Chapter Twelve: A Not So Bad Punishment

After Lina was awakened by her companions, Xellos immediately returned to her room, finding her still naked in bed. Her disheveled hair draped over her breasts, concealing most of them from his view. Stretching, she greeted him, unsurprised by his arrival. As she did so, her hair slid around her pert breasts, exposing her nipples. Xellos felt Lina's eyes on him as he watched her body flex. Shyly, she pulled the blankets up, concealing her torso.

"Good morning, my Lina." He answered her, sitting down on the bed where he had spent most of the night. "How do you want to approach our duel today?" He asked, still curious how everything would play out since their involvement was supposed to stay a secret from her companions. It was a promise Xellos had unwillingly kept at her request.

She sighed as she turned her body around so she could lay her head in his lap. The blankets twisted around her, riding up her thigh. With the blankets pulled so tight around her body, Xellos could make out the pink outline of her nipples, the curves of her body with little effort. "I'm not sure. I was thinking about telling them that I bumped into you yesterday and we decided to have it out."

Xellos touched a finger to his lips, looking upward as if contemplating. "Don't you think they'll put two and two together?"

"Maybe. If they do, I'll just deny it." Reaching upward, she grabbed one of Xellos' gloved hands and brought it under the blankets to her stomach. Hesitantly, she locked his fingers with hers. As she did, Xellos removed his fake glove so she could feel her skin. The disappearance of the garment was now a normal occurrence to her. Although, he had hoped that she would eventually ask about it.

It was something Xellos still didn't care for: holding hands. But at least he was getting better about not feeding on her constantly when they were in such close proximity to each other. It made the act less disgusting. Instead, it felt more like he was giving her something that she wanted in exchange for her humoring him sexually. It was a decent trade.

He considered asking her why it was so important that their involvement be kept a secret, but he already knew the answer. Gourry was the reason. She probably couldn't bear the thought of him finding out about her giving herself to a monster. It was absurd, he thought to himself, for her to be so comfortable with having sex with him while still considering Gourry a possibility. At the same time, he couldn't blame her for keeping her options open.

"I'm looking forward to our duel." He said, after a long silence. He ran his fingers through her ruffled hair, petting her gently.

Looking completely content, Lina cooed a soft response. "Me too." She stroked his fingers as he brushed her bangs away from her face.

Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, just above her headband. Though the room no longer smelled of sex, Lina still had the scent of sweat on her. As he pulled back, he noticed her touching her finger to her lips, as if telling him where to kiss next. He smiled and lowered his mouth to hers, giving her a deep kiss, their tongues massaging each other.

A soft knock came on the door. Zelgadis' voice called to Lina shortly after it. "Lina? Are you coming down for breakfast?"

Xellos attempted to release their kiss so Lina could answer, but she held him in place by gripping his hair and clenching his hand. Lina bit at his lip, tasting his essence again. He moaned softly as she chewed on him.

"Lina?" Zelgadis tried the doorknob and found it locked. "Are you alright?"

She released him, smirking as she licked his energy off of her lips. Instantly, Xellos realized it was the first time they had kissed that he did not at least try to absorb her emotions. Shocked, he had no response to Lina's flirty way of tasting what remained of him on her. Even so, he kept his facade up. It made no sense to him. Not consuming her energy was absurd. It's why he was there. It's why he did some of these ridiculous things like holding her hands and petting her hair.

"I'm coming!" She yelled back angrily, jolting Xellos out of his stupor.

Though thrown slightly off guard by her yell, he was still able to throw a quick, whispered tease her way. "Already? What a shame."

Lina's face turned a bright red, prompting Xellos to feed on her emotions. Her embarrassment was delightful. Trying to conceal her sudden reaction, Lina winked at him, gave him a quick peck on the cheek and whispered in his ear. "You wish you were that good."

Before he could respond, Lina was walking naked across her room, the sheets thrown off her. About halfway to the bathroom, she stopped and looked over her shoulder at Xellos. "I'll meet you downstairs, I guess." Smiling at him, she turned back around and headed into the bathroom.

