Lives. Hundreds of them. Thousands. Each one winking down on the earth, tantalizing us with their unreachable possibilities. The black void which is night is unable to smother the pinpricks of light which signals their presence. So they just blink happily down at the earth, constantly reminding us that they never forget...

            “You really think so, Lina?” Gourry asked, staring up at the night sky in awe.

            “That’s what Big Sis told me,” she replied, smiling wistfully.

            “Wow,” Amelia murmured, “that’s really cool, Lina.”

            Zelgadis nodded his agreement and looked over at the young sorceress. The firelight flickered off her hair, making the flaming orange hair appear as if it was really part of the fire. She had a strange, peaceful and serious expression on her face that might have been described as serene. Of course, anyone who knew her would never use the word serene and Lina in the same sentence.

            “It’s an interesting prospect thinking that the stars each signify one life,” Zel said.

            “It a wonderful analogy,” Filia commented, her eyes reflecting the starlight as she thought of Lina’s description, “Even if it isn’t true, I like it.”

            “You WOULD like such a fanciful possibility, Filia,” Xelloss’s disembodied voice taunted the dragon priestess.

            “Are you implying that it’s not true?” Lina asked, cutting Filia off before a word war was started between dragon and demon.

            “Believe what you wish, Lina,” Xelloss replied. It was rather eerie how he managed to find the shadows where he could hide, even when the fire was roaring contentedly in the night. He couldn’t be more than a few feet away, yet Lina couldn’t see him. “Luna’s description is indeed a good analogy, even if it isn’t true in the literal sense.”

            Lina squinted and finally located the mazoku sitting between Gourry and Amelia. He looked oddly serious--his customary smile nowhere to be seen on his face. His eyes were open, but the firelight did little to make them visible in the night.

            “You okay, Xelloss?” Lina asked cautiously, “You sound a little... I don’t know, down.”

            “He’s a mazoku, Lina,” Filia cut in haughtily, “ALL of those demons are down. They’re either angry or depressed all the time. It’s what makes them what they are.”

            “Come now, Filia,” Xelloss baited the hook, “if that was the case, then all dragons would be happy and peaceful all the time. I have it on good authority that YOU have a respectable temper. What does that say about you?”

            Filia sputtered indignantly and turned up her nose at Xelloss. He smirked and glanced back at Lina. She was beginning to regret she had ever asked.

            “I’m fine, Lina,” he said, sounding a bit surprised, “But ah... thank you for asking... I guess...”

            “You’ve never had anyone ask you how you were feeling before, have you, Xelloss?” Lina realized.

            Xelloss’s toothy smile glinted in the firelight. He chuckled and shook his head. Lina looked closely and was surprised to see his eyes slide open to consider her.

            “No one thinks to ask a man who is always smiling,” he said. “Go back to your stories about the stars, Lina. It’s fairly enjoyable to listen to such tales.”

            Lina hesitated, wondering if their mazoku travel companion was up to something. Deciding it didn’t really matter, she grinned and continued to enthrall the small group.

            Blood flowing. Lots of it. Pouring over the ragged landscape like small rivers. For some absurd reason, Filia was reminded of something she had once read. ‘And the land shall be rich, flowing with milk and honey.’ It was from a book written by someone from the far west. There, no one believed in multiple Gods or Mazoku. It was considered heresy to do so. A crime punishable by jail time or even death.

            But this grisly scene was far from the hopeful prophesy of the westerners’ bible. Instead of milk, there was blood. Instead of honey, there were dead creatures of all kinds--mostly dragons.

            Filia stared with horror on the scene. Dragons littered the ground, starting with one at her feet. She looked down at the creature and drew back in terror. It’s eyes were open, glassy with the glaze of death. His--it was definitely a he--mouth hung open, a tongue hanging out limply. Blood dripped from the tongue in correspondence with her pounding heart.

            She turned away in revulsion, only to find herself face-to-face with an equally repulsive sight. Unable to hold back any longer, Filia screamed. She screamed as loud and as long as she could. She closed her eyes, but a thin eyelid was not enough to block it out. She continued to scream.

