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. Any other references I do not own. Also,
spoilers for Slayers Revolution and Evolution-R, but hey, why are reading
fanfics? Go watch the real thing! There is a small portion of this chapter
that includes a response to previous chapters, but it is not the entire chapter.
This is it! This is how it all ends!
Epilogue:
"So, what is the Writer's master plan this time, Arcanum? Is there actually a plan, or the epilogue is just an excuse for her to acknowledge that she's been spelling certain names incorrectly for all these years?" Xeria asked with a smirk as she allowed a wiggly Alexander to run back and forth screaming at the front of the theater.
"I could use your line about secrets but that would be too easy of a joke, so I shall just answer your question with another one. You know her as well as I do, do you not? And far as the names go, the Writer does acknowledge that Xellass is actually Zelas (which spell check caught) and Xelloss is spelled with one 's,' but I believe her reasoning was something to the effect of not wanting to go back and edit THE ENTIRE THING, so she intends to finish as she started. Her excuse is that information was limited when she first became a fan of the series, so she took whatever information she could find, even if it ended up being incorrect." Arcanum responded, humor in her voice.
"So, in other words, there's one thing left unfinished and it's bugging the hell out of her so she has to finish it." Xeria said with a resigned sigh, letting go of the spelling issue.
"Indeed, sir, the last charge of Wyatt Earp and his immortals." Arcanum replied, resulting in a shared chuckle with Xeria and an eye roll from Marcus.
"I guess I'm supposed to give the disclaimer that she doesn't own Tombstone but can quote the movie verbatim, right?" He asked.
Arcanum simply nodded with a smile.
"So, what is left unfinished? Xeria, Marcus and Fal all got their happy 'endings' and ascended." Zelgadiss questioned.
"Ah yes, there were two endings that seemed to mirror each other slightly and that was unintentional on the Writer's part. As she would say, the story wrote itself, so she intends to extend both endings and merge them into one resolution." Arcanum explained.
"So which endings? I hope it's mine because we never got confirmation if the Writer was actually pregnant or not." Pokota reminded them.
Arcanum smiled and pointed to the toddler who seemed to be enjoying taking pratfalls and replied, "There is your answer."
"Okay, so that answers why the Writer was so determined to 'make it right' for Xeria and Marcus. So, which two stories are we looking at here?" Lina demanded.
"One is yours, Lina-san and the other is Filia-san's story." Arcanum answered.
"Okay, Lina's was sad, but wasn't Filia's the saddest one?" Gourry added.
"Depending on one's point of view, but yes." Arcanum responded.
"Leave it to the Writer to want to wrap things up with a nice bow." Xeria commented with a resigned shrug.
"I hope she doesn't do something cheesy like we meet at a dance or something." Marcus added sarcastically.
"Actually, she considered that. She had a dream in that very scenario and played it out in her head but felt it was too cheesy so she went with another dream-inspired idea." Arcanum confirmed.
"Oh wait, since she doesn't even want us to watch it, then we should." Xelloss demanded with an evil smirk.
"Our tolerance for mushy stuff has increased since ascending Father, but yours has not. Are you certain about what you're asking for?" Xeria asked with one eye open.
Xelloss smirked, not only at her expression, but at Marcus silently begging for him to say no behind her.
"I imagine any creator wouldn't want bad writing out there for people to witness so since she decided to torture us through all her 'alternate endings,' maybe she can share our pain for once." The Mazoku priest suggested.
"I cannot allow that to happen, Xelloss-san." Arcanum said in a threatening tone.
"But I can." A voice drifted from the screen as the watchers were blinded by the golden light. When they adjusted their vision, they made out a golden silhouette they could recognize as L-Sama. The humans stood up while the Mazoku, dragon and hybrids all knelt. Alexander continued his pratfalls while asking for more puppies in the snow.
"The Writer would not approve." Arcanum challenged.
"The Writer versus her OCPD – which do you think would win?" L-Sama retorted.
"Her OCPD indeed." Arcanum replied with a sigh before continuing. "Well, the dance story, the door story and then the end. Shall we then?"
With a nod from L-Sama, both ethereal beings closed their eyes and summoned their power. With another blinding flash of light, the screen once more began a story.
Shall We Dance?
Lina's Version's Dimension
"An inter-dimensional, inter-species dance? What kind of screwy garbage is that, Father?" Xeria asked Xelloss in a half angry, half bewildered tone as she paced the throne room.
"Xeria, stop pacing, you're making me dizzy." Xellass called out from her throne as she attempted to pour herself another glass of Zefilia wine.
Xeria shook her head with the argument that the wine was the culprit of her grandmother's dizziness but kept that to herself. Instead she asked, "So why do I have to go?"
"I could say it's a secret, but there's another annoying phrase that my title as Father grants me and I've always wanted to try it out." Xelloss explained, paused briefly and then finished, "Because I said so."
To this, Xeria rolled her eyes and Xellass chuckled. Not having a good argument for that, Xeria resigned herself to go to the dance, but decided she had no intention of dancing.
'After that night, I'll never dance again.' She thought to herself.
Filia's Version's Dimension
Norst rolled his eyes as he set upon the task given to him by his master. Well, the task he was stuck with when he pulled the shortest straw. Dealing with Marcus since everything went down at the dragon temple was both delicious and annoying. As he entered the hybrid's chamber that he was given after he came to live in the north with them, Norst immediately realized that this was going to be more annoying than delicious.
The atmosphere in the chambers was downright depressing, to say the least. The shades were down and the room just carried a weight in the air so you felt heavier the moment you walked in. Norst found Marcus exactly where he expected him to be – still in bed.
"Get up, hybrid punk." Norst said in a completely monotone voice as if he's done this routine more times than he cared to count.
"Go to hell, Norst." Marcus mumbled.
"I'm here with you so I'm already there. It sucks, so get up." Norst replied.
"I'm in a bad mood, okay?" Marcus tried to reason.
"Obviously, and while that would normally be delicious, it gets old to eat the same meal over and over again, so get up." Norst responded with absolutely no sympathy.
"Why? Why should I bother getting up?" Marcus questioned, still not even rolling over.
"Because my Master has a mission for you." Norst responded.
"And I care why?" Marcus responded, more anger creeping in.
"Listen. You're always so miserable and others are happy, so my Master wants to you to spread your misery to others. You don't even have to do anything but go because you just exude negative vibes that it will be enough to ruin everyone's time." Norst started to explain.
"Oh, thanks a lot. What is this happy occasion I'll be ruining?" Marcus asked, rolling over finally to glance at the general.
"An inter-dimensional, inter-species dance." Norst answered.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard you say. Are you serious?" Marcus replied, now sitting up.
"Unfortunately." Norst replied with a shrug.
Marcus gave a resigned sigh and pulled the covers back over his head. Norst could hear a muffled, "fine."
Norst smirked, 'Task completed,' he thought to himself.
After the demonic general left, Marcus felt himself drift back to sleep. He saw complete darkness at first and then the room brightened to reveal the Great Hall at the dragon temple. He turned to leave as that room held painful memories when he was greeted by a familiar sight, one he hadn't seen in many years – his mother.
The vision of Faranth held out her arms to him with a gentle smile. Marcus returned the smile and began to walk toward her, when suddenly a great dark shadow arose behind Faranth. Marcus cried out a warning but no sound came out. He ran as fast as he could toward the shadow which had started to take a humanoid form. Before he could reach his mother, he was blocked by a shield of sorts and could only watch helplessly as the shadow ripped out his mother's still-beating heart and held it victoriously up in the air.
The shadow spoke but Marcus could not hear it clearly as the spell it cast warped his mother's heart into a bright red jewel. The jewel shown brightly to reveal the identity of the shadow. It was Xeria, in her original Mazoku form, with the jewel encrusted into her staff. She smirked at Marcus, approached him and wiped a tear off his cheek.
