SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )

Written by : TokyoFlame

.::.

Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts

Characters belong to the respective legal owners

~***~

The 5th day of the 6th lunar month.

It had been exactly 2 weeks since the city of Yelissa was attacked by Isetor, one of the Mazokus. Xellos strode quietly down the dark corridors towards Zelas's private lair, as he had done so since forever.

He had arrived at the royal gates of Yelissa, finding a very fearful King and a very disconcerted Isetor. The spells around the palace building lived up to their reputation and had Isetor in a very tight pinch. Not only had he lost a leg and some skin, Isetor was permanently maimed and could not even regenerate at all. However, the spells were also extensively damaged by Isetor's aggressive attacks and it seemed to be a lose-lose situation to Xellos.

" My my, what a mess. "

Xellos chuckled to himself, oblivious to the pain that Isetor was suffering. He had a mission to accomplish, and that was to pacify the human king that this incident was an isolated one.

" I can guarantee that no more Mazokus will start rampaging ever again. Well ... at least around this entire kingdom. "

Xellos found himself kneeling in front of the King of Yelissa, trying his hardest to coax the King, hoping that he would not bring this matter to the Federated Union of Knights. If so, they would start to lay out intricately detailed plans that would thwart the Mazokus' ultimate goal of utter chaos. Of course, he would also receive an earful from the Mazoku Lords.

" Jyuushinkan Xellos, how can I trust you on your words ? "

" How about some action, King of Yelissa ? "

Xellos stood up from his kneeling position and transported himself before the injured Isetor. Before Isetor could even find time to defend himself, Xellos's sizzling ball of pure energy found itself buried deep into Isetor's flesh. Seconds later, a huge explosion occurred and Xellos reappeared in the Court Hall, where the King was seated ... and trembling by the sight of scattered blood.

" Are you now contented, King of Yelissa ? "

The human King nodded shakily, to the utter satisfaction of a grinning Xellos.

Xellos sighed as he continued his long walk to Zelas's. She had just returned from the unexpected trip to Deep Sea Dolphin's and had immediately sent for him once she plopped down onto her chair.

What is in store ?

Xellos was really curious about the whole hush-hush meeting between the only two female Dark Lords. Deep Sea Dolphin couldn't have asked for Zelas merely for beauty tips or stupid things like that.

Filia ...

Xellos felt slightly guilt-ridden by his lack of appearance before Filia. Although he did promise the maiden that they would definitely meet up again but he did not specify when. Still, he felt slightly odd for not reappearing.

With all the workload, how could I possibly spare time to go tease her ?

Xellos was dressed quite formally; a royal dark blue cloak with yellow linings, a long satin black attire that reached to his ankles, straight-cut black pants, shoes, and his staff. He had never failed to dress up for every audience with Zelas Metallium, as he wanted to show some respect for her. Anyway, it wasn't a chore to be spankingly smart since he could whip up such clothing with his power.

Not to mention the amount of attention he garnered as well.

The corridors of Wolf Pack Island's palace were littered with lesser Mazokus and all sorts of miscellaneous beings, except humans. Each and every pair of eyes landed on him as he walked grandly down towards Zelas's chamber. Every now and then, a female Mazoku would saunter up to him, trying to grab his attention.

Whoever said Mazokus were devoid of emotions ?

Xellos knew that Mazokus, like himself, were actually capable of human emotions as well. It was just a matter of choice. They also felt pain from injuries, hurt from betrayal, loyalty to their masters, bonding with their comrades, love for all chaos.

On this particular occasion, another brave female slithered up to him, managing to stop him as she had playfully covered his eyes with her hands. Xellos had to break into a resigned smile.

Another futile attempt.

" Oh Xellos-sama, where are you scurrying off to ? "

" Why do you want to know ? "

" Well, I've always been very concerned over your welfare. "

" Thank you. "

" Xellos-sama, are you free tonight ? "

" No. "

" Awww, I really crave for your company ... "

" Get some others to ease your boredom. "

" I want YOU ... "

She let one slender arm caress his right shoulder, across his chest, over to his left shoulder, and finally wrapped it around his neck gently. The other arm, slowly but surely, made its way down Xellos's left hand. She lifted it up and firmly pressed it onto her chest, in an attempt to excite him.

