SLAYERS TRY ( AGAIN ! )

Written by : TokyoFlame

Legend : Italic sentences = thoughts

Characters belong to the respective legal owners

~***~

Filia stared at the numerous fruits piled in front of her, all nicely arranged in a dazzling array of colours. With a basket in one hand, she thoughtfully peered at some of the apples, wondering whether she should buy some back.

" Why, if it isn't Miss Filia !? "

" Hello, Mr Edmunds. "

" Would you like some fresh apples ? They're going for a cheap price today ! "

" Hmmm, I'll like 4 of them then. "

" Coming right up ! I'll pick out the best ones for you. "

The seasoned hands of the stall owner carefully chose four of the glistening red fruits and placed them into the basket which Filia handed over to him. When the gold coins were exchanged, the hearty man bowed politely as Filia smiled and started to walk away.

Filia chose to shop for her groceries every third day of the week. There were just too many people on the first day, and too many children on the last. Much as she enjoyed the company of the humans, she did not like the curious nature in them. She was cornered by their questions far too often, and she finally decided that avoidance was a more peaceful solution. Many of the residents knew her by name, but nobody had any knowledge of her background. Valgaav was kept away from the roving public's eye most of the time, and when queried about ' that boy who ran about in the shop ', Filia would calmly reply that he was her godson. With her powers, she made sure that she teleported Valgaav to safer pastures, where she could sit him down, watch the sunsets, talk about themselves, and teach Valgaav all that she possibly knew. When Valgaav reached a certain age, she initiated him into the usage of his given powers.

" Tadaima. " ( I'm back )

" Okaerinasai, Tencho ! " ( welcome back, shop mistress )

" Jilas, Glavos, I bought some apples on my way home. Help yourselves to them. "

" Yes Tencho ! "

Filia bowed in greeting to some of the lingering customers in the shop as she swept in, smiling as she placed the basket on the kitchen table. Closing the door that separated the shop's customer section and the kitchen, she slowly took out the groceries she had bought for the remaining week and started to place them in the shelves accordingly.

This shall be her life, and it would be so until the day she dies.

Isn't it ?

---

Valgaav walked aimlessly down a crowded street, his eyes darting around at the foreign objects for sale by the street hawkers. He was wearing a loosely fitted dark gray top, the edges were a little rugged from rough weather exposures. He also sported a seasoned denim pants with felt shoes that seemed to have been specially made for him. His attires were all sewed by Filia, who carefully took his measurements and lovingly created all his clothing for him. The shoes were a gift to him on one of his birthdays, which Filia never ceased to stress to him the importance of it. His rebirth. The cycle of life and death in an instant.

He sported a piece of jewellery, flanked by a young-looking girl energetically pulling people from the streets to her stall. It was a necklace, made of a mix between copper and gold, its feeling almost authentic and mystical. It attracted him instantly, and his mind told him that Filia would love it.

" Do you like this, sir ? "

" How much is it ? "

" It will be 80 gold coins. "


Valgaav instantly reached into his side pouch, a dark lavender-coloured leather pouch stitched with brownish strings to secure the opening.

" There you go. "

" Thank you for your business, sir ! "

Valgaav marvelled at his new purchase and carefully placed it into his sling bag. It may seem torn and tattered, but it was hardly in a bad condition. Although its surface was totally marred by the weather conditions, its interior was still solid and waterproof. It was made with the skin of the fresh corpse of a Griffin, which Glavos had chanced upon.

Oneesan would love this, I'm sure of that.

As Valgaav continued exploring the new city, he caught the unmistakable scent of a Mazoku. It was concentrated, powerful and very dark. He narrowed his eyes, wondering why he had not felt it when he first entered the city. He had encountered many battles during his journeys, and he knew well enough not to challenge a Mazoku. Almost on an instinct, he sealed his own power totally, by muttering a harmless elemental spell. It wasn't powerful enough to alert the Mazoku, but it was effective enough to hide his musk.

Why is there a Mazoku in this city ? Is he going to attack ?