"Do you really think you deserve any happiness after what you've done?" She asked before changing to her pure dragon form and added, "Villains don't get happy endings."
Marcus woke up completely startled to find Dee and Norst in his room screaming at him.
"It's time to go." Dee said simply.
Completely shaken up, all Marcus could do was nod.
The Dance
The inter-dimensional, inter-species dance was full of just that, many species from two different dimensions. All were curious how this event came to be but it seemed no one had answers to share. When someone arrived, they received a small enamel pin of an "L" or an "F." There were many speculations about what these symbols meant, but again, no explanations were given. The room the dance was held in was large enough to hold even dragons in dragon form. Food and beverages lined the walls and was constantly refilled when consumed.
Xeria noted she was given an "L" pin as was everyone else she knew in attendance. Since this dance was to represent many species, she wasn't surprised to see her human aunts and uncles, as well as her dragon family in attendance, all wearing "L" pins and consuming much of the food.
"Look like I get to represent the Mazoku alone, huh?" She commented to Val and Fal as she approached the group.
Most of the group greeted her with hugs and hellos, except for Lauria. Fal's dragon mate glared at her sister-in-law with a mix of contempt and fear. Xeria sighed.
'I suppose I deserve that,' she thought, 'I did murder her parents on her wedding day.'
Xeria was distracted from her thoughts as music started playing and people started dancing, so she could no longer see every being that entered the room.
As Marcus entered the room, his attitude about his "mission" immediately changed. Seeing all the happy couples dancing and friends enjoying drinks and conversations immediately angered him.
'Must be nice to have a loved one to dance with or family you don't hate.' He thought to himself while affixing his "F" pin to his lapel. He like the style of the pin and determined that he had to get an "L" one as well to complete the set. Norst and Dee accompanied Marcus to the dance begrudgingly.
"So why did you two come with me again? Does the Old Man think I need babysitters to complete a mission?" He asked disrespectfully.
Norst growled in anger, but Dee stepped between them and simply asked, "would you rather have had Grau and Grou with you?" Dee and Norst both smirked at the look of disgust on Marcus' face.
"Well, you both don't have to worry about me completing my mission. I'm proud to ruin this good time. Seeing all these happy couples just makes me want to murder everyone in the room." The hybrid announced darkly.
"Well, then, I guess I should consider myself lucky that our powers are dampened in here." An all-too familiar voice said behind Marcus.
He immediately spun around and slammed the person to the wall. The music was too loud so no one noticed. Fal-ul-Copt winced as he adjusted to the pain of the wall behind him.
"Now I know why Xelloss usually appears across the room when people really don't want to see him." Fal responded, calling his father by his given name.
"Well, you obviously don't have Xelloss-sama's brains either because you dared to show yourself in front of me!" Marcus growled at his former best friend.
Before Fal could respond, another voice Marcus didn't want to hear spoke up.
"Let him go, Marcus! You got your stories mixed up since you dared to show up here! This is important to Fal and I'm not going to let you ruin it!" Lauria said in her mate's defense and stood bravely at his side. Her courage quickly left her when Marcus turned his hate-filled glare in her direction.
"Please Marcus, hear me out. I'm not asking you to trust me …" Fal began
"I don't." Marcus interrupted curtly.
"…and I wouldn't deserve your trust, but in honor of loved ones lost, please hear me out." Fal finished.
"One would not be lost, if not for what you both had a hand in." Marcus answered but let Fal go, stood back and crossed his arms.
"How can you say that when you're the one …" Lauria began but stopped when Fal put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head at her.
"There's a very specific reason I came here, Marcus and I think it will not only interest you, but I hope will in part, atone for my sin." Fal continued.
Marcus shook his head but motioned for Fal to continue.
"You notice there are two different pins available at this dance, right? Well, from what I've gathered, they represent two different dimensions where history has unfolded in different ways. I stepped into this room with this theory and then I saw a small group of creatures that confirmed it." Fal started to explain.
Marcus had to admit his curiosity and followed Fal's gaze to the dance floor. Marcus opened his eyes in shock to see Fal and Lauria dancing. He looked back at the couple standing next to him, but then his mood turned dark.
"Are you showing me this to brag? Look, we end up happy, no matter which dimension!" Marcus said in an angry, mocking tone.
"I figured you'd go there. I saw myself and Lauria first but seeing them offered me hope that I'd see someone else in particular." Fal continued and pointed out toward the edges of the dance floor.
"I see your mother and is that Val as an adult? I must admit, that's cool, but it doesn't atone for anything." Marcus glared back at his brother-in-law.
"Oh, there she is. She went to get coffee with Uncle Zelgadiss." Fal responded, relief in his voice.
Marcus followed his gaze once more and then he saw her. Flipping vibrant violet hair over her shoulder and her amethyst eyes alight with amusement watching her human aunts and uncles and their antics. She smiled over her cup of coffee but then glanced out to the dance floor and her smile faded into a look of sorrow that Marcus saw whenever he looked in a mirror. Marcus felt his breath catch in his throat and his heart skip a beat. He did note the small "L" pin on her dress, but for all intents and purposes, it was her. It was Xeria.
"So, what now, Romeo? Will you go to her?" Norst asked in a mocking tone.
Fal wanted to smack the Mazoku general but surprisingly, Marcus didn't even hear him. He was completely transfixed on the Xeria of the other dimension.
"This may be a second chance for both of us, Marcus. I came here, praying that I'd have a chance to apologize to my sister, even if she wasn't the same and now, you may get a second chance as well." Fal confessed.
"There's no way of knowing how different that Xeria is or if there was ever a Marcus in their world at all." Dee offered.
"That's true, but as much as I hate to say it, Fal's right. I have to talk to her." Marcus concluded, but felt like his legs were made of lead. It was then he realized that Xeria was staring straight back at him.
A few minutes before
"I was surprised when you arrived, Xeria. I figured dances were not your favorite type of event." Zelgadiss commented to his niece as they added their respective amounts of cream and sugar to their coffees before making their way back to their little group.
"I haven't danced since that day, Uncle Zel. What's the point? Dancing is usually an activity one does when one is happy. I don't have that feeling anymore." Xeria replied solemnly.
"Well, your father did not make us privy to his plans for you being here but try to have a good time. You sound more depressing than I used to. If you don't try, I'll have to sick Amelia on you." Zelgadiss said with a smirk.
"Uncle Zel, I expect that type of Mazoku-like behavior from Aunt Lina, not you." She paused to stick her tongue out at him. "Besides, it's not like I'm going to look across the dance floor, see a hot guy and have a cheesy romantic dance or whatever. If you think that, then you've delved into Aunt Amelia's romance novels too much." She finished.
"So, what about the man with the dark hair staring at you from across the room?" Zelgadiss pointed out.
Xeria was about to call her uncle out for being a romantic when she looked up and sure enough, there was a handsome young man with dark hair staring right at her. Xeria looked back at him in curiosity. He seemed familiar for some reason, but she couldn't place why.
"Well, you could go talk to him or I can tell Lina ad she'll make a big scene about the whole thing." Zelgadiss suggested, trying not to laugh at his niece's obvious opposition to that idea.
"Fine. I'll go talk to him!" She whispered angrily at her uncle and noted that the man in question had taken a step in her direction as well.
As a romantic song about two lovers meeting halfway across the sky began to play, Xeria and Marcus found each other in the middle of the dance floor. Neither said a word, but Marcus held out one hand to which Xeria accepted. The moment their hands touched, they both felt a strong connection and found themselves dancing to the song. Throughout their dance, they continued not to speak and lost in their moment that they failed to notice their respective groups collecting together on the sidelines.