Xellos sighed inwardly. This could possibly be the 5000th attempt already.

Couldn't they come up with something new ?

Honestly, Xellos could not savour the things that were thrown to him. Like a true animal of the wild, he would rather enjoy the adrenaline-filled moments of pursuing his prey and hunting it down, so that he could appreciate the fruit of his labour. This was far too easy and boring.

" Look, I don't want to be late. How about you coming over to my lair and we could discuss this a little further ? "

" REALLY ?! "

" Yes, come over when Hellmaster Phibrizzo is revived. "


The female Mazoku was thus left frustrated, while Xellos proceeded onwards, letting a small chuckle escape his lips. For every Mazoku who knew him, Xellos was infamous for his celibacy. No women had ever laid claim to him, nor spent a night together with him. Was he truly fussy or did he have something to hide ? No one would ever know. All spells thrown onto him seemed useless and he never fell victim to the best-laid plans. Xellos was truly sly, and it would take a more cunning creature to outsmart him. Yes, he had flirted endlessly with beautiful women, captured their hearts and used them for his own ends, but he never took them as his.

I guess I am choosy.

Xellos smiled jokingly to himself as he pushed open the majestic doors to Zelas's chamber, all other thoughts repelled as he prepared himself to face her.

Filia gave a huge sigh of relief as she sank comfortably down into her favourite armchair. Her two helpers had returned home after a hard day's work, as per normal. Filia enjoyed these solitary moments, because she liked to have her thoughts to herself. She was dressed in a casual light-purple nightgown, complete with a woolen cardigan to keep her warm. Slowly stirring her tea, she carefully tasted the liquid on her lips, before sipping.

Nothing like a long break towards the weekend.

She had two full days of enjoyment, without the hassle of work and facing her customers. She liked her job, but she also craved for the weekends. The thought of having a nice day in bed tomorrow lightened up her mood greatly.

Oh yes, I had better check the storeroom to see whether I'm running low on supplies.

Filia expertly looked through the beautiful drawers, stocked up with fragrant tea leaves. As she took note of the supplies she needed, she froze at one particular stock.

Clover.

After the attack on Yelissa, survivors flooded her shop, all in need of leaves that speeded up recovery or soothed painful injuries. Filia gave out complimentary clover leaves to each and every survivor, knowing that the leaf symbolised hope. The memory was still fresh.

Because it reminded her of him.

It has been 2 weeks already.

Filia smiled sadly and shook her head at the mental image of Xellos, wondering why he never dropped by to see her again. She was anticipating his arrival for the first couple of days after the attack, then the expectation wavered day by day, until she almost completely forgot about the vague promise.

Until now.

How naive I still am, thinking that a person like Xellos would actually come see me without a purpose.

Filia rather forcefully shut the drawer, chiding herself for holding on to such daydreams.

Why am I so bothered by this ?

Filia lingered on a little while more in the cozy storeroom, lost in her random thoughts. Suddenly, she did not feel like answering her own question.

Denial ?

Filia laughed gently, knowing somehow that the answer was accurate. However, she was tired from all the mind-guessing games.

Time to go to sleep.

" A suspicious source of power, Zelas-sama ? "

" Yes, Xellos. "

" I am surprised that Deep Seal Dolphin-sama has voiced out this concern to you. "

" So am I, but this issue is of the utmost importance. We, the Mazokus, must get to the bottom of this matter. If we can successfully utilise this source, it will be to our advantage. Don't you agree ? "

" Yes Zelas-sama. "

" Dolphin has already sent out her men to investigate. However, I think she has a darker motive for doing so. In fact, the most fishy action she has taken is --- "

" To inform you, Zelas-sama. "

" Indeed. What say you, Xellos ? "

" Play along with her, keep tabs on her progress and take extreme measures if necessary, Zelas-sama. "

" I like that. Do as you deem fit, Xellos. Report to me periodically. If necessary, I will support you in any way you need. "

" Understood, Zelas-sama. "

Xellos walked out of the spacious chamber, his mind was in full disarray of pleasure. Firstly, he could finally regain his craved freedom and travel the lands again. Secondly, he was glad to be rid of his stupid senseless chores in managing the daily affairs in Wolf Pack Island. Of course, there was another issue he could not ignore.

