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!!
******************************
She awoke slowly, feeling rather liquid and warm aside from the pounding in her head. Her back was stiff and something was poking her in the ribs and she groaned under her breath, disoriented. Feeling warm breath on her shoulder, she turned her head slightly and saw that she was being held up by Xellos' body. She was nestled securely in the crook of his shoulder, his arm passing behind her and to his front, where he gripped his staff in his sleep. His hair fell over his face, hiding his features completely, but she found herself somewhat hypnotized by the steady, deep movements of his ribcage as he breathed. His body, which cradled hers, was strong and warm against her, and she realized that she was also wrapped in his cloak. A gentle smile crossed her lips as she gazed at him tenderly, and she freed a hand. The morning air was cold on her skin, frost heavy in the day's breeze, and yet he had nothing to warm him but his thin shirt and her body. She reached up and ran the back of her hand underneath his heavy, silky hair, watching as the purple strands moved across her flesh like water. Slowly she grazed the skin of his face with her fingertips and shut her eyes, thinking how nice it was to be close to another human being again. It had been weeks, really, since she had been with Gourry, and she hated to admit it, but she had really missed the physical affection. Having a warm body near her was somehow comforting, even if it was Xellos. She shivered in the cold air and pulled her hand back, snuggling closer to him. He suddenly wrapped himself around her more protectively and she saw the glinting of his amethyst eyes underneath the deep shadows cast by his thick bangs. Are you cold? he whispered, not blinking as his eyes drank her in. I can restart the fire.
She blushed and looked away, focusing intently on the branches above them. No, I'm fine, she said sharply. Where are we?
We're in a copse of trees about six miles outside of Harmon, he said gently. How are you feeling?
Like crap, she said, wincing as she tried to move.
I'm not surprised, he answered, still not uncurling his body from around hers. You took quite a nasty hit yesterday.
Damn rock, she snarled.
He smiled down at her, cocking his head. I'm afraid I don't know any healing spells, so I fear that you're on your own.
I can't cast anything for at least another day, she said softly. And I think my knee was injured when I fell.
Well, we can have someone look after it when we get to town, he replied, shifting. In one fluid motion he gathered her up and stood, surprising her with his grace.
How the hell are we going to get to town? she asked, struggling against his embrace.
I'll carry you, he said simply, looking around as if to be sure he had everything.
Like hell, she growled.
He raised an eyebrow. How do you think you got this far, Miss Lina? he asked archly.
Lina groaned inwardly. Oh great, human Xellos had a snappish streak. That was just what she needed. I refuse to be carried around like some kid! she protested.
He smiled at her, but she found the expression anything but reassuring. His hands moved and she found herself bound even more tightly by his cloak. I'm afraid you don't have a whole lot of say in the matter, he said brightly.
Damn you, Xellos! she growled, trying to escape and yelling she wrenched her injured knee.
That was your fault, he said. Please, be still. I don't want you to hurt yourself even more.
She opened her mouth to protest, but was stopped as he pressed his mouth to the crown of her head. A blush stained her cheekbones and she looked away. she murmured.
he commanded gently. We'll be there in no time.
Half an hour later they were staring down a mob of bandits. No time, eh? Lina growled. Hey, can't you see there's an injured woman present? she shouted at them.
Please stand aside, Xellos said mildly. I must get this young lady to someone who can treat her wounds.
We don't give a damn about her wounds, one of the men growled.
You don't see a sorceress and a priest traveling together every day of the week, another said. You're bound to have something valuable.
And even if you don't, we can always just take the girl!
I'd really rather not fight with you, Xellos said. I'm in sort of a hurry.
What are you going to do about it, priest? one said, and the other cackled.
Why is it that bandit gangs are never original? Lina groaned, closing her eyes and shaking her head. And why do they never leave me alone?
Xellos appeared to consider. Well, you do seem to attract these types of men, he said.
Shut up! Lina shouted. I do not!