Valgaav was suddenly confused. Should he help out if that was so ? If he did, his identity might be revealed to the world. Filia had always warned him that the Mazokus knew who he was, who Filia was. The crucial distinction was their exact location. Filia was always careful to keep their profiles low, but what Valgaav didn't know was the gradual exposure of Filia to the Mazokus by now.

I think I had better leave befo …

A loud explosion, shortly followed by the chaotic scene of frightened people running everywhere in the streets left Valgaav with no options. He was already distracted, and very alarmed when his dragon eyes conveyed to him a very unusual scene.

---

The dark swarms were edging closer and closer, and they seemed to be everywhere at once. The blue skies were slowly eaten away by their arrival, the ground being almost totally absorbed by their sheer blackness. One could not make out what the looming swarms consisted of, but to Valgaav's turquoise eyes, he could see every single figure in it. Ogres, trolls, beast men, mutated-looking wolves, men and women with characteristic demonic features, flying monsters, deformed-looking figurines, the undead, ghouls, the evils, hungry-looking magical black beasts. The list was endless. It wasn't just a Mazoku army. They seemed to have attracted the other evils of the world.

Valgaav was rooted to the spot. They were coming, although still relatively some distance away, but they WERE approaching. The explosion seemed to have originated from within the city, but he was not in the right frame of mind for detective work. In all his wandering years, he had never seen anything so devilish and compelling.

There is nothing I can do, isn't it, Oneesan ?

---

A tall blonde figure stood alone at a castle window. His handsome features would be a delight to behold, if not for his eyes which announced that he was a Mazoku. They conveyed a sense of resignation, but he was nevertheless calm.

" Why, Lionel, do I sense a sharp twinge of negative emotion in you ? "

The said figure sported a small sarcastic smile, staring hard at an empty space in the room. The atmosphere started warping and all its elements seemed to be sucked into a translucent swirling action. A cone was soon shaped, twirling faster and faster. Soon, it turned pitch black and formed a human figure.

" Xellos. "

The atmosphere returned to its original state again as Xellos stepped out of the Astral Plane, donned in a royal purplish long suit, with matching pants inside. He had the usual cloak he used to wear during his travels with Lina Inverse and Co, except that it was of a darker shade of purple, with light gray border designs outlining the entire cloak. He had a dark gray metallic-looking necklace, the symbol of Zelas Metallium's control. A brilliant deep sky-blue bangle clasp on his left wrist, symbolizing Deep Sea Dolphin's psychokinetic power. Finally, a pure white sash was tied around his waist, laden with a golden-black symbol of Dynast Grauscherra's elemental forces, which was located at the very tip of the sash.

" How long has it been, Lionel ? "

" Hmph. Xellos. It seems that you're on official business, seeing the way you are dressed today. "

" You don't look too bad yourself. Soft brown attire, complete to the shoes. I like that brooch that's holding your cloak together at your collarbone though. "

" You know I mean business, Xellos. "

" But Lionel --- "

" What's the whole business with bringing an entire Mazoku army after me ? "

" I didn't suggest that. I have better things to do than lead an army. After all, I'm not 100% General material. "

" At least you have 50% of that in your blood. Other than that, you are just a puny Priest. "

" I guess so, sadly. "

" Well, are you going to keep me in suspense ? Or are you going to see me fight out those impossible numbers of Mazokus you've kindly brought along on your visit ? "

" I prefer the latter, really. "

" How kind of you, Xellos. "

" What are friends for ? "

The figure named Lionel suddenly smiled, evil plainly written across his features. Xellos extended his arm sideways, and his staff appeared from midair to land onto his waiting palm. He was smirking, his body rigid with the morbid fascination of a fight. The powers he was bestowed with was almost addictive, like a mortal on drugs. His mind was seeing lots of colours, splashing his eyes with all sorts of images. He loved them all. He craved for more.

---

Filia yawned as she locked the main door securely. Shuffling into her nightgown, she tentatively checked around the empty store one more time before retiring for bed. Her long golden hair tumbled down from her ponytail, as she combed through the locks gently. Sitting quietly beside her dressing table, she peered at her reflection, giving a wistful sad smile. Putting down the comb after a while, she said a prayer before climbing into bed.

What a tiring day.

