A/N: Insert usual disclaimer stuff here. This is the sequel to Penance and Pursuit of Merit.
Again, I went back and chopped this fic up into chapters. If you want to read the thing straight through, with no chapter divisions, just head on over to my site, Because I chopped it up, some of the chapter transitions may be strange. Sorry about that.
Reviews are always welcome and encouraged!
Xellos bowed briefly to Filia, then handed Lecia over for a quick embrace. "I appreciate your help and your hospitality these past few months," he said to the golden dragon. "Thank you, too, Val."
"You're welcome, Uncle Xellos," Val said, beaming up at the man.
"Uncle Xellos?" Filia said with a gasp.
Xellos smiled impishly, shifting Lecia on his hip. The baby looked around, amethyst eyes wide as she took in the world around her. Val waved at her and she smiled, making happy baby sounds. "Oh, he's been calling me that for a while now," Xellos explained nonchalantly.
Filia grunted in indignation. "Whatever," she mumbled. "You take care of that little girl, now, Xellos, or I swear I'll find a way to make you pay."
"Oh, I'll take splendid care of her. She's my little gemstone," he said sweetly. He really did want the best for his daughter, but she also represented several opportunities, one of which he intended to take advantage of immediately. He had felt Lina through the ring, and he thought it was time he paid her a visit. She shouldn't be allowed to get away with shunning their daughter, after all. Who knew, she might be able to even reach some sort of agreement with him, so long as it worked out to his gain.
"Good luck," Filia said with a wave of her hand. "If you need anything for her, let me know."
"I will," he called out to her, slowly rising into the air. When Filia was out of earshot he turned to his daughter and smiled. Lecia giggled back and stretched her arms out toward him. "Let's go visit mommy," he whispered gleefully, and the two of them disappeared from the physical plane.