Well, they're here, aren't they? I honestly have never encountered as many undesirables as I do when I'm around you, Miss Lina.
Did I not just tell you to shut up? Lina screeched, struggling against his strong arms. Come here, bandit scum! I'll kill all of you!
Now really, Miss Lina, you're hardly in any condition- Xellos began.
You two talk too much, one of the bandits said, pulling out a knife.
Come on, let's kill this guy and take the girl.
Lina swallowed hard. There were a lot of bandits, and she was still unable to use magic. Why did small towns always seem to be plagued with bandit gangs? Go get em, Xellos! she cried, pointing at the largest man in the group.
Xellos' brow furrowed and he looked down at her, eyes closed.
Give em hell! she shouted, raising a fist in the air.
he began, but then the bandits rushed them. Xellos dodged this way and that, deftly keeping her away from the points of their blades until they came to rest underneath a tree. Quickly he levitated and sat her on a branch, making sure she was steady. Please try not to put any pressure on that knee, he said softly.
Hey, that's not fair! one of the bandits cried.
Life's not fair! Lina shouted back with a sneer. You guys are going to get it now!
Miss Lina, Xellos protested. He sighed, his shoulders slumping, and approached the advancing bandits. Please, gentlemen, he said. Can't we discuss this like civilized people?
The man who appeared to be the leader laughed, planting his hands on his hips. Listen to the sissy priest beg! he guffawed, and a round of taunts rose from the bandits.
That's rather uncalled for, Xellos said with a slight frown. Miss Lina, are you sure we can't just leave?
Come on, Xellos, be a man! she cried from her perch in the tree. You can't be afraid of your own magic forever!
Just do it! Listen, I know you used to feed off of fear as a Monster. Well, making people fear the mortal you can be just as fun, I promise. Just give it a shot.
she warned from between clenched teeth.
He sighed and scratched his head. Very well, he mumbled, and readied his staff.
Oh, the sissy's going to attack us with a piece of wood! the bandit leader cried with a false swoon.
Xellos held up his staff and examined it. What, this?
The bandits pointed and laughed.
Xellos shrugged. I can use this if you want me to, but what I was really going to use was this, he explained, pointing at the sky.
The bandit leader looked up just in time to be instantly incinerated by a bolt of lightning. Why, you! one of the bandits screamed, and rushed Xellos.
Lina shivered as a cold smile crossed Xellos' face, and he deftly dodged the bandit's sword, dancing nimbly back and forth as the entire group attacked him. He avoided their offensive so quickly and gracefully that it actually appeared that he was leading them in a dance. Slowly the crowd began to thin as Xellos wove back and forth, and finally his staff came up, rapping one of the men on the skull. The man fell and another took his place, Xellos blocking the sword with his staff. Lina blinked as Xellos struck quickly, hitting one fellow in the throat with his left hand while delivering a roundhouse kick to another attacker. He wound in and out of the bandits, striking quickly and then withdrawing before his enemies could launch a counter assault. Lina was very, very impressed.
I didn't know that you knew how to fight like that! she yelled from the tree.
Well, you do now, he called back, ducking a punch and bringing his staff up into the bandit's stomach.
Hurry it up, she shouted. I'm starving!
Can't you just blast them or something?
Miss Lina, you know how I-
You'll never get used to how it feels unless you start doing it more often! she replied, cutting him off. Just blast them already!
Xellos looked at her and sighed, raising his hands into the air and bringing them down abruptly. Blast Bomb, he said, and the world exploded into fire. Lina screamed as she was blown from her perch, only to be caught by gentle, capable arms. Was that sufficient? Xellos asked, smiling down into her face.
You almost killed me! she shrieked, smacking at his shoulder.
Xellos chuckled. Miss Lina, I am beginning to think you are indestructible, he replied. The smile on his face softened somewhat. Besides, I would never do anything to hurt you, not now.