"So, this is a dance between two different dimensions, huh? I guess that makes the most sense, considering." Lina began, noting the members of the small crowd.
"Hey Lina, why are there two Fals and Laurias? I don't get it." Gourry asked, for which Lina proceeded to beat him over the head with a slipper.
"So 'F' Fal, I guess, tell me. Who is that guy dancing with our sister? If we don't approve, 'L' Fal and I will kick his ass." Val inquired in a half joking, half serious tone.
"I'm curious how things are so different in your world, Val. In mine, you …died as a child, so it is good to see you." F-Fal responded solemnly.
"That's depressing, but Other Me, you didn't answer his question. Who is that? He seems familiar for some reason, but I can't place him." L-Fal began but stopped when his wife gasped.
"It can't be." L-Lauria said.
"I'll come straight to the point, Other Me, where is your elder brother?" F-Lauria asked her counterpart.
All in the L universe gasped, before L-Lauria answered, "Dead, for many years now."
"Not in our world. That is Marcus, spawn of our master, Lord Dynaast Grausherra." Dee confirmed and Norst nodded confirmation as well.
"Seriously?! Well, that's fantastic! Now, Xeria has a second chance!" L-Fal said excitedly and almost all of the L dimension guests started buzzing excitedly.
"No, she doesn't deserve that!" L-Lauria said venomously.
"No, actually, neither does he, my Other Self. I don't know what horrible things your dimension's Xeria did, but that thing doesn't even deserve to be called my brother anymore, let alone be happy!" F-Lauria said with just as much hatred.
Both Fals looked at their mates with shock and the others from both dimensions looked on with a mix of disgust, pity and boredom.
Before any more words could be exchanged, a louder voice interrupted the music and got everyone's attention.
"May I have your attention please? To this conglomerate of creatures, I give you a presentation of an unfinished experiment that I intend to complete once and for all!"
Both Xeria and Marcus recognized the voice instantly and both turned to scowl at the newcomer who had positioned himself on a stage in front of a huge curtain. It was Sagalia.
"I had intended to share my findings with my counterpart but as I understand, he is no longer with us." Sagalia continued. To which, Xeria smirked and announced,
"Yes, I'm sure my batting average will improve quite a bit if I go two for two." Her smirk turned to a glare as she summoned her staff to her and lighting up the jewel with her power.
"Please Xeria, let me take this one. I owe the Old Man big time!" Marcus said, stepping in front of Xeria.
He didn't notice her reaction as she quickly flashed back to hearing only one other refer to Sagalia that way. Her eyes opened widely, her mouth dropped open to speak but no words would come. Her eyes started welling with tears from ducts she thought she no longer had. She started to reach out a hand to Marcus' shoulder when she felt herself become immobile. Her eyes darted to Marcus who also couldn't move. He glanced toward Norst and Dee and they were blocked by a barrier, as were Lina and crew, as well as the two Fal's and Valteria.
"Now you both shall be purified! But first, I was told there was another experiment you both are to take part in." With that vague explanation from Sagalia, Xeria and Marcus were both transported to different places. The barrier was dropped and the others witnessed a large screen appear and split in half. On one showed Xeria and the other Marcus.
Each hybrid was in identical rooms. The room was small, with light gray walls, set up with one comfy chair and a 30-inch television screen. Both hybrids instinctually sat down and they did, the screen turned on and a new voice could be heard. The voice was female, soft-spoken and held an air of mystery.
"Please do not be alarmed. This experiment will not bring any harm to either of you. It is meant to gauge your reactions to each other's story. The highlights will be shared with those at the party. At the end, you will be given a choice, but only after each story ends. Any questions?"
"Yes, who are you?" Marcus questioned.
"Xeria would answer that better than I, but that has to remain a secret for now. Oh, also, when the stories start, you will no longer be able to hear each other, so do either of you have anything else you want to say to each other?"
"I wish I had the words to express, but my mind has gone blank. I'm intrigued to see your story, Marcus, because I'm sure it is vastly different from my own." Xeria said softly, with much uncertainty.
"I can hear the discomfort in your voice, Xeria, and although I don't know all the details of your story, I sincerely hope, it's not as dark as mine, but I guess there's only one way to find out." Marcus replied and as the two hybrids settled into the chairs more comfortably, the screens started to reveal their stories to each other.
Those at the party would witness highlights and reactions from both [typed from within brackets] so the Slayers cast from both dimensions grabbed chairs from around the room and sat in front of the split screen to watch.
Marcus' Reactions to Lina's Version
"They were never going to let my children live at all! By Cepheid, this is not what dragons do!" [Yes, it is. They're a bunch of cowardly lizards.]
"You're going to abandon Xeria then, aren't you Filia?" Zelgadiss asked plainly while the others looked uncomfortable. Zelgadiss was always adept at asking the awkward questions that needed to be asked outright. [*applause* I like you, Uncle Zel.]
"How can you expect me to challenge Xelloss for her anyway?! [Good point.] It's better if I just forget about her and live in peace with Fal! It's better this way." Filia kept repeating, at first shouting and then in a whisper. [Trying to convince herself.]
"Not right now, no. Xeria-chan is enough to drive Ju-ou-sama and I insane as it is. She may be a Mazoku but she's still an annoying baby, too. I'm sure she'll grow into a beautifully nasty Mazoku and cause worldwide mass destruction. " Xelloss sighed and enjoyed the negative feelings from Filia. [*LOL*]
"We both got very drunk that night, Filia-chan, but after a while I started remembering the details of our little tryst. Do you remember? You enjoyed my touch quite well that night." He taunted her. [I feel dirty watching this. Ew!]
"Never forget Filia-chan, I could easily destroy you. It amuses me to let you live right now, but I bore easily. I am letting you keep Fal for now, but how long will that last? Maybe I'll take him tomorrow or five-ten years from now, you'll never know. Live in fear, Filia-chan, and thank your precious dragon god for each day you get to draw breath and be with my son." Xelloss said menacingly before vanishing back to the Astral Plane, leaving a terrified Filia shaking by her son's bassinet. [Damn! *standing ovation* Xelloss-sama is scary! Cool!]
"One answer: Because I said so." Filia responded with a frustrated tone. [Defeated!]
"This guy?" Milgazia huffed. [*LOL* I'll have to call him that when I see him next.]
"But I don't wanna move!" Fal whined and started to cry. [Fal's a whiner. Some things don't change.]
The young girl was very petite and wore a light pink dress with white frilly lace on the sleeves, around the neck and on the bottom. Her shoulder-length, golden blond hair was down and slightly wavy. Her bright blue eyes looked a bit nervous to be there. [That's Lauria.] The young boy next to her squeezed her hand in comfort, causing her to relax.
The young boy looked nothing like the young girl as he carried a bored expression in his ice blue eyes as he yawned. He wore a dark blue suit with a tie he kept trying to take off. He stretched and ran a hand through his light brown hair before looking around the party. [*LOL* That's me!]
"Yes, these are Marcus and Lauria, [Called it!] they are siblings and around the same age as your boys. Marcus has twelve years and Lauria has eight years. I figured they would mesh with your boys well. Now I want you two to behave and go spend time with the other children." Milgazia explained.
"I hope they're not boring." Marcus replied and raced off before he could be scolded. Lauria followed. [*LOL* I like me.]
"Marcus, I'm scared. What if these two boys aren't nice?" Lauria said in a quiver.
"That's simple, sister. I'll destroy them." Marcus replied in a dark tone. [*LOL* Yes!]
"No worries Fal, I don't bite ... much." Marcus said with a rather evil grin. [*LOL* I'm loving this! I wouldn't bite him though, I'd catch something.]
