SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )
Written by : TokyoFlame
.::.
Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts
Characters belong to the respective legal owners
~***~
Xellos was in a frisky mood, his temperamental meter was merrily flicking left and right as he returned to Wolf Pack Island in a split second. Leaving hastily had always been his forte, but he was very ticked off by the seemingly rude interruption by his Master. He was definitely in for a long guilt ride, for it would be ages before he could visit Filia again, judging by the urgency of Zelas's command.
His long cloak rustled behind him as he strolled towards Zelas's chamber. Summoning his staff weapon from the Astral Plane while walking, he gripped it tightly, venting his frustrations silently before facing Zelas.
Two things that he would never do in front of her : One, show her that he was irked in any way possible upon every command. Two, appear straight from the Astral Plane into her chamber. Those were taboos. He would never attempt those unless he had a really good reason straight from the Lord of Nightmares Herself.
Zelas was sitting in her usual throne-like chair, a gleaming silvery wolf was lounging sleepily at her side, her long elegant arm stroking its smooth fur.
Hardly an emergency, from the way she's acting.
Xellos bowed as he took his position, Zelas nodding in response.
Nothing seems to be wrong.
" Xellos, I need you to finish up some of the documents regarding the reports of the recent Mazoku attacks on human-infested cities. It seems that I have been chided recently as well. "
Chided ? Zelas Metallium ?!
Xellos's surprised expression did not escape Zelas's alert observation, as she gave a genuine chuckle in response.
" It was Dynast. Apparently, the orb of power I ordered you to obtain was his property. "
" I … I see, Zelas-sama. "
" I have returned the orb to him while you were absent from Wolf Pack Island. I really shouldn't keep troubling you over little trivial matters like those now, am I right ? "
Xellos felt a small pang of panic as Zelas's words hit him like arrows. It was a test, a test for some obscure reason.
" I am always at your service. No matters are too trivial for me, Zelas-sama. "
Zelas smiled, a knowing smile, THE smile which Xellos had come to loathe. He never liked being kept in the dark, and Zelas had all the rights and the power to torment him. She created him, she knew him best.
" Don't be so defensive, Xellos. I was just teasing you. "
" That is a relief, Zelas-sama. "
Xellos closed his eyes and smiled, the familiar portrayal of the trickster priest emerged again after being buried for such a long time. Zelas raised an eyebrow in surprise, then laughed out loud, causing Xellos to look up at her.
" Xellos, you are full of surprises. "
" So that I can entertain you, Zelas-sama. "
Zelas made a rising motion with her hand, which was a sign for Xellos to stand up on his feet. This he did so, and he bristled, knowing that small talk ( a.k.a interrogation ) was over.
" Xellos, I want you to make a delivery to Dynast over at the North Pole, and hand the orb personally to him. No one else. You know what would happen if it falls into the hands of those brainless lesser Mazokus. "
" Yes Zelas-sama. "
" And I had been unluckily bestowed with the job of coming up with some sealed agreement --- "
" A treaty, Zelas-sama. "
" Ah yes, a treaty. See to that soon. Also, Dynast has been out of the Mazoku scene for so long, many young Mazokus do not know of his existence and his power. We cannot afford to ignore him. He is the most mysterious one amongst us all, and I want you to take the opportunity to sniff out any indiscrepancies around his territory. He is still quite annoyed with you, for obvious reasons, and I do not want you to aggravate him further. Do as you deem fit, but I want some answers as well. "
" Yes Zelas-sama. "
" I will be making a trip down to see Dolphin, so if he asks about me, just make up some excuse. "
Meeting Dolphin-sama ?
" Yes Zelas-sama. "
" Finally, when you've returned, see that the damned Treaty is ready for the humans. Anything that will satisfy them, but which will not bind us too much. "
" Zelas-sama, treaties can be broken. "
" Ah, lovely then. It won't be much of a difficulty for you. "
" I will see to it that everything will be done by the time you return, Zelas-sama. "
Zelas nodded her head, effectively dismissing Xellos from her chamber. Xellos smiled at the wolf, which had lazily peeked an eye open to look at him, and he waltzed out noiselessly, his mind now in a buzz.