Having nothing better to do, Xellos sat on the bed, waiting for the right time. He wasn't going to let her off that easily for teasing him. He'd get his revenge before their duel, before she had breakfast.

The sound of water being drawn for the bath emanated from the bathroom, muffled by the closed door. Xellos could also hear Zelgadis and Amelia talking outside Lina's door as they waited for her. Lina being late for a meal was a red flag to anyone who even remotely knew her. They had opted to wait at her door until she was ready to come down and were even debating asking her about the noises they had heard for the past two nights. Should their tryst become apparent to her friends, Xellos knew he would be in for an extra special treat. Staying close from now on was imperative. He wanted his presence to be known when everything unfolded. Delighted by the prospect of a savory meal on the horizon, Xellos opted to make their supposedly candid conversation an excuse to barge in on Lina in the bath.

Judging by the pitch of the water, the tub was just about full. Xellos waited for her to turn it completely off before teleporting into the room.

"Xe-"

Immediately, he covered her mouth with a spell, silencing her with a magical gag. Lina, one leg in the tub, covered herself as much as she possibly could with her hands and arms, dropping her body into the water. Frustration and embarrassment filled the room. It was a decent breakfast.

Putting a finger over his lips, he gestured to the hallway. "If you aren't quiet, my dear Lina, your friends will hear you."

Still covering her breasts with an arm, she pointed at the gag. Her eyebrows pressed together as Xellos shook his head, denying her request. Grabbing at the energy, she tried to remove it, but couldn't quite manage to break it.

Xellos came to the edge of the tub, looking her over. "Why are you being so modest all of a sudden? It's not like I haven't seen you completely naked and in much more compromising positions." He opened an eye at her as he smirked.

Scoffing, Lina, sank into the tub, the water now just below her nose. Xellos fed on her emotions, savored them. Though her friends were waiting, he couldn't help wanting to take advantage of the situation. He decided to surprise her with something she could never experience from a human as payback for teasing him.

Conjuring more black energy, Xellos used his magic to restrain her hands behind her back. Lina's eyes widened as she made what he assumed were muffled protests. Using more of his magic, he wrapped one black band around the feet of the tub. His energy climbed up the sides and into the water. Instead of dissipating as it did when Lina consumed it, Xellos hardened it into rope-like straps wrapped around her ankles. With a nod, he tightened them, spreading her legs. Lina blushed under his black gag, her jaw trembling. Xellos sat on the rim of the tub, looking at her sideways.

"My Lina," he cooed softly into her ear, "did you really think I'd let you get away with taunting me like that?"

Lina shot fiery glares at him while wiggling, trying to free herself from his grip. Smiling, Xellos snaked the energy up her legs to her knees. Squirming more, Lina made more muffled pleas as she radiated rage and fear. Tasting her emotions, Xellos knew she feared what could happen to her when she wasn't willing. She was terrified that he would rape her. He contemplated it for a moment as he thought on other women and men he had raped. The fear and shame emitted by them was delicious. But nothing tasted like Lina. None of those nameless, faceless bugs could have ever compared to what she could offer him. He didn't need to rape her. Sure, he wanted to ravage her without her permission. But he knew he could get more satisfaction from her in the long run if he had a consenting Lina.

Even so, the thought of scaring her with the notion of rape was appealing. Liking the idea, he opened his eyes and grabbed her chin as he moved his face within an inch of hers. Lina's eyes widened as he made eye contact with her, gripping her tightly with his magic and his fingers. He could feel her clenching her jaw tightly, clearly not approving of his current train of thought. It mattered not if she approved. He enjoyed scaring her. Consuming her fear felt good, almost nostalgic.

He wanted more.

His magic slithered up to her thighs and began massaging her body in pulses. Lina shut her eyes as her heart pounded. Xellos watched her breasts rise and fall, making small ripples on the surface of the water. Her jaw loosened as his magic massaged her back, slinking over her shoulders and down her spine. Leaning lower, Xellos began kissing her neck, inhaling her scent. He nibbled on the base of her neck under the water, rubbing it with his tongue after hearing her sigh. Her energies became softer, less reserved as her legs relaxed. Her fear faded entirely.