"Geez, Fal, you're making me look bad. Are you scared of her, too?" Val said in an exasperated tone. [*LOL*]
"We can't let them have all the fun, can we? Let's get this party started!" A young female voice spoke as the group was swept up into the dance. When the four children already introduced got their bearings, they looked toward the newcomer. [There she is!]
"Well, it takes one to know one, right? My mother was raped by Dynaast, what's your story?" Marcus said in an almost bored tone. [Damn, I was young when I became jaded.]
"That miserable brat better hope I don't find him." Sagalia grumbled and began searching. [Come get me, Old Man!]
"Well, I'm pretty sure it's you because I imagine there aren't many women with purple hair and eyes, but you're older, maybe eighteen or twenty. You were angry and using amazing dark powers." Marcus started to explain. [Wow! We had the same vision in two different worlds. Kinda cool.]
"Absolutely, I'm sure my father and grandmother wouldn't mind having another potentially powerful Mazoku and besides you're my destiny, right? To be honest, Marcus, I think your visions may not be that far off. I know it sounds mushy and I feel sick even saying it but I feel a strong connection to you already. I don't really know why or how." Xeria confessed. [Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling?]
"No, Fal, you're not evil. Just like Val, you're a precious son to Filia, just as you both always were." Zelgadiss answered and rose. Lina gave him a high-five. [Damn! He's good! *applause*]
Marcus said his piece and let go of Xeria's hand briefly before she grabbed it back in a panic.
"What was that?" Xeria said, breathless and scared.
"What's wrong?" Marcus asked her.
"When you let go of my hand, I had this horrible feeling." She explained and started regulating her breathing. At times like this, she looked forward to becoming a full Mazoku who didn't need to worry about such things.
"What feeling?" Marcus asked.
"That I would never hold your hand again." Xeria answered honestly, grasping his hand tighter. [It can't be. That hits too close to home. *wipes away a tear*]
Marcus smirked evilly at her. [I just can't shake this bad feeling.]
"The oak tree," he whispered. Sagalia looked at the boy suspiciously. [Uh oh.]
"I don't know Father. I just felt really alone and sad all of a sudden. I can't stop!" She said in-between sobs as she unknowingly cried for a destiny forever denied her. [So, we share the same pain.]
"Marcus is dead, Xeria. He was murdered in the night and you're being blamed for it. I knew it wasn't you! I'm sorry!" Filia explained and her heart broke as she felt her daughter stiffen and then collapse into uncontrollable tears in her arms.
Filia simply held her, rubbed her back and let her cry, offering her any comfort she could. [This is too much! *wipes away tears*]
"You didn't do it, did you?" He asked finally. [Wow. If my Xeria had a brother and mother like them then maybe… *shakes head*]
"Your only regret? You don't regret that we were intimate and created hybrid offspring or do you finally admit that you enjoyed it?" He teased while taking Filia into a tight embrace. [Ew.]
"I was under the influence of spirits, Xelloss. However, I can no longer lie to myself either. Physically, it was quite enjoyable. [Ew!] I don't regret our children either." Filia admitted but pulled herself out of Xelloss' embrace.
"And yet, I look fantastic! [Yes, you do!] More than I can say for you. By the way, hi Fal and Lauria! Nice ceremony. Too mushy for my taste but it was mercifully short! Thanks for that! Hey Val, what's going on Brother? Love the spiky hair style! Hello Filia! Father sends his regards by the way! The trap was a bit too obvious so he got out but I let myself get captured because I need information." Xeria greeted everyone.
"Shut your mouth, Woman!" Sagalia moved toward his mate and back-handed her. [Bastard! Someone kill him!]
"He told me about his visions. Here you are and he must have recognized you. I can no longer hold my silence. She didn't kill Marcus. I saw it happen. I didn't stop it! I was too afraid. Xeria, when you escape, please kill me! Sagalia killed him! He confronted him about the oak tree and Marcus admitted he was meeting his destiny. Then he killed him. Dear Cepheid, forgive me!" Faranth fell into fits of sobs and collapsed to the floor. [Wow. My mother didn't defend me in this world.]
"Who said I was a hybrid? I am a full Mazoku now. [How does that work?] I'm only missing one detail. A dragon heart for my staff. Yours is too corrupt but a pure heart laden with shame and guilt - that's perfect!" Xeria announced and immediately teleported to Faranth and Lauria. [No! She wouldn't! Please someone stop her!]
"No Xeria, you don't have to do this!" Lauria pleaded.
"Oh no, Sister, I must. This woman is one of the reasons that bound Marcus here and then she sat back and watch while her child was destroyed. She begged for death so I'll give who may have been my mother-in-law what she wants! Stand aside!" Xeria said coldly, pushed Lauria aside with her power and punched her way into Faranth's chest and pulled out her still-beating heart. [No! *tears flowing from his eyes*]
End Lina's Version
[Wow. I…I don't know how to process this, but that is the Xeria from the dance. She understands my pain of loss, but she murdered my mother. How am I supposed to feel right now?]
Xeria's Reactions to Filia's Version
"I will not abandon my children!" She stated firmly, [Maybe she's not bad in this version.] but as some of the dragons prepared to attack, she continued, "however, I recognize the potential for evil and I want to try to purify them. If we purify the Mazoku then perhaps their dragon blood will win out." [Ew. Nevermind.]
"No insult meant, but when you see this child, you'll understand." Lina responded. [Thanks for the protection, Aunt Lina.]
"Filia-san, this child has amazing potential for darkness. I'm not certain purification magic will even work fully." [Is it wrong that I feel pride right now?]
"Then we destroy it!" The nasty dragon yelled and prepared to attack. [Screw you, Sagalia!]
Zelgadiss looked down and realized that the boy, Marcus, had reached up to touch Baby Xeria's hand and it was he who had spoken. Zel kneeled down so he could see Xeria up close. Marcus smiled as did Baby Xeria. [*wipes a tear*]
Baby Xeria started to cry and her dark powers started to emerge and blasted all the humans back. [Gimme back my man, Bitch!]
"This doesn't feel right." Gourry said suddenly. [Thank you Uncle Gourry, unlikely voice of reason!]
"Is there extra magic around her eyes?" Lina asked, as felt a soft piece of Xeria's now blond hair. [Blonde?! Ew!]
"Her eyes held a lot of the darkness so we tried to change them, but unable to, so we had to seal them to the light." Milgazia explained. [So, I'm blind, too?! This story sucks!]
His dark commentary had the usual desired effect. Lauria squeaked in horror, Fal started scolding him for scaring her and Xeria simply smiled. She was told Marcus had different coloring than your typical Golden Dragon as he had dark brown hair and ice blue eyes. Marcus was a half-breed just like them but he was told his father was the Mazoku Lord, Dynaast Grausherra whereas she and Fal didn't know who their father was. Despite others being put off by Marcus' appearance, he sounded rather handsome to Xeria and despite that she couldn't see him, she had helplessly fallen for his deep, sensuous voice. [He didn't have the deep voice when I knew him, but I gotta admit, it's very sexy.]
"What do you mean they went off somewhere to talk? They're not supposed to be alone together, Fal! I demand you tell me where they are this instant!" Filia screamed at her son loudly enough to destroy the "moment" Xeria and Marcus were having. [Bad timing Filia!]
She let out a defeated sigh and silently cursed her mother for bad timing. [Not silent here, Sister!] Before she took another step, Xeria stopped herself.
"We were making love ferociously." Marcus said in a perfectly calm tone. [*lol* Marcus of another world, I think I'm starting to fall for you.]
"Xeria-san, I sense there's more to you than a blind dragon priestess. Am I correct?" Dee asked. [Do it! Do it!]