He had a lot of things to do.
Filia listlessly flipped through the brittle pages of a book, titled ' Embracing The Light '. It was the 6th day of the lunar week and Gilas and his companion had returned to their houses, to their families. They were merely beast men, but the unmistakable lingering scent of a strong being was picked up by them when they arrived the next day to start the business, after Xellos left.
Luckily they were polite enough not to probe.
She had to sigh as she closed the book softly and placed it gently on her dressing table. Life was slowly becoming unbearable, because working at the teashop was no longer fulfilling. She started to fear the weekends, when everything around her became dull and lifeless. Silence was the catalyst to her depressing thoughts. She couldn't escape.
Should I just take a walk around the neighbourhood ? Or drop by the local club ? Chat with some neighbours ?
Filia shook her head sadly, knowing that it was impossible. They wanted to know her history, they wanted to know more about Valgaav, they wanted to know everything. It was not feasible to spun a whole lie about her existence. She'd rather have her identity shrouded in mystery.
Gilas once brought up a question on Lina Inverse, an abrupt topic triggered off when a customer chatted with him about kuro-majutsu earlier that day. It was the trademark of the powerful human sorceress, and Filia felt secretly proud to be her ex-comrade. It made her all nostalgic again.
" I wonder how she is now, Tencho. "
" Yes Gilas, I would like to know too. "
" Well, I bet she is just the same ! Or … maybe even settled down and all demure and femi --- "
" Gilas ! That is so unlike Lina-san ! "
Both of them looked at each other, each obviously with a mental picture of Lina in an apron, and they burst out into laughter together. Filia smiled involuntarily as she remembered that scene.
" Maybe … maybe I can ask Xellos about her news … "
Filia commented out loud, a habit which appeared only when the shop was empty. She wanted the silence to go away. Desperately.
Xellos.
A red blush started appearing on her fair cheeks, the last memory of him was rather embarrassing. She could not forgive herself for breaking down in front of him. HIM ! It only served to make him more complacent, because she was rapidly deteriorating while he was still at his prime.
Of course he had disappeared immediately, since he wouldn't have a clue on how to deal with a sobbing Ryuuzoku.
Filia had sarcastically chided him then, after realising that he had melted away when she had come to her senses. Her mind was completely shut off, oblivious to what was happening while she was crying.
No sign of him for almost 5 days now.
She smacked herself again, wondering why she was taking note of his absence.
It bothered her a lot.
" Grauscherra-sama, I have come to return your property to you. "
Xellos found himself in a foreign chamber, belonging to none other than Dynast Grauscherra himself. Immediately after Zelas dismissed him, he had wasted no time in carrying out her wishes. He observed his new surroundings very carefully, no single detail was omitted.
" Thank you, Xellos. "
" You are most welcomed, Grauscherra-sama. "
Xellos found himself looking into the emerald-black eyes of the only ' male ' Mazoku Lord, his appearance as youthful since forever. Sitting humbly at his side was a young servant, or maybe his new offspring.
She smells … human …
" Xellos, how is Zelas getting on ? "
" Zelas-sama is fine, Grauscherra-sama. "
" How about yourself ? "
" I am as busy as ever, Grauscherra-sama. "
" I thought so too. You've always been a very active figure. "
Xellos merely smiled from his kneeling position, his head still half-bowed in an act of respect. His white long coat, outlined in black seams, was sprawled over the crystal white floors of Grauscherra's icy palace. He had his staff with him, placed flatly on the ground in front of him.
" Xellos, is this your first time here in my territory ? "
" No, Grauscherra-sama. I had been here once during the Kouma Sensou. "
" Really ? That was absolute ages ago. "
" Yes, Grauscherra-sama. "
" The Kouma Sensou indeed … those were the times … "
Grauscherra's voice trailed off in thought, and Xellos knew that he was actually re-living the moments. It wasn't surprising, since they were Mazokus. Mazokus loved chaos.
