--MODERN DAY II--

Disclamer:

Slayers, the characters of Slayers, the Slayers universe and any other cameo characters from other series
belong to their respective copyright holders, and I don't own any rights at all to any of them.
All that I own is the concept of this fanfic, and the character of Iyzeka, and (technically) the reborn Valgaav's personality.
Beyond that, please respect this as intellectual property.

ATTENTION: This is the beginning of a reposting of Modern Day II. Originally it was a separate story, a sequel separate from this story. I got a fraction of the reviews and not much else, and after that attempt, I am going with my original instinct, which was to continue Modern Day within one story. This is that attempt.

Replies to Reviews for the last chapter of Modern Day I:

Vincelia Valentine: Yea, review! Xellos does seem to be passing out a lot lately, doesn't he? Well, only twice (unless you count inside the land of the dead) but he's been under a lot of stress. It should stop after this last time. He has to regain and regroup. Hope the LJ is getting better, maybe you should advertise?

CoffeeWench: Awesome! It's great to see you, and thanks for the kudos. It does tend to be overwhelming at times, but I'm determined to complete this, since I've had the entire plot for a long time. I won't leave Xellos and Filia in the lurch. :-)

StarScreamMega, Mwafwa: Here it is! Hope you're both still around! Thanks:-)

Hopelessly Addicted: Well I really appreciate your review then. Wow, one out of two reviews you've ever written. I feel very special! Oh, poor Iyzeka. Sorry she appears to be an idiot. She's unique in the universe, as she's totally chaotic but also very innocent. That tends to make one seem a bit unstable. As for using her own blood . . . why use your own when other people's blood is so much more fun? And less painful? There are few other dragons (as the characters mentioned in some prior chapters) but we will see possibilities arise in the future. I really loved your review, please review more should you have any other questions or comments!

Lady Kaliska (Amber): Awesome! Thanks, I hope it was a good place to leave off. I am trying desperately to keep it fresh and interesting. Maybe I can get my groove back. LOL! I also have seen that my writing has improved. You know what they say, practice makes perfect. I hope it leads other hopeful writers to get crackin' and write! I sure hope that Modern Day II continues to please, teach, and inspire. Thank you again!

Nephilum: Your review is totally appreciated. I am looking forward to more reviews! Also, I'd love to have your opinion on things. Let me know what you think:-)

Kaeru Shisho: Wow, thanks! I am glad I managed to make Xellos' trials and tumultuous "reintegration" into reality vivid enough that the reader felt they were right there with him. I have always driven myself towards an "inclusive" form of writing, where the reader feels drawn into what is happening to the point of being unaware of "real life", because they are so absorbed with the reality of the story. You've always given me an ego boost and a sense of accomplishment with your reviews that keep me up to tabs on how I'm doing!

(Kaeru Shisho cont) I think the passion behind their fighting keeps the passion of Xellos and Filia's "relationship" fresh. In a way, it is like their "foreplay" and their "play game" that keeps their feelings alive. I'm sure that if someone pointed that out to them, however, they would both feel quite shocked and mortified! Xellos' passions are normally not so violent at this present time, but the sudden reintegration of past buried memories caused him to have something of a "flashback" version of – well I guess you could call it – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, lol.

(Kaeru Shisho cont) Oh, I definitely don't want anyone left in the lurch, especially the characters! I've always felt that characters become "alive" when they are created, they become a part of a group consciousness that exists within us all, and everyone who associates and feels for the characters contributes to their power. The characters must be respected and loved, and in a way this is my tribute to them. I guess that sounds either crazy, or overly emotional, but I tend to be rather mushy. So, for the characters, for the readers, and for myself, I am determined to continue! FORWARD! (grins) Thank you once again. You're one in a million.

SekhmetDaCat: Oh, definitely! And the really sad part is, some people (not many, but a few) felt that Xellos was too mushy and not "evil" enough in the past. Oh how little did they know just what evil was dwelling within him . . . evil that dwells within us all! Isn't that the most insidious type, though? A horrible force of darkness that exists in some limbo and is easily killed by the "hero" isn't nearly as disturbing as the face of cruelty and pain that is deep within our own psyches. I hope to show Xellos escaping his own "demons" and perhaps becoming a better person because of it.

Tanwen Whitefire: You're familiar, don't I know you from somewhere? You naughty lurker! Thanks so much for the review! Nah, Xellos and Filia aren't ready yet to get together. As you'll see, there's too much unresolved for the both of them. But that's the fun part!