Xeria stopped, turned toward the group and replied while waving one finger, "it's a secret." Then she resumed walking. [Yes! *lol*]
"Indeed, I could try. In fact, maybe I will." Marcus said rakishly before grabbing Xeria around the waist and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. [Woot! A bit jealous though. Weird, huh but it's getting hot in here.]
"Two reasons: One - I know you like me. I mean really like me. I overheard Fal and Lauria talking about it. Otherwise, I'm so oblivious I probably wouldn't have known. So, I took advantage of that knowledge that you would help me. [Wow, very Mazoku of you.] The second reason brings me to the question I really wanted to ask. You know how I have visions, right?" At Xeria's nod, he continued, "Ever since my mother died, I've had visions of this young woman, probably close in age to us with violet hair and eyes the color of amethyst stones. She has similar coloring to one of the Mazoku representatives. I feel that she's a Mazoku so I wanted their help to find her." Marcus explained and instantly wished he didn't because he looked up to see tears streaming down Xeria's face as she quickly retrieved her staff and started making her way to the door. [*lol* Marcus, you're hot but you're a colossal idiot. This is worse than a soap opera.]
"But it's a secret." Xelloss replied in his trademark fashion, causing Marcus to face plant onto the floor. The other Mazoku laughed. [*lol* You deserved that.]
"Don't worry Xeria, in a short while you'll be free of that disgusting Mazoku blood and we'll be able to open your eyes once more." He said as he moved toward Xeria, other candy in hand. [Get away from me, you Creeper!]
"Val? Come on, Bro, stop faking you jerk! Val? Val!" Marcus cradled his friend and started to cry. He looked to Xeria who just stood frozen as if she were in shock. [Oh shit! He killed Val. You bastard!]
"So, this is how it is, huh? You haven't been the same since you became a filthy Mazoku play thing and gave birth to his hell spawn! I'm going to end his waste of existence!" Sagalia threatened and shot at Marcus once more but a mother's love can give a woman superpowers and Faranth, in the blink of an eye, was able to knock Marcus to safety and took the full blast herself, reducing her to an outline of charcoal on the floor. [*wipes away a tear* Why, Faranth of my world, why weren't you that brave?!]
"Now of course, my device has to be tested and I wouldn't want to risk my daughter's future mate so another hybrid has graciously volunteered." [Volunteered my ass!]
He said sarcastically as a small group of highly trained dragon priests and priestesses chanting as they entered the hall, dragging someone who was frozen by holy magic. It was Marcus.
It turned out he didn't have to because suddenly one of the priestesses stopped her chant. She looked in great horror at a small hole that appeared in her neck which grew until it reached her head, causing it to explode in little bits all over. [*lol* Sweet.]
With a smirk she summoned all her dark powers. They enveloped her in a cone-shaped cocoon. The color of purple and a speck of gold merged with the darkness and swirled around her. Finally, the cocoon dissipated to reveal Xeria, still wearing her dragon robes, but their color had shifted from white to black. Her specialty staff had turned black as well and looked similar to Xelloss', minus the jewel. Her amethyst eyes were alight with amusement as she flipped a strand of her now violet hair over her shoulder after she took a moment to examine it. She took a flourished bow and simply said, "Ta-da!" [Ta-da!]
"You look beautifully evil my dream demon." He whispered to her. [So jealous! It's so weird that I'm rooting for them at the same time. *pause* Wait, he was at the dance alone. Oh no.]
"To be perfectly honest, Milgazia-sama, this wasn't the plan. When our seals started to break and our memories started to return, Marcus and I planned to lay low until we could safely get ourselves as well as Fal and Lauria out of here safely. However, the dragon to whom I could attach so many nasty insults to, [Ha. I like that.] decided it was okay to destroy my chosen mate so I had to act." Xeria explained respectfully.
"Do any of you dragons even get it? Or are you too wrapped up in your rules and ideals to get your heads out of your asses to realize that just because someone does something differently doesn't make them evil?! [You go girl!] No other creature has the right to decide what path another takes! Marcus and I have never been able to use healing or holy magic. Fal is master of both. So what? I have purple hair now. So what? That's so unacceptable to you then you won't have to worry because Marcus and I are leaving this temple! We're going to march to the beat of our own drum and determine our path for ourselves!" Xeria said in a proud and determined but angry tone. [Dammit! I want to cheer her on but this bad feeling won't go away!]
Xeria nodded. She took Marcus' hand and leaned in to kiss him. As she let go of his hand, Marcus recaptured it in his.
"What's the matter?" She asked him, concern in her tone.
"I just had a horrible feeling suddenly. When I let go of your hand, I got the sense that I would never hold it again." Marcus explained, breathless in his panicked state. [No. It can't be! *tears start to well up* No.]
"Marcus, I'm walking with Fal. He's my brother and wouldn't let me come to any harm. Plus, he's your best friend." Xeria reasoned. [Don't listen to her! Don't let go!]
"You're right. Sorry Fal. I guess I'm just on edge." Marcus said, trying to regulate his breathing. [No.]
Fal simply nodded and did not try to reassure Marcus. So once again, Xeria kissed Marcus and let go of his hand. Marcus had the same sensation, stronger this time, but he let her leave. [This hits too close to home. This is not going to end well.]
Fal closed his eyes, seemingly in pain. [Don't do it, Fal! Trust her, please! *tears streaming out non-stop now*]
"No, I don't want this! Fal, please Brother, get me out of here!" She begged. [*quietly crying*]
"Fal, please, if you ever held any love for me, I beg you! This is not what I want! I want to be who I am! I don't want to exist as a lie! Please! Marcus, Father, Aunt Lina, Uncle Zel, Aunt Amelia, Uncle Gourry, Uncle Pokota, I beg you all please save me!" She cried as she felt herself changing and not being able to stop it. Xeria was more terrified than she had ever been in her entire life. Fal turned away, but Xeria would never know if it was disgust with her or shame and guilt over what he had done. [*Quietly sobbing*]
"Actually, Aunt Amelia, you shouldn't have bothered to heal me. After what I've done, I ... I'm sorry Marcus. I'm truly sorry." Fal said somberly. [Now you get it?! Now you understand, you stupid ass?!]
Marcus continued, "You Filia-san, as her mother should be very ashamed! How could not accept your daughter as who she is? Why would you try to seal her as opposed to celebrate her and teach her! You all must be better Mazoku than I to develop such a plan to stop one girl's happiness!" He insulted. [*openly sobbing and starting to shake*]
"Greetings everyone. I am told you all came out for my birthday. I do not recognize most of you so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xeria. Pleased to meet you all." [I don't know if I want to cry, scream or vomit.]
"To tell the truth Filia-san, we had a very specific mission and because of you and your influences, I have failed my Master for the first time in my existence. For that, the cost to you will be more than you can afford. Farewell, Filia-san!" Xelloss said before completely blasting Filia to dust. [Shit! Whoa! Note to self: Never piss off Dad!]
"Yes, you can help me fulfil her final wish. You can die." He said and snapped her neck, killing her instantly. Then he held her corpse and sobbed uncontrollably, not holding anything back. [Uh … he just killed me. Shit.]
"I honestly can't mourn Filia. She forced her own daughter to be something she wasn't to fit her needs. I can't mourn the loss of someone like that." Zelgadiss said coldly. Amelia thought of chastising him but Lina stopped her with a hand on shoulder. It was obvious that it reminded him of what Rezo did to him. [Leave it to Uncle Zel to understand.]
"There's nothing for me anywhere." Marcus said darkly and vanished with the three Mazoku, leaving the temple in depressing ruin.
[Ruby-Eye-sama, I think his story was worse than mine! I didn't think I had any tears left to shed, but that was tough. He killed me but set me free, too. I'm … I don't know what to feel right now.]