Lina scowled and looked away, ashamed at how good he was at making her blush. she growled. Let's go get lunch and then find out where they hid their treasure.
Ever the pragmatist, Xellos murmured, and sped along towards town.
Would you like to find a healer? he asked as he strolled down the street.
She lifted her head from his shoulder, where she must have fallen asleep. Eh? What?
Would you like to have that knee taken care of?
Lina considered, weighing the hunger in her belly against the pain in her leg. Let's eat first, she said.
Xellos came to a stop and looked about, swinging her around so that she could see all the signs on the street.
Lina's mouth scrunched up as she thought. I want beef, she declared, pointing at a sign.
Very well, Xellos said with a chuckle.
You're not gonna carry me inside! she said, struggling.
But, Miss Lina-
Just give me your staff and take my arm. I'll hobble in, but at least I'll do it myself.
As you wish, he said, offering his arm. She latched onto it and half-hopped, half-limped into the restaurant. He seated her at a table and wandered off, leaving her to order. He returned shortly after the food arrived, but she barely noticed, so busy was she stuffing her face.
I found accommodations, he said, sitting down, The healer is on the other side of town.
She put down her fork and took up her mug, drinking deeply. Wiping her mouth on the back of her glove, she scowled at him. And spend money on that when I can do it myself tomorrow? No thank you!
Xellos sighed and pulled a plate to him, neatly beginning to cut his food into uniform pieces. If you're certain, he murmured.
I'm absolutely certain, she said with a nod, and began to stuff herself again.
After the meal, he gently helped her out of the restaurant. Let's go get that treasure, she said, holding her hand high and taking a step forward. She cried out in pain as a hot bolt of agony raced up her leg and collapsed, only to have her fall interrupted by Xellos' strong hands.
I don't think so, he said. I can go after the treasure in a bit. First we need to get you comfortable.
He pressed his finger to her mouth, shaking his head. Not for you, not today. We'll get you situated in the inn first. Then and only then will I leave you long enough to get your treasure.
It's your treasure, too, she offered, feeling a little silly. She was getting used to being carried around, though. In fact, she leaned into him and decided to enjoy it as they made their way to the inn. He made their arrangements, surprising her by only requesting one room, although with two beds.
You wouldn't leave me alone if I was injured, was all he would give her for an explanation, and she felt it was best if she left it at that.
He took her up to the room, her arms wrapped around his neck, and carried her over the threshold as if she were a bride. She blushed as the thought passed through her mind, and squealed as he set her down on the bed. Now be good, he said, rising immediately.
But I want to go with you! It won't be any fun here at all. What will I do?
Xellos smiled and reached into his leather bag, pulling out a book. Read this, he replied. It's one of the books from the ancient library. I grabbed one at random, but it's bound to be interesting regardless. People back then had a very different perspective of things.
She reached up and snatched the book out of his hands. You can go now, she said with a raised eyebrow.
He chuckled softly and shook his head. I will return as quickly as I can, he replied, and left the room.
She was still reading greedily when he returned, some time after nightfall. He shivered and tossed his cloak on a chair, setting his bag and staff beside it. Dinner will be up in a bit, he explained.
She grunted by way of reply, fascinated with the ancient plant lore the book contained. It was no use to her against Monsters, but it was interesting nonetheless. Did you get a good haul? she asked absently.
He sighed and sat down next to her on the bed, his skin glowing softly in the candlelight. I suppose. There was only about five hundred thousand in gold, and so I opted for mostly gems.
We can make charms out of those later, she murmured.
Miss Lina, what are you looking for in the libraries? he asked, leaning back and propping himself up on his elbows.
I'm not going to tell you, so you might as well stop asking, she growled.
You're searching for spellbooks, aren't you?
she snapped, and became even more tense when he laughed.
he replied, sitting up. But if it's spellbooks you're looking for, you'd be best served by spending a few months around Lorander.
What's Lorander?'
