SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )
Written by : TokyoFlame
.::.
Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts
Characters belong to the respective legal owners
~***~
Shinzoku-sama …
Filia's transformation took less than a few seconds, her fully emerged form cradled carefully in the shining golden ball of energy. To the human naked eye, nothing could be seen through that protective layer of magic. Words of a language long forgotten were inscribed around the ball, fading slowly as Filia regained consciousness in her original body.
Can I not wake up ?
Filia blinked hesitantly, her sight was gradually restored again. In that split second of her transformation, her mind was linked directly to the Gods above, remembering nothing about the present, just merely indulging in the pure senses of her origin.
The golden ball of energy shimmered brightly one last time, before it dimmed into the darkness. Filia was now alone, and exposed.
In her dragon form.
Xellos focused deeply, his eyes closed in concentration, the black wisps of intense magic started emerging from his body slowly, sizzling as they flowed gently upwards. For a moment, Xellos was almost reaching into the sub-conscious mind of the Ryuuzoku.
But something was different.
His dark glowing amethyst eyes snapped open in surprise realisation, all was forgotten.
Could it be .. ?
Xellos looked into space for a while, stunned momentarily. He was actually facing something he was unfamiliar with, a grey mass of a particular thing which he couldn't understand. The result did not tally with what he had in mind.
It was something more, and I want to find out what it was.
Xellos smiled ever so lightly in anticipation, before he disappeared.
The dragon form Filia now sported was nothing of the past. It was the full majestic size of a female Ryuuzoku, with glittering scales and even had two short horns. The batch of her golden hair on her head had disappeared and she no longer wore a pink ribbon on her tail as a decoration. Her slitted golden eyes were alert and dangerous, and she looked like she was sporting a crocodile-like smile all the time, with her crooked uneven fangs poking out from her mouth.
Where do I go and hide until dawn ?
Filia unfolded her bat-like wings, which were as wide as the entire forest in front of her. Even if she flapped lightly, it was still enough to cause substantial destruction to the small town she was living in. Yet, she couldn't remain where she was. It was too easy to be spotted. A lone Ryuuzoku was still a prey to many others, although they were technically the most powerful dragons.
I'm so silly, I should have prepared for this long ti --- wait !
Filia's senses were fully released in her original form, and she brought her snout up to confirm her suspicion.
Mazoku … Xellos ?!
Her slitted eyes narrowed, as she knew she could not escape Xellos's pursuit.
Xellos reappeared on the cliff overlooking the forest and the ocean near the shores of Gilitran, knowing that his target was exactly in its bearings. Sporting a dark rich purple attire, with golden seams, his eyes opened wider as he took in the view of a Ryuuzoku again. In its full glory.
Filia ?
It couldn't have been anyone else, since Filia was the last known Ryuuzoku in his mind. He had seen Filia's dragon form countless times in the past, but it was obvious that she had evolved into a much more powerful beast, a true Ryuuzoku, a Golden Dragon.
The Ryuuzoku turned its head to look at Xellos directly, its eyes betraying no emotions as golden orbs met misty amethyst ones. Xellos felt strangely thrilled, the buried memory of his first huge massacre came rushing back to him, making him sigh a shaky breath of pleasure.
Xellos, why did you come in pursuit ?
Her voice boomed the Jyuushinkan's mental consciousness, one of which was mighty enough to rival Milgesia's. It was a woman's tone, but more richer and resonating.
Filia, you are awakening to your roots tonight.
I do not have a choice. I am not a human by birth.
I was surprised by your sudden state of mentality, which was why I came.
Why did you try to connect with me then ?
Do I need a reason ?
The Ryuuzoku turned away, its wings fluttered a little, as though she was preparing to take flight.
I need to get out of the humans' roving eyes. Stay away.
You can't, without creating a great disturbance.
I will find a way.
Let me help you.
What ?!
The physical distance between them was gaping, but their teleported voices were clear in their respective minds. Filia was immediately suspicious, for she was clearly more powerful than in human form, and she wondered what Xellos's true intention was.
No, I will not accept a Mazoku's help.
Filia, you are the last Ryuuzoku. It won't damage your reputation.
Precisely. I am the LAST Ryuuzoku. It's a shame to accept help from the same Mazoku who destroyed us.
Let this be my chance of making repents then.
You're not even sincere.
You're not giving me a chance at all. Okay, I'm just amazed at your transformation, and I want to make use of this opportunity to observe you a little longer.
Is that it ?
What else would you expect from me ?
How about extinguishing the entire race right now ?
The Ryuuzoku turned to face fully at Xellos, a challenge thrown out by Filia to him. Xellos looked pensive, never expecting such a twist in their conversation. He never had the intention to wipe out the Ryuuzokus, for he was just a soldier acting under orders back in the Kouma Sensou. Apparently, Filia, now in her dragon form, was also doused with a certain vengeance and a renewed spirit. To be honest, Xellos wanted to see Filia in her dragon form just for entertainment, and for his own little purposes. He never expected a fight.
