Pregnancy Blog." SD Lina introduced, complete with purple sign and cursive writing. The style of the picture on the screen suddenly changed to support a frame around the outside edges as the story continued.
Detoxing from Caffeine
"Now Xeria, you'll have to careful about what you eat now. There are certain foods you will have to limit and ones you can't have at all." Sylphiel started explaining.
"That's not a problem for me. To make it less complicated, I just won't have anything that needs limiting." Xeria waved off the concern.
Lina started snickering. Amelia looked scared.
"This will be good."
"Oh no, Lina-san, this will be scary. You haven't seen the horrors I have, living with one!" Amelia said in genuine terror.
"It can't be that bad, Aunt Amelia. You're acting like Xeria can't have coffee." Marcus teased, but quickly stopped as he saw the terrified look in Amelia's eyes.
"Okay, so you're probably wondering what's going on here. You see it in multiple scenes of the show that Zelgadiss likes his coffee, but family members of coffee drinkers know that nothing can save them when the coffee runs out. Just look at Amelia's face – a mix of horror and pity toward Marcus. Then if we fast forward a bit, you see Xeria without the effects of her coffee." SD Lina explained.
"I feel like someone's bludgeoning me in the head with a baseball bat!" Xeria groaned, suffering from the migraine effect of detoxing from caffeine.
Making Good on a Promise
"You know I was joking, right? I didn't actually know things would happen this way." Marcus said in a disgusted voice.
"Okay, so let me paint this picture for you. Apparently, as powerful as Marcus is, he's horribly grossed out by vomiting. Unluckily for him, Xeria, pregnant in human form, is doing just that right now." SD Lina explained, looking amused and grossed out at the same time.
"Joke or not, I'm holding you to your promise that you'd hold my hair if I threw up while carrying your child!" Xeria said and managed a small smirk in-between vomiting episodes. Marcus just cringed some more.
I Feel Weak – I Hate This!
"How much longer does this last now?" Marcus asked himself aloud as he took their pet wolf, Lina, out again.
"Marcus, can you get me more cereal and another pillow?" Xeria's voice drifted in from the couch she was laying on.
SD Lina approached the screen to explain.
"Okay, so now Marcus is doing everything and doting on Xeria whose legs have stopped working apparently." She said, not realizing Xeria was looking right at her. She got a pillow thrown at her for her commentary.
"Do you think I like feeling weak and pathetic?! Oh, too much. Nauseous now and dizzy." Xeria screamed initially before trying to settle herself back on the couch. Marcus fixed her pillows, gave her the cereal and put Lina on the couch before finally sitting down himself.
Suffer Audibly
"Are you serious? That's a sick joke and I'm a Mazoku!" Xeria's voice could be heard from her room.
"Apparently, Xeria's check-up with Sylphiel isn't going so well." SD Lina presented from out in the hallway. She was shortly joined by Marcus.
"Why are you super-deformed, Aunt Lina? You're short enough as is." He teased. SD Lina threw a fireball at him for his commentary and he fell over crispy briefly.
"This is the way the segment goes! Somebody needs to re-watch the first season! So, what's happening in there?" SD Lina pointed out.
"Aunt Sylphiel just told Xeria that she has to suffer through the human cold she got because she can't take any herbs or healing spells that may harm the baby, especially because the baby is a hybrid." Marcus explained.
"So, we don't know what the child's magical make-up will be yet? That makes sense, so Xeria will just have to suffer in silence then." SD Lina thought it out before she heard Xeria cursing about how badly she felt.
"Or suffer audibly." She finished. Marcus bit off a chuckle but nodded feverishly.
They peeked in on Xeria when the cursing paused and noticed she was falling asleep while their pet wolf, Lina, snuggled with her.
"She'll be fine now. She has her snuggle buddy." Marcus observed with a smile.
Maniacal Ranting
SD Lina resisted the urge to throw a fireball after she was hit in the head with a calculator and a calendar book.
"I should've told you to duck, SD Lina-san." Xelloss spoke as he appeared next to her, also in SD form.
"What's happening now?!" She demanded.
"Sore wa himitsu desu … is what I'd like to say but I honestly have no idea. She's yelling nonsensically." SD Xelloss responded, putting his hands up to ward off the fireball that might have come his way.
