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!!

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Xellos followed along behind her all the way to the village, barely able to keep from muttering angrily under his breath. He didn't want to stay inside all season while she learned fascinating things. Now that he was human he should learn mortal spells as well, and he wagered there was no shortage of interesting castings detailed in the thousands of books in the Library of Lorander. It just wasn't fair. Then again, if his memory served him correctly, Lina was certainly not the champion of fairness. He glanced at her strolling easily ahead of him, the slight sway of her thin hips hypnotizing him momentarily. No, he was going to be indignant with her, and would not allow her to distract him. Absolutely no distractions, that was the way to go.

Lina said, pointing to a tiny cabin several hundred yards off of the road. It was set back in the trees and he thought he could see the sparkle of water behind it. No smoke came out of the single chimney, and it was so far away that he could barely make out the cabin at all.

What about it? he asked, shading his eyes and trying to get a better look.

That's where we're going to live, she explained, looking around. The next farmhouse we come to should be the landowner's.

He sighed and shook his head, knowing from years of experience that it would be futile to protest. He really hadn't known Lina to accommodate others.

About half an hour later a small, tidy house came into view, and within minutes they stood on the porch, Lina rapping quickly at the door. An elderly woman opened the door slowly, peering at them myopically. Can I help you two young ones? she asked.

Is that cabin to the north yours? Lina asked, gesturing with a thumb. The one next to the pond?

Technically it's my son's, she explained.

Lina put on her most charming smile and bowed slightly. Thank you so much, ma'am. You see, it's just the sort of thing we're looking for, and I was wondering if we could rent it for the winter.

We usually only rent it to farmhands, the old woman replied.

Well, my man here has a strong back and isn't afraid to work. Can you use an extra body in your fields?

Xellos said, looking at Lina aghast. What on earth was she talking about? He blushed at her phraseology and scowled at the same time. He had never done true physical labor in his entire life!

The old woman peered at him, adjusting her glasses. He looks like a city boy, she said after a minute. Are you sure he can withstand the work?

Excuse me? Xellos said, totally blown away by the way he was being bartered.

Oh, absolutely, Lina replied. He's a lot stronger than he looks.

What's that supposed to mean? Xellos interrupted loudly.

a gruff voice from inside called. Are they bothering you?

There's some fellow here who wants to rent the house, the old woman answered.

No, I want to rent the house, Lina explained.

We only rent to farmhands, the voice from inside said, and a grizzled bear of a man appeared, his shaggy beard hanging partway down his chest. He looked Xellos up and down and shook his head. Sorry, son, he said. I don't know if you're up to the work.

Xellos felt a hot flash inside of his chest and realized that his pride had been wounded. So they didn't think he could take the physical hardship, did they? Well, he'd show them. I can work just as well as anyone else you have out there, he said calmly. And I will do whatever is necessary to procure the aforementioned accommodations.


Come here, the big man said, grabbing Xellos by the wrist and pulling him over to a table set on the porch. He pointed at a chair, staring at Xellos from under shaggy brows. Sit down.

Xellos raised an eyebrow and seated himself, throwing a glance at Lina. She shrugged and he rolled his eyes. Leave it to her to get him into some sort of situation. Now what?

The man seated himself across the table and rested his elbow on the surface. Now we wrestle, the man said in a low, rough voice.

Arm wrestle? You're going to determine my worthiness by arm wrestling?

That's right, boy. Put er up.

Xellos sighed and gripped the man's hand, anchoring his own elbow on the table. The man's forearms were like steel cables, and Xellos knew that he would not win with his human strength. If he had still been a Monster the match would have been no problem, but as it was he didn't know how he was going to win. All right, he whispered, and in that moment decided that nothing was going to stop him from winning Lina her cabin. But if I beat you I only have to pay one-half the normal rent fee. Does that sound fair?

The grizzled farmer laughed. Boy, you either have brass balls, are incredibly strong, or the dumbest damn person I ever did meet. Are you ready?

Xellos replied through clenched teeth.

Then go, the man said, and Xellos threw his whole weight into the match. At first he seemed to be doing well, his arm holding up against the larger man's just fine. Then, as the minutes wore by, he began to tire. No, he found himself thinking as sweat popped out along his hairline. There was no way he was going to be bested in a contest by some bumpkin.

I. . .will. . .win, Xellos snarled, and summoned magical power to him in a rush. He didn't even bother weaving a spell, just let the power fill him. With a cry he let loose his energy, slamming the man's fist into the table so violently that the surface cracked.

The farmer laughed and pulled his hand away, massaging the knuckles. A sorcerer, eh? he chortled. Well, I suppose you've got the job and the discount. You did well anyway, without the magic.

Xellos stood, cheeks stained pink as he glanced at Lina, who had a ridiculous grin on her face. Er, thank you, he said awkwardly, bowing a little.

Mother, get this fellow the keys, the farmer said. Make yourselves at home. You start tomorrow, do you hear? Be here an hour before dawn.

Xellos swallowed and nodded as the old woman pressed a key into his hand. I will be here, he replied.

Lina said with a wave, wrapping her fist in the back of his cloak and towing him off of the porch. The old woman and burly farmer waved in turn, then disappeared back inside the house. Pretty good job you did, Xellos, she said with a sly smile.

Thank you? he replied, unsure if she was serious or not, although he suspected she wasn't.

Especially since you cheated, she grinned.

He felt his cheeks burn once again. I didn't cheat, he protested. My magical energy technically is my strength, you know.

she said, still smiling.

It is!


He sighed and shook his head. Well, you got the cabin, didn't you? he said testily.

she crowed. Thanks bunches.

Oh, you're welcome. Now you get to do interesting research while I get to slave away in the fields, he muttered.

Hey, research is work, too, she snapped. Besides, you might like working.


Some people like physical labor. It might help you get used to being human. After all, it's the mortality of your body that you're having a problem with, right?

I suppose so, he agreed reluctantly.

Well, working with your body might help you to feel a bit more centered, she suggested.

he grumbled, and followed her in silence to the cabin.