A/N: Insert the standard "I don't claim the rights to these characters" spiel here. Beware, this story contains adult themes (i.e., big chunks o' lemon) and gets VERY explicit at times. Read at your own risk. Also, this story only covers the exploits of Lina and Xellos. Gourry, Amelia, and Zelgadis' adventures during the time frame that "Penance" takes place are detailed in a fic called "Pursuit of Merit", which is about halfway written but probably won't be done until '05. "Penance" is followed up by "Reckoning" and then "Absolution" series, all of which are available here on fanfiction.net.
You can view this story in its un-chaptered form at my website, also. I went back and broke it up into chapters because I was getting complaints that it was too long. Sorry if the chapter divisions seem awkward in places, or if some chapters seem too short or too long. That's what happens when you write a story without chapter divisions, and then later chop it up.
Reviews are welcome!!
Penance
by the Prime Minister
It was done, and there was nothing he could do about it. He leaned against the tree and sighed, letting the exhalation carry the tension away from his physical form. He honestly hadn't expected the spell to turn out like it had. Somehow she had found a way inside his casting; that was the only explanation he could offer. The spell couldn't be performed without mighty astral power, and only his race survived to wield such power. The dragons could cast such spells as well, but with time their people had become more and more like regular, mortal beasts. Not to say that his kind wasn't undergoing the same process, but still...Few remained that were more powerful than he, and yet that mortal woman had still found a way to turn his spell from his control.
Now that he thought about it, he should never have told her about the spell. Lina was crafty, and she was unpredictable at best. He should have known that something untoward would happen. Still, the temptation to make things more interesting had been there, and he had indulged in it. It wasn't in his nature to turn down a chance for fun.
That fun had backfired and badly. He hadn't meant to destroy Dolphin's general and priest, honestly. Of course, doing so single-handedly was no problem for him. He was far more powerful than both of them combined. Even with his help, however, Lina shouldn't have been able to kill all those monsters, especially not the priest. A slight scowl warped his brow as he focused on the horizon. Perhaps channeling the Lord of Nightmares all those years ago had augmented her power in some way. He would have to reevaluate the situation.
the wind whispered, and he shoved himself away from the tree, looking over his shoulder at the gaping maw of the cavern entrance behind him.
Yes, Mistress? he replied, a rarely-felt sensation of apprehension settling coldly in his stomach.
Come here, the voice on the wind commanded.
Yes, at once, he said, looking one more time at the ocean surrounding Wolfpack Island. With a thought he pulled his physical body onto the astral plane, rematerializing at the foot of a stone throne carved in the twisted forms of canines. He knelt, placing a fist on the floor and looking up into Xellas Metallium's eyes. They were golden, with the small, round pupils of a wolf. Blonde hair spilled about her shoulders as she shook her head slowly. He admired her long, tan, slender limbs as she gestured him to rise, the multitude of bangles on her wrist jangling with the motion. Ah yes, his mistress enjoyed being in her physical form just as much as he liked his, something he supposed he inherited from her.
she repeated in a throaty voice.
he answered, rising slowly and gripping his staff more tightly.
The Beastmaster sighed and closed her golden eyes. I heard what has happened. You should have known better.
The cold lump in Xellos' abdomen grew larger. It was an unfortunate accident, he said calmly. Things got out of hand.
It's because of that human girl, isn't it, Xellos? You underestimated her once again.
I fear that is so, he said, bowing his head.
Really, I don't understand this fascination of yours with this mortal girl. In all the years of your existence she is the first that has held your attention for more than a few moments. Why her?
A smile spread across his lips in spite of himself. Mistress, in all the years of my existence I have never found a mortal so powerful as she, nor have I encountered one so volatile. She is like a feast for our kind.
Xellas pressed her full lips into a tight line. Such an obsession is unhealthy. Because of your fascination our sister's minions have been destroyed. That is simply unforgivable.
I apologize. I never expected events to go so far.
That does not change what transpired. I'm afraid that you must be punished for your indiscretions.
But, Mistress, he began.
She cut him short with a wave of her bejeweled hand. There are no excuses for what has taken place. I must pass judgment, for what you did was terrible and grave.
What are you going to do to me? he whispered.
She lowered her head slightly and sighed. I must revoke your powers and immortality. That is the only action I can take to placate the remaining Monster lords. You, Xellos, must spend the remainder of your days as a human.
he gasped, eyes wide. But you can't...
I'm sorry, she said sadly, raising a hand. Goodbye, Xellos.
He opened his mouth to protest once more, but before he could speak the world closed in upon him and promptly went black.