Xeria emerged from the room then and yelled to them, "Fraggin' payroll must be run by a bunch of incompetent chimps or something! Ugh!" Then returned to her room.
SD Lina and SD Xelloss just looked at each, highly confused.
Stuff Nightmares are Made of
SD Lina appeared in a dark, quiet room where Xeria and Marcus slept silently, with their wolf snuggled between them. Lina the wolf peeked up at SD Lina who waved her namesake down. Suddenly, Xeria shot up from bed, shaking violently with tears coursing down her face. Of course, this woke everyone up.
"What the hell? I know Aunt Sylphiel said nightmares are common but that was just awful!" Xeria managed to get out as she tried to regulate her breathing.
"What happened? Tell me!" SD Lina demanded, jumping up on the bed.
Xeria was becoming increasingly annoyed with her SD aunt being around so she winked at Marcus and began to speak, "I had a nightmare. Aunt Lina, would you believe I had a cookie dough donut and I had to watch Marcus eat it because I can't have cookie dough?"
SD Lina promptly face-faulted as Xeria and Marcus both chuckled. Now Xeria cannot lie. The incident with the donut happened earlier that day, but she didn't want to relive the nightmare while explaining it.
The Rash from Hell
"This can't be normal! What the …" Xeria began as a stream of colorfully creative curses came from her.
SD Xelloss appeared beside SD Lina who was mind-boggled by all the swearing.
"I figured cursing would bother Amelia-san, but not you, Lina-san." He commented in genuine surprise.
"They usually don't but she's pretty creative so what the hell is wrong?" SD Lina responded.
Xeria emerged from her room at that moment.
"I'll tell ou what the frag is wrong! I'm so damn itchy! I have a rash on my right leg, both arms, my upper chest and now I have cellulitis on top of it! How do you deal with being human?! This sucks! Someone get this kid out already!" She screamed and went back to trying stop herself from itching.
"A pregnancy rash? I heard that's rare." SD Lina commented.
"Well, I guess Xeria's lucky then." SD Xelloss replied with a smile, enjoying his daughter's suffering.
The Quickening
SD Lina was ready to start the short as usual when SD Filia arrived.
"Lina-san, may I take this one? I need to build a stronger relationship with Xeria." She requested.
"Filia, she hasn't spoken a word to you in all the months you've been here." SD Lina pointed out.
"I know, but I need to try." The dragon responded.
Suddenly, awesome music from the popular Highlander movies and TV series which the author could only dream of owning because if she did, she would not be at her office not getting paid right now, started to play.
The two SD characters entered Xeria and Marcus' room to find them on the bed, both touching Xeria's stomach.
"They call it the Quickening. We felt the baby kick." Xeria explained.
Both SD women advanced. Xeria nodded for SD Lina to feel. When she did, she smiled and parted the way to make room for Filia. The dragon approached hesitantly and looked at her daughter. Xeria glanced at Marcus, who nodded, so Xeria nodded toward Filia to allow her to feel as well. When Filia felt it, her eyes welled with tears of joy but this made Xeria very uncomfortable so she pushed her hand away and left the room. Filia lowered her gaze, clearly upset.
Lullaby to Soothe Panic
SD Filia sat depressed outside Xeria & Marcus' room until SD Xelloss showed up.
"What's the matter, Filia-san? Does our daughter still hate you?" He teased.
"I just want to support her but she won't let me get close." Filia responded, for once not giving into Xelloss' obvious bait.
Before he could respond, they heard soft whispers. It took a moment to hear Xeria singing softly, "To all of my children in whom life flows abundant…"
"A quick note, the author does not own this song either." SD Xelloss said, addressing the audience.
"Shhh, she's singing a lullaby to her baby. How sweet!" Filia whispered excitedly. The lullaby continued.
"To all of my children to whom death hath passed his judgment."
Filia stopped and listened to more lyrics and was horrified by how dark they were. Xelloss just grinned, reveling in Filia's discomfort. As they continued to listen, they could hear quiet sobs in-between some of the lyrics. Without further hesitation, Filia entered the quarters to find Xeria laying on her side, holding her belly, crying and singing. She looked up and stopped her song to say, "I can't feel the baby kick."
