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Notes: Hi guys! ^^; sorry I haven’t added anything for a while. To make it up to you, I’m going to write a nice, long chapter.
Whoa, I haven’t had much romantic interaction at all between Zel and Xel, have I?! Dude. Well, that’ll have to change. Hm.


Xelloss appeared in the stormy, thundering air above his beloved birthplace. Wolf Pack Island, his dear home sweet home. He took in the landscape with a kind of satisfaction. It was just the same as it always was; there was a miniature, almost cozy-looking castle on one corner of the island (of course, once you entered the building, you entered subspace; and inside subspace was where the real castle was), and the rest was surrounded by wild forest. He knew that demons and mortal animals of all kinds lived in there, rejected minions and/or food for his master and her pack. They struggled to survive in those hunts, and of course his master was always victorious. Chaos ensued; it was a battleground of sorts.

Today was no different, with those minions of Dolphin’s on the island. Probably for the fun of it, his master had only sent very low-level demons to fight the intruders. This resulted in more deaths on each side; it was simply more chaotic than normal. A grim, eager smile spread across his face; here, more than anywhere else, he could be himself.

He decided he would savor this battle. He needed the distraction. Perhaps the fear and pain of his victims would chase away the odd feelings of guilt trapped inside. Pushing thoughts of why away, he unleashed his aura. He allowed his dark cape to flutter about him, opened his slitted purple eyes, and descended upon the battlefield, ready to strike fear into the hearts of the foolish intruders.

All eyes turned to him as he landed. All fighting had stopped. And, being what he was, he didn’t need to look into their eyes to know how afraid of him they were. Good, they should be. “Good afternoon,” he smiled at them, adding to the effect. The lesser minions squeaked and shivered. “Those of you who are minions of my lord Beastmaster. . .come forward.” The foolish intruders, having less brains altogether than in a single potted plant, all stepped forward. [Right, stay back,] he commanded his master’s minions. Of course, he could tell simply by their aura who was Juuou-sama’s and who belonged to the idiot Dolphin, but perhaps they hadn’t thought of that. Idiots. Cannon fodder.

“Thank you. Others, you may leave,” he said. They phased out. “Now, for the rest of you—failing to destroy intruders is a serious offense.” He grinned. They squawked. He took a step towards them; they took a step back. “Come here,” he ordered. They ran. They didn’t even think to phase out. Not that it would have done them much good. He would have simply chased them there. Idiots.
With them running blindly, Xelloss simply had to place a nice entrance to a subspace pocket in front of them. Seal it up be, an, and poof; he had his own little multicolored mini pocket torture chamber. The lesser minions squeaked and squawked. Nowhere to hide here. Mmmm, delicious, revitalizing fear. Always a taste one could rely upon. He chuckled to himself and set to work.



He had no idea how much time had passed since he had started out on this path. No, it didn’t seem like time really passed anymore. He vaguely seemed to remember a time when time did par war was it a place where time passed? Was that time/place just an illusion? He wasn’t sure. Where was this place, anyway? Where had he been before? Had he been anywhere? Wait, just who’s “he”?

“Zelgadiss.” A crystal-clear voice rang out through the fog, and he found that he remembered something. That was he. He was Zelgadiss. And he wasn’t on a path; he was in some sort of reception room of royalty. Royalty?! He gasped and looked around. There were only a few other people in the room, but one was sitting on the throne. She was the one who had spoken; she had given him his name. And he had rudely been staring at her! He bowed deeply.

“Forgive me,” he uttered.

“Why, there is nothing to forgive!” She laughed, and it was like the music of the sea: a single chuckle spoke of waves, seagulls, dolphins, and sharks. It had a harshness that told him of the dangers of the deep; but at the same time, it told of the beauty. It the most glorious thing he had ever heard. (Although, at this point, whether “ever” existed was rather debatable. Not to mention, he wasn’t sure how he recognized waves, seagulls, dolphins and sharks in her laugh. Especially when sharks didn’t make much noise—right?)

Zelgadiss took that to mean he could straighten up again. He blinked at her, his master—she had given him life—and awaited her orders.



Xelloss sighed. He sent a final jolt of black energy through his victim. The resulting death cry wasn’t nearly as pleasurable as it should have been. Even the feelings of despair, fear, and hopelessness from the victim’s former comrades didn’t do much other than feed him. Even the death itself, coupled with the disappearing of the lesser Mazoku’s physical shell, didn’t bring pleasure. It was simply there, gray, dry, and ordinary. It paled in comparison to the first-hand emotions he received from Zelgadiss.

