SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )

Written by : TokyoFlame

.::.

Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts

Characters belong to the respective legal owners

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Author's Rants

Irena K : Thanks for the review, and yeah, I've taken note of the mistakes. Gah, how embarrassing. As for the fact that Zelas modelled Xellos after Luna, I got that notion from a Slayers website. The reasoning was that, Xellos was once wounded badly in a fight against Luna Inverse and he did not survive long after that. Zelas created another Xellos, in which this time, she modelled the new Xellos ( the current one ) to look like Luna Inverse, in an attempt to mock Luna. I think this was lifted from a paragraph in one of the Slayers' official books. I'm not too sure of the authenticity of this, but I hope it does shed some light !

Blue Angel : Yes, I shall come to the orb of power's origin, which is closely related to the plot of the story. Sometimes I kinda sidetrack from the main gist, so please bear with me.

To the rest of the reviewers : You may not know this, but each and every reviews are really gratefully received, especially encouraging ones ! Do keep them coming.

*Mazoku no kehai …

Filia and Xellos both sensed the presence of a Mazoku lurking in the area, but they did not immediately voice out their findings to one another. It was no surprise that they were powerful enough to pick up such a scent easily within a few hundred radius.

And they knew the other could too.

Filia was starting to fear for the lives of the people who stayed in Gilitran. She knew that the Mazoku sitting opposite her was well-behaved, for now, but the new menacing creature somewhere out there wasn't. Before she could say anything, Xellos had already stood up from his seat.

" I think I have something to attend to, as you already know. "

There was a silent understanding between them, and Filia merely nodded.

" I'm sure you'll want me to keep your tea warm. "

" That would be lovely, Filia-san. "

With that, Xellos disappeared.

The unfortunate creature who had stumbled upon them was gleefully making its way to its Master, Deep Sea Dolphin. If there was anything which the Mazoku race enjoyed, it was the news of betrayal or a revolution within the infrastructure. Xellos, one of the most important Mazokus in their history, was privately enjoying a cosy tea party with their ancient nemesis. The Kouma Sensou was the highlight of all the battles fought by the Mazokus and hence the Ryuuzokus were and shall always be the arch enemies of the Mazokus.

" … and ironically, Jyuushinkan Xellos, the one who was rewarded for his participation in almost wiping out a clan with his powers is the one snuggling up with the last of the Ryuuzokus. How apt ! "

It sniggered, hugging such an important finding to himself dearly. Think of all the glory it would be bestowed when Xellos was kicked out of the scene, like that sad example of Chaos Dragon, Maryuu-Oh Gaav. Even if it wasn't powerful enough to upsurp Xellos's position, Greater Beast Zelas Metallium would be rendered helpless without her trusty subordinate. Deep Sea Dolphin's position would be elevated and strengthened to greater heights.

And it was all thanks to it !

" You seem to be in a great hurry. "

" EH ? "

The miserable being stopped in its tracks, its mind momentarily thrown into confusion as its daydreams were disrupted. Frustration kicked in and it railed out at the intruder.

" Scram, whoever you are ! I have to report back to my Master. "

" Oh really ? What is it about ? "

" I don't think you --- "

Yellow slitted eyes opened wide in realisation, a little too late. Yet, there was no escape when Xellos had set his eyes on his prey. The fearsome figure reappeared again, in mid-air, a few distance away from the wretched creature. Xellos found himself facing a trembling lesser Mazoku, one who was able to elevate through the air, but unable to use the Astral Plane yet.

He wouldn't need to learn anymore.

Xellos could not help it, a smile was forming rapidly on his lips. It was always this anticipation, this knowledge of a kill so confirmed on his mind that his body sometimes shivered with the craved sensation. It made him feel alive.