Filia grew to normal size and nodded. She gently sat on the edge of the bed. She reached out a hand and looked to Xeria for approval. The hybrid nodded so Filia placed a hand on her daughter's growing stomach.
"Continue your song, Xeria. Your voice will reach the child, but you must calm yourself, too." She suggested.
Xelloss watched silently from the doorway. Xeria nodded.
"Now open your eyes while our plight is repeated.
Still deaf to our cries, lost in hope we lie defeated.
Our souls have been torn, and our bodies forsaken
Bearing sins of the past, for our future is …" Xeria stopped the song and gasped.
She felt her child kick. She looked to Filia who nodded and smiled as she had also felt it. Xeria cried openly and Filia chanced to touch her daughter's hair ever so lightly. Xeria moved from her touch immediately. The dragon drew back, disheartened.
"I don't know how to take you, you know." Xeria began.
Filia stayed quiet to listen, as did Xelloss. Xeria continued.
"A part of me hates you to the point where dismembering you slowly wouldn't be satisfying enough. Yet, I haven't been oblivious to your efforts these past few months. Tonight, I appreciate you most of all. I'm not at a place where I'm going to hug you and sob hysterically, but I will say, thank you Filia." Then she left the room, leaving a faint golden trail behind her.
Filia smiled.
"Is that enough?" Xelloss, who also returned to full size, asked.
"It's a start." Filia replied, wiping away a tear.
Pretty Lina Narrates Xeria's Pregnancy Blog Conclusion
SD Lina appeared and began to speak, "To use a quote that the author felt appropriate. 'Tis now the witching time of night when churchyards yawn and Hell itself breathes … wait, what the hell am I reading? I wasn't even in the last short! I'm the narrator!" Lina, now full-size, starting screaming at the sky.
"Just remember kids: Shakespeare can be very serious and not to be taken in SD form." Zelgadiss spoke gently and held up a sign that read, "End of silliness. The shit is about to get real."
"Also remember that the author doesn't own any of these quotes." Gourry began.
"It is unjust to delay the story with this any longer!" Amelia lectured.
"So, get on with it then!" Pokota screamed and the screen faded to black briefly before struggles could be heard from a different room.
It's Time
Xeria could not describe a more bizarre situation. She found herself in the new medical wing of the castle, built especially for her to give birth, about to do that very thing. She looked to Marcus on her right, who looked very nervous but trying to hide it for her sake and so he wouldn't pass out. Aunt Amelia was on her left, putting down a bucket Xeria had just vomited into as she assisted Aunt Sylphiel who was in front of Xeria, preparing to receive the child. Xeria gave what ended up being one final powerful push and after approximately forty minutes, she heard unfamiliar crying. Marcus joined her gaze of wonder as their son entered their world and was quickly placed on her chest while being cleaned. Marcus cut the cord that banded them and the boy was quickly swaddled up.
As Sylphiel and Amelia cleaned things up, Marcus couldn't help but notice a distinctive golden hue around Xeria as she looked at their son with the most loving gaze he had ever seen in her eyes.
"It seems it may be time for another birth or more precisely a rebirth." He commented.
Xeria looked at him with fear in her eyes.
"I don't know…" She started to say.
"Don't worry. I'll be right by your side." He tried to reassure her.
Suddenly, the baby started to cry and spit up a lot.
"What's happening?" Xeria asked in a panic.
Sylphiel was instantly by their side and used her magic to try to assess the problem.
"His magical energy is unstable. With one who can use magic, there is a natural flow similar to the way humans consume food and then pass waste. His flow is blocked somehow. If we do not unblock it, …" Sylphiel trailed off but she had said enough.
Xeria and Marcus were both in full panic now. Fal burst in the room at that moment.
"I could sense some disruption but what's happening?" He asked.
"My baby's going to …" Xeria started but couldn't finish the sentence before she broke down in tears. Marcus held her tightly.
"Not on my watch! Aunt Sylphiel and Aunt Amelia, please assist me!" Fal shouted, grabbed the newborn and went further into the medical wing.
The others entered the room, having heard enough rather than ask but they were quickly distracted by what they saw in front of them. Marcus took a step back from his wife who was hugging herself and sobbing within a bubble of black and gold energy.
"She's ascending? Now?" Lina asked, clearly confused.