Zelgadiss. Why couldn’t he forget that name, even for a brief moment? Was this what “love” was? He had already admitted he felt it, but he hadn’t thought this would be a part of it. He sighed once more, a sigh laden with misery and guilt. He looked up. The remaining intruders were huddled together, whimpering to themselves. It was pathetic, but somehow, he couldn’t help but feel (gasp) sympathy for them. Cold, alone, ugly and whimpering, calling for their master to save them. Needing someone to love them, someone to save them. They were lost in the cold, and about to be destroyed by life. He shook his head. Thoughts rushed through his head, pitiful thoughts no high-level Mazoku should have: No, no, don’t remind me of him. Stop it. Please, please, stop it. Don’t remind me of that time. Not now, when I can’t have Ple Please!

But it was too late. The memory had been triggered. And there he was, that fateful night, sharing a room with Zelgadiss. He chuckled. “Zelgadiss-san, there’s really no reason to sleep on the floor.”
Zelgadiss grumbled at him in that delicious way of his. “I’m not sharing a bed with you,” he said. He shivered at the thought; not visibly, but Xelloss could feel it, just like Xelloss could always feel what Zelgadiss felt. And in that moment, Xelloss knew: Zelgadiss was afraid to love him. That was why he didn’t want to share a bed.

Xelloss chuckled at him. “What, you don’t trust me?” Silly chimera. Fine, he would play his game.

“No, I don’t trust you.”

He felt Zelgadiss’ stone body thud onto the floor. All alone on the cold floor. . .how like him. Xelloss rolled over to look him in the eyes. Purple, slitted eyes met little blue sapphires. “Don’t worry,” he grinned. “I wouldn’t touch you if you didn’t want me to.”

Zelgadiss gulped. He couldn’t look away from those eyes, Xelloss knew, and so he closed them and smiled. Comfortingly this time. The chimera managed to look away and rolled over, turning his back to the Mazoku. Oh, adisadiss, if you only knew. If only he could just say, “I feel the same.” But Xelloss knew that if he tried that, Zelgadiss would run from him. He had to be tactful.

“So, Zel,” Xelloss said, changing the subject, “How’s life?”

“Fine.”

Xelloss swallowed his laughter. “That’s good, I suppose. No better than fine?”

A shrug.

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that. You know, Miss Amelia would be happy to change that for you.”

“Huh? She would?” What innocence.

“Of course. I hear getting laid will really cheer up a human. In my experience, it often makes them a bit less grumpy, too.” Zelgadiss, Xelloss thought, I love you. Take the hint already.

“WHAT?!” Zelgadiss spurted out. “I would never! How can you even suggest taking advantage of her like that?! She’s just a little kid. She’s like my sister!”

With Zel’s back turned, it was safe for Xelloss to grin. “So, then, does that mean you like her or you don’t?”

“I don’t,” Zel hissed. “She’s just a kid. And besides, she’s. . .”

“She’s? She’s what?” Xelloss pressed. A female?

“Never mind, Xelloss. I don’t see a reason to discuss this with you.”

“Okay.” What delicious feelings were coming from him. “Then let’s talk about something else.”

“I’d rather sleep,” Zelgadiss mumbled.

“Now that’s a lie, and you know it,” Xelloss chuckled at him.

“No it’s not,” Zel grumbled. Zel turned his head a bit to look at the Mazoku. “I really want to sleep.”

“Well, all right, so maybe you’d like to sleep,” Xelloss winked at him, “But you can’t, is that right?”

Zelgadiss sighed. “How would you know that?” he asked. He lay down on his back. Good, Xelloss finally had his attention.

“I can sense feelings, Zelgadiss-san,” Xelloss smiled at him. “Would you like to talk about it?”

“Not particularly, no.”

“Zelgadiss, I won’t force you,” Xelloss sighed, “But I can tell you want to talk about it. Does it have to do with your cure?” Genuine concern lined his face. He was so pitiful; lying there, denying himself the company of others, but longing for it at the same time. If only he would allow himself to cry out for help.

“Sort of,” he admitted. His shield was already dissolving. It was visibly melting on his face; first the crossness disappeared, making his face blank.

“Are you afraid you won’t find it?” Xelloss whispered. Poor Zelgadiss. . .but you’re so tasty, did you know that?

“Yes.” The blankness was gone. Now Zel’s face looked resigned, hopeless.

“Are you sure that’s all it’s about?” Xelloss asked him.

“What do you mean? Of course that’s all it’s about!” Zel hissed.

“You said earlier that the cure was only sort of the problem,” Xelloss told him. “I’m just assuming you told me the truth.”

Zel swallowed. “Fine,” he whimpered. “I’m lo. I’. I’m lonely, damn it. Does that satisfy your curiosity?! Is that enough for you?!” he snapped. He tried to stare challengingly into Xelloss’ eyes, but he failed miserably. There was no challenge left in him. Was that a tear forming in his eye?

“No,” Xelloss whispered. For once, his face was honest. “I’m not just looking for a meal.” Zel closed his eyes. Zelgadiss, you’re delicious, Xelloss thought, but I admit that’s not all I want. He appeared beside a startled Zelgadiss, and wrapped his aarouaround him.

“Huh? Xelloss? What are—” Zel began.