            Something was wrong. He could feel it. Something outside of him and something inside. A dragon swooped low over his head, the wind pummeling his body. He threw up his arms to protect himself from the weak onslaught and turned. Without thinking, he blew the dragon away.

            A fine, red mist floated around him. It should have filled him with satisfaction at seeing his enemies fall. So simple. But something was wrong. He felt a dread, growing inside him, threatening to take over. Squashing it quickly, he turned and glared at a dragon diving toward him. The magnificent creature screamed and plummeted to the ground. Xelloss felt sick.

            Another dragon flew over him, but did not attack. Instead, it dropped something from its claws. Xelloss watched as the object hit the ground, bouncing slightly from impact before coming to a rest. In an instant, he was next to the thing, looking at it through slitted, violet eyes.

            “No,” he gasped, drawing back in horror.

            It was a huge wolf. Dead. It’s body nothing more than a ravaged shell of what it once used to be. It was the remains of his Lord and master, Zelas Metallium. Xelloss threw himself down on the dead creature, pulling it toward his body. His hands wrenched down on the wolf’s fur as he shuddered against the huge creature, an action that would have hurt the wolf had it been alive. His anguished tears ran down his face and splattered against the coarse hair of the wolf. He let out an grievous howl.

            “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

            A loud wail rose through the campsite, waking everyone. Amelia jerked awake and shot to her feet, nearly falling on Filia. The distraught dragon priestess stopped screaming and doubled over, gagging. She let out a wounded cry.

            “Oh, Lord Cephied!” she panted, “How horrible!”

            “Miss Filia!” Amelia exclaimed worriedly, “What’s wrong?!”

            “Amelia!” Filia finally saw the concerned girl. Not thinking, she threw herself into the girl’s arms and let out a soft sob. “It was awful. Dead. Everywhere!”

            “You had a nightmare?” Amelia asked sympathetically. She hugged Filia kindly and stroked her hair. “It’s okay. It was just a dream. Everything is all right now.”

            Filia cried uncontrollably into Amelia’s shoulder. She tried to block out the gruesome images of the dream. After a few minutes of Amelia’s comforting murmurs, she fell limp and pulled away. She wiped at her eyes daintily and smiled at Amelia.

            “Thank you, Amelia,” she said sincerely.

            “Are you okay?” the young princess asked, her eyes wide and worried.

            “I feel better,” she said, again, truthful. “Thanks.”

            Lina barreled out of her tent when she heard the terrible scream, not paying attention to the fact that she was wearing only her pink pajamas. She was met by Zelgadis as she ran toward the source of the cry. He too was wearing nothing more than a pair of green pajamas. He carried his sword and stopped in front of Lina.

            “What was that?” Lina demanded.

            “I don’t know,” Zel shrugged, looking around. “I thought it sounded like Filia.”

            “Where’s Gourry?”

            “Still sleeping in the tent,” Zel snorted, “a herd of wild horses running through here wouldn’t wake HIM.”

            “Point taken,” Lina nodded, “Let’s check-”

            A second cry cut her off before she could finish her sentence, and she frowned in confusion. It wasn’t the same one as before--not to mention a lot softer. Zelgadis looked up in time to hear a third, more startled yelp, and see a dark figure fall from the branch above him.

            With a pronounced ‘thud’ and a soft grunt, the figure hit the ground. Lina and Zelgadis stared at him with wide eyes and open mouths.

            “Xelloss?” Lina blurted out.

            Groaning softly, Xelloss pushed himself to his hands and knees and climbed to his feet. He brushed himself off and wiped at his face. Lina and Zel, not believing that the mazoku priest had suddenly grown clumsy enough to fall out of a tree, just stared at him.

            “... Are you okay?” Lina asked. “That was quite a fall.”

            Xelloss turned his head toward her, his bangs covering his eyes. An extraordinarily false smile worked its way to lips.

            “Terribly clumsy of me, wasn’t it?” he murmured unevenly.

