SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )

Written by : TokyoFlame

Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts

Characters belong to the respective legal owners

~***~

Filia opened the door to her shop house, waiting for the onslaught of questions that would come her way. When the silence greeted her instead, she looked around the empty interior, wondering where Glavos and Jilas went.

I'm sure they had an extra key to the shop house.

As Filia dropped the key into the small pouch on her waistband, she decided that today was not a day for business. She was still feeling a little light-headed from her transformation. As she locked the door and placed the Closed For Today sign, she realised that there was a small slip of paper underneath the door.

Filia-tencho,

Glavos and I decided that you may be out for emergency reasons.

Whatever it is, please take care of yourself. We are not in any position to mind your matters or the friends you are in company with, but your safety is of our paramount concern.

Please let us know when you're back. If you wish to resume business when you're back, we will do so.

Jilas

Filia smiled almost tenderly as she re-folded the paper and held it to her chest, thankful for the concern and kindness of her fellow helpers. She made up her mind to bake a cheesecake for them to make up for her sudden disappearance.

Whatever will happen must happen. What matters is my attitude towards life now.

---

Zelas lazily flicked a strand of her hair behind her shoulder, waiting for Dolphin to finish her sentence. It seemed that the meeting was to organise a huge assault on a particular Kingdom, the Kingdom of Haleu, as the King was famous for his collections of Mazoku power. A particular Mazoku from Dolphin's had defaulted over to his side, helping him defeat other Mazokus and trapping their enormous powers into crystalline bottles. Dolphin, Grauscherra and Zelas confirmed that they suffered some casualties from each side, and hence Dolphin was adamant that the ambitious filthy human King must be stopped at all costs.

" I don't mind an assault by all three of us, but surely this could be done by any one of our more powerful underlings ? "

Grauscherra was quietly seated a few distance away from Dolphin, his handsome stature a sight to behold as he thought over Dolphin's proposition carefully.

" Yes, I agree with Grauscherra. Don't we usually just ask some Mazoku to finish the menace off ? Furthermore, you know exactly how the lesser Mazokus desire some huge action. If we get together for something so insignificant --- "

Dolphin stood up abruptly, cutting Zelas's sentence.

" What if … "

Dolphin slowly turned around to look at Zelas, her cherubic face suddenly solemn.

" What if part of Ruby Eye Shabranigdo-sama's remaining power is locked within … ? "

---

A powerful presence disrupted the atmosphere between the three Dark Lords, a black ominous cone-shaped figure came into being, siphoning power from the Astral Plane. Gradually, the dark lines merged and Jyuushinkan Xellos stood alone as the winds slowly died away around him. He was wearing a dark blue attire, complete with a matching cloak, golden seams decorating the borders of his clothing.

" My greetings to Greater-Beast Zelas Metallium-sama. "

Xellos bowed in front of Zelas first, and Zelas made a more formal gesture of acknowledgment. They were only formal when in the presence of the other Mazoku Lords.

" My greetings to Deep Sea Dolphin-sama, Dynast Grauscherra-sama. "

Dolphin giggled like a little girl, as she made a rather flirty gesture, while Grauscherra merely smiled in a dignified manner. Satisfied that all three Mazoku Lords were happy with his formalities, he turned to Zelas.

" Zelas-sama, I have come as you wished. "

" I want you to hear Dolphin out on her plan. "

Xellos turned to Dolphin, who was still perched on her high seat. He had to admit that the youngest Mazoku Lord was by far the most child-like one. However, he already knew how crafty she was behind her façade.

" Hai, I am all ears, Dolphin-sama. "

" Aye Xellos ! Long time no see ! "

" Yes, Dolphin-sama. "

" Oh boy, you're looking more fine day by day. What is it about you ? This mysterious and sexy aura ? "

" Dolphin ! "

Zelas's irritated tone cut through Dolphin's girlish questions, making Dolphin pout in mock anger, while Grauscherra remained rather stone-faced, despite wearing a polite smile.

" Well, since your Master is showing signs of jealousy … "

Xellos looked rather strained as he stood attentively, with his weaponry staff beside him. He had not much audiences with the elusive Dolphin, but he never expected her to show so much disregard to her more older siblings.

" This is what I have to say. "

Xellos stiffened at the sudden tone of Dolphin's voice.

Am I hallucinating ?