" Please Xellos-sama ! What .. what have I done to deserve your wrath ? "

" Oh, do I look angry ? "

" Yes Xellos-sama, you must have tracked down the wrong target. "

" I thought I was smiling. "

" Please … please Xellos-sama … "

" Tell me truthfully, what you have seen earlier. "

The lesser Mazoku veered its eyes away from Xellos, obviously trying to think of a story to fib its way through. Xellos remained where he was. He could afford to play along with it. He predicted that the actual killing would only take a few seconds.

" Well, I was at Gilitran looking for the source of this energy expelled in its forests. "

" Did you find it ? "

" Technically, no. "

" Go on. "

" That was all, Xellos-sama. "

" Really ? Then what were you going to report to your Master ? "

" Erm … that there was a wonderful source of powerful magic lurking in Gilitran, and that we should investigate into this. "

" Does anyone else know about this ? "

" Oh no, Xellos-sama. Only I hold the knowledge to this --- "

The lesser Mazoku stopped in mid-sentence as it realised that Xellos had his staff raised majestically high in the air. Black winds formed ominously around his being, partly covering his expression. The pair of dark amethyst orbs seemed to burn with an inner fire as his body prepared to absorb the full essence of a shattered being.

" NOOOOOoooooooo … ! "

The howling echos were heard over the hills, as Xellos released a lethal form of power from the crystal in his staff, albeit weaker in strength. It made sure that death closed in at a much slower rate, ensuring maximum output of anguish and misery from the victim.

10 seconds. That's still pretty fast.

Xellos took in a deep breath, revelling in the freshly acquired energy now filling up his Mazoku form.

Filia glanced at the empty seat which Xellos had previously occupied. She knew that Xellos had to go after the intruder to 'shut its trap up', or just to confirm that it had seen nothing that was disadvantageous to his position. Although the theory of enmity was still there, Filia no longer felt the sharp tug of disgust whenever she ran into a Mazoku. She was starting to understand that every being was there for a purpose.

She had lost her discretion to judge what was right.

Or what was wrong.

All she felt was a responsibility to help people in distress, but that was what she limited herself to. It would go no further than that. The world could come to an end, by whichever means, but she would not interfere nor offer a helping hand anymore.

I have no more elders to take into consideration, no more fancy rituals binding my principles, I am completely free.

Which was why she felt no sense of guilt or shame to be seen with Xellos anymore. Maybe this conversation could be the last one she would have with an 'old travelling companion' before her death, her own self-induced death most likely caused by severe loneliness. Like the Elves, Ryuuzokus could choose when they pass on, when they have had enough of their lifespans.

She did feel sorry for Xellos, when she analysed the stark contrast between herself and the Mazoku. It used to be that he was the carefree being, dismissing rules and not giving a care to anything. She was the one ridden with responsibilities, the prim and proper one, The Priestess, the representor of everything good.

In the end, we are still extremely different.

Filia had to stifle an idle grin at the comical conclusion, knowing that they would always be different. Suddenly, the familiar change in the atmosphere grabbed her attention.

He's back.

" I see that you have been very patient. "

Xellos morphed into the human sphere again, a small smile appearing as he resumed his seat at Filia's table. Filia remained where she was, one hand gracefully cradling her chin.

Different … he just absorbed more energy …

In the past, Filia would scream in terror and banish Xellos forever from her sight, upon knowing that Xellos had just destroyed and sucked up the essence of the defeated party. Yet right now, she was as calm as a stone could be. Xellos seemed so dark and unfathomable. It was scary, but still appealing.

" Thank you for the tea. "

" Did you just make a kill ? "

Xellos peered at Filia for a while, the question came a little too abruptly.

" Well, certain measures had to be taken --- "

"  So you did. "

" … I'm afraid I did. "

" I see, it's very much your style isn't it ? "

" No, that's technically half right. It's the Mazokus' style. "

" Interesting. "

Filia continued refilling Xellos's cup as he finished, causing Xellos to raise an eyebrow in wonder. Filia did not seem to be in the mood to berate him over the careless treatment of lives. He wondered where she hid her boiling pot of angry emotions.

