Disclaimer: I don't own Slayers.

That last fic really didn't seem normal did it?? Ahh well. You know the anime - a long journey ahead, stupid things happening inbetween.Disorganised writing style? Well, I guess I get what you mean, seeing it as I'm writing it as I imagine it. Things just happen so fast in the anime, doesn't it?

I'm not sure what kind of writing style to apply for Slayers fic. I see ones with long descriptions and flowing paragraphs with some dialogues... Then some which are almost entirely dialogues...

Oh well!

Well I was wondering - sure Xellos would never betray Lord Beastmaster or disrespect her in any way, but I was wondering if he would still be in his trickster mood. I have really limited sources on this - I never got to read the novels :(

Xellos: Filia, you wouldn't come to Wolf Pack Island when you have a chance to save your foster son with a little job, would you?

Filia: Why not?!

Xellos: Well, I hear Ancient Dragon eggs make excellent souffle...

Filia: NONONO STOP!!

Or something like that. -shrugs- . Up to now, they never really had to deal with Xellos when it comes to threats of destroying something they had to save.

Umm correct me on this one?

So THANKS A BUNCH for all the passionate reviews! . I would really appreciate any sort of constructive comment at all. If you don't like something, go ahead and tell me P.

I know you're hot, but flames burn. It hurts.

Beastmaster Zelas was surprised, not to say the least when Xellos appeared in his usual kneeling position, except he now had two tall glasses of parfait in his hands. Which looked very...odd.

"Greetings, my Lady!"

And he was sounding more cheerful than usual. It was these little spices of variety that she enjoyed so much. If everything was the same everytime, then what was the point of creating something like the Trickster Priest?

"Xellos. What are those...?"

"Parfait! Now with fresh orange slices and whole pudding pieces to add."

He licked a hazel brown substance.

"And hot caramel! Want one?"

She was not uninterested in the objects of the human world either, and Xellos always took care to bring something back each time. Though she would have preferred a gear of some sort, a mechanism to toy with..

"..Sure." Zelas said, with a slight tint of awkwardness. Her right hand rose in perfect synchrony as Xellos stepped forward to hand her the cool glass.

She stuck a long, silver spoon deep inside the layered cream, and let it rest on her tongue.

"It's cold."

"That is one of its selling points, Mistress!"

Hmph. She put it at one side and resolved to explore that odd substance later.

"Report."

Xellos licked his lips all round and swallowed the cream.

"They are interested in the preposition, Mistress! I have more-or-less managed to secure a deal with them. All that's left - "

"Wait, Xellos. What did you use to gain their approval?"

"Well, Jyuu-ou-sama said I could use any method, so... "

Xellos scratched his head sheepishly.

"I took Filia-san's foster son!"

Xellos took off his slingbag and lifted it to Zelas' hands, still eating the parfait.

"Uh, no thanks. The last time I put my hands in there I got a Dolphin doll I never wanted to see. Maybe next time."

Xellos grinned. During some centuries ago Zelas and the other lords had somewhat gotten into a depression mood after the Koma Wars. To remedy his mistress' boredom, he had offered her his bag to pick from. There was a high chance one got something they detested, but a lucky pick meant something valuable to the picker. She'd nearly murdered him for trying to get some age-old wine, but...

Needless to say, Xellos was always the lucky picker!

With a swift swipe, he took out the humming egg.

"Lucky me!"

Zelas snorted.

"Zelas-sama, would you be interested in raising an egg until Lina-tachi finishes their job for us?"

Zelas took one look at the egg.

"No."

But she kept her eyes on the egg. Sensing her indecisiveness, Xellos chanced questioning his mistress.

"Why not, Beastmaster? It is an Ancient Dragon's egg, and will definitely keep you company during the long hours I'm going to be away."

It had been going well so far. He'd acted as though there was nothing wrong with taking something so much of importance to a Golden Dragon, and it seemed like there was indeed nothing wrong so far. Perhaps Mistress was planning something for Val..?

"It won't bother you! It'll just take up some space. Besides, it's very obedient! Stay Val, stay."

Zelas chewed her lip as the egg, obviously, stayed.

"Well then!" Xellos finished his parfait (or rather made it vanish) and put the egg right on top of the glass, placing it on the armrest of her throne.

And they continued discussion.

"What's taking Xellos so long? I've finished my parfait already!" Lina was trying to chew the bits of sticky fudge that got stuck on the curved edge of the spoon, and it was proving rather difficult. She wished Xellos would show up already. Then maybe she'd forget all about that last piece of fudge...

"What I don't get is what Xellos meant by 'arranging a handsome reward'.. He's not going to actually give me that Claire Bible piece is he?" Zelgadis wondered aloud.

"Knowing that idiot, he'll probably burn it before your eyes before we're done!" Filia had calmed down a bit. All this while she'd been worrying sick over the things that could happen to Val and the responsibilities that would come from it. Now that it had, she wasn't sure what to feel. Somehow, deep inside, she thought that things would work out...

"Uhh, guys? A little help here?" Gourry called.

"What's wrong Gourry? Ugh!"

Amelia looked like some sort of hapless zombie, sitting on the ground and mumbling to herself. Occasionally, she gave a sigh.

"Well Amelia was talking to me about what what's-his-name said, and I told it'd be fine if it was true! I was just trying to comfort - "

"Idiot!!" Lina headlocked Gourry. "How is that supposed to comfort her you idiot!? You just changed her entire view of life! Gourry, you are incredible!!"

There was the sound of someone phasing, and everyone turned around.

"Xellos! Well how'd it go?"

Lina released Gourry.

"Well, Lord Beastmaster and I have decided on this!" Xellos said, clearly enjoying himself. "We believe that, by doing us such a great favour, everyone can have what they want!"

Needless to say everyone was suspicious of Xellos.

"Really, Xellos? Anything we want?" Lina grabbed Xellos by the turtleneck. She definitely wasn't trusting this.

"Anything you dream of that we can grant, really!" Xellos said. This was the hard part - convincing the Slayers. "Just make sure you can take it!"

"Careful, Xellos, I have some very vivid dreams. You'll really grant them?"

'Without a doubt!"

"Hmm.." Lina considered him. Zelgadis furthered his options. Filia watched worriedly. Amelia was mildly aware. Gourry was confused.

Lina sighed. This was a very awkward reunion of the Slayers. No way mazoku were going to grant anyone wishes. Lina looked at Xellos' apprehending smile.

"Fine. But if I don't like anything, you'd better have nothing to do with it, Xellos."

"I will do my best, Lina." Xellos' lips curled upwards in a silent grin. The first mission was completed.

Now, to let things unravel...

Ahh! School's back on again.