Xellos stood in front of the large house, shrouded in a cloak which concealed his face, and more particularly, his scowl. He didn't want to be here, and while the ultimate results of this mission would certainly be enjoyable, the immediate task was distasteful. He knocked again, growing more annoyed by the minute. He didn't want to be in this city, he didn't want to be at this house, he didn't want to deal with this stupid human, he didn't-hello!

The door suddenly swung inwards revealing a handsome young man with soft brown hair and apologetic blue eyes.

"Sorry," he said, somewhat breathlessly, "I was in the yard, I couldn't hear you knock."

"The Great Sage Rezo has but one servant?" Xellos asked sarcastically as he stepped into the house, admiring the flush his words brought to the man's pale cheeks.

"Actually, he temporarily has no servants, just a cook. I'm his grandson, Zelgadiss."

"An interesting name." Xellos replied, deciding not to offer his own in return, it could only cause problems. Zelgadiss shrugged, then motioned to a staircase.

"Rezo is in his study, he's been expecting you, this way."

Xellos followed Zelgadiss up the stairs and down a hallway, admiring the way the young man moved. Such a pleasant surprise, this handsome grandson of Rezo's. Perhaps there was a way to make this assignment more enjoyable after all.

Zelgadiss stopped at a large oaken door and knocked, opening it when he was told to enter.

"A guest to see you Grandfather."

Rezo looked up with closed, sightless eyes and smiled, "At last, I have been eagerly expecting you."

"My apologies for keeping you waiting Great Sage, had I known it was an urgent matter I would have made greater haste." Or dawdled some more, one of the two.

"It matters little, you are hear now. Thank you Zelgadiss, you may return to your training now."

The door closed behind him and Xellos focused his attention on the man in the center of the room.

He had great power for a human, and ambition to match it. Xellos could easily see why everyone believed this man would finally resurrect their Lord.

"You know why I've invited you here?" Rezo asked him, aware of Xellos' scrutiny despite his blindness.

"Yes," Xellos answered, he actually knew the reason better than Rezo himself, "You wish to know how to free your eyes."

"That is true, and you have the secret, do you not?"

"Yes, I do. However, I can't just give something like that away." Well, he could, it would make this far simpler, but it would look like a trap then. He walked over to the window and stared down into the yard it opened upon. "What do you offer in return."

"Whatever it is in my power to give."

"Hmm, almost anything then." Xellos replied with a smile, loving Rezo's blatant greed. "My, my, you are eager, aren't you?"

Movement in the yard caught his attention. He looked out the window again and saw that Zelgadiss was now in the yard, practicing basic sword skills. Xellos smiled, he had to invent something that he wanted in exchange for the information, did he? Well then, "Your grandson is quite attractive." He murmured.

"So I am told. He is of great use to me, and will be of greater use in the future, that is all I care about."

"Is that your way of hinting that I can't have him?"

"That is my way of saying that you can't keep him."

Well, it had been 'almost' anything, after all. "One night."

"Done."

Xellos smiled, selling his own grandson? Humans could be incredibly despicable at times. "Excellent."

"Allow me to show you to a room for the night."

"Please do." Xellos followed Rezo through the long hallways of the house in a far better mood now. This was actually promising to be quite fun.

"You called me Grandfather?" Zelgadiss asked, walking into Rezo's study. He looked around quickly for the stranger, but he could not see him.

"Yes Zelgadiss, I have good news."

Zelgadiss waited, and after a few moments, Rezo continued,

"The stranger you brought in is a mazoku, and he has the information I have been looking for."

Zelgadiss held his breath, if Rezo found his answer, then he would keep his promise!

"More importantly," Rezo continued, "He is willing to trade that information."

"What has he asked for?"

"You."

"What!?"

"He has asked for a night with you, and I have agreed."

Zelgadiss stared at his grandfather in shock, "How could you?"

"You have objections?"

"Yes, just a few."

"I am surprised, I know you have no objection to his gender, therefore I must assume you object to being purchased?"

Zelgadiss blushed at his grandfather's comments, but kept his voice level, "Yes, I do."

"I thought you were willing to do anything for what you wanted."

Zelgadiss had no response for that.