"I thought it was supposed to be when you reached self-acceptance. With Fal and Marcus, they were both settled. She obviously isn't!" Filia agreed.
"Where is she going?" Pokota yelled as the bubble lifted Xeria into the air. The darkness around closed in on itself and despite a single golden band around the circumference, there was no light. All anyone could hear was the constant sound of Xeria sobbing.
Marcus didn't hesitate. He floated up to the bubble and tried to penetrate it, but was blasted back.
"Xeria, I'm here but I can't reach you. I think you're putting the barrier up unintentionally. Let me in." Marcus spoke to her softly.
"It's not unintentional. This is all my fault, isn't it, Marcus? Because I was so unstable, our child is suffering. It's my fault! It was my job to grow and protect him and I couldn't do that! Now he might …he might …. he might die and it'll be all my fault! What right do I have to ascend when I should be destroyed?!" Xeria yelled, hyperventilating as she struggled to scream and sob at the same time.
Xeria's power grew to astronomical levels causing massive damage to the castle all around her and blasting Marcus to the ground. Lina, Zelgadiss and Pokota focused on forming a shield to protect the medical wing. Gourry stood with them, hand on the hilt of the Blast Sword in case it was needed. Xellass and Dynaast stood off to the side and shared a bottle of wine as Dynaast boasted that he was right about the child being a boy. They made no move to interfere. Marcus looked desperately at the dark bubble that contained his wife.
"If she keeps this up, she may destroy us all, including the child." Xelloss said matter-of-factly.
"Well, we can't let that happen!" Filia shrieked at him, causing Xelloss to block his ears.
"I hate to say it but Xelloss is right." Lina began.
"Lina, you can't be serious! She's obviously not in her right mind!" Zelgadiss yelled.
"What the hell should I do then, Zel? Should I let her destroy us all, including her child?! Don't you think she'd choose her own destruction before that?!" Lina yelled, tears threatening her eyes.
Gourry said nothing, but stood by his wife and put a supportive hand on her shoulder. She nodded thanks to him.
"I agree with both Aunt Lina and Uncle Zelgadiss. Aunt Lina, give me a bit more time to try to reach her but if I can't help her ascend, then… do what you have to." Marcus said, heart heavy with the burden of what he just said.
What they didn't see during their argument is Xellass motion to Xelloss who nodded in response.
"Let us help then." Xelloss said suddenly, putting his arm around Filia's shoulders, who started shrieking and backed away in response. Marcus simply nodded before floating up toward his wife once more.
Xelloss held out a hand to Filia. "Shall we work together again, Filia-san?" He asked. Filia surprised everyone there by taking his hand without hesitation and the two powerful beings teleported right next to Marcus.
"Xeria, I'm back. Your parents are right here with me, Xeria. Please hear us!" Marcus pleaded.
They noticed a small hole appear in the dark bubble. Xeria was surprised to see her parents floating together, holding hands as well. The others noticed her power surge paused. It did not decrease but for the moment, it wasn't increasing. This was their sign that she was willing to listen.
"Xeria, maybe I don't have the right to even speak to you right now. I wish I could explain to you what I was thinking when I walked away from you and Fal all those years ago but I can't. What I can tell you from my deepest heart of hearts how proud I've become to be your mother now. Even if you don't consider me as such, to see you grow and change over these past few months, I've been honored to be allowed to witness it. Again, maybe I don't have right to say this but for the sake of all you hold dear, you must ascend beyond this darkness!" Filia began.
"You're right. You don't have the right to say all that to me! I'm worse than you! You abandoned me but I lived. What have I done to my son?!" Xeria cried and her power started to rise again.
"So, do I have the right to speak to you now?" Xelloss asked in a challenging tone. The power surge stopped so Xelloss continued, "This has been an interesting time for you, my daughter. You were so certain, at least you played it off well, that you knew who you were. Now, you're completely lost. For a Mazoku, you know that's not good, but for a hybrid of your potential power, that can be deadly. This may surprise you but I agree with your mother." At that, Xelloss paused to enjoy the emotional effects of everyone face-faulting, before he continued, "You must ascend. Although we may agree for different reasons, I would surmise that our wish for you is always know who you are, believe in yourself and live your life like only you can. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I may have to ask Marcus to hold my hair back as I vomit after that." Xelloss finished, enjoying a brief discomfort from Marcus before Marcus himself confronted Xeria.