XyoushaX: Filia getting an M fetish? I think she already HAS one! Tee hee! With Xellos, how could one not? He's just that hawt. (giggles) Okay, must control the fangirl within me. Thanks, please "come again' and review!

Gabyhyatt: Good review :-p

Crazy Elf Paladin: If your punishment (and my reward) is you reviewing EVERY CHAPTER, you'd better get to it! You're only on chapter 2! Aw, you noticed the cake line of chapter 2. I did think that was cute. Poor Filia hasn't gotten to cook or bake lately. I had fun writing them arguing yet talking at the same time. Glad you liked it:-) (smooches)

Emmyjenny: Hey there, genius! Of course, the 30 years will be 30 days for our crew. (I need to skip and go faster through those days, too, or the 30 days will take 30 years IN REAL LIFE. Can you believe that only 3 days passed in the last 24 chapters or so of Modern Day I? Sometimes I hate myself. I need to make a rule: one day a chapter, or something. –looks back- Um . . . do you know only 12 days passed from chapters 1-54? (dies)) You are right! And now that Xellos is there, the stopping of Val's heart (technically, he died), the weird amulets appearing, and lots of other oddities can be dealt with! . Angels . . .meeting . . .up? DAMMIT EMMYJENNY! STOP READING MY MIND! (mutters "darn geniuses, can't hide anything from them") Well, I wuv you and hope you return to review more! You're always appreciated:-)

Icecrystal48: Yea, Xellos has returned! And so have you! Thanks for the review. It was very sad when Xel ran off, but not all will be sunshine and flowers for our heroes. But of course, not everything will be sad, either! I hope you liked this tiny taste of what is to come! I'll appreciate whatever reviews you can give me! Good luck with your busy life, I know how it is!


Prologue

Wolfpack Island
June 12th, 2002

Filia Ul Copt, Golden Dragon and ex-priestess of the Fire Dragon King, hovered high beyond the firmament, her eyes closed against the icy winds of the stratosphere and the brilliant sun. Vapors of billowing cloud brought moisture to bead upon her skin from where she hung in space, and without lifting her gaze, she knew the sky held a hue of frosted gentian.

Silence lingered but for the avian calls that sang far below her, while the chilling touch of the currents lashed along her back, just as the hot star above scorched her skin. She, alone, floated within this space.

Alone.

Her lashes flickered, letting in one breath - then another - of light. Of life. Spreading her arms wide, she felt the gale whip and spin around her, the force seeking a path through which she remained the sole resistance. The never ceasing barrage tossed and coiled her saffron hair in waves around her, battered through the velvet folds of her gown, and threatened to blind her should she dare to gaze upon the island far below, and the sun shimmering above.

She was tired; bone tired, with a weariness that filled her down to the marrow. She didn't wish to fly, this time – wings spread, cutting sky until the sun sank into the ocean. . . No. Nor did she wish to return to whence she came; there were too many questions unanswered; too many unknowns that she could not hope to satisfy.

With a final open-eyed glance above her, Filia realized a subtle shimmering, and blinked, yet the haze across her eyes did not clear, and in that moment she recalled the reason a sparkling hint of blue flickered in the air, and the justification for such defense, and the monumental task that she had far too easily forgotten in a few moments of indulgent self-pity and despair.

Hanging her head, Filia pulled her gaze from the energy field that glistened in the air, and shut her eyes tight once more. Xellos . . . For a moment, tears pricked at her lashes, but she reproached herself. Your journey must have injured you deeply, she projected into the infinity that was the universe, uncertain if anyone could hear it. I'm being selfish . . . again. Concerned with only myself, I couldn't feel your pain. I forgot any pain but my own. . .

Her fists clenched at her sides, and the wind grew into a tyrant, but she stood fast against it. But no matter how much you suffer, we have a purpose that mustn't be put off any longer.

Return to me, a small part of her begged as her eyes were drawn once more to the midday sun, the harsh breeze bringing tears easily shed. Yet with a sharp toss of her head, she looked away, and began her descent. No, Filia, she told herself as the ivory stratus wrapped her within a cloak of fog through which she passed as if a ghost, you must be strong.

Time and space appeared to vanish along with the sky. Lost among the vast, amorphous mist, she let herself fall gently towards the earth, her own words echoing within her head. You must be strong. No matter what. It's time. Time to be your own person.

Still, her timid heart remained.

Xellos?

She closed her eyes.

Are you alright?

The gentle touch of the clouds vanished as she reappeared below them.

I enjoyed kissing you.

Her eyes opened, and below, Wolfpack Island glittered like an emerald against the shimmering sea.

Come back.

Please.