The childish nature was gone, replaced by an authoritative and commanding one. Dolphin sat back down on her seat, legs crossed, hands placed on each side of the arm rests. Her crystal blue eyes shone with power, causing Xellos to feel a little apprehensive.

What an overwhelming aura.

" The Kingdom of Haleu has been capturing many of the Mazokus and extracting their energies into crystalline bottles. I have reliable sources that our Master, Ruby Eye Shabranigdo-sama's partial power is locked within those depths and in their unworthy possession. One of the Mazokus has been their accomplice. We seek to destroy and retrieve all that are rightfully ours, and to exterminate everything that obstructs our path. A handful of the most high-leveled Mazokus from each of our command will be selected. We expect no resistance to the notion of cooperation. The assault will be launched immediately once all the parties are in place. "

" Hai, Dolphin-sama. "

" As you are naturally the most powerful Mazoku lower in the hierarchy, you will be expected to lead the army. We expect success at any cost, casualties and prisoners will be under your discretion, and we want the portion of Ruby Eye Shabranidgo-sama's power back. The rest of the other Mazokus will only be your second priority. Understood ? "

" Hai, Dolphin-sama. "

" Very good. "

Dolphin proceeded to stand up, this time in a very regal manner. One slender hand was grasping an opaque blue bottle.

" Xellos, I will be bestowing you the power to regenerate faster than your normal pace. This is the Regeneration Potion given to me from one of the mercenaries. I believe you will be needing this. "

Xellos quickly shot a questioning look at Zelas, who nodded her head once affirmatively. Upon which, Xellos knelt down and received the bottle with two hands. It felt surprisingly warm to the touch.

" Thank you, Dolphin-sama. "

Dolphin stood back, her expression still solemn. Even Grauscherra seemed rather taken in by the split personality. Zelas, however, was looking rather bored. It was probably because Zelas had more contact with Dolphin in the past.

" Hence, I adjourn this meeting until we have a number representing each Lord. "

Zelas and Grauscherra both stood up, making Xellos feel slightly intimidated by the presence of all three Mazoku Lords in a room together. It was of no joke, that all three of them were made up of no small feat. Even Dolphin exuded so much compelling aura.

" Xellos, it's time we return. "

" Hai, Zelas-sama. "

" Aww Zelas, you're SO possessive of Xellos. I hardly had time to even speak to him. "

Zelas turned around, her long hair waving lightly behind her as she eyed the apparently-reverted-back Dolphin with a rather stern look.

" You seem frightfully interested in my subordinate. "

Xellos felt rooted to the spot. He had NEVER heard of such a conversation between two Mazoku Lords.

With HIM as the topic.

" Well, you're always making him as a hush-hush subject. All I ever saw of him was his cloak. The last time I ever saw his face was during the Kouma Sensou. You know how LONG it was when it occurred ! Look at him, he's all grown up and matured already. "

Xellos managed a rather compelling smile. Zelas, however, was not very amused. Grauscherra was still lurking in the background, curiously anticipating a cat fight.

" Well, Xellos's business is mine to be occupied with. You don't have anything to do with him. Furthermore, didn't you see him the last time you sent him over to talk about Grauscherra's orb of power ? "

" THAT ? Oh come on, I didn't get to talk to him directly. His face was attracted to the ground and he didn't even look up at me. "

" Well, that's how a Mazoku is supposed to behave in front of a Lord. "

" Oh Zelas, you probably instigated him to do that. You're afraid he'll default because I'm prettier than you ! "

Dolphin dissolved into giggles as Zelas raised an eyebrow questioningly. She crossed her hands across her chest in a rather womanly manner, and stood rather seductively. Xellos caught the posture, and gulped. It was her You-Think-I'm-Far-Less-Womanly-Or-Beautiful-Than-You stance.

" Zelas-sama --- "

" Wait Xellos. "

Grauscherra was already behind Xellos, stopping him before he called out to interrupt the impending quarrel. It seemed that Grauscherra was enjoying the little scene.

" What harm would it do to see two Mazoku Lords squabbling ? After all, we don't have anything to do. "

Xellos smiled rather forcefully, wondering why he wasn't so anticipating his Master's furious expression.

---

KNOCK ! KNOCK !

Filia checked the temperature of the oven one more time before she went to answer the door. The aroma of the cheesecake was already filling up the entire kitchen.