Aftermath
To say that both Xeria and Marcus were shaken up after witnessing each other's origin story would be an understatement. As both hybrids struggled to regain their bearings, the mysterious voice spoke again.
"Now you both have witnessed all about each other. The good and the bad. No secrets. As you both probably noticed, there are similarities between. Sensing this, the Writer has decided to offer you both a choice. In front of you, a door will appear. You must decide before you open it. You can choose a second chance at love and be with each other or if you cannot abide by what you've witnessed, you can deny this chance and you will never meet again. If you are to be together, it must be mutually agreed on by both of you, so even if one of you chooses love but the other does not, it will not happen. You have but a few moments to decide."
A thousand thoughts, images and feelings raced through Xeria and Marcus as a simple white door with a golden handle appeared before each of them. They both walked slowly toward the door and lifted a shaking hand up to touch the handle.
Marcus hesitated with the thought, 'she killed my mother in her world. Can I get past that?'
Xeria hesitated with a thought of her own, 'what if I choose him, but he doesn't choose me?'
With minds and hearts decided, both Xeria and Marcus grasped their handles firmly, opened their doors and took a step forward into their destiny.
Xeria dropped to her knees with her eyes closed, terrified to open them. She heard Fal's voice.
"It's okay Xeria. You're safely back with us, you can open your eyes." He said.
"I'm scared to, Fal. I chose him, Fal, what if he's not here?" She confessed with a quiver in her voice.
"Why wouldn't he choose you? He'd be a fool not to." Val added.
"I murdered his mother in cold blood in our world. Marcus loved his mother. She was one of the reasons he didn't run away to be safe from Sagalia and yet she stood by and watched him die! I just couldn't abide that so when she asked for death, I granted it and even gave her a bit of revenge by using her power against Sagalia. But ..." Xeria answered, full of raw emotions of anger and fear.
"But what …" Fal said in a leading tone.
"But Faranth didn't deserve to die, especially not on your wedding day, Fal. I thought I was doing what I could to satisfy the emptiness but I just screwed everything up and now, I lost Marcus twice. I guess my original assessment was correct, villains don't get happy endings." Xeria continued, as tears would be clouding her line of vision now if she was brave enough to open her eyes.
"So, you're saying you're sorry for killing Faranth?" Fal continued.
"Yes, Fal, I'm sorry! Why are you …?" Xeria started in an angry tone as she stood up and opened her eyes to glare at her brother.
She stopped to see Marcus standing there with Fal next to him motioning for him to be quiet and Lauria looking on with a small smile and tears coursing down her cheeks.
Xeria's annoyance with her brother vanished as she stared in shock that Marcus was in front of her. Marcus walked up to her and slowly touched a tear that had fallen down her cheek.
"It is a sin, to see such a beautiful face stained with tears." He said as he wiped the tear away. More tears followed that one as Xeria started shaking, overwhelmed with many emotions. Marcus took her into his arms and Xeria felt her body relax into the embrace. She stared up into his eyes as he stared into hers. As their faces slowly inched closer, they suddenly felt incapable of moving.
"Well, now that the useless experiment is over, mine shall continue! I think I shall start with you this time, Boy, as I originally intended." Sagalia announced, once again separating the couple from the others by a barrier. As he started to drag Marcus away, Xeria could only look on helplessly until something snapped within her and her staff was instantly by her side but she had not summoned it. Everyone stopped as the staff floated by itself until a familiar voice was heard.
"No, my beloved Sagalia from another world. The fates have interfered with these two enough. Through the will of the Writer, I am given the chance to redeem myself as a mother. I will not stand by and allow my son's destruction again!" With that, the jewel formed from Faranth's heart glowed brightly and the dragon priestess took physical form, holding Xeria's staff. She hesitated not a moment before blasting through the barrier, breaking the hold on Xeria and Marcus and stabbing Sagalia through the heart with the staff.
"To my son of another world, thank you for not allowing my death to interfere with your happiness. To my daughter and daughter from another world, you are not meant to hold hatred as you were both always so pure. Regain that purity through forgiveness and celebrate the new happiness. To Xeria of my world, I have eliminated the last barrier to your happy ending and I hope this will atone for my sin against you and my son, please, set me free now." Faranth requested.
Xeria could only nod, in awe of everything she just witnessed. With that, the form of Faranth started to fade away as the life force left Sagalia, the jewel shattered into hundreds of pieces and the two dragons were reduced to a pile of dust with shards of the broken jewel.
Xeria fell to her knees, sensing part of her power leave her when the jewel shattered. Marcus and the other all crowded around her. Val asked the question everyone was wondering, "what happens now?"
"Allow us to answer that." Xelloss' voices said in unison as both versions of the Trickster Priest appeared to the small crowd.
"What a horrific image this is!" Filia announced. Zelgadiss nodded in agreement.
The two Xelloss' sent a mild glare at both of them but then turned to the couple in question.
"My daughter and Marcus, you both chose to stay together so now you have exactly that. No more tricks, no more tests." L-Xelloss explained.
"This place between worlds will be your home, but you will have access to both worlds from here as well. I look forward to getting to know the daughter I was denied, Xeria-chan. Oh, and Marcus, as much as it may be disturbing to think about, you have Fal to thank for all this" F-Xelloss continued.
"Why is that?" Marcus asked in a disgusted tone. His own sister answered him.
"Fal had a vision about you and Xeria in her …true form dancing in this very hall. After that, he started writing nonsense words on a piece of paper and called out for Xelloss aloud. It disturbed me greatly. Of course, I was even more disturbed when he actually arrived." L-Lauria continued.
"Almost the exact same thing happened in our world and Xelloss-san arrived. The words were the details of the invitation and how to summon the portal to this world."
"Of course, I didn't know who the man my sister was dancing with was, but she looked happy and that was enough for me." L-Fal reported.
"I saw this as a chance to make it right and atone for my part in my sister's destruction. To be honest though, I had another hope. I gave up any possibility that you would ever forgive me, Marcus, so I won't ask, but Xeria of the other world, please allow me to ask you, do you think my sister could forgive me?" F-Fal asked, his voice shaking in fear, hope and desperation as he knelt in front of Xeria.
Xeria hesitated for a moment before she spoke. "To be honest, my instinct would be a flat-out 'no,' but your Xeria was a lot kinder than I am. So, in time, I think she would forgive you."
With her answer, Fal started weeping openly and the others couldn't make out what he was saying, but his Lauria translated as she looked up at Xeria with teary, gratitude-filled eyes and said, "thank you."
"So, does this mean you forgive Xeria as well? Because I can tell you without hesitation that the other me would want that." Marcus asked the other Lauria directly.
"I don't know about forgiving, but I want to move beyond all this hatred. I heard my mother's words well and I want to celebrate happiness, not hold hatred. So, in time, but yes, eventually." L-Lauria answered, with a tearful smile.
Xeria nodded and then rolled her eyes at her brothers' reactions as Fal started dancing and Valteria started saying 'about damn time!'
Then the voice Xeria and Marcus recognized from their rooms spoke.
"The Writer has determined that you both experienced enough trials and tribulations and offered you both the chance at love. You both chose it and so it is yours. What happens now? Despite sounding cliché, you both live happily ever after."
Xeria and Marcus didn't hesitate a moment longer before falling into the deepest kiss possible as well a tight embrace from which they would never want to let go. Their family and friends seemed to fade into the background as if they were the only two that existed in the universe. The others decided to make that a reality as they quietly exited the hall, leaving the two star-crossed lovers to start their long-awaited happy ending.
The True End
The screen faded to black one final time and the theater-goers all stood as one to give a standing ovation, including the small toddler, Alexander, who stopped his pratfalls to clap his hands.
"And that is the end." Arcanum proclaimed.