            Lina caught Zelgadis’s wide eyes past Xelloss’s shoulder. He had heard it too--a slight waver. A dip in his voice, like he was struggling not to cry.

            “You’ve never fallen out of a tree before, Xelloss,” Lina said hesitantly, “Is something wrong?”

            “No,” he said quickly. He cleared his throat, “Nothing. Excuse me. I’ve got to check on something.”

            “Check on what?”

            “Nothing you need to worry about,” Xelloss replied before phasing out. Lina found herself once again face-to-face with Zelgadis. They just stared at each other blankly.

            “What the hell do you suppose that was all about?” Lina wondered.

            “I’ve never seen him so agitated before,” Zel agreed.

            “He fell out of that tree,” Lina commented, shading her eyes to look up at the branch against the rising morning sun. “He NEVER falls out of trees.”

            “He sounded like he was going to cry,” Zel added, “His voice nearly broke.”

            Lina looked back at Zel. Xelloss’s clumsiness, his lack of control--those weren’t the things that really stood out in her mind.

            “He told me I didn’t have to worry about what he was going to check on,” she said.

            “So?” Zel didn’t see it.

            “He usually says ‘that is a secret,’ Zel!” Lina exclaimed. “He was so distracted that he forgot his trademark motto. He’s never done that before.”

            “You’re right,” Zel looked up at the tree out of reflex rather than expecting to see anything. He looked at Lina again. “Perhaps we should check on Filia now.”

            The house was dark--nothing unusual there. The house was always dark. Xelloss ran from room to room, not thinking, just acting. In this home of darkness, the huge mansion, he could teleport easily from room to room. But, as already mentioned, Xelloss wasn’t thinking, just acting. He ran around frantically, looking everywhere as he made his way to the main foyer.

            “Xelloss!”

            He whirled, nearly falling over as he halted his forward momentum. He faced a stunning, shapely woman with long, blond hair. Gold bracelets clinked lightly on ankles attached to perfect, thin legs. The woman took a drag on her cigarette and blew out a puff of smoke casually.

            “Lord Beastmaster!” he gasped, dropping to one knee immediately out of habit.

            “Xelloss, what are you doing?” Her voice was low and sultry. Dangerous. But not so when addressing her priest and general. She sounded more curious and even worried. “You should be with Lina and her little followers.”

            “I-” he cut off, realizing he didn’t know what to say. Tell her he’d had a nightmare? Tell her he had to come, just to make sure she was okay? It seemed so ridiculous now. Everything was fine. No reason to worry. Just a bad dream. His violet eyes darted back and forth in confusion, searching the floor for a reason, an excuse... anything to explain his actions.

            Before he said anything, he felt Zelas’s hands on his arm, pulling him to his feet. He kept his eyes shadowed, not wanting her to see the uncertainty he knew she could feel. Arms around him, holding him close.

            “Tell me what’s wrong, Xelloss,” Zelas suggested, her voice surprisingly gentle. “Something is wrong.”

            Xelloss sobbed into her shoulder, and she held him closer.

            “Promise you won’t die, mother,” he whispered, “Promise.”

            “Is that what you’re worried about?” she asked, surprised. “You’ve never concerned yourself with such concerns before. Why start now?”

            “Please...” he begged, gripping her soft robes in his hands and pulling her as close as was physically possible without being intrusive. Zelas stroked his hair uncertainly, wondering what would cause her most prominent servant--‘son’--to lose control so completely. She shook her head in wonder.

            “Xelloss, you know what it takes to kill me,” she said patiently, “I won’t die.”

            Xelloss heaved a ragged sigh and shuddered in her arms. Zelas gripped his arms and pulled him away so she could look at him. Although she could feel almost everything Xelloss was feeling, she found that eye-to-eye contact was the best way to speak directly to a troubled follower. It took her a moment to get Xelloss to look at her, but when he finally did, she saw his dark, violet eyes were wide and frightened--frightened for her safety. She smiled her dark smile.

            “I won’t die, Xelloss,” she said. “Now what brought this on so suddenly?”

