SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )

Written by : TokyoFlame

.::.

Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts

Characters belong to the respective legal owners

~***~

Zelas was openly impressed as Xellos handed her the shiny black orb of throbbing power. She noted a fresh healing mark on Xellos's hand and felt a little guilty. Although she was sometimes suspicious of Xellos's intentions, she knew that Xellos would never do something hideous to her. She had also never found the need to track him down on his absence, since she knew how Xellos cherished his privacy. It was like trying to understand a growing son, a teenage rebellious offspring.

Zelas chuckled softly to herself, one elegant finger brushing against her nose casually. Xellos was standing in his usual corner, ready to receive any commands or orders. He was donned in a dark blue suit, a white sash around his waist. Weirdly, he wasn't wearing a cloak this time round. Zelas had to admit, he was a perfect human in every single way. Her creation was always flawless.

" Very well done, as usual. "

" Thank you, Zelas-sama. "

" You may go now. I do not require your services as of now. "

Xellos bowed low and retreated from Zelas's chamber quietly. He could still feel the surge of power lingering on his palms, a consequence of holding the orb of energy with his hands. It was an electrifying feeling, addicting even. Yet, Xellos never really craved nor schemed for it. He knew there were certain matters not within his control. He had seen foolish Mazokus battling against their Lords and losing, pathetically. He would never follow in their footsteps.

But he was feeling a little unnerved.

Xellos was a vital party in the downfall of Chaos Dragon King, Maryuu-oh Gaav. Loaned to Hellmaster Phibrizzo from Greater Beast Zelas Metallium in secrecy because the Hellmaster had neither a Priest nor a General, Xellos had baited the traitor to his death at Hellmaster's hands. Hellmaster Phibrizzo recognised Xellos's power and amazing talent in making use of people to fulfil his wishes. Furthermore, they needed no more confirmation of Xellos's position in the hierachy.

In fact, Xellos was also the only Mazoku, and probably the only living being, to have witnessed and conversed with the Lord of Nightmares Herself, when She was using Lina Inverse's body as Her vessel. Hellmaster Phibrizzo had an encounter with Her, but it was definitely short-lived.

Everyone was scared of him.

Xellos became pretty lonely. Bored. As his responsibilities and respect grew spectacularly after the defeat of Darkstar, he found himself more isolated from everybody. He could not reveal anything, could not be close to anybody, should not show his weaknesses to no one but himself.

He must be alone.

It wasn't as though he hated it, nor could not stand it. He was made to be a single-cell creature, with no feelings to deal with. Yet, after prolonged exposure to Lina-tachi, he was starting to understand the feeling of having comrades ; people whom you can trust your life with, people who would look after your back for you.

It would be a joke to trust a fellow Mazoku. Certain death.

Maybe Zelas-sama had really gone overboard with this human facáde on me.

Xellos grimly teleported to Filia's residence. He wanted someone to pass his time, his infinite time.

Filia sometimes wondered whether she was truly the last Ryuuzoku in the Universe. The thought nagged her incessantly. As a Ryuuzoku, she was considered a mammal in many ways, and like any other mammals, she longed for companionship and love. When Ryuuzokus found their soulmates, they had a bond for life.

But she was the last Ryuuzoku, was it not ?

Filia was initially trained as an apprentice Priestess, a pure and holy representation of God's power and grace. That meant that she could not indulge in any other relationships, except with the Fire Dragon God, Karyuu-oh. Her natural instincts of finding a soulmate and feeling passion and love for any other Ryuuzokus were never there, never existed. She did not know how to love, nor how to feel differently to anyone else. No male Ryuuzokus approached her either, for she was a future Priestess, and it would be treason to love a Priestess.

But could you truly defy what the Lord of Nightmares had bestowed on you ?

She had made Ryuuzokus creatures of might, longetivity, wisdom and compassion. Yet with such emotions, they fell victim to all other vices humans were capable of ; jealousy, anger, self-doubt. It was their one fatal mistake of attacking the Ancient Dragons that caused them to be wiped out.