" Coming ! "

Filia tied up her hair more tightly as she tidied herself for a while before opening the door. A young boy with brown-coloured hair was holding a small whitish envelope in his hand. Filia recognised him as the son of the local mayor of Gilitran.

" Roy ! What brings you here ? "

" Miss Ul Copt, the town of Gilitran is holding the annual festive party to celebrate the coming of the new calendar year. We are expecting lots of food, dancing and drinks. The whole town is invited, and I am here to hand you your official invitation card. "

He handed the envelope to Filia, who accepted it with thanks.

" I really hope you'll come, Miss Ul Copt. You are always so busy tending your shop, so I hope you'll take the opportunity to mingle with the residents and enjoy yourself. "

" Why, thank you, Roy. I will definitely consider it. "

" Have a nice day ! "

The young boy smiled, bowed, and then proceeded to the next door. Filia slowly opened the envelope flap and carefully pulled out the simple elegant card within.

An invitation huh … maybe I should go … lots of things have been on my mind lately.

As Filia swiftly read through the contents, she stopped and stared at the last few lines.

And exclaimed out loud.

" What ? I need to bring a partner ? "

---

Xellos heaved a huge sigh of relief as he sat on his chair. He had returned to Wolf Pack Island with an angry Zelas, no less, who was still furious with Dolphin's apparent lack of manners and arrogance. They were almost brimming close to a power fight when Grauscherra decided that it had gone too far. Xellos wondered what could have happened if their Mazoku powers were unleashed. He would definitely be scraped clean from the surface of the earth. What was he as compared to the full impact of a Mazoku Lord's ball of energy ?

Nope, I definitely don't like to see Zelas-sama angry. I didn't know she was so easily fired up anyway. Or maybe it's just Dolphin-sama.

Xellos sighed again, this time with a certain tone of resignation. After knowing that he had to lead a whole contingent of miscellaneous Mazokus, he was going to be in a tight spot. It was well-known that Mazokus from the different continents were usually hostile to the others. Furthermore, a Mazoku Lord usually headed an army. For him, an underling of Zelas Metallium, coming from Wolf Pack Island, he was going to have trouble with Dolphin and Grauscherra's respective packs.

Ah well, I'll worry about it when it comes.

Xellos flipped open the documents piled onto his table, reading through the draft treaties the humans had offered to him a few weeks ago. He was not particularly interested in the contents, but he needed something to kill time. He had a huge responsibility placed on his shoulders. No one was going to distract him from his job.

No one.

It definitely wasn't going to be her either.

---

A lone traveller stopped within the majestic huge gates of a city. Upon closer inspection, the signs read " Haleu ". Two guards approached him as he walked a little nearer to the gates.

" Why have you come to this Kingdom ? "

" I am here purely to sight-see. "

" Let us inspect your belongings. "

The traveller handed over his black bag, with which the guards rummaged through briefly.

" All right, you're allowed to enter. "

" Thanks. "

The gates were opened slightly, and the tall figure slipped in casually. He took in a deep breath as he looked around the bustling city, filled with its prosperous citizens.

" Ooohh, a very rich city, it seems. "

He decided to approach a friendly-looking man for some advice.

" Excuse me, do you know where I can stay for a few nights ? "

" Are you a traveller ? "

" Yes. "

" Oh .. well, you can book in at an inn across the street. See the red-coloured cottage next to the pharmacy ? You can bunk in there for quite a cheap price. "

" Thanks ! "

The figure walked quickly towards the cottage, stepped through the doors and approached the landlady behind the counter.

" Hi, welcome ! "

" Heya, I'd like to have a room for a couple of days. "

" Making a stopover ? "

" Well, you can say that. "

" Sure, we have some rooms left. Payment will be expected in the mornings, is that all right ? "

" Yeah. "

" What is your name please ? "

" My name ? Valgaav. "

Author's Notes :

Oh wow, look at lazy me. It's almost a month since I wrote the last chapter ! I'm so sorry. Schoolwork has been piling like Mount Everest and I've finally managed to clear everything this afternoon. Hmph. I'm afraid it might have affected my line of thinking as well. Gomen nasai ne ~

I'm aware of the usage of Mazoku as compared to Mazoku(s). However, I will be using the latter term due to a twisted part of my brain that refuses to use the former term. I really apologise ! The problem lies with me. Please don't shoot me. - sob - Thanks for pointing it out anyway, Serendipity.

Thanks for all your reviews !

More reviews nonetheless ! - grin -

4th December 2002