"With this information Zelgadiss, I will be closer to getting what I want, which means I will soon give you what you want. Have your goals changed?"

"No."

"Then you will spend the night with the mazoku and do whatever he wants."

"Yes Grandfather." Zelgadiss waited for a few more instructions, then left the office and walked towards the room the mazoku had been given.

He was getting what he wanted, or would eventually, but what was he doing in return? Becoming a whore? Selling himself to a mazoku so that his grandfather could gain some information. Selling his...

He cut off that thought, it didn't bear thinking about, not now.

A mazoku though, the stranger had been wearing a cloak before, what did he look like underneath it? A few images crossed Zelgadiss' mind and he shuddered as he reached the door. It didn't matter though, he had to do this regardless. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door and opened it when the mazoku replied.

The mazoku was standing in front of the fireplace, dressed in a light robe, his hands stretched out towards the blaze. Zelgadiss stared at him in amazement, he was gorgeous. The firelight played over his pale skin, visible where the fabric of the robe parted and glistened on his short purple hair. He turned from the fire and gave Zelgadiss a sly look,

"Not what you expected I assume?"

Zelgadiss blushed, closed his mouth and shut the door behind him as he entered the room. "No, not really."

"Good, I hate being predictable."

The mazoku watched him for a long time, so long that Zelgadiss began to feel unnerved by that steady amethyst gaze. After a few moments of silence, the mazoku smiles,

"He told you why you're here, did he?"

"Yes," Zelgadiss replied through gritted teeth.

"You don't like it, do you?"

"No."

"And yet, here you are."

"I do what I have to."

"Indeed, I suppose I should be happy for that, it's far more enjoyable if I don't have to force you."

"You're a mazoku, I would think you'd enjoy that just as much." Zelgadiss snapped.

"I probably would," the mazoku replied, unaffected by Zelgadiss' tone, "I'm just not in the mood for it tonight."

"What are you in the mood for?"

His smile turned sensuous and Zelgadiss felt a shiver pass through him, "I believe," the mazoku said, "That I feel like making you enjoy this deal."

"Oh."

The mazoku sat down among a number of cushions that had been placed in front of the fireplace. "Come here Zelgadiss," He motioned to the cushions beside him. Taking another deep breath, Zelgadiss walked over and sat down next to the mazoku, sitting stiffly on the cushion, unsure as to what was expected of him now.

"You're so tense," the mazoku teased, sliding closer as he ran a hand over Zelgadiss' back. "You're really going to have to relax. Should I help?"

Zelgadiss found himself nodding, which seemed to please the mazoku. He slid closer to Zelgadiss and began to pull his shirt off, and then his pants.

"I don't think that helped," Zelgadiss said weakly, blushing as the mazoku's admiring gaze slid over his naked body.

"That was only the start," the mazoku said with a chuckle, "Now, lie down on your stomach."

Zelgadiss followed the directions, lying down on the warm floor in front of the fireplace. The mazoku sat beside him and began to run his hands over Zelgadiss' back in a slow, soothing rhythm. Under this deep caress he could feel his muscles relaxing, even as his breathing and heartbeat increased.

"Turn over," the mazoku directed after a while, and Zelgadiss again complied, looking up at the mazoku with uncertainty.

"You're so cute," the mazoku said with a chuckle as his hands began to caress Zelgadiss' chest, "And so unsure, I'd almost believe you hadn't done this before."

Zelgadiss blushed and look away towards the fire. The mazoku was silent for a few moments.

"You actually haven't?" There was an odd tone in his voice, "And your grandfather knows this?"

Zelgadiss closed his eyes and nodded. Yes, Rezo knew he was still a virgin.

"And he still?" He gave a bitter laugh, "I suppose that is simply more evidence. Don't worry Zel-kun," Zelgadiss gasped as he felt the mazoku's lips brush across his chest, "I will be gentle with you."

Zelgadiss opened his eyes and looked down at the mazoku, even as he held his breath against the gentle caress of his lips. "What's your name?" he finally managed to whisper.

The mazoku paused briefly, then began kissing up Zelgadiss' chest. "What?"

"Your name," Zelgadiss gasped again as the mazoku's mouth teased the muscles of his neck, "You never told me before, what is it?"

"Does it matter?"

"I'd like to be able to call you something."