A city of sorcerers that existed roughly eleven hundred years ago. The city disappeared suddenly shortly after the first resurrected piece of Lord Ruby-Eye was sealed away and never heard from again. The city was erased from all the maps, and no one has seen it since.
The whole city disappeared?
How does that happen?
A very, very powerful spell. The inhabitants have long since died, but I imagine their learning and research are still intact. Lorander's library would have probably suffered less damage from time because of the spell as well, I would assume.
Lina's heart leapt in her chest. Was this the chance she had been looking for? Would the answers to her questions be awaiting her in Lorander? Well, let's go! she cried, shutting the book she had been reading with a dusty clapping of pages.
It's very far north, Xellos explained. It's also rather removed from any sort of town. Are you really so sure you want to go?
she said. We'll see if I can heal myself tomorrow. Then we'll make a few talismans and charms and see what we can get for them. After that we'll head for Lorander.
Xellos sighed and stood as a barmaid arrived with the food. If that's what you want, he said, taking the tray from the woman.
I do, she said. Very much.
Then I suppose I have no choice but to follow you, he murmured, handing her a piece of bread from the tray.
I suppose you don't, she replied with a smile, and gently touched his hand.
He stood silently as she glared at him. This is Lorander?
Xellos studied the mountain in front of him. Yes, Miss Lina.
Are you absolutely sure?
Would I lie to you?
She shot him a look full of daggers.
Would I lie to you now? he sighed, wanting to just be done with the whole mess. She had been stalking around the area for a good half an hour and he wanted to either leave or press on. I never once lied to you, by the way, he couldn't resist adding.
Not outright. You just hardly ever told the whole truth.
That's still not lying, he replied.
And you think that the city is inside this mountain?
No, I think the city is the mountain, he said for the tenth time. The people of Lorander were great sorcerers. I doubt that they would have just slapped on a slipshod illusion spell.
Lina reached out and touched the rock face. It feels real enough, she muttered. How do we get inside?
Xellos smiled. I haven't the faintest.
I thought you knew all about Lorander!
I know all about Lorander before it disappeared, he explained, coming up to stand beside her. He had been traveling with Lina for most of the autumn, and in the northern country the citizens were already beginning to harvest their crops.
Fat lot of good you are, she grunted.
He raised an eyebrow. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be here at all, he retorted.
I might as well be somewhere else, for all we're getting accomplished, she snapped. If you're so smart then tell me how they could have possibly hid an entire city!
Xellos raised his fingers to his chin, examining the situation thoroughly. Well, if I wanted to hide a city, I would do one of three things: cast an integrated illusion/barrier spell, destroy the whole thing, or create a pocket dimension.
Pocket dimension?
But I thought only Monsters could do such a thing.
Generally that's true. However, dragons can do it too, and if I recall correctly, the ancient dragons were friends of the people of Lorander. Also, since practically everyone in the city was a sorcerer, it is possible that they were able to generate enough power to create one. However, such an effort could have killed everyone involved.
Lina's face scrunched up in distaste. So, which do you think it is?
Xellos put his hand to the rock, looking up at the sheer face of the mountain as his cloak whipped around him in the icy wind. My bet is on a pocket dimension, he said.
That's all I wanted to hear, Lina said with a wry smile, and quickly recited the spell that activated the talismans she wore, the same talismans he had given her years ago.
He took a step back and she called forth the Ragna Blade. Don't get too wild with that, Miss Lina. You don't want to destroy anything inside!
I think I know what I'm doing, she snapped, and uttered a mighty yell as she brought the dark blade over her head and down again on the mountainside. There was a burst of light and the side of the mountain tore, leaving a dark gap about ten feet high and four feet wide. Rock fragments rocketed out of the tear, making them both run for cover. When the dust cleared, Xellos cautiously approached the opening. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside, extending a hand to help Lina across the rubble. When he looked up again he saw the same blue sky that he had observed on the outside of the mountain, but he was standing in a city street, tall, white buildings all around him. Lina moved level with him and gave a low whistle. Xellos turned and saw that the place they had entered the city used to be a building. He shook his head and Lina turned as well, her jaw setting stubbornly as she saw what he was looking at.