That won't do, Xellos thought.

Immediately, he stopped massaging her and removed the gag. Tightening his magic's grip on her, he pulled her legs completely out of the water. The motion nearly sent Lina's head under the water, but she was able to brace herself with her bound hands. Her muscles tightened as she tried to maintain her balance.

"X-Xellos... wh-"

He silenced her with his mouth as his magic began petting her between her legs firmly, but without entering. Lina's body stiffened more as her fear grew. Enjoying her response, Xellos had his magic play with her clit while still petting as he massaged her tongue and moved his hands to her breasts, pinching her nipples. She moaned hesitantly into his mouth. The more he fondled, kissed, and played with her, the closer she came to an unwanted, but desired climax. Her fear was laced with the sugary flavor of her need, her thirst for release. It was an excellent mixture, Xellos noted as he savored it.

But this wasn't about pleasing her.

As he felt her body writhing, preparing to orgasm, Xellos quickly dispersed his magic like smoke into the air. His energy in the water became ink-like, swirling and billowing in the water until it completely dissolved. With her completely released from his kiss, hands, and magic, Lina dropped farther into the water. Gasping, she came up for air, her face wrought with embarrassment.

Lina glared up at him questioningly as he gazed down at her. "You fucking tease."

Grinning, Xellos leaned backward, now hovering above her. "I'll see you downstairs, my Lina." Vanishing to the Astral Plane, he fed on her anger as she all but screamed at him from the tub. He knew she was probably aware that he was still watching her, enjoying her from a safe distance. Even so, she still gave in to her rage. She was irresistible.

Pouting in the bath, Lina finally calmed down. Or, at least, she appeared to be subdued. Then, Xellos noticed small motions in the water. Looking closer, he noticed she was attempting to finish what he had started. Almost delicately, she fingered herself as she sat almost perfectly erect in the tub. Never having seen her masturbate alone, Xellos felt compelled to watch. A greater part of him wanted to contribute, but he had already done enough. Just getting Lina to the point that she could not resist touching herself was enough for him. Until he heard her small whimpers. They sounded almost pitiful as they echoed off the slick walls and the tub. From the Astral Plane, he could barely make them out. Listening more intently, he was able to decipher a few syllables enough to piece together that she was masturbating to the thought of him.

Smiling, he considered joining her, but he still wanted to watch her satisfy herself to completion. It was erotic. Leaning back in the tub, Lina spread her legs so she could more easily probe herself. Xellos watched her sliding her fingers in and out, faster and faster. After some time, Zelgadis began knocking on the door again, interrupting her just before her nearly second climax. Frustrated, she screamed at him to leave her alone before petting herself harder. The bath water lapped harder against the walls of the tub as she began moving her hand harder and faster, trying desperately to bring herself to climax. Elevating her hips a little, she made it easier to reach her spot.

After a few more minutes, Lina's irritation reached its limit. She stopped pumping herself and sat dismayed in the tub.

Xellos stared at her in disbelief: she couldn't get herself off. He wondered if it was possible that Lina had never been able to successfully orgasm on her own. He entertained the notion that he had not only been her first partner, but also the first to make her climax. With this assumption, Xellos felt instantly compelled to join her in the bathroom.

Appearing in the physical plane again, he scooped a now clean, but frustrated Lina up in his arms and teleported them both to her bed, Lina now magically dry. After laying her down on the bed, he spread her legs with his ungloved hands. Lina gasped after realizing she had been teleported and rejoined by the monster. Xellos grabbed her hands with his, moving one to her folds and the other to her breast.

"What are you -"

"Let me show you how to do this, Lina." He whispered even though he knew Zelgadis was no longer at the door. Though it was naughty watching her novice attempts at masturbating, it was far more erotic to teach her how to please herself.

Surprised, Lina stared at him as he began moving her fingers in a circular motion across her folds and her nipple. Lying beside her, he watched her enjoying the motion.

"Just enjoy how you feel." He spoke softly to her, but far enough away so his breath would not aid in her task. "Think about how nice your soft opening feels to your fingers and how your fingers feel on your body when you touch it. If it helps, you can pretend that I'm doing it instead."