" Tell me Xellos, am I in danger if I stay on in Gilitran ? "

" There has been a heightened awareness of your holy presence. "

Filia ignored the teasing, although she was neutral to it, even reacting positively to it, for some strange reason.

" Like I mentioned, there has been an increase --- "

" Filia. "

Xellos's tone caused Filia to forget what she wanted to ask, or for that matter, everything. It was serious, foreboding, commanding, and oddly, it had a powerful hold on Filia's consciousness. Maybe it was his eyes, or maybe it was his body language. She would never know.

" I came here to look for you, merely to talk. Obviously it had not gone well, because firstly, we had a rude interruption and now, you have burning questions to ask, but for which I have no firm answers. "

" I … I'm sorry … "

Xellos had to fight the urge to burn the mental image of an apologetic Filia into his permanent mind.

She looked so …

" I know I should not be bothering you with these questions, since you're a Mazoku yourself. "

" Filia-san … you … you are so … "

Xellos frowned a little as he searched for a word, carefully surveying Filia's face. This caused Filia to look away in embarrassment, unaccustomed to a person intensively concentrating on her features.

" … what happened ? "

Xellos finally gave up and settled for an ambiguious question, knowing fully well that Filia understood the meaning. The atmosphere turned almost heavy as Filia played with the question mentally, a thousand possible explanations flooding her mind in response.

" Or would you want me to pry the answers out from you … personally ? "

Filia swore she saw Xellos's eyes dancing, almost in eager anticipation at such a thought. It was dangerous, very dangerous to allow someone like Xellos to know of her vulnerability. Yet, he seemed trustworthy at this point. It was of no wonder that the Elders had always warned her of the attraction of the Dark Forces, for they always seemed very appealing.

It didn't help that this Dark One was packaged in a nice way too.

" Wh … what about yourself ? "

" Me ? "

" You are always on my case, it's time I return the favour. "

" What would you like to know, Filia-san ? "

Filia was hopelessly stumped, for she had not prepared for the conversation to revert to Xellos at all. Xellos obviously predicted this, and he chuckled lightly to himself.

" Then again Filia-san, there are some parts of you that never change. "

" You never pass up an opportunity to tease me. "

" That's the Ryuuzoku I know. "

The phrase clutched Filia's heart unexpectedly, because it brought her back to those mind-numbing memories, those bittersweet encounters, the events which changed her life forever. Suddenly, hot tears welled up in her eyes and to her horror, they started to stream down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Why ?! Why did he say that ? I didn't know it would cause such a great reaction within me.

Gawds, this is all so wrong !

Xellos quietly walked over to Filia, one hand outstretched, wanting to comfort her but not quite sure. He was now beside Filia, her face buried in her hands. An overwhelming desire to hold her was threatening to seize him, but he was still clear-minded enough not to do so. It was too precarious and it was suicide to show such gestures in the human sphere where everyone could see him. Furthermore, it wasn't as though he truly wanted to hold her anyway.

Liar.

Sometimes, Xellos had to admit that his attempts to counteract his true feelings were feeble. He knew that anyone else would misunderstand his intention if he held her, Filia herself, even if he convinced himself that he was merely being nice. The poor maiden was already so traumatised. For the first time, he did not want to receive such negative energy into his Mazoku form. It felt almost violating.

Yet his hands were not listening to him, they kept edging nearer and nearer to her heaving shoulders, his body inching towards her frame …

" Xellos, return to me immediately ! "

The urgency and authority in Zelas's command came so suddenly that Xellos temporarily reeled by the force of it all. It probably had to do with his weak foundation, the turmoil he was encountering as he wrestled with the idea of a basic comforting act. His hands retreating from Filia's side, he stepped backwards, all the while looking at Filia, as he melted into the Astral Plane.

Legend :

*Scent of a Mazoku

16th October 2002