Shut up, she growled. I was totally in control.
He raised an eyebrow and she snarled. I don't suppose it matters now, he said. No one here is going to protest.
Lina nodded and swallowed, and as they walked he noticed she was drawing steadily nearer to him, looking about suspiciously. It was then that he noticed it was eerily quiet. Is this place safe? she whispered.
Would you stop looking if it wasn't? he asked.
she said.
Then it doesn't matter, does it?
It does too. I like to know what I'm up against.
Well, don't let the silence bother you. It's always been unnaturally quiet here. It's a small price to pay for perfectly preserved artifacts.
Now you've caught my interest, she said, but clutched at the back of his cloak.
He knew she was too proud to admit that she was afraid, but the truth of the matter was that he was a little apprehensive as well. After all, he didn't know what stories to believe. He supposed he was just going to have to wait and see. He did understand what was causing her mood, though. The air of the city was very stale and motionless, to be sure, but that wasn't a reason to be afraid. He turned around and took her gently by the wrist, bringing her close. Both of them stood perfectly still, surveying their surroundings. His eyes narrowed as he carefully studied every detail of the buildings around them, then he heard Lina gasp and back up into him.
What is it? he whispered, bringing his staff up.
I think you should go first, she replied softly, looking resolutely back towards the way he had come.
I didn't think the great Lina Inverse was afraid of anything, he said with a half-smile.
She scowled at him, glancing at him briefly. I'm not. I just don't want to die and have my beauty go to waste.
He chuckled softly, the sound dying on his lips as he finally spotted what had unnerved her so. Several yards before them, leaning against one of the buildings, was a human skeleton. He very gently pushed her behind him and moved forward cautiously, kneeling by the bones and fingering the fabric of the clothes that still hung loosely upon the deceased. After several moments of examining the bones he stood with a sigh and turned to her. They appear to have died of something other than an attack, he said calmly, stroking her head with a gloved hand, watching as the fiery strands wound around his fingers.
If you say so, she replied softly, looking up at him. He looked into her ruby-colored eyes and forgot to draw his next breath, so engrossed was he. His hand stopped in mid-motion, hovering less than an inch from her head as his entire world came to a halt. He stared at her, losing himself in her gaze, for what seemed to be an eternity. she asked tentatively, reaching up and gripping the wrist of the hand that had been stroking her hair. Are you all right?
He blushed deeply, feeling the color run all the way down his neck from his cheeks. He couldn't believe he just totally lost it like that, wondering what it was that had passed over him. Shaking it off the best he could, he turned and smiled benignly at her. Oh, yes, he replied brightly. I'm doing just fine.
she said with a concerned look, glancing from side to side.
There's no reason to be apprehensive, he said gently.
But there are skeletons all over the place! she protested.
He looked around and realized she wasn't exaggerating. Remains of bodies were everywhere, some lying haphazardly in the street while some hung out of windows. Others were propped against buildings or structures, but all were still draped in their clothing. He left her side and levitated slowly, looking about him as his cape whipped in the wind created by his passing. When he was several hundred feet above the city he saw what he was looking for and promptly returned to her. There was a dragon, he told her. I knew mortals couldn't create a pocket dimension by themselves.
Then what killed these people? Why didn't their clothes rot?
He could tell that she was still ill at ease; her eyes were the size of dinner plates. Well, why shouldn't she be worried? They were in a place of ancient magic, after all. Of course, being several thousand years older than she was, he was in a better position to defend them against arcane spells should the need arise. I think that one dragon couldn't create and tuck away a pocket dimension this big without assistance. I believe that the mortals used up every ounce of their essences to help the dragon complete the casting. I suppose that over time, the dried-up husks of their bodies simply crumbled to dust, leaving the bones and clothes behind.