A certain visit to a Ryuuzoku is very much desired.

Hastily, he switched to another set of clothing before he whizzed out into the Astral Plane.

Filia gave her surroundings one last check before she retired to her bedroom. Making sure the doors and windows downstairs were securely fastened, she slowly made her way up, holding a small candle to guide her way in the night. Although her eyes were capable of sight in pitch darkness, she was still determined to rely on human ways.

Her bedroom was a modest one, equipped with a full-length mirror, a dressing table, a wardrobe, a comfortable bed, some remnants of accessories and objects collected from her traveling days, and a weapon in the shape of a pole lying harmlessly in the corner. It was crafted by a young Valgaav, given to her on the day he set foot out of the house in search of his destiny. Occasionally, she received little gifts from him, but he never supplied a return address. She then knew that he was still traveling, to find a place where he truly belonged.

Lying forgotten in the wardrobe, was Filia's priestess attire. Her hat, her pink dress, her white cloak, white boots, white gloves and hair accessories in the shape of bells were neatly folded and tucked away. Filia could not bear to dispose the attire, filled with bittersweet memories, and her past.

Wait a minute ...

Filia remained standing in her room, the candle light caused shadows that danced around the walls. She was of no ordinary blood, her senses sharply conveyed to her that something was lurking around.

Too close for comfort.

In a flash, within the timespan of a blink, Filia nipped the candle flame and threw it forcefully at a specific angle. The area suddenly converged and the candle flame stopped in mid-air.

The figure slowly came into being, little by little, all the while his palm holding the burning flame. His smile unnerved Filia for a while, her body unable to react appropriately to the intrusion. Before long, his entire body reappeared in full, fresh from the Astral Plane. He carefully eyed the little flame, now looking like a cute accessory to his frame.

" Good evening, Filia. "

" ... ... ... "

" You seem surprised to see me. "

" I --- "

" Well, I apologise for the long delay. I was very occupied the whole time. "

" You ... you don't have to apologise. "

" I think I should. Did you wait for me ? "

" I'm not too sure. "

" Why ? "

" I am in confusion. "

" What about ? "

" I have no idea. "

Xellos found their conversation highly amusing. It seemed that Filia was still in shock over his abrupt appearance and that she, for once, was not fiercely defending herself. Her choice of words were ambiguous, because they were correct but not totally exposing her true feelings.

She's a pretty sight too.

Xellos surveyed her, she having dressed so temptingly before him. She was revealing, and yet still conservative.

Sweet.

Filia suddenly seemed to snap out of her temporary air bubble and her eyes turned alive as she took in the fact that Xellos had just dropped by into her private room.

" Xellos, what's the meaning of this ? "

" Of what ? "

" Coming into my room. "

" I wanted to see you, AND make you angry. "

" I am angry. "

" You're not blowing up. Where's your mace ? "

" I can be angry in many other ways. The mace, if you really want to know, was already broken. "

" How ? "

" Valgaav. "

" You used it on him ? "

" No, the little Ancient Dragon snapped it because he wanted to test something out. "

" Do you miss him ? "

" Sometimes. "

" You're frightfully frank, for the first time. "

" You don't know me, Xellos. "

" I suppose I don't. "

" I don't know you either. "

" I suppose you don't. "

" Why bother visiting me ? There's no purpose in it at all. If you have a motive, you might as well spill it. I might cooperate. "

" Brutally frank, I might add. "

" ... I'm ... I'm tired, Xellos. I'm just very tired. "

Filia wearily sat herself down onto a chair and her eyes wandered away, down onto the floor. In the small light of the flickering candle emitting from Xellos's palm, she was a portrait of wistful vulnerability.

Xellos was enchanted.

