Chapter Thirteen: Xellos! His one and only appearance

Disclaimer: I do not own Slayers, or any of their characters. However, I do own Babbit, Yeshta, Pickle and Slipper. Varunia is borrowed from my sister.

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*********************************************************************** Babbit had searched around her room for a long time, seeking anything that could help her. When she found nothing, she collapsed on her bed, and broke out in tears. She wanted so badly to see Rezo again, to hear his soft voice, to feel his gentle touch on her face. She nuzzled her face in to the pillow, sobbing. She stayed that way until there was a knock on the door.

"Babbit?" Her father's soft voice came through the wooden door.

"What?" She asked, sitting up and hastily trying to dry the tears on her face.

"May I come in?"

"Oh! Of course, father." At her answer, the door slowly opened. Zelgadiss had a surprised look on his face.

"Babbit. Were you crying?" He asked, shutting the door behind himself as he walked in to the room. She nodded, and rubbed her eye.

"It's only because I'm so happy to be home." She lied. She had hoped in vain that he wouldn't notice, and didn't want to explain why she truly was crying. He sat down beside her on her bed.

"I'm sorry." He stared at the floor.

"For what?"

"For your loneliness." He turned, and gazed at her.

"Don't be silly. I'm... not... lonely." She sniffled as tears began to slip down her face once more. She threw herself against his solid chest, and sobbed on to him. For a long time, they sat there together. Zelgadiss murmured reassuring things while he gently rubbed her back. Finally, she had exhausted herself. She yawned hugely. He stood up slowly, lying her head on the pillow.

"Why don't you get some sleep?" He suggested gently.

"The candle..." She mumbled in to the pillow.

"Don't worry about it." He blew out the candle. "Good night, Babbit." He opened the door, and began to leave. She tried to mumble a reply, but nothing came out. He looked back on his daughter, feeling pain in his heart for her. He closed the door softly, and came face to face with Xellos.

"Now isn't this a dilemma?" The purple haired mazoku smiled. "It's very delicious." He added. Zelgadiss had just opened his mouth to say something when Rezo appeared between himself and Xellos.

"You will not feed off Babbit." He stated firmly.

"Oh?" Xellos opened one eye, then closed it again. "We'll see." He disappeared. Rezo disappeared as well, leaving Zelgadiss standing in the hall with his mouth open.

"Zel?" Yeshta's voice called as she neared him. She came around a corner, and surveyed the scene. "Oh my. Did something happen?"

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By the way, what do you think of the titles that I pick out for these? R&R, please!