Are you serious, Filia ?
Yes, Jyuushinkan Xellos. With my last breath, I will die trying to avenge my race.
For what reason, Filia ? Have you not given up your identity ?
Yes, but tonight, the Gods have bathed my eyes with logic and reason again. I will always be a Ryuuzoku, you will always be a Mazoku, and both shall never walk on the same path forever.
What about those humans in Gilitran ? Unleashing our powers here would do considerable damage to them.
Filia realised that Xellos had not started to prepare for an impending fight, like the way he would whenever he was talking to a likely rival. He would either grasp his weaponry staff tighter, sport a sly smile, his eyes would dance with a certain fire in them, or his body would be rigid with anticipation.
None. He is not doing anything. He has no intention to fight me ?
Filia knew that it was 3 hours before the crack of dawn. Her newly regained body was doing a lot of queer changes to her mindset, especially the awakened sense of patriotic rage towards the Mazokus.
She was torn.
I … I do not wish to fight you … Xellos … but … but my head is splitting …
Xellos's sharp eyes caught the strain as Filia slowly shook her massive head from side-to-side, as though she was trying to shake off a persistent bug. The dangerous-looking fangs sticking out from her jaws were a little discouraging, but Xellos felt determined to teleport to her immediate side. He was tired of the mental exchange of words.
Decas stopped dead in her tracks, the tea she was preparing to serve to Dynast Grauscherra was temporarily forgotten.
Wh .. what was THAT aura ?
The suffocating power from that strange origin momentarily seized her, making her incapable of walking. As the invisible grasp on her slowly loosened, she let out a long sigh of breath before taking in a similarly deep one. Decas was capable of sensing strong auras of any kind, magical or not. Grauscherra had, however, warned her many times never to use her power, for it would attract unnecessary attention.
That was new, something which I have never encountered before.
Decas started to wonder whether she should report this to Grauscherra, but her mind was battling between her curiosity to unravel the truth herself and her loyalty to the Mazoku Lord.
I wish Papa was here, he would immediately encounter this feeling too. Papa, how I wish I never inherited your powers.
Decas cleared her mind fully, before she walked into the chamber of Dynast Grauscherra.
" Filia … "
The golden Ryuuzoku did not seem surprised to see Xellos now standing right before her feet. One step and he could be flattened.
It's useless, since this is not Xellos's true body.
" Xellos, what do you want ? "
" I just want to look at you from a closer range. "
" Then make it quick. And leave. "
" I thought you wanted to --- "
" I changed my mind. "
" Women, they're forever so capricious. Ryuuzoku or not. "
" Xellos, you're testing the waters a little too far. Do not believe for a single while that I harbour no feelings of hatred towards you. "
She is definitely different now. Very Ryuuzoku-like. Reminds me a little too much of Milgesia-san.
" When will you change back into a human, Filia ? "
" 3 hours or so. "
" Can I wait with you ? "
" No, I'm leaving. "
" Where to ? "
" Somewhere, for I do not want to be seen by the humans. "
" You can't go anywhere without disturbing them. "
" I know that ! "
The dragon turned its irritated eyes on Xellos, making him feel slightly nostalgic at seeing Filia like this.
" But I must take my chances. It's much better than staying. "
" Let me teleport you then. "
" WHAT ? "
" Dragons don't teleport in their original forms right ? They fly, but you can't exactly do that either. So let me help --- "
" Xellos, spit out whatever intention you have in your wicked mind. I'm waiting. "
" I already said --- "
" Xellos. "
" Believe it or --- "
" I can always burn you up to a crisp. "
There was a moment of silence that fell on the two beings, both of them could not find the most appropriate way to respond to the sudden lapse.
Xellos suddenly laughed out loud. A short laughter, but it reflected a surprised rhythm of amusement. His eyes closed as his body heaved with suppressed laughter. When he reopened his eyes again, they were dancing with a different glow. An enjoyment he was feeling through his veins.
Filia blinked twice in response. She had NEVER seen Xellos like this before, and she immediately liked it. Xellos was always laughing evilly, or cackling with a sadistic tone.
No, he had never laughed so openly like this.
Filia had never meant her threat to sound hilarious, and she should be offended.
I can't, if it triggers off something so rare in Xellos. How could I possibly .. ??
Xellos stopped in a short while, and he continued smiling at Filia in a curious way.
" So, my dear Filia, shall I risk being fried while teleporting you away to safer pastures ? "
Decas froze when the familiar feeling coursed through her again. It was closer, it had entered the Astral Plane. She thought her expression betrayed her as she served the tea to Grauscherra, but he was not paying much attention to her.
Thank goodness.
Decas bowed low before she made her exit. Once outside, she sat down and started to think.
If that strange aura had entered the Astral Plane, then one of the Mazokus must have brought it along with it, or else it is impossible for such an aura to enter the Astral Plane on its own. Furthermore, this aura is not Mazoku. It's so … rare …
Xellos reappeared in an empty barren land many cities away from Gilitran. It was on the flat opening of a hill, and Filia found herself whizzing out of the seemingly eternal blackness into the human sphere again.