"I know you're scared. I know you're sad and angry and you feel responsible and helpless. I feel all that, too. I feel even more helpless because not only can I not help my son, but I can't save you. Xeria, do you realize how important you are to me? I… I want to say something romantic right now but all I can come up with is thank you. Thank you for everything you do for me. Thank you for seeing whatever it is you see in me. And most of all, thank you thank you thank you for making me this happy!"
Xeria was quiet for what seemed like an eternity, but when she spoke, it was quiet but clear.
"Do I have the right to ascend after what I did to our son, Marcus?"
"There's no proof you did anything at all, Xeria. This could be our rotten luck passed down to him in which case, we're both to blame, but yes, you do have the right because you learned to love." He responded.
"I love you Marcus. I know I never said it before but I was scared to. I have been fighting this feeling toward you since we met but when he was born, I couldn't fight it anymore. Humans talk about love at first sight and that's how I felt with him. But I thought love was supposed to be a positive feeling so why do I feel so much pain?" Xeria explained.
"I love you, too, Xeria and I feel blessed to hear you say it back. Although, I feel a bit ill, too. I love our son, too. If we didn't feel love, we wouldn't care enough to feel pain or fear or despair. Love can hurt. It's the ultimate hybrid feeling. So now that you've experienced both sides, you may be ready. We have to be at our best to guide our son, so what do you say? Are you ready to ascend?" Marcus replied.
The dark bubble around Xeria melted away and everyone could see the black and golden power surging around her. She hesitated and looked at everyone there. Filia tearfully nodded as she still floated with Xelloss wo looked at her with eyes open and nodded as well. Xeria looked toward Xellass and Dynaast who both raised a wine glass toward her. She looked at her human family who all smiled and started to cheer her on. Finally, she looked at Marcus. She floated to him, gave him a quick kiss and then backed away once more before answering.
"I'm still scared to meet the new version of myself but in order to live, I must keep daring and I want to give him his best chance, so yes, for him, I'm ready."
With that, Xeria closed her eyes and stopped fighting the power floating around her. It consumed her instantly and then created a blast wave powerful enough to send Marcus, Xelloss and Filia out of the sky and the humans below to the ground. Xelloss landed on his feet and caught Filia, causing her to blush before he unceremoniously dropped her face first on the ground. She had made to shriek at him but was too overwhelmed by the sight going on above her.
Amelia came out of the medical wing to see what was going on, but Zelgadiss filled her in quickly and told her to go back to the baby, which she did with haste.
The bubble had taken a black cone shape with golden stripes running through it, similar to when Fal ascended. The cone was blasted away instantly to reveal Xeria's dragon form. Everyone in attendance was amazed and somewhat surprised by the sight as Xeria appeared as a golden dragon almost entirely with a few exceptions. Her hair remained the dark violet color it had been. Her wings were a pure lapis purple, almost black in color. A few let out a chuckle to witness near the end of Xeria's long golden tail was a dark purple bow. The dragon let out a roar before being consumed in a gold and purple cloud, leaving a humanoid Xeria floating in its wake.
Xeria landed and slowly walked to the small crowd of family and friends with her eyes closed at first. Marcus ran to meet her.
"So, be honest, how dumb do I look?" She asked him.
"Not at all! Why don't you open your eyes and look?" He suggested, a chuckle in his voice.
Xeria immediately peeked at the small set of lapis wings on her back and breathed a sigh of relief before stating, "Oh good. They're purple." Then she turned with her eyes open toward Marcus and he could see that her eyes were still amethyst in color but now sported a sapphire ring around them.
"You're even more beautiful and I didn't think that was possible." Marcus complimented as they shared a quick kiss, but Xeria still looked unsettled.
"I sense our son is still unstable." She stated.
"I sense that, too. I guess all we can do now is wait." Marcus confirmed.
And wait they did. Over the next twenty-one hours, they barely slept or ate. They sat, watching the day and night wane on, desperate and terrified for any news. When they felt too exhausted to cry another tear, Fal emerged from the medical wing. He looked completely spent and was a bit unsteady on his feet. Xeria and Marcus looked at him and waited, too scared to breathe. They watched as Fal reached in his pocket and pulled out a lollipop and started eating it. Then the screen faded to black.