"Arcanum, the words 'The True End' appeared on screen. What does that refer to?" Zelgadiss asked and everyone stopped their buzzing about the story they just witnessed to hear her answer.
"What we are experiencing right now is the True End. This is the last Slayers story that the Writer had planned. It is the end of the tale of Xeria that was begun almost 15 years ago. Xeria and Marcus have been precious characters to her for a very long time. She has even written them in other forms, including a dedication in a story she wrote as a farewell to her friends when she graduated from college. To her, Xeria reflects a piece of her personality – the Id, which operates on the pleasure principle and gratification of needs. Another character is her superego and I am the ego represented. So, this True End is her chance to say thank you and farewell to not only characters she created, but ones she loves above many others. Fair warning Xelloss, this may get mushy but take comfort in knowing that the Writer is going through a lot right now, so she will probably be crying through the majority of this part."
Xelloss visibly winced but steeled himself for the potential horrors to come.
From thin air, Arcanum produced various small envelopes with specific names written on them and magically floated them to each recipient.
"If you would read your notes aloud for our audience, the Writer would appreciate it." Arcanum instructed.
Xeria held up two envelopes and spoke up first. "It says for me to read this first." At Arcanum's nod, Xeria opened that particular envelope, glanced over it, smirked and read it aloud.
"To Aries-san and her creation, Babbit. Thank you for partaking in this journey with Xeria and I for all these years in the ACHM Ring. It was a lot of fun, especially getting to dump baseball equipment on Babbit's head numerous times and sparing myself and the occasional coworker from a boring training. I know Xeria enjoyed cheering on the Red Sox on the large TV. Thank you and I'll get quicker with my responses for letters."
With that, Xeria closed that letter and Fal opened his.
"I assume from seeing the #1 on that envelope and the #2 on mine that there's a certain order the Writer wants these read and I'm next." He stated. Again, Arcanum simply nodded.
"Okay then. Mine reads, 'Fal, I've always had mixed feelings about you and I imagine that was obvious with how much your personality changed from beginning to end. When I decided to include you in the Angel fight (AN: That's Anime Character Humiliation Match ep. 109)' it actually says that, 'I decided it was time to redeem you and you became a fully three-dimensional character and fun for me. I hope my friend, Charity, does find you in our world soon so stop hiding from her, you jerk!" Fal finished and looked befuddled on how to take his note so he simply shrugged and allowed Pokota to start his.
"Pokota, I agreed with Lina about being upset that you stole her spotlight by casting the Dragon Slave at the end of the first episode of Slayers Revolution, so I wasn't sure how to take you at first, but you grew on me. You had not been introduced when I wrote the original tale so I was glad to incorporate you into my little Slayers world and you were the perfect choice for the 'real world' ending. Thanks for giving Slayers a mascot!" He paused. "I can't tell if she likes us or not." Fal nodded in agreement.
Filia was hesitant to open her note but took a deep breath and did so.
"Filia, I want to apologize to you first thing." Filia paused for her eyes to widen before continuing, "One of the biggest criticisms I received about the original tale is that you would not have walked away from your kids and especially now, as a mother myself, I know that to be true. I thin you're a great character and I love how you can get under Xelloss' skin so easily! You two argue like n old married couple and hence … some of the early motivation for this story. Please know that as much of a spaz as I think you are I also respect you for your strength and dedication to do the right thing, even if it's against everything you've always known. Thank you." Filia finished reading and wiped one tear away.
"I'm grateful and accepting of her apology. It seems like the story grew up with her life experiences." Filia commented. Arcanum nodded again.
Xelloss opened his letter, but took a deep breath as he did so, preparing for a mushy note. He had been struggling a bit through the first few and turning an unsightly shade of light green. He eyes the quickest route to the trash bin, preparing to take it if need be.
"To the amazing Trickster Priest, what message can I say to my favorite anime character? No clue. The ed." Xelloss read and everyone was shocked until he continued, "No, just kidding. Steel yourself Mazoku Priest, this may get mushy! I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but thank you and I'm sorry to you as well. I do recognize that the whole start of this story really isn't plausible but hey, its called fanfiction for a reason. I recognize how disturbing this all may be for you and that's why you had the ending you did. I felt it was the most Mazoku-like ending. I recognize in the original, you were completely out of character but realizing that now allowed me to explore darker ideas because of you and Mazoku in general. For that, I am grateful." Xelloss stopped reading and felt okay to sit without use of the trash bin and silently thanked the Writer for that.
"I wonder what she'll say." Amelia pondered aloud as she opened her note and started reading.
"To the character that I should hate by all rights, but I don't, Amelia – Champion of Justice! You are a brilliant parody of all the characters I hate in other shows and I found you very annoying at first but you grew on me quickly. You can be as violent as Lina when the mood strikes you but you rationalize everything in the name of justice and I mean everything! I love it! The Core Four – Lina, Gourry, Zelgadiss and yourself really bind each episode and each series together and I look forward to seeing which part you will all play. Your ending was one of the darkest and that was intentional to have the brightest light lead to the darkest end. However, I can apologize that the story went a lot darker than I intended. What it all boils down to is thank you, Princess of Saillune, for being a just light in some of my darkest moments because you can always make me laugh." Amelia finished reading and wiped a tear away, smiling.
"Hey Lina, this number here, am I next?" Gourry asked.
"Yes, Gourry, you're next. Geez, I bet that toddler can count past 7." Lina grumbled.
"Yes, Aunt Lina, he can count to 13." Marcus answered.
"Is that on purpose?" Lina asked suspiciously.
"Sore wa himitsu desu." Xeria answered and avoided a fireball for her trouble. To which her son, Alexander, clapped and kept screaming "again" at Lina.
After they settled him down, Gourry opened his note and surprisingly had no trouble reading it.
"Gourry, you are the audience's viewpoint into your world. If something sounds complicated, you ask a dumb question and while Lina is explaining it to you, she's explaining it to us, too. So, thanks for that alone, but also thank you for being a genuinely great character overall! I heard a review of Slayers when they talked about you being sexist and I just shook my head at them. They didn't get it. You aren't sexist because you wouldn't even understand what that means. You're chivalrous and you represent a dying breed, Sir. Never change, Gourry! You're a perfect match for Lina. The end of Slayers Next where you chased down the creator of your world to save Lina is still my vote for most romantic moment in all of anime. Thank you Gourry. Just thank you for being you!" Gourry paused and then continued, "Well, I'm not sure I understand all that but sure, welcome!" He finished with a smile.
Zelgadiss opened his note next and was surprised at how it started.
"Zelgadiss, I knew this note was going to be one of the hardest ones to write. Slayers was the first anime I sat down to watch as a series and I attached to you immediately. I don't usually like the main character of a show, with Slayers being one of the few exceptions, so I tend to look at the supporting cast. You were hellbent on staying on what I call in therapy, Resolution Road. Ultimately, you had to take Acceptance Road. When they revealed that there was no cure for your body and you let out a cry of anguish, I cried with you. I felt such a connection with you emotionally that I felt like I was on those roads with you. So I knew, practically from the start of this project that your ending would be the happy one. As a being who was forced to find acceptance and use that difficult coping strategy, I knew you could understand the hybrids' plight of not knowing who they were. You had to come to terms with that on your own and I think that's a skill severely lacking in today's society. If you wanted to change, you had the right and when you had to accept, you did. I love you for that, Zelgadiss! I always have and I always will! I'm struggling with walking down my own Acceptance Road right now and yes, Xelloss, I'm crying as I write this as I knew I would. Zelgadiss, you are an inspiration to me, so please know how grateful I am to you. The words are not enough, but thank you, truly!" Zelgadiss paused after reading his note which had been the longest thus far.