Lina sighed softly as she followed his instructions. Her mouth parted as a faint smile appeared on her face. Her body softened slightly as she grew wetter. Releasing her hands, he decided to continue with auditory instructions.

"Put two of your fingers in, just a little and then take them out."

Moaning, Lina obeyed. Her folds glistened with her juices as they were drawn out with her fingers. The hand on her breast began rubbing harder so Xellos released it, realizing that she could manage that on her own now at least.

"Focus on how tight you are, how it feels to enter." He added, ensuring she understood the point of why he only wanted light penetration. "Gradually go deeper until you're completely inside."

Continuing the motion as told, Lina also began moving her hips up to her hands. Pleased by her ability to listen to her body, Xellos praised her for her movements. Once fully inside, she sighed blissfully.

"Did you find your spot?" He asked. She replied with a shaky nod. "Good. Rub it."

Lina clenched her teeth, gritting them as she pushed her hips onto her hand, her two fingers as far as she could reach inside. She began pinching her nipple as her breathing became more labored.

"You're not doing it hard enough, Lina." He commented, noticing how long it was taking her to climax.

When she replied, her voice was strained. "I - I can't... it's too..."

"Yes. I know." He nodded. "You're very tight. Sometimes it's hard to stay in. You should add another finger or two. It should make it easier for you to come."

Lina shot him a worried look, prompting him to consume the small doses of fear and anxiety spilling from her as she continued following his instructions. Looking down at her busy hand, he saw her third finger vanish into her body as she released a choked groan. He loved when she tried to be quiet while she was being painfully pleased. Coaxing her, he persuaded her to put the fourth finger in sooner than she probably should have. Wincing, she emitted a delicious, hearty breakfast full of pain, fear, and need. He could feel her craving more, needing the release.

"Feel yourself inside, Lina. Touch your walls; rub your spot with one finger while you do. Be hard on yourself." He instructed, completely enjoying her emotions and the sight of her masturbating to his words. Squishy sounds emanated from her body as she stretched her insides. Her body leaked more fluid, better lubricating her fingers. Flattening her fingers so that she was cupping the top part of her hole, she fingered herself harder and harder, rubbing over her clit with her palm and fingertips as she withdrew and inserted her fingers - all at Xellos' coaching.

He watched her writhing in pain and ecstasy, enjoying her flavor as she climaxed. Xellos ordered her to keep her fingers inside so she could feel the tightness that he felt when she came. Lina's head tilted upward, her eyes closed. Arching her back, she climaxed on herself, letting her juices flow down her fingers and legs onto the bed. The hand that was on her breast now gripped the sheets tightly, bracing her.

As her body calmed, she lay completely relaxed on the bed, her fingers slowly slipping out of her body. Swallowing hard, she panted heavily while staring at the ceiling through hazy eyes. Her legs remained limp, spread open.

Xellos admired her post-orgasm state. He wanted to take part in it more, but knew that her companions would return too soon for him to be physically satisfied. Though it had only been a few moments since their relocation, Lina looked as if she had been released from a sexual frustration that had lasted years.

Touching his face with her clean hand, she pulled him down and kissed him passionately. "Thank you." She whispered, staring at his facade as if she could see through it with her nearly drunken stare.

"There's no need for that." He dismissed her appreciation and stopped consuming her. "Although, I do feel like I need to prove something to you, but we'll save that for another day." He kissed her back deeply as he teleported her back to the tub, bathing her with his hands, now completely aroused by the show he had just watched and in which he had mildly participated. Lina wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down into the bath with her, his cloak floating on the surface as he pressed his body against her, rubbing her with his length through his fake clothing. She moaned loudly as she pressed her hips up toward him, spreading her legs.

Water spilled out onto the floor. A soft knocking sound came from her room again, interrupting them.

"I'll let you get back to your friends. With them visiting so frequently, we'll never get much accomplished. We can have more of this later." He whispered in her ear. "Besides, I don't think you want that particular visitor learning about us." Placing a final kiss on her cheek, he teleported himself to the outside of the inn and entered the tavern.