"How about koibito?"

"I'd prefer something different."

The mazoku pouted briefly and then chuckled, "Very well, you may call me Kaze if you wish."

"Kaze. That's not really your name though, is it?"

"No, but it will do, will it not?" He bit lightly on Zelgadiss' earlobe and pulled his teeth along the soft surface.

"Hai." Zelgadiss whispered as the mazoku's hands began to move over his chest again, brushing across his nipples, which seemed incredibly sensitive.

"Good." The mazoku replied and caught Zelgadiss' mouth with his own. Zelgadiss abandoned any remaining dissent at that point, this felt too good.

The mazoku seemed to sense the change and his mouth curved in a smile against the kiss, "You have decided to enjoy this?" he asked after a moment, and Zelgadiss laughed,

"How could I not?"

The mazoku just continued to smile and began kissing Zelgadiss' chest again as he stroked his hands along the outside of his thigh. Zelgadiss relaxed into the sensations the mazoku was creating, only to gasp and arch his body as he began to suck on one of Zelgadiss' nipples while his hand moved to the soft skin of his inner thigh.

The mazoku groaned lightly as he brushed his hand slowly along Zelgadiss' hardening shaft. "I wanted to go slow," he whispered against Zelgadiss' chest, "But I don't think I'll be able to, you are far too tempting."

Zelgadiss looked at him vaguely, too focused on the tough of the mazoku's hand to understand his words.

"No matter," he continued, opening Zelgadiss' mouth and slipping his fingers inside. "We shall go on."

Confused, Zelgadiss found himself sucking on the mazoku's fingers even as he arched his body into the touch of his other hand with a whimper. He wanted more, and the mazoku refused to change what he was doing. Desperate with need, Zelgadiss slid his hands into the robe and then over the mazoku's lean chest, continuing lower until he found his tormentor's arousal.

That caused a change, the mazoku gasped in surprise, and his hand tightened deliciously around Zelgadiss, who continued his caresses in order to have the reaction repeated.

The mazoku removed his fingers from Zelgadiss' mouth. "It would seem that you do not want to wait either." He whispered and then began to kiss Zelgadiss again while altering their position. He removed Zelgadiss' hands from his body and slipped in between the young man's legs, wrapping them around his waist.

Zelgadiss squirmed against him, the mazoku had stopped his caresses in order to change their positions and he wanted them back.

"Be still Zel-kun," the mazoku whispered, "I am not yet finished, do not worry." His hand returned to its task, causing Zelgadiss to moan with relief and wrap his arms around the mazoku, drawing them closer. Then, though the haze of pleasure he was feeling, he became aware of a new sensation and realized that the mazoku's other hand was between his buttocks, and his fingers were slowly slipping inside him in a very different kind of caress.

The combination of stimuli was too much for him, he felt his body begin to shake as waves of pleasure rocked through him, shattering his consciousness. He had a vague sensation of pain, but he was too far away now to care about it much. It wasn't until his body stopped quivering that he realized it was no longer the mazoku's fingers that were inside of him.

This new feeling was different, pleasurable and somewhat painful at the same time. When the mazoku moved deeper, however, the pleasure suddenly increased and Zelgadiss tightened his grip on his lover, urging him deeper still.

He was somewhat disappointed when the mazoku thrust into him one last time and then ceased moving, even though he did enjoy the feeling of the mazoku's body trembling underneath his hands. His disappointment was far greater when the mazoku withdrew and collapsed on the cushions beside him, he wanted him back. Ignoring the stiff, tired feeling of his body, he rolled closer to the mazoku and began to kiss his chest.

"Don't worry Zel-kun," the mazoku responded with a chuckle, "We are not done yet. I have you all night, and I am not going to waste a second of it." He pulled Zelgadiss against him and quickly eliminated the disappointment the young man was feeling.

Xellos lay on the bed as the sun rose and watched Zelgadiss sleep, the poor boy was exhausted. Xellos chuckled, all in all though, Zelgadiss had managed to do quite well, he had very nearly made it until morning before passing out.