“Shhh,” Xelloss said, “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” Then he chuckled. “I’m not trying to feel you up, either. Just go to sleep, all right?”

Zelgadiss calmed down. “All. . . all right. . .”

Then he squeaked. Loudly. Xelloss opened his eyes, to see. . .damn. He wasn’t hugging Zelgadiss at all; he was cuddling with a ghastly Dolphin-spawn. He gasped and shot it with a quick energy ball, killing it instantly. He shuddered. Business, right. He’d best make this quick, he honestly didn’t want to see them hurt now. This was not good! Zelgadiss, what have you done? He gathered up a single massive energy ball, and BOOM, they were blasted out of existence. He shook his head. He had to find Zelgadiss and apologize, now. [I’m finished, master, excuse me,] he sent, and fled to the astral plane, where he continued to reminisce without distraction.


After Xelloss appeared next to Zelgadiss, things started to speed up. Only, this time, it was Zelgadiss who said something first. “Uh, Xelloss, maybe you shouldn’t be hugging me,” he said quietly.

“Why not?” Xelloss inquired.

“Because. . .well. . .” Zelgadiss swallowed. Xelloss smiled. Somehow, Zel’s uneasiness tasted so good.

“Well?”

“I’m gay,” Zelgadiss whispered. “I think.”

“So?” Xelloss asked sup suppose, if you were going to attach a label to me, you could call me bi. What’s your point?”

“Ah. . .really?” Zel asked.

“Mmhmm,” Xelloss said. “So what’s the problem?”

“Well, I. . .” Zelgadiss mumbled. “I think I might, well. . .”

Xelloss chuckled in his ear. “Why are you afraid of it?” he asked. “Is there something wrong with one male being attracted to another? Do you think it is something that can be prevented or stopped?” He pulled the chimera closer, pressed him against his chest; the chimera might have felt inclined to wear pajamas, but Xelloss certainly didn’t see a reason to. Zelgadiss blushed violet as soon as he realized this.

“Ah, Xelloss,” Zelgadiss tensed.

“Hush,” Xelloss whispered il’s l’s ear. “Don’t you realize how I feel about you?” he kissed the point of the delectably blue ear. “Don’t you realize I can tell you feel the same?”

Zelgadiss felt himself relaxing. It was too late to say no now; his hormones were reacting dangerously. “All right,” he said.

“Let me hear you say it, please,” Xelloss said. “Tell me how you feel about me.”

“I like you, a lot,” Zel swallowed. “I want you. I think about you every second. I’m not sure if it’s love yet, but. . .well, I think. . .I think it might be. Is that enough?”

“Plenty, Zelgadiss. Let’s move over to the bed, shall we?”


On the astral plane, less than a day after that wonderful event, Xelloss allowed himself to weep. Zelgadiss, he thought, I only hope you can forgive me.


Lina, Gourry, and Amelia managed to find their way back to the inn. No more trekking into the unknown, they agreed, not when Zelgadiss was missing. Abducted by Xelloss, no less, and after Xelloss had attempted an attack on the party. This was bad. Maybe he was holding Zelgadiss hostage; they really had no way of knowing.

Amelia sighed. “I say we shouldn’t have killed that poor Mazoku,” she said.

Lina snorted, lifting her head up from the table briefly enough to say, “Since when did you start feeling pity for Mazoku?” Amelia shrugged. Lina groaned and lay her head down on the table again. “We just have to hope someone contacts us with some sort of ransom or something.”

“Hey, while we’re here,” Gourry said, “Why don’t we get some food?”

Right, they hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Lina’s stomach growled. “Right. Food. Nothing to make a gal feel better. Amelia, get me a waiter.”

“But, Lina-san. . .”

“AMELIA,” Lina hissed, “Get me a waiter!”

“Eep, uhh, I’ll get one,” Gourry said, leaping up.

At that moment, a figure entered the inn, unchanged and unharmed (aside from an odd look on his face). “Zel!” Gourry grinned. “Hey, how are ya?”

“Zelgadiss-san. . .?” Amelia blinked.

When he spoke, his voice seemed a bit. . .well, happy. It had a kind of odd jingle to it. “Hello, Amelia, Lina, Gourry,” he said. He smiled a little, as if he’d accomplishedethiething—only, rather goofily. [Play your part,] hissed the voice in his head. [Ah [Ah, sorry master,] he responded, and wiped the smile off of his face. He cleared his throat and sat down at the table, as if nothing had happened.

“Zelgadiss Greywers,” Lina hissed, “Where in hell have you been?!”

“Ah. . .around. Where’s Xelloss?” Zel asked.

“No idea,” Lina said. “I half expected him to be with you.”

Zel nodded. “Hm. Well, tell me if he comes. I’m going up to my room.”

“Right, right,” Lina waved. “Gourry, where’s that waiter?!”

“Ah, right, sorry.” Gourry rushed off.


More Notes: So, how’s that? Better with really long installments or a few short ones? Please R&R. ^^ 

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