PROLOGUE

     Greetings fellow Slayers fans!  In my boredom I created an alternate Slayers Universe.  Everyone in this story has a job an a memory unrelated to that of the characters we all know and love. (At least most of them.)  I'm going to have to ask you to bear with me and I hope that you enjoy my attempt to recreate the unforgettable and rightly popular series and cast.

     "Don't worry, Your Highness.  The people love you." Rodimus humbly assured his lord.

     "People have always said you must go with your gut feeling.  How am I supposed to do that, Rodimus?  Something inside of me is telling me that I must go to Tokyo immediately.  How are my people going to feel about that?  The citizens of Japan don't want a king who jumps up and acts purely on impulse."  Zelgadiss sat down on his uncomfortable high-quality new chair.

     "I beg your pardon, but weren't you going to tell them that you were attending a very important government conference about the civil war in Vietnam?"

     Zelgadiss stood up again and walked over to his servant.  "To know such things you must have eavesdropped." Zelgadiss smiled at his only friend.  "I don't mind.  I should have confided in you at first, but I was afraid that you would make me feel rotten for lying.  No." He let out an exaggerated sigh.  "No, I must tell my people the truth.  I am the king, aren't I?  If I am not honest with the people, who will be?  I must face the music and tell the truth even if no one thinks I am in my right mind."

     Rodimus chuckled.  "Very good, sire.  Much luck to you."

     Zelgadiss nodded approvingly and made his way through the palace to his balcony overlooking a large town square.  Another servant handed him his microphone.  He stepped up onto a small platform as a crowd of thousands awaiting his tear-jerking speech on the casualties in Vietnam cheered him on.  He cleared his throat.  "People of Osaka!"  He waited for a few moments until the horrendous cheering died down.  "I know that this system of my public announcing is terribly outdated.  However, on what I believe to be an important issue, I feel it necessary for me to appeal directly to you all.
    "I know that you are all awaiting news of the war in Vietnam.  I wish I could bring you up to date with it.  I am horribly ashamed with myself, bringing such a tragedy as war into your lives as an excuse for my own actions."
    He took a deep breath.  "Lately I have been having dreams, often visions when I am awake.          Something in them is telling me that I must travel to Tokyo very soon.  At first I thought perhaps I was losing my mind.  Everywhere I see these people who need me in Tokyo.  Now I feel that the only way to end my visions in to spend time in our capital city and see if they do not cease.
    "I was afraid to tell you this for fear you would think much less of so I invented the meeting about   Vietnam so you would think me noble and caring.  I cannot apologize enough for my irrational actions and beg your forgiveness and your support.  I intend to fly via personal jet tomorrow afternoon and remain in Tokyo for two weeks, should nothing unusual occur.  If a problem arises and should I feel it necessary to become involved, I will stay until is rectified.  Please forgive this act of cowardly selfishness and help me discover that I am wrong and there is nothing of concern in Tokyo!"

     As if there had never been a problem, the crowd hooted and hollered enthusiastic cheers and applause, in awe that any being in such an awkward position would be so truthful and open.  Zelgadiss stepped down from the platform and once again handed it to a nearby assistant.

    "A stirring oration if I do say so myself, sire." Rodimus congratulated the chimera, playfully slapping on the back.

     "I will miss having you around, my friend."  Zelgadiss spoke quietly as the two made their way back to his room to pack.

    "You will miss a personal servant, will you?"

    "No." Zelgadiss was offended by such an assumption.  "I will miss having a friend in whom I can confide.  You are very supportive yet you have tact and you know when to speak up and when to keep your opinions to yourself.  Thank-you for that and I will be awaiting my return so that I may tell you of all my adventures, or lack there of."

    "I am honored to be thought of as a friend of the king.  I wish you much luck and success in finding what you wish.  The palace will not be the same without you here.  If you ever find the time you are welcome to call me and I will drop everything so you may speak.  Good-bye, your Highness."

    "Good-bye Rodimus." Zelgadiss entered his room and quickly shut the door before a bluey-grey tear had a chance to escape.  He had never spent more than a day out of the palace before.  One wouldn't think a minor trip like this to be emotional, but it was to someone who had no living relatives and his only friend was his personal servant. It'll be okay the king told him self.  Two weeks, that's all.  Piece of cake.  Got to pack.  Can't be late to meet Destiny.

End Part One