Filia had made up her mind to disown her origin, so that she could truly bring up Valgaav in the correct manner. Although she knew she was representing the Ryuuzokus to make repents towards the last Ancient Dragon, but besides this knowledge, she needed no other reason to hold on to her identity. She was definitely sad that her race was dying out, but as time went by, she was feeling indifferently to the cruel fact. Her training as a Priestess had kicked in ; no more feelings, no more loyalty. She only prayed regularly, but she no longer performed her daily rites, no longer needed to report to the Elders, no longer needed friends, no longer needed anyone else. Her mission was completed.

She was an empty shell, a shadow of her former self. What else could be waiting for her anyway ?

This was the new Filia.

" Who's there ? "

" You're still as sharp as ever. "

Filia carefully placed her basket down onto the shop counter, peering slowly around the seemingly empty shop, one hand loosening the yellow ribbon tied around her ponytail. As her long strands of golden ends poured down to her waist, Xellos eased himself out from the darkness.

I knew it was him, and yet I wanted to be sure.

Their eyes locked for a while, each had no intention to peel away.

Their supersonic senses could pick up scents from each other ; Filia had the refreshing air of the greenery from the forest on her, Xellos had the misty dark aura from the orb of power he had held.

Xellos especially enjoyed the lingering smell of Filia, as it seemed that she had just been charged with power. The aftermath was quite obvious, her cheeks were more flushed and she seemed more radiant.

" Were you just in the forest ? "

" Yes. "

" Practising your power ? "

It was no use lying to Xellos.

" I had to save a village boy. "

" I see. "

Maybe I should ask him.

" Xellos, I have something to discuss with you. "

" Yes ? "

Filia walked to the table and pulled out a chair to sit, seemingly beckoning Xellos to do the same. When they were both seated opposite each other, she gently poured out a cup of tea for Xellos.

The quiet sound of tea streaming into a cup had never been more calming. For the first time, Xellos was dropping his guard.

" I want to know whether there is something drastic happening lately. "

" Why so ? "

" There has been a sharp increase of non-humans attacking the people. It's worrying. "

Xellos took this into consideration, his eyes averted into the air in deep thought. Filia jumped on the opportunity to survey him at close range.

He seems so regal, almost untouchable. I thought I knew him, and now I think I don't anymore.

" Well, I'm not too sure myself. I have been more grounded than travelling lately, ever since the Treaty of Humans & Mazokus took effect 15 years ago. We've been fairly well-behaved since then, except play some pranks on them occasionally for fun. "

" Like the incident at the Kingdom of Yelissa ? "

Xellos's eyes clouded for a while, a split second, before he smirked, ever so slightly.

" You really minded the massacre huh. "

" I am after all a beast of feelings. "

" A beast ? It does not sound apt. "

" I do not wish to be reminded of my … "

Filia trailed off, reluctant to continue. Xellos took this into account and did not pry on any further.

" Well Filia, I certainly can trust you with some affairs, but there are other confidential ones which I'm afraid I cannot divulge, for your own safety and mine. "

" I understand. "

" I will look into this, and let you know some other day. "

" That is very much appreciated. "

" I never thought I would hear you say that. "

" Surprised ? "

" Very. "

Filia's smile was a fluttering one, a ghost of its former glory. Xellos had an urge to do something to her, but he didn't know exactly what it was. He remained silent.

" Xellos, how have you been … ? "

It genuinely caught him by surprise. He was stunned.

" I … I'm fine. "

It was the first time Filia heard Xellos in an uncertain tone. Her smile turned a little brighter.

A presence crept craftily in the area, a lesser demon grinning evilly from its hiding place. It was a hideous creature, black stony features with seemingly deformed limbs. It had been attracted by the aura of wondrous energy emitting from the forest in this city and it was eagerly sniffing out for its owner.

It was a fruitful search.

Not only had he found a Ryuuzoku, he had also chanced upon a familiar figure talking amicably to her. The female Ryuuzoku looked ravishing and delicious. Her male companion was none other than The Loyal Follower of Great Beast Zelas Metallium. There were no hints of hostility. The female Ryuuzoku was smiling.

Jyuushinkan Xellos was a traitor.

Author's Notes :

Phew, Fanfiction.net is finally working again. Sorry for the long delay, I had severe jetlag and I need to adjust back to a hectic student lifestyle again. I'm not too sure whether I will be writing a short / long story, any suggestions ?

13th October 2002