That doesn't sound like a fun way to go, she murmured, creeping closer to him once again.
It was relatively quick, he replied, face hardening as he thought about the fingers of death closing around his own soul. It's not something you need to worry about.
That won't stop me, she muttered. This place is creepy.
He shrugged, pressing onward. He really didn't remember the city very well. In fact, he wasn't certain he really remembered it at all. It was no difficult task, however, to imagine the streets bustling with mages and shrine maidens, all going about their individual tasks. Once again he wondered why the mortals bothered. For them it would all just end eventually one day. For him it would end someday as well. Sighing, he turned to face Lina. Well, if you want the books you'll just have to put up with the atmosphere, he said, trying not to speak too sharply. You try creating a pocket dimension and see how energetic your remains are.
Yeah, yeah, Lina grumbled, following him and picking her way gingerly through the streets.
he said, pointing his staff toward a large stone building. That should be the library.
Her eyes sparkled and she immediately bounded toward the structure. This place is huge! she squealed. This will be great!
He ran to catch up with her and pulled her to a halt by the shoulder. Not so fast, he warned, holding her in place as he stepped in front of her.
What are you now, my guardian? she snapped, planting her hands on her hips and glaring up at him.
I suppose, he replied, looking about. There's no one else capable of it.
she grunted, but waited as he slowly climbed the steps. Reaching out his hand, he gave the old wooden door a shove, surprised as it swung easily on its ancient hinges. He cast her a backward glance and shrugged, then took a step inside. Immediately his eyes and nose were filled with a strange powder, choking him and driving him back inside.
Diem Wing, he coughed, clearing the dust out of the passage before him. He continued to hack as he dropped to his knees, doubling over. It felt as if his lungs were going to come clean out of his chest. Soon Lina was beside him, a hand on his shoulder and looking into his face with concern.
Are you okay? she asked, lowering her head close to his.
It was rigged, he croaked, rubbing at his eyes.
What was it?
I didn't get a good look, he replied sharply. I was rather occupied at the time it was released.
Don't get all huffy on me, she snapped. Are you going to be fine?
he said, coughing again. Let's get on with this, shall we? With that he rose and forced one foot in front of the other, walking into the library. He felt Lina come up behind him and he gasped in utter awe at what lay before him. The library was all one gigantic space, several stories of bookshelves lining the walls. The stonework was all white marble and he couldn't even begin to guess how many books the place held. They all seemed to be in perfect condition as well.
Lina said with a gleeful grin.
I suppose, he said. Now what are you looking for?
You look for whatever you want to, she said roughly. I'm going to search for something in particular.
I'm aware of that, Miss Lina. However, if you told me what it was I could probably assist you.
I don't need help, she growled, and wandered off, leaving him to spend the rest of the day browsing by himself.
They camped outside the mountain that night and awoke at dawn the next morning, Xellos quickly gathering their things as Lina polished off breakfast. We're going to be here a while, Lina announced.
Xellos stood, his things momentarily forgotten, and looked at her.
Lina nodded, drawing circles in the dirt with a stick she had picked up. she replied. There's way too much information here to just stay a couple of days. I imagine we'll be here throughout the winter.
Well, we might as well look today as well, he answered, resuming his task.
She shook her head, still concentrating on the dirt. she said. I'm going to do this alone.
Miss Lina! he protested, scowling. There's no reason at all I shouldn't help you.
She wagged the stick at him. Actually, there is. Someone will have to tend the house while I'm away.
What house?
The one we're going to rent, she said smugly, her eyes glittering at him. I'm sure we can find something for cheap.
All winter long?
Sure, why not? There's more than enough books for me to look through. Besides, it'll only be a few months.
But what am I supposed to do? he protested, too confused by her abrupt decision to really argue against her studying alone in the city.
We'll figure that out later, she said, standing and brushing bits of grass off of her clothes. For now let's get to town.