            He explained his dream to her and everything until he found her in the mansion--not even leaving out the part about falling from the tree. She listened with interest until he finished. When he was done, she nodded in understanding.

            “Everyone has nightmares, Xelloss,” she said, “Even mazoku.”

            “I’ve never had one with such vivid detail,” he replied worriedly.

            “Go back to your task,” she said firmly, “You know the drill. Something drastic happens, you tell me. If the nightmare repeats itself, let me know. Until then, don’t worry. It’s only natural to react to such a dream with fear. But for now, ignore it.”

            “Yes, ma’am,” he said, bowing respectfully.

            “Run along, little one,” she ordered with a wave of her hand and a giggle, “Everything will be okay.”

            Xelloss smiled and bowed deeply. He phased out and teleported away.

            The day was not going well. Filia was acting strangely, and Xelloss still hadn’t returned. Amelia had told them about Filia’s nightmare, but even the young princess didn’t know why the dragon priestess was still acting so distant and aloof. Lina didn’t like it.

            “Well, hello there!” came an overly cheerful voice.

            Lina glared at Xelloss, who quickly backed off. He shuffled after her as she walked, looking at her back curiously.

            “My, Lina,” he said with false brightness, “You seem a bit grumpy this morning.”

            “Where have you been?” Lina demanded, “And if you tell me it’s a secret, I swear to L-sama I will blast you into the next dimension.”

            “I don’t need your help in getting to other dimensions, Lina,” he quipped, “But I appreciate the offer.”

            “Stop sidetracking, Xelloss!” she growled, “Where were you?”

            Sobbing on my Lord’s shoulder over a bad dream.

            “Taking care of some personal business, Lina,” he said with careful words, “Key word there being ‘personal.’”

            “Will it affect me or my friends?” she prompted.

            “No.”

            “Then I guess I don’t really care,” she said dismissively, “Now go away. I’m having a bad day.”

            “I can see that,” Xelloss muttered. He pulled away from Lina, letting the girl wallow in her irritation. He had long ago lost his desire for Lina’s negative emotions, having grown fond of the fiery sorceress. Now FILIA’s anger was much better!

            “Talk to me and die, mazoku,” Filia growled, sensing him before he said a word.

            “Suit yourself,” Xelloss shrugged. He didn’t feel like fighting right now anyway. It would be easier just to travel in silence and plan his next moves.

            And so, the group traveled in virtual silence the rest of the day. Any attempts at conversation were parried by a swift blow from either Lina, Filia, or Xelloss. They made good time and actually arrived to spend the night in a town rather than camp out in the woods. It was a nice change, and the group fully intended to take complete advantage of it.

            The girls hit the springs. Lina and Amelia both sank into the warm waters gratefully, expressions of bliss on their faces. Filia slid into the spring as well and fully enjoyed the warmth. She sighed happily and closed her eyes.

            Blood. Death. Kin.

            Filia’s eyes snapped open, and she stood quickly. Amelia and Lina stared at her.

            “Is something wrong, Miss Filia?” Amelia asked worriedly.

            “No,” Filia said too quickly, “I’m just uh... tired. I don’t want to fall asleep here in the water. I think I’ll turn in early.”

            Amelia and Lina just watched her leave. Then, accepting her reply, they relaxed and felt themselves unwind from the troublesome day.

            Filia wrapped her towel around herself and walked back into the inn. She shook her head at herself.

            <<What is wrong with you, Filia?>> she scolded herself, <<Getting so upset over a little dream. Now you just stop it and concentrate on your mission.>>

            She looked up to see Gourry, Zelgadis and Xelloss walking her direction. Gourry was wearing nothing but a towel himself, and Zelgadis had modestly pulled on a robe. Xelloss was fully dressed and seemed to be preoccupied with his thoughts. Filia flushed a deep crimson as the men spotted her, wishing she had her clothes on. But Gourry just waved cheerfully and greeted her. Zelgadis nodded politely. And Xelloss--his was the strangest reaction--didn’t say anything. Indeed, he didn’t even seem to notice her presence. Filia watched them as they disappeared down the hall before turning to continue to her room.

