Darkness Reigns by Soleo Lion

I'd like to thank everyone for their reviews.
And RNK - no thanks. I like this version better too. So this chapter is dedicated to you. Enjoy.

Disclaimer in Prologue.

'Zelgadiss' thoughts'
(internal thoughts)

Chapter Three: Brighter then Black

The little band of adventurers awoke the next morning to their normal routine. Xelloss greeted everyone as they started coming out of their tents and sat around the campfire starting their meager breakfast. The only unusual thing was that Zelgadiss, normally the first to wake, was still sleep as camp was about to be broken.

"Lina-san, I'm worried about Zelgadiss-san. This isn't like him. Maybe he's ill. Do you think we should wait for him?" Deep concern for her friend's well being was written all over Amelia. After traveling with Zelgadiss she had already memorized his normal habits.

"There's nothing to worry about Amelia-san. If you'd like to break camp I will stay with Zelgadiss and make sure he catches up to you later today." The others were instantly on guard as nothing Xelloss did was for free.

"And you're going to do this out of the goodness of your heart?" Lina looked skeptical.

"Of course Lina-san." Xelloss looked mock shocked at them all. "You wound me with your untrusting attitude. I promise Zelgadiss and I will catch up to you by lunch time or the next meal is my treat."

This convinced the sorceress and she hurried everyone along. "You better arrive on time Xelloss or I'm going to make you pay for it." She said as they left the campsite.

Xelloss waved until they had left the clearing. He then went over and crawled into the little space that was Zelgadiss' tent to wake him up.

Zelgadiss was in a comfortable warm half-asleep state. He could hear the others going about their morning routine and then heard their footsteps as they left. He just couldn't bring himself to get up yet, which was very unlike him. He was about to fall asleep again when he felt a presence right next to him.

"Morning sleepy head. Time to get up." Xelloss whispered into his ear causing him to shudder at the slight contact.

His eyes sprang open and he moved as far away from Xelloss as the cramped tent would allow.

(What's the matter Zel-chan? Did I startle you?) The coquettish way in which Xelloss said this phrase startled Zelgadiss the most.

"Get away from me fruitcake." As Zelgadiss tried to push Xelloss away he felt that pain behind his eyes again and he grabbed his head instead.

(I thought we went over this lesson already.) As he 'spoke' the pain subsided a little. Xelloss left hand reached out the short distance and caressed Zel's cheek. At the contact of flesh on flesh Zel could feel a great desire rise up in him. He didn't know why. He had never felt attracted to the trickster before, but then he remembered the kiss they had shared when all of this had started. He wanted to feel that again. He wetted his own lips at the memory.

(What would you rather feel Zelgadiss. The pain?) At this the pain that had been reduced to a dull throbbing spiked for a second and Zel almost whimpered. (Or would you rather feel pleasure?)

The pain went away all together and suddenly Zelgadiss felt a great need. He wanted Xelloss to touch him, everywhere. To become one with him in ways he had never thought of before because his freakish body had never allowed it. He moaned before he could stop himself.

(You see Zelgadiss, as a high ranking Mazoku I have control over you in ways you couldn't even imagine.) Xelloss still was cupping Zel's cheek but started to run his thumb over Zel's lips, nose, eyebrow - as if he was memorizing the features with his touch.

Zelgadiss couldn't concentrate on the words Xelloss was saying, but he felt it in his bones and his caresses boiled his blood. The controlled power underneath the simple exterior of the priest garb called to the raw power Zelgadiss didn't know he had. In Zel's mind everything was happening so fast but also in slow motion.

Zel stopped the movement of Xelloss' hand with his own. He locked his gaze with the smiling eyes of the other man. Zel's left hand pulled Xelloss' head down to his and he locked their lips together. It was the first kiss Zelgadiss had initiated since he was five with the shepard's daughter and hadn't known better. He felt awkward but he didn't want to stop.

Xelloss allowed Zelgadiss to be in control of this kiss. He could feel the waves of desire rolling off the younger man. He was amazed at the amount in fact. He had only pushed the little former-chimera a little. Now all those years of pent up frustration were all directed at him. Perfect.

When Zelgadiss' tongue demanded entrance to Xelloss' mouth, who was he to refuse. Zel began to lean back and pull Xelloss on top of him while they kissed. Zelgadiss broke this kiss as their crotchs rubbed against each other. He hend on to Xelloss' frame and tried to increase the friction between them by grinding up into him.

Xelloss looked down on Zelgadiss panting in need. There would have been nothing better then taking the advantage presented to him right then and having his way with the younger man. Unfortunatly Lina would be waiting for them. He wanted to take his time for conquering Zel, and savor the anguish before satisfying the hunger he had started.

As Xelloss pulled away from Zelgadiss a confused looked passed over Zel's features. He was about to ask what he did wrong and then remembered (Xelloss-sama, please.) He looked so pouty that Xelloss almost broke his promise to himself.

(It's ok my pet. We just don't have the time right now. I'll give you some release soon. Just be patient.)

Zelgadiss continuted his adorable pout, but Xelloss got up and exited the tent. (It's time to get up and moving Zelgadiss. We mustn't keep everyone waiting.)

Xelloss felt the delicious waves of conflicting emotions coming from Zel. First was the desire giving way to confushion. Followed by the revulsion and finally guilt. A veritable smorgesborg of emotions for Xelloss to feed upon.

Zelgadiss waited in the tent until his emotions had calmed down. 'That's just not like me. I don't know what Xelloss did to me but I can't let that happen again. I could have...' He went a little pale. He didn't want to contemplate what would have happened if Xelloss hadn't stopped them when he had. 'Ok, it did feel good, but this is Xelloss. I can't... I won't let myself give into him. To become a Mazoku like him. I have to keep my humanity.'

With this determited thought Zelgadiss left the safety of the tent packed up his gear and left the clearing wihtout looking at Xelloss once.

End Chapter Three