Th .. thank ---
Don't bother, Ryuuzoku.
Xellos, you ---
Talk to me normally. Or are you so afraid to speak to me ?
" I'm not. "
" Well, that's much better now. "
" Aren't you going to be in trouble ? The Astral Plane is wide and shapeless. Anyone can pick up the hints of my aura with yours. "
" That's for them to unravel the riddle. If they get it correctly, I'll reward them accordingly. "
" Kill them off ? "
" You're learning fast, Filia. "
" Xellos, you better leave. I don't know how long I can last out without an attempt to kill you. "
" I didn't know you love me so much. We, the Mazokus show our love and appreciation in --- "
" I know all that already, Xellos. Don't twist my words around all the time, it's irritating. "
" You sound just like the old Filia I know, Filia-san. "
Filia hated Xellos at that instant. He was always using the right words to pierce her fragile heart. She thought being in her dragon skin would ensure some protection from that wily Mazoku, but he seemed to be able to see through her easily. True, she was much more agitated and boisterous in dragon form, and it did make her feel like her old self again.
" Please remain silent, if you want to continue hanging around me. "
" Why Filia ? Afraid that I would tear down your defenses one by one ? "
" Xellos, you over-estimate yourself far too many times. "
" I know, that is just me. "
" I don't know you well, Xellos. So just leave me here. Go. "
" All right, so you don't want me around. "
" Yes, Xellos. "
" If I leave, will you be happy ? "
" I was happy until I met you again in Yelissa. "
" What did I do to you ? "
" Leave, Xellos. Please … "
" Filia, I want to hear it from you. What did I do to you exactly ? "
The golden dragon reared its head at Xellos dangerously, as though Xellos had just said something which irked it greatly. Xellos remained standing motionlessly, confident that it would do nothing to him.
Indeed, it didn't.
Filia stared morosely at Xellos, that purple-haired Mazoku who had morphed into someone so authoritative, so responsible and serious. Strange feelings zipped past her head in quick succession, as she was more clear-minded when she was in her dragon form. More solid feelings. She gave a sad sigh.
" Xellos, you bring back too many shadows of the past with you. "
" The past ? "
" I've been trying to bury myself with the past. There were so many mistakes in my past, in my roots, in my actions. After Valgaav, I swore to have nothing to do with anything ever again. When you appeared, you brought back all those in an instant. I hate you. "
" … do you ? "
Xellos challenged Filia, albeit in a more gentler, prodding tone. His cloak flapped lightly in the night wind, a sign of dawn which was about to break soon. He could smell it in the air. He was sure Filia could feel it too.
" How could I not hate you ? You've brought me nothing but misery and headaches. "
" Then I apologise before you, right now. "
" You're not sincere. "
" As I recall, you said that twice already. "
" Xellos, what are you planning ? You've seen me like this, transported me here, and now you're even talking scarily to me. Don't you dare try --- "
" I won't, Filia. You have my word. "
Was that a hint of honour in his tone ?
" I have to remain here until you've changed back into human form, Filia. You would be too weak to teleport yourself back. "
" I would like to stay here and recharge slowly. "
" What about your teashop ? "
" That can wait. "
" Filia, don't be stubborn. "
" I just don't want to be seen with you, Xellos. It brings a lot of unnecessary trouble to me, and you jolly know why. "
A hint of sunshine broke through the hazy clouds in the altitude they were in.
" Xellos, please leave now and --- "
" I want to stay. "
Before Filia could say anything, she felt the familiar ball of energy enclose around her body.
No, not in front of a Mazoku …
The transformation captivated Xellos, who was witnessing such a procedure for the first time despite his long lifespan. Ryuuzokus would NEVER be seen like this by any other beings, not even other Ryuuzokus. He just had to witness Filia change.
It made him feel like he was part of her life.
Why am I getting this odd notion ?
The sphere of energy radiated brightly once more, before it slowly faded away. As Xellos cautiously walked up to the shining figure in the cocoon, the light dimmed to reveal a human Filia again, her eyes closed in serenity.
Most … lo .. lovely ..
The thought was slightly bitter in his mind, a word he had never used before. Carelessly, he let his hands slide into the fading ball of energy to hold Filia. Luckily for him, the power did not repel his dark origin.
On a closer inspection, they had fused.
" Filia ? "
" H .. huh … "
" I'll send you back now. "
Filia's eyes fluttered open unsteadily, the image of Xellos's sharp features was blurry to her awakening human mind.
" X .. Xellos ? "
" Yes. "
" You .. you saw ? "
" Yes. "
Filia's tone was weak and unstable, making Xellos a little pensive about transporting through the Astral Plane with her. He jumped a little when Filia's hand clutched his robes.
" Xellos, stay … stay … with … "
Before he knew it, Filia was completely asleep in his arms.
24th October 2002