            “Odd,” she murmured. “Is he up to something?”

            Deciding she had enough to worry about, Filia put all thoughts of Xelloss aside and concentrated on clearing her mind. She put her pajamas on and laid down in her bed, her mace tucked under one arm like a stuffed animal. Call it a security blanket. Filia just felt safer with it near her. Closing her eyes from exhaustion, she dozed off immediately.

            Zelgadis and Gourry sighed in unison as they relaxed in the waters. Xelloss sat in a nearby chair, not paying attention to them. Gourry, blissfully unaware of anything, just closed his eyes and allowed his already thought-free mind to relax. Zelgadis, a little more in tune with his surroundings, watched the mazoku priest discreetly. It wasn’t like he was worried about the mazoku--far from it. He was worried about himself! He liked stability and the safety that he felt with it. Xelloss’s behavior was far from the norm, and that left Zel feeling jumpy and tense.

            Xelloss’s eyes were open and blank, staring at the trees overhead. It was kind of creepy. Zel lowered himself further into the water and kept an eye on the priest.

            Feeling someone watching him, Xelloss turned his eyes slowly. His gaze landed on Zelgadis, who made himself very busy washing up. A cruel smile played across his lips as he recognized the anxiety the young chimera man felt. Not thinking, he let his eyes fall shut and crossed his arms comfortably over his chest.

            Blood-covered wolf. Gone. Dead.

            He tensed and opened his eyes again. Xelloss stood quickly to keep himself alert.

            <<Stop it!>> he ordered himself, <<Just a dream. Beastmaster said it was just a dream. Don’t worry about her. She can take care of herself.>>

            “Hey, Xelloss,” Gourry called cheerfully from the spring, “why don’t you join us? You look a little tense.”

            “That’s quite all right, Gourry,” Xelloss replied, sweatdropping a bit, “I think I’ll let you two enjoy yourselves here. I’ll be in my room.”

            He teleported quickly to his room and looked around suspiciously. Nothing there. He huddled on his bed, not certain how to deal with the ranging emotions of uncertainty and fear. He didn’t want to sleep--didn’t really NEED to sleep. So he just sat there, staring out the window at the dark street.

            Filia woke with a start that night, sitting straight up in bed. She hugged herself tightly in an effort not to cry. She had her own room this night. Lina and Amelia shared the other room. So she was alone. And she didn’t want to go running into the next room for comfort from Amelia.

            A quick glance over at her bedside clock told her it was late, but too early to get up. If she didn’t get more sleep, she would be exhausted the next day. But she didn’t want to sleep if she was going to have another nightmare. It would leave her feeling just as drained as if she didn’t sleep at all.

            “Get a grip on yourself, Filia,” she whispered to herself. “You’re being such baby. Stop this now!”

            Having steeled herself against any possible horrors that came with closing her eyes, she laid back down and huddled closer to her mace. Sighing softly, she allowed herself to drift off to sleep again.

            Two rooms down, a few hours later, Xelloss opened his own eyes with a gasp. He leapt off his bed and stood uncertainly in the middle of the room.

            <<Asleep!>> he thought in stunned realization, <<I fell asleep! Why? And more importantly, how?>>

            As a mazoku, he didn’t need as much sleep as humans or even dragons. Falling asleep without realizing it usually occurs when overexhaustion takes over and forces the sleeper into dream world. Xelloss hadn’t really been tired, and yet ‘dream world’ was precisely where he had been. The nightmare had come again, different in most parts, but similar.

            <<I should tell Lord Beastmaster>> he thought absently, considering the bed where he had so unknowingly fallen asleep.

            But he didn’t leave. It wasn’t his place to bother Zelas Metallium with his bad dreams. She had more important things to worry about--like where she was going to get her brand of cigarettes once she ran out. Nightmares just weren’t on a top level of priorities. He wouldn’t tell Zelas. Not yet.

            Glancing at his bedside clock, he saw that it was late enough to justify getting up. The diner below the inn would be open. Picking up his staff, he left his room and went down to the diner and ordered a cup of coffee.