But now morning was here, and Rezo's side of the deal was completed, it was time for Xellos to fulfill his part of the bargain. He left the warmth of the blankets reluctantly and walked across the cold floor to the cushions, where the evening had begun, and where he had left his clothes. He dressed slowly, then looked at the sleeping figure once again. He was just turning to leave when he heard Zelgadiss' voice from the bed,

"Kaze? Are you leaving?"

"Hai Zel-kun, I have to meet with your grandfather now."

"Right, I forgot."

Xellos walked over to the bed and sat down beside his exhausted evening lover. "You are disappointed?"

Zelgadiss looked away, "I don't want you to go."

Xellos smiled, the admission pleased him, "Then you would welcome me back if I was to return?"

Zelgadiss turned to look at him, hope visible in his tired blue eyes, "You'd come back?"

"Yes, I would. Not for a little while though, I believe your grandfather will be watching for me."

"I'll be waiting then, come back."

Xellos leaned down and kissed Zelgadiss good-bye. "Go to sleep now, I will see you again."

Zelgadiss sighed and shut his eyes, he was asleep again immediately. Xellos stood, raised the hood of his cloak, and walked out of the room and through the hallways Rezo's study. He entered without knocking and found the Red Priest waiting for him.

"Your evening went as planned, I assume?" Rezo asked.

"Better than planned," Xellos said smiling in the shadows of the hood. "I am quite pleased with this deal."

"Then you will tell me."

"Of course," Xellos' smile turned evil, "The only one who can open your eyes is Shabranigdo."

"What?"

"The Dark Lord has the power you seek, without it, your eyes will remain closed forever. That is your answer Rezo, good-bye now." He left. He'd preformed his duty, he'd planted the seed, now Rezo's own ambition would make it grow. Smiling, Xellos returned to his master for new instructions.

It was over a month before he was able to take a break, and even then it was most likely because of his growing irritability. Not that the reason mattered to him much, now that he was temporarily free of his duties, he sought out Zelgadiss.

The young man was not at Rezo's house as he had expected. Instead, he was staying at an inn in the city of Cylvae. That suited Xellos fine, there was less chance of being discovered there.

He phased into Zelgadiss' room and watched quietly as the young man undressed. He was a tempting as ever, even though he looked incredibly depressed. Xellos was fairly sure he could lighten the young man's mood quite quickly,

"Why so glum Zel-kun? Feeling lonely?"

The look of surprise on Zelgadiss' face was absolutely priceless, and the speed with which he crossed the room quite amazing for a human.

"Kaze!" He said, throwing his arms around Xellos, "I didn't think you'd come back."

"Gomen Zel-kun," Xellos whispered, soothing the young man with his hands, "This was as early as I could come."

"When are you leaving again?"

"Not for a while, I'm on vacation?"

"Is that true?"

"Yes it is." Thanks to the incredibly short temper he'd had lately.

"Good." Zelgadiss held him tighter, as though he expected Xellos to vanish despite his assurance that he would be staying.

"Where is your grandfather?" Xellos asked as he led Zelgadiss towards the bed.

"He's gone, he left two days after you did. What did you tell him?" There was a slight accusation in the tone Zelgadiss used.

"What he asked me to tell him." Xellos replied innocently, "He left you here alone?"

"Yes."

"Why did you move to the inn?"

"I don't like being in my grandfather's house alone, it's too big."

"Ah." Xellos stretched out on the bed and pulled Zelgadiss down with him. "Which means we have all the time in the world and no chance of discovery. What are we going to do with ourselves?"

Zelgadiss smiled, "I can think of a few things."

"Oh really?" Xellos asked innocently, "I can't think of a thing. I guess you'll just have to show me."

Zelgadiss was more than happy to oblige.


"You're really going to stay?" Zelgadiss mumbled sleepily much, much later.

"Yes, for as long as I am able."

"Good. I guess I better tell the innkeeper then."

"Oh?"

"Well, you'll be kinda hard to hide."

"I suppose so."

"I guess they can call you Kaze too, right?"

Xellos chuckled, Zelgadiss was obviously a little bitter about not knowing his real name. "Yes, that will do nicely."

"Okay." Zelgadiss yawned and then snuggled closer to Xellos, falling asleep quickly.

Xellos smiled, here he'd been expecting to hide from Rezo in order that be with his lover, and instead, he would be able to be with him all he wanted. It was really quite a treat, he wondered how long it would last.