---

Valgaav watched in silence as the black masses finally approached the city itself. Walls crumbled like sand and everything fell upon their touch. His eyes reflected the scenes as he watched the humans fall under their weapons, claws, teeth, fangs, and magic. He had no part in this. Filia had told him that they were not compelled to be heroes. They were vulnerable themselves. To save the occasional human was possible, to save the world was not.

It's far too many. It seems as though it was a calculated attack since they are heading towards the royal castle.

Valgaav clenched the necklace he had bought for Filia tighter, wondering what she would do in his position. His heart was aching.

---

A huge part of the castle exploded as two figures phrased out into the open. Now levitating in the air, Xellos faced Lionel squarely, both looking thoroughly amused and eager.

" It seems that you've been working out a bit, Lionel-san. "

" So have you, Xellos-kun. "

" How long has it been since I last saw you ? "

" Not too long ago, probably 300 years ago. "

" Ah. "

Lionel's body started to emit black wisps of power, his eyes turning from blue to a mixture of red and orange. Xellos looked on with an emotionless expression, readying himself for any sudden attacks. He was immensely confident of his power, but Xellos never made the mistake of underestimating anybody.

Not anymore.

Lionel, the inexperienced Mazoku under Dolphin-sama's reign. How he has changed. If he can actually transfigure into a human shape, I must find out how much he has truly grown then. Soon. Then destroy him totally.

Xellos clenched his staff and placed it horizontally in front of him, forcefully chanting a language which seemed disturbingly alluring to a non-Mazoku. A piercing golden circle morphed in between him and Lionel, its insides inscribed with long-forgotten Mazoku wordings used long before Ruby-Eye Shabranigdo's time. It glowed eerily for a few seconds, before it disappeared slowly.

For a while, nothing happened. Then, as though someone had triggered off an alarm, Lionel suddenly burst out of his human form into his original Mazoku shape; the body of a lion, horns like an antelope, blue beady eyes like the ocean. Its entire body colour was mostly various shades of blue and white, a curious combination altogether.

" Xellos, you actually managed to break my transfiguration power. "

The voice was now deep, like a beast growling. Xellos merely smiled lightly, reveling in his slight victory.

" Well, did you think I was going to stand here and wait for you to attack me ? "

" I had the Protec --- "

" Oh, your so-called Protection Barrier ? Apparently, it didn't work. "

Lionel narrowed his eyes, swishing his tail angrily from side-to-side. He was truly majestic in his own rights, a creation from one of Dolphin's more powerful subordinates.

Xellos surveyed him critically, noting some odd features on his ' long-time acquaintance '.

He must have absorbed a lot of the Mazokus' energies they captured over time. Those horns looked a little out-of-place, and he wasn't supposed to look like a land animal.

As he realised that Lionel was ready to spring an attack on him, he quietly muttered another spell. This time, a much deadlier one.

---

Valgaav looked on as a young toddler was almost being beaten to death by a few of the lesser demons. He was dying to save him, but he was sure that this would in turn bring their attention on him. One of those Mazokus in the packs could recognize him, since Filia stressed that he hadn't changed much, except for the lack of a horn, some facial decorations and the trademark slitted eyes. Filia was always telling him how he should NEVER face a Mazoku outright. If he did, he must kill it. If he did not want to, then he should avoid it. Faced with almost a frighteningly massive amount of Mazokus in this city, he was definitely outnumbered.

But the kid .. !!

Valgaav sighed, a ragged one. He still disliked violence with a vengeance, knowing how much unnecessary blood was shed.

Shall I try to communicate to Oneesan ?

Valgaav had practiced doing so, when he was a young boy. Filia patiently taught him the basics, and he easily picked up the rest. Yet, he had told himself not to communicate to Filia spiritually, afraid that Filia may think that he was in trouble.

But I am in a dilemma !!

---

Xellos wielded his staff to block the water spell shot by Lionel. They phrased in and out of the Astral Plane all the time, regaining their energy while doing so. Xellos was slowly bringing pieces of his Astral Form back to his human shape, gaining more and more Mazoku energy by doing so. The Regeneration Potion was securely fastened to the sash loaned by Dynast Grauscherra, and Xellos had never felt more powerful than this moment.