" I'm no longer able to keep up with you, Xellos. I just want some real peace and quiet. "

" What have I done anyway ? "

" You want to resume feeding off on me, isn't it ? "

" I can't say that wasn't my intention. "

" Then feed all you want. I'm sure my other negative emotions, besides anger, could do. "

" You're so softened. "

" Not much of a challenge now, isn't it ? "

" Not really. You would be surprised if I tell you what I'm thinking now. "

Filia's eyes flickered as she warily looked at Xellos again. In the enveloping darkness behind him, he looked almost devilish. Yet, a strange comfort set upon her, knowing that he wouldn't harm her. She also realised how he never closed his eyes, as compared to the times when they traveled together. From the time she set her sights on Xellos in Yelissa, he already had his eyes fully opened.

Why so ?

Xellos spotted the faraway look in Filia's eyes and immediately guessed that she was wondering about him. This greatly pleased him, for some reason he couldn't understand right now.

Maybe I DO want her to be curious about me. To be interested in my affairs.

Xellos snuffed out the candle flame, throwing the whole room into darkness. Filia hardly moved, since her dragon senses never left her. She could still see as well as in daylight and she knew Xellos was still standing in the corner.

" Xellos, what are you up to ? "

" Nothing, I just want to see you in the dark. "

Both said nothing for a while, as though they were just enjoying the mere presence of each other in such close proximity. Soon, Filia felt sleepy and she stood up rather firmly, as though she was signaling for Xellos's departure.

She took in a sharp gasp.

Xellos had teleported in an instance, so that he was right behind Filia. The instant electricity that coursed through their blood when their skins touched was reeling and yet pleasurable. Filia's initial surprise was replaced by a irrepressible craving for Xellos's presence.

WHY ?

All this happened so fast, Filia could not even find the time to think. Xellos, however, was very troubled. The elegant figure so close to him was mesmerizing. The overwhelming urge to hold her was beating him up, but he managed to hold back. Just standing so close to her was costly, as he felt all his defenses withering away. Filia could very well unleash a ball of energy right now and he stood no chances of surviving.

Yet, I'm willing to bear the risk. I am so attracted to her physique. Her everything.

Could it be the withdrawal symptoms of having been alone for a long period of time ? Haven't they been happy before they met each other ? Weren't they enemies of each other ? Don't they dislike each other to the core ? Wasn't arguing their favourite past time ?

What happened ?

Filia took in a deep breath and managed to peel herself away from Xellos, all the while feeling shaky and flushed. She was frightened, right to the very depths of her soul. Her reaction to him was a positive one, she couldn't deny anymore. It was more of an acceptance, maybe the aftermath of Valgaav's departure, which left her lonely and without a goal. With Valgaav around, she was absorbed into bringing him up, because it was her responsibility. Once he left, she was aimless.

The extreme feelings she had for Xellos welled up, but this time, they were totally the opposite. Gone were those hatred and dislikes. She remembered clearly the first time she had seen Xellos in Yelissa. She was attracted. The word was attracted.

Filia then knew she no longer hated him.

Xellos watched her step away from him, relief washing upon him as rational thoughts took control again. He was able to sense anyone's feelings if he wanted, and Filia had overwhelmed him. To make things worse, his own feelings were thrown into a disarray, making it hard for him to think logically. He was a Mazoku, and of all things, he was now a victim to emotions. He needed no company. He craved for no affection. He was always a solitary creature. Heck, he could create 'offsprings' himself.

But he wanted to know more about her, the cravings for her were heightened drastically a few moments ago. Her immediate feelings were so extreme that they really bowled him over. It was impossible. Nothing should be too much for him to handle.

Such a difference she caused in him from all the other women.

Xellos, come and report to me now. I have more details from Dolphin.

The authoritative voice of Zelas Metallium filled Xellos's head, which snapped him rudely into reality. Taking one last lingering look at Filia, he slowly melted away into nothingness, their eyes never breaking contact.

Filia had also heard the mental command, since she could tap into the subconsciousness. Feeling a little light-headed, she slowly walked to the empty space where Xellos had just stood, and embraced the air to her bosom.

Author's Notes :

That ends the chapter on Xellos and Filia's 2nd encounter with each other. Hated it ? Liked it ? Do review yeah ?

23rd September 2002