"Zelgadiss-kun?" Ana called from the behind bar as Zelgadiss entered the inn, coming back from training in the forest. He smiled at the freckled brunette and walked over,

"Hai Ana-chan?"

"I've got new that'll make your night."

"What is it?" he asked, though he thought he could guess, and he was right.

"Kaze-kun's upstairs in your room. He got back a few hours ago. Dad said it was like he appeared out of nowhere, like always."

Zelgadiss smiled, neither he nor Kaze had decided to mention that his lover was a mazoku. "Arigato Ana-chan." He waved and then practically ran up the stairs. He'd been staying at the inn for almost five months, and Kaze had been there for most of that. They'd seen nothing of Rezo in all that time, but Zelgadiss no longer cared. In fact, he found himself wishing that his grandfather would never return.

He opened the door to his room and ran inside, grabbing his lover immediately, "I missed you."

Kaze chuckled, "You always say that Zel-kun, and I was only gone for two days this time."

"It's doesn't matter." It really didn't, Zelgadiss missed Kaze as soon as he left, each and every time. It was evidence to the truth he had come to accept over the last few months, he was in love with the mazoku.

"I must admit, your greetings make me eager to return."

"Good," Zelgadiss said, nuzzling his lover's neck. Kaze smiled, running his hands down Zelgadiss' back and making him shiver with delight.

Before they could do anything more, however, they heard a low chiming sound coming from the end of the hallway.

Zelgadiss froze, "Rezo."

"What?" Kaze asked, looking confused.

"Rezo's coming." Zelgadiss whispered.

"Wrong," his grandfather's voice sounded from behind him, "Rezo is here."

"Grandfather!" Zelgadiss spun around, taking a step backwards so that he was pressed against Kaze's chest.

"The deal was for one night mazoku." Rezo said, his sightless gaze turned toward Kaze.

"Your grandson and I formed a new arrangement once the first was completed." Kaze didn't sound worried, but he rarely ever did.

"I told you I need him."

"He is still in your service."

They were talking about him like he wasn't there, it was a little annoying.

"But his allegiance has shifted."

There was a slight pause, "I suppose I can't argue with that." Kaze agreed.

"Zelgadiss," Rezo focused his attention on him for the first time since he had walked into the room. "You will return home with me, and you will never see that mazoku again."

Never see him again? "No!" Zelgadiss yelled, "I'm not going to do that."

Rezo frowned. "If you do not fulfil your service to me Zelgadiss, I will not fulfil my promise to you."

Zelgadiss swallowed. He wanted strength, yes, but what price was too high? "I don't care anymore." He said stubbornly.

"Zel-kun," the mazoku whispered behind him.

"You are being foolish Zelgadiss," Rezo scolded, "And unfortunately, I cannot allow you to continue in this manner." The Sage raised his hands and began chanting the words of a spell. Zelgadiss could feel the power gathering around him, could hear Kaze yelling, and then his world exploded in pain and he was aware of nothing else until he blacked out.

Xellos watched in horror as Zelgadiss began screaming, then caught his lover before he collapsed. Something was different, Zelgadiss was much heavier now.

"What did you do?" he asked Rezo, running his hand through Zelgadiss' hair, which was now metallic and lavender in colour.

"I gave him the strength he has always asked for, and regained his allegiance, all with one spell."

"What do you mean?"

"Memories create the past for us all. Changing the memories, changes our past."

"You've removed his memories of me?"

"Among other things. More over, I may now control him completely if I so choose. If you ever return mazoku, I will have him attack you, and he will not stop until one of you is destroyed."

"Well played Red Priest." Xellos murmured, running his hand down Zelgadiss' green and stony cheek. "I really have no choice now, do I?"

Rezo just smiled.

Xellos kissed the unconscious Zelgadiss gently and then lowered him carefully to the floor.

"You should have been content with the one night." Rezo said.

"So it would seem." Xellos replied as he stood, and then vanished from the room, appearing on a hill just outside of the town.

He felt empty.

He sat on the hill, watching the lights of Calvae without moving. Even when an explosion rocked the side of the town that held the inn, he made no response. He watched the as the fires consumed the town feeling nothing.

He felt nothing at all.