" Xellos ! Are you only of this calibre ? I was hoping for a more explosive battle. "

" Oh Lionel, I'm sorry I wasn't up to your expectations. How about Level 2 now ? "

The two Mazokus clashed head-on against each other, Xellos's staff embedded between the massive jaws of Lionel's. Xellos smiled wickedly, his amethyst eyes almost turning charcoal black from all the spells within him. As they sprung away from each other, Lionel mustered another powerful chant, causing a blue translucent cocoon to form around him.

A water-based attack, concentrating on all his power and the moisture in the altitude. Ugly one.

Xellos closed his eyes and raised his left hand, brandishing the blue bangle belonging to Deep Sea Dolphin. It glowed rather dimly, but the effect was almost instant. Xellos's body was immediately covered in a bluish light, and he uttered a chant, calling upon Dolphin's direct power. When Lionel released his sphere of cackling energy at him, Xellos raised his hand forwards at the onslaught.

---

Oneesama ?

Filia opened her eyes, or rather, they shot open. She sat up in bed, heart in her throat, her mind in a disarray.

An … an illusion ?

Oneesama ? Can you hear me ?

It .. it can't be you ..

It's me, Oneesama. I'm Valgaav.

Filia gasped in surprise, hot tears immediately formed in her eyes against her will. Extreme feelings rushed through her, both bittersweet, relieving and sorrowful.

Val .. Valgaav ? Val, is it really you ?

Yes, Oneesama.

The emotions in Valgaav's voice were a little obvious, as his tone was starting to shake a little. Filia smiled almost knowingly, almost sadly.

Val dear, how have you been ? Why are you suddenly communicating with me ?

Oneesama, I am in a dilemma right now.

What is it ?

I am currently in the Kingdom of Haleu, 15 miles away from the Island of Ruined Moons. I know about your teachings on the Mazokus, but right now, I am stuck between your advice and my principles.

What is it, Valgaav ?

Filia sensed the urgency and desperation in Valgaav's tone, and she was suddenly very worried. Mazokus were bad news, right ?

They have attacked the people here. Not all, but those in the path they had taken towards the Royal Castle. They are attacking in armies, huge ones. There could easily be tens of thousands in each black mass I see over here. It's horrible. They're striking down everything they see. Humans, buildings, animals. They are determined to hunt for something, but I cannot just sit here and watch.

Valgaav …

Filia contemplated quickly, wondering what had caused such a great uproar in the Mazoku world.

Xellos did not tell me anything …

Xellos ? Oneesama, you have been in touch with him ??

Huh ? Oh, yes, it's a long story. But ---

Oneesama, you've been telling me not to socialise with them !

Yes Valgaav, but Xellos is .. well ..

Well ?

I .. I honestly don't know. Wait .. wait a minute ! Valgaav, tell me whether you see a leader !

A leader ??

Valgaav peered quickly through the chaos, his eyes scanning almost at a supersonic speed and accuracy at the possible figures. It didn't seem as though …

Wait .. I think I see something ..

What is it, Valgaav ?

A battle is going on in the air. Two figurines. One is a beast, the other is a human .. no .. wait .. he's a Mazoku as well.

Does he sport long purplish hair to his shoulders ?

Yes.

Oh no …

Is he Xellos ?

Yes, Valgaav.

You told me that he tried to hunt me down in my past life, right ?

Yes Valgaav. He is THE Mazoku which you MUST avoid at ALL costs !!

I get your point Oneesama. Still, I need to do something about the chaos. Furthermore, you didn't tell me what you were doing hanging out with him during my absence.

Valgaav ! I wasn't hanging out with him ! And are you even coming back at all anyway !?

Well, I don't know yet, Oneesama.

So what ' absence ' were you referring to !?

Oneesama … this is not the time to discuss about ---

I will teleport myself over to where you are. Release a bit of your energy, but as discreetly as possible. I don't want Xellos to find you before I do.

Understood.

Author's Notes :

Personally, I wouldn't have expected a new chapter so soon. Ah well, here it is ! - smiles -

Hope you guys like it. Reviews reviews reviews !

12th December 2002