SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )

Written by : TokyoFlame

.::.

Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts

Characters belong to the respective legal owners

~***~

The royal palace of Yelissa was a brilliant structure of white marble and limestone. Invisible blue lines of the protection spell cast over the building were strong and fierce, enough to repel unwanted guests. Xellos was fully aware of the consequences a Mazoku like Isetor would suffer and he smirked at the thought of seeing Isetor burnt alive.

Brain-dead creatures.

Xellos was the direct 'offspring' of one of the highest Dark Lords in the hierachy, Zelas Metallium. Luna Inverse, supposedly the most strongest human being in the universe was her best friend, ironically. Unknown to many, Xellos had met Luna on many occasions. Luna had never adopted a hostile attitude towards him, mainly because he wasn't a danger to her people. Xellos had zero offences against human beings, but he created a life-long bloody feud with the dragon race.

" Xellos, are you capable of living like a human ? "

" Why did you ask ? "

" Well, Zelas told me that she fashioned you to look and behave like me. We even have similar hairstyles. "

" I did hear about that. I suppose it is an honour. "

" You are the most human-like Mazoku, besides the top dogs. It's almost scary. "

" I am every bit a Mazoku, Luna-san. "

" That's why it makes you scary, Xellos-kun. "

This conversation had taken place eons ago, when Xellos, during one of his many secret missions, bumped into the Knight herself at a busy marketplace in Rosson. Luna was on her way to investigate a strange occurence in the area and Xellos was taking a short break and mingling amongst the unsuspecting humans.

Xellos knew exactly what Luna meant. He was like a double-edged sword, for he was already one himself. He was fashioned to look like Luna Inverse, THE ultimate good guy, while he himself was truly of dark origin. He was every bit a human, but also in every bit a Mazoku. He was given every bit of powerful and crushing information, and he was the one who had to keep them secret for all eternity. He was the servant of Zelas, but had also grown powerful enough to destroy her soon.

Life is always so contradicting.

Xellos wasn't dumb enough to be at odds with his Maker. Firstly, he wasn't totally power-hungry as he seemed to be. Secondly, he actually had some bit of 'filial piety' in him. Thirdly, he wasn't keen on the loss of freedom he would have to suffer if he successfully gained a position amongst the hot 5 seats. After all, if he managed to wipe out Zelas, Grauscherra or Dolphin would come after him. That wouldn't be a pretty sight. Finally, Luna herself might come pursuing.

Now THAT was scary.

So, I'm a Mazoku in human skin. What's wrong with that ?

Xellos pondered for a while at the memory surging through him, as he ploughed his way through the debris to the royal palace, where Isetor would be. Admittedly, he was rather annoyed at the way the Mazokus treated him, as though he wasn't part of their race. He was just too perfect as a human. Some even had the audacity to suggest that he had human emotions too.

They didn't live for long, of course.

Rumours then flew fiercely, some saying that he was angry at having his weakness exposed. The worst rumour was that he had developed feelings for the last of the Golden Dragon, Filia Ul Copt. Amazingly, he didn't react at all. He never reacted for the next 20 years after they parted ways.

Why ?

Xellos didn't know. Zelas never asked. No one ever dared to taunt him openly either. No explanation was ever given.

Case closed ?

Xellos knew Filia was troubled by this notion too. The doubtful look in her eyes was easy to spot, whenever she was in a dilemma. Yes, she was quick to react when he was in danger, the regret in her eyes after that was obvious. Yet, her instant reaction then could not be ignored.

And she had that same look again when he rescued her. She was too easy to understand, and that made Xellos more confident. At least he knew what she was thinking.

Then the moment of truth arrived. He had to reason with himself why he rescued her in the first place.

He decided to ignore that little voice ...

... for the next 20 years.

Filia stumbled back to the quiet teashop, tired from having used her power from the earlier episode. It had been ages since she had performed such a powerful spell and with lack of constant practice, she felt zapped from all her physical energy.

However, her brain was still crystal clear.

Once again, her path was crossed with her ancient nemesis. Not knowing what to feel exactly at this point, she decided that she had probably been feeling neutral towards the whole chance encounter.

What happened between us was a very long time ago. So, it should remain in the past.

Filia comforted herself, wishing that she had truly grown up and forgiven Xellos for the crime he had committed. After all, Lina was right. It was a war, and there were no good or bad sides in a war. Both parties suffered heavy casualties. Xellos, a mere subordinate and a very young Mazoku then, had to engage himself in battle. What other choices did he have ?

Namagomi.

The sudden memory of a young brash Filia screaming names at a highly-ranked Xellos then was almost hilarious to her now, as a grin spread across her face.

How would he react if I called him that again ?

Yet, she could not imagine the scene. She couldn't make herself call him that. It felt so odd, so wrong. Xellos had seemed to evolve into someone so authoritative that it seemed very out-of-place to call him that. Furthermore, she could not even imagine herself calling people childish names like that again.

I feel so old.

Filia knew the span of 20 human years was short, in Ryuuzoku and Mazokus' definition. However, to her, it had been like a century. She missed her travelling companions, because she had never experienced so much emotions before.

Comradeship, kinship, fellowship, committment, bravery and ...

... love.

She could see the brimming emotions between Lina and Gourry. It was too obvious. Secretly, she was curious. What was love all about ? How could it convert Lina to such great extremes ? She had seen Amelia's open crush on Zelgadis, and it would be 'injustice' to say that Zelgadis felt nothing in return. She had learnt so much during their journeys. She would cherish those memories forever.

Even Xellos too.

Why did I meet him again ? Is this some secret message from the Gods ?

Filia knew that Xellos had no ulterior motive this time. She knew Xellos always had a secret motive whenever he appeared in front of anybody. In an odd way, she was confident that this was a stroke of pure chance and luck. And she was thankful.

The feelings that erupted within me ... how strange ...

Xellos had always been on the upperhand, because the young Filia then was naive and innocent, her feelings all bared and easy to read like a book. Xellos easily manipulated her, and also confused her to great heights, because of his contradicting actions. She was almost certain she would never get a chance to sort Xellos out.

Is this the time ?

Then again, it was impossible. This new Xellos looked almost like a fortress.

But I got my own back at him.

It was satisfying to see Xellos's curiousity all ignited, just by glancing at her.

I've changed, Xellos.

All she had to do now, was to wait for his arrival.

Author's Notes :

This chapter is, by comparison, very short. The reviews I received for this story were very encouraging ! Thank you everyone ! No, I didn't slack because of that, but I want this chapter to be like a prologue. I hope it isn't dreary. I'm sure everyone would know what the next chapter is all about, right ? Stay tuned !

I've emailed all those who requested new chapter alerts. Thanks for all your support.

Zialial-san

Thanks for your review. I wrote that Xellos was 6 cm TALLER than Filia, not 6 cm tall. ;_; That would have been pretty awful, isn't it ? Hmm, a midget Xellos. Actually, a cute sight in retrospect ... lol ! But thanks for reviewing. It's a great way to help me spot mistakes. Thanks again !

20th September 2002