" Were you bestowed with the complete Blood Talisman after the war ? "
" Yes Grauscherra-sama. "
" I don't see it with you. "
" I sold them, Grauscherra-sama. "
Grauscherra looked as though he was offended by the seemingly queer answer, but curiosity got the better of him and he peered at Xellos a little longer.
" Are you sure, Xellos ? "
" Yes, Grauscherra-sama. I do not lie to the Mazoku Lords. "
Grauscherra looked rather pacified by his words and nodded absent-mindedly in return.
" I may require your services some day, Xellos. When that day comes, you will be able to see more of my territory. I'm sure Zelas wouldn't mind, isn't it ? "
Xellos smiled again, rather ambiguously. Grauscherra was openly impressed by his tact and ability to handle tricky questions. He was able to make anyone understand his answers merely by his expressions.
And still, he gave nothing away.
" You may be dismissed. "
" I bid you farewell, Grauscherra-sama. "
" Grauscherra-sama … "
The new voice surprised the two Mazokus. Decas had been relatively quiet throughout the whole exchange, only daring to speak when the conversation ended.
" Yes, Decas ? "
" Who is he, Grauscherra-sama ? "
Grauscherra eyed Xellos, then looked at Decas again. Xellos strangely felt as though Decas was acting like a real child of Grauscherra. Xellos had risen from his kneeling position and he stood regally, waiting for Grauscherra to reply.
" Xellos, why don't you answer instead ? "
Grauscherra noticed the intent observation from Xellos on Decas.
" Yes, Grauscherra-sama. I am Jyuushinkan Xellos, the minion of Greater Beast Zelas Metallium-sama, who is the current ruling Mazoku Lord over Wolf Pack Island, and a combination of her Priest and General. "
Decas nodded in apparent understanding, but still channeled her answers to Grauscherra instead of Xellos directly.
" Grauscherra-sama, is Xellos-sama a real Mazoku ? "
Xellos's expression was one of open amusement. Grauscherra knew why Decas was confused, because he hardly resembled like one if he shielded his eyes away from the public with his long bangs.
" Yes Decas, Xellos is a pure Mazoku, like me. "
" I have heard of his name, but I never knew that Xellos-sama looked so human-like, Grauscherra-sama. "
" Decas, we will resume this conversation later. Right now, I have to let Xellos leave. "
" Yes Grauscherra-sama. "
Decas bowed low in apology, at Grauscherra first, then to Xellos, who in return politely returned a half-bow. He had somewhat guessed that this girl, Decas, was a cherished figure to Grauscherra, that she wasn't a full Mazoku because of the manner she spoke, her train of thoughts, her respectful actions towards him, and that strong musk of human blood.
How odd, that Grauscherra-sama would allow a lowly human to serve him.
Xellos took his leave silently and walked towards the door, knowing that Decas had her rapt attention on his every movement.
This is something worth reporting to Zelas-sama.
As Xellos continued to linger around the huge palace, a lesser demon passed him by and stared at him in surprise.
" Jyuushinkan Xellos ?! "
" Apparently so. "
" Why are you here ? "
" I was ordered to. "
" What is going on ? "
" I don't get your meaning. "
" There are rife rumours about the Mazoku Lords planning a huge conspiracy. "
" I wouldn't know. "
" Impossible, you're the messenger ! "
" I am just in a sad position as a middleman. "
" Jyuushinkan, we're all rather restless. We want some real action soon ! "
" Action ? "
" Don't look clueless, you know what we all want. "
" Until we receive affirmative orders from the Mazoku Lords, we can't move a finger. "
" Yes yes, I know all that. Yet the humans are becoming more and more complacent. They've been treading on our territories and even attempting to fight the trolls to take over their lands because they knew we were bound by treaties and all that sissy stuffs. "
" Ah yes, humans are queer creatures. "
" You know them well, don't you ? "
" I know nothing well. "
" Jyuushinkan, which side are you truly on ? "
" Why, do I look like I'm defaulting ? "
" N … no, I wouldn't dare say that. Erm .. yet your actions seem … seem ironical. "
Xellos truthfully thought the lesser demon was being stupidly brave enough to push his luck this far. No one could question Xellos's movements, besides Zelas. Unfortunately, he was also out of the comfort zone and in another Mazoku Lord's territory. It wouldn't be wise to slaughter his follower here. His voice now added a dangerous edge to it.