"I know you will ask and the Writer has given me permission to explain. She had been battling a deadly disease in her world called Breast Cancer. By comparison to many, she was lucky. She had surgery and they got it all out so her life is no longer in danger. However, the scars left behind caused her to sink to her knees in front of her mirror, calling herself a freak and sobbing uncontrollably. She looks to you as a source of strength, Zelgadiss-san." Arcanum explained.
The others were all quiet until Zelgadiss spoke. "If the Writer has shown anything it's creativity and ability to step outside her comfort zone. She will be fine. If she can help the hybrids get to their ascended levels then she'll get there, too. It just may take time. I have every confidence in her power."
Arcanum surprisingly shed a single tear at his words and nodded her thanks.
"Well, it's finally my turn! Going to be hard to follow that though, geez!" Lina complained as she opened her note and started to read.
"Lina-sama, I call you by that honorific because you truly deserve it! I will argue to my grave that you are the greatest female anime character of all time! Yes, Xeria and Marcus have a pet wolf named Lina after my dog named Lina after you. Please don't be insulted that I named my dog after you, but be honored! She has similar personality traits – she eats a lot, is high-strung, can be aggressive if triggered even slightly and be the epitome of a female dog. Trust me, all of those are compliments. I can't tell you how important you were to my development into an adult and trying to create a strong personality. You are a young woman that Mazoku and dragons feared and you don't take crap from anyone and I found that inspiring. I wanted to be that strong! Yes, I'm not a sorceress of amazing power but I'm a woman that wants to command respect and I have you to thank for that! Most modern-day anime fans don't know of you and your show, but take comfort that I passed it on to one young client of mine and they have been passing it to their friends. I read a speech of yours at the end of every self-esteem group I run and I've sat numerous friends over the years down to have them watch it. You will live forever, Lina-sama, and thank you for being a source of strength for me, always!"
Lina finished reading and paused before exclaiming, "See! I told you guys I was amazing! Did you hear that?!" Lina started laughing manically and Pokota snatched the note to see if it actually said all that. He nodded to the others who shook their heads, silently cursing the Writer for adding to Lina's arrogance.
"Now that he Writer has proven she's a super fangirl, I guess it's my turn. Hopefully, she starts off with 'sorry for killing you so many times.' Let's see. 'Marcus, sorry for killing you so many times.' Okay. Good. 'It was either because it worked for the story or my husband did something to piss me off like playing a video game for hours on my birthday or something.' Oddly specific. 'All kidding aside, you were fun for me to write because I got to express how much I love my husband through you. I made sure you were very cool, strong and handsome because I find him the coolest man in the world. He's very handsome and stronger than he gives himself credit for. To that, he would say I'm delusional but writing you was my way to announce to the world how lucky I genuinely feel to have him by my side. As far as young Alexander goes, he is a direct homage to my adorable child who is hugging his giant teddy bear right now. Their origins were unfortunately similar as well and I'm sorry to put you and Xeria through that. It was a valuable coping skill for me to help process the trauma that we experienced. Take care of that beautiful gift of existence and Xeria, too. I don't want to write her shedding tears anymore.' She does realize she created all the scenarios where Xeria cried, right?" Marcus finished with a bit of sarcasm.
"The Writer would say that, at times, the story takes on a life of its own." Arcanum replied simply.
Marcus just shrugged and grabbed Alexander as he ran by to tickle him. Alexander giggled heartily.
"Well, I guess that just leaves my other envelope. This one has my name on it so here we go. 'Xeria. Xeria, Writer's Block is a horrible thing, but that's not what this is. This is me stalling because I don't want to say goodbye to you or maybe I'm just not ready but I will probably never be! My vision is already becoming cloudy from tears as I just looked at your portrait that my friend painted for inspiration but all I come up with is no and end up crying some more. Okay. Time to woman-up here. I beat Breast Cancer after all. I got this!
Xeria, I cannot express my eternal gratitude to you over these past fifteen years. You have been a coping skill, a therapist and a source of strength and pride for me in the darkest moments of my life, especially what happened to out Alexanders. I beg and pray for your forgiveness for all the torment I've put you through all these years through all these stories. I feel like you have grown with me and similar to comic book narrative therapy that I've used with kid clients over the years, writing my pain in story form has always been therapeutic for me. Unfortunately, that meant that a character had to feel all my pain and for much of my worst darkness, that character was you, Xeria.
I want you to know how much I'll miss you, how much I respect you and how much I love you. Please, just relish in the Id that you are and enjoy your existence now! No more pain, no more tears, no more despair – you have Marcus and Alexander as well as a new look and new power! Go forth, beloved character of mine and please, please, please be happy!"
Everyone was quiet in the theater but a few were wiping away tears, including Arcanum and Xeria.
"Mama crying." Young Alexander stated.
"Yes, a bit, but Mama's okay and she'll continue to be okay. So don't worry, I am fine. Thank you." Xeria responded to both her son and the Writer. Marcus took her hand and squeezed it. She smiled at him and they shared a quick kiss.
"You know she's the Writer. She could easily write another story." Fal suggested.
"That is true. However, none are planned and it gets harder between her son, work and most recently the cancer." Arcanum responded.
"So, what now?" Lina asked.
"This is the true end. So now the story ends. You will all be returned your worlds and times. How much you will remember, that I do not know but the time has come." Arcanum declared and two portals opened.
"Well, I think I can speak for everyone to say, if we don't remember or if things don't go a certain way or whatever, it was cool to meet you guys. Stay happy, okay? Well, ja! Time to beat up some bandits or search for magical treasure. Who's in?" Lina declared.
"I'm right by your side, Lina!" Gourry stated. Lina blushed.
"It's been a while since I've been on an adventure! Let's fight for justice!" Amelia cheered.
"I'm in! I agree, it's been a while." Pokota joined in and jumped on top of Amelia's head.
"Why not?" Zelgadiss just shrugged and sent a gentle smile back at the four hybrids, including the toddler.
"Perhaps I shall join you all as well. Filia-san, what say you?" Xelloss said and offered a outstretched hand to Filia. She surprised all by taking it with a smile and said, "Yes, Xelloss, let's go!"
The two would-be parents sent one final look toward their children, son-in-law and grandson before they entered the portal and it vanished.
"Well, that was weird and a bit awkward but I guess we'll just see our versions of them when we get back. Shall we?" Fal suggested.
The others nodded. With a simply wave, Fal entered the portal. Marcus picked up Alexander who offered a big yawn, put two fingers in his mouth and started asking for milk.
"In a minute, Buddy. Arcanum, tell the Writer to take good care of her husband. If he's anything like me, he loves her and their son more than anything, including himself so she may need to nag him a bit to take care of himself, too." With that, Marcus started to enter the portal with Alexander and held out a hand to Xeria.
"I'll be right there." Xeria said, then teleported to Arcanum for a huge bear hug. She quickly teleported back to her family and took her husband's hand.
"Give half of that to the Writer for me, Spirit Sister. Tell her, I'm proud to have been here to watch her grow and mature and to grow with her. Wish her congrats on beating that cancer thing and Happy Birthday!" Xeria expressed with a slight choke in her voice but a smile on her face before following her family through the portal. It closed behind them, leaving Arcanum alone in the theater.
"So ends the Spawns of the Trickster then. The Writer wishes to thank you all for reading and following her story that started out as a passion for Slayers and ended as a brilliant coping skill and her most epic of tales. Finishing this today is her birthday present to herself and she is quite proud of it. I am certain you have not seen the last of her but she will be taking a hiatus to focus on her recovery, her family and her work for a while. Until next time, dear audience, the Writer and I bid you good day and farewell."
Arcanum finished with a flourished bow before she was surrounded by her dark power and vanished from the theater as well. Then the projector stopped, the lights dimmed and to quote the brilliant Shakespeare, "the rest was silence."
The True End