Back in the theatre
Seven voices rose in anger at Arcanum for the sudden lack of story, especially Lina's who started chanting the Dragon Slave before she was held back by Gourry, Amelia and Pokota. Xelloss and Filia both realized they were upset about the same thing and started arguing with each other so Zelgadiss walked to face Arcanum herself.
"What is the meaning of this, Arcanum? For better or worse, everyone else was able to witness how their story played out. Mine cannot end there." He argued.
"Could it not though? After all, the three hybrids ascended, gaining self-acceptance. Was that not the point?" Arcanum debated back.
"Okay, then let's leave the diplomacy. shall we? What happens next? What does Fal say about the baby when he enters the room?" Zelgadiss demanded and brandished his sword toward Arcanum.
The dark creature simply smiled, snapped her fingers of her right hand and stepped back to reveal a door opening. "Why don't you ask him yourself?"
The Slayers crew all stopped and witnessed Fal, still with lollipop, walk through the door, which did not shut behind him.
"This is weird. It's like I'm looking back in time. So, you weren't kidding Arcanum-san? Okay, how far in the movie did you get?" Fal asked.
"You still have a lollipop, so I can imagine you just finished the baby's procedure. How did it go?" Zelgadiss asked directly. The others waited with baited breath.
"Oh no, that was a while ago. I just developed an affinity for these damn things and can't live without them now. I needed one back then because my blood sugar dropped from being so hyper focused for so long." Fal explained.
"No offense, but don't care. How's the baby?" Pokota asked rudely.
"Ouch, Uncle Pokota, that was rude. Maybe I shouldn't tell you then. It would be cruel to leave you all wondering. Did my sister's child die or was I able to save my poor nephew? Well, the short way to answer is sore wa himitsu desu." Fal said with a laugh and quickly dodged attack spells from the Slayers crew only to be knocked upside the head by the hilt of a sword from behind. It was Marcus.
"You astound me of how Mazoku-like you can be sometimes, Bro, but in these circumstances, they deserve to know." He said in a cheerful, then somber tone.
"Oh no, by the gods, please don't say, the child …" Filia began, but another voice cut her off.
"…Is a lovable, evil pain in the ass, just like his father."
Xeria had spoken as she emerged, holding a young toddler in her arms and bopped her husband off the head with her staff. The Slayers crew immediately surrounded her to get a better look at the child. He sported light brown hair and light gray-blue eyes. He smiled as he enjoyed a yellow lollipop, probably supplied by his uncle.
"You enjoying your lollipop, kiddo?" Lina asked.
"Yellow pop!" The child replied in a sweet, innocent voice but before anyone could utter an "aw," he threw the pop and hit Lina square in the forehead. He then proceeded to let out the evilest laugh one could imagine a child having. Again, Gourry, Amelia and Pokota had to hold Lina back while Xelloss applauded his efforts and Filia shook her head. Zelgadiss glanced at his friends, shook his head and glanced back to find Xeria right in front of him. She had handed the child off to Marcus so she could have her hands free. Before he could say anything, she launched herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.
"I know what you all have been trying to do here and you were successful, Uncle Zel. Thank you. Thank you for my happiness! I won't say my happy ending because each day is a new beginning, but I have hope for each day now, because of you. Thank you!" She said as genuine tears of joy streamed down her face. Zelgadiss was a bit taken aback, but then returned the hug and simply replied, "you're welcome."
"By the way, Xeria-chan, what is your son's name?" Gourry asked suddenly.
The others all stopped, forever dumbfounded at how Gourry can ask appropriate questions at times.
"We gave him a human name actually. He is named after an undefeated human general who conquered many lands, but was well respected by his warriors. We named him Alexander which means conqueror or defender depending on where you read the definition." Xeria explained.
"A hybrid name for a hybrid child. Makes sense." Zelgadiss surmised.
Xeria and Marcus nodded.
"So, what happens now? We've all had our turn." Lina pointed out.
"Too true. This is the end of Zelgadiss' tale. However, my creator had one final idea to wrap this all up. You are all welcome to stay and watch the epilogue." Arcanum presented with a bow. Xeria, Marcus and Fal all shrugged so they, with Alexander, sat with the others to witness the author's epilogue.
End Zelgadiss' Version