" So you're implying that I'm siding with the humans ? "
" N … NO !! I never meant it that way ! Please forgive me, Jyuushinkan. "
" Don't be so uptight. I want to ask you some questions. "
" Y .. yes .. Jyuushinkan .. ? "
" Tell me, lesser demon. Who is this Decas ? "
" Decas ? She's the servant of Grauscherra-sama. "
" What's her background ? "
" She is of human and an unknown origin. Initiated into the Mazoku by Grauscherra-sama's blood. "
Blood ritual ? How similar to Maryuu-oh-sama.
" When did she first arrive ? "
" I'm not too sure myself. She's been around here for a long time, hardly ever see her out of Grauscherra-sama's chamber. "
How interesting.
" She's a sight to behold, a queer combination isn't it ? Jyuushinkan. "
" A very curious child. "
Xellos replied simply before he fizzed out into the Astral Plane, shocking the unprepared lesser demon.
Filia yawned as she started to retire for the night. It had been an uneventful day, as always. She was glad that she would be busy again with work the next morning. As she snuggled comfortably under the covers, she felt the familiar sharp sense of a strong elemental change running through her body.
Gods, I can't believe I forgot about this !
Jumping out quickly, she hurriedly put on a cloak and bustled out of her shophouse. Making sure that no one had seen her, she made her way silently towards the spot beyond the deep forests and just before the ocean.
Filia had to change into a dragon this particular night.
Ryuuzokus were able to transform and take the shape of anything they want, but their top choice was always the human's. Like any other races, only the most powerful ones were able to transfigure freely without the so-called ' side effects '. Unlike Filia's Elders who were able to remain in their chosen identities for eternity, she had not achieved that level of prowess to remain in a human shell for as long as she wanted.
A shield, quick !!
Filia's mind almost went into overdrive as she ran through the precautions in her head before her human biological time was up. Once the shield was erected, she gave a heavy sigh of relief and waited for nature to deal with her.
Soon enough, a familiar feeling ran through her veins and she closed her eyes, surrendering her chosen senses to her original ones. A blinding golden ball enclosed around her slowly, bathing her with memories and a warm feeling of belonging. She felt as though the Gods were talking to her again.
Shinzoku-sama-tachi …
She had transformed.
Xellos sat alone in his lair, or rather, his room. He twirled a feathered pen expertly around his fingers, his gloves placed neatly on the side of his table.
When Xellos was alone, he was hardly formally dressed. He merely had a figureless clothing draped over him, and long pants, the colour chosen according to his mood randomly. A sash was usually tied around his waist, with his gloves tucked into them if he had to settle little businesses without an audience in the human sphere.
These little agreements can be so hilarious.
Xellos wondered why he bothered with these Treaties, since the Mazokus wouldn't abide by them if there was a showdown ordered by the Mazoku Lords. Yet, it was Zelas-sama who wanted him to continue their little façade, and he did not have much of a choice.
Would she scold me if she knew what I was thinking ?
Xellos gave a thoughtful smile as he placed the feathered pen down and let his attention slide towards space. He was always securely safe in his own lair, filled with secret protection seals installed by Zelas herself. No one could even think of penetrating through the seals to observe his movements. They couldn't even tap into his thoughts when he was inside.
What is she doing now ?
He was sorely tempted to invade into her consciousness.
Should I ?
Xellos wondered what Filia's reaction would be. It could be interesting, for she was as unpredictable as the weather now. Her every reaction was different from what he had expected. 20 human years really did a lot of things to her.
Not to mention that he was also avoiding the fact that he had wanted to comfort her not so long ago. The desire to hold her then burned into his mind and he eagerly pushed it aside immediately. Definitely denial.
And when he did try to establish a connection …
Author's Notes :
As always, please read and review. - smile -
19th October 2002